General Dentistry Archives - Page 2 of 3 - West Los Angeles Dental Care

Home  /  Blog  /  General Dentistry

Zoom Whitening for Teeth – What is Dental Zoom Whitening?

May 2, 2014 Afshin Golyad DDS. ,

 

What Is Zoom Whitening For Teeth?

What is zoom whitening for your teeth, and what are the facts that go along with it? Well there are many options for teeth whitening and there are advantages and disadvantages to each. Zoom whitening is a process of bleaching teeth (Teeth Whitening | Bleaching) that is used throughout the United States and other countries for lightening discoloration of enamel and dentin. There are many causes for staining teeth (Dental Care | 7 Basic Things You Should Do) including drinking coffee, tea, soda, red wine as well as cigarettes, cigars and even smokeless tobaccos.

The zoom whitening system is an in office system of teeth whitening (Teeth Whitening | Lifelong Teeth Whitening Tricks) that utilizes a 25% hydrogen peroxide gel combined with Zoom’s LED light.

First the gums and cheeks are covered for protection against the gel touching the soft tissue. Once the gel is applied to the teeth surfaces, the zoom light helps to accelerate the bleaching process. When the hydrogen peroxide is broken down, the oxygen enters the enamel (Understanding the Connection Between Sugar) and dentin of the tooth to bleach the stains leaving the tooth structures unchanged.

 

Zoom Whitening Process

Zoom Whitening

Zoom Whitening for Teeth Procedure

The process of applying the hydrogen peroxide (Hydrogen peroxide Wiki page) gel continues for three times at intervals of 15 minutes each. Individuals with strong gag reflex or anxiety may have difficulty undergoing the process.  Some may experience sensitivity during the treatment. This procedure is not recommended for children under 13 years old or for pregnant and lactating women. A regular teeth cleaning (Healthy Gums and Teeth) is highly recommended prior to the zoom whitening. It removes the tarter (Bad Breath Fight | Following Tips To Reduce The Bad Breath) as well as stains to give better results. Most people have no or very little teeth sensitivity for the next day or so however there have been cases that the individual complain of severe pain that lasted a day or so. These cases are very rare and the sensitivity is temporarily and will not last. It is very difficult to predict how white the teeth would end up. In most cases the teeth color will improve greatly however there are cases that the result were not as one expected to be. In these cases take home bleaching is recommended to follow after the zoom whitening to provide the maximum result.

For more questions about zoom whitening or if you want to schedule your teeth whitening appointment please contact our office.

  • 12340 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 241 West Los Angeles, CA 90025
  • (310)820-7010

Mercury Free Dentistry | What is Dental Amalgam?

April 18, 2014 Afshin Golyad DDS.

Dental Amalgam | What is Mercury Free Dentistry?

The use of dental amalgam or silver fillings has been approved by FDA till recently. Dental amalgam contains about 50% mercury.  However by 2008, the FDA officially changed its position admitting that mercury vapors emitted while chewing can negatively affect a person’s health. American dental association still holds the position that amalgam fillings are safe for widespread use.

mercury free dentistry imageHistory of Dental Amalgam and Mercury Free Dentistry

Dental amalgam has been used since late 1800’s and still are being used in many countries due to strength and longevity. However they are those who are very sensitive to this material and as soon as it is removed from their mouth their general health improves greatly. They are no test to indicate who might be sensitive and since mercury can be found in many food such as seafood, it makes it more difficult to pinpoint where is the origin of mercury in the body.

Some people by removing the amalgam fillings, “Mercury free dentistry,” can reduce the amount of mercury in the body and even though it is not a cure for all, it can not do any harm. According to the EPA, amalgam used in dentistry can release mercury vapor when chewing. Inhaled or ingested, this vapor can potentially lead to brain, liver, lung, and kidney damage. While more studies are needed to determine if the amount of vapor released by amalgam is capable of producing adverse effects, five states now have informed consent laws requiring dentists advise patients of the dangers of, and alternatives to amalgam.

At West LA Dental we practice mercury free dentistry, which means that we do not fill cavities with dental amalgam. They are few alternative to mercury fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are made from a composite resin material that can be matched to your tooth color. There are also some additional mercury free dentistry alternatives and more expensive options such as gold or porcelain inlay and onlay which can be made in the lab and be glued into the cavity.


Top Dental Emergency Tips

April 11, 2014 Afshin Golyad DDS.

Top Dental Emergency Tips

Accidents do happen especially to kids, your kid is probably going to have a dental emergency at some point. Most children do. In West LA Dental Care, we will triage dental mysteroids.online emergencies and take the most severe or significant first. There is always some misconceptions about dental emergency especially for kids, only toothaches with swelling and/or bleeding, as well as physical trauma to the teeth and/or face are considered dental emergencies.

 

Helpful Dental Emergency Tips:

  • If as a result of dental emergency a permanent or adult tooth comes out of the mouth, try not to touch the roots or scrap it. If possible try to place the tooth back into the socket as a dental accident. If not, keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk, in the mouth between your cheeks and gums or in the last resort in water. Go to your dentist as soon as possible. The quicker the tooth can be placed in the socket, the greatest chance of success it would have.

 

  • dental emergency ImageIf the tooth is crack as a result of a hit to the face, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean any dirt or blood from mouth. Place cold compress on the face to reduce swelling. You need to see your dentist, in dental emergency status, to check to make sure the root is not fractured and to have him/her fix the broken or cracked tooth.

 

  • It is hard to believe after so many years of biting experience that you still bite your tongue or lips are mistake, but it is more common than you think. If it happens, clean the area gently with water and place cold compress. There is not much your dentist can do so if you don’t have a big cut, you do not need to see your dentist.

 

  • If you have toothache brush and floss the area make sure no food debris is stocked in the area. Do not place aspirin on the tooth or gums. It would cause severe burn. Take over counter pain medication and schedule an appointment with your dentist.

 

  • For loose fillings it usually does not cause immediate problem. You may be sensitive to cold at the beginning which would get better soon. You may place a sugar free gum on the area till you see your dentist.

 

  • Dental Emergency ImageIf your crown comes out, in dental emergency, keep that out of the mouth so you won’t swallow that by mistake. Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible and bring the crown with you. In many cases they can use the same crown and glue that back for you. If you are sensitive, place a little clove oil from grocery store and place it on the tooth by a cotton swab.

 

  • If you have an abscess in your mouth, it is an infection that could be either from your tooth or your gums. Abscesses are very serious. If untreated, it may be life threatening. See your dentist right away or go to dental emergency room. You may need antibiotics.

Dental Crown, When and How?

February 13, 2014 Afshin Golyad DDS.

Dental Crown (Cap)

When your dentist decides to use a full coverage type of restoration called a dental crown, the reason for making this suggestion will vary from case to case. A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Dental crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth.

When do You Need Dental Crowns?

  • A previously filled tooth has more filling than tooth. When a filling occupies more than say 50% of a tooth the existing tooth structure becomes weakened and may no longer support the filling.
  • Your tooth has become discolored resulting in unwanted esthetics.
  • Teeth are fractured. Sometimes these fractures are visible, other times they may only be diagnosed when there are complaints of pain during chewing.
  • After your tooth has had Endodontic therapy (root canal)– Teeth tend to become brittle after root canal and may be more apt to fracture. By placing a crown we tend to protect your tooth from fracture.
  • Replacement of missing teeth requires crowning adjacent teeth in order to support the missing teeth.
  • Replacement of existing dental crowns or bridges.

 

The First Step in Making Your New Dental Crown

Dental Crown Photo

Dental Crown Preparation

We want to assure you that your dental visit will be totally comfortable. We begin by giving you a local anesthetic. Depending upon the type of local anesthetic we use, you can expect to be numb for one to four hours. If your anesthesia should last longer, do not be concerned. Not everyone reacts to medication in the same manner. One word of caution: While you are numb, please be careful not to bite your lip or tongue. A soft diet or no meal at all while you are numb is probably a good idea. If your child has been the patient, please watch them carefully to be sure they do not play with their tongue or lip while it is numb.

Once your teeth are totally numb, we will prepare your tooth in a very specific way. After your tooth is fully prepared, we proceeded with the impression stage. We used a thin of specially fabricated cord which we will place around your tooth in order to get the impression material under the gum where the crown ends. Please rest assured that this small piece of cord will be removed prior to the end of today’s visit.

Once the impression stage was completed, we will place a temporary (transitional) crown on your tooth. These plastic (acrylic) restorations are placed on teeth to protect them and the gum tissues between dental visits. The temporary cementing medium used is designed to allow me, to easily remove them at your next scheduled visit.

Root Canal Treatment Image

Learn More About Root Canal Treatment

Should you experience any discomfort you can take a mild analgesic (Tylenol, Advil, Anacin, ect) as long as there is no medical contraindication based upon your medical history. Typically, you can take anything you would normally take for a headache. If the discomfort persist, please call your dentist office.


Root Canal Treatment | Endodontics Therapy

February 12, 2014 Afshin Golyad DDS.

Root Canal Treatment | Endodontics Therapy

Today we may have suggested to you that Root Canal Treatment (otherwise known as Endodontics Therapy) was needed for a particular tooth. We may have briefly discussed some of the facts concerning the procedures involved in root canal treatment but perhaps you would like some more information.

Extraction is truly our last resort!

Root Canal Treatment Process:

  • Root canal treatment starts with the removal of the infected or irritated nerve tissue that lies within the root of the tooth. It is this infected pulp tissue that causes an eventual abscess.
  • The first step in a root canal is to obtain access to the nerve. This is accomplished by establishing a small access opening in the top of the tooth. It will be done under a local anesthetic.
  • Healed infection.
  • At the same visit, the canal where the nerve is located will be reshaped and prepared to accept a special root canal filling material. This filling procedure will probably not occur until your next visit for the root canal treatment. The number of visits necessary to complete your root canal will depend upon several factors including the number of nerves in the tooth, the infected state of the nerve and the complexity of the procedure.
  • The final step in your root canal treatment will be the sealing of the root canal with a sterile, plastic material, called gutta percha. This is done in order to prevent possible future infection.
  • The tooth will then possibly need a post and core and a crown in order to re-establish normal form and function.
  • This decision will be based upon several additional factors.

Root Canal Treatment Image 2
Root Canal Treatments Truths and Myths

Truth:

If treated early, root canal treatment need not to be uncomfortable. With the use of local anesthetics, the entire procedure can be totally painless.

Myth:

By removing the nerve in root canal treatment the tooth becomes “dead”. This is not true. The truth is very much alive and functioning because it receives a source of blood supply and nerve supply from the surrounding tissues that hold it in place in your jaw bone. The tooth will have no sense of feeling to hot, cold or sweets but will be responsive to biting pressures, etc. With the proper restoration the tooth should last as long as your other teeth and can even be used as an anchor tooth for a partial denture or cemented bridge. The success rates for root canal therapy have been reported to be as high as 95%.

Truth:

Sometimes when there has been log standing infection or abscess, there may be some soreness associated with the first or second root canal visit. If this should turn out to be true you will be given specific instructions to follow to minimize the discomfort. When an infection is present, it may be necessary to take an antibiotic. If pain should be present, analgesics may need to be prescribed. In either case, be sure to all the office if either of these problems should arise.


« Previous   1 2 3   Next »