Emergency Dentistry – Providing Instant Solution To Your Recurring Dental Problems & Pain

By Arthur Kezian


Are you searching for an efficient emergency dentist or dental care center which remains accessible for 24/7 hrs and can attend to your urgent dental problems any time? You need not think a lot as emergency dental care is always beside you to cater your demands. The dental clinic remains available 24 hrs a day and gives patients instant dental care on the basis of priority.  An emergency dentist specializes in treating varied kind of dental problems including serious oral injuries or consistent pain due to root canal infection. You will not only get immediate attention but also relieved of distress arising out of dental problems with the help of an emergency dentist. With its ability to single-handedly manage all kinds of dental problems, the emergency dentist is gaining popularity among patients and enabling them to receive affordable and comfortable dental care solutions. As a result patients are looking and feeling nice.

Urgent dental problems need urgent dental care and are not uncommon these days. The problems can be mild in nature but can develop later into serious and irreversible teeth conditions. You may be suffering from anything like simple toothache, injured or numb tooth, tooth infection or crown filling or falling. In either case you need urgent medical treatment as these dental problems are likely to grow further and cause unbearable pain and uneasiness in the teeth. To serve you during these hard times, an emergency dentist has planned emergency dental services. This emergency service ensures you get the best possible dental care required to get back your normal dental health.

The emergency dental care mainly deals with emergency dental cases. Like registration process in dental clinics, emergency dentist don’t ask you to fix an appointment for availing the service. Only you need to call the dentist and he/she will be available to perform necessary dental actions for cure from dental problems. The emergency dental care unit responds quickly and takes care of all dental emergency cases. They not only provide patients with high quality dental care but also ensure them normal dental health through advanced care facilities. The highly skilled dental professionals at emergency dental clinic use latest technologies with assured result. With a unique combination of cosmetic formula and aesthetic appeal, they are dedicated to offer patients highest quality of personalized services and care for curing dental problems. So, be ready to get lots of effective tips and advice with strict focus on advance dental care from an emergency dentist. It will help you to get over the hard times easily.

What Factors to look at while choosing an emergency dentist

Emergency dental care is the right choice for large number of dental problems as it is not that costly enough. Though patients start worrying about the cost involved in emergency dental care, they can manage it without much cost. However, they need to exercise caution while choosing an emergency dentist. Some factors should be taken into consideration in order to enjoy a natural smile and a happy life. They need to compare the service charge and quality of dentists and then decide whether they could afford the price or not. Again, they can contact an emergency dentist depending on their specific dental problems. Thus, they will be able to get perfect treatment in quick possible time.

So, if your dental health is hampered by some kind of traumatic experience or serious dental problem, you can seek the help of an emergency dentist and receive the treatments in time.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

Porcelain Crowns for your Cosmetic and Functional Needs

 By Arthur Kezian

Always remember that your dentist wants what’s best for you. There are different types of crowns which are suggested whenever your dentist sees that it needs restoration. The need for dental crowns varies case to case.

A dental crown strengthens and protects the remaining tooth structure and often times improve the appearance of one’s smile. A crown or sometimes referred to as “caps” is a type of dental restoration or covering that fit over a tooth. It is fabricated in a dental laboratory or in some cases can be made out of pure porcelain and other type of ceramics. Thanks to advanced technology it can now be made inside your dental office. Crowns are made with natural looking porcelain.

During your dental visit, in some cases your dentist will suggest having your teeth restored with a porcelain crown. Probably the reason why you are given this option is because your tooth has the following indications:

1. It has a previous filling which is big and the tooth structure tends to become weak thus no longer can support the filling.
2. Extensively damaged by secondary decay
3. Fracture or broken filling
4. Previously had it treated for root canal making the tooth brittle and prone to fracture thus a porcelain crown is suggested to have the remaining tooth structure protected.
5. To hold a bridge in place where the adjacent teeth requires a crown as replacement.
In today’s modern dentistry, there are wide varieties of materials where crown are made from. Some are made from gold, metal alloys where it is fused to porcelain on the outer portion or shell. All porcelain or ceramic crowns are now considered to be the best choice for porcelain crowns because of its natural looking appearance.

Here are the types of  porcelain crowns available:

• Metal Crown – made of gold or other metal alloys such as palladium or base metal alloys such as nickel and chromium. In preparation for a metal crown, one advantage is that there is less tooth structure needed to be removed and tooth wear is kept into a minimum level. Metal crowns relatively break or chip off, but one disadvantage is the aesthetic look because of its metallic color
• Porcelain fused to metal crown – This is a much better option when it comes to aesthetic quality. The color of the tooth will be based with the adjacent or existing natural teeth giving you a much more natural appearance. Depending on the chosen metal alloy or base, sometimes the metal underneath tends to darken on the gum line portion, especially when the gums recede over time.

 All Porcelain Crowns

– These types of crowns are made of different biocompatible materials. They resemble lifelike crowns and bridges of teeth and are crafted to resemble real teeth. Porcelain crowns are recommended for patients with allergies to metal. However, they are not as strong as porcelain-fused-to metal crowns.
Fitting a porcelain crown requires at least two dental appointments. For any questions regarding your treatment and instructions after your treatment please call 323 467 -2777. Dr. Arthur Kezian will gladly give you his recommendation because he is a your dentist. You can trust and understands your needs when it comes to quality dentistry.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777

-N.S.

An Effective Solution to Tooth Decay

By Arthur Kezian

A root canal treatment otherwise known as RCT is considered in dental world a highly effective and lucrative treatment method for preventing tooth extraction and tooth decay. In fact, tooth decay is a serious dental problem that not only affects your tooth but also causes damage to gums. Root canal therapy becomes necessary when a tooth's pulp chamber starts showing signs of decay or infection. This treatment method is meant to cure teeth which are partly or fully dead due to pulpal tissues or necrosis problem. Basically, symptoms like instant pain during biting, sensitivity to cold and hot foods or infection in tooth due to serious injury or decay inform us about the requirement of root canal therapy.

Valid Reasons for choosing Root Canal Therapy 

A root canal method is the most productive and less painful method for reinstating a diseased tooth. This treatment option works best for all those people who develop inflammatory reactions after surgery. Mostly people are seen feeling an unbearable pain in a tooth with damaged nerve tissue. This damage in nerve tissue of tooth may be due to physical injury or far reaching infection. When tooth pulp develops infection, there is a high chance of abscess being formed around the root canal region. This condition should be treated at the earliest otherwise infection might spread to the bone, causing further complications.

It always becomes necessary to get rid of the damaged tooth pulp so as to reduce tooth pain and control the infection from spreading more. However, root canal therapy enhances your chance of saving decaying or damaged tooth with minimal discomfort.

What is the treatment procedure for a root canal therapy?

Generally, an endodontic dentist deals with root canal treatment procedure. Root canal therapy involves the process of creating an access cavity through which damaged nerve tissue can be removed. After that root canals are disinfected by proper cleansing and sterilization. Cleaning of the affected area is mainly done at the beginning stage so that second phase of treatment can be carried out. The second phase of the treatment plan includes filling the root canals with suitable filling material and sealing it with ‘gutta percha’ or other similar kind of hygienic plastic material. The main objective is to prevent the loss of any fluid from the root canal tissue. Another reason is to ensure that the tooth does not break even if the fluid inside it becomes inactive. Thereafter, silver amalgam or laser treated synthesis resins are used permanently to fill up the root canals. Finally, all the treated teeth are coated with porcelain made cap which is either fused to gold or base metal. This cap helps in protecting the tooth and restoring it to its natural ability.

After finishing up with root canal treatment procedure, you may feel sensitivity in tooth which will gradually reduce with lessening in inflammatory reactions. Root canal therapy may take you 3 to 4 appointments which may last from 15 to 20 days.

Your dentist can guide in right direction in case you feel like getting root canal therapy. So, discuss your dental issues prior to taking any help from the root canal therapist.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

Dental Porcelain Veneers – 5 Things to Know Before You Get Them

By Arthur Kezian

If you want a smile makeover you are certainly not alone.  With the glow of Hollywood just right down the road, it’s perfectly natural to want to look your very best!  That’s why porcelain veneers are so popular.
You've probably heard all about dental porcelain veneers, but do you really know what goes into getting them?  If you’re thinking about getting veneers, there are 5 things you need to know first:

Dental porcelain veneers are a permanent way to improve your smile. 

Once you have veneers installed, they are there to stay.  However, they look great!  They can cover up gaps between your teeth, hide broken or chipped teeth, and make crooked teeth look straight, and brighten up discolored teeth.
To keep them looking their best, you simply have to take care of them.  Regular brushing, flossing, and routine trips to your dentist will keep your veneers looking perfect.
 Dental porcelain veneers can be installed in about a week.

Veneers can give you a much better smile in only a few days!  Your dentist will start by removing about 0.5 mm from the thickness of your teeth – about the thickness of a contact lens.  Once your teeth have been reduced, your dentist will make a wax impression of your teeth.  That impression will be sent to a lab and will be used to create your veneers.
As soon as your veneers are back from the lab, they are ready to be applied!  Your dentist will use a special cement and a beam of light to adhere your veneers to your natural teeth. 

          Cosmetic veneers are designed to look and feel just like your normal teeth.

If they are applied correctly, no one will even know you have them!  Veneers are about 0.5 mm thick – the same thickness that your dentist will remove from your own teeth before they are applied.  That way, your smile will feel the exact same as they did before the veneers were installed.
 Dental porcelain veneers don’t have to go on every single tooth
A smile makeover doesn't have to break the bank.  If you just have one tooth that has a cosmetic flaw, you can get a single veneer.  Or, if you just want to put veneers on a couple of teeth, you can do that, too.  Since they look and feel like your natural teeth, a single veneer will not stick out.  If you want a smile makeover, your dentist can come up with a plan that suits your needs and fits into your budget.
Dental porcelain veneers cannot be repaired.
If one breaks, your dentist will have to get a new one made for you.  That’s why it is so important to be careful with them.  If you have veneers, you should not chew on ice, bite your fingernails, or grind your teeth.  Doing so can make your veneers crack or chip.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777


-N.S.

Dental Implants: What You Should Know About Them

By Arthur Kezian

If you are considering getting a dental implant then this discussion is for you.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are used to help replace missing or damaged teeth. Unlike bridgework or dentures, a dental implant is placed within the jawbone. A titanium implant is inserted into the jawbone and is allowed to fuse with the bone.
The actual process of creating and implanting these artificial roots and teeth may be interesting, but the prospective patient receiving them is probably more interested in things like:

• Possible pain
• How long it takes to recover from the procedure
• Are they better than dentures and
• How much it will cost.

Pain Management

Pain management for implant procedures is similar to that for tooth extraction or other oral surgery. Sedation dentistry can make the process easy and effortless for the patient who feels stress and anxiety during oral procedures.
After the initial surgery, pain should be minimal. You may be given prescription pain relievers by your dentist if needed. A diet of soft food for the first seven days is a must.
Any real pain after the procedure may be a warning sign that your new implant is too tight in the bone in your jaw. Always seek immediate help if (and when) you feel serious pain.
Maintain good oral health by regular flossing and brushing. This will help prevent infection and will allow the new implant to fuse with the bone properly.

Healing and Recovery

Healing and recovery can take up to six months (for full osseointegration , which is when the bone fully fuses with the titanium implant). When you are fully healed, your dentist will attach an abutment to the implant (which holds and supports the crown or tooth-like replacement) and a temporary crown. In some cases, your dentist may attach the abutment and temporary crown during the initial implant procedure.
The temporary crown allows the gum to grow and shape itself around the place where the permanent crown will go. The final step is attaching the permanent crown.
Once you have the permanent crown, continuing with regular flossing and brushing is vitally important, along with routine follow-up dental appointments and cleanings. When well cared for, a dental implant can last for more than 40 years.

Implants vs. Bridgework and Dentures

The key to successful dental implant outcomes is keeping the mouth clean with regular brushing and flossing. The main cause of implant failure is bad oral hygiene.
If you hate brushing and flossing, dental implants may not be for you. Then again, the rest of your teeth may not be for you, either, if you fail to brush and floss them!

How Much Will This Cost?

Great question! Since each person’s need for a dental implant will be different, you’ll need to talk with a professional. Dr. Arthur Kezian is ready and willing to give you a “quick quote” during business hours, right over the phone.
Call and take the next step towards getting your dental implant right here.

 Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777

-N.S.

Stephen's Root Canal - Success Today

By Arthur Kezian

Stephen - you were a great patient and hope your root canal is doing great !!! Thanks Dr K

Tooth #31:
Infection and inflammation eliminated by completion of root canal on tooth #31 - Canal chambers - 3 canals sealed with gutta percha and inert sealer. Nice picture and result.



See more info on a root canal case and research topics on our website.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

Keep Your Wisdom Teeth or Extract Them?

By Arthur Kezian

You will notice that the final teeth that will develop would be your wisdom teeth or the third molars. Yes, you have four wisdom teeth and it comes out at the age of 17-21 years old and can be found at the corner of each mouth.

Sometimes, the wisdom teeth fail to come out and they often become trapped or impacted in the jawbone area. It is termed “impacted” when it fails to erupt in the dental arch within the expected time. The reason why it fails to come out is that the adjacent teeth, overlying bone, or excessive soft tissue is preventing it to erupt. Some of the abnormal positions of wisdom teeth can be tilted, sideways, lying down or even twisted and these positions can be seen if you have a panoramic x-ray taken. Remember that your wisdom teeth are retained unless it is surgically removed.

Another reason for it to become “impacted” is that because of having inadequate space in your jaw. Sometimes, you would also experience pain or swollen gums on that area of your jaw. It means that food, bacteria and plaque has started to infect the area. This usually brings about mild to severe pain and infection can be brought about. You may have what they call “Pericoronitis”. Wisdom teeth extractions should be performed as soon as your dentist determines that the tooth is impacted or infected.

A dental surgeon would always advice you to have it remove at a younger age because the removal of impacted teeth becomes more difficult as you age. The reason behind this is that younger patients can tolerate the procedure better and recover more quickly and has less interference with their daily lives. The ideal time for removal of impacted third molars is when the roots of the teeth are one-third formed and before they are two-thirds formed, usually during the late teenage years, between ages 17 and 20.

Having impacted wisdom teeth which sometimes are in an unusual position and can cause the following:

Crowding or displacement of the other teeth

• Tooth decay


• Infections


• Gum problems

The removal of impacted third molars is a surgical procedure that is associated with a large amount of patient anxiety. In addition with this type of surgical procedure, sometimes it can involve unpleasant noises and sensations. As a result, surgeons who would routinely perform the removal of impacted wisdom teeth commonly recommend their patients some type of profound anxiety control such as conscious sedation which includes oral sedation and IM/IV sedation and even general anesthesia as well. Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” is an option for controlling your dental anxiety as well.

Whatever method you and your surgeon would choose, rest assured that you are in good hands. Just make sure that you follow your Los Angeles Dentist pre and post operative instructions and the result of this treatment will be to your utmost comfort. The more you understand about dental procedures, the easier it is to make informed choices about all the available treatments. So if there are any dental questions you would like our thoughts on, please ask us any time. We always look forward to providing you with answers.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

What to Do After Root Canal?

By Arthur Kezian

In my last post, I answered the question of what a root canal is and why a dentist would suggest that you have one done. Now, I'd like to give a little guidance as to how to take care of yourself after root canal therapy and the postoperative instructions to follow.

POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Discomfort is sometimes experienced after a treatment visit because of irritation of the bone surrounding the tooth and may range from a mild discomfort in the area to an occasional episode of considerable pain. This discomfort will usually maximize in approximately 48-72 hours and then subside.

Avoid chewing on the treated tooth for a few days.

2. If a throbbing sensation occurs, keep your head elevated as much as possible and place extra pillows under your head when lying down.

Avoid any strenuous activity as much as possible.

3. If your tooth has been left open to aid in drainage of an infection, place cotton in your tooth as directed.

Do not leave the cotton in the tooth between meals.

4. If your gums swell, rinse the area every 1-2 hours with a solution of warm salt water prepared by adding a teaspoon of salt to an eight-ounce glass of warm water.

5. If your face swells, apply an ice pack to the area for 5 minutes every ½ hour.

6. If antibiotic medication has been prescribed, take it as indicated until you have finished ALL of the medication.

If you encounter any difficulty in breathing, a skin rash, or gastric disturbance, discontinue the medication and call the office.

* If medication for pain has been prescribed, take it as indicated. It is important to bear in mind that narcotic medications such as Codeine, Vicodin, Percodan and Demerol may make you drowsy. Therefore, caution should be exercised in operating any potentially dangerous machinery or an automobile.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

Do I Really Need a Root Canal?

By Arthur Kezian

Your dentist may have told you that you need a root canal and you're wondering if your tooth really needs it.

Years ago, a badly infected or decayed tooth was always pulled out. Today the majority of such teeth can be saved through procedures used by a trusted endodontist or general dentist. These days, however, extraction or having a tooth pulled out is a very last resort.

A root canal may be necessary if your tooth experiences any of the following:

* Spontaneous pain or throbbing while biting
* Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
* Severe decay or an injury that creates an abscess (pus accumulation) in the bone

Your dentist is the expert who can determine for sure if the tooth is in such serious condition that it needs a root canal.

Treatment consists of:

The removal of the infected or irritated nerve tissue that lies within the root of the tooth. It is this infected pulp tissue that causes an eventual abscess.

1. The first step is to obtain access to the nerve. This is accomplished by establishing a small access opening on the top of the tooth. It will be done under local anesthesia.

2. The dentist then determines the length of the root canal and removes the infected pulp.

3. During the same visit, the canal where the nerve is located will be reshaped and prepared to accept a special root canal filling material. This filling procedure will probably not occur until your next visit.

The number of visits necessary to complete your root canal will depend upon several factors including the number of nerves in the tooth, the infected state of the nerve and the complexity of the procedure.

4. The final step in your root canal will be the sealing of the root canal with a sterile, plastic material called gutta percha. The sealing is done in order to prevent possible future infection.

The tooth will then possibly need a post and core and a crown in order to re-establish normal form and function. This decision will be based upon several additional factors.

If treated early, a root canal need not be uncomfortable. With the use of local anesthetics, the entire procedure can be totally painless.

Proper restoration the tooth should mean it will last as long as your other teeth and can even be used as an anchor tooth for a partial denture or cemented bridge. The success rates for root canals have been reported to be as high as 95%.

Sometimes when there has been long-standing infection or abscess, there may be some soreness associated with the first or second root canal visit. If this should turn out to be true you will be given specific instructions to follow to minimize the discomfort. When an infection is present, it may be necessary to take an antibiotic. If pain is present, analgesics may need to be prescribed. In either case, be sure to call the dental clinic if either of these problems should arise.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

About Porcelain Dental Veneers and Crowns

By Arthur Kezian

Dental veneers are a beautiful way to correct stained, chipped or crooked teeth. By placing glass-like ceramic porcelain on the surface of teeth, dentists can provide patients with bright, straight, and natural looking smiles.
The advantage over other cosmetic bonding techniques is that porcelain veneers are translucent, so when bonded onto a tooth's surface they will closely mimic the light-handling characteristics of dental enamel. Dental crowns typically encase an entire tooth whereas porcelain veneers only cover over the front side of a tooth.

How do porcelain veneers differ from dental crowns?
In comparison to a dental crown, the classic porcelain veneer is a wafer-thin shell of ceramic that is bonded onto the front side of a tooth. Whilst a dental crown covers over and encases the entire tooth, a porcelain veneer just covers over the side of the tooth that shows when the person smiles.
Dental crowns and porcelain cosmetic veneers also differ by way of their relative thickness. The classic porcelain veneer will measure 1 millimeter in thickness or less, as opposed to a dental crown that typically measures 2mm.
Here are a few of the factors that determine which type of dental restoration would be the more ideal choice for you:

Dental Crowns

1. Can be used to produce significant color and shape changes for a tooth.


2. Are often used to rebuild teeth that are badly broken or decayed.


3. Are very strong. Dental crowns are a good choice in those situations where the tooth is subject to significant chewing and biting forces or else tooth clenching and grinding (bruxism).


4. Require a significant amount of tooth reduction when made.


5. Once a crown has been made for a tooth the tooth will always require a dental crown.
   

Porcelain Veneers

1. Can be used to produce significant color and minor shape changes for a tooth.


2. Are placed on teeth whose underlying tooth structure is generally healthy and intact.


3. Are strong but brittle. Porcelain veneers typically do best in those situations where the biting forces they are subject to are somewhat passive.


4. Typically require much less tooth reduction than dental crowns.


5. For all practical purposes, once a porcelain veneer has been made for a tooth it’s irreversible.
6. 
   

What Will My Porcelain Veneers Look Like?

The glass-like ceramic that forms porcelain veneers closely resembles natural tooth enamel because, much like real tooth enamel they are translucent. This translucent effect is what gives teeth their luster. By replicating this, porcelain dental veneers provide patients with bright, natural looking smiles.

Porcelain dental veneers can also cover and repair cracked and chipped teeth. Because they are custom made and fitted to your teeth by a skilled cosmetic dentist, you can customize and improve much more than just the color of your teeth. Crooked and chipped teeth can have their appearances improved to give you a beautiful new smile and can be color matched to your natural teeth.

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

Porcelain veneers generally cost from $1700 to $2,000 per tooth. When considering the cost of porcelain veneers, you must take into account their longevity and attractiveness. Porcelain veneers are long lasting alternatives to other treatments that cost less but must be repaired frequently.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

How to Get Shinier, Whiter Teeth

By Arthur Kezian

A beautiful smile requires perfect teeth. But yellow or brown stains caused by coffee, tea, red wine or cigarettes are not so good to look at.

To get rid of such nasty stains, we need to make an effort to take extra care of our teeth.

The most important thing is to brush our teeth twice a day for at least one minute. Avoid brushing with a rough toothbrush, which may lead to the damaging of the enamel. Dentists recommend brushing after each meal, but when we are eating out, chewing gum helps a lot. Sugarless gum helps in maintaining white teeth by stimulating the salivary secretion, which washes over the teeth.

We must also avoid the sweets as much as possible, and instead eat more vegetables and fruit. In our goal of getting whither teeth we have to be select a toothpaste that contains enamel-strengthening fluorine.

Seeing the dentist twice a year is recommended because he or she can give suggestions in choosing the best products. For cleaning our teeth and getting them whiter we may use special whitening strips, but we must follow the indications during the whole treatment if we want to have positive results.

The most frequent problem in obtaining shinier teeth is the irritation of the gum. In this case we have to avoid using the whitening strips for a long period of time or other whitening solutions that may provoke pain or gum redness. Those with sensitive gums must try whitening treatments only when guided by specialists.

Whitening solutions have no effect unless they are applied on our natural teeth, so if we have an artificial tooth in our frontal teeth it is better to avoid the whitening strips and solutions because there would be a visible difference between the natural teeth and the artificial ones.

Let your dentist take care of your teeth -- they're the experts who can provide professional advice.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.