Teeth Whitening at Home

At Dr. Suzanne Haeri's Los Angeles, CA, practice, patients may come to beautify their smiles. And one way to do so is through teeth whitening. You may choose to have an in-house whitening session or use an at-home kit. We'd like to take a moment to educate you about what the at-home kit entails.

Whitening Agent

You'll receive a solution that contains a whitening agent, either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These are the same active ingredients as the over-the-counter kits. However, the dentist can provide them at a higher potency. The potency is still within a safe range.

The whitening agent works by breaking down the pigment in the staining on your teeth. As a result, the stain then becomes less concentrated and not as noticeable.

How the At-Home Kits Work

Although the actual whitening is done at home, you'll need to visit our Los Angeles, CA, office to be a fitted for a whitening tray. Using a dental-safe putty, our practitioner will make an impression of your top and bottom teeth. The impression is sent to the lab and turned into multiple dental trays.

You receive the teething whiten agent and dental trays to take home.

As directed, you apply the agent into the trays and leave them rest of your teeth for the designated amount of time.

Once you finish the kit, we'll ask that you return to our office so our practitioner may view the results. If any areas didn't take as well as others, our practitioner may touch them up. You'll then have an evenly white smile.

Benefits of an At-Home Kit

Firstly, you don't have to make a visit to our office for each session. You can also whiten at a time that's convenient for you.

In terms of the whitening agent, you benefit from a solution that's stronger than the over-the-counter options. Additionally, unlike the over-the-counter options, the trays are customized for your mouth. Therefore, you're much less likely to have your gums exposed to the bleaching agent that can irritate them.

Teeth whitening in general has its share of benefits. For example, it can boost your confidence. If you once hid your teeth when you smiled, you can smile proudly. When compared to other teeth whitening methods, like veneers, it's a more cost-efficient solution. And we want to mention that teeth whitening can give you a more youthful appearance.

When you visit Dr. Haeri in Los Angeles, CA, you can benefit from a whiter smile. And you can complete the process almost entirely at home on your own time.

Book an appointment for an at-home whitening kit by calling us at 310-657-2200.

Same Day Veneers

If you want to restore the natural, youthful appearance of your smile in as few dental appointments as possible, consider same day veneers in Los Angeles, CA and Dr. Suzanne Haeri, a cosmetic & general dentistry specialist. If you have teeth that are stained, chipped or have large gaps, find out how veneers can help.

Veneers Explained

Veneers are thin tooth-colored materials dentists use to cover the front of your teeth. Along with enhancing strength and resilience, veneers improve the appearance of your teeth. Dentists customize veneers to the shape of your original teeth. During the procedure, your dentist bonds them to the natural enamel on your teeth, giving you long-lasting results.

Compared to crowns and bridges, veneers are less invasive. Additionally, many people choose veneers for their ability to enhance a smile quickly and painlessly. A veneer almost instantaneously brightens your smile, closes gaps and fills chipped or cracked teeth.

In most cases, it takes three scheduled visits to see results when you visit a cosmetic & general dentistry specialist like Dr. Suzanne Haeri in Los Angeles, CA. Same day veneers are popular because you see instant results in one day.

Difference Between Same Day Veneers and Traditional Veneers

Although all veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth, traditional veneers require several weeks for an outside lab to fabricate the design before they're ready for placement. However, advancements in technology now make it possible for dentists to use in-office computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing to design and create veneers on the same day.

Computer software makes impressions of your teeth, and then the impressions are sent to an in-office unit to fabricate the design. So, you'll see a whiter and straighter smile in one day. Keep in mind your dentist may want to schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure the bond between your veneers and your enamel is holding strong.

If you want to improve your smile with instant, lasting results, consider the convenience of same day veneers by visiting a cosmetic & general dentistry expert like Dr. Suzanne Haeri in Los Angeles, CA. Call (310) 657-2200 today to learn more about your veneer options.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

If you're experiencing persistent pain in your mouth, you might need root canal therapy from Dr. Suzanne Haeri in Los Angeles, CA. A specialist in cosmetic & general dentistry, Dr. Haeri is ready to get your teeth and gums looking and feeling their best.

When you hear the term root canal, it may invoke apprehension, tension – and sometimes fear. However, the procedure isn't the same – or nearly as painful – as it was years ago. Advancements in treatment and technology now make a root canal the equivalent of getting a cavity filled. So, do you need a root canal (endodontics)?

What Are Endodontics?

Endodontics deals with your teeth's nerves, and a root canal is the most well-known treatment in this field. When one of your teeth becomes infected, the nerves in your teeth are typically the culprit. To eliminate the infection, a cosmetic & general dentistry specialist in Los Angeles, CA, like Dr. Suzanne Haeri, may perform a root canal to remove the infected nerves.

When Is the Procedure Necessary?

The only way to determine for certain if you need the procedure is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. However, you should know some of the warning signs.

Recurring Toothache/Swelling

If you have a horrible, persistent toothache with swelling, it may be a sign you need the procedure. However, not all tooth pain requires the procedure. In some cases, incorporating meaningful oral hygiene into your daily routine can eliminate pain. If that doesn't work, it's time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Haeri.

Bumps Around Your Gums

If you see a pimple-like bump around your gumline, it may be a sign you have a dental abscess. The bumps typically indicate a severe infection requiring immediate attention. Not only does an abscess induce incredible pain, but it also indicates pockets of pus are forming around your teeth – and it's also a sign your teeth are starting to rot.

Discolored/Darkened Teeth

If one of your teeth recently changed colors to a gray or black shade, it could indicate tooth decay is occurring because of an infection. In some cases, internal tissues around the root of your teeth are starting to break down, requiring your dentist to go in and remove the damaged nerves.

If you're unsure if you need a root canal in Los Angeles, CA, contact Dr. Suzanne Haeri, a specialist in cosmetic & general dentistry, by calling (310) 637-2200.

1 Hour in Office Teeth Bleaching in Los Angeles, CA

Are your teeth looking dull? The cosmetic & general dentistry office of Dr. Suzanne Haeri in Los Angeles, CA offers teeth bleaching in just one hour. If you are ready for a dazzling difference, this procedure can give you the confidence you are looking for.

Many things can make your teeth look discolored. If you drink coffee, tea, or red wine, it can cause stains on your enamel. If you enjoy dark-colored fruits like cherries and blueberries, which are so good for your health, you run the danger of staining your teeth. It is very hard to have a balanced diet and not eat or drink things that are not good for the color of your teeth. If you have tried brushing at home and have not been satisfied with the results, it is time to think about getting in-office teeth bleaching in Los Angeles, CA.

By choosing to have your teeth whitened in the dentist's office, you can be sure that your gums will be protected and that you will get the desired whitening without damage to your teeth. The solution used to treat your teeth will use hydrogen peroxide at a stronger solution level than is used in home kits. The dentist can activate the solution with a special light or allow it to activate on its own.

Before the procedure is approved, the dentist will do a consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. If approval is given, the teeth will be professionally cleaned to prepare them for whitening. The gums and lips will be covered to protect them and the whitening gel will be applied to the surface of the teeth. If a special light is applied, it can speed up the process. After the appropriate time, the gel will be removed and the color of the teeth checked. If the desired whiteness hasn't been reached, the solution can be reapplied.

In most cases, teeth can be whitened up to seven shades in an hour-long procedure. You will then be asked to visit the dentist every six months to maintain your new brighter smile. It is always a good idea to maintain your normal cleaning routine and to avoid any of the things that you know have stained your teeth in the past.

If you want to try teeth bleaching in Los Angeles, CA, Dr.Haeri has a cosmetic & general dentistry office that can provide the service you are looking for. Give the office a call at 310-657-2200 for a consultation.

Everything You Need to Know About Sedation Dentistry

Does going to the dentist paralyze you with fear? If so, you are not alone. Fortunately, sedation dentistry from a cosmetic & general dentistry expert like Dr. Suzanne Haeri in Los Angeles, CA may be the answer. From invasive procedures to teeth cleaning, sedation can help relax you during those uncomfortable visits to your dentist.

A Closer Look at Sedation Dentistry

When a dentist uses nitrous oxide, a general anesthetic or medication to relax you during a procedure, it's called sedation dentistry. Although many people associate sedation with going to sleep, most people are actually awake during a procedure. Dentists use sedation to help reduce pain, anxiety and tension during treatment.

The level of sedation you might experience includes relaxed but awake, conscious but groggy or on the edge of consciousness. If a dentist uses general anesthesia, you're normally unconscious. Doctors use general anesthesia when performing an invasive procedure like oral surgery.

Can All Dentists Use Sedation

In most cases, dentists are trained to use nitrous oxide. However, using IV sedation or a general anesthetic requires additional training or special licensing. If you have questions for Dr. Suzanne Haeri about her sedation dentistry experience and her cosmetic & general dentistry training in Los Angeles, CA, feel free to contact us today.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Although using a general anesthetic or other medications to relax patients poses some risk, sedation dentistry is typically safe. However, some patients may be at higher risk than others, such as those with sleep apnea. Additionally, if you have any pre-existing conditions, you should consult your primary care doctor or Dr. Haeri before you choose sedation.

Is Sedation Right for Me?

Before you choose sedation, you should consider the procedure you're having and how you normally respond to medical procedures. For example, if you're getting your teeth cleaned, you probably don't need sedation – unless the idea of someone using tools in your mouth paralyzes you with fear. And, if you're terrified of needs, IV sedation probably isn't the best choice.

If you're delaying your next dental visit because you associate dental work with pain, contact our team today to learn more about sedation dentistry in Los Angeles, CA and our cosmetic & general dentistry expert Dr. Suzanne Haeri by calling (310) 657-2200.

DentalVibe Injection Comfort System

A trip to the dentist can be anxiety-provoking. Sometimes, no matter how diligent you are with your oral health at home, you may put off getting regular dental cleanings due to the apprehension that there may be pain or discomfort involved. Delaying a dental check-up can be quite detrimental to your overall health and we hope to relieve you of any stress that may be caused when anticipating a visit to the dentist. The experienced dentist, Dr. Suzanne Haeri in Los Angeles, CA uses the DentalVibe Injection Comfort System in the hopes of making your trip to the dentist as painless and comfortable as possible.

What is the DentalVibe Injection Comfort System?

When a shot is necessary during your visit to the dentist, there is usually pain or pinching before your mouth goes numb and you stop feeling the painful sensation. Not with DentalVibe. DentalVibe is a revolutionary system that takes the uncomfortable sensations out of getting shots.

It is an FDA-approved, hand-held device that works by introducing soothing, pulsing vibrations by way of micro-oscillations to the point of injection. This amazing device uses the 'gate control' theory of pain. The sensations provided by DentalVibe act as a gate to pain signals and do not let them pass through. The result is a pain-free injection.

How Does it Work?

When Dr. Suzanne Haeri in Los Angeles, CA uses the DentalVibe Injection Comfort System at the site of the injection, the brain registers the soothing vibration of the DentalVibe before it can register any pain from the shot. Since the vibrations have already been registered by the brain, the neural pain gate is closed and pain signals cannot get through. The pain signals are blocked by the sensations provided by the DentalVibe system, essentially saying to the pain signals "you shall not pass!"

Also, the sound emanating from the device acts as an additional distraction. After the injection, the gentle vibrations of the DentalVibe system will also assist with the goal of the injected solution by helping to massage the area and distribute the anaesthesia or other painkillers more rapidly. This system is incredibly helpful for children and adults with a fear of needles.

DentalVibe Injection Comfort System with Dr. Suzanne Haeri in Los Angeles, CA

A trip to the dentist should not cause anxiety. Consistent, regular dental check-ups need not be delayed due to a fear of pain or discomfort during your appointment. One of the goals at our dental office is to make you as comfortable as possible. Using the DentalVibe system when appropriate is one of the most important ways that we accomplish this. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or for more information about the DentalVibe Injection Comfort System by calling (310) 657-2200.

What is Bone Grafting?

If you have bone loss in your jaw, bone grafting in Los Angeles, CA might be the solution for you. You can rely on Dr. Suzanne Haeri to provide the treatment and care that you need.

 

What is a Dental Bone Graft?

Teeth are held in the mouth by bone in an area referred to as the alveolar ridge. If you lose a tooth or have a periodontal or gum disease, you might lose some of the bone in this ridge. Without it, your mouth cannot support or secure natural teeth. It also means that it can’t support dental implants or other procedures that rely on the jaw bone. Fortunately, a dental bone graft can help. This procedure is used to restore bone loss, ensuring that there is sufficient bone for implants or in order to maintain proper oral health.

 

How is a Dental Bone Graft Done?

Dental bone grafting in Los Angeles, CA is completed by Dr. Haeri making an incision in your jaw. Bone material is then attached to the jaw bone, which encourages regeneration. The natural bone absorbs the grafted bone material and grows, resulting in a full jaw bone.

 

Types of Bone Grafts

The bone material typically comes from one of five different sources. Dr. Haeri will determine the best source according to your needs.

-The first is from bone tissue in another part of the body. Most commonly, it is taken from the hip but might also be taken from the shin, chin, or other areas of the jaw. This is referred to as an autograft.

-An allograft is when the bone tissue comes from another human source, such as a cadaver. The bone is treated to eliminate the risk of reactions or disease.

-An alloplastic graft is when hydroxyapatite, a natural mineral in the bone, is taken from natural or synthetic sources.

-Xenografts are when the tissue comes from animal bones. Most often, cows are the source.

-The last type of graft is when the bone material is made from ceramic. Sometimes, it is mixed with calcium for a more natural solution.

 

How Long Does it Take to Heal?

You will likely need around four to six months to recover before having implants done. However, the length of time will depend specifically on how well your healing is progressing.

 

Learn more about bone grafting in Los Angeles, CA, or schedule your consultation with Dr. Haeri today by calling (310) 657- 2200.