Smoking and Pulp Infections

Oral cancer is far from the only dental problem related to smoking. At the South Carthay office of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, we provide general and cosmetic dentistry treatments. Frequently, we help to repair diseased gum tissue and stains that have resulted from tobacco, but now, researchers have uncovered another danger posed by smoking: reduced resilience to pulp infections.

Toothaches are often due to infections of the pulp within our teeth. Dental pulp can become inflamed (pulpitis) due to injury to the tooth or direct exposure to air, but it is most often due to bacteria and the acid they produce entering the pulp chamber. This would happen as a result of dental infections incurred through poor oral hygiene, which are exacerbated by smoking.

In addition to being painful, pulp infections potentially threaten the stability of tooth roots and can cause bad breath. In the worst instances, they can spread into the bloodstream and be fatal. Although mild infections may be treatable without a root canal, new research shows that smoking destroys the immune system defenses inside dental pulp. This makes it much likelier a patient will need root canal treatment, and may necessitate removing the tooth altogether. We hope that smokers will not ignore toothaches, since they will only get worse without intervention. We also hope that smokers will be motivated to quit by knowing there is some evidence that dental pulp’s immune defenses can revive without continued exposure to smoke.

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.

 

What Is An Apicoectomy?

Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS performs root canals to save and repair teeth that are badly damaged or infected.  A root canal procedure involves removing any inflamed or infected tissue, and thoroughly cleaning the root canal system.  In most root canal cases, the tooth heals and doesn’t require further treatment. When an infection won’t go away or the canals become re-infected, Dr. Haeri can perform an apicoectomy.

An apicoectomy removes damaged tissue and seals a tooth’s root from any further infections.  The procedure involves a small incision in the gums, followed by removal of any infected tissue and finally the end of the root tip itself.  A root-end filling is placed there to act as a seal, preventing reinfection. The gum is sutured, and most patients only feel slight discomfort or swelling during healing.  If you have a tooth infection lingering after a root canal gone wrong, please contact us to discuss your treatment options.

To learn more about the apicoectomy procedure and all the services we provide, 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.

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.

 

Protect Your Teeth during the Holidays

We know how hard you worked for your dazzling smile. At Dr. Suzanne Haeri’s South Carthay dental office, patients can expect high-quality treatments for tooth stains and decay, but we take a preventive approach, too. During the winter holidays, people have a lot more exposure to sugar, so we want to provide them with some tips for keeping their teeth safe while remaining sociable.

Dental stains are usually caused by dark-colored drinks such as coffee, soda, red wine, and hot chocolate. These drinks, as well as apple cider, eggnog, and spirits, can also be high in sugar. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria metabolizing sugar and excreting acid, so the amount of decay a person experiences correlates with the amount of time teeth are exposed to sugar. If people take sips slowly and don’t drink water afterward, their teeth will remain coated in residue. Bacteria can also metabolize complex sugars, so bits of crackers, breadcrumbs, or potato starch stuck in between teeth can be converted into acid. Naturally, hard candies, such as candy canes, also put the teeth at risk.

You don’t want to overuse whitening toothpaste, but you don’t want sugar to remain stuck on your teeth for several hours, either. You could try limiting your sugar intake to meals, when you will be producing more saliva. That will help wash away residue. You could also chew sugar-free gum in between meals to dislodge debris and stimulate more saliva. Drink fluoridated water in between sips of sugary or stain-causing drinks to wash them away. If you’re traveling to somewhere without fluoridation, you might bring a few bottles with you.

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.

 

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Do you notice a popping or a clicking sound in your jaw while chewing your food? If so, this may be a sign of a temporomandibular joint disorder. The temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. These bones help you speak, eat, and yawn. If this area becomes injured, it may lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Fortunately, Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS can discuss treatment options with you.

The first symptom of a temporomandibular joint disorder is a pain in the jaw area. Jaw pain may occur on one or both sides, depending on the cause. Other symptoms include headaches, stiff or sore jaw muscles, or locking of the jaw joint. When home treatments such as ice packs or anti-inflammatory drugs do not work, Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS may suggest a night guard as a form of treatment.

If you have questions or concerns regarding TMJ/TMD, 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.

Dental Sealants for Pediatric Patients

Nearly half of all children and adolescents in the United States have had cavities in their permanent teeth. To prevent them from forming, Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS offers dental sealants to eligible candidates. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent decay. Most tooth decay in children and teenagers occurs on the chewing surfaces where pits and groves tend to trap food and bacteria. Sealants fill in these pits and grooves so that bacteria cannot multiply.

Sealants are easy for Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS to apply. The sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaques and acids. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. With proper oral care, dental sealants can last up to ten years.

If you have questions or concerns regarding pediatric dentistry, 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.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Dr. Suzanne Haeri has seen many patients who experience some level of anxiety with each dental procedure or appointment. Some patients have had negative experiences with dental procedures that make them anxious, and others may have a sensitive gag reflex that has always made dental work dreadful.  We understand why a dental appointment could be intimidating, but do not want to see patients delaying treatment because of these fears.  Oral conscious sedation is an option we recommend for patients experiencing dental anxiety. 

Oral conscious sedation is administered by taking a pill orally (usually Valium) before a procedure.  The light sedative relaxes the patient but does not ‘knock out’ the patient, as they remain conscious.  They are brought to an extremely relaxed state, and when the dentist begins working, local anesthetic is still used at the site of the procedure.  The combination of oral conscious sedation and local anesthetic means the patient can stay relaxed and usually allows the dentist to complete more work in one session.  This makes a more pleasant experience for an anxious patient, and can even mean less dental appointments overall!

To learn more about oral conscious sedation and all the services provided at the 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.