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Dr Cummings is a native of Laguna Beach. He enjoys spending time with his wife Shellye, and their three daughters, Haleigh, Cara and Caitlyn. He enjoys sports and outdoor activities including golf, tennis and paddling out in the surf with his daughters when surf conditions are epic.

As an Assistant Professor of Endodontics at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Dr Cummings finds the time spent with students and residents rewarding, both personally and professionally. He said from a personal stand point it is exciting and fulfilling to watch students learn and it is professionally challenging when residents ask questions about current research.

Dr. Cummings realized a passion for the Culinary Arts and Viticulture ( the science, production and study of grapes) when he was a college student in Napa Valley. He has enjoyed discussing recipe techniques, philosophies and wine pairings with great chefs like James Boyce and Wolfgang Puck. This led him to become a supporter and minority partner of B Cellars in 2003 when his close friend Jim Borsack had a vision to start a winery in the Napa Valley focused on creating the finest wine with food pairings.

Endodontists are dentists with special training in endodontic procedures. They do only endodontics in their practices because they are specialists. To become specialists, they complete dental school and an additional two years of advanced training in endodontics. They perform routine as well as difficult and very complex endodontic surgery. Endodontists are also experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose.

It will be necessary for you to see your dentist to have a permanent filling placed or a crown made for the tooth. You should contact your dentist within a few days of completion of your root canal treatment. Your dentist will assist you in choosing the most suitable kind of restoration necessary to protect your tooth.

Root canal therapy has been reported to be up to 96% successful when treated by an endodontist. Many factors influence the treatment outcome including the patient's general health, bone support around the tooth, strength of the tooth, possible fracture lines, shape and condition of the root and the canals and continued follow-up care with your general dentist. Although we cannot guarantee the successful outcome of root canal procedures, you can be assured that the most advanced techniques and treatment modalities will be performed to ensure the best prognosis possible.

Reducing the chance of spreading infectious diseases has always been the 'highest priority' of the dental profession. Our office uses comprehensive infection control procedures which comply with, and exceed the 'universal precautions' set and regulated by government and professional agencies.

What may not be visible to our patients is the sophisticated state-of-the-art sterilization of all instruments, including handpieces, disinfection of all surfaces, and disposal of contaminated waste into special containers which are then discarded according to government regulations.

Today, more than ever, patients are concerned about the safety of x-rays in general, as well as the need for them in the dental office. With today 's x-ray machines producing minimal radiation and the use of 'fast' x-ray film, recent studies have shown that there is no risk of long term adverse affects to patients.

The amount of radiation used to expose dental x-rays is very small. We use an advanced non-film computerized system called, digital radiography, that produces radiation levels up to 90 percent lower than those of already low dose conventional dental x-rays.

Removal of pulp tissue from a root canal can produce an inflammation in the socket holding the tooth. Unlike our skin which can expand, increased fluid in bone produces pressure on sensitive structures like the membranes of our sinuses or large nerve structures in our jaw.

All inflammation takes 7 to 10 days to disappear. The medications you are given will help to minimize any discomfort from the inflammation resulting from your condition and the treatment rendered, however, if you are unsure, please feel free to contact our office so that we may check the progress of your healing.

Nearly all patients. There are practically no side effects associated with nitrous oxide use. Occasionally, however, asthmatic patients or those suffering from severe bronchitis or other known lung disorders may elect not to use it. Ultimately, this is a decision best made by you and your dentist. Make sure you report any changes in your medical history to your dentist prior to using nitrous oxide.

A soft rubber hood is placed over your nose. This hood is attached to equipment that regulates the amount of nitrogen and oxygen you receive. You simply breathe in and out through your nose as you would normally breathe. Toward the completion of your treatment, the nitrous will gradually be replaced with 100% oxygen, so that by the time you're ready to be dismissed, you will feel completely normal again.

If you feel uncomfortable or uneasy at any time while breathing nitrous oxide, you can discontinue it at once by simply breathing deeply through your mouth. Any temporary discomfort will be eliminated with a few breaths. Please tell us if you should feel any discomfort so we can adjust the amount of gas being delivered.

Nitrous Oxide is the most commonly recommended sedation technique for expectant patients. Although it does cross the placenta, it is not metabolized by the body; therefore, it has no effect on most organ systems and is removed from the body in a short period of time. If you have any further concerns about taking nitrous oxide while you are pregnant, you may wish to consult with your obstetrician prior to treatment in this office.

Discuss any questions or concerns about the sedation with us. Inform us of any changes in your medical history, or any medications that you are presently taking. We generally recommend that you avoid eating a large meal prior to treatment and that you use the restroom before your procedure. The less you talk or breathe through your mouth during your treatment, the faster and more efficiently the gas works.