Reasons for Extractions

Dr. Suzanne Haeri’s years of dental experience will ensure she sees patients safely through dental extractions. However, healthy natural teeth tend to have longer lifespans than artificial ones, which is why when we recommend teeth be removed, we want our patients to know it’s for a good reason.

A lot can be done to repair teeth that have been cracked or chipped, but if a tooth is cracked all the way down the root, it will have to be removed. Cracks and caries also pose a risk of infection in the dental pulp. Root canals are a means of saving the natural outer portion of a tooth while removing infected inner material, but sometimes, an initial root canal is unable to remove the infection entirely. This would usually result in referral to a specialist before a decision to remove the tooth is made, but extraction may happen if there is a significant chance of the infection spreading to the bloodstream.

The most common reason for extractions is preparation for orthodontic work. When the teeth are too crowded, some of them may simply have to be removed in order for the others to be aligned into a healthy arch. This is what often happens to the wisdom teeth, which may not even be able to erupt fully due to overcrowding.

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.

 

Sjogren's Syndrome

When people are suffering from dry mouth, their oral hygiene becomes even more important. At the South Carthay dental practice of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, we provide regular cleanings, but we also want our patients to have a better understanding of their own conditions. One potential cause of dry mouth is Sjögren’s Syndrome.

Dry mouth and dry eyes are two of the first signs of Sjögren’s Syndrome. It usually appears with other autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, following an infection. In some people, it also affects the joints and skin, but it is tested for with a biopsy of the saliva glands. If a patient is suspected to have Sjögren’s Syndrome, they will be referred to an oral surgeon who will pluck some saliva glands from their lower lip and send them to a laboratory.

Most people with Sjögren’s Syndrome are older women. Due to their lack of saliva, the food debris in their mouths is not being washed away. While such patients need to be more attentive to their brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping, they can also be helped with artificial throat moisturizers and medications. One stop-gap solution to generate saliva is to chew sugar-free gum and candy.

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.

 

Smoking and Periodontal Health

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that can affect the bone structure that supports teeth and keeps them from falling out. To prevent periodontal disease, it’s best to schedule routine cleanings and professional exams with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS, to maintain optimal oral health. Smoking tobacco has a detrimental effect on your teeth and gums. We understand that it’s not easy to quit, but your mouth will thank you if you are able.

If you are a tobacco user, the symptoms of periodontal disease will increase. You may notice bleeding gums while brushing, red, swollen, or tender gums, as well as persistent bad breath. Periodontal disease is a serious infection and smokers have twice the risk of developing this condition as nonsmokers. The more cigarettes a person smokes, the greater his or her risk for developing periodontal disease. If you stop smoking, your gums will begin to heal, and you can improve periodontal health with good dental habits.

If you have questions or concerns regarding smoking and oral health, 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.