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Extraction Post Op Care

July 25, 2014 Afshin Golyad DDS. , , , ,

Extraction Post Op Care

If you just had a tooth extracted, the following information will help. The initial healing period typically takes from 1-2 weeks, gum tissue (Gum Disease | Gum Disease Treatment) takes about 3-4 weeks to heal and complete healing of the bone can take about 6 months.

Immediately Following Surgery After Extraction

  • Keep the gauze placed over the extraction (Extraction Procedures) site with pressure applied by biting down until the bleeding stops. You may need to change the gauze a few times if it is soaked with blood. You may have some minor oozing for the next 24 hours which is perfectly normal. Place a towel on your pillow case before sleeping at night so the pillow case won’t get bloody.

 

  • Extraction Post Op Photo

    Extraction Post Op

    Take your prescribed pain medication and antibiotic pill if you were prescribed by your doctor before the numbness goes away. This will usually coincide with the local anesthetic becoming less effective.

 

 

  • Restrict your activities the day of surgery, and resume normal activity when you feel comfortable probably the next day.

 

  • Place ice packs on the side of your face where surgery was performed.

 

  • Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods for the first few days till you are comfortable eating regular food.

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

What a Cosmetic Dentist Can Do For You

April 22, 2013 Afshin Golyad DDS. , , ,

Most people put off seeing a dentist until they have a toothache, need a cavity filled or want their teeth cleaned. These dental procedures are important for good oral health, but they are not the only services that a dentist in west Los Angeles can provide. In addition to taking care of a patient’s teeth, West LA Dental Care offers Santa Monica residents a variety of cosmetic procedures that can improve the way they look and feel.

If your teeth make you feel self-conscious or embarrassed when you smile, it might be time to look into some of today’s available cosmetic options. Giving patients a smile they can be proud of takes an experienced cosmetic dentist that can understand the patient’s needs and is willing to work carefully with each person to find the best solution.

Teeth Whitening

Cigarettes, coffee, medications and the minerals in water can all affect a tooth’s color. While there are several types of over-the-counter products designed to whiten teeth, having a west LA dentist do the procedure can often be more effective.

A tooth’s surface needs to be completely covered with a whitener for a nice, uniform look. That can be difficult to do yourself. Back teeth can be particularly troublesome. In addition, over-the-counter products are not as strong as what a cosmetic dentist can provide, so taking advantage of a professional dentist in West Los Angeles can be a better option.

Misaligned, Chipped or Uneven Teeth

Even teeth that are in good condition can be uneven, chipped or misaligned. Sometimes, there can be an excess space between the teeth, or they can be cracked. A west LA dentist who specializes in cosmetic procedures can help Santa Monica patients improve these types of defects by applying special tooth-colored bonding materials, reshaping the tooth or filling in a crack.

Instead of bonding, a cosmetic dentist might also suggest using veneers to fix the excessive spaces, cover up wear, hide stains or improve the look of slightly crooked teeth. Veneers are similar to a shell that a dentist in west Los Angeles can place on the front side of a patient’s teeth. These veneers can improve a tooth’s shape as well as change the color.

In addition to bonding and veneers, a cosmetic dentist also has the option of using shaping and contouring techniques to improve the appearance of a tooth. Sometimes, a west LA dentist might use both bonding and shaping. This combination can be particular effective for overlapping teeth, teeth that are chipped or for minor bite problems.

Additional Cosmetic Possibilities

For missing teeth, two of the best long-term solutions are dental implants or bridges, depending on the condition of the teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can also correct an irregular gum line, teeth of different lengths, or jaw problems. If you live in the Santa Monica area, contacting West LA Dental today for an evaluation can be the best decision you ever made.