Dental Care

Dental Care and Emergency Dentistry in Los Angeles

At Downtown Dental, we understand that every smile has unique needs. With this in mind, we encourage our patients to talk with us about their dental care during their examination. Of course, the roots of a happy, healthy smile are found in prevention and hygiene. At the same time, Dr. Mungcal believes that his patients gain the greatest benefit from individualized care and support. What you may need to achieve optimal oral health may vary greatly from any of our other patients.

Myths and Facts: Cavities

Fact or Myth?

If you have a cavity you will know it – myth. Mild tooth decay has no symptoms; sensitivity begins to occur when the tooth decay is already causing damage to the nerve. Today’s dentistry prevents tooth decay with sealants and other conservative methods.

Fact or myth?

Sugar is the prime cause of cavities? A fact and also a myth. Acid is the main trigger in producing the main bacteria that causes cavities. The bacteria is then fuelled by the consumption of carbohydrates. Sugar is a trigger in cavities but carbs as a whole are the main cause.

Fact or myth?

Cavities are the prime reasons for root canals – myth. Root canals are a result of nerve damage. Untreated cavities can lead to nerve damage but root canals are onset by a number of different factors.

Fact or myth?

Brushing and flossing are the best ways to prevent cavities. Fact.


Two keys to oral health, which most people know, are brushing and flossing. These vital tasks should be performed twice a day, every day if dental problems are to be avoided. The way in which brushing and flossing are performed may vary from person to person. For example, individuals who live with tooth sensitivity may find that highly concentrated fluoride toothpaste like Brite Smiles or PreviDent minimize unpleasant sensations. Individuals who tend to brush a little aggressively or who already have abrasions to gums may be best served with a tool like the Rotadent toothbrush. The Sonicare toothbrush is also a good choice for gentle brushing. Antimicrobial solutions like BreathRx may be ideal for those who have a problem with chronic bad breath.

The full examination process that Dr. Mungcal performs also involves recommendations as to what a patient should use in their home care routine in order to maintain the ideal oral environment for health. Discussing dental concerns, habits, and health history allows our team to help each patient make the best choices regarding oral care products and technique for their needs.

Myths and Facts: Dentistry

Fact or myth?

Expensive toothpastes are always better than cheaper ones – myth. Different toothpastes are better for different teeth and situations. Sometimes moderately priced toothpaste can be more effective. Ask the dentist what might be best for your teeth and always look for the ADA seal of approval.

Fact or myth?

If a tooth is white it must be healthy. Myth – under the surface there maybe cavities problems with the root or other abnormalities.

Fact or myth?

Teeth whitening is harmful because it damages enamel. Myth – there are many modern teeth whitening processes that have minimal harmful effects. Teeth whitening is not for every mouth or person though. Consult the dentist before you proceed with whitening treatments.

Fact or myth?

Dentists should be feared. Myth – with todays advancements, technology and safety practices, there is nothing to worry about. Procedures are as quick and painless as ever.

Fact or myth?

You should visit your dentist at least 2 a year. Fact! SO many smiles, so many solutions!


If you have questions or concerns about your own dental care, schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Mungcal at Downtown Dental to find out if you are using the right tools for your smile. A happy, healthy smile will help you feel better about yourself and more confident in all aspects of your life!

Emergency Dentistry

For your convenience, our emergency dentist offers immediate dental services in Los Angeles. Many of the most disastrous dental problems arrive without warning. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency — a lost crown, a busted tooth, or bleeding gums — that requires immediate attention, we won’t make you wait for an appointment. Call our Los Angeles office for dental care as soon as the problem starts.

  • Dr. Don Mungcal

    Dr. Don Mungcal

  • Dr. Tara Mavadat

    Dr. Tara Mavadat

  • Dr. Ivan Chan

    Dr. Ivan Chan

As the cornerstone and founder of Downtown Dental, Dr. Don Mungcal is a proactive and exceptionally talented dentist who is determined to contribute to the health and wellbeing of his community by attending to their dental care needs.

With over 28 years of experience and service, Dr. Mungcal makes it his responsibility to be the best version of himself by being his patients’ go-to point for any and all dental concerns. In addition to being meticulous in his work ethic, he is also an individual who understands development and change. He updates and informs himself constantly through various continuous educational programs that he undertakes. He also invests in the latest state-of-the-art technology to provide world-class dental services.

Dr. Mungcal graduated from UCLA and the University of the Pacific Dental School and is presently a member of several acclaimed medical associations, including the California Dental Society.

Dr. Tara Mavadat was always passionate about dentistry and is committed to helping patients achieve excellent oral health and beautiful smiles that last long. Having earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry, she focuses on comprehensive general dentistry with an emphasis on preventive dentistry. Her primary goals are to provide comfort and quality as well as exceptional esthetic outcomes to every patient.

Dr. Ivan Chan is enthusiastic about dentistry and his patients' oral health and is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care. He is a highly skilled dentist who received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry.

Dr. Chan has extensive training in general dentistry. He focuses on creating lasting smiles while attempting to prevent gum disease and cavities. He looks forward to assisting you with all your needs while assuring you that your trust is always in good hands, regardless of your needs!

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Oral Cancer Screening Video

Oral Cancer Screening Video
Every patient at Downtown Dental undergoes a thorough check for oral cancer and other dental health issues. This video shows how it’s done.
Here at downtown Dental, we take oral health and cancer screenings very serious. This month is November and it’s the month of oral health cancer awareness and screenings. Every patient we examined thoroughly, we look and we check their lips, tongue and we check for any abnormalities or bumps. At home you should also check to make sure that everything looks okayLeava is going to demonstrate what in oral health cancer screening is and what we examine. So, we first start off by checking all the lips. We make sure that the lips look healthy and that we palpate them, which is touching them and making sure that there’s nothing anormal. Then we go into the mucosa and check the cheeks. We’re going to look and check the hard palate as well as the soft palate. This might tickle a little. We checked the posterior of the tongue. Do you, Viola, go ahead and say, aaaaaa. We check the lateral sides of the tongue. Go ahead and sit your tongue showed up great. And we also check the floor of the mouth. Get the tongue to the roof of your mouth. Good all clear. Oral cancer is especially important to check the patients who are smokers, alcohol drinkers and we thank you for watching the video.

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