Roya Arbab, DDS

Dental Implants against Removable Dentures – Roya Arbab, D.D.S

In the past, missing or lost natural teeth were replaced by removable full or partial dentures. At present, elderly patients opt to have dental implants rather than removable dentures. Check the reasons why they have become a popular choice among the elderly. Learn about the dental implants healing process, or find out about teeth replacement with dentures here.

Dental Implants?

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are metallic frames or posts that are firmly bolted into the jawbone under the gums via surgery. Through the osseointegration procedure, they function like artificial tooth roots where superior crowns are placed. The bones will merge with these and from there active cells will develop.

After about 3-6 months, the metallic post becomes a natural component of your jaw. Some types, though, can be made and introduced on the same day.

Drawbacks of Dental Implants

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  • Not suitable for everyone. Adequate bone mass and quality is required so the supported teeth can tolerate the force caused by chewing. Teenagers will have to wait until their jaws are fully developed before undergoing this procedure.
  • Gum and bone grafting. The new structure requires adequate gum flesh. Gum and bone grafting is necessary for patients with insufficient gum flesh and weak jaws.
  • Duration of treatment. The standard procedure takes more than six months to complete. During these months, the gums are allowed to heal after the preliminary extractions, before starting the osseo-integration procedure.
  • Long process. It takes 3 – 6 months for the osseointegration process to completely heal. With modern dentistry, the procedure can be complete in only one visit. Known as immediate or same-day-implants, the patient is advised to be extra careful when chewing, especially to stay away from eating hard foods until the osseointegration process is completed.
  • The cost. The cost of the procedure is a big factor when deciding whether to have an implant or dentures. Permanent teeth are costlier than dentures. It may even cost more if other pre-surgery procedures like grafting, teeth extraction, and others pre-ops are required.
  • Dental implant specialists. Only dental surgeons or periodontists can perform this procedure. Before you decide this is the right solution for you, make sure to look for an experienced, reliable, and well-trained specialist. Dr. Roya Arbab is one of the leading periodontists in Manhattan Beach.

Dental Implants for Teeth Replacement  

Whether you will have a single or multiple new teeth, it can extremely improve your oral appearance. Most often, your missing natural teeth can improve with an ‘all-on-four bridge’ or with four artificial roots while a decayed molar can be replaced with a single one. A healthy and adequate bone structure is essential for the new fixture to be successful, as it keeps them stable against any force like chewing.

A strong gum is also important, as it wraps the implants for visual purposes. Due to their porous bones, diabetic patients are not advised to have this procedure. Make sure to consult at Roya Arbab DDS clinic in South Bay for evaluation prior to having an implant.

Dentures

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Also known as artificial teeth, dentures have a colored acrylic base gum that rest on the natural gum. Both full and partials have a hollowed area that serves as suction. Found between the base and the gum, it keeps the the prosthesis in place. Dr. Arbab will give you a checkup to check if you have any gum disease or recessed gums. Compared to implants, these are cheaper and can be immediately after measuring your teeth and gums. You need to visit your dentist twice to ensure you get the correct dentures that fits you well. There are several disadvantages about this procedure, though.

Disadvantages of Dentures

  • It needs to be removed. Brushing requires you to remove them, as well as when sleeping. This repeated action can loosen and weaken them leading to their breakage.
  • Fragile. They are fragile and requires extra handling care. They could crack or break easily.
  • Fall off easily. Although it has a suction to keep them in place, the act of removing it frequently can cause it to fall off easily leading to embarrassment.
  • Bone loss. The tooth gap or empty sockets where the dentures sit is inclined to degenerate and constrict, also known as resorption.
  • Relining. They may need to be relined due to acrylic shrinkage and bone loss that can make it loose eventually.
  • Discomfort. It can give you discomfort if they do not fit you well.
  • Has an expiration date. They can only last 7 to 10 years.

Summary

The functional and aesthetic advantages of dental implants have made it a better choice for many wanting to flash that big, nice smile. It may be a little expensive than dentures, but these are more practical and reasonable, making them cheaper in the end.

Visit Roya Arbab DDS in South Bay, California today for a checkup to help you achieve the best tooth restoration for you.

How Good Nutrition Supports Your Dental Health – Roya Arbab, D.D.S

How Good Nutrition Supports Your Dental Health

Oral hygiene is a must for everyone to keep the mouth healthy and to always have a big bright smile. Most of the common dental issues can be avoided by taking many preventive steps at the right time. Food plays a very significant part in maintaining dental hygiene. What we eat is very important as it is responsible for the strength, appearance, color, and the health of our gums and teeth. Some of the items help in providing vitamins and minerals. On the other hand, some can weaken the gums and also, damage the teeth. Keep reading about root canal treatment to save a damaged tooth. Roya Arbab DDS is the top Dental Office in the area.

 

Tooth Decay Starts with What You Eat

The primary reason for tooth decay is the kind of food and drinks you are eating and drinking. The protection of our oral health is essential so that the teeth can give their best performance. The kind of things we eat has a direct impact on the overall dental health of a person.

There are thousands of good and bad bacteria present in the mouth. When we eat some food, the sugar present in it stays in the mouth. The good bacteria present helps in digestion. While the harmful bacteria consume the sugar and release acids that further causes cavities and decay.

A substance called plaque gets created when the bacteria consume the sugar. Plaque is a soft and gluey substance that gets built up on the teeth and is the main cause of many gum and oral diseases. Plaque, when it gets collected, starts eroding the tooth and gets inside the pulp. Once the plaque reaches inside the flesh, the decay will start happening. 

 

Foods to Avoid for Better Oral Health

As you now know, eating the wrong types can be hazardous to oral health, so make it a goal to eat responsibly and avoid items that are bad for your dental hygiene. If eating sugar items, make sure to brush immediately after consumption, to prevent the plaque from building up. The below-given foods are the ones you need to be conscious of while eating:

  • Tea and CoffeeTea and coffee must be drunk in moderation as they stain, and also dry out the mouth.

  • Citrus FruitsCitrus fruits are acidic in nature. Too much of their consumption can cause mouth sores, irritation, and can even cause the enamel to erode. One should ideally wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing, after having a citrus food or drink. This is so because after eating citrus the enamel could be weakened, and by brushing, it can cause more damage.

  • CandiesCandies contain the most amount of sugar in themselves. As the candy remains more than the other foods in the mouth, the sugar gets more time to affect and damage the teeth. Also, if you chew on hard candy, it may break or fracture them.

  • Carbonated DrinksAs we already know now how things with acids can cause the decay of the tooth. So remember carbonated drinks not only have sugar but acids present in them. Drinking them can erode the enamel and damage them.

  • IceThough the water does not have any sugar or acid present but chewing on ice may cause damage.

  • Sports DrinksThe quantity of sugar present in them is quite high, and it can cause the decaying of the tooth. Rinse your mouth immediately after having such drinks.

Schedule an Appointment with us.

Dental Implants for Patients over 65 – Roya Arbab, D.D.S

Several elderly patients are curious to know about the safety of having dental implants to restore their teeth. Know what to expect with implants if you are a senior. Read our comparison of dental implants vs. dentures to find out which tooth replacement option is right for you.

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Improper oral hygiene and care can increase the risks of oral problems, particularly during the senior years. With these permanent restorations, decay and loss of teeth are no longer a big issue even for older patients. Implants for seniors give them the opportunity to chew their food and have a better life during the golden years.

The Benefits of Dental Implants to Seniors (65 and above)

Dental issues increase with aging, where a number of older people suffer from tooth loss. This affects a person’s quality of life, including socialization, and facial structure. Artificial prostheses or dentures were traditionally used to replace missing teeth. However, they have serious drawbacks.

Compared to wearing lower or upper dentures, fixed prostheses are sturdier. Apart from looking more natural and permanent, these new permanent teeth allow you to chew and eat better. They are more reliable, do not restrict what you eat, will not fall off or slip, and do not require removal before going to bed or for cleaning.

Criteria for Seniors (65 and above) to Have Permanent Dental Implants

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This procedure is not recommended for seniors with chronic and uncontrolled diabetes and other diseases that reduce the body’s immune system. This procedure involves surgery and a low immune system can delay recovery.

Fixed teeth are attached to the jaw bone firmly so they are reliable and stable. Additional measures are needed if the jaw bone is not sturdy enough to support them.

Loss of bone depth and width is not a big issue as it can be grafted. The issue is that it will incur additional cost.

In summary, these restorations are recommended for older people who are healthy. The recovery may be longer compared to younger patients but with implants, seniors can now enjoy what they eat and be proud of having a new set of teeth.

How Soon Does Dental Implants Heal? – Roya Arbab, D.D.S

Dental Implant dentist, Dental Implants, Implants Dentist Hermosa Beach, Dental Implants Hermosa Beach, Implants Dentist Hermosa Beach, dental implant hermosa beachImplants are convenient permanent restorations for missing teeth. These new teeth require surgery, and a healing period is needed before the restoration can be placed. This article will go over what patients should expect during this period. You can also check out some reasons to get teeth implants to find out if they are right for you.

How Soon Do Dental Implants Heal?

The typical procedure involves several steps and may require not just a single healing phase. Depending on the number of replaced teeth, the patient’s health, and other important aspects, the recovery time can be different. Understanding the processes that happen between the procedure and recovery period will help you appreciate the importance of having a dental implant.

  • Bone grafting is recommended for patients with inadequate bone where the artificial root will be rooted. This requires four to six months wait time before the next procedure can be finished.
  • Tooth extraction is necessary for patients who do not need bone grafting. The gums must repair themselves first before starting the next procedure. Today, implants are done after extracting the teeth that require a twofold recovery period. After the extractions, Dr. Arbab will attach a healing cap onto the it and then will stitch your gum tissue. The recovery time depends on the patient’s health, which is normally a week.
  • Second Operation. After four to six months, the patient will undergo a second operation. The bone and the metal have already merged within that period. The gum is stitched leaving the cap seen or exposed. The gum conforms to the shape of the cap as it heals around it.
  • When you gum has fully recovered and the osseointegration process is completed, your dentist at Roya Arbab DDS in South Bay will remove the cap after your recovery period. An abutment will be attached to the artificial tooth or denture can be placed.

The Osseointegration Process

The osseointegration process allows the bone cells to grow into the surface of your implant, after being infused into the bone. Creating a strong bond where the artificial root merges with the bone, osseointegration provides durability and support to your new teeth. It is a slow process that takes about two to six months for the bond to complete.

Post Dental Implant Surgery Care

Post dental implant surgery care is important, as this will speed up recovery. You have to bear with the discomfort that takes about 24 to 48 hours to disappear. Here are some tips on what to do after the operation.

  • Take pain medication and apply moist heat on the area to minimize recovery time.
  • East soft foods for the first three to five days, or even a week.
  • Do not do any exhausting physical activity.
  • Brush gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid hurting the sutures.
  • Use a special type of mouthwash to kill bacteria. Ask your dentist what type of mouthwash to use.
  • Rinse your mouth with saline water several times every day.
  • Practice proper hygiene the same way you do to your natural teeth once your gums have recovered. Brush twice a day as a minimum. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque from the hard to reach areas.
  • Use special types of toothbrush and floss to clean the hard-to-reach areas of your new restorations.
  • Visit your dentist at South Bay for routine cleanings and exams.

You can now smile confidently to anyone once the above steps were completed successfully. According to, proper oral care will make your implants to last throughout your lifetime.

Get new, healthy teeth now! Visit Roya Arbab DDS in Hermosa Beach, California to have a new beautiful smile!

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants? – Roya Arbab, D.D.S

Understand the Reasons for having Dental Implants. Restore one or more missing teeth. Dentists at Roya Arbab DDS are licensed and experienced in performing permanent dental implants for one tooth or the whole set. They are metal frames embed into your jaw to restore a missing natural tooth or bridge. People who have lost their teeth or even a tooth due to an injury, periodontal disease or for any other reason will benefit well from this procedure. Check out more about dental implants to find out more about this procedure.

Dental Implant dentist, Dental Implants, Implants Dentist Hermosa Beach, Dental Implants Hermosa Beach, Implants Dentist Hermosa Beach, dental implant hermosa beachThe Benefits of Dental Implants

Getting a new permanent restoration gives you several benefits.

  • Achieve natural looking, feeling teeth – Dentists at Roya Arbab DDS perform strong and stable dental implants so they look real. These support chewing and function like your own teeth. During the procedure, the dentist will fasten the durable new crowns to the metal frame. These allow you to grind and eat almost any kind of food. What is even better is you can show your best smile.
  • Lifetime – Unlike the conventional bridges that may need replacement in 3 to 4 years, these last a lifetime with the proper routine care.
  • No Worries of Public Humiliation – They are installed into your mouth so they become a natural component of your mouth and are fixed, unlike dentures. You do not have to worry about falling dentures while eating, laughing, or talking.
  • No Bone Loss – Traditional dentures can result in bone resorption due to the empty sockets. These, however, promote bone growth because of osseointegration.
  • No Need to Remove at Night – Traditional dentures require removal after eating and at night. They do not require this, as they seem like parts of your own mouth and will remain in your mouth.
  • Retain Natural Face Shape and Smile Beautifully – Your face shape is unharmed. No bone is lost with these restorations so the shape of your face is unharmed and you can continue to smile beautifully.
  • No Handling Upkeep – Dentures need extra care when removed outside your mouth because it is made of acrylic. They will crack or break if they fall on a sturdy surface. Fixed teeth do not need any such upkeep.
  • No Need to Store – These are permanent, unlike dentures that are removable and require special soaking solution when removed.
  • Lets You Speak Naturally – Like the normal teeth, these new ones let you speak without problems, with no issues to pronunciation. Dentures, on the other hand, affects your speech.
  • No Cavities – Unlike your own, permanent teeth are not inclined to having cavities. Routine visits to the office and simple oral hygiene will keep them healthy, clean, and shining.
  • More Stable – They do not need repairs even after fitted. They may require retightening, though.

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They are not exclusive to replacing a single tooth or molar. You can have a complete fixed denture over your jaw if you have to replace your full mouth. If you only need to replace a few, an “all-on-four bridge” is your best option. The all-on-four bridge will improve your smile by filling in any gaps in your smile. 

To have this procedure, you need to have adequate healthy bone structure, as this will protect them from physical pressure like chewing. The bone is grafted if there is deficiency in the jaw. For aesthetic purposes, the gum flesh is grafted, too. 

Due to their spongy bones, they are not recommended for diabetic patients. Consult your physician if you want to have a new permanent restoration in spite of your diabetes. Come see Roya Arbab DDS in Hermosa Beach, California to have a beautiful, healthy smile!

Porcelain Veneers for a Flawless Smile – Roya Arbab, D.D.S

Some patients come to us loving their smile but wanting just a little bit more in terms of aesthetics. To perfect an already great smile, we may suggest porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are often our go-to tool to correct minor imperfections on the surface of teeth or spacing issues.

Porcelain VeneersHere are some frequently asked questions and answers about veneers:

Q: Are veneers heavy or thick? Will I feel them in my mouth?

A: No, in fact veneers are thinner than a fingernail, once they are in place you won’t even know they are there!

Q: How long do they last?

A: Properly installed, veneers can last from 10-20 years. A great investment for an enhanced smile!

Q: How are they attached? Can they fall off?

A: Veneers are attached to your tooth with a very strong bonding compound. They do not fall off and provide years of durable use.

Q: Do veneers look like natural teeth?

A: Porcelain is the perfect material to copy tooth enamel, as it is incorporates luster, shine and translucence to look just like your natural teeth.

Q: What if the surrounding teeth are a different color?

A: Generally what we recommend is that we use a whiter shade of porcelain for the veneer and perform tooth whitening in conjunction with the veneer process to give you a perfect match throughout your mouth.

Q: Do veneers stain?

A: No, porcelain veneers do not stain, even over time.

If you want to take your smile from “okay” to “stunning”, ask us if veneers are a good option for you!

Dental Implants: A Three-Step Procedure – Roya Arbab, D.D.S

One of the most common questions we hear from patients when it comes to dental implants is “Why does it take three separate procedures?”

Dental Implants - 3 StepIt helps to understand that within the entire dental implant process, there are not just three stages, there are also three important parts to the final product that replaces your tooth. First, there is the implant itself, which is the metal rod that we surgically implant into the bone. Next, there is the abutment, which connects the implant to the artificial tooth. And lastly, the crown (or prosthetic tooth) itself.

The fact that the process has three physical components alone doesn’t tell the whole story though. Here, we explain why the most commonly employed dental implant method is split up into three separate procedures.

Step One: Placing the Implant

The first stage of the dental implant process is to bury the implant in the jaw bone via a surgical procedure. The dental implant replaces the tooth root, and requires healing time. During this healing time, osseointegration (the integration of the bone with the implant itself) occurs. The bone cells actually attach to the implant rod, filling in the spaces to secure the implant in place for permanent residency.   The healing time usually takes from 3-6 months.

Step Two: Placing the Abutment

The abutment is a post that connects the implant to the prosthetic tooth. Essentially, the abutment is a bridge that spans through the gum line so that the implant itself remains buried. As with the implant, the abutment has a healing period of its own. The gum around the abutment must heal and form a cuff or collar around it before the crown can be placed.

Step Three: The Prosthetic Tooth

Once the implant site and abutment have successfully integrated, the prosthetic tooth is fabricated and installed.

If you have any questions about the dental implant process, give us a call!

Strawberries and Baking Soda for Whiter Teeth: Debunked – Roya Arbab, D.D.S

You may have heard the recent claim that a mixture of fruit and baking soda applied to the teeth will whiten them dramatically, inexpensively and in a much more “organic” way than traditional bleaching methods.

Strawberries and Baking SodaIn particular, young adults and teens have shown themselves to be susceptible to this advice. They readily experiment with it and spread the idea throughout their community because the materials involved are so easily accessible.

While the claim has some merit and certainly comes from well-meaning sources, we feel that we should set the record straight. New research done on the subject from Professor So Ran Kwon of the University of Iowa shows that while the mixture does brighten the smile a bit, it does so merely by removing superficial debris. So although the teeth may look whiter, the effect is short-lived. As plaque and debris build up again, the teeth will darken.

In addition to that, the fruit and baking soda mixture method may reduce the surface hardness of your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to decay.

To achieve a permanently whiter smile, what you really need is a substance that penetrates into teeth and breaks down stain molecules, whitening teeth from the inside out for better and longer-lasting results.

If you want whiter teeth, we urge you to use ADA approved methods for achieving that brighter smile!

Invisible Braces: Not Just for Looks – Roya Arbab, D.D.S

When most of us think of invisible braces such as Invisalign®, we naturally assume that their sole purpose is to enhance the aesthetic value of one’s smile.

Invisible BracesAnd to a certain extent that assumption is true. For most people with braces of any type, the primary goal of straightening their teeth is improving their look. But did you know that there are actually added health benefits to having a straighter smile as well?

Here, we outline just a few reasons, outside of the obvious aesthetic benefits, that invisible braces can help you:

  • Periodontal Health: Overcrowded teeth can result in swollen, red, irritated gums. More often than not, these symptoms are the result of periodontal disease. Braces help to straighten and evenly space teeth to allow for enhanced gum health.
  • Better Cleaning Access: Because the clear teeth aligners are removable, you can do a better job of brushing and flossing your teeth, just as you would without braces. By contrast, traditional metal braces limit access to the surfaces and in-between areas of teeth, making it difficult to maintain a good brushing and flossing routine.
  • Healthy Diet: Invisible braces are removable, which means that there are no restrictions to what you eat. This allows you to continue your healthy eating habits just as if you didn’t have braces at all. With traditional metal wires and braces, however, some people fall into the trap of eating only soft foods and thus miss out on much-needed nutrients.
  • Overall Health: Because oral infections are thought to be related to other health issues in the body such as an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, keeping your teeth properly spaced and straightened is an important first step toward better health throughout your body.

Allow us to enhance your smile both aesthetically and from an oral health standpoint as well with invisible braces!

Dental Implants vs. Dentures and Bridges – Roya Arbab, D.D.S

Whether it was during a consultation in our office or perhaps while you were doing your own research online, you have probably come across the term “dental implant” at some point. A dental implant is a great way, often the best way, to replace a missing tooth.

Dental lmplants vs DenturesSo how do you decide if a dental implant is the right path for you, or if a more traditional tooth replacement method such as dentures or bridges is the best way to go?

We have been asked this question many times, and have compiled a comprehensive breakdown of the benefits that implants offer over their conventional counterparts. We hope that this guide will help make the decision process easier for you.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures and Bridges: Things to Consider

  • Longevity: Dental implants offer a long-term solution (often lasting a lifetime) to missing teeth, while dentures and bridges require replacement every 5 to 10 years. Not only does this mean less hassle, it also means that implants may be more affordable over time.
  • Quality of Life:
    • Simply put, dental implants look, feel and function more like natural teeth than do dentures and bridges.
    • With a dental implant, our patients can hardly notice the difference when biting into hard objects. They also look more natural.
    • In addition to that, dental implants are fixed – they are not going to fall out while you are talking or smiling, and you don’t have to put them away each night when you go to sleep. They remain in your mouth, anchored to your jawbone at all times.
  • Bone Stability and Health: Just like muscles, bones also need a “workout” in order to maintain their mass and health. So when a tooth is missing from the jawline, the bone underneath the old tooth site becomes atrophied and shrinks. Dentures and bridges do nothing to help this deterioration. However, dental implants actually screw into the bone and integrate with it, actually encouraging new bone growth.
  • Overall Health: Because implants allow for a normal range of food choices in the diet (a benefit not afforded by dentures), they encourage you to continue your healthy lifestyle for the rest of your life!

Do you still have questions? As always, we are here to answer any questions you have. Give us a call for more information!