Reasons for Filling Failure

Since we make a particular point of helping patients maintain their cosmetic care, we at Dr. Suzanne Haeri’s South Carthay dental office have followed developments in new technology for fillings. Some recently published research will help us to better understand why fillings fail and what technology provides superior results.

The new research examined smokers of both sexes and found that they had a much higher chance of early filling failure than non-smokers. It also found that men who drank alcohol had a higher risk of filling failure than those who did not. Another risk factor that was somewhat surprising was that filling failure tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component. For these patients, regular dental check-ups are especially important.

The study’s most encouraging finding was that white fillings work just as well as amalgam ones. Unlike the old silver and mercury fillings, white fillings blend in with the patient’s teeth and avoid the issue of discomfort from temperature which sometimes occurs with metal. At Dr. Haeri’s office, we’ll work with you to ensure that your teeth are the shade you want them and that your fillings will be well-kept and aesthetically pleasing.

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 Suzanne Haeri DDS and fill out a request.

 

Alcohol and Oral Cancer

We at Dr. Suzanne Haeri’s South Carthay office don’t just help you keep your teeth healthy and looking great, we also provide oral cancer screenings. When patients develop this dangerous disease, dentists are often the first medical professionals to detect it and form an important part of their care team. But we prefer to take a preventive approach, which is why we are educating patients on the connection between oral cancer and alcohol.

It has been known for a while that alcohol in combination with tobacco raises the risk of various kinds of cancer, but the above-linked study, conducted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, examined alcohol on its own. It found that alcohol is the cause of cancer in 5% of new cases, including oral cancer cases. Most people are unaware of the danger alcohol poses or think only heavy drinking or hard liquors are dangerous, but the study found no connection between cancer alcohol type and that moderate and light drinkers are also at risk.

Scientists have not yet figured out the exact reason alcohol causes oral cancer. But one encouraging finding of the study was that when people stop drinking, their risk of developing cancer in the aerodigestive tract (including the mouth) falls.

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 Suzanne Haeri DDS and fill out a request.

 

Enamel Erosion

Tooth enamel is one of the strongest minerals in the body and once it’s gone, it will not come back. A diet that is high in acidic foods and beverages, as well as one that is high in sugar, cannot only damage your waistline, it can damage your enamel as well. Enamel protects the teeth from the forces of chewing, biting, and other daily uses. To keep yours in tip-top shape, visit Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS for an oral exam and professional cleaning.

Enamel erosion can occur for a variety of reasons, including bruxism, abrasion, and/or corrosion. If you brush your teeth too hard, the physical wear and tear can take a toll on tooth enamel. Lifestyle habits such as smoking and/or chewing tobacco can also damage enamel in addition to the foods we eat and drink. When we don’t brush our teeth and plaque is left behind, it can start to eat away at tooth enamel. To reduce your chances of losing enamel, eliminate highly acidic foods from your diet and drink more water throughout the day.

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.