What to Expect from Your First Visit

By Arthur Kezian

Are you looking for a new dentist? Maybe you have recently moved and want a dentist closer to your home, or maybe you are looking for a dentist who is up-to-date with the latest technology; whatever the reason is, it is important to do your research correctly.  If you are an internet savvy person, one of the best ways to find a good dentist is online. Checking websites like Google, Yelp, Angie’s List, or ZocDoc can be really beneficial in helping you find the right dentist. You can also get word of mouth from friends and family members and have them tell you about some good dentists. Apart from collecting your information, it is important to also try out a dental office. Just as first impressions are important in meeting new people, they also matter in finding a good dentist. Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS, a dentist in Los Angeles, has been welcoming new patients into his office for over thirty years. His office is equipped with the latest technology in dental care, and he and his staff make a great team. Visit his office and make your own opinion about the place, you will more than likely be very pleased.

During your visit at Dr. Arthur A. Kezian’s office, you will be taken into one of the dental rooms to have your consultation with the doctor. Prior to this consultation, you will meet one of the lovely staff members who, depending upon your situation, will take a few X-Rays for the doctor to be able to diagnose your teeth. The X-Rays at Dr. Kezian’s office are digital X-Rays that are linked to the computer that will be facing you. These digital X-Rays are very low in radiation, are very quick, and are very accurate. Once the dental assistant steps out of the room to take the X-Ray, you will automatically see it on the screen in the room. This means you don’t have to wait for any film to be processed, you can zoom in and out of the X-Ray on the screen to focus on problem areas, and you don’t have to bite on the X-Ray for too long (this is good news for those who have gag reflexes)!

After the X-Rays are completed, the dental assistant will also take some intra-oral photos of your teeth. For those who have not had intra-oral photos taken before, they are digitalized cameras made specifically for the mouth. They capture pictures of your teeth including the biting surfaces that are hard to see in the mirror. These intra-oral photos will not only give the doctor a better understanding of what is going on in your mouth, but you will learn from them as well. Many parts of the mouth are hard to check out in the mirror, so these pictures will allow you to see everything you hadn’t before. Also, it is hard for patients to understand and read X-Rays, but with the intra-oral photos, your dentist can explain to and show you what you may not see in the X-Ray.

Once the X-Rays and the intra-oral photos are complete, you are ready to meet your dentist!

The first visits at the office are usually diagnostic. The doctor will take preventive measures and examine all your teeth. Using the X-Rays, the intra-orals, and the oral examination, he can let you know exactly what it is you need. Depending on your case, you and the dentist will devise a treatment plan. This treatment plan will consist of the items that need to be taken care of and the cost. Dr. Kezian’s office is preferred providers with much insurance companies. For patients who do not have insurance, the insurance coordinator can help with various payment options!  

Take control of your dental health and visit Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS today! He and his staff will make you feel comfortable with your decision and will guide you through every step. If you are looking for a new dental professional, look no further! Dr. Kezian has a flexible schedule, call his office today for a free consultation with him!

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

-N.S.

Dental Health – Effects of Smoking

By Arthur Kezian

Tobacco products are known to be very harmful. Everyone knows the effect they have on the lungs and the heart, but what a lot of people don’t know is that it is far more than that. Smoking also affects your bones, vision, blood, and autoimmune system. Smoking can also cause cancer of the lungs, stomach, nose, mouth, throat, and other areas of the body. Smoking can also cause dental problems. If you are a smoker and think it is important to take care of your body as well as pay importance to your dental care, then maybe it is time you not only consider quitting, but try your best to quit.

Smoking leads to dental problems such as:

• An increase of dental plaque on your teeth
• An increased risk of gum disease
• An increased risk of developing oral cancer
• Inflammation of your salivary glands
• Constant bad breath
• Tooth discoloration and staining 

The list above just goes to show how smoking can affect your dental health in so many ways. One main danger that tobacco products can bring is oral cancer; about 90% of people who have oral cancer use or have used tobacco. It is said that smokers are six times more likely to get oral cancer than nonsmokers. If you think your health is important, then quitting smoking will benefit you in so many ways. Even reducing the amount you smoke can help you. Smokers who go from smoking a pack a day to less than half a pack a day reduce their risk of getting oral cancer or gum disease. Ask your dental office about some helpful tips on reducing smoking and taking small steps to quitting.

Another danger that tobacco products can bring is the increase of gum disease as it is harmful to your gum tissue cells. Smoking affects the connection of your bones and your soft tissue to your teeth. This makes smokers more prone to getting infections in the mouth, such as gingivitis. This is a mild form of gum disease that only affects the gums, and if not taken care of, can lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease which causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. This gum recession causes deep pockets where bacteria can reside; this bacteria can damage the bone that supports your teeth. Overtime, your teeth will get loose because of the lack of support and will have to be pulled out or will fall out on their own. It is important to prevent this from happening. Having routine check-ups with your dentist is crucial, especially if you are a chain-smoker.

Apart from the damage cigarettes can do to your oral health, they also cause damage esthetically. If you care about the looks of your teeth, then smoking is something you should try to do without. For many people, smoker stains are a very common side-effect. Whitening your teeth or using toothpastes with whiteners can change the look of your teeth, but if you continue to smoke and do not get the stains cleaned by your dentist, the whitening will only mask the staining.

Quitting smoking will also cure bad breath. Many smokers experience a specific odor that may bug them and others as well. It is a very unpleasant feeling knowing that the people around you can be affected by your breath. Not only is your breath a problem to them, but they are also inhaling second-hand smoke. Think about your overall health and consider quitting if you haven’t already. If you can’t quit for yourself, maybe you can try to quit for the sake of the people around you. You will be doing yourself, your family, your friends, and everyone else you spend time with a great favor!

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

 

-N.S.

Oral Health during Pregnancy

By Arthur Kezian

Keeping your teeth and gums in good condition is very important, and it’s twice as important during pregnancy. During pregnancy, there are many hormonal changes in the body that may increase the risk of gingivitis, a type of gum disease. A severe case of gum disease can affect the health of a developing baby.

To make sure you are on top of your oral health, you should try to visit your dentist during three different periods: before, during, and after pregnancy.  Keeping up with your dental visits before you are pregnant can eliminate future problems. Be proactive and get your teeth cleaned, gum tissue and bone level checked, as well as a full mouth examination. This way, you can take care of your oral health in advance and maintain it.

You should avoid dental appointments during the first trimester and second half of your third trimester because these are vital times for the baby’s growth and development. However, during the second trimester, you should visit your dentist and have your gums examined as well as have a thorough cleaning (optional procedures should be put off until after you have delivered the baby).

It is important to keep up with your regular periodontal examinations (especially during pregnancy). Pay very close attention to your gums. During pregnancy, about 60% of women experience pregnancy gingivitis. An increase in hormone levels can also increase levels of plaque in the mouth. This amount of plaque build up can definitely affect the gums. If you notice tender, puffy, red or bleeding gums, those are major signs to visit your dentist. A dentist can see you, and if the case is extreme, you can be referred to a gum specialist. 

Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash are all twice as important during pregnancy. Be extra cautious and spend more time brushing your teeth, at least two minutes in the morning and two minutes at night before you go to bed. Floss in between your teeth very thoroughly, at least once a day, and try to use mouthwash to rinse out access bacteria. If you experience morning sickness during pregnancy and put off brushing because of that, try changing your toothpaste and getting one without much flavor; ask your dentist for any recommendations.

Dental X-Rays should be avoided during pregnancy, but if there is a dental emergency where an X-Ray is needed, don’t panic. As long as your dentist follows modern technological advances, as in uses digital X-Rays, then one or two X-Rays should be safe. Dr. Arthur A. Kezian, keeps up with the latest technology. His dental X-Ray machines are top of the line machines and are all computerized. This means they have minimal radiation, are quick and easy, and show up on the screen in front of you right when the X-Ray is taken. Visit his office to see the difference.

After you have delivered your baby, it is still important to keep up with your dental visits. Of course with a new baby this can be difficult, but try to set aside a day for yourself and get your periodontal examination and cleaning.

For more information regarding oral health and pregnancy, call Dr. Arthur A. Kezian and staff. He is a dental professional with a staff that is more than happy to help you with all your questions. If you are looking for a dentist who will take care of you, you have found the right office.

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

 

-N.S.

Cosmetic Dentistry – Dental Bridges

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By Arthur Kezian

Do you have missing teeth? Have you considered getting them replaced? There are different options to choose from ranging from flippers to bridges or implants. A cosmetic dentist like Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS can help you change your look and give you the smile you’ve been yearning for. Dentistry has come a long way, and now, dental bridges can look as natural as your other teeth. A cosmetic dentist makes sure that the tooth being replaced by a bridge is not only beneficial to your health, but looks esthetically pleasing as well.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a dental device that plainly bridges a gap between your teeth. A bridge usually consists of two crowns (abutment teeth) that sit on either side of the gap between your teeth. Between these two crowns would be a false tooth to replace the one that is missing. This tooth that sits in between two crowns is called a pontic. Depending on the type of crown you and your dentist choose, you can either have a metal crown or a porcelain crown. Nowadays metal crowns are not used as much, but a mixture of metal and porcelain is used a lot. This mixed-material crown is called a PFM (porcelain fused to metal); the inside of the crown is made of metal while the outside is made of porcelain to look more natural.

Types of Dental Bridges:

                                                                                                              
There are a few different types of bridges that could be made. First, there are traditional bridges – these are the bridges with two crowns and a pontic hanging in between. These types of bridges are the most common and could be made from the materials mentioned beforehand. There are other types of bridges for special cases as well, like Maryland bridges. These types of bridges are made of plastic material and are supported by metal. The pictures in this article are those of a Maryland bridge case.

Dental Bridge Procedure:

During your first visit, you and your dental professional will discuss your case to decide which type of bridge will benefit you most. After you have decided and the treatment plan has been made, you are ready to begin. As always, the first part of the procedure is the anesthesia. As long as you are numb, the procedure is painless! Just like regular crowns, a portion of your enamel has to be reduced. After reduction, impressions will be taken of your teeth. These impressions will then be sent off to a lab where your crowns and bridge will be made. You will be given a temporary solution to wear until your actual bridge is ready.

During your second visit, you will be given anesthesia again. This is to prevent you from feeling any discomfort as your temporary is taken off, as your new bridge is cemented on, and as the access cement is cleaned off. Usually, an X-Ray will be taken with the bridge in place (before cementing) to make sure there is a correct and tight fit. If everything looks fine, your bridge will be cemented in place. Once the cement is cleaned out, you are finished.

A two-visit appointment for a bridge can be life-altering. If you’ve been thinking about replacing your missing teeth, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS and Staff. They can help answer all your questions and make an appointment for you. The procedure as well as the expense will be made as easy as possible for you.

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

-N.S.