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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

• Tooth whitening
• Porcelain veneers
• Gum recountouring

Functionality and appearance can be improved with procedures such as:

• Porcelain inlays and onlays
• Dental implants
• Invisalign

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.

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.