Cracked Tooth Syndrome -- 6 Things You Need to Know

By Arthur Kezian

If your dentist has started talking about cracked tooth syndrome, don't panic.  It may sound like a scary disease, but it's actually very easy to fix.

In the meantime, here's what you need to know about it:

1.       The "cracks" are really tiny fractures

Perhaps a better name would be "Fractured Tooth Syndrome" because that's what you're really dealing with -- tiny fractures that can either be minor or go all the way to your nerve endings. 

Unlike the typical fracture you're probably thinking of, these fractures are tiny -- so tiny, in fact, that your dentist may not be able to spot them on an x-ray.  Instead, he'll need to use special tools to find them.

2.       You'll be in random pain

Some dental problems create constant pain until they're taken care of, but that's not the case with Cracked Tooth Syndrome.  Instead, these fractures only cause pain when you're eating -- but won't make every meal painful.  You may be sensitive to hot and cold foods, or you may only be in pain during certain meals.  Because the pain is so random, Cracked Tooth Syndrome can be difficult to diagnose.

The only thing that isn't random is when the pain stops.  If you're suffering from cracked tooth syndrome, the pain will stop when you stop eating.

3.       Some teeth are more susceptible to it than others

Typically, tiny fractures are seen in the bottom molars, because those are the teeth you use most for chewing. 

However, if you have a filling in one of your teeth, it can make that tooth more vulnerable to fractures -- simply because the integrity of the tooth has already been compromised.

Additionally, if your teeth are out of alignment, it can make all of them more susceptible to Cracked Tooth Syndrome, because you're putting uneven pressure on your teeth every time you bite down on something. This can be fixed ahead of time to prevent getting dental crowns.

4.       Bad habits can make it worse

If you grind or clench your teeth, you have a higher chance of developing Cracked Tooth Syndrome.  Same goes for chewing on ice and pens.

5.       Porcelain crowns are the easiest -- and most common -- fix

When you get a dental crown your dentist will fit "caps" over each affected tooth.  As a result, your fractured tooth is protected from additional damage.

6.       Some teeth can't be saved

If your fracture is severe enough -- especially if it goes all the way to the root of your tooth -- even the best Los Angeles dentist may not be able to save your tooth.  As a result, you'll have to have the tooth replaced with a dental implant.  Luckily, a good dentist can make your implant look completely natural!

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

-N.S.

Treating Diastemas -- How Your Cosmetic Dentist Can Help

By Arthur Kezian

If you're embarrassed to pose for pictures, smile on a first date, or join the conversation during a cocktail party because of a gap in between your teeth, there's actually a technical term for it.  Dentists call that gap a "diastema".  A diastema is most likely to occur in between your two front teeth, but it can pop up anywhere.

Luckily, no matter where yours is, a good dentist can actually help you get rid of that gap-toothed smile once and for all!

But first things first…  Where do diastemas come from?

If you've dealt with a gap in your teeth for your entire adult life, chances are genetics are to blame.  Some people actually have jaws that are too big for their teeth.  As a result, their teeth space out further in an effort to cover all of that space -- leaving them with gaps in between their teeth.

Other people have tissue problems, specifically with their labial frenum -- or, the tissue that sits in between the gum and the inside of the lip.  If your labial frenum is too big, it can push your teeth out of the way, causing gaps to develop.

But diastemas aren't all about genetics.  Some people develop them because of frequent tongue thrusting.  Over time, they have literally moved their teeth out of place! 

So now that you know where diastemas come from, what can your dentist do to help you get rid of them?

Luckily, modern science has come up with some great techniques in recent years.  Before, your only option was to wear braces for a few years and gradually move your teeth around.  Now, a good dentist can solve your diastema woes in as little as a few appointments!

The most popular way to treat diastemas involves covering them up with veneers.  By cementing thin pieces of porcelain onto the front of your teeth, your cosmetic dentist can make the gaps invisible!

If your diastemas are a little bigger -- or if your teeth require some extra support -- your dentist can get a similar effect with crowns.  Instead of adhering to the front of your teeth, crowns cover up your entire tooth, like a cap.

Whether you take advantage of crowns or veneers, you'll get another benefit -- a whiter, straighter smile.  That's because veneers and crowns can cover up any imperfections in your smile.  You can say goodbye to your diastemas and give your entire smile a boost, all at the same time!

If your labial frenum is to blame, you can still take advantage of crowns and veneers.  However, before you do, your dentist will have to perform surgery to correct the tissue problem.  The whole process will take a little longer, but in the end, you'll have a perfect-looking smile!

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

-N.S.

Headed to a Dentist? 3 Ways He Can Give Your Smile a Boost

By Arthur Kezian

If you're looking for new ways to have a healthy-looking, beautiful smile, you're not alone.  In fact, people have been searching for ways to give their smiles a boost for thousands of years -- back when someone created a set of dentures out of ivory.  Ever since, good cosmetic dentists have been in high-demand!

Luckily, there have been some major advancements in cosmetic dentistry over the years. In fact, these 3 recent ones will have you running to a skilled cosmetic dentist:

                                            

1.      Dental porcelain crowns

If you have uneven or damaged teeth, you probably don't have a whole lot to smile about.  Luckily, dental porcelain crowns can change all of that!

What are they?

Crowns are like little covers for your teeth.  When your dentist puts one in your mouth, it slides right over your tooth.  That way, your teeth will all look the same size and have the same shape.  If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, a crown will give it the support it needs, so that you don't wind up with additional damage.

Crowns have been around for years, but they used to be made out metal.  Talk about a bad look!  Today, they're made out of porcelain, so they can make your teeth look brighter and whiter.

Because they're so pearly-white, porcelain crowns are used to cover up titanium dental implants.  That way, you'll look like you have a full set of healthy, natural teeth!

2.      Dental veneers

Wondering how that A-list celebrity has such a perfect white smile?  She probably takes advantage of the veneers! Even if you don't have a movie role coming up, you can work with a great cosmetic dentist to get the same look.

The best veneers are thin pieces of either porcelain or resin.  Your cosmetic dentist will use special cement to stick them onto the front of your teeth.  As a result, veneers can cover up any gaps in your teeth, make crooked teeth look straight, and make your teeth all look the same length.  Plus, they'll give you a brighter smile!

Since dental veneers don't adhere to your entire tooth, they won't give you the support that crowns can.  But if you're simply looking for a cosmetic upgrade, dental veneers can't be beat!

3.      Custom porcelain shading

If your dentist is going to put a ton of porcelain into your mouth, it only makes sense that he would need to come up with the perfect color.  After all, if you're only getting work done on a couple of teeth, they'll need to match your existing teeth.  Even if you're getting all of your teeth done, you'll need a shade of porcelain that's just right for your skin tone.

Luckily, it's easy for a good expert cosmetic dentist to mix a shade that's perfect!

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

-N.S.

4 Ways Your Dentist Can Make Injections Less Painful

By Arthur Kezian

In Hollywood, it seems like there's a trick for everything -- from having the perfect hair, to keeping your mascara from running, to having an endless summer tan.  Luckily, a good dentist has some tricks of his own for making your anesthesia injections less painful!

Instead of telling you to just be brave for a few seconds, a good dentist will take advantage of these 4 techniques, so that you can have painless injections!

1.      Putting pressure on the injection site

If your dentist tugs on your lip or rubs your gum tissue right before he gives you your anesthesia injection, there's a good reason behind it.  Putting a little bit of pressure on the injection area prevents your nerves from "talking" to each other.  You may not know it, but the pain you feel actually comes from nerves that tell each other (and your brain) that something hurts.  If they can't communicate, you won't be in pain.

It's no different than rubbing your elbow after you bump it on the dinner table.  The rubbing eases your pain, because you're not letting the nerves speak.

2.      Using numbing gel

In Hollywood, you can get a tan in a jar, so why can't you get some dental anesthesia relief in a jar?!  A good dentist will have plenty of numbing gel on hand.  Unfortunately, this gel isn't strong enough to numb you for an entire dental procedure -- so you can't entirely avoid a needle -- but it can eliminate all of the pain that comes with getting an injection.

When your dentist uses numbing gel, he rubs it right into your gum tissue long before you ever see a needle.  As a result, the injection site will be completely numb, so that you don't even feel the needle going in!

3.     Using the very sharpest needles

When it comes time to actually give you your injection, a good dentist will use needles that are incredibly sharp.  That's because sharper needles go into your gum tissue more easily.  As a result, your dentist won't have to struggle to insert the needle.

4.      Injecting slowly

If your dentist injects you with anesthesia very quickly, he might think he's doing you a favor.  However, he might actually be making things worse!  By inserting the needle too quickly or with too much force, your dentist can actually tear your gum tissue.  If that happens, the momentary sting of the needle will be followed by hours' worth of soreness.

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

-N.S.