When is Getting a Root Canal the Best Option?

Root canal therapies are considered one of the most feared treatments in dentistry, thought of as extremely painful. The truth is that the purpose of root canal therapies is to relieve the pain caused by infected teeth. If a tooth is not cleaned well enough, decay can develop and grow to reach the center of the tooth, where the pulp resides, causing inflammation or infection. Patients experiencing this issue will learn that root canal therapy is the best option for restoring the functionality of the tooth and eliminating pain.

Our Los Angeles endodontics expert will begin the process by administering a local anesthetic to the affected area. They will then create a hole in the tooth and use special tools to remove the infected and inflamed pulp. Once removed, the pulp will be replaced with a dental material called “gutta percha”. The tooth is then capped with a crown to restore its strength and functionality.

Our expert in root canal treatment in Los Angeles may also recommend the treatment if repeated dental procedures have affected the tooth, or the pulp has been damaged by a break or chip. You can learn more about root canal treatment by visiting our endodontist in Los Angeles.

Qué hacer en Emergencias Dentales

Tener una emergencia dental puede ser una experiencia particularmente amenazante. Pueden ocurrir después de un accidente físico, tal como una caída o golpes, o debido a la falta de una buena higiene dental, que puede conducir a la caries profunda. No importa cómo se produce la emergencia, el dolor es siempre un factor presente. Estas son algunas de las emergencias dentales comunes y cuándo hacerlo si uno pasa a usted.

diente noqueado

Si todavía tiene el diente después de que se cae de la boca, es importante para mantener su seguridad, ya que nuestro dentista de Los Ángeles puede ser capaz de volver a introducirla. Puede hacer esto poniendo en un vaso de leche, utilizando un kit de Conservación de los dientes, o se mantienen en el lado de la mejilla. Póngase en contacto con su dentista inmediatamente en busca de ayuda.

Astillado o diente roto

Después de ponerse en contacto con su dentista, enjuagar la boca con agua tibia para limpiar la zona. Use una compresa fría para mantener ningún tipo de hinchazón.

Dolor de muelas

Una vez más, enjuagar la boca con agua tibia para deshacerse de los residuos. Use hilo dental para eliminar cualquier alimento atrapado entre los dientes. Llame a su dentista inmediatamente y obtener el permiso de ellos antes de tomar cualquier aspirina o analgésicos similares.

Muchas oficinas dentales tienen un número específico para llamar si usted tiene una emergencia dental en Los Ángeles.

How Does Invisalign Work?

For many years, patients who required straighter teeth and corrected bites had basically only one option – braces. This appliance is made up of metal brackets and wires placed on the fronts of the teeth. Extremely visible and irremovable, not many were happy with this treatment. Thanks to modern technology and new inventions in dentistry, many patients now have another, more preferable option - Invisalign.

Invisalign treatment consists of a series of trays that are worn like mouth guards, called aligners. Patients love the fact that aligners are clear and seamless, making them virtually undetectable to others. They are also removable, making it easier to eat and clean the teeth, creating a more flexible treatment overall. These aligners work to apply slight, but consistent pressure to the teeth in order to reposition them. Where braces require the wearer to return to their orthodontist every few weeks for adjustments, Invisalign aligners are made beforehand, so patients can move on to the next one when instructed.

Invisalign also offers variations of this treatment. Most patients require Invisalign Full, but younger patients can benefit from Invisalign Teen, which features aligner replacements and use indicators. Those who require only minimal corrections may qualify for Invisalign Express.

Visit our Santa Clarita Invisalign dentist to see if you are a good candidate for this alternative orthodontic treatment.

Types of Dental Crowns

You probably know that crowns are used by dentists to restore damaged or decayed teeth or to improve their appearance. But did you know that there are actually three different kinds of crowns to choose from? If you are in need of a crown, here is a look at the options you have.

•    All ceramic: Generally made of porcelain, these tooth colored crowns look extremely life-like thanks to properties that allow them to reflect light similar to tooth enamel. This makes them ideal for front teeth. To place them, our expert in porcelain crowns in West Hollywood first removes enough enamel from the tooth to accommodate the crown. Though they are durable enough to last for decades if properly cared for, they are not as durable as the other types. For instance, they may not hold up well if put under excessive pressure, such as from teeth grinding or clenching.
•    Porcelain fused to metal: These are similar to ceramic crowns, except that they contain an underlying metal structure, making them much more durable than pure ceramic crowns.
•    All metal: These crowns are made of gold or other metal. They are extremely durable and will not erode or fracture. Placing them also requires less enamel to be removed. However, since they are visible, they are normally used for back teeth where they will not be seen.

If you are in need of one or more crowns, our West Hollywood cosmetic dentist can help determine which kind is best for you. Call our office to schedule your consultation today.

What Invisalign Dentists Do

Invisalign is easily one of the most popular orthodontic treatments today, but it is not available at all dental offices. Dentists who offer Invisalign have completed specialized training, which prepares them to screen patients for eligibility, as well as design and administer the treatment. Here is more about what these dentists do.

After determining that a patient is a candidate for Invisalign, our dentist takes bite impressions, photos, and X-rays of the teeth to use to design the Invisalign aligners. Our dentist may make a variety of changes to the treatment plan based on the needs of the individual. After ordering the aligners and receiving them from Invisalign, our dentist dispenses the first set of aligners to the patient. Our dentist then monitors the progress of the patient and provides the next aligners at regular visits scheduled until completion. At the end of the treatment, our dentist prescribes retainers, which are similar to the Invisalign aligners, to be worn for a set period.

Invisalign aligners are manufactured by the company, but each treatment is designed and administered by the dentists who provide it. The training our dentist has completed helps ensure that patients will complete their orthodontic goals successfully and on time. To learn more about our Invisalign dentist and this treatment, patients can schedule a consultation at our office.

What You Should Not Do after a Root Canal

Root canal has become so normal, aftercare may not be necessary apart from resuming regular hygiene. About 60 percent of recipients of root canal therapy do not report pain afterward. Some doctors administer gauze for light bleeding, or prescribe over the counter medication for any pain. But results of the modern root canal are almost always strong, with guarantee of a full recovery at near 100 percent.

For at least a day following a root canal procedure, you should avoid chewing on the affected tooth and avoid foods and liquids that are especially hot or cold. Be careful when flossing to avoid irritating the root canal area, which may still have some tenderness.

Our expert in root canal in Beverly Hills advises you not to travel for up to a week after your root canal procedure. What is known as “endodontic flare-up”, which basically covers all pain or adverse reactions to the procedure, can happen in about 8 percent of cases, usually within 48 hours. This would necessitate a trip back to your dentist in Beverly Hills. Obviously you would not want an endodontic flare-up while on vacation or a business trip, so do your best to schedule accordingly.

How are Full Dentures Placed?

The prospect of getting dentures can be a scary thought. Often, though, it is simply a fear of the unknown. To ease any fears you may have, read on to learn about full dentures and how they are placed.

Full dentures replace all teeth in your mouth. They are made out of acrylic and look very natural. The base of the dentures is flesh-colored and fits over your gums. Upper dentures cover the roof of your mouth, while the lower dentures simply sit on the gums of your lower arch.

Dentures are made by a laboratory using models and measurements of your mouth. Before full dentures can be placed, any remaining teeth must be removed. There are two options for placing full dentures, depending on your needs and preferences.

1.    Conventional full dentures: After remaining teeth are pulled, the mouth is given time to heal before the dentures are placed. This means that you will be without teeth for a period of time.
2.    Immediate full dentures: These are placed immediately after teeth are removed. While they offer the benefit of not being without teeth, they will require readjustment after the mouth heals.

If you are in need of dentures, contact our Hollywood dentist to find out what kind is right for you.