Despite our efforts to brush and floss, most of us will wind up with a cavity from time to time. At Melrose Dental Arts in Vista, Dr. Alexander Sabet uses the latest technology to provide comprehensive dentistry with a compassionate touch. He treats cavities with gentle but long-lasting dental fillings. He would like to clear up some misconceptions about cavities and dental fillings with a fun true/false quiz.
Porcelain Veneers FAQ
As we get older, our teeth age with us. They may start to shift, crack, or develop ugly grooves. With a simple restoration called porcelain veneers, you can get back to that beautiful smile you once enjoyed. Your Vista dentist, Dr. Alexander Sabet, provides stellar preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry in a friendly, comfortable office. He now answers frequently asked questions on porcelain veneers.
Q: What are the steps to receiving a porcelain veneer?
A: When you come to Dr. Sabet’s office, we will first take impressions of your upper and lower teeth. Our team will send these to a lab, and a master ceramicist will construct a porcelain veneer according to the impressions. Then, when you return to our office, Dr. Sabet may have to remove a small portion of the tooth enamel, the top layer of the tooth, in order to allow space for the veneer. He will then attach the porcelain layers to the tooth.
Q: What can a porcelain veneer be used for?
A: A porcelain veneer can conceal flaws in your teeth such as cracks in the teeth, chips, and gaps between teeth. Veneers are also a great choice for those who want to brighten their stained teeth but encountered little success with teeth whitening.
Q: How well can a porcelain veneer match the color of my natural teeth?
A: Because porcelain comes in a number of different colors, a porcelain veneer can very closely match the color of your natural teeth.
Q: Can a porcelain veneer do anything for a crooked tooth or teeth?
A: Yes, veneers are a good option for those who possess slightly crooked teeth and would like to avoid more time-consuming orthodontic treatments.
Q: How do I care for my porcelain veneer?
A: To care for your veneer, simply care for it as you would any other tooth: twice-daily brushing and once a day flossing. Dr. Sabet also strongly recommends maintaining dental cleanings every six months so that he can check on your restoration.
About Your Vista Dentist
If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers or to schedule a consultation, call our Vista office at (760) 724-9117. Dr. Alexander A. Sabet proudly treats patients from Vista and the surrounding areas of Carlsbad, Ocean side, San Marcos, and Escondido.
New Research Studies the Effects of Tooth Loss
The International & American Associations for Dental Research recently reviewed a large study that found that depression and anxiety are associated with tooth loss. 76,292 adults completed a thorough telephone survey, and 13.4% of participants reported anxiety, 16.7% reported depression, and 5.7% reported total tooth loss. The data suggests that individuals experiencing tooth loss encounter different amounts of anxiety and depression than individuals who do not possess tooth loss. The researchers believe this data shows that anxiety and depression are linked to tooth loss. Your Vista dentist, Dr. Alexander Sabet, strives to offer his patients satisfaction in their smile to avoid negative feelings of self-consciousness or displeasure. That is why he offers one of the leading choices for teeth replacement, dental implants. Dr. Sabet describes this beneficial service that can complete your smile.
How Dental Implants Work
Study Shows Gum Health Associated with Heart Health
A new study released by the European Society of Cardiology finds that dental check ups and strong dental hygiene habits may help to protect the health of your heart and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. The study involved 15,000 patients who suffer from chronic coronary heart disease. The participants were asked to submit information regarding their dental health. The researchers found that poor dental health and symptoms of gum disease were linked to a stronger risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Also, data showed that fewer indicators of gum disease were associated with lower levels of cardiovascular risk factors. The research suggests that gum disease may be a possible risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Protecting our gums is extremely important in preserving our teeth and oral health. Your Vista dentist, Dr. Alexander Sabet, answers some of his patients’ most common questions regarding gum disease.
Q: What is gum disease?
A: Gum disease is the infection and inflammation of the gum tissue and bones which support teeth. When plaque builds up on our teeth and is not completely cleaned off, the plaque can harden into a tartar. Over time, the plaque and tartar can cause the gums to become inflamed as seen in gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. If mild forms of gum disease are not treated by a professional, the gums may begin to recede from the teeth and form pockets which become infected. Eventually, the gums and bone that support the teeth deteriorate and become unable to support the teeth. Teeth can become loose and may require extraction.
Q: What are the symptoms of gum disease?
A: Symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen gums that may bleed and cause discomfort. Gum disease can also cause bad breath, receding gums, and sensitive teeth.
Q: How is gum disease treated?
A: The doctor and his team will gather information about your medical history in order to determine if you possess any risk factors that may influence gum disease, such as smoking. They may also use a small ruler, a “probe,” to measure pockets. A healthy pocket is between 1 and 3 millimeters. Dr. Sabet or his hygienists may give you a deep cleaning which includes root planing and scaling. Scaling wipes off the tartar from above and below the gum line, and root planing targets problem areas on the tooth root, removing them so that germs will no longer accumulate there. In serious cases, medications or surgery may be in order as well. Dr. Sabet’s treatments must be coupled with diligent at-home care of daily flossing and twice daily brushing.
About Your Doctor
If you would like to schedule a consultation for a dental cleaning or another service, call our Vista office at (760) 724-9117. Dr. Alexander A. Sabet welcome and treats patients from Vista and the surrounding areas of Carlsbad, Ocean side, San Marcos, and Escondido.
Keeping Your Kids’ Teeth Healthy This Summer
As schools are getting out for summer, your Vista dentist, Dr. Alexander Sabet, wants to help parents keep their kids happy and healthy all summer. Dr. Sabet treats patients of all ages with superior general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. He now discusses some tips for instilling good dental hygiene habits and healthy eating habits in our kids.
How Do Cavities Form?
We all know sugar is bad for us. But what exactly does it do to our children’s teeth? Hundreds of types of bacteria live in our mouths. After we eat, the bacteria use the sugars and starches from our food to produce an acid. The acid eats away at the top layer of the teeth, the enamel. This is known as demineralization. Over time, demineralization of our teeth can cause a hole to develop, a cavity.
Does it Matter if Baby Teeth are Lost too Soon?
Losing a baby tooth is an exciting milestone for a child and a parent. As you watch your little one excitedly place a note under their pillow, you figure out just how much the tooth fairy should leave. Unfortunately, losing a tooth because of decay or injury is not as pleasant of a prospect, even if it is a baby tooth. We tend to be as attached to our teeth as they are to us. When a child’s tooth gets lost before its time, Carlsbad dentist, Dr. Alexander Sabet may want to discuss some options with you.
Primary Teeth
Primary teeth is the clinical term for what many refer to as baby teeth. They are designed to function temporarily. Nevertheless, losing primary teeth naturally creates the ideal conditions for permanent teeth to erupt through the gums with all the best spacing. When early extraction is necessary, or a child’s tooth is lost accidentally, it can cause problems in a growing mouth.
- Some of the possibilities for early tooth loss in a child include:
- Severe tooth decay leading to premature extraction of primary teeth.
- High impact injuries knocking out a tooth which wasn’t even loose.
- Biting down hard on a non-food item.
Understanding and Coping with TMJ
According to the Mayo Clinic, TMJ-related pain most often occurs to women between 20 and 40 but can often strike other age groups. TMJ pain is disruptive to everyday functioning. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull. It controls the up and down and side to side movement of your jaw. When it develops complications, the pain in your jaw or facial muscles may become difficult to ignore. Your Vista dentist, Dr. Alexander Sabet, treats TMJ disorders as well as a broad range of restorative and cosmetic dentistry needs. His comfortable office and caring staff provide amenities such as blankets and aromatherapy to put patients at ease so that every dental visit can be both productive and stress-free.
Symptoms of TMJ-related disorders
