Post-Op Tooth Extraction Care

There are many reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted. Tooth decay, gum disease, or even for orthodontic purposes name a few. After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches and you will need to follow strict instructions that Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS will give you. After the surgery, you will need to rest and you should expect the extraction site to bleed a little following extraction. In addition, here are a few things to remember during post-op care.

If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call our office immediately. Once you return home after the surgery you should rest, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. One of our doctors will prescribe you pain medication, as well as cleaning solution for the extraction site, so if you become sore take as directed. It’s important to limit yourself to soft foods such as gelatin, pudding, yogurt, mashed potatoes, etc. so that the stitches are not punctured. When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw, because the sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process.

If you are experiencing tooth discomfort or have questions about post-op aftercare, 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.

Let Us Explain, Novocain

When you think of the dentist’s office, we are almost certain that you’re wondering about your pain-free options. Depending on the procedure at hand, you will either be given a local or general anesthetic. Local anesthesia allows the patient to remain awake, while general anesthesia allows the patient to sleep. If you are told you’ll be receiving a local anesthetic, “Novocain” probably comes to mind. Novocain is commonly used to suppress pain in patients who remain conscious. During your consultation, Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS will determine if Novocain is appropriate for your treatment plan as well as if it is the best option for you.

Novocain is normally injected into an area during oral surgery and other dental procedures to numb the surrounding tissues. Like any medication, however, side effects include numbness around the injection site that can last for several hours, a tingling sensation around the injection site, as well as minor swelling around or near the injection site. Novocain is a good option for some, but not for others. Be sure to provide us with as much information about your medical history as possible so that you and Dr. Haeri can make an informed decision.

If you would like to discuss sedation options, 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.

Wisdom Tooth Decay

As we age, we acquire wisdom, and the same goes for wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth appear between the ages of 17-21 and are known as the third set of molars. When they erupt correctly, healthy wisdom teeth can help you chomp your food a little faster.  However, if they start to cause you pain and discomfort, you may need to schedule a consultation with the Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS to discuss extraction.

If you bite on a piece of food that is too hard or you experience a mouth injury, wisdom teeth may become troublesome. They can also become cracked, broken, and decayed. Decay can form on any tooth surface, but when the decay begins to attack the wisdom teeth, depending on the position of the tooth it becomes difficult to clean. Depending on the individual case, Dr. Haeri may be able to fill the tooth, but even in cases where a filling could be successfully placed, if the wisdom tooth cannot be adequately maintained, recurrent decay can occur. Though many patients tend to procrastinate through the process, extraction is always best to avoid infection.

If your wisdom teeth are still intact and you have questions about removal, 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.

Brushing for Two Whole Minutes

When we hit the snooze button in the morning, two minutes flies by like lightning, when we are waiting in traffic, two minute seems like an eternity. At the sink, two minutes is the time you need to spend brushing your teeth in order to clean them adequately and reduce plaque. At the dental practice of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS, we want you to understand why you should follow the 2-minute brushing rule.

Most people don’t even come close to brushing two minutes and if you don’t brush your teeth long enough, you may not be getting your teeth clean enough. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily establish the basics of good oral hygiene. Brushing helps to clear particles of food from the teeth, but a brush can’t reach between teeth, which is why flossing is also necessary. To make the two-minute mark seem like less of a lifetime, split the mouth into four quadrants. That way, it should take about 30 seconds each quadrant. The proper position of the brush head should be along the gum line, half on the gums and on the teeth, pointing the bristles at a 45-degree angle. Don’t forget to brush every part of your mouth, including your tongue!

If you have questions regarding oral hygiene, 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.

Tooth Decay Prevention

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Hundreds of different types of bacteria live on our teeth, gums, tongue and other crevices in the mouth. Some are helpful, but some can be harmful such as those that play a role in the tooth decay process. At the dental practice of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS, we want our patients to know that good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and tooth decay.

When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently – for example, if you frequently eat foods or drinks containing sugar and starches – the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. This will cause a white spot to appear if the minerals have been lost. When this happens, this is a sign of early decay.

You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.


• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.


• Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.


• Visit us for professional cleanings and oral examination.

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, 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.

Cosmetic Dentistry Options

Cosmetic dentistry has been around for a long time. This is because one of the first things a person notices about you is your smile. So many people want to be able to flash a smile they are proud of. Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS offers several cosmetic dentistry options here in our Los Angeles, CA office.

Take a look at some of the cosmetic options here at our office:

• Veneers- A ceramic shell that is bonded to your existing teeth. Can improve the look of almost any dental imperfection. They are durable and can last up to 10 years.


• Lumineers- Similar to the veneer, but no prep work is needed to be done to the tooth. They can also last for over 20 years.


• Whitening- We have several whitening options to utilize, depending on the patient. We can perform whitening in as little as one hour in our office or give you a professional at-home kit.


• Snap-On Smile- This is a removable mouthpiece created just for you. They give you a perfect smile in a snap. Plus, you can take them out when sleeping or playing sports.


• Bonding- For gaps, cracks, misshapen teeth, discoloration, and much more, we can utilize dental bonding. This is the process of shaping tooth-colored composite resin to your tooth for a natural improvement.

If you are tired of hiding your smile and want a smile you are proud of, there is a cosmetic option for you. To set up an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS of Los Angeles, CA, call our office at (310) 657-2200 or visit our website, www.suzannehaeridds.com. 

Do you Brush the Wrong Way?

Brushing your teeth should be something you do two or three times per day, so you should be familiar with the process. However, did you know that there are wrong ways to brush? Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS of Los Angeles, CA wants her patients to know some of the harmful ways of brushing so they can avoid these habits and subsequent problems.

The purpose of brushing your teeth is to scrub away the plaque that builds up during the day and night. Plaque is a thin, sticky layer of bacteria that is formed from food, drinks, saliva, and other debris. All that is needed to remove it is a light scrub with soft bristles.

This brings up the first way patients can go wrong when brushing: brushing too hard. Using stiff bristles or excessive force can do more than remove plaque; it can also remove enamel! This will wear down teeth, resulting in more cavities and sensitivity. You could also harm your gums.

Another common way people brush wrong is by brushing too soon. You read it right; you can brush your teeth too soon. While you should brush after meals, you need to wait a short amount of time, first. This is because there is acid in the food and drinks we consume which softens our enamel. You should wait at least thirty minutes after eating or drinking anything but water to brush your teeth. This is to give your enamel time to re-harden so it is not worn down.

Keep these tips in mind when you are brushing morning and night! To schedule your next cleaning and examination with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS, call our Los Angeles, CA office at (310) 657-2200 or visit our website, www.suzannehaeridds.com.