Gum Disease and Implants

A dental implant is a big investment, and we want to make sure you get the most out of it. At the South Carthay dental office of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, we provide implant-supported crowns to patients who are looking for a permanent solution to missing teeth and who want to rebuild their jaws and facial structure as well as their smiles. Dental implant placement has very high success rates, and implants usually last for years. But there is a situation in which they could be in danger, which is why we want our patients to be able to recognize peri-implantitis.

 

Peri-implantitis is what we call it when the gum tissue around an implant post becomes inflamed. In the months following an implant’s placement, it will fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. In order for fusion to be successful, there has to be sufficient bone mass to begin with, and the bone cannot continue to recede. But acid-secreting bacteria may colonize the gum pocket surrounding an implant, just as they do the gum pockets surrounding natural tooth roots. If this happens, their acid may erode the implant post and the bone, preventing the implant from stabilizing. If an implant cannot integrate or a previously integrated implant becomes loose, it has to be removed.

 

Peri-implantitis looks similar to typical gum inflammation. The gums may be red, swollen, and sore, and they may bleed when the patient brushes their teeth. Peri-implantitis can be stopped by a deep cleaning if the patient seeks help quickly enough. We carefully monitor implant patients during the integration process to ensure they are not suffering gum infections, but once osseointegration is complete, we rely on patients to come to us if they begin having problems. Maintaining regular oral hygiene appointments will help ensure gum pocket infections are caught before they become severe.

 

The dental office of Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, California, 90035. To schedule an appointment, call 310-657-2200 or visit our website at Suzanne Haeri DDS.

Scaling and Planing

If your gums are red and puffy and you see blood when you spit out your toothpaste, you probably have gum disease. This is a common problem and it can be treated, but it won’t get better on its own. At the South Carthay office of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, we offer general dental services including deep cleanings for people suffering from gingivitis. This procedure is commonly regarded among dental researchers as the most reliable way of combating mild gum disease, ensuring that patients will be able to keep their teeth and avoid relapses.

 

Normally, gum tissue clings tightly to tooth roots. But if plaque is allowed to build up below the gum line, the acid caught in it will cause the gum tissue to pull away from the tooth, creating a pocket. This pocket doesn’t get cleaned during ordinary brushing and flossing and becomes a haven for oral bacteria. The infection cycle continues to escalate, causing the gums to become inflamed and recede.

 

During a scaling, we'll will use a hook to remove plaque from the gum pocket. The patient will be given a localized anesthetic before this and won’t feel anything. Damage to the tooth root caused by the plaque and tartar may have caused the root’s surface to become pitted, making it easy for bacteria to colonize in the future. To prevent this, the root may also be planed, meaning that it will be smoothed down. Planing may require a second appointment, and patients are often instructed to take an antibiotic afterward. Following a deep cleaning, patients will have to remain diligent about maintaining their oral hygiene, but their gums should heal and be able to hold their teeth in place.

 

The dental office of Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, California, 90035. To schedule an appointment, call 310-657-2200 or visit our website at Suzanne Haeri DDS.

3 Ways Stress Affects Your Dental Health

Stress is usually synonymous with mental or emotional strain, but this strain also affects your oral health. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Suzanne Haeri treats all things teeth, including all stress-induced conditions.

Teeth Grinding

Bruxism or clenching and grinding of the teeth can be caused by stress and anxiety. Oftentimes, you’re unaware you’re even grinding since occurs during sleep, leading to enamel damage and even jaw soreness and headaches. To protect your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding, your Los Angeles, CA dentist recommends a dental night guard to wear. 

Gum Disease

Another condition potentially caused by stress is gum disease. If you’re under extreme stress, you’re more inclined to snacking on sugary food or even forgetting to take care of your teeth. Failure to brush or floss regularly increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Canker Sores

Canker sores or mouth ulcers are also thought to be triggered by stress or a decreased immune system. These small shallow wounds occur around the insides of your lips and make it difficult to eat or talk. While these sores naturally disappear after 7-10 days, contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Haeri.

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.

Gum Disease and Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth isn’t just an uncomfortable cosmetic issue; it’s a potential threat to a patient’s oral health. At the South Carthay dental office of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, we offer a full suite of general and cosmetic dental services for each of our patients’ individual needs. An impacted tooth is one situation in which a tooth extraction might be warranted, so we want our patients to understand its seriousness and their full range of options.

 

We use the term “impacted” to describe a tooth that is unable to fully emerge from the gum. This can happen to any tooth, but since wisdom teeth are the largest and last to erupt, it’s most likely to happen to them. When a wisdom tooth only partly erupts, a large section of it will remain covered by a flap of gum tissue called an operculum. Food debris will get caught under the operculum, where a patient will have difficulty dislodging it. There, bacteria will feed on it, causing inflammation around the partly-erupted dental crown, which is a condition we call “pericoronitis.” The patient will experience soreness and swelling, and since the infection will not get better on its own, there’s a risk it will spread.

 

An operculum can be cleaned by a dental hygienist, and we encourage patients not to wait to get this done. But as long as the operculum remains, more food can get stuck under it. One solution would be to cut the operculum away, but this would not fix any other problems the impacted tooth is causing, such as bite difficulties. Although we don’t take tooth extraction lightly, it is a common, efficient process, and one that will allow a patient to quickly resume chewing normally with much less discomfort.

 

The dental office of Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, California, 90035. To schedule an appointment, call 310-657-2200 or visit our website at Suzanne Haeri DDS.

 

Flossing Technique

When you floss properly, you greatly reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum recession, halitosis, and all sorts of associated problems. But flossing properly isn’t quite as simple as it sounds. At the South Carthay cosmetic and general dentistry office of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, we strive to provide our patients with top-quality care, but to keep their smiles dazzling in between dental appointments, patients need to understand how to improve their oral hygiene. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at how to floss.

 

Since you’ll be removing plaque from your teeth each time you floss, you’ll want to use a long strand. Fifteen to eighteen inches should be sufficient. You’ll be able to manipulate the strand with your pointer fingers and thumbs if you wrap the ends around your middle fingers. As you go from each side of each tooth, unspool a little more floss and wrap it around the other middle finger so you’re not just transferring plaque between teeth. On each side of each tooth, slide the floss as far as it will comfortably go, bend it around the tooth in a c-shape, and rub it back and forth as you move it back out. You shouldn’t bleed or be in pain, but the floss will move a short distance into the area between the crown and the gum tissue. Don’t forget the back sides of the back teeth.

 

If you do bleed while flossing your teeth, you likely have gingivitis and may need a professional cleaning. But flossing is a necessity for anyone with teeth, even if the teeth are artificial. Although it doesn’t make much difference whether flossing is done before or after brushing, it needs to be done at least once a day. We can give you a demonstration if there’s any part of it you’re still confused about, and if you’re struggling, you may want to look into getting a flosser, which mounts a strand of floss on an easy to grip handle.

 

The dental office of Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, California, 90035. To schedule an appointment, call 310-657-2200 or visit our website at Suzanne Haeri DDS.

 

Receding Gums

It’s a rare occurrence that a dental condition develops instantly overnight. Receding gums, like most dental problems, develop over time. That’s why many of the patients that Dr. Suzanne Haeri treats don’t realize it until too late! Call us right away if you notice gum tissue surrounding the tooth disappearing. Your teeth are at risk! Visit Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA.

 

You won’t notice the effects of receding gums right away. You’ll notice these major symptoms without necessarily connecting them. The first sign is that your teeth suddenly appear longer. When the gums recede, more of your tooth becomes visible. Another symptom is sudden teeth sensitivity. This means that the roots of your teeth are being exposed. Lastly, your teeth become loose. This is because of the large amounts of bacteria that can now gain access. The previous attachment structures are now gone.

 

There are a few causes of receding gums. The most common is poor dental care, resulting in periodontal (gum) disease. You should also evaluate your brushing habits. Brushing too hard damages the gums too. There is also the possibility of teeth grinding or a misaligned bite. The exact cause can’t be known without an appointment at our Los Angeles, CA, office.

 

The best treatment comes from you. You need to start taking better care of your teeth through more frequent dental appointments, brushing, and flossing. Talk to your dentist about dental products better suited to your needs. This means things like specific brands of toothpaste, etc. We treat a mild gum recession with deep cleaning and antibiotics. For severe gum recession, you’ll require gum surgery.

 

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact Suzanne Haeri DDS today. We are located 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/.

Diode Laser Gum Surgery

It’s no secret that dental technology has improved over the years. For example, we can now make digital molds of our teeth over traditional putty impressions. Dr. Suzanne Haeri is dedicated to learning all she can about the advancements in dentistry. One such advancement is a laser that helps patients with periodontal problems. Dr. Haeri is thrilled to offer the Diode Soft Tissue Laser in her Los Angeles practice.

The Diode Soft Tissue Laser helps patients who suffer from periodontal (gum) disease. The laser successfully stops bleeding, seals lymphatic and nerve endings, and decreases inflammation. Your Los Angeles dentist is able to perform surgery on your gums without needles, bleeding, and stitches. The patient is also able to eat, drink, and talk after the procedure with zero discomfort. As an added bonus, the laser sterilizes the gum tissue at the restoration site.

Other benefits of using a Diode Soft Tissue Laser to help periodontal disease include:

- Added safety

- Less invasive

- Less painful post-procedure

- Better precision

- Better conservation of healthy tissue

- No bleeding

- Highly sterile

- Painless procedure

- More efficient

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

 

Alzheimer's and Gum Disease

A healthy smile is essential to health overall. We’ve learned a lot in recent years about the connection between gum disease and other health problems, including diabetes, cirrhosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. We hope that every patient at Dr. Suzanne Haeri’s South Carthay dental office is taking care of their oral hygiene. New research indicates that if they are, they may also be protecting themselves from Alzheimer’s disease.

The bacteria that cause gum disease have natural defenses. One species, Porphyromonas gingivalis, produces toxic enzymes called gingipains to fight off white blood cells. Gingipains can also trigger the formation of plaque that kills neurons, and in a recent study, scientists found them at elevated levels in the brains and spinal fluid of people with Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. The worse the symptoms were, the more gingipains were found.

Another recent study found that P. gingivalis can move from the mouth to the brain in living people. It’s long been known that people with Alzheimer’s disease have difficulty maintaining their oral hygiene, but it increasingly seems that the relationship between the diseases goes both ways. Scientists do not believe that gum disease is the only contributing factor to Alzheimer’s, but it’s become increasingly clear that deep cleanings and regular oral hygiene are a crucial defense.

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-657-2200 or visit Suzanne Haeri DDS and fill out a request.

 

Dental Phobia

At Dr. Suzanne Haeri's west Los Angeles dental office, we know it can be an overwhelming experience going to the dentist. We want our patients to feel relaxed and comfortable when you’re in the dentist chair. An estimated 9% to 15% of people avoid the dentist due to dental phobia. It is important to get your teeth cleaned twice a year to maintain good dental hygiene. Patients who suffer from dental phobia have a greater chance of developing gum disease and tooth decay.

To ease our patient’s minds, our staff will discuss any concerns or fears you have and solutions. We will do our best to make your experience as relaxing as possible. Some signs that you might have dental phobia include tense or nervousness, sleepless nights before the dentist, and the thought of the dentist makes you feel sick.

We encourage our patients to ask us questions before your appointment so we can make you feel more comfortable. Your concerns are our number one priority and we are happy to discuss what can help to ease your fears.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding cosmetic or restorative dentistry, 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, please call 310-657-2200.

Flossing

Many people skip flossing because they find it is too time-consuming. At the office of Suzanne Haeri, DDS we advise our patients to brush and floss daily to prevent cavities and gum disease. Brushing is important to maintaining good oral hygiene.  Flossing gets rid of 40% of debris in your mouth. When food gets stuck in between your teeth, it allows plaque to build up if you don't floss.

Remember to use floss that is 15-18 inches long and curve the floss around each tooth while rubbing it up and down to scrape away any plaque. It is normal for your gums to bleed if they are inflamed from poor dental hygiene. There will be less bleeding the more you consistently floss. 

We want all of our patients to floss daily to prevent cavities and have a greater chance of for healthier teeth and gums.

If you have any questions or concerns, 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, please call 310-657-2200.

Cirrhosis and Gum Disease

Brushing and flossing could help a lot more than just your mouth. In recent years, scientists have found evidence linking oral health conditions to other issues in the body, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Now, we at Dr. Suzanne Haeri’s West Los Angeles dental practice want to pass along information showing that treating gum disease improves symptoms of cirrhosis.

Inflammation is a part of the immune system’s response, but when the liver is inflamed chronically, it could scar over. This is cirrhosis, and it significantly reduces the liver’s effectiveness at filtering blood. With less effective filtering, inflammation becomes worse and many people experience cognitive decline. Scientists expected cirrhosis to be common in people with periodontal disease because they both can be caused by smoking and heavy use of alcohol. But unusually high rates of gum disease have also been found in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, so scientists started looking for a causative link.

In a study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University, people with both diseases were examined for symptoms of cirrhosis after getting periodontal therapy. Patients who were treated were found to have better cognitive function and more anti-inflammatory gut bacteria than the control group. Scientists are excited by this potential new avenue to treating cirrhosis. We hope that anyone suffering from gum disease will come to us for help regardless, and that they might find unexpected benefits.

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.

 

Peri-implantitis

Dr. Suzanne Haeri of South Carthay is not only an experienced cosmetic dentist but also a provider of implant restorations. Implants replace teeth and help to solidify the jaw bone. But implants, like natural teeth, need to be cared for, or else they will be at risk of coming loose and need to be replaced.

Gum inflammation is usually the result of a gum pocket infection. When food debris gets caught below the gum line, bacteria eat it and produce acid as a waste product. Acid gets stuck in the tooth’s plaque, causing damage to the gum tissues. The immune system causes the gums to flame up, making them red, puffy, and painful, and possibly causing them to bleed. Even worse, the bone holding the implant in place may recede. People who have implants will recall the several months it took for jawbones to grow around the implant post (a process called “osseointegration”). If too much of that bone tissue is lost, the implant will have to be replaced for the patient’s safety.

Unfortunately, gum disease is not a rare phenomenon. However, with our office’s soft tissue laser, we can remove decayed dental material, preventing the infection from advancing. When patients uphold their oral hygiene and consult with their dentist for help at the first sign of gum inflammation, implants have a 98% success rate after ten years.

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.

 

Gum Disease and Healthy Eyes

Oral health is closely tied to the health of the rest of the body. At Dr. Suzanne Haeri’s South Carthay dental office, we don’t want our patients to miss regular cleanings or neglect their oral hygiene. One more reason to brush is the connection between gum disease and macular degeneration.

Gum disease occurs when bacteria are allowed to grow out of control in the gum pockets, triggering the immune system’s inflammation response. Bleeding gums are the result of gingivitis. Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that occurs when the macula, a part of the retina, thins out, has fluid leaking into it, or has blood vessels growing in it. It causes people to have blurry spots in the center of their vision.

Scientists had long observed that macular degeneration is more common in people with gingivitis, but did not know why. A new study established that one particular type of bacteria from the mouth, Porphyromonas gingivalis, can infect the tissues of the eye. When the tissue was infected, immunosuppression and growth of new blood vessel tissue were likelier. Scientists have more to learn about the association, but there’s reason to think that keeping the gums healthy can also help keep the eyes safe.

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.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gum Disease

At the South Carthay dental office of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, we understand the importance of a dentist to a patient with rheumatoid arthritis’s care team. New research has shed light on the relationship between autoimmune disorders and periodontal disease and it’s important for patients to know what challenges they face.

The term arthritis describes problems affecting a person’s joints. It’s not surprising that people with arthritis would have difficulty grasping and using a toothbrush, but the research suggests something else is going on. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking synovium, the lining of joints, resulting in inflammation. Scientists have found similar genetic structures between synovium and gum tissue. If the gums are also being harmed by an autoimmune response, it could explain why people with rheumatoid arthritis have gum disease at twice the rate of the general population and why gum disease is common in people whose arthritis hasn’t yet progressed to interfering with their brushing.

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by genetic and environmental factors. Smoking is a major contributor. Studies have shown that even with rheumatoid arthritis, people can significantly reduce their chances of developing gum disease by maintaining their oral hygiene, but it is crucial for them to maintain regular dental examinations.

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.

 

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.