A Shot at a Second Chance: Dental Implants

By Arthur Kezian

Before you learn about something, it is important to cover the basics. So, for dental implants, the basics start from a simple question – what is a dental implant? A dental implant, just like any other implant, replaces a part of your body with something that looks or acts just like it. Dental implants replace your teeth; they provide a strong, natural looking tooth as well as a brighter, whiter smile. If you have a missing tooth, you should look into dental implants. Mentioned below are reasons why implants are beneficial followed by the procedure of a dental implant.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are helpful for people who have missing teeth or have a tooth that needs to be extracted. They boost up self esteem, especially for those who have had missing teeth for a while, and they make you feel comfortable with your smile. Apart from their physical appearance and the benefits that provides, implants also help you chew better and improve your speech (if you have missing teeth). Dental implants vary in success rates because everyone’s body is different. Generally speaking though, implants have a very high success rate. Patients who receive implants are so thankful that they can smile the way they used to. It’s amazing how much of a difference a smile can make!

The Procedure:

Once you’ve had a consultation with your dentist and have come up with a treatment plan, you are ready to start your implant procedure. During the first visit, the actual implant is placed into the socket of your bone where your missing tooth used to be. The implant is a small post usually made of titanium. This implant is left alone until the jawbone heals around it, giving it more structural support. As the bone grows around the implant it secures its place (the healing process is very important). The healing process depends on the person, but it usually takes around 2-3 months.

Once the implant is secured into the jawbone, you are ready for the second step. A small post that is used as a connector is attached to the implant. This is called the abutment and helps hold the new tooth that is going to be placed on it. The new tooth that is going to be used is going to be a crown. Everything after the abutment is basically a crown procedure. Your dentist will take impressions of your bite to create a model from it. This model is sent off to a lab where your new crown will be made to match your existing teeth. The crown is made very precisely taking shape, color, texture, and size into consideration; this is done to make the implants look as natural as possible.

When your crown is ready, your dentist will place it onto the abutment and adjust your bite to make sure it is not high or rough. This is basically the last step of the procedure. You then have a new tooth added to your smile and can feel more confident about smiling and laughing.

As far as keeping the dental implants under good condition, you have to treat it just like you would any other crown or your other teeth. You must brush and floss to keep it clean as well as keep up with your regular dental check-ups with your dentist to make sure the implant is doing fine.

If you have any questions or concerns about dental implants, contact Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS. He and his staff will be delighted to answer your questions and help you in every which way. Dr. Kezian has done many implant cases and with a quick consultation he can let you know if you are a good candidate. Call his office today; what do you have to lose?

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

-N.S.

Do You Have Dental Insurance?

By Arthur Kezian

Dental checkups and appointments are always necessary to make sure your teeth are in good condition. By keeping up with your routine dental visits, you and your dentist can keep an eye on areas of your teeth that could possibly be problematic in the future. This way, you know what to expect and can prevent the problem from getting too big. Dr. Arthur A. Kezian recommends seeing your dentist at least once every six months. Although this may seem like one visit too many, you need to see the bigger picture – by visiting your dentist more often, you can save yourself from facing big problems that will be costly for your and your family. If you don’t have a dentist yet, call Dr. Kezian. This is the ultimate solution in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

Many people don’t focus on the continuance of good dental health because treatments can be expensive. Sometimes paying out of pocket can leave your pockets empty, but there is an alternative – dental insurance.

Do You Need Dental Coverage?

Many people do not know that they do not have dental insurance. This is because most health insurance plans do not include dental care. Also, if you are older and receive Medicare, this can also be an issue. Many dental offices do not take Medicare. Apart from that, Medicare does not necessarily pay dental claims. Before you apply for dental insurance, check your health insurance to see if dental is included.

Once you have dental insurance, it is important that you use your benefits and you use them wisely. With health insurance, you pay your deductible and then pay a lesser portion when your bill comes. With dental coverage though, it is the opposite. The insurance company covers a certain amount and you have to pay the balance of the bill. Once you have reached your yearly maximum, you have to pay out of pocket. If you think dental insurance is right for you and your family, you should ask your dentist which one has better coverage. Mentioned below are different types of dental insurances.

Types of Dental Insurances:

HMO Plans – these plans are pre-paid plans and usually need you to pick one dentist to take care of all your dental needs. These plans usually do not have deductibles or maximums. Instead, you pay a fixed dollar amount for specific dental services you undergo.

PPO Plans – these plans usually provide a network feature. They have a deductible and an annual maximum of coverage. This maximum differs amongst different PPO insurances. With this plan you pay a certain percentage of the reduced rate of your dental service and your plan pays for the rest. This percentage varies based on the work you are doing whether it is diagnostic or something more major. With a PPO plan, you can visit a dentist of your preference even if he or she is not in the network. With a PPO plan you usually have lower out-of-pocket costs.

It is up to you to see which dental option fits you best. Do some research before you decide to settle with a specific dental insurance It is important that you know about your plan with all its details. If you have questions about specific types of dental insurances, call Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS. His staff can help you with your questions and guide you in the right direction.

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

-N.S.

Dental Health – Gingivitis

By Arthur Kezian

Would you agree that being preventive is a good thing? If so, you would also agree that keeping up with your dental visits is good seeing as how it could be a preventive approach. By keeping up with your dental visits, you are also keeping up with your dental health. When dental health is mentioned many people refer to the health of your teeth. But, you can’t forget that your gums are also apart of your overall dental health. After the age of thirty, it gets even more important to take care of your gums. If your gums are not taken care of properly or routinely, you can develop gingivitis.

      Gingivitis - What is It?

Gingivitis is a form of gum disease but in its early stage. If you or your dentist notice inflammation of your gum tissues all around your teeth, that is a sign of gingivitis. Another sign to look out for is bleeding gums. Gingivitis can be painless, which may be a good thing on one hand, but on the other, it is bad. If there is no pain, then you probably won't be aware of the issue unless you always pay attention to your gums.

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontal disease which is also known as periodontitis. This disease can be very problematic and can result in bone loss as well as tooth loss in adults.

One of the leading causes for gingivitis is collected plaque on the surfaces of teeth. Plaque is basically bacteria that build up on your teeth if they are not taken care of properly (brushed every day). This plaque can slowly start to damage your gums and teeth. It is important to maintain your oral health and try to prevent gingivitis.

      Gingivitis - How to Prevent It

Home care is very important when it comes to your teeth and gums. To prevent gingivitis, you should brush twice a day to make sure you remove the plaque off your teeth and not let it build up. Dentists also recommend using toothpastes with fluoride because they contain certain components that attack the acid in plaque. Use mouthwash regularly to help kill bacteria and always floss!
Apart from home care it is important to keep up with your dental check-ups and cleanings. Your teeth and gums should be cleaned at least once every six months to make sure tartar is removed. A toothbrush can only clean so much. You need to visit a dentist for a more thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums.

Regular visits to your dentist are very important if you want to be preventive. Your dentist can help you keep your dental health in good condition. As long as you put effort into your home care and have your dentist helping you alongside, then you should not be worried about gingivitis. Take control of your health, keep it at a good level, and most importantly, maintain it!
 

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



-N.S.

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.