2 Reasons To Talk To Your Dental Professional About Same Day Crowns

Same day crowns are a terrific option that makes getting a crown much more practical and less time-consuming. These crowns operate in much the same way as traditional crowns, other than that same-day crowns are made in the dentist’s office while you are waiting, instead of being purchased from a dental laboratory like traditional crowns.

Listed below are two reasons to speak with Dr. A. J. Boyajian about the possibility of getting a same day crown:

Far more Convenient

Convenience is going to be the most significant reason that many people choose to go with a same-day crown.

In the past, getting a crown would mean that you would need to have multiple appointments before the crown was in place. One appointment would be committed to preparing your tooth. Then another appointment to put the permanent crown over your tooth.

While that may not seem like it is too time-consuming, it can often be tough to takeprecious time off from your job or family.

A same-day crown can be produced in-house by Dr. Boyajian in Westchester, CA. You will have the last crown fitted over the tooth before you leave from your one required crown appointment.

This is handy because you will not have to worry about irritating your employer, having your colleagues cover for you, or missing out on pay; since you had to leave in the middle of the work day numerous times to go to your dentist.

A Lot More Comfortable

Another reason to ask Dr. Boyajian for a same-day crown is comfort. Same day crowns are more comfy. This is due to the fact that you won’t have to spend a week or more wearing a short-term crown while waiting for your long-term crown.

A short-term crown can often be a source of quite a bit of irritation and pain due to the fact that it can typically end up being loose quickly.

When a temporary crown is loose, it can allow liquids to get under it and touch nerves in the exposed roots of your tooth. The loose fit can also cause the short-term crown to move along your gum and trigger the skin to end up being scratched and swollen.

While you generally do not have to wear a temporary crown for long, a same-day crown can allow you to avoid any issues related to the temporary crown entirely.

This kind of crown is going to be both a lot more comfy and far more convenient to obtain than a standard crown.

Detriments of Invasive Dentistry (Pt. III)

The title for this post doesn’t exactly seem appropriate, even though it is along the same lines as the previous couple. Oh, well. We’ve listed some detriments of invasive dentistry; today I’ll give a brief explanation about the benefits of minimally invasive holistic dentistry — precisely what we strive for in this office.

If dental work needs to be done, minimally invasive procedures are what will be best for the patient’s dental health in the long run. When all measures are taken to preserve the natural tooth, the need for dental work in the future is greatly reduced. This is pretty valuable; you don’t want to be the patient who seems to be in the dentist’s chair all the time, but sees that either nothing improves or new problems keep coming up. Good dentistry (and diligent daily care on your part) means you don’t have to keep going back!

Minimally invasive dentistry also allows the least amount of dental work to be performed. The high quality of work and genuine care for each patient’s best treatment saves the quantity of materials needed, saves time in the chair, saves money in the short and long run, and brings more comfort to the patients who want to know that the best is being done for them.

To explain minimally invasive dentistry, I’ll use the cavity filling again as an example. Also being a holistic practice, it is important to us that we evaluate the patient’s overall physical health and immune strength. Extra care must be exercised with patients whose ability to fight infection is compromised (we may offer advice and refer the patient to sources for improving nutrition and rebuilding immunity).

Once the green light is given, tooth restoration begins. As opposed to the filling itself, how the tooth is prepared for the filling is in the spotlight this time. The tooth is “sick” and infected. It must be remineralized to restore the nutrients that keep it healthy. With our combination of ozone and dental lasers, the infected tissue is easily and quickly removed, and the tooth is completely sterilized. Sealant is then applied to preserve the healthy tissue and protect the tooth from further decay. Bacteria and acid can easily continue rotting the tooth over time if it is not sealed well.

Then, finally, the restoration is installed, which may range from a small, laser-cured filling, or an inlay/onlay formed by our CEREC unit. The type of restoration depends on the amount of lost tooth. All of our materials are metal-free and aesthetic, meaning we will ensure that the restoration looks and functions as naturally as possible. Unsightly metal? No, thanks! Sometimes, if decay has gone beyond a certain point, a crown is needed. Crowns traditionally require quite a bit of unnecessary sanding down of the tooth, but minimally invasive dentistry sees crowns as a last resort if the natural tooth is not restorable with partial reconstruction. And even then, using our CEREC unit will ensure that no natural tissue is removed unnecessarily. The results will be both strong and functional, ensuring secure dentistry for years to come.

If needed, bite splints may be fitted and supplied to the patient to eliminate the effects of bruxing (teeth grinding). Bruxing can quickly damage both healthy tooth structure and dental repairs, so it is important to protect against it.

Ta-da! Now, with proper hygiene, nutrition, and mindful monitoring by his dentist at regular cleanings/checkups, a patient shouldn’t expect to need another restoration for a good, long while, if ever.

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

,

Zirconium Dental Implants Overview

In years past, and actually still most commonly today, dental implants were composed of several different pieces to fit together in the restoration area, and they were made out of titanium. Titanium is a metal, and, therefore, BAD (in a holistic sense, of course) inside a human body. The titanium implants also presented other drawbacks, such as aesthetics (metallic coloring would show through the crown) and complications with assimilation into the maxilla or mandible — the facial bones that shape your mouth/jaw and anchor your teeth down.

Zirconium implants are made entirely from a special ceramic that has a chemistry similar to our bones and, specifically, teeth. Not unlike what the CEREC machine spits out, this material is entirely biocompatible and ideal for its similar strength, durability, and beauty of a natural tooth. There has been great success with its conforming to surrounding facial bones as well. Because of its biocompatibility, our bones do not reject its chemical makeup, therefore preventing infection and weak implants.

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

, , ,

Occlusal Correction: Restorative Dental Work

The focus here is on occlusal (bite) correction, but this is where my CEREC unit comes in handy: restorations! Completely decayed, damaged, or missing teeth might be one of the most obvious problems contributing to a malocclusion… we cannot chew properly without all our teeth.

Like selective reshaping of teeth, restorative dental work is focused on the teeth and, well, restoring them, as opposed to reshaping the jaw or working with the surrounding muscles and cartilage. Crowns, inlays, onlays, dentures, or implants can be formed to bring back a mouth full of fully functional teeth.

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

 

, , ,

Dental Bite Analysis Overview

How is an occlusal analysis performed, exactly, and what is involved in the process?

Well, first, a mold of your teeth is taken so an accurate plaster or stone model of your bite can be examined. Using what’s called a facebow transfer, the dentist will find the center of your jaw joint’s rotation, and then take measurements to see how it relates to your upper jaw.

Imprints of your teeth are then taken for a bite registration. A bite registration shows the dentist how your teeth come together when you are biting down completely. Also, the pattern of your jaw’s movement when chewing is unique to every individual. This pattern is also recorded.

There is a device called an articulator that a dentist uses to view your exact bite without having to use your head (which translates into countless hours in a dentist’s chair for you, the patient). It looks like this. The models previously made of your teeth are installed into the articulator, along with all the measurements of your jaw’s exact movements and how your teeth come together when you bite down.

After some examination (and long after your appointment is finished and you’ve driven home in time for dinner, don’t worry), the dentist will do some analyzing and will determine what is causing problems with your bite. Is it a TMJ disorder? Are crowns that were formed years ago getting in the way of proper chewing? What needs to be done in order to make the next procedure(s) successful?

Your dentist will be able to tinker with the articulator and find the ideal form of chewing system for you. A wax model will be made, and your dentist will move towards making these changes before moving on to the aforesaid procedure(s).

And, voila! Not only will you have some super treatment coming your way, but you’ll be comfortable knowing that your entire chewing system will be working the way it is supposed to.

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

, , ,

When Should An Occlusal Analysis Be Done?

The occlusal analysis, when getting ready to perform any kind of orthodontic surgery, is crucial for a dentist or orthodontist to make the best possible choices for your oral health; a substantial number of problems are avoided when we know to not move a tooth in a certain direction, or design a mouthguard that will tire the jaw in an unhealthy manner. This is comprehensive dentistry; everything works together, and everything is related! An occlusal analysis is absolutely necessary before any of the following procedures:

  • Crown, bridge, denture, or implant treatment
  • Fabrication of a bite guard
  • Orthodontic treatment (an occlusal analysis should be performed after this as well)
  • Any other time a poor bite is suspected. Pay attention to symptoms like worn, chipped, or broken teeth; gum sensitivity and/or recession; pain in facial muscles; and other symptoms similar to prolonged gum disease, such as loose teeth, bone loss, and even tooth loss.

As a small side note, gum disease can, in fact, be evidence of a poor bite. But that’s a topic for another day.

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

, , , , ,

Dental Injuries & Treatment

Ouch! This topic may not be so pleasant to visualize. But harm does come to folks’ teeth all too often, maybe because of a car accident, a sports or recreational accident, or some other dreadful mishap. Children are most apt to suffer much damage because of their activity levels and still-developing mouth.

When I say tooth damage, this does not always refer to the visible damage you might see on the surface (the crowns), such as an obviously chipped or broken tooth. A significant amount goes on beneath what can be seen without x-rays or probing about. If an injury causes a tooth to move from its original position, the tooth’s pulp (nerves, blood vessels, etc.), dentin, and the surrounding bone and gums could very well be damaged as well, and that’s where things can get tricky and painful.

We will cover a few kinds of injuries and how they may be fixed over the next few days.

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

Bioesthetically Preserving A Healthy Bite

A patient recently came into my office with severely worn-down teeth & an overbite. This was caused by several years’ worth of clenching & grinding. I informed her that she essentially had two choices for restorations. Either she can have several veneers for the ‘visible-when-smiling’ teeth in the front, or full crown restorations for just about the entire mouth.

It raises an important question. How does an individual choose the right dentist to treat her? Choosing the right dentist isn’t only about choosing the dentist who gives you the best price or even the whitest teeth on Day 1. It’s the one who takes all things into consideration including the health of your jaw joint. The importance of preserving an already-healthy bite or taking steps to achieve the ideal bite is of vital importance. Bioesthetic methods are low-maintenance, greatly cost-effective, and save a lot of headaches (literally). Because the initial care in case design will lead to longer lasting restorations

For patients whose bite needs slight adjustment, I usually end my treatment by designing a MAGO — a maxillary anterior guided orthotic. A MAGO is quite different than a mouthguard which is usually a rubber based separator that keeps you from grinding your teeth but does nothing for your poor overexerted jaw muscles.  The MAGO, on the other hand, will simultaneously protect the teeth from clenching/grinding at night (when we have the least control over our bruxing habits) and develop a healthy jaw alignment over time if worn consistently.

Dr. Boyajian, Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

,

Benefits of Using Ozone in Holistic Dentistry

Last fall, I was told that using ozone in my dentistry would bring major changes to my practice; more convenience, less occupied office space, and a one-solution-works-for-all ease of use really has upped our efficiency and, yes, quality, too, of dentistry. For one, you may look forward to a quicker visit. Ozone, in the gas form, can reach into the tiniest cracks and crannies in your tooth, and cleanliness is guaranteed during your root canal or gum disease treatment.

Also, this high sterilization, unlike drugs, medications, or other harmful ways of destroying bad bacteria in your mouth (AND the good bacteria, for that matter), is completely side-effect-free, causes no allergic reactions, and works at the same level of powerful decontamination for every single person.

Ozone is particularly wonderful in that it maintains aesthetic qualities; it does not damage any tooth surfaces, other hard tissues, or soft tissues. Past methods of removing an infected area of tooth included actually removing the bacteria-laden tooth structure itself with lasers, drills, air abrasion, etc., to remove the bacteria! Practicing holistic dentistry and restoring teeth with minimal invasion of the natural structure, ozone works great for us. It almost “washes out” the infection with no deterioration, damage, or discomfort.

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

,

CEREC Dentistry & CEREC Veneers

Veneers, unlike crowns, inlays, or onlays, are used for a more cosmetic purpose. Veneers are not used primarily for cavities, tooth decay, etc. They are excellent remedies to discolored, chipped, worn, and/or mildly uneven teeth. Veneers are very thin and are applied to the tooth’s surface. They can be colorized, slightly textured, sized, angled, and even given a touch of translucency to look exactly like your natural teeth.

CEREC veneers do wonders for worn, tired teeth; they are strong, reliable, long-lasting, and they preserve their beauty. A whole set to drastically improve the attractiveness of your entire smile can be designed, milled, and bonded in a single visit!

Dr. Boyajian, West Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com

CEREC Inlays and CEREC Partial Crowns

The CEREC process for designing inlays and onlays is similar to the designing of a crown, only the function is different.

CEREC inlays are the superior versions of composite plastic cavity fillings; superior due to the strength and aesthetics that the ceramic brings. Inlays milled from this ceramic material last far longer than any other cavity solution. They also behave most similarly to natural tooth enamel, in both appearance and feel.

Onlays (a.k.a. partial crowns) are the remedy to extensive cavity damage, covering a larger area of the tooth. In past cases, the weaker disposition of composite — or the porcelain restorations that contained metal — would require a full crown to be designed in order to maintain the tooth’s strength. Because CEREC onlays are so strong, one that is well-built will do everything it needs to do, causing minimal extra tooth damage and eliminating the need for a full crown.

Best of all, CEREC high quality porcelain inlays and onlays can be done in one visit, just like their plastic counterfeits… I mean counterparts.

Dr. Boyajian, Los Angeles

www.dentalwellnessarts.com