All posts by Alan Zabolian

concept image of care for dental crowns

Top Ways to Care for Dental Crowns

Cosmetic Dentistry,

Dental crowns are a great way to save your natural teeth and improve the function of your mouth. Dental crowns can be used to prevent you from having to have more extensive dental work in the near future. Crowns have many benefits, including their durability. With proper care, they can last for many years. It is important to know how to prevent damage. These five tips will help you maintain beautiful smiles for years, regardless of whether you have one crown or many. Let’s look at the top ways to care for dental crowns.

Top Ways to Care for Dental Crowns

Porcelain crowns can be used to improve the appearance and function of your teeth. The benefits of porcelain crowns don’t end with the procedure. To ensure your porcelain crowns last a lifetime, there are some aftercare guidelines our emergency dentist in Downtown LA has that you can follow.

Brush and Floss Your Crowns Daily

Dental crowns typically last between five and fifteen years. Your oral hygiene and other habits will determine the lifespan of your dental crown as well as your natural teeth. However, permanent crowns require less care than temporary ones. Regularly brush your teeth and rinse with antibacterial mouthwash. Treat your crowns like you would your regular teeth, making sure to keep them free from plaque and tartar by engaging in daily dental activities.

Invest in a Night Guard for Restful Sleep

Nightguards are similar to retainers and protect your upper and lower teeth from touching. This is a good option for those who grind their teeth while sleeping. Grinding can cause your crown and other teeth to wear down. The best dental nightguards are comfortable enough to sleep in while helping you break your bad dental habits. To prevent unnecessary damage and rising restorative dentistry costs, practice prevention with a nightguard to keep your crowns and natural teeth protected.

Stop Bad Dental Habits

Avoid bad habits such as grinding your teeth or chewing your nails. They can cause damage to the crown. People also enjoy chewing ice, which can cause damage to the crown. When performing your daily oral hygiene, be sure to pay attention to the gum line. Brushing too harshly or eating hard items can cause irreparable damage to your gums, which can contribute to a lifetime of gingivitis or gum disease. Stop these habits as soon as you can to keep your crowns and all of your dental health safe.

Avoid Chewing Hard or Chewy Foods

Although crowns are strong and durable, they can still be damaged just like natural teeth. You should replace your crown sooner than usual if you are chomping on hard candy or ice. Sticky and chewy foods can also cause problems. They can weaken or loosen your crown, or cause sticky bits to stick between your gum and your crown. Avoid these foods whenever possible.

Remember that the durable porcelain used in crowns is resistant to staining. It can’t be bleached like natural teeth because of its resistance to staining. To ensure your crown looks the best, it is a good idea to get a professional whitening treatment before you have it done. If you do decide to whiten your teeth in the future, your crown will match your natural teeth perfectly.

Learn More About Dental Crowns Today!

You might have difficulty eating or speaking if you have chips, cracks, or missing gaps in your teeth. Your smile might not be what you want when you look in the mirror. Our top-of-the-line dental crowns in downtown Los Angeles can restore your smile and give you the functionality you have always wanted. Call our friendly professionals today to find a customized treatment plan catered to your budget and oral health needs. To ensure your crown fits perfectly, we can arrange a personal consultation with you. Contact us today to start your journey to good dental health!

Man running representing older patient with dental implants look real

Do Dental Implants Look Real?

Dental Implants, ,

Implants are a popular choice for restorative dentistry. Implants can be a great option for people who have lost or damaged teeth and are having difficulty chewing, breathing, or even smiling. And, implants give patients a chance to live a normal, comfortable life. But do dental implants look real?

Do Dental Implants Look Real?

But a lot of patients want to know: How do implants work? Do dental implants look real enough to pass off as real teeth? Do they feel good, too? If there’s one thing our dentist in downtown Los Angeles knows, it’s that dental implants should be built to last a lifetime. High-quality implants can look and feel just like real teeth. If you want to improve the functionality and health of your smile, read on!

How Dental Implants Work

Implants can serve as a permanent fixture in your mouth and act just like natural teeth. They should feel and act almost identical to your natural teeth over time. To ensure they last long, it is important to understand how they function in the first place. Dentists typically follow these steps to determine how many implants you need and how the procedure will take place:

  • Your dentist will determine how many teeth should end up replaced by dental implants.
  • Your dentist will surgically attach posts on your jawbone that will attach to the implants later.
  • The posts will fuse to your bone as you heal and provide permanent security for the implants.
  • The posts will hold your dental implants. They will look and feel just like your natural teeth.

Once your implants are removed, your permanent dentures will become more comfortable in your mouth. They will become your natural teeth over time and you will feel normal again.

Your Candidacy for Implants

For more information on whether you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant, schedule a consultation with your dentist. The dentist will examine your teeth to determine if they have damage or missing parts. This will allow them to determine the type of restorative dentistry treatment that best suits you. Candidates typically exist in good general health with one or more missing teeth needing replacement by implants. If you are dealing with bone loss in your jaw, you may not be a suitable candidate for this procedure.

Custom Made for Your Smile

A prosthetic crown is the visible portion of a dental implant. It attaches to an implant’s surface called an abutment. Crowns are made of a composite material, which is custom-made to match the color and shade of the tooth enamel. This is what makes it look just like a real tooth. Your dentist can also mold, sand, and shape crowns to match the shape of the tooth they are replacing. Implants look and function just like normal teeth.

The benefits of implants are not limited to aesthetics. The jawbone will ultimately fuse with the titanium elements of the implant. This integration stimulates the healthy gum tissue and jaw growth. It also prevents jaw and gum recession which can lead to serious problems for not only the area surrounding the missing tooth but for the entire arch. Not to mention, you’ll be able to chew and smile again like new!

Dental Implants are a Lifetime Benefit!

We at Samaritan Dental Arts understand how important it is to maintain your dental health. You won’t enjoy many of the everyday activities that you can do if your smile isn’t healthy enough. Implants can give you a second lease on life, extending your comfort and well-being for many years to come. Contact us now to find out more about the best dental implants in downtown Los Angeles and to schedule a consultation immediately!

Tooth with root canal bandage on blue background to explain how dental inlays and onlays are different.

Is a Root Canal a Dental Emergency?

Dental Emergencies, , , ,

A mild toothache could indicate that you have a cavity or an injury. A serious toothache is a sign of something much worse. Radiating pain that won’t go away usually means that you are dealing with a tooth infection. The longer the toothache lasts, the further the infection will spread throughout the body. The best way to prevent total tooth loss in the event of major pain is to visit your emergency dentist in Downtown LA. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may need to get a root canal done. But is a root canal a dental emergency?

Is a Root Canal a Dental Emergency?

Is a root canal a dental emergency, though? Are toothaches something that needs to be addressed right away? While the answer can vary on a case-by-case basis, a root canal is typically considered to be a dental emergency. This is especially true because bad infections could reach the bloodstream, which can be deadly. Keep reading to prepare yourself for the emergency root canal procedure should you find yourself in this situation.

Biggest Signs of a Root Canal Emergency

You should always be able to get in touch with an emergency dentist to handle your root canal treatment. Some people’s symptoms may be milder, while others may be more severe. The biggest signs that you need emergency dentistry treatment right away are intense pain, bleeding, and tooth damage that exposes the pulp. If you aren’t sure how bad your tooth infection has become, you should give yourself the benefit of the doubt and contact your endodontist as soon as you can.

How Root Canals Work

Root canals are the go-to procedure for urgent situations where an advanced infection is present. Once a tooth has become infected, it must be filled with a cavity filling. Or else the infection will get worse. Eventually, it can spread to the pulp of the tooth, which is where the tooth stores its nerves that connect to the rest of the body. Once the infection reaches the pulp, it is classified as a dental emergency and a root canal treatment is needed to remove the affected pulp.

The typical steps of a root canal treatment are as follows:

  • X-Rays and testing. Your dentist will take pictures of the damaged tooth to determine whether treatment is necessary – and if so, what type of treatment would be best.
  • Infection treatment. If you have a bad tooth infection, your dentist may want you to take antibiotics to get rid of the infection before you go through the root canal procedure itself.
  • Pulp and nerve removal. During your procedure, the dentist will use a numbing agent in your mouth so you don’t feel pain throughout the process. Your pulp and nerves will be removed from the tooth, getting rid of the infected material.
  • Tooth sealing. After the tooth is cleaned out from the inside, your dentist might have to seal it with a special material. In a future appointment, the restoration will be completed with a crown or dental bonding.

Patients are famously afraid of root canal procedures. And it is understandable why anyone would have hesitation about enduring a treatment like this. At Samaritan Dental Arts, we make it a priority to help you feel comfortable and at ease while giving you the best treatment for your symptoms. Root canals are nothing to be afraid of; the whole process will be over and done with before you know it!

Get an Emergency Root Canal ASAP

If you have a toothache that just won’t go away or infectious pain that is just getting worse, you should visit your emergency dentist right away. Be sure to get in touch with our root canal specialist in Downtown LA and schedule an emergency appointment as soon as possible. Don’t delay your health any longer!

Father and child practicing good home dental habits brushing teeth

Best Home Dental Habits

Dental Care at Home, ,

Everyone knows that the key to a healthy mouth is a daily routine of brushing and flossing. You should also visit your local dentist in downtown Los Angeles for regular checkups and deep cleanings to ensure that there are no serious dental problems building up in secret. But on most days, you should engage with the best home dental habits to keep oral health issues at bay.

Best Home Dental Habits

Let’s review some of our favorite at-home dental habits that can keep you on the path to good oral hygiene for the rest of your life. As some of the most common medical issues around the world, tooth infections and cavities only get worse over time if you don’t properly treat them. Here are some steps you can take at home to make sure your teeth never get that bad!

Brush – and Don’t Forget to Floss

The core part of your daily routine includes brushing your teeth, but the maintenance shouldn’t stop there. It is also important to floss to get rid of plaque and tartar that may have built up in between your teeth. These are tight and hard-to-reach spaces that the toothbrush can’t reach. And according to the ADA and the CDC, you should floss your teeth once per day to prevent a buildup of bacteria.

Invest in Mouthwash

Still looking for that extra bit of cleanliness after you have brushed and flossed? There’s one more thing you can do on the regular: Use mouthwash! This is a good way to flush out those extra bits of bacteria that might not have gone away with the brush. Additionally, mouthwash can keep other dental issues like gingivitis and even hard plaque at bay.

Use More Fluoride

There are a lot of reasons why toothpaste and mouthwash products can effectively clean your teeth, but the biggest reason is fluoride. This chemical is very good for your teeth as it helps to kill bacteria while washing away any other unsavory particles. It is essential that you invest in tooth-cleaning products that contain fluoride. In fact, products without fluoride cannot protect you against cavities. If you are actively looking for ways to keep your teeth clean at home, you must get your hands on some products that contain fluoride.

Try to Stop Smoking

Nobody is at fault for forming a bad habit. A lot of people smoke, and it’s the effort to stop smoking that can really make a difference. Over time, tobacco and nicotine can inhibit your body’s immune system and make it more difficult for you to recover from dental maladies. If you have to get dental treatment, recovery from the procedure could be a lot slower as well.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly!

Maintaining your dental health at home is vital to your overall health. You should also check in with your local experts at least every 6 months for a full examination. A certified dental hygienist can clean your teeth and perform x-rays to get a deeper look at what’s going on underneath the surface. If there are any issues such as cavities or plaque, they will be resolved right away. We recommend visiting your dentist twice a year, but you may need to visit more, depending on your individual needs.

Practice the Best Home Dental Habits Every Day

The best way to prevent dental maladies is to protect your teeth as best as you can. This includes a daily routine of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash that contains enough fluoride to combat bacteria and waste. It is also a good idea to visit your dentist every few months for a checkup and additional treatment if needed. Learn more about preventative dentistry in Los Angeles when you get in touch with our pros at Samaritan Dental Arts today!

Woman smiling without side effects of teeth whitening

Common Minor Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic Dentistry, , ,

Teeth whitening is the most common and popular cosmetic dentistry treatment in the world, and it has many major benefits. If you are dealing with yellowing teeth or dark spots in unsightly places, you could benefit from this affordable and pain-free procedure. Now, let’s look at some minor side effects of teeth whitening.

Common Minor Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

People who visit their local dentist in Downtown Los Angeles often ask about the after-effects of the teeth whitening procedure. Are there any dangers to be aware of? Is it always safe for adults looking to whiten their teeth? Below, we will review the common minor side effects of teeth whitening you may experience alongside all of the benefits.

Increased Tooth Sensitivity

For a short amount of time, you might be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Be careful while eating and drinking things that might be frozen or piping hot. There are specific kinds of toothpaste you can buy that will help lower your sensitivity to extreme temperatures. Still, you can expect this sensation to naturally fade away after a few days following your tooth whitening procedure.

Gum or Skin Irritation

If the bleaching agent used to whiten your teeth comes into accidental contact with your gums or your skin, you may experience a little bit of irritation. If you feel irritation or burning anywhere, you should notify your dentist immediately. It can be treated by flushing the area out with water. Any feelings of irritation should subside pretty quickly.

Discomfort – But Not Pain

If you are someone who already experiences natural tooth sensitivity, you might be in a little bit of discomfort after your tooth-whitening procedure. It is important to note that most patients do not report experiencing any pain, but there may be some discomfort as the teeth become more sensitive than usual for a short amount of time. If you have trouble eating, drinking, or even breathing while dealing with discomfort in the mouth, get in touch with your local dentist right away.

Tooth Tingling

Another interesting sensation you might want to expect is tooth tingling. Patients have said that their teeth and gums feel like they are tingling. But not in a way that is uncomfortable or painful. This is sometimes a side effect of the bleach used in the whitening agent, but it should not last very long. You can discuss these concerns with your dentist during your follow-up appointment if you are still experiencing tingling days after your tooth whitening procedure.

Throat or Stomach Pain

If you accidentally swallow some of the bleaching agents, you may experience burning or painful sensations in the throat and stomach. This usually does not occur, as the agent does not typically touch your tongue or get into your mouth. The agent is applied directly to your teeth and dried with a UV light, making no contact with any other part of your body. In the event the bleaching agent does get somewhere else, you should wash the area with water right away. If swallowed, contact the doctor immediately.

Get the Best Tooth Whitening Results at Samaritan Dental Arts Today!

You deserve to enjoy a smile filled with bright, dazzling teeth. If you want your teeth whitened the right way, visit us at Samaritan Dental Arts! We provide a wide range of high-end services and products to help you achieve perfect teeth whitening in Downtown Los Angeles. Worried about some of the minor side effects of teeth whitening? You can schedule a personal consultation with one of our dental experts right away. We look forward to helping you improve the health and look of your smile!

Woman with dental veneers

Things That Harm Dental Veneers

Dental Veneers,

Everyone wants to feel good about the way they look, and teeth are an important part of beauty. It can be difficult to smile in public or look in the mirror if you have blemishes, stains, cracks, or chips on your teeth. Porcelain veneers can help you feel good both inside and outside. Now, let’s look at things that harm dental veneers.

Things That Harm Dental Veneers

Our dentist in Downtown LA offers premier dental veneers made from porcelain and composite materials that can give your smile a new facade. But you need to take care of them in order to keep them looking strong and pristine for many years to come. Here are some of the biggest things that harm dental veneers over time if you do not invest in good oral hygiene.

Physical Harm

If you are susceptible to physical damage, you might not want to get veneers. Porcelain veneers are just like real teeth in that they can be damaged by sudden injury or a physical accident. Contact sports and similar activities can be too dangerous for your veneers if you don’t wear the proper mouth protection. Veneers should be treated like porcelain caps that sit on top of your real teeth, so you might not want to put them in harm’s way.

Poor Dental Hygiene

It is important that you keep up with a daily routine of brushing and flossing. Veneers may physically cover up some of the damage on the surface of your tooth, but that tooth still needs to be cleaned. Otherwise, it can start a rapid spread of decay and infection. If you get a cavity under the tooth that has veneers on it, you may need to have your veneers permanently removed.

Grinding Your Teeth

Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, can severely affect your oral health. A lot of people grind their teeth due to stress or pain without even realizing it. Unfortunately, a lot of tooth grinding happens overnight. This constant clenching and gnashing of the teeth can cause veneers to crack and break. This same damage can occur to your natural teeth as well, which is why it is important to seek treatment for bruxism right away.

Too Much Stress

One reason why you may grind your teeth (or chew your fingernails) a lot is due to stress. The buildup of stress and anxiety can have real physical results, which can negatively impact your health. Are you constantly biting things and chewing on objects that shouldn’t go into your mouth, Then this applies too much force to the veneers which could cause them to break apart.

Bad Installation

This doesn’t happen very often. But it is possible for your dentist to do a bad job applying the veneers to your teeth. A porcelain shell must be made to match the shape and size of the surface of your tooth. So it can be properly applied with dental bonding. In some rare instances, the bonding may not apply all the way or the veneers could be misaligned after the procedure. It is best to get them redone right away.

Find Your Favorite Cosmetic Dentistry Solution in LA Today

Samaritan Dental Arts is your local solution for the best porcelain veneers in Downtown Los Angeles. Whether you are looking to repair chipped, broken, or stained teeth, you can get the help you need from certified specialists in your area. Get in touch with our friendly staff members today to schedule a personal consultation so you can learn about our wide range of cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments. Learn about veneers aftercare so you can enjoy a dazzling white smile for many years to come!

Woman asking questions of her dentist about Invisalign.

6 Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Invisalign

Invisalign, ,

Orthodontics may be an option if you have crooked or misaligned teeth. But, a lot of people don’t want to deal with metal in their mouths. With Invisalign, individuals can have a more beautiful smile in a shorter time. The Invisalign system works by gradually shifting your teeth using a series of removable aligners. Invisalign is quickly becoming a popular choice for patients of all ages. Here are the top questions to ask your dentist about Invisalign.

6 Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Invisalign

Most of our LA patients want to know whether this procedure is safe and effective. Our dentist in downtown Los Angeles will show you the most important questions to ask your dentist about Invisalign before you invest in the procedure.

Is Invisalign Safe?

Both adults and adolescents can have straighter teeth with Invisalign. You can wear these aligners comfortably at home and in daily activities. If patients are required to wear mouthguards while competing in high-impact sports like boxing and wrestling, they should take off their aligners. Although this decision is not always easy for everyone, many parents decide to not give their children braces or removable aligners. They are likely to damage or lose them. Plus, their teeth may not yet be fully grown in.

How Do They Work?

Invisalign uses flexible and removable aligner trays, rather than traditional braces, which use wires to pull teeth down into the correct alignment. To be effective, Invisalign aligners must be worn for between 20 and 22 hours per day. Just because you can remove them doesn’t mean they should be left off. If you want good results, you should only remove them when you eat and when you clean them during your dental hygiene routine.

What Are the Most Common Dental Problems that Invisalign Can Treat?

Invisalign can solve many common issues. These include issues such as underbite or overbite. Invisalign is also able to straighten your crooked teeth, remove crowded areas, or close gaps between teeth. If you require any major tooth movement after severe misalignment or injury, you may require metal braces to assist you after an Invisalign treatment.

Can Invisalign Allow Me To Eat While Wearing the Aligners?

Remember that you must remove Invisalign aligners before you start to eat. This is because food can cause damage to the aligners and slow down the process of straightening your teeth. The more damage you get, the less effective the overall Invisalign treatment will be. Make sure to clean your trays before and after you eat, and every day before you replace them.

What Is the Best Thing to Drink with Invisalign?

Patients should really only drink water while actively wearing Invisalign. Because hot beverages like tea and coffee can cause alignment warping and staining, it’s best not to touch them. Sugary drinks like Gatorade, juice, and soda can also stick into the space between your teeth. When wearing your trays, this sugar will end up stuck and advance the production of decay. It remains important to reach out to your dentist right away when this problem comes up.

What Is the Typical Duration of Invisalign Treatment?

Many patients are curious to know how long a usual Invisalign treatment will last. Invisalign aligners should be consistently used for 9-12 months. Patients may need more time, particularly if the aligners are broken or not being worn correctly. If you are curious about whether or not you are a likely candidate for Invisalign treatment, reach out to our LA dentist right away.

Find the Best Dental Treatment for You Today!

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we invest in the highest-quality treatment for all of our patients. We want you to get the most out of an innovative solution for invisible braces in Los Angeles. Contact our orthodontic specialists today to see the benefits of Invisalign for yourself!

Dental fillings vs dental bondings 3d concept.

Dental Fillings vs Dental Bonding

General Dentistry, ,

Cosmetic and restorative dentistry offers endless opportunities to improve the health and look of your teeth. If you are dealing with a crack, chip, breakage, or even a cavity, you should reach out to Samaritan Dental in DTLA for a filling or bonding procedure. But what exactly are the differences between dental fillings vs. dental bonding?

Dental Fillings vs Dental Bonding

One procedure is effective against breaks, while the other can help you if you have developed a cavity. Keep reading to find the important details on both of these procedures and find the differences so you know how to best take care of your dental health.

What are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are used to fill holes that are caused in your teeth from cavities. Sugar and bacteria can cause decay in the mouth, damaging the teeth over time. The longer you wait to visit the dentist for a cavity, the more the infection can spread. If the signs of decay are small enough, your dentist can carve out the infected part of the tooth and fill it with a composite resin that resembles the look of your natural tooth.

How Dental Fillings Work

Your dentist must first prepare your tooth by giving it a full examination. He ensures the healthy parts of your tooth are strong enough to support a filling procedure. Once the tooth is ready and the material is picked out, your dentist will drill a small hole in the affected area to get rid of the decay. This new hole will be filled with the material. This material prevents further decay from spreading.

What is Dental Bonding?

There are quite a few differences between dental fillings and dental bonding. In fact, they are treatments used for two completely different reasons. Fillings are used to stem the tide of cavities and decay. But dental bonding can be applied when you have a chipped or cracked tooth. While the composite material used to fill in these cracks and breaks can be the same as the filling used for a cavity, they are still different procedures.

How Dental Bonding Works

During the dental bonding process, your dentist will use a small amount of the composite material to fill in the spots of your tooth broken by chips or cracks. Then, a non-contact laser light will be held up to the composite material to dry it in place. You’ll be able to enjoy new cosmetic fixes that restore your teeth back to new while preventing further damage from breaks and cracks.

Fillings and Bondings – What to Expect

Dental fillings and dental bonding use the same materials, but they are applied to your teeth in different ways. Dental bonding is usually seen as a cosmetic dentistry treatment. Also, dental fillings are used to prevent the spread of decay. Both procedures have health and aesthetic benefits that you can take advantage of when you schedule an appointment with your local dental experts.

Your teeth may feel a little sensitive after the procedure, although you should not feel any pain. Make sure to eat soft foods that are not hot or cold as your teeth adjust to these new changes.

Find the Best Dental Treatment for Your Teeth ASAP

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we offer a wide range of services and treatments to help you bring out your very best smile. From dental fillings to cosmetic dental bonding, you can invest in professional dental treatments for the betterment of your health. Get in touch with our experts today. You can schedule a one-on-one consultation so you can address your oral health needs as quickly as possible. Call us today!

three dental implants on blue background.

Can Dental Implants Fall Off?

Dental Implants, , ,

Whether you are new to dental implants or have been wearing them for a while, you may be nervous about the idea that your dental implants can fall off. Every so often, patients experience a damaged or improperly installed implant that can cause it to fall out of the mouth. This doesn’t mean that dental implants are bad for you, but it may warrant an urgent correction at Samaritan Dental Arts in DTLA.

Can Dental Implants Fall Off?

Our dental experts can help answer the question, “Can dental implants fall off?” It’s important to know that a functional dental implant should never fall out. Signs of damage or disrepair may be due to poor installation. Read more to learn what you can do if you end up in any of these situations.

Implant Installation

Proper dental implants are made to fit perfectly in your mouth. When you visit with your dentist before getting the implants put in, you will make a mold of your mouth so the device can be made just for you. Implants are supposed to perfectly match the structure of your mouth and teeth; with the right fit, they should fit well and require very little maintenance.

If you are experiencing any issues with the structure or installation of your device, you should reach out to your dentist right away. Implants are not supposed to fall out for any reason other than improper installation. It is important to address this issue right away if you notice that your implants are loose or ill-fitting.

Signs of Improper Implant Installation

Although getting loose or falling out is not one of the most common problems with dental implants, it is something serious that needs to be taken care of right away should it occur. You may feel that your device is physically loosening, and you may be able to pinpoint the exact area of your mouth where the problem is happening. You may also discover symptoms such as:

  • Bone loss in the teeth or jaws
  • Bleeding when you touch your implant
  • Discoloration or swelling around the implant
  • Infection
  • Pain on and around the area

When you notice any of the above symptoms, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist. This is especially true if the symptoms persist for a long period of time. You may be able to save your implant – and restore good health to your mouth – if you act quickly.

When Your Implant Falls Out…

If you cannot reach the dentist right away or the damage is too great and your dental implant falls out, you should visit your dentist and your doctor right away. Not only might you be faced with a costly implant repair, but the loss of your implant could have severe medical repercussions as well. Again, it is important to fix your dental implant right away.

Get in touch with your dentist ASAP and try to save the parts of your implant that fell out of your mouth. Try not to use that side of your mouth until you receive emergency treatment. While your mouth heals, you may want to rinse it with a mouthwash without alcohol. Maintaining your dental health is the most important part of the process. An untreated implant issue could lead to internal infection, resulting in death.

Get the Best Dental Implant Treatment Today

Samaritan Dental Arts offers advanced, top-rated dental implants in Downtown Los Angeles. If you are suffering from an ill-fitting implant, or you have suffered damage that caused your implant to loosen, contact us for immediate repair. It is important to maintain good dental health, and having lasting implants can make a huge difference. Get in touch with us today to talk about your personal oral health plan.

Man smiling after his filling.

Tips for After Your Filling

General Dentistry, , , ,

Dental fillings are common dental procedures that can help treat your cavities and get rid of infection. While fillings happen all the time, you may not know exactly what to do after you get one of your own. If you are planning an upcoming trip to your Downtown LA dental office to get some cavities filled, don’t fret – our experts will tell you what to do with these tips for after your filling.

Tips for After Your Filling

Here are some easy-to-learn tips for after your filling that will help you enjoy a quick and smooth recovery process.

The Filling Procedure: What to Expect?

Does it hurt to get fillings? Should you expect pain after a procedure? Dealing with cavities is no fun, but it is easy and fast to get them filled. Your dentist will likely numb the area around the affected tooth before drilling a hole in the cavity. Your local experts will clear out the source of infection and fill the cavity with a dental composite material to keep it protected from further decay.

Will There Be Pain?

Having your cavities filled is usually not a painful process while it is happening, because your dentist will provide you with numbing medicine to keep you comfortable. After the filling procedure and the numbness wears off, you may feel a little bit of pain. It is normal to feel pain and sensitivity in the area where you had your cavities filled. Usually, this pain goes away after a day. If the pain persists for several days, it is important to contact your local dental experts right away.

Can I Still Eat?

Patients often want to know whether they should avoid eating after a filling procedure. It is recommended that you avoid chewing on the location of your filling for at least one day before resuming normal activities. Try chewing on the other side of your mouth, or eat only liquids so you don’t have to chew. Your dentist will likely give you better care instructions detailing exactly how you should care for your mouth after the filling is complete.

What if I Can Feel the Filling?

Dentists do the best job that they can to perfectly measure the filling material. Sometimes, a little might be sticking out after the treatment is complete. You will feel this when you bite down, chew, or speak. It may prevent you from being able to properly close your mouth and enjoy your smile. If this problem persists, you can return to the dentist’s office to have part of the filling shaved off. The goal is to create a filling that blends in with the rest of your tooth, both in color and in shape.

If Pain Persists

If you feel pain after the filling procedure, your dentist may prescribe an over-the-counter solution to help the pain subside. You will want to treat the affected area gently until it is fully healed. Avoid eating, brushing, and flossing near that tooth until the pain goes away. Painkillers shouldn’t be needed after a simple filling procedure, but it is important to communicate with your dental expert if you feel that you are experiencing abnormal pain.

Act Fast and Get the Best Dental Fillings Today

Cavities are common occurrences, and you can get a small and simple filling to immediately stop the spread of infection. The longer you wait to get a cavity filled, the more you are susceptible to illness and pain. Get ahold of your local experts today and find out about getting the best dental fillings in DTLA. The procedure is fast, easy, and typically pain-free. We are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your dental care plan. Call us today!