The Frequency of Teeth Cleaning

There is much debate as to what the proper frequency of teeth cleaning really is. In general, most people think they should visit their dentist once every six months for a check-up that includes professional teeth cleaning. However, this is not true for every single patient. Those who have gum disease need to visit their dentist for an examination and teeth cleaning at least once every three months.

Furthermore, those who are diagnosed with tooth decay, those who smoke and those who have other oral health issues will find professional teeth cleanings every three to four months are necessary.

Why Teeth Cleaning is Important

Teeth gradually accumulate plaque and tartar. This formation of plaque and tartar even occurs on the teeth of those who brush and floss every single day. It also occurs on the teeth of people who eat a vegan diet, the teeth of smokers and the teeth of those with perfectly healthy gums.

Thus, this is precisely why everyone needs teeth cleanings at least once every six months at a bare minimum. Such regular visits will help prevent the heavy buildup of tartar and plaque.

A DIY (do it yourself) Approach to Teeth Cleaning Will Not Suffice

The regular use of toothpaste and floss will only do so much to keep teeth clean. We must professionally clean teeth with the specialized oral healthcare tools available at our office. These tools are the sole means of cleaning plaque and tartar off teeth and reducing the odds of tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health ailments.

Tartar and plaque usually form within the mouth at a different rate for each patient. In some instances, it takes merely a couple of weeks for tartar to form on teeth, even after undergoing a thorough professional teeth cleaning. Teeth cleaning eliminates most of the bacteria that causes the formation of plaque. Yet the unsavory truth is it takes a mere 48 hours for such bacteria to begin re-colonizing in a patient’s mouth. Plaque reformation will likely occur before six months pass.

The problem with leaving plaque in place is that it can calcify onto the teeth. If calcification occurs, a professional teeth cleaning with special tools and a precise approach is necessary. There is no other way to remove the calcified plaque from teeth. This is why those who truly care about their oral health prefer to receive a teeth cleaning every three to six months. When in doubt, lean toward the side of a teeth cleaning on a regular basis, just to make sure the plaque and tartar on your teeth are eliminated before it has the chance to calcify.

The post How Often Do You Need a Teeth Cleaning? appeared first on LA Dental Arts.

Teeth whitening is one of those conveniences that have become an integral part of how people improve their appearance today. It was not always so convenient or so easy to get your teeth whitening done. Today, you have the choice of going to see us and having your teeth whitening done by us in the office, or buying a solution from the local pharmacy and doing it yourself. Regardless of what method you chose, it has never been easier or as inexpensive to get your teeth whitened.

An efficient solution

With the number of products that can discolor teeth, it is important to consider teeth whitening as a potential treatment option. Regular beverages such as coffee, tea, soda and wine, all stain teeth. Even with proper oral hygiene and brushing, people still experience teeth staining.

Fortunately, teeth whitening is an easy and efficient process with professional supervision. People who attempt to whiten teeth without professional supervision or services can actually cause more damage to their teeth and increase the chance for other health risks.

Did you know that teeth whitening is actually a chemical process? Most people who whiten their teeth have no idea how the process happens or that the peroxide solution used is designed to make the smallest of changes in your enamel’s natural organic chemical makeup. It is important for you to be aware that when you are whitening your teeth you are not just dyeing the outside of the tooth with a whiter paint, rather you are actually causing the tooth itself, from the inside out, to look whiter with a chemical process known as oxidization.

A chemical process

The peroxide is quickly absorbed into the tooth enamel, where it works to release free radicals that make the tooth more colorless, and hence they appear to be whiter. Our solution is stronger and more effective than what you can purchase from the store so the results that you see will be far more dramatic.

The reason we point this out is that there are many over the counter whitening solutions available, and we would recommend two things if you are going to use one of them. First, we would advise that you consult with us before starting the process regardless of how you are going to be whitening your teeth. Very often, there are minor challenges with your teeth, like a small cavity, for example, that can be exasperated or irritated by the peroxide in the teeth whitening solution.

We can prevent you from feeling discomfort with a simple checkup, and by correcting these issues before they become a problem. Secondly, we recommend that you always follow professional advice as to how frequently you should whiten your teeth. Overly frequent use of teeth whitening products can lead to sensitivity, among other problems.

The post The Reason for Teeth Whitening and the Science Behind It appeared first on LA Dental Arts.

By visiting the dentist you can stay in excellent oral health. Our office is modern and comfortable, however, we know that the dentist office probably not your ideal spot for relaxing, reading magazines, and catching up on all the celebrity gossip. In fact, most people would prefer to avoid ever having to visit the dentist, and sadly many people do avoid coming in until they have some kind of a dental emergency.

We will tell the patient that the only way to reduce the number of times he or she comes in with an emergency situation is to have a strategy for preventative oral care. This usually involves coming in to see us at least twice per year for a teeth cleaning that allows us to identify and treat any potential problems before they become serious. Coming in for a well-visit is far more enjoyable than having to come in with a severe toothache.

Dental Office Visits

As a dentist, we can clean an individual’s teeth at least twice per year and determine if there are any dental health risks before they get worse. If we find any signs of dental health issues, we will eliminate the issue during the appointment or schedule another one to do so. When patients come in for a wellness checkup, we will also take X-rays to see if there are any issues below the gum line as well.

During these visits, we can also go over a patient’s oral hygiene routine and bring up areas that the patient needs to focus on, which ultimately will improve oral health. The patient needs to make sure to follow these steps as these practices will reduce the potential for both toothaches and dental emergencies. For both are two of the main reasons why people come in to see us, outside of regularly-scheduled visits.

Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies happen quite frequently and can range from a kid knocking out a tooth during soccer practice to severe infection. There is really no way to predict accidents that cause a dental emergency. However, regular teeth cleanings and exams will ensure that a patient’s teeth are strong and more likely to withstand the damage.

As a dentist, we provide preventative care to reduce the likelihood of a future emergency or at least minimize the damage in the event of an accident. If an individual does get in an accident and damages his or her teeth, however minor, we recommend calling our office right away so that we can then advise the individual on the course of action. We may be able to even suggest ways to reduce discomfort.

Toothaches

In a sense, toothaches do fall under the broad categorization of a dental emergency, and they are among the most frequent reasons why people seek out medical attention for their teeth. As a dentist , we always recommend contacting us as soon as a toothache develops, since there could be a number of underlying causes that could be triggering the pain. By examining it right away, we can identify the problem and treat it before the infection spreads further.

The post Visit the Dentist to Keep Teeth Healthy appeared first on LA Dental Arts.

If you have a wisdom teeth extraction, you are about to join the millions of people that have dental professionals remove their third set of molars. Since there is not enough room for wisdom teeth for many people, removing them is the most efficient option.

The wisdom teeth can grow in impacted or sideways, pushing straight teeth out of position, causing discomfort, and being a breeding ground for bacteria. For these reasons and more, we typically remove them.

A more comfortable procedure

The procedure itself is not uncomfortable because we will give the patient anesthesia. With the anesthesia, the patient will probably be asleep or severely drowsy for the procedure. If the patient’s teeth grow in straight, we might be able to pull the wisdom teeth directly out. Otherwise, we typically need to perform oral surgery to remove them. In either case, the patient will not be aware of what is happening and there will be a recovery period afterward.

The biggest concern that our patients have about a wisdom teeth extraction is how they will look and what they will eat. Understandably, an extraction impacts both. Most people experience swelling in their face and jaw for a few days after the procedure. Plan on staying home if possible and icing the face for 15 minutes at a time. The patient can also take ibuprofen to help ease the swelling and discomfort.

When it comes to food the solution is slightly more complicated. Patients need to eat because the body needs nutrition to stay strong and to heal quickly. Starving oneself is not a viable option. Simultaneously, patients cannot eat anything that is sharp, hard, or crunchy because that could irritate the gums. Patients also cannot eat anything that requires a lot of force or that is difficult to chew, this means that most meat is out of the question for the first few days. We do, however, have some suggestions for food that is soft enough to eat.

Post Wisdom Teeth Extraction Foods

Single serving snacks

Start by picking up some snacks at the grocery store. Patients can buy single serving Jello and pudding cups, yogurt, popsicles, and ice cream. While these cannot replace actual meals, they do serve as convenient snacks that will prevent patients from reaching into the chip bag.

Soup

This classic is always good for lunch or dinner. Try a homemade vegetable soup. The veggies will be nice and soft and the meal will offer the nutrition that patients need while also being easy to eat.

Hummus

Swap out a meat sandwich for hummus spread over soft bread. Patients can buy different types of hummus until they find their favorite variety and there is no easier sandwich to make.

Meat alternatives

Since patients will not be able to eat chicken breast or pork loin, we recommend that patients switch to fish, tofu or cauliflower as a meat substitute. Serve with a side dish of mashed or baked sweet potatoes for something that tastes fabulous and is easy to chew.

We understand that a wisdom teeth extraction can seem overwhelming, but we will ensure that everything goes smoothly. Afterwards your recovery and dietary restrictions will only last for a few days.

The post Wisdom Teeth Extraction: Preparing for Meals Afterwards appeared first on LA Dental Arts.

What are the signs of sleep apnea?

If a child is constantly snoring, gasping for air, or making choking noises in their sleep, they could have obstructive sleep apnea. Some children with sleep conditions also have difficulty sleeping soundly, wet the bed even after being potty-trained, or are restless sleepers. If their bed looks like they have been tossing and turning all night and they are sleepy, regardless of how much rest they received, they could have obstructive sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea forms when the lower jaw falls backward during sleep and the tongue falls back as a result. When the tongue blocks the airway, it becomes impossible to breathe clearly, and so the body spends the night struggling for oxygen. This is why many people will snore or make noises in their sleep. Granted, a child can also be making these noises due to the common cold or a sinus infection.

Rule these out first, and if the problem persists, the parent needs to seek a medical professional. This is a serious condition that can impact their quality of life and even their performance in school. This is because the body needs oxygen to function. If a child does not get enough of it, they will be too tired to function properly, to concentrate in school, and to fight off illnesses.

How do you treat sleep apnea?

Our solution is non-invasive, making it an ideal treatment for children. If we determine they do have sleep apnea, we will make an impression of their mouth and take measurements. We will send this information to the dental lab to create a removable oral appliance. This device will be made of plastic and look similar to a retainer. All they need to do is slip it in place before bedtime and fall asleep like normal.

It may take a few nights for them to get used to wearing it, but the appliance itself is comfortable and should not cause any problems or disruption to their sleep. Instead, it should help them to receive the high quality of rest they need to feel refreshed, energized, and ready to go about their day.

When you visit our sleep clinic, we may recommend that your child have an at-home sleep study to determine whether or not they have this condition. We can show you how to use the machine to test their quality of breathing or if you prefer, we can refer you to the hospital for an overnight sleep study. Most children prefer the at-home test, but we can discuss these options with you further during their examination.

The post Can Sleep Apnea Impact Kids? appeared first on LA Dental Arts.

As orthodontics specialists, we can straighten your teeth and transform your smile. Orthodontic treatment is often necessary to straighten your teeth and to prevent decay in hard to reach areas like overcrowded teeth. Straightening treatments should be a priority for you and your loved ones in order to ensure long-term oral health. A beautiful smile can result from having teeth straightened using braces or aligners. Many people are so distracted by their straightening process that they often forget the importance of keeping their teeth clean during the alignment process. Here are some ways that you can care for your teeth during an orthodontics treatment.

No matter what form of dental straightening a patient chooses, whether it is an aligner or traditional braces, there are certain cleaning guidelines to keep in mind. Patients will not only want to keep the teeth stain-free but will also want to prevent decay. Aligners may be easier when it comes to cleaning teeth, but many people assume their chances of decay are less with aligners which are not true.

Flossing

Flossing with braces can be challenging. Sometimes it can be helpful to use products like a Waterpik, which uses a water stream to rinse between teeth. As orthodontics specialists, we can also provide patients with tools to try. Traditional flossing, however, is hard to beat, which is why one needs to also attempt normal flossing methods. With braces, patients can stick one end of the floss through the crease between the teeth above the top wire of the braces. After this, grab both ends and gently pull back and forth. Repeat this process with all of the teeth. During this process, do not pull down on the wires as this can bend them out of shape. During the orthodontics treatment, flossing will be easier if one does not eat sticky foods or things that have the potential to get lodged in the teeth, like popcorn kernel shells.

With an aligner, flossing is much easier. Patients simply remove the aligner whenever they want to floss. While wearing aligners, it can be helpful to floss after each meal before placing the aligner back on the teeth. This will prevent bacteria build-up, gum disease and decay by removing food particles.

Brushing

Brushing one’s teeth is slightly easier than flossing during orthodontics treatment, but it can still be tricky to get the best clean possible. For traditional braces, there are special brushes a patient can get that is angled. Thus, patients can reach from above and below to brush hard to reach areas. After using this special brush also referred to as a proxy brush, patients should use a classic toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste to ensure they attain an all-over clean. After rinsing thoroughly, patients can use mouthwash for good measure.

With an aligner, patients just remove the aligner and brush with a normal toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste after every meal. Patients also need to continue regular brushing every morning and night. During this time, it is important also to clean the aligner so that bacteria does not build up, and grime does not stain the clear plastic material. The use of mouthwash is also important after brushing, but do not use it to clean the aligner.

As meticulous as it can be to care for your teeth during an orthodontics treatment, it is vital to ensure you do not experience any dental decay or staining that can counter your current correction method. As orthodontic specialists, we can help you to keep your teeth clean and healthy so that your smile is truly stunning when your treatment is complete.

The post Learn How to Care For Your Teeth From Orthodontics Specialists appeared first on LA Dental Arts.

We can provide you with a dental implant to restore your missing tooth. Dental implants are an excellent solution for tooth loss and a more modern option than dentures. While you can still use dentures, and they are a dependable solution, there are many inconveniences with wearing a removable prosthetic. These inconveniences lead many of our patients to search for a better and more convenient solution to tooth loss, dental implants.

Reasons you should consider a dental implant if…

1) You want a natural-looking smile

To make the crown (tooth portion of the implant), we first make an impression of the mouth, take measurements, and use a shade card so that the dental lab has all the information they need to create a natural-looking tooth that blends in with surrounding teeth. This level of precision is necessary for ensuring that the patient has a tooth replacement that looks so natural that it is not distinguishable from the other teeth. In fact, implants look so natural that it is difficult for our patients to tell the difference.

2) You are looking for a durable solution

A dental implant is the most durable way to replace a missing tooth. It is the only solution that replaces both the missing root and the tooth. In this procedure, we implant a titanium post under the gums and secure it to the jawbone. Over time, the metal and bone will fuse together through the process of osseointegration. The process of osseointegration is completely unique to implants and it causes the jawbone to provide the same level of support that it can to a natural tooth.

The implant provides the stimulation the jawbone needs just like a tooth does. Overall, this is a symbiotic relationship that is extremely beneficial for the body. As a result, the patient can engage in high impact activities (like running a marathon) and eat all of his or her favorite foods without restriction or express concern that the tooth may become loose or fall out.

3) You want a hassle-free smile

When one wears dentures, there are steps that patients must take on a daily basis. The patient may have to remove the dentures in order to clean with a gentle toothbrush and special paste, while also soaking them overnight. This has given dental prosthetics a bad reputation as being inconvenient. None of this is necessary, however, when the patient has to replace teeth with dental implants. An implant functions just like the natural tooth would.

All one needs to do is brush his or her teeth throughout the day and floss daily for the smile to remain healthy. There are no additional steps necessary, so the patient can quite literally go about the day without worrying about his or her teeth. The only thing we will advise is wearing a mouthguard if one plays sports because an implant can be knocked out just like a natural tooth can.

To learn more about getting a dental implant, call us at (818) 709-6713 and schedule a consultation.

The post Signs That You Should Get a Dental Implant appeared first on LA Dental Arts.

When you are deciding who wins when comparing dental implants vs. dentures, you need to research your replacement options to determine which is best for your needs. Today’s patients are fortunate enough to have endless options when it comes to dental replacements and improvements. Two of the most popular are dental implants and dentures. When comparing dental implants vs. dentures, you should keep in mind all the pros and cons. Each patient has different desires for their dental replacements, as well as different budgets. Continue reading to learn more about your options.

Dental Implants

When a patient is missing teeth and has very healthy bones and gums, most dentists suggest dental implants. We surgically implant the replacement teeth into the jawbone. They last much longer than most other dental replacement options, and they are considered permanent. When cared for properly, dental implants work just as good as or better than the natural teeth.

When a patient receives a dental implant, we will insert a titanium rod into the jawbone where the root of the former tooth was. The titanium will then fuse with the bone, creating a permanent, strong, and realistic-looking and feeling replacement.

Dentures

Dentures are prosthetic teeth. The quality of dentures has improved over the years, but they still are not the first choice for many, despite the fact that dentures look more realistic than ever before. We can secure fixed dentures into place with denture adhesive. However, if the patient does not have us do so, dentures can constantly move around in the mouth, slipping out of place when the patient eats or speaks.

Partial dentures are also an option, but when they do not fit correctly, they harbor bacteria and can promote infections and deterioration of surrounding teeth. Dentures are a common choice for people who cannot afford dental implants, as dentures are much more affordable. Dentures are also a common choice for people who do not wish to pursue the procedure that comes with a dental implant. If patients do not have a sound dental structure, meaning they have weak gums or bones, dentures are a better, less invasive option.

When you receive dentures, your dentist will make an impression of your gums and any remaining teeth and have this sent off as a base for the creation of your customized dentures.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Dental implants are a more popular choice for patients who have one or two teeth missing. Patients who select dentures, do not have any teeth or have very few teeth remaining. Dental implants are often considered a better alternative when the patient is a good candidate for the procedure.

It may be a more invasive procedure at first, but it will be much more long-lasting, and you will need fewer visits to the dentist for follow ups in the future. Both options look realistic, but a dental implant may be slightly more attractive, and you will not have to be concerned about it moving out of place.

Now that you have learned a little more about dental implants vs. dentures, we hope you consider visiting our Chatsworth dental office to acquire more information about which choice is best for your dental replacements.

The post Who Wins When Comparing Dental Implants vs. Dentures? appeared first on LA Dental Arts.

We can provide patients with an excellent implant restoration after a dental crown wears down. Our implant restorations save you time and money, providing you with the aesthetic enhancements you are looking for, as well as the appropriate day-to-day function you expect from a tooth replacement. If you have lost a tooth or more than one tooth, dental implants are a great tooth replacement option to consider.

The implant is actually an artificial tooth root that provides permanency for the actual tooth replacement. If you have ever received a dental implant, you know how effective they are at providing the necessary functions of teeth. These functions can include chewing, speaking, and smiling, as well as good oral health.

Dental Implant Restoration

Upon receiving a dental implant, the crown is the only part one can see. The dental implant is a post that resides under the gum line in the jaw. The crown is the tooth-colored, tooth-shaped portion above the gum line that patients use to chew every day. A dental implant can last a lifetime since we surgically implant it into the jawbone, but the crown that covers it often does not last as long as the implant root due to everyday use.

Since the implant stabilizes from the placement in the jaw, a crown covering provides excellent support for chewing and speaking with a  natural-looking appearance. Unfortunately, the materials that dental crowns consist of are not as strong as the titanium in the implant. With time and consistent use, the crown may begin to deteriorate or shrink. When this occurs, our Chatsworth dental office can provide an implant restoration that will save the patient time and money.

No need for complete implant replacement

There is no reason to replace the entire implant, only the visible crown. Often, dentists will claim it is necessary to remove the post in order to effectively replace the visible portion of the restoration. We can replace the crown without performing an extensive procedure that removes the post and costs more money and takes longer to heal.

In most cases, we will attach the restoration to the implant by a screw or dental cement. The design makes it easy for us to disassemble the crown from the implant in a minimally invasive fashion that does not require a recovery period. In some cases, the screws that hold the crown on to the implant can become loose. We can easily tighten or replace screws that are not functioning properly. The materials we use for implant restoration are durable and stain resilient. We will match them to the surrounding teeth for the most natural appearance. We guarantee our implant restorations will last for years and will provide a beautiful smile.

If your dental implant feels loose, or if it cracks or gets worn down, call us at (818) 709-6713 and visit our office for the quickest and most affordable implant restoration. Our quality procedures will give you the working teeth you need that are nearly as permanent as your actual implant.

The post We Can Provide You With an Implant Restoration to Save You Time and Money appeared first on LA Dental Arts.

As an implant dentist, we speak with many patients who are frustrated over loose or ill-fitting dentures. Medical technology has improved greatly over the past couple of decades. Dentures are fitting better and looking more natural than ever before, but they are still a removable prosthetic. Since dentures can come out, there is no way for them to provide the same degree of stability as a natural tooth. As a result, the dentures can become loose, leading to unwanted inconvenience during mealtime or when engaged in high-impact activities. For some people, this is not an issue. For others, this can seriously impact their quality of life.

An Implant Dentist can replace your missing teeth

As an implant dentist in Chatsworth, we can replace teeth in a way that is entirely durable and secure. An implant is the only solution for tooth loss that replaces both the root and the visible tooth. As a result, it functions like a natural tooth, providing the patient with the security necessary in order to eat favorite foods, run a marathon, or sing in the choir without worrying about the teeth.

Here is how it works:

Upon visiting us for an examination, we will inspect the patient’s gums and take X-rays to determine if there is enough bone density to begin the procedure. If not, we may recommend alternatives such as performing a bone graft first or using a different type of implant procedure. Once we are certain the patient is healthy enough to begin, we will schedule an appointment for implant surgery. We are skilled at completing this procedure in a way that is as comfortable as possible.

The patient will receive anesthesia and be able to relax during the procedure. We will implant a titanium post under the gums and secure it to the jawbone in each spot the patient lost a tooth. The procedure can take a couple of hours, depending on how many teeth we need to replace. We can give the patient an exact time frame when he or she visits our implant dentist office for a consultation.

After the procedure, the patient will feel sore and experience some swelling. The patient can manage the pain by using an ice pack and taking ibuprofen. For a few days, the patient will need to be careful, only eating soft foods and not irritating the surgical site. Afterward, the gums will begin to heal, and the patient will begin to feel better. It will take a couple of months for the process of osseointegration to take place. The patient will not feel osseointegration happening, but the jawbone and the titanium post will fuse together regardless.

The bone provides the same level of stability to the implant that it would to a natural root. The new tooth will then stimulate the jawbone, so it is a symbiotic relationship. Once complete, we will attach the new tooth (dental crown), and the patient will be able to enjoy all of the benefits that come with a secure, full set of natural-looking teeth. To learn more about this process, call our implant dentist office at (818) 709-6713 and schedule a consultation.

The post The Dental Implant Procedure: How an Implant Dentist Can Replace Your Dentures appeared first on LA Dental Arts.