You will need a photo ID, insurance card, list of medications you are currently taking, and the phone number of your medical doctor. You will be asked to complete a patient registration form and medical and dental history forms.

Your first appointment is an exam only, consisting of a evaluation of your teeth, gums and mouth. Based on this evaluation, x-rays may need to be taken. No dental treatment is provided during this exam. Your second appointment will be for treatment planning. Dr. Karagyozyan will review the findings of your exam and x-rays and discuss how your dental needs can be met. Dr. Karagyozyan will review the risks and benefits of the treatment, and you will be asked to sign a consent agreeing to the planned treatment. Your dental treatment will start at your next scheduled visit. Note: If you are experiencing dental pain at the time of your exam appointment you will be seen as an emergency patient so that your immediate dental need can be met. You will then be scheduled for another appointment for a complete exam.

Since teeth whitening has now become the number one aesthetic concern of many patients, there are many products and methods available to achieve a brighter smile.

Professional teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel, and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile. Over-the-counter products are also available, but they are much less effective than professional treatments and may not be approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).

As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel wears away, eventually revealing a darker or yellow shade. The color of our teeth also comes from the inside of the tooth, which may become darker over time. Smoking, drinking coffee, tea, and wine may also contribute to tooth discoloration, making our teeth yellow and dull. Sometimes, teeth can become discolored from taking certain medications as a child, such as tetracycline. Excessive fluoridation (fluorosis) during tooth development can also cause teeth to become discolored.

It's important to have your teeth evaluated by Dr. Karagyozyan to determine if you're a good candidate for bleaching. Occasionally, tetracycline and fluorosis stains are difficult to bleach and Dr. Karagyozyan may offer other options, such as veneers or crowns to cover up such stains. Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is also important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. before bleaching begins. Once the bleaching is done, Dr. Karagyozyan can match the new restorations to the shade of the newly whitened teeth.

Since teeth whitening is not permanent, a touch-up may be needed every several years to keep your smile looking bright.

The most widely used professional teeth whitening systems:

In office teeth whitening: This treatment is done in the dental office and you will see results immediately. It may require more than one visit, with each visit lasting 30 to 60 minutes.
While your gums are protected, a bleaching solution is applied to the teeth. A special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent while the teeth are whitened.

Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after having their teeth whitened.
This sensation is temporary and subsides shortly after you complete the bleaching process, usually within a few days to one week.

Teeth whitening can be very effective and can give you a brighter, whiter, more confident smile!

Home teeth whitening systems: At-home products usually come in a gel form that is placed in a custom-fitted mouth guard (tray), created from a mold of your teeth. The trays are worn either twice a day for approximately 30 minutes, or overnight while you sleep. It usually takes several weeks to achieve the desired results depending on the degree of staining and the desired level of whitening.

 

You Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don't know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms.

Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist.

Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone. Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage.

Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk odeveloping periodontal disease:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco. Tobacco users are more likely than nonusers to form
plaque and tartar on their teeth.

• Certain tooth or appliance conditions. Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings that may trap plaque and bacteria.

• Many medications. Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, oral contraceptives.
Some medications have side affects that reduce saliva, making the mouth dry and plaque easier to adhere to the teeth and gums.

• Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty. Can cause changes in hormone levels,
causing gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.

• Systemic diseases. Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS, etc.

• Genetics may play role. Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontitis. Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular
attention to their gums.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease:

• Red and puffy gums. Gums should never be red or swollen.

• Bleeding gums. Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.

• Persistent bad breath. Caused by bacteria in the mouth.

• New spacing between teeth. Caused by bone loss.

• Loose teeth. Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).

• Pus around the teeth and gums. Sign that there is an infection present.

• Receding gums. Loss of gum around a tooth.

• Tenderness or Discomfort. Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of
developing periodontal disease.

You should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year, though Dr. Karagyozyan or dental hygienist may recommend more frequent visits.

Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and
maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and
checked for cavities. Additionally, there are many other things that are checked andmonitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain your dental health.

These include:

History review: Knowing the status of any current medical conditions, new medications,and illnesses, gives us insight to your over all health and also your dental health.

Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.

Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any
sings of oral cancer.

Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.

Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.

Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.

Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!

Teeth polishing: Removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed
(electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
Review dietary habits: Your eating habits play a very important role in your dental health.

As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care, and to do so will require regular check-ups and cleanings.

Exposure to all sources of radiation -- including the sun, minerals in the soil, appliances in your home, and dental X-rays -- can damage the body's tissues and cells and lead to the development of cancer. Fortunately, the dose of radiation you are exposed to during the taking of X-rays is extremely small.

Advances in dentistry over the years have lead to the low radiation levels emitted by dental X-rays. Some of the improvements are new digital X-ray machines that limit the radiation beam to the small area being X-rayed, higher speed X-ray films that require shorter exposure time compared with older film speeds to get the same results, and the use of film holders that keep the film in place in the mouth (which prevents the film from slipping and the need for repeat X-rays and additional radiation exposure). Also, the use of lead-lined, full-body aprons protects the body from stray radiation (though this is almost nonexistent with the modern dental X-ray machines.) In addition, federal law requires that X-ray machines be checked for accuracy and safety every two years, with some states requiring more frequent checks.

All toothpastes help remove surface stains through the action of mild abrasives. Some whitening toothpastes contain gentle polishing or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal. Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains only and do not contain bleach; over-the-counter and professional whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide (a bleaching substance) that helps remove stains on the tooth surface as well as stains deep in the tooth. None of the home use whitening toothpastes can come even close to producing the bleaching effect you get from Dr. Karagyozyan's office through chair-side bleaching or power bleaching. Whitening toothpastes can lighten your tooth's color by about one shade. In contrast, light-activated whitening conducted in Dr. Karagyozyan's office can make your teeth three to eight shades lighter.

If you fear going to the dentist, you are not alone. Between 9% and 15% of Americans state they avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. The first thing you should do is talk with Dr. Karagyozyan. In fact, if Dr. Karagyozyan doesn't take your fear seriously, find another dentist. The key to coping with dental anxiety is to discuss your fears with Dr. Karagyozyan. Once Dr. Karagyozyan knows what your fears are, he or she will be better able to work with you to determine the best ways to make you less anxious and more comfortable.

The good news is that today there are a number of strategies that can be used to help reduce fear, anxiety, and pain. These strategies include use of medications (to either numb the treatment area or sedatives or anesthesia to help you relax).

We offer free orthodontic screening appointments. Call (714) 992-5490 or (562) 865-0013

Off cores we even offer a 10% senior discount on all your dental needs.