Teeth Whitening

At the dental office of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS, the doctor and her staff are always getting questions from patients about teeth whitening.  Everyone likes to make a great impression with a nice smile and we are excited to offer an at-home whitening option to patients with serious staining to the teeth, and those with minor stains who want to achieve a dazzling white smile!

A consultation can help you determine how severe your stains are and what kind of results you can expect from a whitening treatment.  To whiten your teeth at home, we outfit patients with whitening gel and a set of custom trays for application.  A dentist takes an impression of your teeth, and from this impression two custom trays are made for your top and bottom teeth. 

The trays are made for you to take home and use by applying gel to the trays and then fitting them over your teeth. The dentist’s recommendation of how often to treat and how long each treatment should last may vary.  When following the dentist’s recommendations, most patients see results of teeth whitening 4-8 shades.

To learn more about teeth whitening and all the services provided at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200. 

Why Sugar is Bad for Teeth

Though some fruits such as apples contain sugar, we need these healthy foods to survive. Added sugars, however, provide no nutritional value to teeth. Limiting sugar can do wonders for your overall and oral health. This is because sugar plays a harmful role in tooth decay, developing diabetes, and increasing a person’s chance of developing heart disease. Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS encourages patients to reduce their sugar intake to save their teeth.

Whenever we eat, the bacteria naturally found inside the mouth works hard to break down food. However, when sugars are in the mouth, they use plaque as a source of energy to thrive. This makes it harder to wash away with saliva and may cause you to spend more time in front of the sink, brushing and flossing. Sugar is the leading cause of cavities in adults and children. To protect your smile, consume nutritious foods, rather than cookies, cakes, and sticky foods.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200. 

Oral Cancer and VELscope Technology

Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS wants her patients to be aware of the threat of oral cancer.  We use VELscope technology in the practice to screen for oral cancer and encourage you to ask about an oral cancer screening with each dental checkup.  While heavy smoking and drinking of course increase the risk of oral cancer, oral cancer can still occur if someone never smokes.  In fact the human papilloma virus (HPV) was recently found to be responsible for most oral cancers that originated in the back of the mouth. 

To screen for oral cancer, our doctors perform a visual exam and utilize VELscope technology.  The VELscope is an ultraviolet device approved by the FDA to detect cancerous irregularities in tissue.  Regular screenings are the best way to protect you and your family, but always contact us if you notice any inexplicable pain, swelling, or numbness in your throat or jaw.

To learn more about oral cancer screenings, the technology we use, and the services we provide at our practice visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200. 

Children's Biannual Check-Ups

Just because a tooth isn’t permanent doesn’t mean it should be allowed to rot. At Dr. Suzanne Haeri’s South Carthay practice, we encourage everybody to maintain biannual dental appointments, and that’s especially important for children. Caries, the little bits of decay which cause cavities, are a big problem with consequences for more than just kids’ oral health.

Children are the demographic most likely to suffer from caries, and caries is the most common ailment among children. In young children, toothaches can discourage the use of speech, leading to developmental delays. It people of all ages, they also prevent sleep and sometimes cause people to avoid eating. Sleep and nutrition deficits are especially harmful to children and are often the cause of irritability and poor academic performance. They can also lead to a habit of jaw-clenching, which can cause headaches, neck aches, and cracked teeth.

During the biannual check-up, we give patients’ teeth a thorough cleaning and assess them for caries. We can provide fillings for cavities, but it is best to bring children in before decay can advance enough to require a root canal or a larger restoration.

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit SuzanneHaeriDDS.com and fill out a request.

 

Causes of Bleeding Gums

People commonly wonder if it’s a problem that their gums bleed a little when they brush their teeth. Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Healthy gums don’t bleed, and when they do, it’s usually due to gum inflammation. This disease is called gingivitis and it can be treated and prevented.

Sometimes, gum inflammation is due to bruising, but it’s usually caused by bacterial infection. The mouth is home to hundreds to types of bacteria, most of which co-exist with us healthily, but if food debris isn’t removed quickly enough, bacteria can grow out of control. They most often cause tartar to build up on the bottom of dental crowns, allowing acids to get stuck in a place where they have contact with gums.

Regular brushing is crucial to preventing gingivitis (provided that the patient is using a soft-bristled brush), but help from professional hygienists is necessary to clean below the gum line. There are also some factors which make gum disease more likely, including pregnancy, use of blood thinners, and dry mouth. (That last one is due to saliva’s function keeping the mouth clean.) Smoking also increases the risk of gingivitis.

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit SuzanneHaeriDDS.com and fill out a request.

 

Extrinsic Stains

Most of us enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of iced tea on a warm day. In fact, we enjoy these beverages so much that we forget about what they do to our teeth. Beverages that contain dyes, such as coffee, tea, and wine, can leave a person’s smile looking lackluster. Fortunately, these stains are extrinsic and easy for Dr. Suzanne Haeri DDS to remove.

Extrinsic stains occur on the outer surface of tooth enamel and are easier to remove than their counterpart – intrinsic. Extrinsic stains can be removed over a period of time with professional cleanings, or they can be cleared up quickly from a professional whitening session. If your tooth discoloration is leaving you with a lack of self-esteem, discuss your whitening options, today.

If you have questions about tooth discoloration or teeth whitening, please give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene as well as other services we provide, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, call 310-657-2200.

Dental Bonding Breakage

If you’ve had dental bonding applied to your teeth, you’ll notice that it’s similar to tooth enamel; however, it’s not as strong. Dental bonding is made of a composite resin material that is made to match the color of a person’s tooth. It repairs chips, cracks, and fractures in teeth and can have your smile back to new in no time. Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS encourages patients to visit her office if dental bonding feels out of the ordinary.

If dental bonding feels out of place, or like it’s about to crack, visit our office immediately. Dental bonding can lose its strength if a person practices poor oral hygiene habits and/or if they eat a lot of acidic foods. Dental bonding can be replaced, but it’s possible that Dr. Haeri may suggest a dental crown, as this is more durable and stands the test of time.

If you have questions about dental bonding, please give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene as well as other services we provide, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, call 310-657-2200.

Filling Senstivity

Although tooth decay is a major problem, Dr. Suzanne Haeri offers natural-colored fillings at her dental office to repair the health and appearance of her patients’ smiles. But while removing decayed material can make teeth sensitive, fillings should not continue to be painful days or years after their placement. If they are, patients should come in to learn what is wrong.

It is possible for a filling to be made poorly and not completely fill the cavity or prevent the patient from biting down comfortably. The former can happen if the filling was constructed from material that changes shape after placement. The gap between it and the seal holding it to the tooth would become a place where bacteria could hide and continue causing decay.

Most fillings are made well enough for this not to happen, but even well-made fillings have limited lifespans, or at least, the seals do. After about ten years, the seal will start breaking down, which may loosen the filling in addition to opening the door to bacterial infection. It is important for the filling to be replaced before the patient suffers worse decay.

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit SuzanneHaeriDDS.com and fill out a request.

 

Intrinsic Stains

As an expert in cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Suzanne Haeri offers safe, effective, and fast teeth whitening. But although bleaching is a valuable tool for combatting stains on the outside of teeth, there are some stains that may be too deep for it to reach. These are intrinsic stains, and they require a different approach.

Intrinsic stains have two causes: absorption of dark molecules during the tooth’s formation, and inflammation. The molecules are usually from tetracycline antibiotics or too much fluoride. Neither of these is harmful and the affected teeth can be covered with veneers. But when a tooth suffers trauma or infection, the patient is at risk. Dental infections will not get better on their own, and they cause severe tooth aches and can progress to the point of endangering the patient’s life. A root canal is necessary to remove the infected matter and the tooth can be reshaped or concealed afterward. Depending on how much material is removed, a new, natural-colored crown may be needed.

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit SuzanneHaeriDDS.com and fill out a request.

 

Dry Mouth

When there isn’t enough saliva in your mouth, this can leave it feeling dry and uncomfortable. Dry mouth may occur in the morning after a long night of sleep, or it may be a sign of dehydration. A persistent dry mouth can become a problem because saliva is our mouth’s natural defense against tooth decay. If you notice your mouth is drier than usual, it may be time to discuss treatment options with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS.

Symptoms of dry mouth include a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth or a dry feeling in the throat. Though dry mouth is a normal part of aging, it can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes. Treatment for dry mouth usually depends on the cause, but it helps to avoid tobacco products, alcohol and drinks with caffeine as these can make the problem worse.

If you have questions about dry mouth, please give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene as well as other services we provide, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, call 310-657-2200.

Halitosis Treatment

It is one thing to have bad breath after eating a meal that’s heavy on the onions, but it’s another to suffer from it on a daily basis. Medically defined as halitosis, bad breath affects an estimated 25% of people, globally. If you have bad breath, review your oral hygiene habits, this includes your visits to the dental office. If they are lacking, or non-existent, it may be time to visit Dr. Suzanne, Haeri DDS for a professional cleaning.

Next in line, after tooth decay and gum disease, halitosis (bad breath) is the third most common reason that people seek dental care. It’s important that we stress that you should never wait until these problems arise to see a dentist. Potential causes for bad breath are dry mouth and poor diet, but the biggest is poor oral hygiene habits. In addition to visiting our office twice a year for dental checkups, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and use American Dental Association (ADA) approved mouth rinse.

If you have questions about how to maintain your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene as well as other services we provide, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, call 310-657-2200.

Scaling to Prevent Gum Disease

Dr. Susan Haeri sees patients experiencing every stage of gum disease. Gum disease can progress quickly without a regular oral hygiene routine, but more people are looking for ways to prevent that from happening. Scaling is a deep cleaning procedure that helps stop gum disease in its tracks.

For patients who want to protect themselves from later stages of gum disease, a scaling procedure will eliminate any buildup of plaque and tartar and give the patient a clean slate.  Scaling involves your dentist using various tools to scrape and clean any and all plaque off the surface of the tooth all the way down to the gums.  Your dentist may also recommend root planing, which is the minor contouring of the tooth closer to the root that may help prevent future buildup in the area.  A scaling procedure is superficial, but local anesthetic may be used for comfort.  Depending on the severity of buildup, your dentist may recommend completing the treatment over a series of appointments.

To learn more about scaling and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200. 

What is a Bone Graft?

Bone grafting is widely used throughout medicine because of how it helps the body heal.  In dentistry, a bone graft is used to strengthen a patient’s jaw bone when it is not strong enough to support a needed implant. Dr. Suzanne Haeri performs bone grafts to restore function to the mouths of patients in need of dental implants.

When a tooth is missing for an extended period of time the jaw bone in that area is vulnerable and can weaken, and some patients naturally have a softer jaw bone.  In either case, when the patient needs an implant the bone needs to be reinforced.  A jaw bone graft is typically harvested from a healthy location in the patient’s mouth.  During the procedure, the harvested material is grafted to the area of the jaw that needs an implant.  This reinforces the jaw bone and encourages the growth of new bone material.  This healing process typically takes a few months and should be monitored by your dentist. Once the graft has fused and healed, a dental implant can be placed.

To learn more about teeth grinding and the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200. 

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity in Children

There are several things which can cause tooth sensitivity, and when caring for child patients, there are a few particular factors to keep in mind. Sometimes, healthy new teeth will be sensitive immediately after breaking through the gum line, but tooth pain could indicate a bigger problem.

Usually, when children get tooth aches, it is because they have cavities (which are also known as caries). In most cases, this problem can be fixed with more disciplined oral hygiene, but it is possible for children to brush too hard and damage their gum tissue. Tooth roots are naturally sensitive, so if gum tissue recession exposes them, the patient will find cold drinks and food painful.

It is also possible for tooth aches to be an early warning sign of diabetes or of bruxism. People who clench or grind their jaws not only damage their teeth, but develop head, ear, and neck aches. Sinus infections can also cause tooth aches in the upper back teeth. These kinds of aches tend to be dull and throbbing, so it is important to get the child to be as descriptive as possible when making a diagnosis.

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit SuzanneHaeriDDS.com and fill out a request.

 

Cleaning Fixed Bridges

As part of our commitment to preventive care, we at Dr. Suzanne Haeri’s South Carthay dental office educate our patients about maintaining their oral hygiene after receiving replacement teeth. Cleaning a fixed bridge is easy, but it requires a few changes in habit and knowledge of the dental products available.

Implant-secured bridges may have enough room between the bridge and the gum line for a proxy brush. This Christmas tree-shaped brush can be mounted on a normal-sized toothbrush handle and be used to dislodge large pieces of food. However, all bridges must be flossed along their horizontal side and the teeth they attach to must be kept clean on all sides, as well. While some floss manufacturers make specialty floss with stiffened tips to push through the bridge gap, it is normal for patients to use a threader to loop floss around a bridge. Threaders are used by patients with braces to draw floss like a needle draws thread, and the same principle applies to bridges. The devices are cheap and reusable.

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit SuzanneHaeriDDS.com and fill out a request.

 

Intraoral Camera

At the dental practice of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS we utilize the most recent tools in dental technology. During your routine exams, Dr. Haeri will need to inspect what goes on inside your mouth. To do this, she will use an intraoral camera. An intraoral camera allows Dr. Haeri to show you firsthand what condition your teeth are in as well as the status of your periodontal health.

The intraoral camera resembles an oversized pen and is used in tandem with a computer. It allows Dr. Haeri to look inside a patient’s mouth and capture images that can be taken from a variety of angles. Through the computer, Dr. Haeri can physically show you, if you have a fractured tooth, or if you need periodontal treatment. Unlike conventional X-rays that require processing time, there is no development time associated with an intraoral camera. It provides images that are immediate, saving you time in the dental chair.

If you have questions or concerns regarding our dental technology, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Benefits of Dental Sedation

Thirty percent of our population avoids visiting the dentist due to fear. Dental fear compromises oral health because a lack of routine care can deteriorate the function of the mouth and smile. Fortunately, at the dental practice of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS we utilize safe and effective dental sedation methods to help patients combat dental anxiety and/or assist in taking the edge off during a procedure.

To determine which type of dental sedation method is right for you, Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS will need to see you for a consultation. Whether you decide on nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, you will experience the benefits of sedation dentistry. One of the major benefits of using sedatives in the dental chair is that patients will often feel as if their dental procedure lasted a few minutes rather than several hours. Additionally, it will put the patient at ease and make it easier for Dr. Haeri to perform the procedure. If you are reluctant to improve your smile because of dental anxiety, we guarantee to make you as comfortable as possible and encourage you to discuss your fears with us.

If you have questions or concerns regarding sedation dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Childhood Halitosis

 

When children develop chronically bad breath, Dr. Suzanne Haeri and her office staff are here to help. As with adults, halitosis in children is usually due to a hygiene problem, but there are some special considerations to keep in mind.

Wherever food debris can accumulate, bacteria will grow excessively, and excessive bacterial growth is the main cause of bad breath. The tongue is one such location, the tonsils are another. Nasal drip is also food for bacteria, and children tend to get more sinus infections. Young children may also have foreign objects caught in their noses, which triggers nasal drip. Children with dry mouth are at particular risk because they lack saliva to wash food debris away. Dry mouth is commonly caused by mouth breathing and by medications, including some for ADHD.

Although the underlying cause of dry mouth will need to be solved, dentists often help patients find ways to stimulate saliva production. Sugar-free hard candy and gum are some of the most child-friendly methods. It is also possible that a child’s bad breath could be caused by bacteria from a cold sore or from a more serious medical condition, such as diabetes, which is why it is worth consulting with a doctor.

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit SuzanneHaeriDDS.com and fill out a request.

 

Diode Laser Treatment for Gums

Dr. Suzanne Haeri has seen great results at her practice from laser technology.  This advancement in the technology available to dentists has been especially successful in periodontal treatments.  Patients experiencing every stage of gum disease can see improvement from laser treatment.  The diode laser is so effective in periodontal treatments because it can target unhealthy gum tissue and leave healthy tissue undisturbed. The precision that can be achieved with a laser results in less trauma to the mouth and less recovery time.

In the past, periodontal treatment was completed using more aggressive tools and often required stitches. With a diode laser, treating only the affected gum tissue and not damaging any healthy gums is more efficient and causes little to no bleeding, which means less swelling after the procedure.  Patients often find the laser procedure relatively painless, so less and sometimes no anesthetic is needed.  Please contact us to improve your oral health with a laser treatment for your gums!

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, of Cosmetic & General Dentistry, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035.  To learn more about diode laser treatment, visit SuzanneHaeriDDS.com for more information.  To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200.

Receding Gums

People commonly seek help from cosmetic dentists for receding gums. Exposed tooth roots not only look unattractive to most people, they also are very sensitive. But people may not have known that receded gums are usually the result of periodontal disease. If Dr. Haeri determines that is the case, there are some interventions she may recommend which vary in intensity depending on the severity of the gum loss.

Teeth are surrounded by gum pockets which are supposed to secure them snugly. But there is always room for some bacteria and plaque in the space between the gum and the tooth root, and if healthy tissues are being eroded by acid, that space will only get larger. More plaque-causing bacteria fill the void, accelerating the decay process.

At a normal deep cleaning, Dr. Haeri or a hygienist will remove the bacteria colonies, but the problem remains of what to do with the enlarged pocket and exposed roots. Sometimes a simple incision can be made into healthy gum tissue, which is then folded and sutured to cover the roots. This can be done under local anesthetic. Serious cases might require the consultation of a specialist in gum grafts. There is no shortage of strategies for fixing receded gums, but patients should maintain regular oral hygiene to improve their chances of avoiding the trouble.

The practice of Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit SuzanneHaeriDDS.com and fill out a request.

 

 

Warning Signs of a Failing Implant

Implants have become one of the most popular and effective means of tooth restoration since they started becoming common thirty years ago. However, they can fail. To spare themselves unnecessary pain and possibly save an imperiled implant, patients should know the warning signs when an implant is failing to integrate or is at risk.

Sometimes problems will immediately become evident if a patient is allergic to the metals most implants are made from or if the implant is placed into a nerve. This will result in severe pain which will not get better and may be accompanied by persistent bleeding. If a surgical wound fails to heal after a few days, patients should seek help.

A complete implant may also fail due to periodontal disease or a traumatic injury. The most obvious sign that an implant needs to be examined is if it moves. Damage to the jaw bone can shake an implant loose, and gum disease can spread to corrode the implant itself. Dentists will use x-rays to monitor a patient’s jaw bone tissue for the years following placement of an implant. Loss of two much bone requires intervention.

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, of Cosmetic & General Dentistry, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit SuzanneHaeriDDS.com and fill out a request.

Denture Pain Can Cause Problems

Denture pain typically stems from poor fitting or poorly adjusted dentures. It may also be a result of new dentures, worn over soft tissues that have not developed thick, toughened layers of protective keratin. If you are experiencing gum and mouth irritation, problems eating and speaking, develop mouth infections, and/or dentures that move around in your mouth, give Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS a call to discuss your treatment options.

If you wear dentures, it is very important you keep your mouth clean and healthy. In addition, you should never experience pain when wearing your dentures. If you do experience pain from your dentures and this discomfort is not treated by speaking slowly, eating soft foods or using an adhesive, your dentures may need an adjustment or you may need a replacement. At the dental practice of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS, we have plenty of tooth-replacement options for you to choose from if dentures aren’t working out.

If you have dentures that are causing you pain, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Drink More Water

It’s no secret that water is good for your teeth, but Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS is here to explain why. Drinking sugary beverages may assist in washing down your dinner, but they will do more harm to your dental health than good. Our bodies are made up of 60% water and staying hydrated not only delivers healthy nutrients and give your skin a healthy glow, it protects against tooth decay and cavities.

The cavity-causing bacteria from sugary food and drinks produce acid that wears away enamel if not washed off immediately. Water, however, cleans your teeth with every sip by washing away leftover food and residue. Drinking water with fluoride, aka “nature’s cavity fighter” is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do to help prevent cavities. You’ll still need to brush twice a day for two minutes and floss at least once a day to keep your teeth in tip-top shape.

If you have questions about your oral hygiene routine, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

How Thumbsucking Affects Teeth

Thumbsucking often begins as a habit for communication in young children. Though it’s a natural reflex for them, doing so can be dangerous for teeth. The intensity of the sucking is a factor that determines whether or not dental problems may result in the pediatric patient. Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS would like to explain the effects thumbsucking has on teeth and what you can do to help your child break the habit.

Thumbsucking is calming for a child and makes them feel secure in their world. After permanent teeth erupt, the action of sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth such as an overbite. To wean your child off of this routine, you should reward them for not doing it. Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure, so focus on correcting the cause of the anxiety. Additionally, Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS can offer encouragement to your child and explain what can happen to their teeth if they don’t stop.

If you have questions about pediatric dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Dry Sockets

Tooth extractions are a routine procedure and Dr. Haeri works hard to ensure her patients have successful recoveries. However, complications such as a dry socket can happen. To prevent this, Dr. Haeri wants her patients to understand what to avoid in the days following an extraction and when to come to her for help.

As you can probably guess, a dry socket is what happens when an empty socket dries out. This is extremely painful and poses a high risk of infection. Typically, when teeth are extracted, a blood clot will form to protect the socket, but certain medications, including birth control, can prevent this from happening. We also advise patients to gently rinse their mouths with salt water after surgery to moisturize and prevent decay in a way which will not disturb the clot. Sipping through straws and smoking are known to increase the risk a clot will be dislodged or dissolved.

A dry socket will usually be evident within two days of an extraction. Patients should come to us immediately so we can prevent further damage and ease their pain. After using a vacuum to clean the socket, Dr. Haeri will apply medicated wound dressing (this could be cloth or a paste) and prescribe antibiotics and pain medications. Unfortunate though dry sockets are, with proper treatment they should not prevent a patient from making a full recovery.

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, of Cosmetic & General Dentistry, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit SuzanneHaeriDDS.com and fill out a request.

 

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

People who depend on others for their oral hygiene need their caretakers to be informed about their particular needs. Young children are in the highest risk group for developing cavities, and for the protection of her most vulnerable patients, Dr. Suzanne Haeri wants the families she treats to understand the phenomena of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.

Incisors, the front teeth, are usually the first to erupt, and the fronts of the incisors are frequently exposed to sugar through a baby bottle. Though parents may rightly try to avoid giving their babies drinks such as juice and soda which have high sugar contents, it is actually the amount of time teeth are exposed to sugar, more than the amount of sugar, which puts them at risk for decay. Drinking water is an important way in which we wash our teeth, but babies usually don’t have access to water bottles. They are often given bottles filled with milk or formula to slake their hunger and thirst all day.

To prevent decay, babies should only be given bottles for a limited amount of time or get their teeth brushed more frequently. They should also be taught to drink from cups at the age of one. Parents should start brushing their babies’ teeth as soon as the first one begins to emerge, keep them supplied with water.

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, of Cosmetic & General Dentistry, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit SuzanneHaeriDDS.com and fill out a request.

 

Proper Flossing

Dr. Suzanne Haeri provides the best oral care for patients and wants you and your family to continue healthy oral care routines at home. Regular flossing is essential to maintaining oral health and you should floss once a day, either before or after brushing. Remember these tips to floss effectively:

• A strand of dental floss about 18 inches long allows you to wrap the ends of the floss around a finger on each hand. This gives you excellent control over the portion of floss you are using. 


• The proper technique to flossing is sliding the floss between the teeth and rubbing the floss back and forth up until you reach your gums.


• Pushing at your gums too hard with floss can damage your gum line and isn’t necessary to floss properly. Think of a small swooping motion as you rub the floss up to one gum, then down and back up towards the other.


• As you move on to the next tooth, adjust the floss to expose an unused portion. Repeat this rubbing motion between each tooth and dispose of the floss once you are finished.

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, of Cosmetic & General Dentistry, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit SuzanneHaeriDDS.com and fill out a request.

DentalVibe Injection Comfort System

Dr. Suzanne Haeri knows some patients find local anesthetic shots painful and can even cause them anxiety. Fear of the pain or discomfort shouldn’t keep anyone from leaving a dental issue untreated. The exciting new technology of the DentalVibe Injection Comfort system has eliminated the discomfort associated with anesthetic injections.  The DentalVibe is a device that uses vibration on your gums to block the sensation of pain.  This means you won’t feel a pinch or pain at the injection site.  

Depending on the procedure, some appointments can require several shots of anesthetic. Using DentalVibe eliminates pain at the time of injection and soreness at the injection sites afterward. An added benefit to using the DentalVibe device is vibration on your gums helps the anesthetic dissipate quickly and evenly throughout the mouth.  Even if you never found local anesthetic shots very painful, the DentalVibe technology can help any procedure go quicker and easier.  

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, of Cosmetic & General Dentistry, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit SuzanneHaeriDDS.com and fill out a request.

Consequences of Thumb Sucking

At Dr. Suzanne Haeri’s western Los Angeles office, we strive to help everyone’s smile look great, including those of our youngest patients. Many new parents have questions about their children’s oral health, and we want to help them determine whether a child’s thumb sucking is becoming a problem.

Provided that they’re not sucking too hard, toddlers have little to worry about from thumb or pacifier sucking. However, as their baby teeth start falling out around the age of five and adult teeth come in, the pressure could become a problem. Overbites and other malocclusions, misaligned jaws, and warped upper palettes are all known to result from persistent thumb sucking.

Thumb sucking could be the result of anxiety which requires help from a child psychologist, and in severe cases, doctors may provide orthotic devices to discourage it. However, by the time a child is old enough for thumb sucking to be a problem it may be possible to include them in discussions about why it is harmful and how to stop. This is generally preferable to start with. It is also necessary that the child not push their tongue against their teeth as a substitute, as this will cause all the same problems.

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, of Cosmetic & General Dentistry, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit SuzanneHaeriDDS.com and fill out a request.

 

Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Oral cancer screenings are one of the most important services we provide at Dr. Suzanne Haeri’s office for Cosmetic and General Dentistry in west Los Angeles. As part of Oral Cancer Awareness month, we want to ensure that our patients recognize warning signs of throat cancer so they can help us help them.

Anti-smoking campaigns have been critical to reducing oral cancer fatalities, but in recent years, cancers associated with the human papilloma virus (HPV) have increased. Out of nearly two hundred known strains of HPV, only one has been proven to cause oral cancer. However, it is so far unproven that HPV vaccines are effective against it, and there is no test for it. HPV-associated oral cancer usually occurs in the back of the mouth and top of the throat, which is known as the oropharynx, making it difficult to screen for visually or through biopsies.

Pain, numbness, and swelling are warning signs of developing throat cancer, but these sensations may occur in the jaw or ear as well as the throat. If patients notice these problems, they should not assume they know the cause or that abstaining from smoking or alcohol eliminates oral cancer as a possibility. Tactile testing is still useful for detecting cancer in the oropharynx, and if caught early, HPV-associated cancers are more responsive to treatments than those caused by drugs.

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, of Cosmetic & General Dentistry, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit SuzanneHaeriDDS.com and fill out a request.

 

Electric Toothbrush Apps

It’s the time of year when dental suppliers are releasing new product lines, and for the past few years, manufacturers have been interested in integrating home oral hygiene with smart devices. At Dr. Suzanne Haeri’s office, we’re always glad to help patients understand oral hygiene better, so we thought we’d describe how toothbrushes are getting smarter.

There are a number of apps aimed at children or adults, but one thing they have in common is the ability to provide feedback about the user’s brushing habits. Electrical toothbrushes don’t have much of an advantage over manual toothbrushes when used properly, but proper use of a manual toothbrush requires that the user brush for at least two full minutes during each session and thoroughly cover every tooth surface. Electrical toothbrushes obviously cut down on the time commitment, but patients previously may have still skipped over several teeth. New apps point out where patients need to brush more, whether they need to adjust the toothbrush’s settings, and whether the patient is improving.

For children, motivation is often more of a problem than knowledge or physical ability. Several manufacturers now include mobile games with their toothbrushes in which children are rewarded for improving their technique with story progression, bonuses, and so forth. Electric toothbrushes are still expensive and probably unnecessary for people who properly brush the old-fashioned way, but the new features may make them useful to patients who are struggling with home oral hygiene.

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, of Cosmetic & General Dentistry, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit SuzanneHaeriDDS.com and fill out a request.

 

Caring for Dentures

Dr. Suzanne Haeri has provided high-quality restorations to many patients over the years, allowing them to regain their self-confidence and massively boosting their quality of life. But dentures, like most prosthodontic solutions, require life-long maintenance and may eventually have to be replaced. This guide will keep them working as long as possible.

Like natural teeth, dentures need to be brushed twice daily with a soft-bristled brush. However, dentures are much more fragile than bone and lack the ability to self-repair like living tissue. Minerals in ordinary toothpaste can scratch them, which is why it is better to brush them only with toothpaste specifically approved by the American Dental Association for use on dentures. Patients should also brush their tongues, gums, and if they have mini-implants, their exposed abutments.

Lots of useful cleaning solutions are available for dentures to soak in overnight. These can further boost cleanliness, but the most important thing is that dentures not be allowed to dry out. It is also important that the tap water or cleaning solution be room temperature or cooler, as hot water can warp their shape. Dentures may have to be refitted eventually, as the mouth naturally changes shape, but patients should never attempt to reshape dentures without a professional.

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, of Cosmetic & General Dentistry, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit SuzanneHaeriDDS.com and fill out a request.

Oral Pathology

Pathology can be defined as the scientific study of the nature of a disease and its causes, processes, development, and consequences. Oral pathology is the specialty that identifies and treats diseases of the mouth and maxillofacial region. Some of the diseases that Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS diagnose include mouth and throat cancer, mumps, salivary gland disorders, ulcers, and more. 

When an abnormality is discovered either by the patient or the dentist, a referral is often made to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Diagnosis is completed through radiographic, microscopic, biochemical and other in-office examinations. Because the mouth is readily accessible, changes indicative of oral cancer or a pathological process can easily be detected in the early stages. Pain is not always necessary to define pathology and is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.

If you are concerned about oral cancer, give us a call to discuss your options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Tooth Stains

It's easy to stain our teeth. Lifestyle habits play a huge role in tooth discoloration, especially for those who drink coffee, chew hard candy, drink tea, or smoke cigarettes on a daily basis. But that doesn’t mean your teeth need to stay that way. Fortunately, brightening your smile is as easy as visiting Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS for a professional cleaning or a teeth whitening session. 

There are two primary classes of tooth stains: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic tooth stains are stains on the surfaces of teeth. Intrinsic tooth stains are found on the inside of the tooth, within its inner layers, in the dentin or in the pulp area. Extrinsic tooth stains are caused by practicing poor oral hygiene and lifestyle habits that we mentioned above, while intrinsic stains are caused by tooth traumas (a broken or chipped tooth), and dental conditions. Avoiding stained teeth altogether requires brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist regularly.

If you desire a brighter smile, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Types of Dentures

Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS offers a wide variety of restorative options for missing teeth, but here we are going to discuss the benefits of dentures. For people who have lost their teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury, dentures can restore their smile and help them with everyday tasks such as eating and speaking. There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS will help you choose the type of denture that’s best for you based on how many teeth are going to be replaced.

Complete (full) dentures are used if you’re missing teeth in your upper (maxillary) or lower (mandibular) jaws. Partial dentures are used on patients who only have some teeth missing on either jaw. Complete dentures replace all of the teeth, while partial dentures fill in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from shifting position. Your dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them, however, you will decrease your risk of periodontal disease as well as ease the stress of your jaw while wearing them.

If you have missing teeth, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

 

The application of lasers in dentistry gives Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS plenty of opportunities to perform a wide variety of dental procedures that she otherwise may not be capable of performing. Dental lasers can be used to reduce the comfort of canker and cold sores as well as expose partially erupted wisdom teeth, and help treat tooth infections. In dentistry, lasers are a safe and effective way to provide patients with precision treatment that minimizes pain and recovery time. 

There are several advantages to laser dentistry. For example, dentists may not need to use a drill or administer anesthesia in some procedures, allowing patients to be more relaxed. Laser procedures are more precise and can reduce symptoms and healing times associated with traditional treatments. In addition, lasers can reduce the amount of bacteria in both diseased gum tissue and in tooth cavities, and control bleeding during surgery. 

If you have further questions regarding laser dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

The application of lasers in dentistry gives Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS plenty of opportunities to perform a wide variety of dental procedures that she otherwise may not be capable of performing. Dental lasers can be used to reduce the comfort of canker and cold sores as well as expose partially erupted wisdom teeth, and help treat tooth infections. In dentistry, lasers are a safe and effective way to provide patients with precision treatment that minimizes pain and recovery time.

There are several advantages to laser dentistry. For example, dentists may not need to use a drill or administer anesthesia in some procedures, allowing patients to be more relaxed. Laser procedures are more precise and can reduce symptoms and healing times associated with traditional treatments. In addition, lasers can reduce bacteria in both diseased gum tissue and in tooth cavities, and control bleeding during surgery.

 

If you have further questions regarding laser dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

 

Post-Op Tooth Extraction Care

There are many reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted. Tooth decay, gum disease, or even for orthodontic purposes name a few. After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches and you will need to follow strict instructions that Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS will give you. After the surgery, you will need to rest and you should expect the extraction site to bleed a little following extraction. In addition, here are a few things to remember during post-op care.

If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call our office immediately. Once you return home after the surgery you should rest, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. One of our doctors will prescribe you pain medication, as well as cleaning solution for the extraction site, so if you become sore take as directed. It’s important to limit yourself to soft foods such as gelatin, pudding, yogurt, mashed potatoes, etc. so that the stitches are not punctured. When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw, because the sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process.

If you are experiencing tooth discomfort or have questions about post-op aftercare, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Let Us Explain, Novocain

When you think of the dentist’s office, we are almost certain that you’re wondering about your pain-free options. Depending on the procedure at hand, you will either be given a local or general anesthetic. Local anesthesia allows the patient to remain awake, while general anesthesia allows the patient to sleep. If you are told you’ll be receiving a local anesthetic, “Novocain” probably comes to mind. Novocain is commonly used to suppress pain in patients who remain conscious. During your consultation, Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS will determine if Novocain is appropriate for your treatment plan as well as if it is the best option for you.

Novocain is normally injected into an area during oral surgery and other dental procedures to numb the surrounding tissues. Like any medication, however, side effects include numbness around the injection site that can last for several hours, a tingling sensation around the injection site, as well as minor swelling around or near the injection site. Novocain is a good option for some, but not for others. Be sure to provide us with as much information about your medical history as possible so that you and Dr. Haeri can make an informed decision.

If you would like to discuss sedation options, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Wisdom Tooth Decay

As we age, we acquire wisdom, and the same goes for wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth appear between the ages of 17-21 and are known as the third set of molars. When they erupt correctly, healthy wisdom teeth can help you chomp your food a little faster.  However, if they start to cause you pain and discomfort, you may need to schedule a consultation with the Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS to discuss extraction.

If you bite on a piece of food that is too hard or you experience a mouth injury, wisdom teeth may become troublesome. They can also become cracked, broken, and decayed. Decay can form on any tooth surface, but when the decay begins to attack the wisdom teeth, depending on the position of the tooth it becomes difficult to clean. Depending on the individual case, Dr. Haeri may be able to fill the tooth, but even in cases where a filling could be successfully placed, if the wisdom tooth cannot be adequately maintained, recurrent decay can occur. Though many patients tend to procrastinate through the process, extraction is always best to avoid infection.

If your wisdom teeth are still intact and you have questions about removal, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.