September 30, 2013

A Healthier Diet Can Lead to a Healthier Smile

By Arthur Kezian
Have you been thinking of changing your diet recently? Maybe you want to feel more energetic, maybe you want to lose some weight, or maybe you just want better overall health. Did you know that your diet also affects your teeth? What you eat or don’t eat have a correlation with the health of your teeth. Eating healthier doesn’t only keep your body healthy, but it keeps you with healthy teeth and gums. Specific types of food can either be beneficial to your teeth or can be harmful. Ask your family dentist about types of foods that will be advantageous to your oral health. Mentioned below are some important things to know:

Importance of Calcium:

As we all know, calcium is good for our bones, but it doesn’t stop there. Calcium is also good for our teeth; it decreases bone loss and improves tooth retention. Adding calcium to your diet is great to help form strong teeth and bones, as well as Vitamin D, which the body uses to absorb calcium. Some good examples of calcium can be low-fat dairy products, almonds, dark green vegetables, as well as canned salmon or sardines (with bones).  


Importance of Vitamin C:

Vitamin C is important when it comes to gums as it helps keep the lining of the gums healthy. Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, which makes up connective tissue. This means Vitamin C will be beneficial for the connective tissue of your gums and your periodontal ligaments. Lack of Vitamin C can cause gum related problems or loose teeth.

Stay away from Sodas:

They might be called “soft” drinks but they are hard on your teeth. Acids and acidic sugars in soft drinks soften tooth enamel and contribute to the development of cavities. Weak enamel is bad in itself, but when combined with bad oral hygiene, tooth loss can occur. Not only do sodas and soft drinks weaken your enamel but they also stain your teeth. Your dentist might recommend that you try substituting your soft drinks with 100% fruit juices, or milk, or better yet, water.

Stay away from Sweets:

Candies, caramel, and other sugary foods should be cut down. They cling to the surfaces of your teeth and also take a while to dissolve. This is harmful to your teeth. The longer the sugar stays on your teeth, the quicker the cavity can occur. This means if you are constantly having candy and sugars, you are probably prone to getting cavities.

Citrus and Teeth:

You may think citrus or lemon would be good for your teeth, but they are not. Foods that are acidic in nature can erode your enamel. Enamel erosion can cause sensitivity or pain in your teeth. This sensitivity can be when your brush or even when you drink hot or cold liquids. Sometimes thinning of the enamel can also cause the teeth to look more yellow. If you can cut down on acidic meals, that would be beneficial. If you do not want to cut back on acidic foods, try to brush your teeth right after you consume them. You can even finish your meal with a glass of milk or a piece of cheese to neutralize the acids.

All in all, your teeth should be taken care of everyday. Do not neglect them because their overall health is important to the rest of your health. Because foods and drinks play a big role in your oral health, it is important to watch and maintain what you eat. If you have any questions regarding the connection between foods and drinks to your oral health then ask your family dentist to elaborate on the topic.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS, can help you with all your questions. Give his office a call today to find out more information on how to keep your teeth and gums in good shape!

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 http://www.drkezian.com

 


-N.S.

September 23, 2013

Change Your Smile through Cosmetic Dentistry


By Arthur Kezian

Are you tired of looking at your smile in the mirror and not liking what you see? A cosmetic dentist can help you. From very subtle changes to major reconstructive treatments, a cosmetic dentist has many procedures available for you. Depending on your preferences, your dentist can help you get to the smile you want. Some people like getting major work done to change their smile, while others prefer being more conservative and making minor changes that still make a difference. Mentioned below are some things your cosmetic dentist can do to help make your smile look more appealing.

Bleaching

Bleaching is a very popular dental treatment that can change the look of your teeth dramatically. Overtime, your enamel changes color. You lose the natural shine of your teeth as they turn slightly yellowish.

  • One factor that contributes to the yellowing of teeth is poor dental hygiene. Lack of proper hygiene (brushing and flossing to remove plaque and other staining substances) can cause your teeth to discolor.
  • Another major factor can be the foods and drinks you consume. Coffee, tea, soda, wine, and certain foods can stain your teeth.
  • Tobacco also plays a big role in staining. Smoking or chewing tobacco can leave stains on your teeth that are hard to get rid of with just brushing, especially if you are a chain smoker.
  • Age is also a factor of yellowish teeth. Since this can not be controlled, it is best to look into ways to brighten your teeth and keep your smile looking healthy and vibrant.

Ask your dentist about the type of bleaching done at the office. Some dentists do laser bleaching while others prefer in-home bleaching trays. Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS prefers the latter. In-home bleaching trays are not only safer, but they are twice as convenient. You can start the bleaching whenever you want and stop whenever you feel you have reached your desired shade of white. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create your custom mouthpiece. This way, the trays fit proportionally to your smile and give you better results.

Contouring and Reshaping

Apart from bleaching, another simple dental treatment to improve your smile can be reshaping. If you have slightly crooked or overlapped teeth, really lengthy teeth, or chipped and jagged edged teeth, your dentist can fix those problems in one simple dental visit. Using a hand piece (drill), your dentist can adjust your teeth. This is almost like art; a few adjustments here and a few adjustments there can leave you with a beautiful smile. You would be surprised how the smallest change can make the biggest difference in some patients’ teeth.

Bonding

Another simple procedure is dental bonding. This may take longer than contouring or reshaping teeth, but it is still categorized as one of the simple procedures done by a dentist. If you have gaps or fairly big chips (especially on your front teeth) and want to fix them without having major work done, then bonding is the right treatment for you. Bonding is very similar to a tooth filling. Sometimes patients with short teeth can also do bondings to make their teeth look longer. Bonding is not as advantageous as a veneer or a crown, but it does get the job done for someone who is looking to save money. Depending on your habits, a bonding can last somewhere from 3 to 10 years. Every once in a while, a bonded tooth should be touched up or restored by your dentist.

Ask your dentist about these simple options that can benefit you in two ways – change your smile and be more cost efficient. If you have any questions pertaining any of the aforementioned treatment options, call Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS. His staff will be ready to answer your questions, or better yet, make an appointment for you to have a consultation with the dentist.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 http://www.drkezian.com


-N.S.

September 16, 2013

Emergency Dental Professional - Quick Relief

By Arthur Kezian

It’s hard to keep regular appointments for dental issues because let's be honest, some people just don't like the dentist. The overall health of the patient is severely affected due to lack of oral care. So whenever you are at a stage where you are extremely frustrated and find yourself completely unable to make good decision regarding appropriate dental treatment then go for Dr Arthur A. Kezian. He is indeed the best option to all the problems related to dental health which causes irritation for you. He is the ultimate source to bring a bright smile to your face. The procedure regarding dental extractions is a very delicate one and should be done by a dentist you can trust!
 

Pleasing Dental Visits for Sedating Treatments:

·         Most of the people really get afraid while visiting their doctors. They feel quite depressed and the dental problem gets prolonged due to negligence and you need to consult a dentist. So it’s better to avoid all such possible conditions.

·         So these treatments will eventually help you to relax your nerves and find better and correct solutions for your concerned problems.

·         Now you need not to worry in order to maintain regular appointments with your dentist due to the anesthetic procedures that they usually carry on.

Sedating Solutions for Dealing Frustrations:

·         People generally linger on their dental issues due to the fear they have in their minds for the dentist. They think that it’s a very painful method that will cause nothing much rather than giving a painful feeling.

·         The solutions for irritable dental problems need to be solved as soon as possible. Dr Kezian and Staff have pretty much good stuff to help out people in solving their issues.

·         Many people prefer to take the sedation treatments orally. In fact it can be useful if you take one or at least two tablets prior to the beginning of the treatment. It’s good to have consultations regarding extraction treatments with your doctor so that the problem is solved timely.

Alternative Solution of Surgery:

·         The modern and concurrent technology is producing enormous solutions to complex problems which otherwise seems impossible to be solved. These solutions have lessened the chances to visit an emergency dentist which seemed to be the only solution to solve the dental issues.

·         The fear of surgery is not almost finished since people are reluctant to have either minor or major surgeries for their health problems.

·         Dr. Arthur A. Kezian is the only name that comes into mind when you are thinking about alternatives methods and techniques in comparison to surgery. Since the former mentioned solution is not only expensive rather its causes much pain .So it’s good to have a better solution which makes your life easy and smart.

Why One Should Go For Sedation Dentist?

Although it seems to be less effective, but it’s always advisable rather mandatory to have solutions for your dental problems. Fear, aggression and frustration are not the solution to overcome the dental problems. Though it sounds very dangerous when you plan to visit your dentist but one should go for heuristic evaluation methods for solving a specific problem. Rather Dr. Kezian and Staff have a good repute in the market for providing consultancy regarding dental solutions for ambiguous problems which apparently seems to be tough and impossible to be solved.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 http://www.drkezian.com

-N.S.

September 9, 2013

Dentistry: All About Dental Crowns


By Arthur Kezian

You have probably heard people talking about dental crowns, or know someone who is about to get one. If you aren’t familiar with and want to know about the basics of a crown, you have come to the right place. A crown is basically a cap that is placed over a tooth for structural support. It can improve a tooth’s strength as well as its looks. Crowns may be used to protect a weak tooth, to restore a broken tooth, to cover a tooth that doesn’t have enough tooth structure because it had a big filling and can not be re-filled, and to cover a tooth with a root-canal, bridge, or implant. There are a few types of crowns that are mostly used nowadays. Keep reading on to find out about different crown types and crown procedures done by a local dentist.

All Metal Crowns:


Metal crowns are usually made of alloys such as gold, palladium, nickel, or other base-metals. If a metal crown is used, less tooth structure needs to be taken out as compared to other types of crowns. Metal crowns are very strong and can take biting and chewing forces well. In regards to wearing down, metal crowns probably last the longest of all crowns, and they very rarely break or have a chip. The only problem with metal crowns is the appearance because they have a dark color to them. They are usually used for back molars because those teeth are not as visible.  

Porcelain Fused to Metal:


  • Unlike the metal crowns, porcelain fused to metal crowns can be matched to your exact tooth shade. These crowns are self-explanatory. They are porcelain crowns but they are fused to metal – the inside layer is metal while the outside layer is porcelain. As far as looks go, porcelain fused to metal crowns are commonly used because they look more esthetically pleasing. Although these crowns look nicer than all metal crowns, they have a higher chance or breaking or chipping because the outer layer (porcelain) is not as sturdy as the metal crowns. Even though there is a chance of breakage, it rarely occurs. One concern patients might have about porcelain fused to metal crowns is that over time the metal underneath the crown might show through as a dark line, or show around the gum line if the gum line recedes. Other than this, porcelain fused to metal crowns are a great option. You and your dentist can discuss which crown is best suitable for you and your budget.

All Porcelain Crowns:


All porcelain crowns are also self-explanatory; they are made of porcelain and do not have any metals. For looks, these are probably the best crowns. They look very natural and blend in with your smile. They can be matched to your exact tooth shade just like porcelain fused to metal crowns, except these crowns won’t leave dark lines around your gums because they do not have metal on the inside. These crowns would be best for patients who have allergies to types of metals. Although they look great, they are not as strong as crowns with metals. You can have a discussion with your dentist to see if all porcelain crowns are suitable for your teeth. Most patients nowadays opt for porcelain crowns because they look the most natural. If you want to have a natural looking smile, make sure you ask your dental office about the types of crows they work with.

Crowns can be done is two appointments, the first being the preparation of the crown, and the second being the seating of the crown.  Ask your dental professional to describe the steps he/she uses for a crown procedure. It is best to know exactly what is going on during the procedure. This makes you more aware which in turn makes your more relaxed. Many patients have had satisfactory crown procedures done. If you need a crown, then don’t hesitate to call your dentist. Your case can be the next satisfactory crown case!

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 http://www.drkezian.com


-N.S.

Los Angeles Dentist - Root Canal


By Arthur Kezian

You are feeling an ache around your jaw, you can’t sleep at nights, your teeth are causing a throbbing and pulsating type of pain, and you can’t bite down or chew on anything without a twinge – all of these are symptoms of a root canal. This is when you need to make an appointment with a reliable and experienced dentist. Dr. Arthur A. Kezian has been completing root canal procedures for over thirty years now and is more than experienced in the field. His office takes emergency appointments so you can be sure you will be out of pain in no time. Dr. Kezian will use all his skills and advanced equipment to get you out of pain as quickly as possible.

What is a Root Canal?


  • A root canal treatment is a procedure done by a dentist, usually an endodontist, to save a tooth that has an infection or has decay into the nerve.
  • Many people fear root canals and make the procedure sound worse than it really is. Patients associate a root canal procedure to the pain they feel prior to the procedure. Teeth that need root canals can be very painful, but the procedure itself is not; in fact, it feels no different than a filling since you are numb.
  • Since the only function of the nerve of a tooth is to provide sensation, then taking it out has no harmful effect to the tooth. This is the gist of a root canal – the action of taking the root (nerve) out of its canal.
What to Expect during the Procedure:
  • Before starting a root canal your dentist must confirm that the tooth has a possibility of being saved and doesn’t necessarily need to be taken out. For this, an X-Ray will be taken of your tooth for your dentist to evaluate.
  • After confirming and treatment planning, you are given local anesthesia to make sure you do not feel anything during the procedure.
  • Following the anesthesia, your dentist will create access to the nerve by drilling into the tooth. Keep in mind, you won’t be feeling a thing. The bacteria are then cleaned out from the tooth using different files and drills. Once the tooth is cleaned, it is ready to be closed again. Depending on the dentist and how the procedure is done the tooth will either be temporarily sealed until the next appointment or the root canal will be finished in one appointment. Your endodontist will decide this.
  • Depending on your tooth, you may or may not need a crown after the root canal. Most cases need a crown after a root canal because the decay was either too deep making the tooth weak, or there was a big filling prior to the procedure that can’t be replaced because of its size.
What to Expect after the Procedure:
  • After your root canal treatment is complete, your dentist will probably provide you with a prescription for a pain killer. This can be necessary because for the first few days following your procedure, your tooth might feel sensitive due to inflammation. Pain killers such as Motrin or Advil can ease the sensitivity you might feel. Sometimes, depending on how large your infection was, your dentist might prescribe you something stronger such as Tylenol 3 with codeine.
  • Although there are complications at times, most root canals are satisfactory. After your root canal treatment you can go about your normal activities. If you have a crown over your root canal it is recommended to be extra cautious on keeping it clean – this means brushing and flossing habitually.
There is no need to fear a root canal; after all, it is what saves you from a whole lot of pain. If you have any questions regarding the treatment of a root canal then don’t hesitate to call Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS and Staff.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 http://www.drkezian.com


-N.S.