All posts by Alan Zabolian

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Is a Dentist Available Late at Night?

General Dentistry,

Your mouth is a very complex and sensitive part of your body. Although you are likely taking steps to stay safe at all times, you never know when you are going to get hurt. Dental emergencies happen, and it is important to know when, where, and how you can access emergency dentistry for fast appointments and instant treatment when you need it the most. So is a dentist available late at night?

Is a Dentist Available Late at Night?

At Samaritan Dental Arts, many patients call us with the question, “Is a dentist available late at night? What about early in the morning when I have chipped my tooth?” Whether due to an injury after a sports game or a nasty fall, it is important that you have access to emergency dental services at all times. Learn more about what constitutes a dental emergency and find out how you can receive 24/7 care from our specialists at Samaritan Dental Arts.

What is Emergency Dentistry?

An emergency dentist is someone who is available outside of regular dental office hours to tend to urgent medical needs involving the mouth. Sudden injury or damage that leads to pain, bleeding, and inflammation will only worsen if not tended to right away. If you are in sudden need of dental care, you might be looking for a nearby emergency dentist.

However, not all instances of sudden pain or discomfort warrant an emergency. It is important to know what exactly is considered to be a dental emergency. And what issues might seem severe but can likely wait until the next available appointment.

What Makes a Dental Emergency?

The first thing you need to do when encountering any kind of dental emergency is to remain calm. Everything is going to be okay, and you will be able to find the care you need ASAP. It is time to assess the nature of the damage and your pain levels. You might need to visit an emergency dentist right away if you are experiencing:

  • Bleeding from the mouth, gums, or tooth socket after a tooth has fallen out
  • A missing, loosened, cracked, or broken tooth after physical impact
  • Excruciating amounts of pain that require emergency attention
  • A tooth infection that has spread so rapidly that it is causing too much pain and discomfort to tolerate

You might not need an emergency dentist if you are:

  • not missing a tooth
  • not bleeding
  • your pain is manageable enough to wait until the morning

You can always contact your trusted dentist to find out more about the type of care you need if you are unsure about your current symptoms.

Types of Emergency Treatments Available

Depending on the type of injury you have sustained and the type of care that you need, your dentist may be able to perform an immediate treatment to relieve symptoms of pain. Has your tooth has completely fallen out of your mouth? Then you might be able to save it by placing it in milk and bringing it to the dentist right away. Your tooth can be reattached to your gums. Otherwise, emergency bridges and crowns may need to be made for your mouth.

Major infections can be treated by root canals and tooth extraction in worst-case scenarios. It is important to be in touch with your dentist when you are experiencing any kind of sudden dental pain.

Get 24/7 Emergency Services Today

Samaritan Dental Arts has an available emergency dentist who is available 24/7 to assist with any and all urgent dental care needs. You never want to be faced with an injury. But it is a good idea that you know what to do in the event that you are faced with a dental emergency on your own. Get in touch with us today to learn about how you can access our urgent care services ASAP.

concept of signs it is time to replace veneers

5 Signs it is Time to Replace Your Veneers

Cosmetic Dentistry, , ,

Veneers are built to last a long time, but it can be difficult to keep your veneers looking prim and proper forever. They are made to look and feel like a natural part of your tooth. Shey are susceptible to the effects of damage and discoloration. While your veneers should give your mouth the second lease on life it deserves, they may need to be spruced up after a while. Let’s look at 5 signs it is time to replace your veneers.

5 Signs it is Time to Replace Your Veneers

Today, your dentist in Downtown Los Angeles will discuss the top 5 signs it is time to replace your veneers. This cosmetic dentistry procedure is completely painless, with absolutely no downtime or surgery required, making it easy to come back in for a repair later on.

You Stained Your Veneers

Certain types of food and drink can cause your teeth to get stained. Coffee and wine, for example, are two huge culprits. Unfortunately, this applies to your veneers as well. While they are made of porcelain, veneers can still get stained after a significant amount of time. If you are someone who likes to drink coffee or eat foods with tomato sauce in them, you might want to be on the lookout for discoloration.

There are Gaps Between Your Gums and Your Veneers

During the application process, veneers are placed directly over the front of your natural tooth and adhered to the tooth and gums using a dental bonding material. They should be secured there permanently for a long time; however, if there is some separation between the thin-shelled veneer and your gums, you should schedule a dentist appointment right away. This could be a sign of improper installation or even tooth decay that has managed to slip behind your veneer.

You Damaged Your Veneers

If you are someone who plays contact sports or has simply suffered a fall, you might see some damage on your veneers. The porcelain material that makes them up is strong, meaning that most veneers are durable and long-lasting. Falling and chipping your tooth can also cause your veneer to suffer the same fate, requiring immediate repair. Make sure to get in touch with your dentist as soon as you get hurt, as the quicker your veneers can be addressed, the easier it will be to treat your mouth without any permanent damage.

Your Veneers are Getting Dark

This is quite different from discoloration; darkening veneers mean that the discoloration on your natural teeth is so severe that it is showing through the shells. Dark veneers are often a sign of poor oral health. And you should schedule a consultation with your dental expert right away. Are your veneers suddenly dark and they were not dark before? Make sure to let the dentist know that these symptoms are new. You may need to have your veneers completely replaced.

Your Veneers Feel Rough

Veneers should be smooth and not jagged, giving you a nice aesthetic appearance. But do they feel rough around the edges or even on the surface? Then there might be something wrong with the material. They should never feel anything other than smooth and shiny, just like your natural teeth. Go ahead and get in touch with your dentist if you don’t like the way your veneers are feeling in your mouth.

Get a Pain-Free Solution to Dental Wellness Today!

Samaritan Dental Arts is your professional resource for porcelain veneers in Los Angeles. Get in touch with our experts today to schedule a personal consultation and we can help you determine whether or not your veneers need to be replaced. Replacement options are easy and affordable when you contact us today!

concept image of 7 signs ready for invisalign

7 Signs You Are Ready for Invisalign

Invisalign,

Do you have misaligned, malformed, or broken teeth? Are you an adult who has never had braces but you are now invested in the overall health and wellness of your teeth? You might be the perfect candidate for Invisalign. Whether or not you believe you are a good fit, it might be worth visiting your dentist in Downtown LA to talk about it.

7 Signs You Are Ready for Invisalign

Below, we want to talk about some of the obvious and not-so-obvious ways that might make our dentists recommend this invisible aligner treatment for you. Take a look at these top 7 signs you are ready for Invisalign and give us a call today if you agree.

Your Teeth Are Misaligned

Misalignments are more than just an aesthetically displeasing condition. They can actually cause your teeth to become overcrowded or gapped, leaving plenty of room for infection. You can straighten your teeth for the betterment of your oral health by investing in Invisalign braces for a quick and painless treatment.

You Can’t Bite Down Correctly

If you have a misaligned bite, you might want to visit your dentist for orthodontic treatment. Most adults can become great candidates for Invisalign based on having a bottom-front bite or an overbite, which can both make it difficult to bite and chew over time. This can also lead to the development of TMJ.

Nose Misalignment

Your orthodontist may recommend Invisalign if your teeth aren’t lining up with your nose or lips. It’s important to maintain a perfect midline, which is the center point between your teeth. It should be pretty close to the middle of your face, although it may be severely misaligned for some folks. Whenever this is the case, it’s a good idea to get professional advice about what to do next.

You Don’t Want Braces

If you are aware that you need orthodontic assistance but you dread the thought of wearing metal braces for several years, you’re in luck, because Invisalign is just the opposite. The nearly invisible aligners can be removed when you are eating or brushing your teeth, making them so much easier to camouflage in photos or when you are out with your friends. What’s more, Invisalign treatment times are often shorter than those of traditional metal braces.

You Can’t Floss

You are trying your best to maintain the best daily oral health routine by brushing and flossing. However, when you try to floss, you just can’t seem to get the floss all the way in between your teeth. They may be too close together, which means that your teeth are overcrowding. This leads to a number of dental issues such as bacteria buildup and gum infections that can easily get out of hand. Invisalign can realign your teeth, spacing them apart more evenly so you can make future flossing endeavors a breeze.

You Have Other Dental Health Issues

Besides misalignments, overcrowding, and trouble flossing, have you been visiting the dentist for a number of other reasons as well? You might not just be prone to bad dental luck. Your issues with overcrowding might be causing you to have other health conditions because it can be harder for you to brush and floss. Get in touch with your trusted dentist today to find out what options are available to you ASAP.

You Don’t Like Your Teeth

You just simply might not like how your teeth look. Maybe you think they look crooked, and although they don’t cause any major dental health issues, they just keep letting you down. You can easily restore both your dental health and your confidence with top-notch Invisalign aligners, which are customized to fit the shape and structure of your teeth.

Learn more about how you can start your own personalized treatment of Invisalign in Downtown Los Angeles when you contact us at Samaritan Dental arts today!

concept of how long should dental cleanings take

How Long Should Dental Cleanings Take?

General Dentistry, , ,

People of all ages know about the importance of annual dental cleanings. In fact, most dentists recommend that folks get their teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. Patients who visit their trusted dentist in downtown Los Angeles want to know more about how this process works and how much time it usually takes from start to finish.

How Long Should Dental Cleanings Take?

If you are like one of our excellent patients and have the question, “How long should dental cleanings take?”, this article is for you. Keep reading to learn more about the dental cleaning process and find out what’s involved so you can schedule your oral health checkup accordingly.

How Dental Cleanings Work

Depending on the results of your exam, your dentist should typically recommend a dental cleaning that works in a series of steps. These steps can be performed fairly quickly, giving you a smooth and easy process.

Step 1: Screening and Scaling

At the beginning of your dental cleaning, your dentist will first want to remove a layer of dirt and grime that is stuck between your gums and your teeth. They will use a process known as scaling, which uses a small tool to remove this dirt. While this part of cleaning doesn’t take long, the dentist may pause from time to time to ensure you are comfortable.

Step 2: Polishing

After the dirt has been cleaned from your teeth, your dentist will move on to the polishing phase, which is often one of the more enjoyable parts of the dental cleaning process. We can use a polishing paste that comes in a number of different flavors. Your dentist will polish each tooth individually to restore its bright shine. This will also break up plaque and tartar that might have been building up on your teeth over time.

Step 3: Flossing and Brushing

Your dentist will brush and floss your teeth for you. Then we show you the best way to take care of your teeth at home. Using dental-grade floss, they will remove dust and dirt. These might have shown up in between your teeth from the food you eat. If you have any signs of infection or decay, your dentist may go on to recommend that you get a cavity filling. This can typically happen in a separate session.

All that’s left is to rinse out your mouth and your teeth. Your dentist may give you a mouthwash with a pleasing taste to help you feel better after the cleaning process. If you have any more questions about your dental healthcare at this time, please reach out to your trusted dental specialist right away.

Average Treatment Times

Depending on your individual dental needs, your cleaning can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. Your dental team will want to discuss the steps involved in a dental cleaning. This helps ensure that you end up prepared for this type of procedure. It remains a smooth and easy experience that should not cause lingering discomfort when the procedure wraps up. If you can schedule a little bit of time during your day for this important treatment, you should try to make it work for you ASAP.

Learn More About Dental Cleanings Today

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we invest in only the best for your overall health and well-being. Get in touch with our experts to learn more about how you can make the most out of top-notch teeth cleaning in downtown Los Angeles. We offer personalized treatments that center on your individual needs, from basic oral health checkups to individualized plans of care. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our friendly dental services!

concept of what is dental plaque and why remove it

What is Dental Plaque and Why Remove It?

Preventive Dentistry, ,

Dental plaque is a sticky, filmy substance that forms on your teeth’s surface after you eat. When the bacteria naturally found in your mouth mixes with sugars and starches from unhealthy foods, dental plaque forms. If you don’t remove plaque promptly, tartar can harden and turn into tartar. This can lead to serious conditions such as gum disease or tooth loss.

What is Dental Plaque and Why Remove It?

Your local, top-rated dentist in DTLA wants to answer the question, “What is dental plaque and why remove it?” Below, we will teach you about the main causes of plaque and how to keep it away from your teeth with regular dental cleanings. You can prevent plaque buildup and tartar from causing major dental restoration needs, which are costly to both your wallet and your health.

What is Dental Plaque?

There are naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth that can help you clean up after eating. These ingredients can stick to your teeth if you eat sugary or starchy foods. Acid can be released when bacteria reacts with the leftover food. This creates plaque, a sticky and sticky substance that sticks to your teeth.

Signs and Symptoms of Plaque

It is easy to determine if your teeth are stained. Take a look at how they feel. Are your teeth feeling swollen or irritated when you wake up each morning? Plaque buildup could be the reason. Bad breath or tender gums may be signs of a buildup.

Brush your teeth immediately if you find plaque on your teeth. This will help remove plaque before it becomes tartar. A dentist may be required to remove tartar from your teeth if it forms, although tartar is incredibly hard and sticky. Special tools and materials may be necessary to fully remove the tartar that has built up.

Why Remove Plaque Right Away

You could end up with more serious problems if you don’t remove plaque promptly. A poor oral hygiene can cause gum disease or other irreversible conditions. Plaque can lead to many complications, including:

  • Tooth loss
  • Infection/abscess
  • Gingivitis
  • Tooth decay
  • Cavities
  • Gum disease

An overabundance in plaque or tartar is easy to identify. To determine the extent of plaque buildup on your teeth, your dentist will use x-rays and dental tools during an assessment. A follow-up appointment may be necessary to treat plaque through a number of different procedures, including root scaling and deep cleaning.

How to Prevent and Treat Plaque

It is possible to remove plaque from your teeth without causing tartar. It is difficult to remove tartar once it has formed. These are the top ways to remove tartar and prevent it from getting worse.

  • Get fluoride toothpaste. Toothpaste containing tartar-controlling fluoride may help to reduce plaque buildup.
  • Regularly floss and brush your teeth. Brush your teeth twice daily and floss once a day. You should floss once a day and brush your teeth twice a day to remove plaque from between them.
  • Pay attention to what you eat. It doesn’t mean you have to follow a strict diet. However, it is important to not eat too many sugary or starchy foods on a daily basis.

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we offer a number of proactive plaque and tartar treatment options to help you treat your dental maladies right away. When it comes to plaque, it is best to get it treated as quickly as you can.

Advanced Plaque Removal Options ASAP

Contact our friendly team today if you have concerns about tartar buildup on your teeth or if you would like to schedule a semi-annual tooth cleaning. It is important to get routine dental exams in DTLA in order to prevent plaque and tartar from gaining control. Get in touch with us today to find out what a routine cleaning can do for you!

concept of someone smiling brighter with inlays and onlays

Smile Brighter with Inlays and Onlays

General Dentistry, ,

If your teeth are damaged or broken, there are many options available. These procedures can make your teeth look better and restore their health. This procedure preserves your natural smile and restores your ability to chew and bite. Let’s see how you can smile brighter with inlays and onlays.

Smile Brighter with Inlays and Onlays

Depending on the severity of the damage, your dentist in Downtown Los Angeles may recommend an inlay or an onlay. These restorative dentistry procedures, which all have variations of the same idea are custom-made to protect your tooth and restore its function. We want to help you smile brighter with inlays and onlays so keep reading to see if this option can work for you!

What Are Inlays?

Dental inlays can be a revolutionary part of restorative dentistry and can be used to repair the tops or teeth. Inlays are natural-looking and can help strengthen your teeth as you chew and bite. Inlays are placed on your tooth’s surface between the bumps (or cusps). This allows you to fix a damaged or decayed tooth and protects your teeth from further damage.

What are Onlays?

Although they are different than inlays, dental onlays can still protect and strengthen your tooth. Restorative dentists also call them “partial crowns”, and they are usually meant to replace the entire tooth’s surface. They can be used to cover all or part of the chewing surface. They can be placed on top of the tooth and treated naturally. Once they are placed, they resemble a natural part of your tooth and will last for several years.

Can You Get Inlays and Onlays at the Same Time?

Both onlays and inlays have their benefits. Depending on the extent of tooth damage, inlays and onlays can be combined. An inlay is best when only a portion of the tooth’s chewing surface has been damaged. The inlay will be placed “inside” the tooth on the cusps. This is to allow you to chew. Onlays are great when the whole tooth is broken. Also, onlay, which covers the entire tooth, is a great option for restoring your smile. Inlays are more like fillings and onlays are like crowns.

Am I a Good Candidate for Inlays or Onlays?

You may be eligible for either inlays or onlays depending on the extent of tooth damage. Inlays and onlays are usually available for those who need a filling but the damage has spread a little too far for a single filling to treat.

You are good for the procedure as long as there is enough natural tooth structure to support the inlay/onlay. You may need a crown to restore your teeth if you have severe damage. Regular visits to the dentist are essential to maintaining your oral health. It is easier for your dentist to detect decay earlier, and it will be possible to have a small filling without causing too much damage.

Biggest Benefits of Inlays & Onlays

Inlays and onlays can be great alternatives for a filling or crown. Let us help you decide if an inlay or onlay is needed by reviewing these benefits for your health.

  • An inlay or onlay can raise the chewing pressure by between 50-75%
  • Fillings are less durable than inlays/onlays
  • Inlays/onlays can either be made of porcelain or resin to match your natural tooth color
  • Inlays and onlays are a type of restorative dentistry that can heal your whole tooth
    Sometimes an inlay or an onlay can be completed in one visit

These are the most crucial single-tooth restorations. These can be used to treat large areas of decay that need a filling or an inlay. An onlay covers only a small portion of the tooth’s cusp. An inlay fills the gap between the cusps. That’s the only difference!

Get the Best Restorative Dentistry Options at Samaritan Dental Arts Today

We offer a bunch of options to help you smile brighter ASAP. Dealing with dental decay becomes more dangerous over time as infection can spread throughout your mouth. Prevent this from happening with top-notch dental inlays and onlays in DTLA. Learn more about our services when you contact our dental experts today. Sign up now for a personal consultation!

concept of kids at dentist with cavities

Is it Normal for Kids to Have Cavities?

Pediatric Dentistry, ,

You always hear about kids going to the dentist to get their cavities filled. If your child has to go once, twice, or even three times for cavities, you may want to ask your dentist, “Is it normal for kids to have cavities?” But this is typically not a cause for concern. Cavities are a common problem in children of all ages. There is always a possibility of tooth decay, regardless of how healthy your child is.

Is it Normal for Kids to Have Cavities?

Your trusted dentist in downtown LA has many preventative and treatment options that will help your child maintain good oral health. Our friendly team of experts has many treatments and procedures available to suit your every need. Tooth decay can occur from many causes, but it’s best to get it treated as soon as possible. Here are some tips for kids to help reduce the number of cavities they develop throughout the course of their childhood.

Encourage Daily Oral Health Routines

As you did as a child, your children should be practicing good hygiene habits such as flossing daily and brushing their teeth every day. Your children can follow your example by flossing and brushing their teeth daily. Encourage your child to brush their teeth daily as soon as they have their first teeth. You can use the time to teach your children healthy habits and help them to get their teeth in.

Reduce Your Child’s Sugar Intake

Any dentist will tell you that sugar intake is the number one way to prevent tooth decay. Although you may be giving your child a nutritious and healthy diet, sugar is still a common ingredient in nearly everything. This is particularly true for juices and other flavored drinks your child may enjoy. Unfortunately, most fruit juices contain some of the highest amounts of sugar on the market.

What causes tooth decay when sugar is consumed? Sugar molecules are left on your teeth after you have eaten sugar. These sugar molecules can combine with bacteria or other substances in your mouth to form plaque. If left untreated, this plaque can form on your teeth and cause decay.

Stop Drinking Out of Straws

Research has shown that children who sleep with a sippy cup in their mouths while they are asleep are more likely to get tooth decay from sugary substances. Make sure you take out any formula bottles your baby is drinking. Reduce the number of times you give your child a straw throughout the day and encourage them to start using sipping lids. Reducing these sugary substances can make a big difference in your child’s dental health!

Preventing Pediatric Tooth Decay

A quick and simple dental sealant procedure can help protect your child’s smile from the dangers and infections of decay. A clear coating will be applied to the top of your child’s teeth by the dentist. This will protect against bacteria getting into the roots or pulp of each tooth. Bad bacteria can easily slip through the many cracks and crevices between molars, teeth, and even between them. Dental sealants make it impossible for bacteria to penetrate.

Dental sealants can last for up to a decade. This is an easy and painless procedure that both you and your child can benefit from if you are worried about your child’s dental health or want to make an investment in their future.

Reduce Cavities Today

Teach your child the importance of good oral hygiene. Your child can reduce the likelihood of tooth decay by flossing daily and brushing their teeth regularly. Your child’s oral health will be affected if tooth decay continues to develop without seeking out sufficient cavities treatment in Downtown LA. If decay is not treated, it can lead to infection and other serious health problems. Learn about stopping this problem before it gets worse when you get in touch with our friendly team in LA today!

concept image of dangers of sleep apnea

Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea, ,

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that causes breathing problems during sleep. Many people dealing with sleep apnea do not even realize that they have the condition. But if their partner or family member reports a heavy amount of snoring, this could be a sure sign that something is wrong. Let’s investigate the dangers of sleep apnea.

Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Your dentist in downtown Los Angeles often connects some important links between sleep and oral health. There are many dangers of sleep apnea that could be affecting you if let it go untreated. Some patients may even suffer brain damage due to underlying sleep apnea conditions. Take a look at the following information and get in touch with us to schedule your sleep apnea appointment with us ASAP.

Sleep Apnea Causes and Symptoms

How does sleep apnea begin? If it’s not treated promptly, sleep apnea could prove fatal. Your partner or you may both be able to identify the most common signs of sleep apnea while sleeping. Some symptoms include:

  • Constant fatigue
  • Insomnia or trouble falling asleep
  • Changes in mood
  • Sleeping in a coma-like state
  • Gasping for air or choking when you wake up
  • Frequent headaches in the morning
  • Forgetfulness

Sleep apnea could be made more likely by certain risk factors. Your risk factors include sudden weight gain, a family history of sleep disorder, smoking, and alcohol consumption. You may feel mood and happiness problems if you have sleep apnea as well, which could lead to the need for mental healthcare.

Sleep Apnea and its Mental Effects

On the subject of mental health, it is possible that the more common symptoms of sleep apnea might not be obvious immediately. Sometimes it may take some time to realize something is wrong. Research has demonstrated a stronger link between sleep apnea and mental health than we previously thought, which helps to speed along the diagnosis process. People with sleep apnea, especially if it is not diagnosed early on, can have higher levels of anxiety and depression.

Additional studies have shown an increase in cognitive impairment. Reduced brain function is to blame, as sleep apnea cuts off oxygen from your body’s control center. Over time, this could make you feel more and more sick, increasing the urgency of your need to see a doctor.

Sleep Apnea And Memory Loss

Some forms of sleep apnea can cause memory loss and, in extreme cases, can lead to the forgetting of important life events. Sleep apnea is linked to memory loss, which is not surprising considering the fact that it can also cause fatigue. Patients may find it difficult to recall details about life events. Sometimes, patients mistakenly perceive long-term memories as short-term memories and forget how much time has passed between that event and now.

Restoring Brain Damage from Sleep Apnea

According to some studies, sleep apnea can be reversed. Although there is no cure for sleep apnea, the chances of getting a complete recovery are high. There are several ways to improve your brain’s functionality and health.

A CPAP machine, which you can use while you sleep, is the most popular and effective treatment. Studies show that people who have used CPAP for a year can improve and regrow their white matter, thereby reducing the damage.

Get the Best Sleep Apnea Treatment Today

Sleep apnea is most commonly associated with memory problems, mental health issues, sore throats, snoring, and heart problems. This condition can have serious consequences for your whole body if not treated properly over time. Get in touch with your trusted doctor or dental experts today to learn more about an effective solution to your sleeping problems. Get the best sleep apnea treatment in Downtown Los Angeles when you sign up for a personal consultation ASAP.

concept image of taking kid to the dentist

Tips for Taking Your Kid to the Dentist

Pediatric Dentistry, , ,

You are a new parent and you want to do the right thing for your child. It is important to schedule regular checkups and appointments. How about your child’s oral health? When is the best time to schedule your child’s first visit to the dentist? How can you prepare your child for a positive experience at the dentist? Here we have some tips for taking your kid to the dentist.

Tips for Taking Your Kid to the Dentist

Before you take your child to see the dentist, it’s important that you have all of these questions answered. You should be able to help your child feel at ease once that time arrives. Here are some top tips for taking your kid to the dentist, courtesy of your board-certified dentist in downtown LA.

Know What to Expect

Your child’s dentist will probably perform a brief and gentle exam during this first appointment. This will take between 30-45 minutes and depends on the condition of your child’s mouth. Your little one might also need to have X-rays taken and their teeth cleaned, depending on the situation. As they grow older, the dentist will teach your child proper flossing and brushing.

Help Your Child Learn the Value of Oral Health

Sometimes, it takes an expert to convince a child to take good care of their teeth. A healthy smile will make you a better person in the long term. Our dentists can provide treatment and care depending on the needs of your child. It helps to visualize the problems and pains your child would experience if they had to deal with dental issues.

Teach At-Home Oral Care Options

You will want to encourage your child to practice good oral hygiene habits before and after their first appointment with the dentist. To prevent plaque and other harmful bacteria from building up on your teeth, you should brush and floss daily.

These are just a few other tips that you can use to help your children feel more encouraged to practice daily dental hygiene:

  • Use a soft toothbrush to start. Start with a soft toothbrush and then gradually increase the number of bristles that you use to brush your child’s teeth.
  • Bottle tooth decay is a serious problem. Baby bottle tooth decay is common in babies who drink too much.
  • To clean their gums, use a damp cloth. Even though your child has all their teeth, their oral health is still important. Make sure you give them a gentle clean every day.
  • Teach your child how to brush their teeth. As they get older, teach your child how to brush their teeth properly. By age 7, they should be able to brush their teeth independently.
  • Limit sugary foods before the age of 8. Sugar can lead to tooth decay in children younger than 8, especially if they are still learning how and when.

It is crucial to begin monitoring your child’s oral health early. You should be alert for signs that your child may have oral problems as they grow.

Throw an After-Visit Party

Your child should visit the dentist approximately every six months for a checkup and cleaning. You can make going to the dentist a pleasant and enjoyable experience, even though everyone hates it. Instead of making the dentist’s chair intimidating and scary, teach your child about the many ways dentists can help you keep your teeth healthy. You can reward your child’s visit with something extra. You can take your child to a theme park or let them play hooky at school. Or throw a party at your home to celebrate good oral health!

Invest in your Child’s Future Now!

Even though they might not like to go to the dentist, it’s important that your child visits at least twice a year to get a deep clean and to look out for any oral health issues. There are many ways to help your child feel comfortable and calm when visiting the dentist. They are sure to enjoy our state-of-the-art office of pediatric dentistry in Downtown Los Angeles, where your young one can receive care from one of the best dental experts in the area. Get in touch with Samaritan Dental Arts today to learn more!

Concept image of color-matched dental fillings

Can I Have Color-Matched Dental Fillings?

General Dentistry, ,

Composite dental fillings are tooth-colored fillings that match the color of your natural teeth. Composites can blend seamlessly with virtually any tooth color by custom crafting the color. Composites are a popular cosmetic option for treating your smile’s cavities. But can you have color-matched dental fillings?

Can I Have Color-Matched Dental Fillings?

A lot of patients who visit their dentist in Downtown Los Angeles ask, “Can I have color-matched dental fillings?” The short answer is yes. Dental professionals can match your tooth color with white fillings made of composite resin. Similar matching can be done for any other dental restoration procedure. Learn more about tooth-colored restorations with our helpful information below!

About Dental Fillings

Dental fillings with tooth-colored teeth are a popular alternative to metal. They have gained popularity among patients and dentists over the past decade. These types of fillings do not use metal and instead use acrylic or ceramic materials to repair damaged teeth. For optimal aesthetic results, the material is color-matched to each patient’s tooth. Because of their cosmetic benefits and other factors, younger patients are more likely than older patients to have tooth-colored fillings. However, these fillings are widely available and can be made with one easy office visit.

Why Patients Like Tooth-Colored Fillings

Composite fillings have become the modern choice for fillings. Composite fillings are custom-made to match the natural color of your tooth, making them almost invisible. They are attached to the tooth by bonding the material to it so that they don’t fall off. Composite fillings are a popular choice for patients who want to replace old gold and silver fillings. There are other benefits:

  • Beautiful in appearance
  • All completed in one visit
  • No leaks over time
  • There is less chance of teeth cracking

Composite resins can be color-matched to natural teeth to make white fillings virtually invisible. Composite tooth-colored fillings bond to the tooth, unlike silver or gold fillings. This helps prevent tooth fractures and protects the tooth from extreme temperature changes. Composite fillings are less likely to fall out than metal ones, making them a preferred choice by patients young and old.

Are Color-Matched Fillings Affordable?

Prices for every procedure vary, but generally white fillings are more expensive than metal ones. We have found that white fillings are more appealing than metal because of their unique ability to bond with the teeth and natural appearance. Fortunately, most dental insurance plans will cover the cost of dental fillings since they are a preventative treatment that gets rid of cavities in your mouth.

Replacing Your Metal Fillings with New Color-Matched Options

For cosmetic reasons, white fillings can be more beneficial than metal fillings. Many patients don’t want any brightly colored metal parts to be visible when they smile and eat. White fillings will not cause people to spot your fillings, even when you are pointing them out. Sometimes, even trained dentists can’t see composite fillings!

Metal fillings can also require more tooth removal and replacement. This can lead to issues down the road, as the metal expands or retracts at different temperatures. Some patients still want to have their mercury fillings removed as they can cause different health symptoms including mercury poisoning and chronic infection. Tooth-colored fillings don’t just look better; they are better for your dental health, too!

Get Natural-Looking Fillings with Your Dentist Today!

Samaritan Dental Arts offers a variety of services and treatments that will help you achieve your best smile. You can get professional dental treatment for your dental health, including dental fillings and cosmetic bonding. Contact our experts today to schedule a consultation for your oral health concerns, and see how you can benefit from the best dental fillings in Downtown Los Angeles that support a long life of good dental health.