If you have silver fillings that are over 15 years old, you probably have serious tooth damage or severe, undetectable decay. There is little doubt that these fillings should be replaced with either crowns or tooth-colored fillings. If you have silver (mercury) fillings which are less than 15 years old, you will probably need to get them replaced by the time they turn 15. If they are diagnosed to be defective by a clinical and radiographic examination, you would be wise to replace them before any further decay or damage is done to your teeth.

Dr. Parviz Azar-Mehr, a Prosthodonist and Professor of Clinical Dentistry at the University of Southern California, explains why these silver or mercury amalgam fillings can be detrimental. "Amalgam is metal, therefore it is radio opaque (X-Rays cannot go through it). Consequently if there is decay under the amalgam filling, it may not show on the X-Ray."

That can lead to problems that are even worse than the original cavity the amalgam was meant to treat. Amalgam tends to cause cracks in the tooth structure around the metal filling. If the cracks begin to break, a root canal or extraction will be necessary.

For many decades, amalgam fillings offered excellent restorative qualities compared to the only alternative, which was extraction. Now, dentists like Dr. Azar-Mehr can use tooth-colored fillings. These are more beneficial because they are bonded onto your teeth, and they are more esthetically pleasing because your smile will be all white and no one will know you have ever had a cavity.

Dr. Azar-Mehr is a dental specialist with postdoctoral training from London University, New York University and the University of Michigan. Dr. Azar-Mehr has taught dentistry for over 25 years. Presently, Dr. Azar-Mehr teaches in the advanced Prosthodontics at USC School of Dentistry and his private practice is in Los Angeles, California.

General Dentistry

The doctors Azar-Mehr each have over 20 years of experience in practicing and teaching dentistry. Both of our Los Angeles dentists offer general dental care for patients of all ages. General dentistry includes the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to your oral health needs.

• Dental exams
• Routine and deep teeth cleaning
• Amalgam and composite fillings
• Sealants
• TMD/TMJ therapy
• Pediatric dentistry
• Home dental care instruction
• Mouthguards

For more information on our general dentistry services, or to make an appointment, please call 310-443-3030.

Restorative Dentistry & Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics is the advanced branch of dentistry that deals with the replacement of missing teeth and related mouth or jaw structures by bridges, dentures, or other artificial devices. Choose one of the links below to learn more about our Los Angeles prosthodontic services:

• Crowns and bridges
• Dentures and partial dentures
• Dental implants

Dr. Parviz Azar-Mehr is a prosthodontist with over 20 years experience in practicing and teaching prosthodontics. Currently, he is Professor of Clinical Dentistry in the Department of Post-Doctoral Education, Advanced Prosthodontics, of the School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California ("USC"). His advanced training and clinical experience make him exceptionally qualified for not just tooth replacement, but also general dentistry, restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic Dentistry

If you are not born with beautiful teeth, you have a choice to change your smile. With the miracle of modern cosmetic dentistry we can create the beautiful smile of your dreams. This is what cosmetic dentistry can do for you:

• With Cosmetic dentistry, we can change the color of your teeth.
• With Cosmetic dentistry, we can straighten your crocked teeth.
• With Cosmetic dentistry, we can close the gap between your teeth.
• With Cosmetic dentistry, we can change the shape of your teeth.

In short, with cosmetic dentistry, we can give Los Angeles dental patients a beautiful smile, enhance their self image and help them enjoy looking at the mirror.

With cosmetic computer imaging, you can see the result of the proposed cosmetic procedure on the computer screen before committing yourself to the treatment, and you can have your input in the design of your smile.

If something unfortunate happens to your teeth, it is important to consult Los Angeles dental crown and bridge specialist, Dr. Azar-Mehr, to minimize the impact on your entire mouth. Missing teeth can allow the surrounding teeth to become displaced, and make brushing and flossing more difficult. Cracked or damaged teeth should be fixed to save as much of the tooth as possible, and to ensure that the teeth are easy to clean.

By taking care of dental problems immediately, you minimize the risk of future problems.

• Crowns fix and protect teeth that are so damaged or diseased that they need more support than a simple filling.
• Bridges replace missing teeth and offer support for the surrounding teeth to help retain the integrity of the jaw and face structure.

Dental Crowns

Crowns, also known as caps, restore damaged teeth. A crown covers a tooth and mimics the shape, size and color of the surrounding teeth. Crowns are indicated for cracked teeth and teeth with deep cavities; to protect teeth that have been filled by root-canal treatment; to provide extra support for bridges; and to cover poorly shaped or colored teeth. Crowns may be made of metal, porcelain, or newer restorative materials. They are custom-made and fitted for each patient in conformation with the patient's bite, and the size and length of the natural teeth. Crowns typically last five to eight years, but can last much longer with proper oral hygiene.

Dental Bridges

A bridge stabilizes the bite of a patient who is missing one or more teeth. Bridges prevent the surrounding teeth from moving or shifting in the mouth. A missing tooth that is not replaced may cause surrounding teeth to become unstable and require removal … or make the teeth harder to clean, compromising oral health … or change the shape of a face and diminish the beauty of a smile.

Unlike partial dentures, bridges are permanent; patients cannot remove them.

There are three main kinds of bridges. In a traditional bridge, the pontic ("false tooth") is fused between the two crowns of the abutment teeth on either side. In a Maryland bridge, a metal band (hidden from view) binds the pontic to the abutment teeth. A cantilever bridge is necessary when there is an abutment tooth on only one side of the pontic. Maryland bridges work best when the teeth are front teeth adjoining healthy teeth that do not have large fillings.