Pregnant women are prone to tooth decay during pregnancy

Pregnancy can have a negative effect on your body if you do not maintain a healthy diet. From the moment the egg implants in the uterus, the growing baby will begin to pull nutrients from its mother. If the mother has a poor diet, rest assured that nothing will happen to the baby; however, the mother’s condition will be impacted and her health could be in jeopardy.

Pregnant women are prone to tooth decay and can also have calcium deficiencies which can harm their teeth. Many women report teeth braking during pregnancy or the months following the pregnancy. It is important to visit a dentist during pregnancy to make sure that everything is in order and for a professional cleaning because your immune system is also being affected. This is why pregnant woman are prone tooth decay and other health issues.

If you are pregnant or are looking to become pregnant, we encourage you to:

• Maintain a healthy diet
• Schedule a dental visit
• Rest
• Consult your doctor about calcium supplements

As our patient, you are our first priority. We are here to help you in every aspect of your oral health and more so during this special time. If you are pregnant or have made the decision to become pregnant, congratulation! Remember to call us today!

Visit us:
Victor K. Muradian, DDS
3695 Alamo Street, #300
Simi Valley CA 93063
(805) 522-0880

What to do when a tooth falls out?

Let's face it. Accidents happen and emergencies are unavoidable. Many patients will go through the nerve-wracking experience of losing a tooth or having it knocked out due to an accident. As your dentist, we will always do our best to prepare your for these types of situations and for this reason, we've developed the following tips to keep in mind for the unexpected experience of having a tooth fall out.

•  Stay calm. We understand that this is easier said than done, but it's important that you remain calm in order to prevent any further damage from happening. 
• Handle the tooth by the chewing surface only. This will help us save the tooth. 
• Attempt to put the tooth back in place. Be very careful and do not use any kind of force. If you are able to put it back into place, keep it there until you are able to see the dentist. 
• If you cannot put it back into place, put the tooth between your cheek and teeth. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a small bottle with milk until you are able to make it to the dental office.

Please call us as soon as you have any type of non-life threatening emergency or if you have a tooth knocked out. You are our first priority and we will do our best to help you save your tooth!

Victor K. Muradian, DDS
3695 Alamo Street, #300 Simi Valley, CA 93063
Phone: (805) 522-0880
http://www.simidentist.com

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month!

Visit our Dentist in Simi Valley, California!

Our dentist in Simi Valley provides quality dental care with a focus on general dentistry and cosmetic dental procedures. You will always be treated like family by our welcoming staff and will feel at home at our state-of-the-art dental office in Simi Valley.

Our dentist offers numerous dental services in esthetic general dentistry like tooth-colored fillings, teeth replacement, veneers, dental implants, sedation dentistry, sleep dentistry, treatment for toothaches and more!

Visit our dental office in Simi Valley for a dental experience of a lifetime. Call for an appointment with our Simi Valley dentist today by calling 805.522.0880!

We look forward to seeing you!


Visit us:
Victor K. Muradian, DDS
3695 Alamo Street, #300
Simi Valley CA 93063
(805) 522-0880

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Root canal treatment is necessary when a tooth is severely infected or abscessed. Infected teeth usually show noticeable symptoms but they are sometime asymptomatic. This is why we encourage patients to visit a dentist regularly for routine cleanings and exams to be sure that no infected teeth are present. Infected teeth that are left untreated can have a negative impact on not only your oral health, but your overall health as well.

The symptoms of an infected tooth that needs a root canal includes:

• Ongoing toothache 
• Pain in chewing or when you apply pressure 
• Lingering sensitivity hot or cold temperatures 
• Dark discoloration of the tooth 
• Swelling or tenderness of gums around the affected tooth 

If a root canal is required, our dentist will complete the treatment in up to a couple of visits. During the treatment, the infected portion of the tooth is removed and the tooth is thoroughly cleaned. In some cases, the tooth is sealed with a composite filling. More severe cases on the other hand, require a dental crown.

Some of these symptoms mentioned above will also be present when you have a cavity, so a root canal may not always be needed. We encourage you to visit our dentist if you believe that you are in need of a root canal. It’s better to be safe than to be sorry!

Do home teeth whitening kits work?

Thanks to modern dentistry, home teeth whitening kits are now available. There are two types of home teeth whitening kits: professional teeth whitening kits, like the ones provided by our dentist, and over-the-counter teeth whitening kits which can be purchased at your local department store. Because there is so much variety in home whitening kits that promise different results, many patients often ask, “do home teeth whitening kits work?” The simple answer is yes. However, results can vary.

Over-the-counter home teeth whitening kits 

According to dentists, trays and strips work best when it comes to home whitening kits purchased at a store. These home kits use a barrier method which allows for the teeth whitening solution to be in contact with your teeth for the longest amount of time. Most brands recommend that you use the strips or trays for 30 minutes a day until you reach the tooth shade you are looking for.

Professional teeth whitening kits 

Professional teeth whitening kits are provided by your dentist. These kits range in application methods, but upon getting the whitening kit, your dentist will let you know how to use it. Generally, professional teeth whitening kits provide more dramatic results because the solution used it greater in strength.

Home teeth whitening kits provide added benefits because the procedure is completed in the comfort of your home. Additionally, they provide convenience and flexibility because you can do it any time of day and week, which is optimal for patients with a busy schedule. Contact our Simi Valley dentist for more information on teeth whitening.

What to do after dental implant surgery…

Getting dental implants with our dentist in Simi Valley can be life-changing because of their ability to restore the natural functions of your teeth and mouth, while also restoring your smile! Better yet, dental implants require no special care other than regular brushing, flossing and routine visits with your dentist.

So you just got dental implants. Now what do you do? Our first answer for you is to relax. Dental implants require a healing phase, so sit back and relax while you relish in the fact that you have a new smile. We also recommend the following:

• Immediately following the implant surgery with our Simi Valley dentist, select cold drinks and refrain from eating anything until the anesthesia has worn off. Its best to avoid any type of hot food or drinks for at least the first day, longer if possible. No serious exercising for the first 48 hours and try not to disturb the area with your tongue at all. 
• Swelling is normal and can peak at day 2 and 3 following the surgery. Apply ice packs to your cheeks to reduce swelling for 10 minutes at a time with 20 minutes in between each session. Sleep at an incline as well by supporting your head and back with 2 or 3 pillows. 
• Manage pain with painkillers, the kind you would take for headaches or aches. Pain should not be a big issue as the surgery should only give you mild discomfort. • If you were prescribed antibiotics following the surgery by our dentist in Simi Valley, please make sure that you complete the treatment to avoid infection or other complications. 
• Keep your mouth as clean as possible. You may start to use mouthwash the evening of your surgery and continue this for a week. Normal brushing of teeth should also resume the evening of your surgery. 

Our dentist in Simi Valley will advise you of special care procedures for certain implant procedures. Be sure to follow all recommendations correctly so ensure a speedy and pleasant recovery. Contact us to know more information about care for dental implants after surgery.

How to have no teeth problems during the holidays...

Holidays are meant for spending time with friends and family exchanging gifts, celebrating and enjoying delicious meals. Even though holiday treats taste great, they can create some painful issues for your teeth. What should you do if you have a dental emergency? Taking a few precautions now can prevent dental problems during the holidays.

Eat cautiously: Most dental issues on holidays are due to sticky hard foods that you’re not used to eating. This can cause lost fillings or broken teeth so try to stay away from those or eat them cautiously.

Avoid strange uses: For some reason, people get the idea their teeth are made to open bottles or to crack open nuts. What they don't think about is that their tooth can come out right along with that bottle cap and that’s a real spoiler, a very painful one at that.

Keep up regular hygiene: Maintaining a healthy oral hygiene habit of brushing, flossing and rinsing will help protect your teeth from the added stress they may encounter during the holidays. If you wear dentures, keep your cleaning products specially formulated for dentures with you—don’t use regular toothpaste.

Knowing how to handle a dental emergency will be crucial for enjoying your holiday experience.

• If a tooth is broken in an accident or injury, rinse with warm water to keep the mouth clean. 
• Press with a cold cloth to keep the swelling down and cover it with a piece of sugar free gum if it has a jagged, bothersome aspect. 
• Clove oil has been used by dentists for centuries for its disinfectant and anesthetic properties. 
• Avoid chewing hard food with the injured tooth since that might cause more to chip off 
• If you manage to bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with a cloth, and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, go to a hospital emergency room right away. 
• Bring together a small dental kit just in case. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Dental cement is available to replace lost fillings. Orthodontic wax protects you from any sharp edges you may encounter in your mouth. You can also include a pair of tweezers, a small mirror, some sterile cotton, and a denture repair kit with adhesive may also come in handy. 

Please contact us as soon as possible if you have any dental emergencies during the holiday. Other than this,
we wish you all a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

15th Annual Troop Turkey Drive

Help a family in need this Thanksgiving by taking part in the Troop Turkey Drive!

5 healthier candy options to eat on Halloween

Candy is made largely of processed sugars that can affect your oral and general health if eaten too often. Luckily, candy companies have placed increased efforts in reducing sugars and candy portions which is why you can now find healthier candies on shelves at the supermarket to help your kids enjoy on Halloween.

We recommend choosing any of the following healthier candy options to let you kids have fun and eat candy on Halloween without putting their teeth and health at risk:

• Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate has antioxidants and is lower in sugar. Additionally, it comes in mini versions, minimizing sugar and calorie consumption and calories.
• Peanut M&Ms: Small snack sizes of this candy can boost protein, fiber, and even some calcium in your body. They are low in calories, low fat and low sugar.
• Nestle Crunch: One fun-size bar of this delicious treat has only 60 calories and 3 grams of fat. It is one of the “lighter” chocolate bars.
• Organic Pops: These are new organic choices that taste great and consist only of organic ingredients.
• Tootsie rolls: This traditional candy has just a few calories, plus they come in a small fun size.

Call Dr. Muradian if you have any questions or additional information about your oral health. We wish you a happy, cavity-free Halloween!

Is There a Difference between Metal or Silver Fillings & Tooth-colored Fillings?

There are big differences between metal/silver filling and tooth colored fillings. Our Simi Valley dentist strongly recommends using only tooth colored fillings because there are big disadvantages to metal fillings that will cost you more in the long run.

Tooth colored fillings are made of a resin based composite that are highly resistant to wear and will help protect your teeth from reinfection. The fillings are bonded in place for extra durability and are made to match your tooth color for a natural appearance.

Some benefits of tooth-colored fillings include:

• Completely metal-free (no need to worry about toxic ingredients 
• Stronger than metal fillings 
• Almost unnoticeable as they match teeth perfectly
• Prevent further damage to tooth
• Restore your smile 

Silver fillings are often more affordable, however, they are the leading reason behind tooth cracks and damage due to the fact that they expand over time. Additionally, these metal fillings can contain a toxic ingredient known as mercury, which can cause other health conditions if digested.

Dr. Muradian and staff at our Simi Valley dental office are highly trained and are focused on improving the oral health of our patients by providing exceptional dental care in a comfortable environment. Visit us today and be on your way to having a healthy smile!

Teeth Whitening – Is it Right for Me?

Teeth Whitening – Is it Right for Me?
Have you considered getting your teeth whitened, but just aren’t sure yet? Having your teeth whitened can be a very effective way of lightening the natural color of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface or damaging it.
As we get older our teeth get darker, this is partly due to aging, but it is also caused by what we eat and drink and by other habits such as smoking. Tea, coffee, red wine and other foods that have strong colors can have an effect on the overall color of our teeth. Teeth may also darken as a result of some antibiotics. The good news, though, is that you can have these discolorations practically erased with professional teeth whitening.


Types of Whitening:
Professional bleaching is the most common method of tooth whitening. We will assess you first to see whether teeth whitening is suitable for you. Though professional whitening is extremely effective, it is really only used for patients with extrinsic stains. These stains are on the surface of the teeth and have not yet penetrated the enamel. Extrinsic stains are associated with coffee drinkers, smokers and the elderly. Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, develop from the inside of the teeth and are not reversible through whitening alone. After your consultation, our team will tell you about the options you have for teeth whitening and which will be the most suitable for you.

The most common type of whitening is a doctor-monitored, take-home custom tray system. Custom trays are created and made to specially to fit into your mouth. The whitening gel is then put in the trays, and you will be given a routine to follow at home. There are also in-office procedures that can whiten your teeth up to 6-10 shades in less than an hour. There are many different in-office whitening systems, so make sure to speak with us during your consultation to discuss which whitening options are best for you.


Why should I go with a Pro?
While home kits are less expensive, they are not always assessed for safety and tend to be more acidic. There is a chance that these products could damage your teeth and gums. Professional teeth whitening takes out the guess-work you would use standing in the drug store, purchasing a product that may or may not damage your teeth.
The effects of professional whitening are thought to last up to three years, much longer than any over-the-counter products. However, this will vary from person to person and the effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke or eat or drink products that can stain your teeth.


Is it Safe?
Yes! The active ingredient in the whitening product is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel and dentin of the teeth and the tooth color is made lighter. This is all done without damage to the teeth or, more importantly, the enamel of the teeth.

This newsletter/website is not intended to replace the services of a doctor. It does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information in this newsletter/website is for informational purposes only & is not a substitute for professional advice. Please do not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating any condition.