White vs. Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

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The controversy surrounding amalgam (silver) fillings versus white fillings can cause confusion while trying to make educated choices about your dental treatment. Which option is better for your health and the tooth? Which option looks the most natural? It’s time to clear up the confusion! Dr. Sid Solomon’s premier Los Angeles dental practice only uses white fillings for several reasons. Let’s learn why-

White Filling Los Angeles Dentist

White fillings are safer for the health of patients

Amalgam fillings were the most commonly material used for fillings for many years. However, amalgam fillings, which contain 50% mercury, recently became criticized for their potential toxicity and health risks. On the other hand, white fillings are made of resin for small fillings and porcelain for inlays and onlays. They are completely metal-free and eliminate all the health risks associated with amalgam. Best of all, since white fillings are metal-free, they have no sensitivity to changes in temperature associated with amalgam fillings.

White fillings make the tooth stronger!

White fillings actually bond to the tooth to increase the strength of the tooth. Conversely, amalgam just fills the cavity without bonding to the tooth. As a result, amalgam fillings often result fractured or broken teeth, which can be expensive to fix in the long run. In addition, less existing tooth structure must be removed for the placement of white fillings compared to that of amalgam fillings.

White fillings look like your natural tooth

Amalgam fillings are dark and can be seen even in the back of the mouth. Silver fillings can also turn the teeth dark over time. Conversely, white fillings can be adjusted to the natural color of your tooth and are practically undetectable.

Dr. Solomon extensively researches all available options to best treat his patients. Call (310)475-5598 to make an appointment today!

TMJ Dentistry

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Dr. Sid Solomon is a leading TMJ specialist in Los Angeles. He has extensive experience with successfully treating TMJ disorders for over 27 years.

Popular symptoms of TMJ often include relentless headaches, earaches, neck pain or stiffness, facial pain, or “clicking” or “popping” noises of the jaw joints. These symptoms, which are actually caused by a TMJ disorder, are frequently mistaken for other conditions. Thus, patients fruitlessly search from doctor to doctor looking for relief when they should be seeking treatment from a TMJ dentist.

TMJ is often caused by a misalignment of the jaw, which causes the TMJ joints and jaw muscles to overwork to bring the teeth together. Thus, to eliminate the pain, the jaw must be realigned to achieve the optimal bite. Dr. Solomon specializes in treating TMJ non-invasively ­– no drills, injections, or surgeries. First, he analyzes the intricate interactions between the TMJ joints, jaw muscles, and teeth using
Splinthighly precise and completely pain-free diagnostic tools such as electromyography (EMG) testing. Dr. Solomon uses this information to determine the proper bite or alignment of the teeth. A custom-made orthotic will then be made to stabilize the TMJ joints and realign the bite. As a result, muscle spasms and pain will be eliminated.

This whole process is completely pain-free and non-invasive so call (310)475-5598 today to schedule your personal TMJ consultation with Dr. Solomon! It’s time to start living life pain-free!

The Benefits of Digital X-rays

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As a leading dentist known for excellent patient care, Dr. Solomon puts the well-being, safety, and health of every patient as his first priority. Thus, his office offers the latest, state-of-the-art digital x-ray technology, which is faster, clearer, and emits 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays. By using digital x-rays, Dr. Solomon is able to thoroughly and precisely examine any problems with the teeth and surrounding tissues and bone that are not apparent during a regular examination.

What is the difference between a digital x-ray vs. a traditional x-ray?

Dr. Solomon does not take any risks with the health of his patients. Thus, he utilizes the safest digital x-ray technology that emits 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays. In fact, the amount of radiation you would be exposed to during a set of bitewing x-rays is only a miniscule fraction of the amount of radiation you would be exposed to during a plane flight from New York to Los Angeles.

Other than improved safety, digital x-rays also allow a better and more accurate diagnosis. Digital x-rays allow the dentist to zoom in on areas of interest to allow for a more detailed and comprehensive evaluation. As a result, it is easier for any problems to be caught early on. Moreover, since digital x-ray images are processed by a computer, they are available for immediate viewing. Conventional x-ray films take several minutes to process. In addition, digital x-rays can be conveniently printed, copied, or transferred electronically to insurance companies because they are stored in the computer.

In addition, digital x-rays are more comfortable for patients. To take a digital x-ray, a small electronic sensor is placed into the patient’s mouth. Conversely, to take a conventional x-ray, the patient must bite down on uncomfortable, sharp sheets of film.

Digital x-rays also do not use any of the hazardous chemicals used to process traditional x-ray. Thus, digital x-rays are beneficial not only the patients, but also the environment and the health of office employees.

Make an appointment with Dr. Sid Solomon today by calling (310)475-5598 to receive the best patient care possible!

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

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Do you have gaps or missing teeth? Have you ever considered getting dental implants? Dr. Solomon has been successfully performing dental implant procedures for over 27 years. Implants can sometimes be a very beneficial and life-changing treatment. For your convenience, we have provided some background information on dental implants below. However, the best way to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants is by making an appointment with Dr. Solomon at (310)475-5598 so he can examine your particular case.

Dental implants are a popular method of replacing missing teeth. They replace the roots of teeth and provide a strong foundation for restorations such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Replacing missing teeth not only boosts your appearance and confidence, but also is very important for your oral health. Existing teeth can begin to migrate into the gap where teeth are missing, resulting in joint pain or bite problems.

Dental implants are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone. They are made out of titanium, which is a highly biocompatible material. As a result, the implant is able to fuse with the surrounding bone for long term durability and stability.

Dental implants are a fixed alternative to full or partial dentures and provide several advantages including:

  • Implants replace missing teeth without affecting adjacent healthy teeth.
  • Implants improve speech by eliminating anxiety of slipping dentures.
  • Implants improve chewing by eliminating no pain while chewing from sliding dentures
  • Implants support bridges or dentures, making them more secure and comfortable
  • Implants are more convenient- no more messy adhesives needed!

Do dental implants seem like a good choice for you? Call our office today at (310)475-5598 to set up an appointment.

 

CEREC One-Visit Dentistry

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Are You Too Busy For Two Dental Visits?

Dr Sid Solomon Cerec Dentistry Los Angeles

We are proud to offer our patients CEREC restoration services- a superior method of creating precise, color-matched and highly durable ceramic restorations right in our office. From simple fillings to full crowns, CEREC delivers the results you need in a single appointment.

CEREC uses a cutting-edge digital 3D camera to create an optical impression. This digital image replaces the physical impression necessary in traditional procedures. CEREC eliminates the need for temporaries and uncomfortable, long waits while a tray of impression material hardens in your mouth. The best part is that is also eliminates the need to get numb twice!

The state-of-the-art Computer Aided Design software allows us to customize the shape of the restoration to precisely fit your specific clinical needs. Your exact design specifications are sent to our in-practice milling machine to create your restoration.

After only 10 minutes, your all ceramic, color-matched restoration is ready for placement. Your new restoration is then fitted, polished and permanently bonded. CEREC uses the most advanced technology to restore your tooth back to its natural form, function, and beauty.

And you can get back to your busy life.

Call our office today at (310)475-5598 to set up a CEREC appointment!

Everybody knows about BOTOX, but what is it really and what does it do?

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BOTOX is a nonsurgical treatment. The treatment consists of tiny injections into the muscles of your face to lessen their movement.

The most commonly known use of BOTOX is its cosmetic use. It is often used to effectively improve frown lines between the brows.

But, did you know that BOTOX also has therapeutic uses? Bruxism (teeth clenching or grinding) and TMJ often result in facial pain and headaches. BOTOX can immediately relieve headaches and facial pain by relaxing the jaw muscles that are normally stressed. As an additional benefit, as BOTOX relaxes the jaw muscles, the muscles will shrink and the jaw line will become more esthetically pleasing.

BOTOX can be injected into all of the following areas:

Its effects are proven to last up to 4 months. The whole process takes only 10 minutes and requires no downtime or recovery.

Call (310)475-5598 to make an appointment!