Our Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, expert Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, often recommends composite resin bonding for chipped, stained, or cracked teeth, and for teeth that need repairing because of decay. 

Because the dental bonding material can be compared to clay that a sculptor uses, Dr. Maddahi is able to sculpt beautiful, natural teeth to restore flaws.  Bonding can be used in the back teeth as well as in the front of the mouth, as correction for the chips and cracks in the teeth, to fill gaps, recolor or reshape teeth and to correct other unsightly blemishes on the teeth.

Composite resin bonding, which is commonly called dental bonding, makes use of an etching technique to microscopically increase the surface area of a tooth so that the composite materials can easily bond to the tooth structure that needs restoration. 

The surface of the exterior of the tooth is readied by applying a thin layer of plastic coating on the tooth.  Next the bonding material is placed and the dentist artistically sculpts the new look of the teeth.  A high-intensity ultraviolent light then hardens the coating and the dentist finely polishes the surface to give it a natural appearance.

The resin is available in many shades in order to match the color of your other teeth.  This material can also be used to fill cavities where possible, so that the filling is not noticed.  After the dentist creates a mold and places a temporary filling, dental labs can then create custom-made fillings that are very durable.  This is then bonded to the tooth in a second visit to the dentist. 

The result is a beautiful, natural new smile – rapidly and relatively inexpensively!

Oral health must be considered an important part of overall health but scientists are still studying how closely the two are connected.

To make sense of this, scientists are examining what happens when periodontitis is treated in persons who have other health problems. There’s evidence that diabetics are more likely to develop periodontitis (and more severe cases) than non-diabetics. Two conditions that occur together may be caused by a third factor. People who smoke or use alcohol are at increased risk for periodontitis and other conditions, such as oral cancer.

“If there were a cause-and-effect relationship, we’d expect that improvements to periodontal health would also improve other health conditions.”, says Beverly Hills Dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi.  “The results from initial studies are intriguing. Some studies suggest that treating periodontitis in people with diabetes can improve their blood sugar control, but other studies have not found this connection. The ADA supports and encourages further research into what remains a promising but inconclusive question as to the effects of periodontal disease on specific systemic conditions and diseases.”

What does this mean for you? Given the potential link between periodontitis and systemic health problems, preventing periodontitis may turn out to be an important step in maintaining overall health. In most cases, that can be done with good daily oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and regular professional care.

Make sure to tell your dentist about changes in your oral health, including any recent illnesses or chronic conditions. Provide an updated health history including medication use, both prescription and over-the-counter products. And if you smoke, talk to your dentist about options for quitting smoking.

Beverly Hills dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, explains, in depth, the relationship between illness and periodontal conditions.

The news lately has been filled with frightening stories that link oral bacteria and oral disease to a variety of serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. The subject isn’t really new. Dentists have long known that there is a strong relationship between oral health and general health. For example, tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs not only affect overall health but oral health as well.

“Persons who suffer with dry mouth—a lack of saliva—whether from age, disease or medications, are at increased risk for tooth decay.”, explains Dr. Maddahi.  “And if you have oral pain or can’t eat properly, you won’t get the nutrition your body needs to stay healthy.  It’s not news that the mouth is connected to the body. The mouth often times is the location used to diagnose, make a prognosis, treat and intervene on a host of diseases.”

For example, some researchers have found that periodontitis (the advanced form of gum disease that can cause tooth loss) is associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke and bacterial pneumonia. Other research has found that pregnant women with periodontitis may be at increased risk for delivering babies that are pre-term, have low birth weight or both.

Dr. Maddahi further explains, “Although reports suggest that periodontitis may contribute to these conditions, you should know that just because two conditions occur at the same time, it doesn’t necessarily mean that one causes the other. These conditions and diseases are complex.  Oral health must be considered an important part of overall health but scientists are still studying how closely the two are connected.”

The primary, singular most important quality in a cosmetic dentist is knowledge. Gone are the days of routine fillings and bridges – today’s dentist is a technician with an array of high-tech tools and procedures who has the experience and the know-how for them to be healthy.

Located 15 minutes from Hancock Park, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has elevated these requirements to a level of accomplishment and artistry that warrants acknowledgement and comment. Operating from his Beverly Hills dentist office in a service environment befitting his clients, he always begins his work with a skilled and highly and personal evaluation, establishing what is needed, and which technology will serve that individual – for perfect teeth.

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS, keeps his practice on the cutting edge – whether for cleaning, whitening, painless procedure in teeth reshaping (a painless procedure), dental implants or porcelain veneers – his careful research places the benefits of the latest technology and an artistic skill at the beck and call of his clients.

Teeth are easily discolored by coffee, cigarettes, wine and even medications. Discolored teeth can make a person hide their smile or make them appear older than their actual years. Teeth can be rapidly and effectively lightened using non-toxic composites and laser tooth whitening technology. Dr. Maddahi uses Zoom! whitening technology.  This gel process uses hydrogen peroxide and an activator, which together act to significantly whiten teeth. An in-office procedure is required as both the upper and lower teeth are whitened in a few hours. 

The effect of an unsightly smile, grey or yellowed teeth or the look of unhandled crooked teeth can be profound. First impressions are most often made with a smile.

Porcelain veneers enable teeth to be rapidly and effectively improved, whereas orthodontics can take years for full results and dentures have limitations. By enhancing the existing shape and color of your teeth, porcelain veneers can mean a desirable smile now.

Listen up while our Beverly Hills dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, answers your most asked questions about dental hygiene and dental health. If you have more questions, just send them to us at info@drmaddahi.com.

Why are teeth sensitive, even if no decay exists?  “Sometimes the top layer of a tooth, the enamel, has been lessened or lost.  Being the protective layer of the teeth, if it is missing it allows heat, cold, acidic or sticky foods to stimulate the nerves and cells inside the tooth, causing hypersensitivity and some discomfort. Receding gums can also be a cause of sensitivity.” 

Is it true that an electric toothbrush is more effective?  “An electric toothbrush has not been proven to clean better than a regular toothbrush. It may help those who have trouble brushing their teeth. Also, it is important to remember to replace your toothbrush every two to three months. And if you have a cold, you should switch it out once you are well.”

How often should I visit the dentist to have my teeth checked?  “Every six months is the typical interval to visit your dentist. But, if you have especially decay susceptible teeth, you might be asked to come three times a year. You should not only get a checkup but also get your teeth cleaned. I suggest a very vigilante attitude toward dental health due to teeth being so closely related to your physical condition and overall well-being.”

Why do I still need to come to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned if I brush my teeth three times a day? 
“Actually, a cleaning does more than your daily brushings do. Regular dental cleanings (along with brushing twice daily and flossing) are the main factors to prevent gum disease. Periodontal treatment deals with the health and care of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth.  Periodontal disease occurs when the tissue that house the root of the teeth are inflamed by bacteria. The treatment for this is regular dental cleaning and, in more severe cases, full tooth scaling (scraping bacterial plaque and calculus from the tooth).  We also use state-of-the-art ultrasonic scaling equipment which is more thorough and less invasive than scraping; however it is not as comfortable a procedure for those patients with sensitivity issues.  Usually scraping is not needed if regular teeth cleaning has been done.”

What is the cause of bad breath?  “Usually the cause of halitosis is bacteria.  Feeding on leftovers and dead cells, anaerobic bacteria (those living and growing in the absence of free oxygen) cause bad breath. These harmful microorganisms attack the gums and teeth, producing a foul smell commonly understood to be halitosis.”

Halitosis can be resolved with proper hygiene and careful attention paid to the teeth and gums. About 90% of bad breath is caused by improper oral hygiene.  This includes tooth brushing, but also can include lack of proper flossing, dental hygienist visits, and failure to clean one’s tongue.

Odorous bacteria can be found on the teeth, on the tongue and between the teeth.  Even the state-of-the-art toothbrushes cannot reach in between the teeth.  Therefore, the use of dental floss is stressed in proper dental hygiene.  There are numerous new utensils to assist with flossing and to make it a simple task.  Brushing the tongue is also suggested and this can be done with a brush as part of daily tooth brushing or using one of many special implements for cleaning the tongue that are available today.

Periodontal treatment is perhaps the most overlooked cause of this problem.  Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, Beverly Hills dentist, says, “Periodontal treatment deals with the health and care of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth.  Bacteria inflaming the tissue housing the roots of the tooth are known as periodontal disease.  Treatment is in the form of regular dental cleaning and, in less healthy instances, full tooth scaling (scraping bacterial plaque and calculus from the tooth).  State of the art ultrasonic scaling equipment is more thorough and less invasive than scraping; however it is not as comfortable a procedure for those patients with sensitivity issues.  Although scraping is often not needed if regular teeth cleaning has been done.”

Fortunately for You (and Yours) There’s Many Solutions Available! Halitosis has numerous causes but can often be resolved. 

What causes bad breath? Of course, there’s food recently eaten and illness or other physical ailments that cause halitosis.  But about 90% of bad breath is caused by improper oral hygiene.  This includes tooth brushing, but also can include lack of proper flossing, dental hygienist visits, and failure to clean one’s tongue.

Beverly Hills Dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, explains the importance of dental hygiene, “The most common cause of halitosis is bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria (those living and growing in the absence of free oxygen) feed on leftovers and dead cells. The harmful microorganisms attack teeth and gums, producing a typical foul smell.”

He continues, “Brushing two or three times a day is not enough.  Flossing after meals is important and seeing the dental hygienist to remove tarter buildup twice a year is needed.  And don’t forget that dental caries or other decay or infection can also cause bad breath.”

For years people have been using mouthwash to assist with bad breath.  Historically, people would rinse with a tea-like solution made from wormwood, alder or mint.  Also, they found drinking mixtures made from oak bark, St. John’s wort, nettle, chamomile and birch trees, resolved halitosis helped. Many people eat fresh apples which not only freshen breath, but clean off the bacteria on the teeth.  Even strong tea is commonly used to kill bad breath.  Tea has polyphenol, a bactericidal substance that helps neutralize the smell.

Our Beverly Hills dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, explains to us that when teeth are regularly cleaned and checked, dental health is under control. 

Regular dental checkups are necessary in order to maintain good health because decay eats away from the tooth’s surface to the nerve in the heart of the tooth in just a year.  Without regular cleanings and checkups you could be getting an implant instead of a clean bill of health. 

What is a regular checkup?  Dr. Maddahi recommends that kids and adults see the dentist every six months.  This is important in order to get the teeth checked for new decay and to have a regular cleaning.

Decay is the destruction of tooth structure.  Tooth decay comes about when plaque, which is the sticky material that forms on teeth, mixes with sugars and/or starches of food.  Together they form an acid that can eat through the hard outside of the tooth, referred to as enamel. 

This, then, is why it is important to brush teeth at least twice a day and to use floss before bedtime. Decay may also be prevented by eating healthy foods and avoiding high-sugar drinks and snack. If decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, then a root canal may be needed to save the tooth. 

Getting a cleaning from the dental hygienist is recommended twice a year.  There is plaque that is not easily removed with a toothbrush or floss, and the special tools the hygienist uses remove this difficult plaque.  The teeth usually look noticeably cleaner after a visit with the hygienist.   Also, most hygienists will educate you on how to better take care of your teeth. 

Dental health comes under control only when teeth are regularly cleaned and examined and further decay is inhibited with dental work.

That is actually a good question and we’d have to check with a lot of people in order to give you the exact answer to that question. But, our Beverly Hills teeth whitening specialist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has a pretty good idea… 

Teeth are subject to discoloration from coffee, cigarettes, wine as well as certain medications. With the advent of cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening being such a fast, simple and economical procedure, it’s hard NOT to get teeth whitened!

Discolored teeth can create a poor impression for a professional, make a person hide their smile or make someone appear older than their actual years. Using non-toxic compounds for laser tooth whitening technology, the teeth are rapidly and effectively lightened.

Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, suggests Zoom2! whitening technology. This in office procedure takes about an hour and the teeth are lightened immediately.

Tooth Whitening in Beverly Hills 

This is a gel process that uses hydrogen peroxide and an activator together in proportion for your teeth. Both the upper and lower teeth are whitened at the same time and a special bleaching lamp is used to activate the whitening gel and speed up the teeth whitening process.

This only takes about 15 minutes for the activator and light to do its work. Depending on the color of your teeth, the process is repeated usually two more times during your visit.

Often first, a cleaning is done to remove plaque, the film of bacteria and mucus, from the surface of your teeth and if need be, also a soothing wash is applied to neutralize the area and prevent sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks afterwards.

A long-lasting, brighter smile is possible with Zoom! Teeth Whitening System.  It is safe, fast and effective.