Support Your Oral Health With Our Los Angeles County Dentist
At the dental office of Dr. Sam A. Lavi, our dentist provides expert preventive dentistry services to patients in Santa Monica, Vernon, and West Hollywood, CA.
To maintain good oral hygiene, you should be visiting our office at least twice a year for your regular checkups. At our Studio City and Los Angeles practices, we always put your comfort and health first.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry treatments protect your oral health from complications that pose a threat to the health of your teeth and gums. This includes cleanings and screenings to ensure everything is as it should be. Dr. Lavi performs every treatment with the utmost care so you won’t need to undergo any costly or complex procedures.
Our Preventive Dentistry Services
Dental Exams & Cleanings
Regular dental exams and cleanings prevent the majority of dental problems that require you to visit the dentist in the first place. Brushing and flossing alone aren’t enough to combat harmful bacteria, which is why routine dental visits are crucial. Dental exams allow Dr. Lavi to detect, diagnose, and treat underlying issues that may cause further complications.
Patients should visit our dentist in Studio City for a checkup at least once every six months. However, patients with a higher risk of bacterial infection may need to visit our office every three or four months.
Oral Cancer Screenings
During your oral exam, Dr. Lavi will examine your oral cavity and check for any abnormalities. Our team works to identify any potential symptoms or signs of oral cancer at its earliest stage so we can help treat it.
The oral cancer screening process is quick and easy with Dr. Lavi. He will first look in the inside of your mouth for red or white patches or mouth sores. Next, he’ll feel the tissues in your mouth to check for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as examine your throat and neck.
Deep Cleaning for Gum Disease
It’s crucial to receive frequent teeth cleanings so you can prevent gum disease and other dental issues like cavities. At its earliest stage, known as gingivitis, gum disease and its effects can be easily reversed by a dental professional.
Our hygienists will clean beneath the gum line to remove excess plaque and tartar and restore your oral health. If you avoid the dentist, periodontal disease can progress to severe stages, which can lead to tooth loss and other health complications.
Cavities & Root Canal Therapy
Cavities are a common dental complication our dentist looks for during exams. Dental cavities are decayed areas on your teeth that develop into tiny holes. Luckily, treatment for cavities is simple at our Studio City dentist’s office.
Dental fillings or crowns help restore the health and appearance of your tooth and are preferred cavity treatments. If a cavity reaches your tooth root, Dr. Lavi may recommend root canal therapy to clean the infection in the pulp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Along with visiting our Los Angeles County dental office for regular dental cleanings, you can maintain good oral health by:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time
- Flossing and rinsing your with mouthwash at the end of your hygiene routine
- Following a well-balanced diet
- Limit tobacco and alcohol use
- Drink fluoridated water and use dental products with fluoride
Gum disease can be cured at its earliest stage, known as gingivitis. During this stage, your gums may be red, swollen, and bleed easily. If left to progress to more severe stages, such as periodontitis, the infection may be harder to reverse. This stage of periodontal disease can put you at risk for tooth loss, heart disease, and certain cancers.
At your hygiene appointment, our team can use scaling and root planing techniques to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth that are causing gum disease. If you suspect you have gum disease, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lavi.
Oral cancer appears as a sore inside the mouth and can be caused by a variety of causes. Risk factors of oral cancer include:
- Tobacco use
- Heavy alcohol use
- Excessive sun exposure to your lips
- Infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV)
During your hygiene appointments, we will also perform an oral screening exam to check for any abnormalities. If he detects any signs of mouth cancer, Dr. Lavi may recommend surgery or radiation therapy.
