All posts by Alan Zabolian

Cleaning Your Teeth with Braces

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Braces can do wonders for giving you the perfect smile you will love to show off. However, the last thing you want is to finally have your braces removed only to reveal stained, uncared for teeth. In order to get optimal results that will really make you smile, it is crucial to know how to properly clean your teeth with braces. For detailed information from the premier dental clinic in Los Angeles about cleaning your teeth with braces, contact the team at Samaritan Dental today.

Brush Your Teeth Daily

While this first step may seem initially redundant, you would be surprised how many people forgo proper dental hygiene on a regular basis. In fact, a recent study found that 30% of Americans were not brushing enough. Although it is always important to implement dental care into your daily routine, there is an even greater emphasis on proper dental techniques when you have braces because there is an increased risk of food and plaque build up. The American Dental Association advises brushing after every meal, including snacks, and before you go to sleep as well.

But Do Not Brush Too Much

Now that we have told you about the importance of brushing, it is time to tell you the importance of not over brushing. While brushing daily is of the utmost importance, it is also important to preserve your enamel and protect your gums by not excessively brushing. To avoid tooth or gum damage and get information on best practices when brushing, contact Samaritan Dental, the best dental clinic in Los Angeles.

Do Not Forget to Floss!

Even though the wire brackets can make flossing a bit more of a chore, you cannot neglect flossing in your routine. Not only does flossing help remove trapped food and unwanted build-up, but it also ensures that your dental health remains in optimal condition. If you have any questions on how to floss with braces, how often to floss with braces, or any other questions pertaining to maintaining quality dental hygiene, contact the expert dental clinic in Los Angeles, Samaritan Dental. With years of experience, we are the professionals to trust with taking care of your braces.

Avoid Teeth Whitener

While we all want to achieve that pearly white smile, it is important to avoid teeth whiteners while you have braces. Since teeth whiteners can only work on the area of the teeth they touch, this can cause the parts under the braces to look discolored when removed. To avoid discoloration or an uneven look, refrain from whitening strips, toothpaste, and other whitening products that are not recommended.

Schedule Regular Check-Ups

Checking in with the professionals on a regular basis is a necessary step of proper dental health, especially when you have braces. Not only will this give them the opportunity to access that everything is going as planned, but it will give you the opportunity to have your teeth professionally cleaned. These regular check ups will ensure that any broken wires can be fixed, issues can be addressed, and that your teeth are being taken care of properly. For more information on how often check-ups occur and the importance of professional dental cleanings with braces, contact Samaritan Dental today.

 

Although cleaning your teeth with braces may seem complicated initially, having a consistent and effective plan will make it a part of your routine in no time. To start your journey to your perfect smile, contact the premier dental clinic, Samaritan Dental, today! Our years of experience, happy patients, and friendly team will help you have the best experience possible on the road to a better smile.

Close up portrait of cute little girl in Halloween costume holding pumpkin bucket outdoors at the park. Little girl child out for trick or treating on Halloween.

Candy Substitutes for Halloween

Pediatric Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry, , , , ,

 

Whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, there are plenty of sweet treats to go around. This is also the time where many people may see a decline in their dental hygiene, with kids being the most susceptible to dental problems. For any dental needs you may have, including dental crowns in Los Angeles, be sure to talk to Samaritan Dental and schedule an appointment today.

Statistics About Halloween and Your Teeth

Halloween is a great time to dress up and enjoy some well-deserved treats, but it is important to know the risks involved with that sack full of candy. Because bacteria loves to feed off that sugar that you are feeding on, there is an increased risk of dental problems during the Halloween season, especially due to all the candy readily available. Three of the most prominent dental problems that are seen during Halloween are cavities, infected teeth, and gum disease. You may also experience problems with previous fillings and crowns that you have. Because of the increased risk to your dental health, be sure to contact a dental professional at the first sign of symptoms. Samaritan Dental can help you with all your dental needs, including dental crowns in Los Angeles.

Candy Alternatives for Halloween

There are many reasons why you may want to elect to give out substitutes for candy during Halloween this year, but the trick is to find an alternative that kids actually like. First, try giving them something other than an edible treat. It doesn’t say anywhere in the Halloween handbook that a “treat” is solely something you can eat. Things such as little toys, bouncy balls, mini flashlights, stickers, coloring books, bubbles, novelty gag gifts, and spooky jewelry are just some ideas for fun, non-candy treats. There are plenty of alternatives that are edible as well, including honey sticks, organic candy, trail mix, oranges, popcorn packs, pretzels, and even snack packs with a bunch of these things together. Ultimately, the goal is to find something with significantly less sugar so you are not adding to the problem, but also being something enjoyable that kids want. And the added benefit is that without the candy in the house, the adults are being better about their dental health as well.

Tips and Tricks to Keep Dental Health in Check During Halloween

According to the American Dental Association, there are a bunch of tips and tricks that you can use to be safer with your teeth this Halloween season.

  • Eating candy is alright as a treat, but be careful not to snack throughout the day, choose candy that doesn’t sit in your mouth for a long time, and eating your sweet treat directly after or during a meal will help cancel out the acids produced by bacteria that can harm your teeth.
  • If you are going to enjoy some candy during the Halloween season, be sure to maintain a healthy diet the rest of the time, drink more water than normal to prevent tooth decay, and do not tempt yourself by buying more candy than you need.
  • Two things you should avoid if you are going to treat yourself to candy is sugary drinks, such as soda and sports drinks, and sticky candy.
  • Brush your teeth twice a day, and floss once a day to be sure that sugar does not get more time to prey on your teeth.

Halloween can be an extremely fun time as long as you enjoy candy in moderation, and don’t take your teeth’s health for granted. Scheduling routine appointments with your dentist is a great way to make sure that you do not run into any tooth trouble. Samaritan Dental offers many services to help your family, including dental crowns in Los Angeles; contact us today to schedule an appointment and keep your teeth as healthy as can be!

Graphic of tooth wearing stethoscope

The Importance of Choosing an Emergency Dentist You Can Trust

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When you’re looking for the right dentist to take care of you in case of a dental emergency, there are many factors to consider. You want a professional who knows your medical history, and one that can prioritize your needs when an unexpected dental problem arises. Discover how Dr. Zabolian and our whole team at Samaritan dental will put your needs first when you call to schedule your first appointment today. Don’t settle for a subpar emergency dentist in Los Angeles, get the best service with Samaritan dental. Find out why it is extremely importance to choose a committed emergency dentist that will be there for all your dental needs with our informative article now!

Trusting Your Dentist

In any medical scenario, trust is a key aspect to establishing and building a patient and doctor relationship. If you do not have trust with the person who will be treating you and trying their best to heal you, then any efforts to recover may be in vain. Finding a physician, you have a bond with is a great foundation for a trusting relationship. Many patients often feel awkward when they do not bond with their doctor but continue going to see them for check-ups because they do not want to create an uncomfortable situation. Never feel like you cannot continue to visit different doctors to find the right one, especially if you are an infrequent patient who is mainly visiting for a routine check-up.

 

The search to find the right doctor for you needs can take some time, but it is worth it to feel heard, and cared for during your appointments and treatments. Find an emergency dentist in Los Angeles that you can trust by visiting the offices of Dr. Zabolian and his team at Samaritan Dental today!

Finding the Right Emergency Dentist

No one ever wants to think about dental emergencies, but they happen every day, and can happen to you in an instant. Tooth or mouth pain is also one of the most extreme forms of bodily pain and waiting to have it treated once it has begun is often an unbearable option. Once you have found a doctor that you trust and are comfortable with, emergency medical situations will become significantly more manageable, because you know that your trusted physician will give you the care you need and will be there to listen to you throughout the full treatment.

 

Knowing that a doctor will be able to keep you calm in an emergency situation is a guaranteed way to ensure that any necessary treatment will be more comfortable for you. It is also important to have a doctor you trust in an emergency to take care of your health following the treatment you chose during the situation. If you leave your care in the hands of a doctor you are not familiar or comfortable with, your post treatment health may suffer as a result.

Emergency Dentist in Los Angeles

At Samaritan Dental, you are always our priority. Dr. Zabolian is dedicated to each and every patient individually, so that you always feel taken care of and important. We offer a wide variety of cosmetic dental services and always encourage our patients to choose the treatments that make sense for their lifestyles, and their budget. Our goal is always to give our patients a shining smile that they feel confident showing off. Find the best emergency dentist in Los Angeles today when you call the offices of Dr. Zabolian and the entire team at Samaritan Dental to set up your first appointment today.

What is Behind Children’s Dentist-Based Anxiety

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Many adults have severe anxiety about going to the dentist and if you fall into this category, how are you supposed to convince your kids that going to the dentist is fun? Even if you dread those appointments or avoid making them altogether, it’s important to set the right example and help your children develop a healthy understanding of the importance of good oral hygiene. Read on to learn where this anxiety comes from and some fun tips from pediatric Los Angeles dentist Samaritan Dental Arts.

 

The anxiety a child has about the dentist comes from a variety of fears. The child might have a fear of the unknown, a fear of pain (maybe they have heard you complain), or just a lack of trust with someone they don’t know. Here are some tips you can use to make going to the dentist more fun for your kids.

Start Them Out Young

The dentist’s office can be a scary place full of strangers with big metal tools who want to poke around your mouth. By starting the process early, parents are introducing children to the process and finding a good dental home. Kids will lose their teeth and may need to visit the dentist often even before kindergarten. Starting them young makes the process less scary as they become more familiar and establish a good relationship with their dentist.

Watch Your Own Mouth

You might not even realize that you are your own worst enemy when it comes to preparing your kids for a dental visit. The best advice is to keep it simple and don’t explain too many details to your kids. More details could lead to more questions you might not be able to answer. You don’t want to go into the nitty gritty about the process of getting a filling if your kid is just going in for a cleaning and checkup. Take it one step at a time.

 

It’s also a promising idea to avoid those “trigger” words that can cause a lot of anxiety for kids. Keep it positive and stay away from words like “pain” or “hurt.” It’s okay to rely on the dental staff to use their own vocabulary with the kids to help them understand the process. Emphasize “strong, healthy” teeth so they understand the visit is a positive experience that is good for their health.

Host a Pretend Visit

To help your child understand what the dentist will do, host a pretend visit with you as the dentist and have your child then practice on their favorite doll or stuffed animal. Grab a tooth brush and have your child open their mouth in front of the mirror. Count their teeth and show them the right way to brush. Use a small mirror to show them what the dentist might do as they look at the mouth and teeth. Then, have your child do the same thing with their stuffed animal so the process doesn’t seem so foreign and scary.

Prepare for Resistance

Even if you do everything right, your child still might show a little hesitation at going to the dentist. Be prepared for a fussy patient. Let the staff work their magic (they have experience with fussy and frightened kids) and allow them to help calm your child and explain the process in their own terminology.

 

If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in downtown Los Angeles, contact our professionals at Samaritan Dental Arts. We are open on Saturdays and offer evening appointments. You can easily schedule an appointment online. You can also fill out the necessary forms, meet our team of professionals and view a complete list of services. We offer flexible payment options and a caring staff ready to help ease your fears.

 

Don’t take your dental health for granted and don’t set a bad example for your kids. It might seem like a minor inconvenience now, but if left untreated, you could develop serious issues that could impact your overall health or that of your children. For the best pediatric dentist in downtown Los Angeles, make your appointment with Samaritan Dental Arts today.

Why Do Our Teeth Get Sensitive?

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It’s not uncommon for people with sensitive teeth to avoid eating cold food or drinking hot beverages. If hot, cold, sweet, acidic foods cause your teeth to be sensitive or painful, then you understand what we’re talking about. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, roughly 40 million U.S. adults experience tooth sensitivity, which can come and go over time. Read on to learn more about proper oral health from your downtown Los Angeles dentist Samaritan Dental Arts.

Causes

Tooth sensitivity happens when the enamel, which is supposed to protect our teeth, gets thinner or our gums recede, and the underlying surface is exposed and there is not a strong layer of protection over the tooth and root. There are a variety of dental issues that can cause teeth to become sensitive. A common habit that can cause sensitivity is worn tooth enamel that comes from using a hard-bristled toothbrush and brushing much too aggressively. Tooth erosion can also be caused by eating a lot of acidic foods and beverages.

 

A more significant issue, tooth decay can happen when previous fillings erode or if you have broken teeth that expose the dentin of your tooth. Receding gum lines can also cause problems because the root surface of your teeth becomes exposed. If you have the bad habit of grinding your teeth at night, this can cause sensitivity and some people develop a temporary sensitivity right after major dental work such as crowns or tooth bleaching.

Treatment Options

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, the first step is to make an appointment right away and tell them about your tooth sensitivity. Make sure you describe exactly what you are feeling, what types of foods or drinks trigger the pain, and when the pain first began. Once your dentist determines the cause of your sensitivity, treatment may be as easy as filling a cavity or replacing a broken or worn filling. If you have a more serious issue like significant gum loss, you might require a gum graft. If you are experiencing pain, and need immediate relief, you may need emergency dentistry.

 

There are many over-the-counter type remedies for tooth sensitivity as well, including using a toothpaste specifically for those with tooth sensitivity. Use it each time you brush, and you should notice a difference in as little as two weeks. In severe cases, your dentist might advise rubbing some of the toothpaste directly onto the sensitive area of your teeth.

 

If toothpaste isn’t enough, your dentist can also use a fluoride gel to strengthen the tooth enamel. This can help to ease the pain as you look to treat the cause of the sensitivity.

Dentist in Downtown Los Angeles

If you are looking for a dentist in downtown Los Angeles, contact our professionals at Samaritan Dental Arts. We are open on Saturdays and offer evening appointments. You can easily schedule an appointment online. You can also fill out the necessary forms, meet the team of professionals and view a complete list of services. They offer flexible payment options and a caring staff ready to help ease your fears.

 

Don’t take your dental health for granted and don’t set a bad example for your kids. It might seem like a minor inconvenience now, but if left untreated, you could develop serious issues that could impact your overall health or that of your children. For the best dentist in downtown Los Angeles, make your appointment with Samaritan Dental Arts today.

Fun Ways to Get Your Children to Care About Brushing

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Starting your children out with proper oral hygiene habits is a valuable tool in setting them up for success as they grow up. Poor oral hygiene can lead to other health issues later in life, so you want to get your kids excited about brushing and taking care of their teeth in general. But how can you convince your kids that brushing is fun? Read on to learn some fun tips from downtown Los Angeles dentist Samaritan Dental Arts.

Establish the Why of Brushing Early

Dental experts recommend establishing consistent oral hygiene routines as early as possible. Some kids will gravitate to the process with no complaints, while others just may hate having something like that in their mouth. There are training toothbrushes you can get to introduce your toddler to the process but for many toddlers who constantly ask, “Why?” just explaining the reasoning behind what you’re doing just might do the trick. Don’t scare your child but, in an age appropriate way, let them know the importance of taking care of their teeth so they last a lifetime.

Make it Fun

One of the easiest things you can do is let your child choose a fun toothbrush. Whether it’s Disney characters, cars, dinosaurs or other cartoon characters, there are a variety of children’s toothbrushes to choose from. Let your child choose one that interests them, and you might even find some fun toothpaste to match. Give them some ownership of the process and the complaints about having to brush might disappear.

 

Kids are competitive, especially with their parents. Try making a game out of brushing and setting a good example at the same time. Challenge your child to see if they can brush better than you and you just might get them motivated enough to try to “beat” you.

 

In making it a game, you can also set up a rewards system that directly draws them back to good oral hygiene. It’s not a good idea to try and pay your kids but maybe give them a little wiggle room at bedtime if they brush before bed. For example, maybe let them stay up an extra 15 or 30 minutes. You can set larger goals as well. For example, maybe offer something important that they want after a consistent 30 days of quality brushing. Choose a reward that really means something to your child that will reward them for establishing this important lifelong habit.

Lead by Example

If making it fun just doesn’t work, then you might just have to make brushing your teeth at the same time the routine of the night. Lead by example and model good brushing habits to your children. Young children want to be like mom and dad so make sure you are teaching them right!

Finding the Right Dentist

If you are looking for a dentist in downtown Los Angeles, contact the professionals at Samaritan Dental Arts. They are open on Saturdays and offer evening appointments. You can easily schedule an appointment online. You can also fill out the necessary forms, meet our team of professionals and view a complete list of services. We offer flexible payment options and a caring staff ready to help ease your fears.

 

Don’t take your dental health for granted and don’t set a bad example for your kids. It might seem like a minor inconvenience now, but if left untreated, you could develop serious issues that could impact your overall health or that of your children. For the best dentist in downtown Los Angeles, make your appointment with Samaritan Dental Arts today.

Headshot portrait of indecisive young woman. Beautiful teen girl with pursed lips and worried facial expression looking at camera. Nervous tension, bad feelings and stress. Close up. Front view

Why You Shouldn’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

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Our oral health can have a significant impact on our overall health so protecting our teeth and gums should be an important part of a healthy living plan. One way many people unintentionally damage their teeth is by using them inappropriately as a kind of Swiss army knife.

The tooth contains three layers. The center of the tooth contains blood vessels and nerves and is known as the pulp. The middle layer is known as dentin and the outer layer is called the enamel. If each layer is affected by outside forces, the more severe (and more expensive) the damage.

While your teeth are great at breaking down food, using them to open a bottle, the wrapper on anything (candy bar, bag of chips, etc.), or really anything that needs opening is not a wise choice. That plastic packaging around your new headphones is meant to be opened with scissors, not your teeth. When you use your teeth to open things you run the risk of chipping or cracking them, and you also might wear down your teeth unevenly and develop poor jaw alignment.

Just like you would warn your children not to chew on foreign objects, it’s not a great decision to do it as an adult. Yet, we all find ourselves mindlessly chewing on pens and pencils, plastic straws, toothpicks or even worse, our fingernails. We don’t think about it as we do it, but this is a bad habit that can cause our teeth to weaken and lose their structure.

Another bad dental habit many people fall into is using their teeth to crack open nuts. That’s why the nutcracker was invented! Each time you use your teeth to open a walnut, pistachio, or peanut, the shell grinds down some of the enamel on your teeth. This can cause your teeth to wear in uneven areas which can lead to cracking and chipping as well.

Our teeth serve many functions and keeping them healthy is key to our overall health. If you have some of the unhealthy habits mentioned above or if you haven’t been to a dentist in a while, it might be time to make an appointment to avoid more expensive damage later.

Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

Make sure you do the following to avoid the harmful effects of tooth decay.
• Brush and floss your teeth regularly and see your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups.
• Avoid foods high in sugar and other carbohydrates which will feed on the bacteria in your mouth.
• Make sure you get enough fluoride which helps to prevent decay by making teeth more resistant to the acids that produce plaque. Fluoride is added to most public water.
• Avoid dry mouth which can be caused by some medications or by simply breathing through your mouth. Make sure you have enough saliva to help wash the food and harmful sugars from your mouth which helps to protect your teeth.
• Avoid smoking or using other tobacco products.

Emergency Dentist in Downtown Los Angeles

If you suffer from tooth pain or any other dental issue, contact our professionals at Samaritan Dental Arts. We are open on Saturdays and offer evening appointments. You can also fill out the necessary forms, meet the team of professionals and view a complete list of services. We offer flexible payment options and a caring staff ready to help ease your fears.
Don’t take your dental health for granted and don’t ignore the toothache. It might seem like a minor inconvenience now, but if left untreated, you could develop a serious infection that could impact your overall health. If you’ve neglected your oral health and haven’t seen a dentist in years, don’t wait another day. Make your appointment with the leading emergency dentist in Downtown Los Angeles today, Samaritan Dental Arts today.

When to Get Dental X-Rays

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Dental X-rays are a key component in helping dentists see medical issues of the teeth and surrounding tissues that cannot be seen with the naked eye during your regular oral examinations. They allow the dentists to see far beyond the surface to help diagnose potentially problematic issues. X-rays help the dentists identify and treat dental issues early-on in their development, which can help save you time, money, and pain down the road!

 

But, what do you need dental X-rays for? And how frequently can you expect to get them? As you know, each medical professional has different approaches and opinions about medical procedures like X-rays, so you can expect there to be some discrepancies between dentists. But, if you are consistently going to the same dentist, you will be able to establish with your dental professional how frequently dental X-rays are required for your oral health journey to be its healthiest. If you are looking for an emergency dentist in Downtown Los Angeles, get in touch with Samaritan Dental today.

 

For adults, dental X-rays serve many purposes. They can be used for the following purposes:

 

● Show decayed areas that are not visible during an oral exam
● Show areas of decay that are small and between the teeth
● Show areas of decay beneath existing fillings
● Show bone loss as a result of or revealing gum disease
● Show changes in bones or root canals due to infection
● Show abscesses
● Reveal cysts and tumors
● Reveal developmental abnormalities, deformities, or issues

 

For children, dental X-rays are used for the following purposes:

 

● Watch out for decay
● Ensure that there is enough room in the mouth for all incoming teeth
● Ensure that primary teeth are being lost quickly enough to make room for permanent teeth to come in properly
● Track the development of wisdom teeth and whether teeth are impacted or not

 

But, when do you need dental X-rays? How often you get dental X-rays varies person-to-person and depends on your dental and medical history as well as your current dental and medical condition. Some people need X-rays as often as twice a year, while others require them every few years.

 

If you are an adult, adolescent, or child visiting a new dentist, it is very likely they will X-ray your mouth to get familiar with your current oral state and make sure there are no issues that have gone undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in the past.

 

If you are visiting the same dentist you have seen before but are at high risk for decay or presently have decaying issues, X-rays will be taken anywhere from every 6 months to every 18 months. If you do not show signs of or are experiencing decaying teeth and are not at high risk for decay, then you can expect dental X-rays somewhere between every 12 and 36 months, depending on your dentist. If you have gum disease or a history of gum disease, your dentist will likely X-ray the affected area of your mouth.

 

X-rays, though something you should be educated about, are something that are going to change from dentist to dentist, patient to patient. Your oral health is incredibly personal, and your patient care should be as well. Please consult your dental professional, and together, with your dental history, you can come up with a treatment plan and X-ray schedule that you both agree on and will help you achieve your health goals.

Emergency Dentist Downtown Los Angeles

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we are dedicated to the highest standards in medicine, quality patient care, and patient comfort and education. We want you fully educated about what your personalized medical plan entails, what your desired results are, and how we plan to get you there. If you would like to set up a consultation, please reach out to us!

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Toothache

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It might start out as a mild irritation but if left untreated, a toothache can lead to much more serious health issues, including infections in other areas of the face and possibly even in the bloodstream. Read on to learn more about what can cause a toothache, what symptoms to look for, as well as treatment options and prevention tips.

 

For more information on preventative and emergency dentistry, contact the top Los Angeles Dentist, Samaritan Dental Arts.

What Can Cause a Toothache?

There are several minor and potentially major causes of a toothache. You might experience minor pain from repetitive motions like constantly chewing gum or even grinding your teeth while you sleep. If you have neglected your dental health, you may develop a toothache from decay, infected gums, an abscessed tooth, a damaged filling or even a tooth fracture.

 

At first, you might notice some redness or even slight pain when you chew or when pressure is applied to the tooth. In severe cases, the pain could be constant and throbbing, there might be swelling around the affected area, you could experience a headache or fever and you could even have an awful tasting substance draining from the infected area. You should immediately see a dental professional if you experience severe pain for more than a couple of days or if you have a fever, ear ache or severe pain when you open your mouth.

Treatment Options

It is so important to see a dental professional if you are experiencing severe tooth pain. Don’t ignore the signs or you could suffer greater health issues if the infection spreads to your blood stream or other areas of your body.

 

A dentist will check your medical history and need to know when and how the pain began. Based on your medical history and the answers to your health questions, they can then examine your mouth and check your teeth, gums, jaw, tongue, throat, sinuses, ears, nose and neck. They may also take X-rays to get a better look at what could be causing your pain.

 

Treatment options will vary depending on the cause and the severity of the pain. In severe cases, if the infection has spread and you are suffering from a fever or swelling, an antibiotic will need to be prescribed. If a simple cavity is the issue, the dentist will fill it or possibly extract the tooth if necessary. If the nerve of the tooth is infected, you might need a root canal.

Prevention Tips

The first line of defense is really to maintain good oral hygiene on a regular basis. Most tooth pain begins with tooth decay so make sure you are brushing and flossing daily, regularly rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash, and visiting your dentist twice a year to have your teeth cleaned and examined.

 

If you suffer from tooth pain or any other dental issue, contact the professionals at Samaritan Dental Arts. They are open on Saturdays and offer evening appointments. You can easily schedule an appointment online. You can also fill out the necessary forms, meet the team of professionals and view a complete list of services. They offer flexible payment options and a caring staff ready to help ease your fears.

Los Angeles Dentist

Don’t take your dental health for granted and don’t ignore that toothache. It might seem like a minor inconvenience now, but if left untreated, you could develop a serious infection that could impact your overall health. If you’ve neglected your oral health and haven’t seen a dentist in years, don’t wait another day. Make your appointment with the top Los Angeles dentist, Samaritan Dental Arts today.

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

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Invisalign

The decision to get braces, for you or your children, is an expensive one. Whether an adult or a child, nobody wants a mouth full of metal but nobody wants teeth growing out of their ears either. However, technology has now given another option to traditional braces: Invisalign. But is this option the best, or should you stick with tradition braces? Read on for the pros and cons of both.

 

For more information about the benefits of Invisalign, contact the top dentist in Los Angeles, Samaritan Dental Arts.

The Facts about Tradition Braces

Traditional braces are made with metal brackets that are glued to the teeth and tied together by wires and tiny rubber bands. There are options to get brackets that more closely match a normal enamel color, or if you want to be bold, you can get colored brackets and rubber bands.

 

Once glued to the teeth, traditional braces cannot be moved and are worn all day, every day for an average of two years but it all depends on the needs of the patient. Depending on the severity of the dental work that needs to be done, they cost anywhere from $1800 to $5500. Those choosing traditional braces must brush the brackets and wires regularly and might find a water pick helpful to remove food from those tight spaces. Patients must also return to the dentist typically once a month for maintenance.

 

There are some advantages to using traditional braces. For complex dental issues, they can be very effective. And if you have children who are forgetful or don’t have a lot of self discipline, they might be the best option because they can’t forget to wear them. They are also fairly low maintenance assuming the wearer brushes and flosses regularly.

 

Disadvantages include pain, sores and general jaw discomfort from the brackets and wires and the movement of the teeth. It also might be hard to eat certain foods that are sticky or particularly hard. And after removal, patients may find tooth discoloration or even breakage.

The Facts about Invisalign

Invisalign aligner trays are made of smooth, BPA-free clear plastic and are worn over the teeth to provide a more subtle way to gently move the teeth. Dental professionals use X-rays, pictures and impressions to create a very precise 3-D image of the teeth in order to create accurate aligner trays.

 

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign are clear and invisible so you don’t have to have that mouth full of metal. Patients wear them for 22 to 24 hours per day for six to 18 months, depending on the severity of the patient need. They cost an average of $5000, which can be more expensive than traditional braces. There is a specific Invisalign cleaning system that can be used or you can brush and rinse the aligner trays in warm water. Patients are advised to change the aligner trays every two weeks and check-ups typically happen every four to six weeks.

 

Invisalign provides a much more discreet option to straighten teeth, they are removable, unlike traditional braces, and there are typically no issues with food getting caught in them. Patients usually don’t have any difficulty eating and there are no sores or discomfort.

 

However, patients might experience some discomfort as the teeth realign and patients must remove the trays before eating or drinking anything but water. They also must brush after all meals to avoid staining the aligner trays. Anyone with bridgework, back tooth bite issues, or anyone needing to rotate canine teeth or premolars or the need to move teeth vertically should avoid Invisalign.

Dentist in Los Angeles

If you have been considering Invisalign, contact the professionals at Samaritan Dental Arts. We are open on Saturdays and you can make an appointment online. You can also fill out the necessary forms, meet our team of professionals and view a complete list of services. Don’t take your dental health for granted and don’t live another day with crooked teeth, visit the top dentist in Los Angeles today.