All posts by Alan Zabolian

Dental fillings vs dental bondings 3d concept.

Dental Fillings vs Dental Bonding

General Dentistry, ,

Cosmetic and restorative dentistry offers endless opportunities to improve the health and look of your teeth. If you are dealing with a crack, chip, breakage, or even a cavity, you should reach out to Samaritan Dental in DTLA for a filling or bonding procedure. But what exactly are the differences between dental fillings vs. dental bonding?

Dental Fillings vs Dental Bonding

One procedure is effective against breaks, while the other can help you if you have developed a cavity. Keep reading to find the important details on both of these procedures and find the differences so you know how to best take care of your dental health.

What are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are used to fill holes that are caused in your teeth from cavities. Sugar and bacteria can cause decay in the mouth, damaging the teeth over time. The longer you wait to visit the dentist for a cavity, the more the infection can spread. If the signs of decay are small enough, your dentist can carve out the infected part of the tooth and fill it with a composite resin that resembles the look of your natural tooth.

How Dental Fillings Work

Your dentist must first prepare your tooth by giving it a full examination. He ensures the healthy parts of your tooth are strong enough to support a filling procedure. Once the tooth is ready and the material is picked out, your dentist will drill a small hole in the affected area to get rid of the decay. This new hole will be filled with the material. This material prevents further decay from spreading.

What is Dental Bonding?

There are quite a few differences between dental fillings and dental bonding. In fact, they are treatments used for two completely different reasons. Fillings are used to stem the tide of cavities and decay. But dental bonding can be applied when you have a chipped or cracked tooth. While the composite material used to fill in these cracks and breaks can be the same as the filling used for a cavity, they are still different procedures.

How Dental Bonding Works

During the dental bonding process, your dentist will use a small amount of the composite material to fill in the spots of your tooth broken by chips or cracks. Then, a non-contact laser light will be held up to the composite material to dry it in place. You’ll be able to enjoy new cosmetic fixes that restore your teeth back to new while preventing further damage from breaks and cracks.

Fillings and Bondings – What to Expect

Dental fillings and dental bonding use the same materials, but they are applied to your teeth in different ways. Dental bonding is usually seen as a cosmetic dentistry treatment. Also, dental fillings are used to prevent the spread of decay. Both procedures have health and aesthetic benefits that you can take advantage of when you schedule an appointment with your local dental experts.

Your teeth may feel a little sensitive after the procedure, although you should not feel any pain. Make sure to eat soft foods that are not hot or cold as your teeth adjust to these new changes.

Find the Best Dental Treatment for Your Teeth ASAP

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we offer a wide range of services and treatments to help you bring out your very best smile. From dental fillings to cosmetic dental bonding, you can invest in professional dental treatments for the betterment of your health. Get in touch with our experts today. You can schedule a one-on-one consultation so you can address your oral health needs as quickly as possible. Call us today!

three dental implants on blue background.

Can Dental Implants Fall Off?

Dental Implants, , ,

Whether you are new to dental implants or have been wearing them for a while, you may be nervous about the idea that your dental implants can fall off. Every so often, patients experience a damaged or improperly installed implant that can cause it to fall out of the mouth. This doesn’t mean that dental implants are bad for you, but it may warrant an urgent correction at Samaritan Dental Arts in DTLA.

Can Dental Implants Fall Off?

Our dental experts can help answer the question, “Can dental implants fall off?” It’s important to know that a functional dental implant should never fall out. Signs of damage or disrepair may be due to poor installation. Read more to learn what you can do if you end up in any of these situations.

Implant Installation

Proper dental implants are made to fit perfectly in your mouth. When you visit with your dentist before getting the implants put in, you will make a mold of your mouth so the device can be made just for you. Implants are supposed to perfectly match the structure of your mouth and teeth; with the right fit, they should fit well and require very little maintenance.

If you are experiencing any issues with the structure or installation of your device, you should reach out to your dentist right away. Implants are not supposed to fall out for any reason other than improper installation. It is important to address this issue right away if you notice that your implants are loose or ill-fitting.

Signs of Improper Implant Installation

Although getting loose or falling out is not one of the most common problems with dental implants, it is something serious that needs to be taken care of right away should it occur. You may feel that your device is physically loosening, and you may be able to pinpoint the exact area of your mouth where the problem is happening. You may also discover symptoms such as:

  • Bone loss in the teeth or jaws
  • Bleeding when you touch your implant
  • Discoloration or swelling around the implant
  • Infection
  • Pain on and around the area

When you notice any of the above symptoms, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist. This is especially true if the symptoms persist for a long period of time. You may be able to save your implant – and restore good health to your mouth – if you act quickly.

When Your Implant Falls Out…

If you cannot reach the dentist right away or the damage is too great and your dental implant falls out, you should visit your dentist and your doctor right away. Not only might you be faced with a costly implant repair, but the loss of your implant could have severe medical repercussions as well. Again, it is important to fix your dental implant right away.

Get in touch with your dentist ASAP and try to save the parts of your implant that fell out of your mouth. Try not to use that side of your mouth until you receive emergency treatment. While your mouth heals, you may want to rinse it with a mouthwash without alcohol. Maintaining your dental health is the most important part of the process. An untreated implant issue could lead to internal infection, resulting in death.

Get the Best Dental Implant Treatment Today

Samaritan Dental Arts offers advanced, top-rated dental implants in Downtown Los Angeles. If you are suffering from an ill-fitting implant, or you have suffered damage that caused your implant to loosen, contact us for immediate repair. It is important to maintain good dental health, and having lasting implants can make a huge difference. Get in touch with us today to talk about your personal oral health plan.

Man smiling after his filling.

Tips for After Your Filling

General Dentistry, , , ,

Dental fillings are common dental procedures that can help treat your cavities and get rid of infection. While fillings happen all the time, you may not know exactly what to do after you get one of your own. If you are planning an upcoming trip to your Downtown LA dental office to get some cavities filled, don’t fret – our experts will tell you what to do with these tips for after your filling.

Tips for After Your Filling

Here are some easy-to-learn tips for after your filling that will help you enjoy a quick and smooth recovery process.

The Filling Procedure: What to Expect?

Does it hurt to get fillings? Should you expect pain after a procedure? Dealing with cavities is no fun, but it is easy and fast to get them filled. Your dentist will likely numb the area around the affected tooth before drilling a hole in the cavity. Your local experts will clear out the source of infection and fill the cavity with a dental composite material to keep it protected from further decay.

Will There Be Pain?

Having your cavities filled is usually not a painful process while it is happening, because your dentist will provide you with numbing medicine to keep you comfortable. After the filling procedure and the numbness wears off, you may feel a little bit of pain. It is normal to feel pain and sensitivity in the area where you had your cavities filled. Usually, this pain goes away after a day. If the pain persists for several days, it is important to contact your local dental experts right away.

Can I Still Eat?

Patients often want to know whether they should avoid eating after a filling procedure. It is recommended that you avoid chewing on the location of your filling for at least one day before resuming normal activities. Try chewing on the other side of your mouth, or eat only liquids so you don’t have to chew. Your dentist will likely give you better care instructions detailing exactly how you should care for your mouth after the filling is complete.

What if I Can Feel the Filling?

Dentists do the best job that they can to perfectly measure the filling material. Sometimes, a little might be sticking out after the treatment is complete. You will feel this when you bite down, chew, or speak. It may prevent you from being able to properly close your mouth and enjoy your smile. If this problem persists, you can return to the dentist’s office to have part of the filling shaved off. The goal is to create a filling that blends in with the rest of your tooth, both in color and in shape.

If Pain Persists

If you feel pain after the filling procedure, your dentist may prescribe an over-the-counter solution to help the pain subside. You will want to treat the affected area gently until it is fully healed. Avoid eating, brushing, and flossing near that tooth until the pain goes away. Painkillers shouldn’t be needed after a simple filling procedure, but it is important to communicate with your dental expert if you feel that you are experiencing abnormal pain.

Act Fast and Get the Best Dental Fillings Today

Cavities are common occurrences, and you can get a small and simple filling to immediately stop the spread of infection. The longer you wait to get a cavity filled, the more you are susceptible to illness and pain. Get ahold of your local experts today and find out about getting the best dental fillings in DTLA. The procedure is fast, easy, and typically pain-free. We are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your dental care plan. Call us today!

Woman showing off bright smile after following habits for healthy teeth.

Best Habits for Healthy Teeth

Dental Care at Home, , , ,

There is a reason why famous people always have perfect teeth. They weren’t born that way; they have to go through daily oral hygiene routines to maintain their health. And that’s what you should be doing, too. You should always be taking care of your teeth and gums in order to prevent disease. Let’s look at the best habits for healthy teeth.

Best Habits for Healthy Teeth

Your local DTLA dentist can help you get on track with the best habits for healthy teeth. Use the tips below to work on your celebrity smile!

Invest in Fluoride Toothpaste

You should brush with a dentist-approved toothpaste with fluoride in it. Fluoride helps get rid of bacteria and plaque that can build up on your teeth after you eat. Fluoride also contributes to tooth whitening as it can remove sticky substances. After you’re done brushing, the fluoride will leave a protective layer over your teeth to protect it against further bacterial invasion.

Floss Every Day

Many people tend to ignore flossing as an important part of the daily dental health routine. But flossing is just as imperative as brushing when it comes to long-term care. It is too easy for food to get stuck between your teeth, causing bacterial buildup as it sits there. Without flossing, you cannot remove these bits of food and bacteria.

Not to mention, flossing can also help reduce inflammation in the gums by stimulating the surrounding tissues. Flossing is a healthy practice that you should get into the habit of doing at least once per day.

Brush Diligently – But Not Roughly

It’s no secret that you should brush your teeth every day. But did you know that there is such a thing as brushing too hard? If your movements are too aggressive, you could be doing more harm than help for your teeth. Rigid bristles can scratch your gums and cause them to bleed, paving the way for infection.

A proper brushing technique should involve small circular motions on all sides of the teeth. Make sure not to press too hard or else you could strip away your enamel (the outermost layer of your teeth).

Use Mouthwash

You can improve your oral health with the use of a mouthwash after you brush and floss. Make sure you are using a dental-approved mouthwash that contains chemicals such as chlorhexidine, which adds an antibacterial agent to your teeth. This can protect against gingivitis, gum disease, and other life-threatening bacterial infections. Mouthwash should not be the only product you use in the mornings, but it is a great addition to your daily routine.

Schedule a Regular Dental Appointment

You should visit your local dentist once or twice per year for a thorough cleaning and dental exam. It’s a good idea to take advantage of professional tools and products that can scrape away the plaque that your regular toothbrush can’t. Dental appointments are also important for preventative care, as an exam can identify the early signs of decay or disease.

You should schedule a routine checkup every 6 months with your local professionals. During your appointment, you can get plaque and tartar removed from your teeth while your overall health is assessed using X-ray equipment. Depending on your preexisting oral hygiene issues, you may need to visit your dentist more frequently. One trip to the office can save the state of your oral health!

Prevent Dental Health Issues Today

It’s time to schedule an appointment for preventative dentistry in LA. Get in the habit of taking care of your teeth every day to keep unhealthy bacteria at bay. Learn more about the health benefits of a regular dental visit by getting in touch with our friendly experts at Samaritan Dental Arts today. We look forward to helping you earn a healthy smile!

Three fruit smoothies viewed from above

Are Fruit Smoothies Bad for Your Teeth?

Preventive Dentistry, , ,

Everyone knows that you are supposed to eat a healthy serving of fruits and vegetables each day. But with so many different food products to choose from and so many raw substances to eat, it can be impossible to get a full dose in every day. That is why a lot of people resort to making smoothies. But are fruit smoothies bad for your teeth?

Are Fruit Smoothies Bad for Your Teeth?

Combining fruit, veggies, and other healthy ingredients in a blender with some ice can create an instant breakfast. These refreshing, creamy drinks can be the perfect meal when you’re on the go. They bring a lot of advantages, but there are some pitfalls too. For example, are fruit smoothies bad for your teeth? Your local DTLA dentist explains it all below.

The Antioxidant Answer

Smoothies have been popular breakfast items for a long while. People can’t seem to get enough of the sweet flavor and the burst of healthy vitamins and supplements that you are putting in your body all while enjoying a delicious treat. Perhaps the biggest advantage you can get from drinking smoothies is an increase in antioxidants, which can strengthen your immune system and help you fight disease.

There’s just one problem: Fruit juices and blended ingredients are very high in sugar and acid. These two things can break down the surface layers of your teeth, causing your mouth to become more susceptible to infection. Next time you reach for the blender, consider taking some oral hygiene steps to prevent too much damage from happening at once.

Wear and Tear on the Teeth

Sugar and acid can erode the enamel on your tooth, which is the outermost layer keeping it protected from the elements. As you eat more ascorbic acid and sugar, your teeth become weaker and weaker. Eventually, this can lead to rapid decay, tooth loss, and oral disease.

But don’t worry, this does not mean you have to give up your favorite fruity blended drink! The health benefits they bring to the whole body are too great to ignore. But you should try to invest in oral health hygiene to prevent acid buildup and the breakdown of your enamel.

Practicing Precautions While Enjoying Your Smoothie

Don’t give up the blended fruits and veggies! Just be more cautious. Here are some tips you can follow to keep your teeth strong and protected against natural sugars and acids:

  • Eat with your smoothie. Eat other foods along with your smoothie so your teeth aren’t constantly under attack by the acids in your drink. Try not to drink the smoothie slowly throughout the day either.
  • Brush before and after you drink it. Make sure your teeth are cleaned and protected before you indulge in a sugary smoothie. And as soon as you are done, give your teeth another brush!
  • Drink through a straw. A smoothie is just as delicious when you drink it through a straw. Plus, you can avoid the smoothie material touching your teeth while you drink.
  • Reduce citric acids. Citrus is great for your smoothie, but try reducing the amount of orange juice you add to your next smoothie. Just give your teeth a little bit of a break.

You can continue enjoying healthy smoothies without ruining your daily routine. But remember to take extra care of your teeth so you don’t deal with prolonged dental issues later down the line.

Avoid Cavities and Stay Healthy for the Future!

Drinking smoothies can become a dangerously yummy habit. While these drinkable meals are stuffed full of healthy fruits, vegetables, and vitamins, they are a lot healthier for your body than they are for your teeth. Too much sugar and acid could cause decay, leading to infection and cavities. Reach out to your trusted dentist today to learn more about cavity treatment in DTLA and find out how you can have the best daily health regime!

smiling man in dentist's chair

Are Regular Dental Checkups Important?

General Dentistry, ,

From a young age, you are often told that regular dental visits are crucial for keeping up with good oral health. But are regular dental checkups important enough to get twice a year? What happens when you visit your dentist for a checkup? What oral health issues can be avoided with yearly regular dentist visits?

Are Regular Dental Checkups Important?

A dental checkup is important in order to receive the best preventative dental care possible. Avoid serious health issues and make sure that all is in working order so you can enjoy a long life of good health. Keep reading for more important tips and facts about regular dental checkups!

Dental Visits Explained

What happens when you show up for a regular dental visit? If you don’t have any particular issues and you feel that you are in good health, you might be wondering why you have to be at the dentist’s office in the first place. The best way to prevent oral health issues is to catch symptoms early, and avoid problems before they arise. This is the biggest accomplishment of a dental checkup appointment.

There are actually two steps involved with your regular checkups:

X-Rays and Teeth Examination

The first part of the appointment will involve having x-ray images taken of your teeth and jaws. These images will help the dentist see any issues underneath the surface of your teeth and gums. Your dentist will also perform a physical exam, using tools to scrape off plaque and remove bacteria from your teeth.

Gum Examination

After the dentist has inspected and cleaned your teeth, they will also want to look at your gums. Special tools will be used to gently scale your gums and check for any signs of gum disease. While the dentist examines you, he will also look for signs of swelling, soreness, bleeding, or redness.

The Best Dental Cleaning

The last part of your visit will involve a deep clean. This is the part of the appointment that most people look forward to, as it can feel good to have your mouth thoroughly cleaned by a professional. This type of dental cleaning may include:

  • Scraping plaque and tartar off of the teeth
  • Flossing between the teeth
  • Brushing the teeth with a special cleaning powder
  • Polishing your teeth

If there are no oral health issues at play, or if the dentist does not find any risk of infection or cancer in your mouth, you do not have to return to the dentist for at least six months. By practicing good oral hygiene habits at home, you can continue preventing diseases while you wait for your next general dentistry appointment.

Oral Hygiene Habits at Home

The best way to continue preventing disease and infection is to maintain good oral health habits at home. The dentist can provide professional cleaning, but there are plenty of things you can do on your own to keep your mouth in tip-top shape.

Remember to brush your teeth at least twice per day. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the enamel and encourage bacteria prevention. You should also floss at least once a day to get rid of old food particles. If you are dealing with a toothache or you have another oral health concern, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local dentist right away.

Downtown LA Dentistry at Your Doorstep

Samaritan Dental Arts is home to your preferred DTLA dentist with specialties in many areas. For a quick cleaning, a full checkup, or a thorough prevention plan, get in touch with our experts today and schedule a one-on-one consultation. Our dentist is happy to help you get set on the path to good oral health. Inquire today!

Man getting hit in the face by another man with a boxing glove

Common Tooth Injuries in Sports

Preventive Dentistry, , , , ,

Many sports players believe that getting hurt is all part of the game. But this rite of passage can do some serious damage to your body, from your head to your toes. More importantly, many injuries can end up hurting your teeth. Most of the common tooth injuries in sports are far more common than people think.

Common Tooth Injuries in Sports

In fact, about 40% of all dental injuries that occur in the United States occur as a result of sports. Whether you are playing contact sports or you suffered a nasty fall while running, it is important to get your dental injury assessed as quickly as you can. Here’s what you need to know about tooth injuries in sports before you visit your dental office in DTLA.

Fractured Tooth Roots

Some dental injuries can make their way to the roots of your teeth. Some cracks start at the surface of your teeth where you chew and stretch down to the unseen parts of your tooth. In other cases, you may be suffering from a fractured root alone.

It can be difficult or even impossible to see your fractured roots without a proper examination and x-ray procedure. These invisible damages can quickly contribute to an infection, giving you a bigger problem on your hands. Make sure to visit your dental professional ASAP when you suffer from a dental injury.

Cracked Teeth

Physical contact sports can be dangerous to your sensitive teeth. Without wearing protective gear like a mouthguard, you put your teeth at risk of being permanently damaged.

Any physical blow or injury to the face can result in a cracked tooth. While cracked teeth are the most common tooth injury, treating them as quickly as possible is essential to prevent permanent damage or infection.

Symptoms of Cracked Teeth

Not all cracks are visible. You may not realize you are dealing with cracked teeth until you start to show certain symptoms. Be on the lookout for:

  • Pain in the mouth when eating and drinking
  • Sensitivity to cold and hot foods
  • Loss of sensation on the outside of the tooth
  • Sharp pain when biting or chewing

Cracked teeth can be difficult to diagnose on your own. Consul with an emergency dental professional to help you repair cracks and other types of damage before your symptoms get worse.

Intrusions

A tooth intrusion is what happens when a hard hit knocks your tooth back down into the jawbone. When you are born, all of your teeth are fully grown but resting under your gums. As you grow older, your teeth “erupt,” meaning they come out and grow into the position they are now in. If you are faced with physical injury to the face, your teeth might be pushed so hard that they go back down below the gums.

This is known as a tooth intrusion, and it can be a very painful experience. This physical trauma can shorten or damage your roots and cause irreversible injury to your entire tooth.

Get the Best Protection for Your Teeth – Invest in a Mouthguard Today!

If you plan on continuing your sports activities, but you want to prevent any of the above injuries from happening, it is essential that you invest in a mouthguard. These devices can be fitted to the shape of your teeth to provide a rubber buffer between your mouth and the outside world.

Studies show that mouthguards can make your teeth 60 times safer during sports than if you aren’t wearing anything. When you are hit in the face with a ball or someone’s foot, you no longer run the risk of suffering irreversible damage to your teeth.

Contact us today to learn about our individualized mouth and sports guards that can help you stay fit and active without risking too much damage. Learn more about your oral health options at Samaritan Dental Arts today!

Woman holding hand against jaw, pained expression

Leaving a Cavity Untreated: Bad Idea

General Dentistry, , ,

Everybody knows that cavities are bad news. But something so common can’t truly be that bad, right? It is so easy to get fillings nowadays, but for a lot of people that takes away an understanding of just how dangerous cavities can be. Essentially, leaving a cavity untreated: Bad idea!

The longer you leave a cavity untreated, the more susceptible you are to decay, rot, and infection. Here is what your local DTLA dentist wants you to know about the dangers of leaving tooth cavities unattended.

Leaving a Cavity Untreated: Gateway for Infection

Cavities come from bacteria and plaque that builds upon the teeth after eating certain foods. If you don’t brush your teeth every day, that plaque will continue to build and can eventually get into the inner layers of your tooth. This creates a pocket of decay, also known as a cavity.

If this decay spreads to your bloodstream or the roots of your tooth, you may experience symptoms of pain and swelling. This is a sign that your cavity has caused an infection, which must be treated right away before it spreads further.

Broken Teeth Abound

If a cavity does not cause an infection, it can still spread throughout your tooth and weaken it from the inside out. As your tooth rots and decays, it will fall apart and crack easily. This cavity can spread to your other teeth, making them brittle as well. In order to save your natural tooth, you must get in touch with your trusted dentist right away. In some cases, treating a cavity can even mean the difference between life and death.

Continuing Complications

Untreated tooth cavities can cause an increasing number of health issues the longer it goes without care. You can suffer from the following complications of tooth cavities if you don’t visit your dental expert in a timely manner:

  • Sharp pain
  • Radiating pain
  • Infection around the tooth and gums
  • Swelling and redness
  • Tenderness in the mouth and cheeks
  • Trouble chewing or smiling
  • Increased risk of fracturing and breaking teeth
  • Tooth abscess

You should get in touch with your dentist at the first sign of the above symptoms. You should not be living with any kind of dental pain, and the discomfort you are experiencing as a result of this cavity is not normal. So, you need to seek your dental professional to learn what treatment and prevention measures need to be taken.

Deathly Consequences

An untreated cavity can have drastic results that can be so severe that they may even cause death. Cavities are a gateway to infection, which can spread fast the longer it goes untreated. As soon as an infection makes its way into your bloodstream, it can travel throughout the rest of your body, which has fatal consequences.

Without treating a cavity, you risk serious illness and death. Fortunately, modern cavity treatment is common and very accessible. Reach out to your dentist to learn more about treating your cavity and taking the pain away.

Get the Best Treatment for Your Cavity Today!

Cavities may be common, but that does not mean that they are nothing to worry about. A buildup of bad bacteria can cause pockets of your teeth to suffer from decay. If they are caught early enough, your dentist can add a filling that will save the integrity of your tooth and protect against further cavities. More severe cavities may need to be treated with a root canal or tooth extraction procedure.

Learn more about how you can treat your mouth to the best in dental healthcare at Samaritan Dental Arts. Call us today to schedule a consultation for cavity treatment at the first sign of tooth pain or discomfort. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

Woman holding both hands against jaw, pained expression, lying down

How Teeth Grinding Can Ruin Your Teeth

Dental Care at Home, ,

Your teeth consist of many layers that keep them strong and healthy. Enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth, and it is responsible for protecting your teeth against the outside world. Without enamel, your teeth would wear and tear much too easily. Excessive pressure can wear down your enamel and put you in danger of dental damage. This is but one way teeth grinding can ruin your teeth.

There are several risks of teeth grinding that your local DTLA dentist wants to warn you about. It’s important to know how teeth grinding can ruin your teeth so you can get the help you need to stop your bad grinding habits right away.

Causes of Tooth Grinding

Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition that often turns into a bad habit. When you constantly push or gnash your teeth together, you are causing potential harm to your mouth.

Common causes of tooth grinding include:

  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Medication overreaction
  • Pain
  • Bad dreams

A lot of people find out that they are grinding teeth overnight, which is a common ailment. While it is frustrating to feel out of control of your tooth grinding habit, there are treatments available that can keep you from letting this habit happen while you sleep.

Ultimately, tooth grinding is dangerous for your teeth. There are many dangers posed by bruxism.

How Teeth Grinding Can Ruin Your Teeth

Excessively grinding your teeth can lead to some bad oral health habits. Let’s take a look at the worst risks you are facing when you grind your teeth:

Chips and Cracks

When you grind your teeth, you are greatly wearing down the enamel that protects your teeth from damage. This makes it easy for your teeth to chip and crack over time. Your teeth will become brittle and it will be more difficult to repair them if they sustain permanent damage.

Abfraction

Abfraction refers to the loss of tooth matter by the base of the tooth. Depending on your pattern of tooth grinding, you may find that you have significant tooth loss in areas that were once supporting healthy bone structure.

Gum Recession

An unfortunate result of excessive tooth grinding is gum recession, which occurs when your teeth damage your gums. The grinding action slowly pulls teeth out of their position in the gums, opening a gateway to infection and gum disease. Gum recession indicates many different oral health issues, and it is important to seek dental treatment right away.

TMJ

TMJ disorder describes the pain or stiffness in the joints that connect the upper and lower jaw. These joints are located just below your temples and can cause many uncomfortable symptoms, such as migraines, constant pain, and the inability to open your mouth all the way.

Attrition

Your teeth wear away at each other over time the more you grind them. You’ll eventually grind the top part of your teeth down, making it harder for you to bite or chew things. Damage done to the surface or the “biting” part of the teeth is known as attrition.

Best Tooth Grinding Treatments

It can be hard to break a bad habit, especially when you perpetuate that habit subconsciously. How do you stop grinding your teeth if you do it in your sleep?

While it takes time to get rid of the action, you can protect your teeth against further damage in the meantime. Mouthguards are specifically designed to shield your teeth against each other.

You can wear mouthguards at night while you sleep, so in the event your teeth want to grind, you are at least providing a rubber barrier so they do not cause harm to your dental structure. Further treatments can be discussed with your specialist after you have worn a mouthguard for a while.

Stop Grinding Your Teeth!

Get the best treatments and mouthguards Downtown Los Angeles has to offer. At Samaritan Dental Arts, we are passionate about restoring your mouth to good health. For inquiries about the dangers of tooth grinding, and to schedule a consultation with our specialist, get in touch with our staff right away.

Featured image for Signs You Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea

How Sleep Apnea Affects Daily Life

Sleep Apnea, , ,

Sleep apnea is a difficult condition to keep track of as it really only affects you while you are sleeping. But although sleep apnea happens at night, there are certain symptoms that can appear at any time of the day, affecting your daily life. If you feel sleepy or drowsy during the day, you might be dealing with extended symptoms of sleep apnea. Stay aware of your symptoms and get in touch with your sleep apnea treatment Downtown Los Angeles specialist if you feel how sleep apnea affects daily life.

How Sleep Apnea Affects Daily Life

Most sleep doctors will tell you that the most prominent symptom of sleep apnea is excessive snoring. While you sleep, you might start having gasping breaths and hitched breathing, which is a big indicator of sleep apnea.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to many serious health issues, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Insomnia
  • Diabetes

While snoring is a big symptom of sleep apnea, it’s not the only symptom. There are other day-to-day symptoms that you should be on the lookout for.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea During the Day

How does sleep apnea rear its ugly head throughout your day? Here are a few telling signs and symptoms:

Headaches in the Morning

Do you constantly wake up with a headache? Unless you have had too much to drink the night before, you are probably unsure of the source of these mysterious morning headaches. One explanation for your morning headaches is that you are suffering from some kind of sleep disorder. It is important that you make an appointment with your sleep apnea specialist so you can get an accurate diagnosis for your headaches.

Too Much Tiredness

If you wake up and just can’t shake the sleepiness no matter how much coffee you drink, you might be dealing with tiredness due to sleep apnea. In fact, daytime drowsiness is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea that sleep specialists look for when making a diagnosis.

The reason you may feel tired and drowsy all the time is that sleep apnea causes your sleep to be interrupted multiple times throughout the night, which doesn’t give your brain the ability to get rest like it needs to. Due to these multiple sleep interruptions, you won’t feel fully rested during the day.

Focus and Mood Issues

Do you have the hardest time staying focused? Do you find that you have concentration issues and you get irritable more easily than usual? This could be a sure sign of sleep apnea. Our specialists have found that many people with untreated sleep apnea are more depressed and irritated throughout the day and can’t stay focused on a single task. If you feel you may be going through a similar symptom, get in touch with our Samaritan Dental Arts specialists for assessment and treatment.

Get the Best Treatment for OSA Today!

OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea, can affect your ability to be awake, focused, and healthy throughout the day. While sleep apnea is typically characterized by snoring and sleep interruptions, there are many symptoms to be on the lookout for. At Samaritan Dental Arts, we offer treatments for sleep apnea and other sleep-related disorders.

There is a strong connection between sleep apnea and oral hygiene. Sleep apnea can affect the way you breathe, impeding your ability to give your brain and body the rest it deserves. If you are looking for a sleep apnea diagnosis and want to learn more about treatment, you can schedule a consultation with the best dentist Downtown Los Angeles has by calling our office today. Don’t wait another day to get the treatment you need!