Extraction Site Preservation

Sometimes pulling teeth is a necessary procedure for overcrowding in the mouth or infection due to tooth decay. It isn’t a procedure to be taken lightly. Like wisdom teeth removal, where the teeth are located in the back of the mouth and sutures are used, the tooth extraction site essentially becomes an open wound and one that needs to be monitored and given time to heal. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, understands that getting a tooth pulled isn’t very pleasant, but she is committed to making the procedure and healing process as comfortable as she can for all patients. 

If you ever think your healing process doesn’t feel normal, you should contact our office. Signs of complications include:

- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

- Severe nausea or vomiting

- Redness, swelling, or excessive discharge from the extraction site

- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills

Something else to keep in mind when removing teeth is what to do with that open space once it has healed. If a tooth is removed and nothing is done to the extraction site, your jaw bone will degenerate and change shape while the site heals. This can create problems in your bite and may affect chewing and speaking. Make sure you and your dentist come up with a plan to fill this space.

Do you have questions about your extraction site? We are happy to address any concerns that may come up. Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

 

Losing The First Baby Tooth

It’s incredible how quickly children grow up. Before you know it, they’re losing their first baby tooth! The first tooth is usually lost between the ages of six and seven. For some children, this can create stress and anxiety. Dr. Suzanne Haeri, located in Los Angeles, CA, doesn’t want this to be the case. It’s why we’ve created this small guide for losing your baby teeth. Losing the first tooth is an experience your child will remember forever. Make sure it’s a happy memory!

 

Every parent knows that their child is unique. That’s why there’s no way to know for sure when the first baby tooth will become loose. Don’t worry if it happens earlier or later than normal. The best indicator is the age their teeth first came in. The earlier a tooth erupted, the earlier the age they fall out. Same with teeth that came in later. It’s simple!

 

The first baby tooth emerges around the age of six months old. After that, three to four follow every few months. All teeth are in place by the age of two. Here is the order that the baby teeth erupt: bottom middle teeth, top two middle teeth, first molars, and then second molars. They are then lost in this order, more or less. Your child will have lost and gained all their adult teeth by the time they reach thirteen.

 

Make sure your child isn’t scared by the odd sensation of a loose tooth. A baby tooth gets ready to fall out by disconnecting its nerve endings. The tooth becomes loose and wiggly. The gums around it will become inflamed and swollen. A cold compress eliminates any pain. If there is a pain when eating, supplement the diet with healthier, softer foods.

 

Suzanne Haeri DDS is a family-friendly dentist. She treats patients of all ages. Visit our office in Los Angeles, CA. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, call 310-657-2200 or visit her website at https://www.suzannehaeridds.com/.

Impacted Canines

Did you know that our canine teeth are also known as “eye teeth?” It may sound strange, but there’s a logical explanation for the nickname: the canines are simply aligned with the position of our eyes. Our canines are important for biting and guiding the rest of the teeth in position when you close your mouth. Canines also have the longest root compared to the rest of your teeth, making them the last to erupt. Sometimes canines fail to erupt properly, which causes problems for the capacity and appearance of your mouth. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, takes pride in educating her patients about everything dental!

 

An impacted canine simply means that the tooth has failed to erupt through your gums. Some causes of impacted canines include:

 

- Cysts: abnormal growths on the gums

- Overcrowding: when teeth are squished together from lack of space in the mouth

- Extra teeth: when an additional tooth occupies the space where the canine is supposed to erupt

- Ankylosed: when the canine tooth root is intertwined with the surrounding bone

 

There are some additional signs of an impacted canine to look for. This includes the presence of a palatal lump, the delayed eruption of the canine (usually after 15 years old), and the absence of a labial canine lump. If you are experiencing any of these signs, it’s possible that you have an impacted canine.

 

Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

 

Periodontal Disease

Did you know that it’s abnormal for your gums to bleed while brushing your teeth? Your hands shouldn’t bleed when you wash them, but many people seem to think that bleeding from the gums is normal. In actuality, this is a sign of an underlying issue. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, dedicates her time and expertise in educating patients about good oral health. Your Los Angeles dentist will help you achieve the smile you’ve been longing for.

If your gums are swollen and bleeding, these are signs of the beginning stages of periodontal disease known as gingivitis. The gums have been infected with bacteria-infested plaque, which is usually caused by poor dental hygiene or pre-existing conditions. Periodontitis is the advanced stage of the disease, where the teeth can actually be loosened and fall out.

Factors that increase your risk of periodontal disease include:

- Chronic stress

- Certain medications such as antidepressants, diuretics, high blood pressure meds, seizure-controlling meds, and calcium blockers

- Poor nutrition

- Fluctuating hormones

- Diseases such as diabetes, leukemia, inflammatory bowel disease, and HIV

- Teeth grinding

- Crooked or crowded teeth

- Tobacco use

- Genetics

- Poor dental hygiene, especially with braces on your teeth

Do you think you could be experiencing periodontal disease? We will assess what’s going on and get you started on a treatment plan. Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.