Common Dental Misconceptions

Whether you need a cavity fixed, a whitening treatment, or simply a routine dental cleaning, making regular visits to your dentist’s office is the surest way to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong. During your visit, be sure to ask Dr. Pearl Zadeh any questions you may have about your oral health or about the treatment process. There are numerous popular misconceptions about dental care that Dr. Pearl Zadeh will be able to dispel. These are some common myths you may have heard:

Misconception: Teeth whitening can damage your teeth.

Reality: If you have teeth that are stained or yellowing, professional teeth whitening is a highly effective means of making your smile brighter and more attractive. Many people, however, are concerned that having their teeth whitened will somehow damage patients teeth. The truth is that the enamel in your teeth is very strong, and your enamel will not be damaged by the whitening process. The area of the teeth that is truly being whitened is the dentinal layer, the layer just below the enamel. People with thicker enamel will tend to have whiter looking teeth, and thinner enamel individuals will have a more yellow color to them. The best time to whiten your teeth is immediately after or very close to the time you have your teeth professionally cleaned. Make sure to always have your teeth whitening treatment administered by your dentist. The mall whitening kiosk can be dangerous. At the office of Dr. Pearl Zadeh, we isolate all of your soft tissues with a liquid rubber dam. This means that your gums, recession areas of your tooth, and cheeks are carefully and skillfully retracted. The chances of getting sever chemicals burns when proper isolation is not employed is very high. In preparation for whitening, sensitive patients may want to use products that can help to sensitize their teeth for 1-2 weeks prior to whitening. Some great products for patients that use fluoride are Sensodyne Toothpaste of MI paste Plus (which contains Fluoride). For the other group of patients that lie to be Fluoride-Free, I recommend MI Paste (the one with no fluoride). And of course, at the office of Dr. Pearl Zadeh we are aware there is a group of patients that really want to whiten professionally and their teeth are to sensitive. Over the counter Crest Whitening Strips can be effective, if used consistently and the patients are complaint with the directions on how to use. and as at-home kits are less reliable. I have a group of patients that are more cautious, or ‘reserved’, to jumping into professional whitening. For those patients over the counter products like Crest White Strips may be a cost effective and easy way to ease them into the process of whitening. Of course, cost is something that is frequently mentioned when it comes to professional whitening systems. There are some great new products that have come out for professional use, and that are very cost effective and still work great! Opalescence Go, is a great product, that utilizes dental trays, that are universally fitted opposed to a custom fitted tray. Opalescence Go comes in 10% and 15% Carbamide Peroxide, which if used consistently can produce great results!

Misconception: It’s fine to get multiple fillings in one tooth.

Reality: If you develop tooth decay in a tooth where you have already had one filling placed, there may not be a sufficient amount of healthy tooth structure to support another filling. Many dentist may tell you what you think you want to hear, in order to to capture your ‘loyalty’ or ‘business’. Unfortunately, many dentist don’t adhere to the oath they took to do no harm. Dr.Pearl Zadeh is not afraid to have the real and hard conversations with her patients about their true dental needs. The goal of Dr. Pearl Zadeh is to place the most healthy, functional and esthetic restoration possible. If a tooth has multiple composites and the overall integrity of the tooth is weekend, it maybe susceptible to fracture, and create a whole other host of problems. Our calculations on how we decided what type of restoration to place is simple, how much healthy tooth structure remains after the decay is excavated and any old composite is removed. If ample tooth structure exists, then a composite filling will be placed. If less tooth structure remains, an onlay, otherwise known as partial crown or three quarter crown is placed. If a gross amount of tooth structure is missing, then a full coverage crown is placed. It is very rare that Dr. Pearl Zadeh will place a full coverage crown on a tooth that did not previously have one.

Dr. Pearl Zadeh practices Biomimetic Dentistry. This is a movement in dentistry that is gaining momentum, were the dentist utilizes the art of removing only the tooth structure that is necessary, taking a minimal approach. A majority of dentist take the more commonly excepted approach, of extending the preparation and removing more tooth structure than is considered healthy. Biomimetic Dentistry involves bonding in the restoration, not ‘cementing’. Bonding the new onlay or crown to the tooth, creates a chemical bond between the restoration and the tooth, which helps increase the longevity of the restoration, mimics the natural harmony of which the tooth was originally designed, and allows the tooth to be less susceptible to recurrent decay. As a holistically minded practitioner, Dr. Pearl Zadeh strives to save and retain as much of natural tooth structure as possible, which makes reduces the likeliness of root canals.

Misconception: Once you have a filling, onlay or crown placed, you can’t get a cavity in that tooth again.

Reality: Patients often assume that once a restoration is placed, whatever the type may be, that means that they will be protected for life from any further tooth decay in that tooth. Unfortunately, this could not be further from the truth. Insurance agencies, who generally like to decline all types of dental services, will pay for a new crown on the same crowned tooth, every 5 years. This is telling us, on average, how frequently a majority of the population is getting recurrent decay. As sad as it may be, Dr. Pearl Zadeh says that once a tooth is touched by a dentist, it begins the cycle of death of a tooth. Prevention, prevention, prevention when possible!!!! The reality is when a filling, onlay, or crown is placed, it is creating a new interface between the tooth and restoration, for bacteria to leak in. The skill of the clinician is paramount!

A biologic dentist, like Dr. Pearl Zadeh, who employs healthy dental materials, and practices Biomimetic dentistry, take meticulous time to ensure that all proper isolation is taken to create the highest bond strength of her restorations, which intern creates the most longevity to her dental work. Partnership with the patient is a necessary and valuable tool as well. For patients must understand and value to the importance of ideal home care, as far as brushing, flossing and staying on top of routine hygiene visits.. If you don’t continue to brush and floss the tooth with a crown as diligently as you do with your other teeth, it can become vulnerable to cavities.

Misconception: Cavities are reversible.

Reality: Patients sometimes wonder if they can reverse the effects of a cavity by brushing and flossing even after tooth decay has started. Well, good news, this is partially true!?! The main variable in deciding if a cavity can be reversed, is the location of the decay. If the decay is limited to the enamel, which is the outer surface of the tooth, the cavity is indeed reversible, or at least arrestable. In biologic dentistry, trying to take a more holistic approach, Dr. Pearl Zadeh seeks to make the physical touching of the tooth her very last option. If there is a chance for remineralization of the enamel to take place, rest assured we will discuss this option with you! At the offices of Dr. Pearl Zadeh, we employ the latest in technology, which includes digital radiographs and fluorescence technology, to detect and gauge when in the time to treat dental decay.

If you’re in need of a tooth filling, a crown replacement, or other professional dental work, don’t settle for anything less than the best. Dr. Pearl Zadeh offers holistic dental care to patients in the Woodland Hills area. Our practice is committed to providing our patients with a wonderful, comfortable, and beneficial dental experience. If you are interested in learning more about how our dental services can help you enjoy an improved smile, call our office at (818) 672-1071 for an appointment.