West Los Angeles Dentist

Choosing the right dentist for you and your family can be a remarkably tricky undertaking, especially if you are looking for a West Los Angeles dentist! That’s because there are so many dental practices from which to choose, that the selection process is actually made more difficult based on options, rather than simpler.

In order to select the ideal dentist for your needs and for the needs of your family, you need to first assess exactly what you’re looking for – don’t get caught up reading reviews on sites like Yelp.com or AngiesList.com, and don’t get taken by advertisements in newspapers or on billboards and such until you have first taken the time to figure out what type of dentist is best for you specifically – you should select a dentist because they suit your needs, not because they had an ad somewhere.

So, how do you determine your dental needs? The first and most obvious criteria to consider is the age of your family. A single adult or an adult couple without young children in their care may find the perfect practice for them, while a family with young kids may review the same office and find it totally unsuited to their needs! There is a great deal of special experience, training, and even patience and a certain outlook required for proper pediatric dentistry (dentistry for children, in other words). For example, even if you have found a nationally renowned West Los Angeles dentist who specializes in dental implants, all the accolades in the world might mean nothing if you are more concerned with a dentist who can handle your toddler!

However, choosing a dentist who only handles children might not be the best choice, either, depending on how your kids cope with dental visits, and with change! Choosing a dentist who handles both pediatric dental patients and serves adults might be a great option for a family with young kids, because that same practice can see them for years to come! There is no better way to keep your health in check than to use the same doctors for as many years as possible. The continuity of care you get from seeing the same people and keeping all your records in the same place is priceless, and an office practicing both pediatric and general dentistry can’t be beaten for that.

On the flip side of that token, if you or one of your dependents is an older person, especially someone who may need more involved, oral surgical procedures, either in the near future or down the road, you may want to choose a dentist that deals only with older patients, one who never devotes some of their time to kids. It’s no secret that the aging human body starts to require more and more medical care to keep it in good working order, and so choosing a West Los Angeles dentist that’s both close to your home and in tune with your needs as an older person is crucial to keeping your health up as the years pass by. You don’t want an oral surgical procedure performed by someone who also helped out with a child’s exam earlier that day, you want it handled by a specialist who does these types of procedures all day long, right? In your case, perhaps someone with broad experience is just what you don’t want!

It remains as true for the older folks as it does for the young family, ultimately, that the right dentist for you is the right one for you personally, not the one who was well-liked by others or who took out a great ad. So figure out your specific needs, then do your homework on which West Los Angeles dentist could be right for you!

Dentist in West Los Angeles

If you don’t have a great dentist in West Los Angles, even with all its health and fitness clubs, its natural / organic restaurants and food shops, and its generally health-conscious attitude, West LA will never be a place where you will be truly healthy. You need a great dentist, it’s as simple as that!

Perhaps you have heard this before, but it merits repeating: good overall health begins with good oral health. Even if you have already heard that pithy statement repeated so many times it seems less like medical advice and almost more like a mantra, it remains true! And in case you have not thought much about it, let’s talk about why it’s true for a moment.
Most everything that enters your body will do so via your mouth. This is true for foods, for liquids, for medications, and it is in large part true for bacteria and pathogens, as well! The better the health of your mouth, the more readily your body can fight off potentially harmful invasive characters like these before they even get into your body, thanks to the powerful enzymes and other secretions at work there.

Good digestion also begins in the mouth, long before any foodstuffs have gotten to your small intestine or your stomach. In fact your saliva begins to break down foods right away as soon as it comes in contact with them, changing their very chemical makeup so they can be more readily digested, and helping to soften the food for better mechanical breakdown. And of course we can’t overlook the importance of good chewing! Properly chewed food is digested more thoroughly then quickly masticated and swallowed food, contributing to better digestion and better overall health.

And as you probably assumed we were going to point out, without finding a great dentist West Los Angles might remain a nice place to exercise and eat right and all the rest of it, but your overall health will still never be optimum!

Beyond being the starting point for keeping yourself as healthy as possible, your mouth is also the place where many health conditions and diseases may first reveal themselves. A regular dental exam can, therefore, be about much more than just checking your mouth for cavities or other standard oral health issues, and can instead be a valuable diagnostic tool for measuring your body’s overall health. A skilled dentist can look for abnormalities in the teeth, gums, and tissue of the mouth that could point to underlying conditions or ailments you would never have thought could show themselves in your mouth, so a trip to the dentist should be considered a vital part of your overall health plan.

Don’t think of your visits to the dental office as mere errands – dentist West Los Angeles, check, dry cleaning in Santa Monica, check, etc. – each visit, even if it is just for a “mere” cleaning, is in fact a big part of both your health maintenance and of your medical check-up regimen. Yes, it is nice to have clean, healthy feeling and great looking teeth, but it is even nicer to know that you are healthy and disease or infection free, isn’t it?

What a Cosmetic Dentist Can Do For You

Most people put off seeing a dentist until they have a toothache, need a cavity filled or want their teeth cleaned. These dental procedures are important for good oral health, but they are not the only services that a dentist in west Los Angeles can provide. In addition to taking care of a patient’s teeth, West LA Dental Care offers Santa Monica residents a variety of cosmetic procedures that can improve the way they look and feel.

If your teeth make you feel self-conscious or embarrassed when you smile, it might be time to look into some of today’s available cosmetic options. Giving patients a smile they can be proud of takes an experienced cosmetic dentist that can understand the patient’s needs and is willing to work carefully with each person to find the best solution.

Teeth Whitening

Cigarettes, coffee, medications and the minerals in water can all affect a tooth’s color. While there are several types of over-the-counter products designed to whiten teeth, having a west LA dentist do the procedure can often be more effective.

A tooth’s surface needs to be completely covered with a whitener for a nice, uniform look. That can be difficult to do yourself. Back teeth can be particularly troublesome. In addition, over-the-counter products are not as strong as what a cosmetic dentist can provide, so taking advantage of a professional dentist in West Los Angeles can be a better option.

Misaligned, Chipped or Uneven Teeth

Even teeth that are in good condition can be uneven, chipped or misaligned. Sometimes, there can be an excess space between the teeth, or they can be cracked. A west LA dentist who specializes in cosmetic procedures can help Santa Monica patients improve these types of defects by applying special tooth-colored bonding materials, reshaping the tooth or filling in a crack.

Instead of bonding, a cosmetic dentist might also suggest using veneers to fix the excessive spaces, cover up wear, hide stains or improve the look of slightly crooked teeth. Veneers are similar to a shell that a dentist in west Los Angeles can place on the front side of a patient’s teeth. These veneers can improve a tooth’s shape as well as change the color.

In addition to bonding and veneers, a cosmetic dentist also has the option of using shaping and contouring techniques to improve the appearance of a tooth. Sometimes, a west LA dentist might use both bonding and shaping. This combination can be particular effective for overlapping teeth, teeth that are chipped or for minor bite problems.

Additional Cosmetic Possibilities

For missing teeth, two of the best long-term solutions are dental implants or bridges, depending on the condition of the teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can also correct an irregular gum line, teeth of different lengths, or jaw problems. If you live in the Santa Monica area, contacting West LA Dental today for an evaluation can be the best decision you ever made.

Do You Need a New Santa Monica Dentist?

Some patients do not choose their dentists very carefully and they end up being unhappy with the service they receive. If you are wondering whether it is time for you to switch to a new Santa Monica dentist, ask yourself whether your dentist shows any of these red flag signs:

1. Your dentist does not listen to your concerns

A good dentist listens to your concerns and communicates well with you, working together so that you can come up with the best possible solution for your oral health issues. If your dentist ignores your requests, dismisses your symptoms or worries, or routinely pushes you to accept more expensive treatments rather than ones that are more affordable for you, you have a reason to be concerned. Without good communication and good listening, you may find yourself with worse quality dental care than you deserve.

2. Your dentist is not available easily for appointments

Your dentist should be available for regular cleanings and check ups every six months. Also, if you have a worrisome symptom or emergency with your dental work, you should be able to see your dentist in a reasonable amount of time or should be assisted with finding help right away. If you cannot see your dentist when you need to, your oral health could suffer.

3. Your dentist is not able to offer you the treatments you need

If you need whitening treatments, and your dentist is not knowledgeable about cosmetic dentistry or Zoom treatments, you may not be getting the quality of care you need.

4. Your dentist’s office is not conveniently located

If you have to drive far out of your way just to visit your dentist, you may not be very motivated to attend your regular cleanings and appointments, which are necessary for good oral health.

5. It is not convenient for you to pay for dental treatment

If your dentist charges exorbitant fees, tries to convince you to get treatments and procedures you cannot afford, or is not part of your dental plan or network of dentists, you may be paying more than you need for dental work. You should be able to get some dental work, even on a limited plan and budget. Your dentist should work with you to ensure that dental treatments meet not only your needs but also your budget.

If you notice that your current dentist shows these worrying red flags, it may be time to call LA Dental. At LA Dental, we are committed to providing high quality and state-of-the-art dental care, but we are also deeply concerned with each patent’s individual needs.

Understanding the Connection Between Sugar and Tooth Decay

Most children are told that sugary foods are bad for their teeth, but the exact negative impact of sugar on the teeth is rarely explained. That may be one reason why many adult patients are not clear as to the reasons why sugar leads to tooth decay. The fact is, it is not sugar itself but bacteria in the mouth which cause tooth decay and cavities. Every person has bacteria in their mouth, no matter how well they care for their mouths. Complete sterilization of the mouth is simply not possible.

These bacteria can multiply rapidly with bad oral hygiene, and this causes the bacteria to form colonies in the mouth. When this occurs, “dental plaque’ is the result. Plaque allows the bacteria to have a home in the mouth, and this can lead to cavities and decay. When a patient eats, the bacteria also eat, and the bacteria produce acids as they live and consume food. When plaque is present, the acid is held underneath the plaque, up against the tooth’s surface, allowing decay to occur.

When a patient eats sugar or sugary foods, the bacteria are able to produce more acid. Some acid is washed away by saliva and into the mouth, but the acid that remains against the enamel surface of a tooth over time will lead to decay. If plaque is present in the mouth, it will protect the acids and make it harder for the saliva to wash the acids away. This means that the acids are more likely to cause decay. If a patient eats a lot of sugary foods, then a higher level of acidity may be formed in the mouth. This, along with plaque, can lead to even more tooth decay.

It is not necessary to completely remove sugar from your diet to enjoy a beautiful smile. The trick is to reduce the amount of time dietary sugars remain in your mouth and to reduce the amount of sugar consumed. You can prevent cavities and enjoy a brighter smile by:

Opting for artificial sweeteners over natural sugars. Bacteria do not produce as much acid with artificial sweeteners.
Brushing and flossing or rinsing your mouthy after eating sugar or sugary foods. This will help your mouth flush away the acids produced by the bacteria. Remember: it’s not the acid produced by the bacteria that causes decay, but rather the acid that remains in the mouth that causes cavities.
Don’t prolong your sugary snacks. If you want to eat cake or drink a sugary drink, do not spend hours at it. That gives the acid more time to spend in your mouth. Consume the sugar and then rinse or brush to get rid of the acid.

Get regular cleanings at your Santa Monica dentist’s office. Your dentist can remove plaque, which can make it easier for your mouth to get rid of acids effectively.

Your Santa Monica Dentist and Cavity Treatment Options

When acids are present on a tooth’s surface, the tooth’s mineral content decreases, allowing a hole to form. The result of this is what we commonly call a cavity. Your Santa Monica dentist will need to act quickly in order to treat any cavities. The dentist’s main priority will be to remove damaged or decayed parts of the tooth, and rebuild the tooth with some form of filling material or replacement. Treating cavities quickly is important, since decay is progressive. This means that once a tooth begins to decay and once its mineral content begins to erode, the tooth will continue to deteriorate until a person’s health is affected. In extreme cases, tooth decay can lead to complications that may require oral surgery, root canals, and other more expensive and serious treatments. It is always better to treat a cavity early on, when it can be resolved with filling.

Treatment for cavities can actually provide some protection from further tooth decay in the future. In most cases, cavity treatment begins with an injection of local anesthetic. The dentist will then use a high-speed dental drill to remove the part of the tooth that is decayed. He will or she will often use a liner to minimize tooth sensitivity. The dentist will then select the right material to fill the tooth and will layer the filler on top of the liner in order to rebuild to the tooth.

After cavity treatment, it is normal for the tooth to be sensitive for day or two. If a cavity was deep and treatment more involved, the tooth will likely be sensitive to cold foods and hot beverages for a little bit longer. Within two weeks, most patients find that their new tooth feels completely comfortable. If this is not the case, this may be because there is the space under the filling that must be removed. It can also signify an infection which may require a root canal. In rare cases, a second appointment is needed to reduce the filling a comfortable level, if the filling is built up too high. If you do not appear to be healing normally or have any questions about the healing process, do not hesitate to contact your dentist.

In many cases, cavities can be completely prevented with regular cleanings. This is because the acid that causes tooth cavities actually comes from bacteria called mutans streptococci and lactobacilli, which live in dental plaque. When your dentist is allowed to clean your teeth every six months, he or she can remove the dental plaque, thereby reducing the amount of bacteria and eliminating the amount of acid on your teeth. Another way to reduce the incidence of cavities is to reduce the amount of sugar that you eat. The bacteria that cause the acid which creates cavities feed when you do. When you eat sugars, these bacteria are able to secrete more acid more quickly. Therefore, by brushing your teeth after a sugary meal and by reducing the amount of sugar you eat, you can often reduce the amount of acid that the bacteria produce.

If it has been some time since your last cleaning, the amount of plaque and therefore bacteria in your mouth may be increasing. Therefore, to prevent cavities, contact West LA Dental today for an appointment.

Talking to Your Santa Monica Dentist About Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is something that no one wants about, but it can be a very important subject to discuss with your Santa Monica dentist. Oral cancer refers to a disease in which cancer cells develop in the oral cavity or in the area of the lip or mouth. The oral cavity refers to the upper and lower gums, the lining of the inside of the cheeks and lip, the front two thirds of the tongue, the part of the mouth underneath the tongue, the bony palate at the top of the mouth, and the area behind the wisdom teeth. If any of these areas develop cancer cells, oral cancer is the result.

Oral cancer most often affects people who are over the age of 45, but it can affect much younger patients as well. Like most cancers, oral cancer is most easily treated when it is discovered early. There are many stages to this type of cancer:

1. Stage one: In stage one oral cancer, the cancer cells cover an area of no more than 2 cm and have not spread to the lymph nodes.

2. Stage two: In stage two oral cancer, the cancer covers an area of more than 2 cm but less than 4 cm. Again, at this stage the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes.

3. Stage three: In stage three oral cancer, the cancer may have spread to one lymph node, generally on the same side of the face as the cancer cells. The cancer may also be more than 4 cm in area in order for the cancer to be considered that stage three.

4. Stage four: In this stage of oral cancer, the cancer may spread to tissues beyond the oral cavity or lip. The lymph nodes may contain cancer cells at this stage of the cancer.

Oral cancer is most common in men, although women can also develop the disease as well. People who have been in the sun a lot and who have light-colored skin are more likely to get this type of cancer. Smokers and those who smoke pipe and chew tobacco are more likely to suffer from this type of cancer.

In many cases, a dentist is the first to notice signs of oral cancer. A dentist carefully examining your mouth can notice lumps in or around the gum, mouth, or lip area. A sore in the mouth that does not heal can also often tip off a dentist that you may have oral cancer. If you notice any of these signs of oral cancer yourself, be sure to visit your doctor right away. He or she can perform a biopsy to determine whether you have cancer. However, it is also important to visit your dentist regularly, as he or she will often notice small bumps or lumps before you do. Another common sign of oral cancer is that dentures no longer fit very well. If your dentures do not fit well, you dentist can not only make sure that your dentures fit well again, but he or she can also ensure that you are not developing any of the symptoms of oral cancer.

Visiting your dentist regularly can do a lot more than just keep your smile bright. Visiting your dentist regularly can also actually save your life. If it has been a while since you last saw your dentist, contact West LA Dental today for an appointment.

When Your Santa Monica Dentist Tells You That You Need Oral Surgery

In some cases, if your teeth have been impacted by an accident, have not grown correctly, or other problems have not been fixed in time, you may require minor oral surgery in order to correct the problem. Once your Santa Monica dentist has performed the surgery, you may experience swelling, bleeding, and some aching in the mouth area. Before you go home following your surgery, you will want to speak to your Santa Monica dentist to ensure that you understand the treatment and the procedures you should follow at home so that you recover as quickly and as fully as possible.

After any sort of oral surgery, it is important that you keep an eye out for any dangerous symptoms. The following symptoms can indicate a complication and if you experience any of these, you should contact your doctor or surgeon immediately:

Four or more hours after your surgery, you’re still bleeding profusely.
Nausea and vomiting.
A day or more after your surgery, your pain has not subsided even a little bit.
Fever.
Swelling continues to get worse or does not heal two days or more after surgery.

If at any point you have any questions or you’re concerned about the way you are healing, be sure to contact your doctor or you surgeon right away. Your Santa Monica surgeon is there to help.

During surgery, you will be given a local anesthetic so that the surgeon can perform the procedure. Depending on how much anesthetic and the type of anesthetic you’ve been given, your mouth may stay numb for several hours or just a few hours. While your mouth is numb, take care not to bite your tongue, lip, or cheeks. After the freezing leaves, you may find this very painful.

What’s the anesthetic wears off, and once the numbness goes way, it is normal to have some pain. The first 24 to 40 hours after oral surgery you will experience the most intense pain. You may continue to experience some discomfort and aching right in the surgery site up to five days after the surgery. How much pain you are in will depend on how healthy you are and the type of surgery you’ve had. Depending on how active you are, you may experience more or less discomfort. If you move around a great deal, you may find that you are in more pain, which is why additional rest after your surgery might be a good idea.

One thing you can do to ensure that to you heal properly after oral surgery is to choose your dental professionals carefully. Qualified, experienced dental professionals can ensure that you get the right treatment and that that treatment is performed correctly. A good professional also takes the time to explain the procedure and its aftermath to you, so that you can be fully prepared. If you need a good dentist to treat a current condition or to offer you a checkup, contact West LA Dental today.

When Your Santa Monica Dentist Needs to Perform an Extraction

If one of your teeth is so damaged that it cannot be saved or if one of your tooth is so infected that removal is the only way to halt the infection, your dentist or an oral surgeon will need to remove the tooth. Tooth removal often begins with a local anesthetic to numb the area. If more than one tooth must be removed, your dentist or surgeon will use a stronger, general anesthetic. The dentist will then remove the tooth and give you stitches, if you need them. After the procedure, your Santa Monica dentist or surgeon may instruct you to bite down on a cotton gauze pad to help stop the bleeding. Once your tooth has been removed, your dentist will discuss whether an implant, a denture, or a bridge will be used to replace the removed tooth.

You will need to recover a few days after a tooth extraction. Your dentist may give you painkillers to make this period easier to bear. Your dentist may also instruct you to rinse your mouth out with warm salt water a few times a day to help reduce swelling and pain. To help stop bleeding, you may have to change your gauze pad regularly and eat mostly soft foods at first to give your mouth a chance to heal. Staying out of stress and propping your head up with pillows (so that you are not lying flat) can also help stop the bleeding associated with tooth extraction. Ask your Santa Monica dentist for directions about what you should do after your tooth extraction and follow those directions to the letter.

The main goal with most extractions is to prevent infection from spreading to other areas of your mouth or to remove a damaged tooth that cannot be saved. However, since extraction is a type of surgery, it is not without its risks. Any sort of dental surgery can permit bacteria in the mouth to enter your bloodstream. This can cause infections. If you do not easily fight off infections, talk to your dentist before surgery. You may need to take antibiotics before and after dental surgery. If you have heart problems, diabetes, liver disease, artificial joints, or take steroids for Crohn’s disease, asthma, or some other condition, you need to tell your Santa Monica dentist because you may also need additional antibiotics.

Of course, the best way to deal with a tooth extraction is to avoid it in the first place. Good oral hygiene and regular dentist visits can help you avoid the necessity of having a tooth extraction. If it has been six months since your last appointment, an appointment with West LA Dental can help ensure that your teeth stay healthy.

What Does Your Santa Monica Dentist Say: Electric Toothbrushes or Manual Ones?

If you look at any advertisements for electric toothbrushes, you will notice that the ads make a lot of claims. In most cases, manufacturers of electric toothbrushes either imply or outright state that their electric products will clean better than manual models. But is this true?

The fact is, even the experts are in disagreement. Researchers from the Universities of Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester and Sheffield have found that while rotating-oscillating head electric toothbrushes provide plaque-removing capabilities than manual toothbrushes, most electric toothbrushes are in fact no better at removing plaque than their far less expensive manual counterparts. On the other hand, other studies published in the American Journal of Dentistry and the British Dental Journal found that electric toothbrushes can be more effective at removing plaque and reducing gingivitis than manual toothbrushes. The American Dental Association has also recommended electric toothbrushes for people with physical limitations.

Before you rush out and spend anywhere from $20 to more than $100 on a fancy electrical toothbrush, though, do consider:

Brushing technique is at least as important as what you brush with. Brushing up on your technique may help you more than switching toothbrushes. Good brushing with a manual toothbrush is better for your oral hygiene than brushing hurriedly with an electric toothbrush. If you need a refresher on how to brush, ask your Santa Monica dentist at your next appointment.
How you feel about electric toothbrushes? Do you enjoy the way brushing with one of these toothbrushes feels? If so, and if it will encourage you to brush more regularly, consider investing in an electric toothbrush. If not, continue to do a good job with your manual brush.
How long do your brush your teeth? Most dental professionals advise that everyone needs to brush twice a day for at least two to three minutes, but many brushers do not brush this long or that frequently. If you do not brush this often or for this long, getting an electric toothbrush will not help you cut corners. You should buy the toothbrush that will help you brush regularly.
How are you doing with your current brush? Ask your Santa Monica dentist about how effective your brushing is. If you are not doing the task well with a manual toothbrush or with an electric toothbrush, for that matter, switch the type of brush to see if you can improve.
Do you have manual dexterity problems or physical problems, such as arthritis, that might make it difficult for you to hold onto or maneuver manual toothbrushes? This is one situation where an electric toothbrush can be a real help, since it allows you to get in more places inside your mouth without your having to adjust your hand and wrist as much.

Remember: No matter what brush you use, you still need to visit your dentist regularly. Make an appointment with West LA Dental today to see one of our friendly, helpful dentists.

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