Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to the services provided here are Dental Care Studios, we have prepared a list of frequently asked questions regarding dental health and dentistry. Dr. Azarian has provided information about a variety of dental issues you may have questions or concerns about.

How can I prevent tooth decay and gum disease?
Thorough Brushing – Brush at least twice daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush and an ADA accepted fluoride toothpaste. This helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and the need for costly cosmetic or restorative dentistry in the future. Replace your brush every two to three months.

Proper Flossing – Flossing is crucial to the health of your teeth and gums and the prevention of gum disease. When flossing, use an 18-inch strand of floss. Ease the floss between each tooth; then, sweep it up and down several times while curving around the tooth at the gum line. Don’t forget to floss behind your lat tooth and to floss bridges and artificial teeth with the aid of a floss threader.

Regular Dental Visits – At every regularly-scheduled dental appointment at at Dental Care Studios, Dr. Azarian will carefully check your teeth, gums, mouth and throat. Regular dental visits, along with a thorough home care regimen, are key to a lifetime of good oral health. General dentistry of this type can prevent the need for cosmetic or restorative dentistry late in life.

How does fluoride help prevent tooth decay?
Fluoride helps reverse and prevent tooth decay in three ways:

  1. Promoting Tooth Remineralization

Acids can demineralize a tooth – that is, create a weak spot that develops into a cavity. Fluoride helps promote the opposite process, called remineralization, which can reverse the very early stages of tooth decay.

2. Helping Teeth Become More Resistant to Tooth Decay

Fluoride actually strengthens teeth, giving them natural protection against future tooth decay.

3. Inhibiting Oral Bacteria’s Ability to Create Tooth-Attacking Acids

Fluoride disrupts bacteria’s ability to metabolize sugars, the process that leads to the attack of tooth enamel.

What are the stages of gum disease? How is gum disease treated?
Gum disease has several stages. The initial stage is called gingivitis and is an infection of the gum tissue. In this stage, gums become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. The underlying bone is unaffected. In later stages, however, gum disease can lead to bone loss and the loosening or loss of teeth.

Gum disease treatment varies according to the stage of the disease. At its mildest stages, gingivitis can be treated by clearing plaque and tartar deposits from the gum pockets. Severe gum disease, on the other hand, might require treatment that includes bone and gum grafts.

What causes sensitive teeth?
Sensitive Teeth can be caused by a range of factors. The porous part of the tooth, called dentin, is the region that registers pain, and dentin can become exposed due to:

  • a fractured or chipped tooth
  • injured teeth from clenching or grinding
  • receding gums caused by gum disease or improper brushing
How can sensitive teeth be managed?
Pain from sensitive teeth often comes and goes, but if you experience constant pain, you may have a more serious problem.

There are many effective treatments for sensitive teeth, including:

  • Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent gum irritation
  • Use toothpaste designed to insulate the nerve that registers pain
What are the causes of bruxism (teeth grinding)?
Teeth grinding can be caused by a range or factors; often, both emotional and physical factors are involved. Casual factors can include stress, sleep disorders, an abnormal bite, and crooked or missing teeth.
How can bruxism be treated?
Once the cause or causes of bruxism are determined, your dentist can develop a course of treatment. Treatment methods might include:

  • relaxation techniques if stress is the root of the problem
  • physical therapy
  • muscle relaxants
  • a plastic tooth guard to wear at night during sleep

Bruxism can cause serious pain and headaches, as well as dangerous wear on the teth. In severe cases, restorative dentistry techniques such as inlays or porcelain crowns are needed to rebuild teeth damaged by bruxism. Therefore, it is crucial to seek treatment for bruxism early to avoid waking up with headaches or jaw pain.

How do I keep my child's teeth healthy?
Following a few simple guidelines can help keep your child’s teeth strong and beautiful for life:

  • Start Oral Care Early
  • Prevent Nursing-Bottle Mouth
  • Take Your Child to the Dentist
  • Take Advantage of Dental Sealants
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a plastic coating painted on the grooved, hard-to-reach surfaces of the back teeth. Pits and fissures on these surfaces are particularly susceptible to tooth decay. Dental sealants can be used to seal out cavity-causing bacteria from damaging the the teeth.
How are dental sealants applied?
Dental sealants are quickly applied and hold up well under the force of chewing, and they provide protection against cavities for about five years. During regular dentists dental visits, Dr. Azarian will check the state of sealants and re-apply them necessary.
How do dental sealants protect teeth?
Because fluoride is effective in preventing decay from forming on the smooth surfaces of teeth, and dental sealants protect the grooves of teeth, these treatments are best used in conjunction.
Cosmetic Dentistry is more popular than ever before, and for good reasons. Today’s cosmetic dentistry techniques yield impressive, long-lasting results.
My teeth are crooked! What are my options?
Luckily, your options for correcting crooked teeth mean you don’t have to endure the uncomfortable metal braces of the past! Our cosmetic dentistry practice features Dr. Azarian, a certified Invisalign dentist. Invisalign is a system of orthodontics that uses invisible plastic aligners to comfortable shift your teeth into place.
How does professional teeth whitening work? Is it safe?
Teeth whitening is a conservative method for completely making over your smile.

In office teeth whitening procedures are performed with a specially formulated peroxide gel that allows oxygen to permeate your tooth enamel, lifting stains. The structure of your tooth enamel is not affected. The most common side effect is temporary tooth sensitivity.

Missing teeth is a common complaint among our patients. Luckily, our practice features several cutting-edge methods of filling gaps in a patient’s smile.
If I am missing one or more teeth, what are my options?
Patients today have an array of options for replacing missing teeth. Dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants all have their advantages and disadvantages, though modern cosmetic and restorative dentistry has come to favor dental implants because they look and function just like real teeth and require no special care.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Nearly anyone who is missing one or more teeth, and desires a superior, long-lasting aesthetic result is a good candidate for dental implants. However, patients must have enough bone to support and stabilize the implant. Individuals who have suffered bone loss as a result of gum disease or another condition may need bone grafting before a dental implant can be placed successfully.