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.