The Pittsburgh Dentistry Blog of Dr. Firouzi Babak, D.D.S.

Choosing an Implant Dentist

2010-06-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

A dental implant is a substitute for your tooth root, and an ideal if you are missing a tooth. The implant is a small metal peg that is surgically implanted into your jawbone. A dental restoration such as a dental crown is then attached to the dental implant to provide a strong, realistic alternate to your natural tooth.

An implant dentist will determine if you are the right candidate for a dental implant. It is crucial that you choose an experienced implant dentist, such as Pittsburgh's Dr. Babak Firouzi, to ensure quality work and a successful implant. A failed implant can result in a poor appearance, unhealthy mouth and decreased self esteem.

Characteristics to Look For

When choosing an implant dentist, be sure to select someone who:

Carefully evaluates your overall oral health
Is a highly skilled cosmetic dentist
Listens carefully to your dental goals and takes time to develop your treatment plan
Is devoted to quality care
Has practiced dental implants for at least several years
Provides personalized attention

Dental implants affect your teeth and your overall appearance. Be sure not to select an implant dentist based on the cheapest price. You can not risk your health and well-being with an experienced implant dentist just because it is the most affordable option.

If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, please contact qualified Pittsburgh implant dentist Dr. Babak Firouzi at the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry to arrange a free consultation. We serve patients in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area.

Questions About TMD

2010-05-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

What is TMD and what are the causes?

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is a neuromuscular condition that causes pain and jaw joint dysfunction. This condition is the result of misalignment in your temporomandibular joint, which prevents this joint and the surrounding muscles from relaxing. TMD can be caused by normal wear and tear of your cartilage, arthritis, a dislocated jaw joint (often resulting from trauma), a misaligned bite caused by crooked teeth, and extreme pressure and strain caused by teeth grinding and/or jaw clenching.

What are my treatment options?

Treatment methods depend on the causes and severity, but some include:

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen to treat sore muscles and reduce inflammation in your temporomandibular joint.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): These drugs increase your body's levels of norepinephrine and serotonin (natural painkillers).
Muscle Relaxants: These help loosen your jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
Corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce inflammation around your jaw.
Bite Guards: These special orthotics are worn at night to prevent tooth grinding and jaw clenching.
Corrective Dental Treatment: The placement of restorations such as dental crowns can help lift teeth and better align your bite.
Orthodontics and Invisalign: If your teeth are crooked, moving them permanently into place by their roots can restore a healthy bite and alleviate TMD symptoms.

If you live in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area and are experiencing TMD pain, please contact LVI-trained Pittsburgh neuromuscular dentist Dr. Babak Firouzi at the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Causes of Chipped Teeth

2010-04-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

If you have chipped a tooth, you may have done more than hurt your smile. You may have affected the way you eat or speak. As a result, it is very important that you schedule an appointment with Dr. Firouzi as soon as you can.

Some of the most common causes of chipped teeth include:

Tooth grinding
Accidents and falls
Sporting injuries
Biting into hard candy or ice
Using teeth as tools
Decay
Cavities
Disease

By ignoring chipped teeth, you may face more serious consequences. Your tooth may chip further, causing the tooth to have to be completely replaced. You may also face pain and sensitivity issues due exposure of the nerve of the tooth.
Dr. Firouzi offers several different treatment options for chipped teeth, depending on the severity of the chip. Common treatment options for chipped teeth include:

Enamel sculpting
Dental bonding
Porcelain veneers
Dental crowns

Restoring aesthetics and functionality are two of Dr. Firouzi's main concerns with chipped teeth.

If you or a family member has chipped a tooth in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, please contact experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. Firouzi at the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry for a consultation today.

This blog has moved

2010-04-19T10:34:00.001-07:00

This blog is now located at http://pittsburghdentistry.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://pittsburghdentistry.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Tooth Whitening Cost

2010-04-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

Tooth whitening can brighten your smile, enhance your appearance and increase your self esteem. The cost of tooth whitening procedures varies, depending on the type of treatment you desire.

In-Office Tooth Bleaching

In-office power bleaching is the most powerful and effective tooth whitening. It is the most expensive, costing about $1,500. At the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry, we offer a new type of bleaching: the KoR Whitening Deep Bleaching, developed by Dr. Rob Kurthy. This safe and effective procedure is the only system successful for treating congenital and tetracycline-related tooth discoloration. The KoR Whitening Deep Bleaching is completed in two dental visits, and causes less tooth sensitivity than other in-office bleaching techniques.

At-Home Whitening Options

Dentist-dispensed take-home trays are designed to fit your unique bite and range from $200 to $600. They whiten your teeth an average of four to five shades. Store-bought whitening trays cost between $40 and $80, but are less effective than dentist-dispensed trays as they are one-size-fits-all. Whitening strips can brighten your smile a shade or two, and cost about $25. Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains, and give your smile a brighter, healthier appearance in under $10.

Dental insurance does not typically cover the cost of teeth whitening, as it is considered an elective procedure.

If you want a whiter, brighter smile and you live in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, please contact experienced Pittsburgh cosmetic dentist Dr. Babak Firouzi today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Cosmetic Dentistry Benefits

2010-03-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

The decision to see a cosmetic dentist is not always an easy one to make. Often looked at as a luxury for many people, cosmetic dentistry is something you may not even consider. At Center for Aesthetic Dentistry, we believe that cosmetic dentistry should be available to everyone who wants to improve their smile. With our flexible financing, and devotion to service, we are pleased to be able to bring the benefits of cosmetic dentistry to everyone who wants it.

Cosmetic Dentistry Benefits

Cosmetic dentistry corrects both functional and aesthetic issues with teeth. Having a beautiful smile will restore self-confidence, and allow you to face the world without having to worry about what people are thinking about your teeth.

Additionally, missing, misshapen, gapped, and chipped teeth can provide problems that are often painful, and almost always embarrassing. Functionality can be restored through cosmetic dental procedures that also make your smile more beautiful and radiant.

Common Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry includes aesthetic procedures like:

Functionality and appearance can be improved with procedures such as:

With so many options to restore your smile to its most beautiful and functional, the benefits of cosmetic dentistry cannot be overstated.

If you live in or around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and are interesting in learning more about how cosmetic dentistry can benefit you, please contact experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. Firouzi at the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry to schedule an initial consultation.

Questions to Ask Your Cosmetic Dentist

2010-03-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Cosmetic dentistry can have a profound impact on your life, and like all choices that can positively impact you, you will want to head into your initial consolation with the appropriate questions. At Center for Aesthetic Dentistry, we encourage you to ask as many questions as you need to make yourself comfortable.

Here are some general questions you may wish to ask:

How long have you been practicing cosmetic dentistry?
What schools did you attend to receive your degree?
What procedures would you recommend for me?
How long will the entire process take?
Will my procedure require anesthetic, and if so, what do you use?
Do you offer affordable financing options?

Of course, we encourage you to come equipped with your own questions as well. We're certain you will be pleased with your decision to become a patient of Center for Aesthetic Dentistry, and want to make sure you are comfortable and happy with your decision. Cosmetic dentistry is our passion, and as our customer testimonials suggest, we're good at what we love.

If you live in or around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and are looking for a cosmetic dentist that is professional, courteous, and recommended by his patients, please contact experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. Firouzi today for an initial consultation. We will be happy to answer any questions you have and put you at ease about your decision to join our growing list of satisfied customers.

Dentist Office Tooth Whitening vs. Take Home Kits

2010-03-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

Years of drinking red wine, dark colas and coffee can leave your teeth looking dark or yellow. Tooth whitening can brighten your mouth, enhance the aesthetics of your smile, and increase your overall self-confidence. There are two primary methods available for tooth whitening through your dentist: in-office power bleaching and custom-designed take home kits.

In-Office Power Bleaching

The most powerful, effective method for whitening your teeth is in-office power bleaching. This method utilizes a concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel that is activated with a light source, and can whiten your teeth by 16 shades. After the in-office treatment, you will be given touch-up trays to use at home to keep your smile bright and dazzling.

At the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry, we offer the Dr. Rod Kurth's Deep Bleaching system, a highly effective procedure that provides permanent, predictable results every time with little or no tooth sensitivity.

Customized Take-Home Kits

If you are looking for a more affordable tooth-whitening option for one-third of the price, customized take-home trays may be right for you. The trays are created in a dental laboratory using impressions of your teeth, and can brighten your smile about five shades.

The primary difference between these two options is the strength of the peroxide and the cost of treatment. In-office power bleaching provides immediate, permanent results (with touch-ups needed every few months), costing between $750 and $1,500. Customized take-home trays cost between $200 and $600, with results lasting several months.

If you live in the Pittsburgh area and want to brighten your smile, please contact highly trained Pittsburgh cosmetic dentist Dr. Babak Firouzi at the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry to arrange a complimentary consultation.

How to Choose a Dentist

2010-02-04T10:43:00.000-08:00

Choosing the right dentist is an important decision, not only to your oral health, but your overall well-being. If you have excessive bacteria in your mouth, you can breathe it into your lungs, which can lead to respiratory diseases like pneumonia. Studies also reveal that people with gum disease are two times more likely to develop coronary artery disease and are at a higher risk of stroke and heart attack. Dr. Babak Firouzi is a highly talented and experienced cosmetic, general and neuromuscular dentist serving the Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania.

How to Search

When looking for the right dentist for you and your family, start your search by talking to friends and relatives to gather recommendations. Once you have a list, research each qualified Pittsburgh dentist to read about their credentials, training and what organizations they belong to. Also look at before and after photos to make sure that your dental goals coincide with the dentist's work.

What to Look For

During your initial consultation, look to see if your prospective dentist:

Listens to your dental goals and develops a treatment unique to you
Fully discloses any and all costs associated with your procedure
Is friendly and thorough
Will provide you with patients (current or past) who you can talk to about their experiences
Is someone you feel comfortable with

If you are looking for a skilled dentist, please contact LVI-trained Pittsburgh dentist Dr. Babak Firouzi at the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry today to schedule your free consultation. We serve patients in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area.

Cost of Porcelain Veneers

2010-01-08T09:16:00.000-08:00

Can you afford to get that perfect smile? Believe it or not, you can. With the available financing plans offered by Pittsburgh cosmetic dentist Dr. Babak Firouzi, you will find that cosmetic dentistry fits within your budget.

Financing Cosmetic Dentistry

It used to be that only the rich and famous could afford cosmetic dentistry procedures. Now, there are several options that make cosmetic dentistry affordable for everyone. These include:

Dental Insurance - While most cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as porcelain veneers, are not covered by insurance, there may be some that are determined necessary for health reasons.
CareCredit - CareCredit is credit designed specifically for surgeries not covered by medical or dental insurance. CareCredit offers many payment plans including the three month, no interest payback plan.
American Benefit Finance - ABF is a loan provider offering loans of up to $100,000 for cosmetic surgery including cosmetic dentistry procedures. The payment plans offer interest rates for as low as 1.25% for qualified borrowers.
Credit Card – Dr. Firouzi accepts all major credit cards. While credit card interest rates tend to be high, occasionally, there are good reasons to pay for your cosmetic dentistry procedure using a major credit card including low interest rates and cash back rewards.

If you live in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area and want more information on financing cosmetic dentistry procedures such as porcelain veneers, please contact the Pittsburgh cosmetic dentistry office of Dr. Babak Firouzi at the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry today.

Why Dental Implants?

2009-12-08T08:48:00.000-08:00

Dental implants are actually replacements for the roots of your teeth. These artificial replacements are made to attach to your jaw bone for strength, and they are made to match the color of your natural teeth for appearance.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Unlike dentures, many people find that dental implants are actually better than their original teeth. Here's why:

Dental implants look like your teeth.
In the past, dentures would slip out of patients' mouths. With dental implants, there is no fear that the implant will slip out of your mouth since it is fastened to your jaw.
Dental implants feel just like all the other teeth in your mouth.
Dental implants never leave your mouth. They work like real teeth and can chew just as well.
You can brush and floss a dental implant just like regular teeth.
As long as you maintain proper oral care, you will never need to replace your dental implants.
Dentures have to be removed often and need to be attached to your mouth using expensive adhesives. Dental implants are not removed.

If you live in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, have lost a tooth or teeth, and want more information on dental implants, please contact the Pittsburgh cosmetic dentistry office of the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry today to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Babak Firouzi.

Don't let your little athlete knock a tooth out!

2009-11-24T09:25:00.000-08:00

Did you know that about 5 million teeth are knocked out each year in the United States alone? Sports can be dangerous without the proper protection. Custom made sports mouthguards fit well, protect well, and can be worn for any sport, including soccer, baseball and basketball. Mouthguards found in the store just don’t very well. Wearing these, how can you breathe while running during soccer or basketball? You can’t.

Protection during sporting events is of special interest to Dr. Firouzi. This is why he provides these mouthguards to all the athletes in his practice. Don’t take a chance with your child’s teeth. We’re anxious to help. Contact our Pittsburgh dental office today

Porcelain Inlays and Onlays

2009-11-10T09:47:00.000-08:00

Porcelain inlays and onlays are similar to typical dental fillings. In the past, when a cavity was removed, the tooth was filled with amalgam or another metallic substance. This filling was visible and unsightly, often making people cover up their teeth and feel insecure about their smiles.

Now with porcelain inlays and onlays, no one will ever know your teeth have been treated. Some of the advantages of onlays and inlays include:

Inlays and onlays preserve as much of your original tooth as possible.
Inlays and onlays are made out of porcelain and designed to blend in with your teeth. No one looking at your teeth would ever know that they have been treated.
Unlike fillings, porcelain inlays and onlays are stain resistant.
Because the onlays and inlays are fitted perfectly onto your teeth, there is no difference cleaning a treated tooth than you would a normal tooth.
Porcelain is a very sturdy material. Due to the perfect fitting of an onlay or inlay, a damaged tooth actually becomes reinforced and strengthened.

If you live in the Pittsburgh area and want more information on porcelain inlays or onlays, please contact the Pittsburgh cosmetic dentistry office of Dr. Babak Firouzi at the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

The Invisalign Process

2009-10-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

Have you wanted that perfect smile, but neglected to get your teeth straightened due to a reluctance to wear braces? Now, there is an option for adults who want a perfect smile without the social issues that come with having braces. With an Invisalign treatment, you can have the smile of your dreams.

Invisalign Process

Invisalign is a series of teeth aligners that are clear and removable. Each aligner is custom designed to fit the unique aspects of your mouth. Every two weeks, you get a new aligner with slightly different calculations. Over a year's time, the different aligners gradually shift your teeth until you have a perfect smile.

Benefits of Invisalign

There are many benefits to Invisalign, both for oral health and cosmetic purposes. Some of the benefits include:

You will begin to have an improved smile in a short amount of time
Each aligner is custom made to meet the specific needs of your mouth
Smooth edged aligners offer greater comfort
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, so no one will know you are wearing them
Aligner is removable, enabling you to eat whatever food you want

If you live in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area and want more information on Invisalign, please contact experienced Pittsburgh cosmetic dentist Dr. Babak Firouzi at the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry today to schedule a complimentary consultation appointment.

Deep Teeth Bleaching

2009-10-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Firouzi has provided tooth whitening for some time now, but like many dentist and patients, he’s been frustrated that many patients do not achieve the results they want. After significant research, he has now discovered the most effective tooth whitening technique. You may have seen the Mount Lebanon magazine article written by Dr. Firouzi about this.

If you’ve been disappointed with results in the past, or if you’ve been waiting for the right technique to come along contact cosmetic dentist Dr. Firouzi and schedule a consultation.

How Can Cosmetic Dentitry Improve Your Smile?

2009-10-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons to want a beautiful smile. Maybe you want to be more attractive to others. Maybe you understand a great smile will give you much more credibility in your business meetings. Or maybe you simply don’t like what you see when you smile into the mirror.

You may not know that cosmetic dentists like Dr. Firouzi can provide you with a breathtaking smile that is virtually indistinguishable from ‘the real thing’. With the newest porcelain available, creating a smile that others see as simply a ‘great smile’ (instead of looking like ‘false teeth or ‘caps’) is only a couple dental visits away.

Come see for yourself what cosmetic dentist Dr. Firouzi can do for your smile. Our staff will be happy to show you photos of patients. If your smile bothers you, take care of it now. It will be one of the best investment of your life!

If you live in the Pittsburgh area, contact our office today to learn what out cosmetc dentist can do for you.

Care of Porcelain Veneers

2009-09-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

The average set of porcelain veneers lasts from five to ten years. By following these easy care procedures, you can expand the life of your veneers to beyond ten years:

Treat your porcelain veneer just like any other tooth - Brush and floss regularly.
Take extra care of your gums - If your gum line recedes, the porcelain veneer may become visible and ruin your perfect smile.
Protect your veneer from sharp impacts and heavy forces - Porcelain veneers can be damaged from biting or chewing hard objects.
Protect your porcelain veneer when playing sports - It is always a good idea to have mouth protection when playing sports where injury to your teeth could occur.
Do not clench or grind your teeth - Clenching and grinding your teeth is a common way to chip or break porcelain veneers.
Avoid staining liquids - While porcelain veneers are stain resistant, the cement used to bond the veneer to your tooth can stain. This may cause your tooth to have a stain around the edge of the veneer.

Maintaining proper care of your porcelain veneers is relatively easy and will ensure that you get the most from your investment.

If you live in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area and want more information on porcelain veneers, please contact experienced Pittsburgh cosmetic dentist Dr. Babak Firouzi at the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry today to schedule a complimentary consultation appointment.

Do you have Sleep Apnea?

2009-09-15T14:13:00.000-07:00

Is snoring a problem in your house? Millions of Americans snore. And their partners dread every single night of it. Did you hear Dr. Firouzi’s interview on the radio on this as well? Do you know that snoring and sleep apnea are associated with high blood pressure, risk of heart attack and stroke, diabetes, depression, daytime sleepiness/fatigue? You could consider throat surgery, but it’s not something that many want.

Pittsburgh Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Firouzi fabricates an oral appliance that can be worn comfortably during sleep that holds the jaw in a certain position and prevents snoring in most cases. It’s safe, AND it can save you life!

If you think you may have sleep apnea and live in the Pittsburgh Penssylvania area, contact our office today.

Preventing Gum Disease

2009-09-13T14:07:00.000-07:00

Do you want to prevent ever getting Gum Disease? We can show you how with new techniques in gum disease prevention. Have you been told you need gum surgery? Maybe you don’t. There are now advancements in the non-surgical treatment of gum disease, with the use of our soft tissue laser, that often enable us to treat cases easily and comfortably with non-surgical treatment that would otherwise require gum surgery. Dr. Firouzi was interviewed about this topic on the radio. And if you truly do have advanced gum disease that absolutely needs surgery, we now have a new miraculous treatment that minimizes the surgical treatment and greatly enhances the re-growth of bone around the teeth – absolutely amazing!

By the way, do you suffer from frequent canker sores and cold sores? We know how annoying these can be, we have technology that can help. Our LASER can effectively treat canker sores and cold sores. It can take the pain away from canker sores instantly, and the LASER kills the viruses that cause cold sores, allowing rapid healing so that you don’t have to hide your embarrassment for the next two weeks.

Dr. Firouzi treats patients in the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania area; contact our dentist office today for your consultation.

Can your Headaches and Migraines be treated by a Dentist Visit?

2009-09-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

You may have seen Pittsburgh dentist, Dr. Firouzi discuss this on TV lately. Headaches are generally classified into several basic types: Sinus, Cluster, Tension and Migraine. While headaches are typically treated by your physician, improper occlusion (your bite) may play a significant role in certain types of headaches as well as other head and neck pain. One type of headache, tension headache is by far the most common. If you only experience this type of headache occasionally, they are often controlled with over-the-counter pain medication, however, if they occur with some regularity or have persisted for a long period of time, we might be able to help. The problem may be able to be treated with neuromuscular dentistry.

If the indications are that your bite is a major factor in your development of headaches, Dr. Firouzi may recommend provisional or interim treatment. This involves fabrication of a custom made orthotic (a plastic appliance that is worn over your teeth) to adjust your bite to correct relationship. After having worn the appliance for some time, both you and Dr. Firouzi will know for sure if the new bite has resolved the headaches. If it has, you will have several options open to you for long term treatment.

To learn more about TMD and TMJ, contact out neuromuscular dentist in Pittsburgh today

Laser Cavity Detection

2009-09-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gone to the dentist and had him find a cavity that he didn’t see just six months before, yet when the filling was placed it was very large? Have you wondered why the filling was so large when the cavity wasn’t even present just six months before? The fact is that the cavity was there for quite some time. The dentist just couldn’t see it, and the cavity wasn’t big enough to show on the x-rays. By the time the dentist knew it was there, the cavity was already large.

The greatest technology advance in dental diagnosis since the x-ray, the Laser Scanner can detect new cavities years before any other means of cavity detection. You may have heard cosmetic and general dentist Dr. Firouzi interviewed on the radio about the Laser Scanner. The Laser Scanner shines a harmless laser beam into the tooth. If tooth decay is present, even in very small amounts, it will be reflected back at the sensor in the laser. The laser will alert the doctor to the presence of a cavity, and also provide an indication of how much tooth decay is present.

The Result? Small cavities are found.

If you live in the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania area, make an appointment with our dentists today.

Dental Office That Treats Children

2009-09-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

Pittsburgh Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Firouzi has always enjoyed treating the younger set. It is his goal to actually make dental visits fun for kids. Out little patients typically love to see us (and love the toys and LARGE helium balloons they leave with). Dr. Firouzi is, himself, a dental phobic. As a child he had a tremendous fear of the dentist. Because of this, it is his goal that NO CHILD should EVER develop such a fear that would carry over into adulthood.

We also provide our little athlete patients with custom-made professional mouthguards, free of charge, which fit so well that you can wear them comfortably during any sports. Don’t take a chance with your child’s teeth. We are anxious to help.

If you live in the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania area and would like to learn more about our office, contact us for a consultation today.

Do You Worry About the Cleanliness of Your Dental Office?

2009-09-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

In today’s world, with all the new viruses and bacteria, we need to be concerned about the health of our family when we visit the dentist. Dr. Firouzi has long been an advocate of proper dental office sterilization and cleanliness. You may have seen him interviewed on the television and radio about this. If you are already a patient of ours, you’ve seen our diligence in protecting you.

You’ve seen all the disposables we use. You’ve seen all the instruments and drills come out of the sterilized bags. But did you know that we also go to the extent of having a dental university routinely monitor our sterilizing equipment to ensure your safety? How about the water bottles you see next to our dental chairs? Do you know what they’re for? There is a new concern about the safety of dental unit water lines (did you see the 20/20 television program where Barbara Walters presented “Dentistry’s Dirty Little Secret”?) Those very tiny water lines that lead to the dental drills and dental water spray have been found to breed bacteria over weeks, months, and years.

Our cosmetic dentist office has installed a water line disinfection system. This system uses two bottles – one for water, and the other for disinfectant. It allows us to disinfect the dental water lines each and every night, all night long! This prevents harmful bacteria from colonizing in these lines. You’ve probably heard on the TV news that there is a danger of ‘back wash’ from the suction tube that is placed in your mouth at the dentist. That’s why we have installed special valves on our system that makes it IMPOSSIBLE for contaminated fluids to splash back into your mouth.

As you can see, Dr. Firouzi and his staff go to great lengths to be certain your visit to our office is not only enjoyable, but also SAFE!

If you live in the Pittsburgh area and have more questions please contact our Cosmetic Dentist office today.

Questions about Dental Crowns

2009-08-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

A dental crown is used to cover a damaged tooth and restore the tooth's strength and durability. Dental crowns cover the entire portion of the tooth visible above the gum line.

Why would I need a dental crown?

There are many reasons why Pittsburgh cosmetic dentist Dr. Babak Firouzi would recommend a dental crown, including:

Cracked teeth
Fractured teeth
An anchor is needed for a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth
To cover a tooth that has had a root canal
Fragile teeth
Cosmetic purposes

Is it painful to get a dental crown?

Getting a dental crown is a relatively painless procedure. Dr. Firouzi uses a local anesthetic to numb the areas of the mouth being treated.

What are the different types of dental crowns?

There are three different types of dental crowns. They are:

Gold Crown - This is the strongest of all the crowns, but it is also the most visible.
Porcelain Crown - This is the weakest of all the crowns, but it is the most aesthetically pleasing.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crown - This crown is a hybrid mix of the gold and porcelain crown. It provides the strength of a gold crown with the looks of a porcelain crown.

If you are in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area and want more information on dental crowns, please contact the Pittsburgh cosmetic dentistry office of Dr. Babak Firouzi at the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry today for a complimentary consultation appointment.

Dental Crown Options

2009-08-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

As you age, your teeth begin to wear down. You may notice that some of your teeth actually become decayed, cracked, or chipped. To treat a damaged tooth, Pittsburgh cosmetic dentist Dr. Babak Firouzi may recommend a dental crown. You will have three different types of dental crowns to choose from.

Gold Crowns

Gold crowns are the most common types of dental crowns. Some of the reasons to choose gold crowns include:

• Strength
• Durability
• Fit
• Comfort

Porcelain Crowns

Although gold crowns are sturdy, they are the most noticeable of all crowns. If you are looking for a beautiful smile, you may want to go with a porcelain dental crown. Porcelain dental crowns are made to look like normal teeth.

Porcelain crowns are weaker than gold crowns. While they are good choices for front teeth, they often do not have the strength needed for the biting and chewing of back teeth.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Dental Crowns

An excellent choice for a dental crown that is very strong but looks like a normal tooth is the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. It involves having a gold crown attached to your tooth and then a porcelain cover applied to the top of the crown. This crown can be used in both front and back teeth, and the crown is virtually invisible.

If you are in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area and want more information on dental crowns, please contact the Pittsburgh cosmetic dentistry office of Dr. Babak Firouzi at the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry for a complimentary consultation appointment.