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As dental material technology has evolved over the years, so have dental crowns. There are 3 main generations that date as far back as 1900’s and started with the first of its kind, the all-porcelain “jacket” crowns. This crown although aesthetic, was prone to fractures and leakage and didn’t last very long. In the 1950’s Abraham Weinstein addressed this issue by inventing the famous Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) crown that has become the stable of the dental industry and still used to this day. By bonding the porcelain to an underlying metal framework, Weinstein was able to reduce the stress fracture rate and simultaneously improve their fit and longevity. However, this process wasn’t without some downsides.  To hide the dark color of the underlying metal framework, an opaque white layer had to be baked on top of it to cover the color and created the appearance of chalky white crowns often associated with PFMs. Furthermore, as the gum lines recessed due to irritation or other factors with the metal alloy, the margin of the these crowns would start to show as an undesirable dark purple line around the gum line.

Th second generation of dental crowns IPS Empress by Ivoclar Vivadent Inc., Leucite crystals were introduced to the porcelain  which allowed it to be pressed under heat and pressure to form in a mold and create restorations that were fracture resistant while providing a great fit and appearance. Although this was a significant improvement and allowed to do away with the metal framework, its application was limited to front teeth or smaller cavities. These IPS Empress crowns were still not strong enough to be used to cover the back teeth such as molars or used as dental bridges and under heavy stress would fracture or break.

In the late 1990’s Lithium Disilicates and Zirconium Dioxide based crowns, also known as Bruxzir, were introduced to dentistry which significantly changed the landscape and provided a new paradigm shift in dental aesthetics and wear resistance. These E.Max crowns and restorations achieved an impressive flexural strength without compromising fit or the translucency of the material which gives its beautiful and life like appearance. In addition, these materials have been shown to be less abrasive on the opposing natural dentition which overtime leads to less excessive wear and attrition.

In summary, BruxZir and E.max crowns will continue to grow in use due to their better esthetic characteristics. New hybrid full ceramic materials are coming into the market and at Modern Smiles Dental Spa in North Hollywood we are committed to using the latest and the best in materials and advancements for our patients. So here is a list of major benefits of these new 3rd generation crowns or veneers to consider:

1. Soft Tissue Response:  Many  patients who have had serious soft-tissue irritation with metal or PFM crowns have seen  a complete reversal of the inflmmation and recession, often within just a few days after placing E.max or BruxZir crowns
2. Preservation of Natural Tooth Structure: Due to their increased strength and stacking of fewer layers, less tooth structure has to be removed to achieve the same objective leading to less sensitivity and preservation of patient’s natural tooth.
3. Improved Aesthetics: The transparent color and lifelike shape of E.Max porcelains ensures that these crowns or veneers will never be noticed amongst your own natural teeth, plus there is no metal base so no unsightly looking grey line around the gum line.
4. Bio-compatibility: Both Bruxzir and E.max crowns are regarded as highly bio compatible. With no metal alloy layer prone to rust or toxic mercury content,  these crowns are very inert and considered non-cytotoxic.
5. Bonded Retention: Due to their unique chemistry and structural form, these crowns can be bonded to the tooth which not only increase their strength but also their adhesion to the tooth and therefore longevity.

At Modern Smiles Dental Practice in North Hollywood your satisfaction is our number one priority. Our trained and dedicated doctors will utilize only the best in class and modern dental materials to achieve extraordinary results. Contact us via phone at 818.763.9353 or online to learn more.

In our daily lives, we all experience stress and anxiety. Work, family, and hectic schedules can create a great deal of pressure.  Most people have heard about the impact this tension can have on your body, including insomnia, ulcers, and panic attacks. Did you know that stress also impacts your mouth? In fact, stress can contribute to a variety of issues like:

Bruxism/Grinding
Also known as clenching or grinding, bruxism is often an unconscious action that can happen while you sleep. Bruxism can lead to fractures, uneven tooth wear, and alignment issues. At his North Hollywood dental office, Dr. Tajik recommends treating for Bruxism with a special mouth guard that helps relax the jaw muscles and prevent the habitual grinding of teeth.

Canker sores
Though these small sores are harmless, canker sores can cause a good deal of pain. Stress can also activate dormant viral lesions such as herpes which lead to unsightly sores that can be painful and slow to heal. An effective method of treating these sores and reduce their occurrence is laser treatment with Diode lasers.  Low-intensity laser therapy can significantly lower the incidence of local recurrence of herpes simplex infection and even eliminate it. Dr. Tajik utilizes a Biolase Diode Epic X laser designed specifically for this purpose.

Dry mouth
If you don’t produce enough saliva, the condition is called dry mouth. Not only can stress contribute to dry mouth, but certain antidepressant can produce dry mouth as a side effect of the medication.

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Undiagnosed sleep apnea is a hidden health crisis costing Americans over 100 billion dollars  according to the Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and while this is a medical condition often diagnosed by your physician, your local dentist can prescribe and develop the oral appliance required to treat it.

A new study at University of Georgia of over 15,000 people with multiple dental fillings has concluded that mercury based amalgam fillings commonly referred to as silver fillings, can lead to increased mercury levels in the blood.  Mercury, a heavy metal known to be toxic at high levels, can cause heart, brain, lung, kidney and immune system impairment. Furthermore, new research suggests that methyl mercury may cause damage even at low levels.

“As toxicologists, we know that mercury is poison, but it all depends on the dose. So, if you have one dental filling, maybe it’s OK. But if you have more than eight dental filings, the potential risk for adverse effect is higher,” says study co-author Xiaozhong (John) Yu. If you have multiple silver dental fillings and are also exposed to mercury from other sources, such as seafood or work environments, you are most at risk.

In United States, the average American has about three dental fillings, with a quarter of the population having 11 or more fillings. If you are a pregnant women, a parent with children under six with silver fillings or generally concerned about your mercury fillings affecting your health make an appointment with your dentist at Modern Smiles in North Hollywood so we can discuss replacing your mercury based fillings with new dental fillings that could actually REPAIR tooth decay.

At Modern Smiles Dental Practice in North Hollywood, our professional dentists use a new class of composites, made of bioactive glass, that help repair tooth decay by releasing fluoride, calcium and phosphate; components that are all key to the formation of the inner tooth structure. In additions, the newer bioactive glass based fillings actually replenish these minerals that were lost due to tooth decay and can prevent bacteria from further infiltrating the tooth by filling in the gaps with minerals such as fluoride which is bactericidal.

To learn more about Dr. Kasra Tajik and Modern Smiles, please contact our office today.

A new systemic clinical review from the American Dental Association and American Academy of of Pediatric Dentistry have reaffirmed that Sealants are a very effective treatment in prevention of decay in children or adults. Dental sealants are a thin and tooth colored resin material that fill in and adhere to naturally occurring deep grooves that are hard to reach  with a brush and protect them from developing decay. This simple procedure requires  no drilling or anesthesia and is very comfortable and easy to perform.

“Sealants are a proven and effective therapy for preventing cavities in children and teens. Oral disease can greatly impact one’s concentration and self-esteem” was said by lead author of the study, Dr. Wright DDS. Some of the other significant findings of the study concluded that sealants should be routine part of the cavity prevention and that children with sealants are 80% less prone to cavities compared to those without them.

Our professional dentists at Modern Smiles in North Hollywood incorporate a variety of preventive strategies, such as Sealants and Laser Decontamination, for reducing dental disease in children and teens. If you are concerned about your oral health or your family’s make an appointment for a comprehensive dental exam at our state of the art dental office in North Hollywood. Our completely digital workflow together with our compassionate dentist will ensure an efficient and comfortable process from start to finish. At Modern Smiles we strive to provide your family with a lifetime of healthy and beautiful smiles.

If you have recently done a smile makeover using porcelain veneers, you are likely enjoying  your dazzling brand new smile. While dental veneers are an excellent way to change the shape and shade of your teeth and boost your self-confidence, they are not invincible. Knowing how to protect your cosmetic dentistry investment will help make it last.

Porcelain veneers are thin, like contact lenses,  tooth-colored porcelain shells that are bonded directly to your existing teeth. Veneers crafted by our dentist in North Hollywood, Dr. Tajik,  are durable, stain-resistant and customized to create a beautiful smile.  As strong as veneers are, just like your natural teeth, they need proper care and protection. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Grinding or Clenching
Teeth grinding, clenching or Bruxism are habits that places excessive pressures on your teeth. Many patients grind their teeth during their sleep as a way for body to de-stress itself. To ensure you’re not damaging your veneers while you’re catching some sleep, talk to your dentist about getting a night guard. This simple appliance can protect your teeth and your jaw joints from working too hard!

Periodontal Disease and Plaque
While the veneer itself can’t get a cavity, the underlying tooth certainly can.  Bacteria borne is dental plaque that accumulates in the mouth can still damage your gums and the underlying bone structure of your teeth. It is important to maintain diligent oral hygiene especially after receiving your new veneers. You are still at risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which can affect the longevity of your veneers.

Bad Habits
If you want to retain your beautiful veneers, go ahead and kick bad habits such as chewing ice, smoking, opening bottles with your front teeth and biting fingernails. These are surefire ways to ruin your custom smile.

Dental Trauma
If you play sports we applaud and encourage you to continue to do so, however, make sure you wear proper protective gear to keep your new smile safe while you are on the field. A custom athletic mouth guard is an essential piece of equipment that will help protect your dental veneers against accidental damages.

At Modern Smiles Dental Spa in North Hollywood, we make every effort to maintain and extend the life of your veneers and make sure you understand how to protect your new smile for many years to come! Contact us or book an appointment online to receive a modern smile evaluation.

There are many exciting innovations in dental materials and technologies these days, such as digital impressions , lasers, or same day crowns, but none are as compelling as a nasal spray anesthetic that can replace the dreaded needle! And finally after 100 years of needle injectios, St. Renatus, LLC, a privately held company based in Fort Collins, Colorado has obtained FDA approval for manufacturing of a nasal cavity spray that can anesthetize 10 of your upper front teeth without any needles. Although the remaining 22 teeth will still need the traditional method of anesthesia, this is a great step forward in making dental treatment as comfortable as possible. We are excited about incorporating this technique into our dental office in North Hollywood and available to our patients as soon as possible.

You can learn more about this innovation here.

Dr. Kasra Tajik, a dentist in Los Angeles, explains why all adults should maintain regular oral exams, including patients who practice outstanding dental care at home or have never had cavities.

Hollywood, CA — According to Los Angeles dentist Dr. Kasra Tajik, many patients wait until a particular dental issue has become painful or uncomfortable before seeking help from their dentist. However, Dr. Tajik explains that this pain can often be avoided. He says that if patients maintain regular oral examinations and dental cleanings as recommended by their dentist, many of these issues can be detected and prevented before they become painful or cause serious damage to the teeth and gums. Dr. Tajik says it is also vital for patients to continue brushing and flossing regularly between visits to their dentist.

Although Dr. Tajik stresses that brushing and flossing on a consistent basis is one of the most important ways for patients to maintain good oral hygiene, in a recent blog post, titled “How to Maintain a Healthy Mouth,” the Hollywood dentist says, “Even some of my patients who practice exceptional oral care can have genetics working against them, meaning they can potentially still end up with gum disease.” He explains there is no replacement for a routine oral exam and dental cleaning, regardless of how well you clean your teeth and gums at home.

Dr. Tajik notes that when his patients come in for their regular dental visit, he and his team of dental professionals complete a basic assessment, conduct a routine oral cancer screening, and take the time to observe the correlation between a patient’s oral hygiene and overall health. He says oftentimes something that is happening with the patient’s health can indicate another issue related to their oral health. Depending on what Dr. Tajik finds during his assessment, he says he might recommend specific treatments to help prevent future damage. One way he helps his patients is through the use of a soft tissue laser. He says this laser can help to effectively and safely remove any harmful bacteria that is causing damage to the gums and teeth.

Cavity prevention is another reason Dr. Tajik says it is important for adults to keep up with routine dental appointments. He explains, “Even people who may have never had a cavity before can get them as an adult. As you get older, the teeth wear down. The enamel gets thinner, and the teeth are more prone to getting cavities. This is especially true for the back teeth, which are harder to brush.” Dr. Tajik says to prevent these cavities from developing, he often recommends adult sealants. Using a strong, tooth-colored material, he is able to seal the contoured surfaces of the back teeth, helping to prevent cavities from penetrating the surface.

Overall, Dr. Tajik says the key to maintaining excellent oral health is a combination of consistent brushing and flossing, as well as following through with regular dental appointments. Although the typical recommendation is for individuals to have at least two checkups and teeth cleanings each year, Dr. Tajik says each patient is different, and he encourages everyone to check with their dentist to see how frequently they should return for routine check-ups.

About Kasra Tajik, DDS

A graduate of the USC School of Dentistry and the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, Dr. Kasra Tajik is a cosmetic dentist with practices in North Hollywood and New York City. Dr. Tajik is the inventor of the Smile Facelift®, a non-surgical cosmetic dentistry technique that he has also patented and perfected. He is an active member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Tajik is available for interview upon request.

To learn more about Dr. Tajik and his North Hollywood practice, please visit elitesmilecare.com or facebook.com/pages/Elite-Smile-Care/177720305672052.

Contact:

Kasra Tajik, DDS
10545 Victory Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91606
(818) 945-0711

Rosemont Media
tom@rosemontmedia.com
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com

I am sure you are well aware that maintaining good oral hygiene is important, and that you should be brushing and flossing every day. However, neglecting your regular dental check-ups can lead to dental issues getting worse. If you maintain regular appointments for a dental cleaning and oral exam, we can usually detect and prevent any issues you might not have even been aware of – some problems do not cause pain or discomfort in their earlier stages. For this reason, it is important to follow through with your routine appointments as recommended. Maintaining your home care routine is also important in between your dental visits, but excellent brushing and flossing is still not a replacement for routine dental visits. Even some of my patients who practice exceptional oral care can have genetics working against them, meaning they can potentially still end up with gum disease. When you come in for your regular appointment, we will do a thorough examination, including an oral cancer screening. Depending on the case, we sometimes use a soft tissue laser to effectively remove any harmful bacteria in the gums for improved health. I also like to utilize this time to make any recommendations to help improve your home oral health regimen, such as switching to an electric toothbrush, like Sonicare®. At my practice, we offer a variety of options to fit each patient’s unique needs, including fluoride treatments, sealants, and laser dentistry. I look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!

To learn more about how to maintain good oral hygiene, or to schedule your next visit, please contact us today.