In addition to replacing missing teeth, dental implants can help the health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. How?

When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth tend to shift out of place, and the bone of the missing tooth begins to deteriorate. Dental implants are the only dental restoration option that preserves natural bone and helps stimulate bone growth.

If you’re already noticing signs of shifting teeth or bone deterioration due to a missing tooth, don’t worry. There are different dental implant options, which you and your dental provider can discuss.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

With advantages like these, it’s no wonder why many people choose dental implants over other dental replacement options:

• Natural smile: Dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth. You’ll care for them just the same too: brush, floss, and get regular cleanings and checkups. Only you will know you have them.
• Look younger: Dental implants are the only dental restoration option that preserves natural bone, helps stimulate bone growth, and prevent bone loss. Having a jawbone helps retain your natural face shape and smile for years to come.
• Build confidence again: Unlike other replacement options, dental implants won’t slip or click when you talk, eat, laugh, or kiss. You’ll also find your speech is more natural than with dentures.
• Eat whatever: Dentures can slide and cause discomfort when eating. But dental implants function like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat virtually anything you want.
• Proven success: Modern dental implants have been used successfully for over 30 years with a general success rate of 98 percent. When performed by an experienced dental implant doctor, the procedure is one of the safest and most predictable in dentistry.
• Save money: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Other dental replacement options may appear cheaper upfront, but you will continue to pay that cost over and over, making them expensive in comparison.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

If you have one or more missing teeth – whether you were born without a tooth or had a tooth removed due to injury, infection, or decay – then the answer is:

Yes, you are likely a candidate for dental implants.

However, many factors that go into how, when, and if you meet the requirements for dental implants, including:

• Age: Children or adolescents may need to wait until their facial growth and development have been completed to ensure long-term success. This stage is typically around age 16 for girls and age 18 for boys.
• Health: If you are a heavy smoker, suffer from uncontrolled chronic disorders like diabetes, or have had radiation therapy to your head or neck area then you will need to be evaluated on an individual basis by your dental provider.
• Enough bone: If you are missing the necessary amount of supportive bone for a dental implant, then you may need a bone augmentation or alternative dental implant.

But for the best answer, based on your situation, you need to consult with your dental provider.

Are there different types of dental implants?

Just like teeth, dental implants come in different heights, sizes, and types. You and your dental provider will create an individualized treatment plan, which may include one of the following types of dental implants:

• Endosteal: These dental implants are placed in the jawbone using a small screw, typically made of titanium. Endosteal is the most common type of dental implant.
• Subperiosteal: These dental implants are placed on or above the jawbone (not in it). This type of implant may be used in patients who don’t have enough supportive bone or are unable to undergo a bone augmentation.

If you don’t have enough jawbone to support a dental implant, there are a few options:

• Bone augmentation: This procedure uses bone additives and growth factors to restore or regenerate bone in your jaw so that it can support an implant.
• Sinus lift: This procedure adds bone below a sinus, where the bone has deteriorated due to missing upper teeth. A sinus lift is also called sinus augmentation or sinus elevation.
• Ridge expansion: If your jaw isn’t wide enough to support dental implants, this procedure adds bone graft material to a small ridge, created along the top of your jaw.

Are dental implants worth it?

Take this quick quiz to find out for yourself:

1. Do you want to replace one or more missing teeth?
2. Do you want to retain your facial structure?
3. Do you want to be able to eat whatever you want?
4. Do you want to be confident about your smile and teeth?
5. Do you want to save money in the long term?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then contact your dental provider today to discuss if dental implants are your best option.

• Contact us to schedule your appointment
• Questions? Call us at (818) 405-0717



The post What Are Dental Implants and Can Anyone Get Dental Implants? appeared first on LA Dental Arts.

How to Prevent Transmission of COVID19?

The primary steps to follow in any pandemic is prevention. What steps can you take to protect yourself and those around you from contracting this novel virus? It is important to follow the 5 steps set by the World Health Organization to prevent contracting coronavirus.

• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds.
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
• Don’t touch your face with dirty hands.
• Keep a safe distance from others (6 feet) and avoid group gatherings.
• Stay home at all costs unless unavoidable.



COVID19 and Receiving Dental Care

One of the main questions that we have been receiving during this time is: can patients still receive proper dental care during this pandemic. It is important during this time to adhere to the ADA policy of emergency treatment only. Any elective care can be postponed till the pandemic lessens in magnitude. This restriction protects the patients, staff and doctor. The ADA has listed different dental procedures that can be rescheduled or need to be taken care of right away:

Non-essential Dental Care

• Regular visits for exams, cleanings, and x-rays
• Regular visits for braces
• Removal of teeth that aren’t painful
• Treatment of cavities that aren’t painful
• Elective cosmetic procedures such as veneers, bonding, and tooth whitening

Essential Dental Care

• Bleeding that doesn’t stop
• Pain in a tooth, teeth, or jawbone
• Gum infection with pain or swelling
• After surgery treatment (dressing change, stitch removal)
• Broken or knocked-out tooth
• Biopsy of abnormal tissue
• Snipping or adjusting orthodontics that are causing pain
• Denture adjustment for people receiving radiation or other treatment for cancer

This pandemic has led to major disruptions in everyday life and medical treatments. We are implementing these measures to ensure that we keep our staff, patients, and our society safe and healthy. If you need emergency dental care, feel free to contact us for the next steps.

What to Do in Case of a Medical or Dental Issue?

If you have a medical or dental issue during this stressful time, reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible to be screened for the level of emergency and proper next steps. It is crucial to avoid the emergency room in every way. Our office has implemented Teledentistry and FaceTime consults to aid in diagnosis and treatment. If you have any questions at all, feel free to contact our LA Dental Art team. We are working together to help stop the spread of this novel virus to keep everyone safe and healthy.



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What are veneers?

Veneers are thin coverings made from either porcelain or composite material. They are placed over the visible surface of each tooth— and they look, feel, and function better than natural teeth. Because they cover each individual tooth, they can be custom-made using digital scans so they meet your esthetic and functional needs. Veneers can last for twenty-plus years with the right care, making them a great long-term solution for creating a more youthful and beautiful smile.

How can they change my smile?

Veneers cover your existing teeth and are very durable and strong. They can improve concerns with chips, cracks, color, staining, medicine-induced discoloration, misshapen teeth, and misalignment. They also have the power to improve worn teeth and restore better function and lip support, making for a more youthful and beautiful esthetic.

Are there different types of veneers?

There are two main types of veneers— porcelain and composite resin. Each one has different properties and benefits. Composite resin veneers can be less costly, require very little alteration of the natural teeth, and can be completed in one appointment. They are not as durable as porcelain veneers and may be more susceptible to staining. On the other hand, porcelain veneers can be more expensive but offer the best esthetics and durability. They require specialized fabrication by a laboratory, meaning you may need multiple appointments to prepare your existing teeth and have them fitted.

What’s the difference between a crown and a veneer?

Crowns can often serve a similar function to veneers when it comes to cosmetic and restorative dentistry. However, it’s important to know that a crown covers the whole tooth whereas a veneer covers only the outer visible surface. In most cases, crowns are utilized when more tooth structure requires support whereas veneers restore the appearance of the tooth and conceal any concerns.

How long is the procedure to get veneers?

This depends on the type of veneer you opt for. Composite veneers can be completed in one to two appointments because the resin material can be applied to the teeth right at our Midtown Manhattan office. Porcelain veneers, because they require fabrication from a lab, will require more than one appointment for scanning, preparing, and fitting.

Schedule an Appointment

Veneers are an excellent way to transform your smile for the long term. To learn more about your options and meet with Dr.Berchadsky & her dentistry team, we invite you to contact LA Dental ART by calling (818) 405-0717.



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Can Adults Get Invisalign?

Yes! Invisalign is just as effective for adults as it is for teens. Most adult patients see Invisalign results within six months to one year, with additional time wearing a retainer to maintain results. Invisalign is drastically more comfortable than traditional braces and after completion, you’ll have a healthier mouth and feel more confident in all aspects of life.

Is Invisalign Effective for Adults?

Many adults are drawn to Invisalign because the aligners are discreet and virtually unnoticeable in social situations. There are no wires, brackets, or metal involved! Additionally, your aligners can be easily removed when needed and don’t require maintenance outside of keeping them clean and stain-free. Finally, there’s no discomfort as is associated with traditional braces – this means no headaches, sores, or pain after tightening appointments! Invisalign for adults gradually shifts the teeth with minimal adjustments as you change trays. This means you can enjoy a noticeably improved smile without the hassle of traditional braces.

Invisalign for Adults Cost

Invisalign is a great investment for your dental and overall health. Fees vary depending on the duration of treatment and often are partially covered by dental insurance providers. Company HSA or FSA accounts can also be used to supplement Invisalign treatment. Additionally, we can work with you to create a financing plan that works best with your budget. Our goal is to get you the healthy and beautiful smile you have dreamed of and deserve.

Schedule an Appointment

During a personalized appointment we will scan your mout and will discuss your smile goals and ways Invisalign can improve your function. Learn more about Invisalign in Woodland Hills. To get started, we invite you to contact our office by calling (818) 405-0717. 



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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.

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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.

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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.

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