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.

Your car or SUV's an investment, one that drives your livelihood and your life, transporting you safely to work in Beverly Hills, your children to school in Santa Monica and your family on everything from errands around Los Angeles to vacations across the country. But it can't do what it does without basic maintenance. When a tire gets a hole, you patch it. If it's flat, you fill it. When one's old and bare, you change it. Tires are essential. So are teeth.

Your teeth take care of you, allowing you to properly and painlessly eat the food that fuels the body. But, do you take care of your teeth? 73% of women and 66% of men see a dentist at least once a year for basic maintenance. But, what about a lost tooth? Should you do something about it? Millions of American adults think so.

For information on dental implants in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills or Santa Monica as a replacement for any number of missing teeth, contact dental implant specialist, Dr. Azar-Mehr. Professor of Clinical Dentistry at USC.

Dental Implants - Necessary or Narcissistic?

More and more Americans are opting for dental implants. In fact, according to "Benefits and Behavior: Spotlight on Dental" - a recently released study conducted by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian) - 70% of women and 61% of men see tooth replacement as a medical necessity. And, 5 out of 5 dentists agree, viewing dental implants as a standard of care for tooth loss due to periodontal disease, injury, accident or tooth decay.

Developed over three decades ago in Sweden, a dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that will never decay. Compared with a real tooth, dental implants feel real, look better and last longer. Implant Fixtures are made from a titanium alloy, and they support dental restorations which are matched to your natural teeth in terms of size, shape, color and contour. And, because Implant fixtures fuse to the jaw bone, they're secure and long lasting, just like healthy teeth.

Dental implants aren't simply cosmetic and you aren't narcissistic for considering them. In fact, the same Guardian study found that 89% of Americans see the connections between overall health and dental hygiene. The failure to do something about gaps due to tooth loss can indeed be hazardous to your health. And, besides, looking good results in feeling better while doing nothing results in risks to your dental health.

Health Risks of Tooth Loss

At one time, you had 32 permanent teeth. Over time, though, due to injury, infection, accident or neglect, they've proven to be not so permanent. The results? For now, nothing, maybe. Possibly, though, you're experiencing a little pain, some difficulty eating, an annoying speech problem or embarrassing bad breath. Hopefully, that's all, because there are health risks associated with the failure to replace a lost tooth:

• Bone loss and the appearance of early aging: lacking the stimulation provided by a healthy tooth, bone loss can occur in the jaw and facial muscles can sag, altering the look of your face and aging you beyond your years
• Digestive problems: the jaw's biting force can become unevenly distributed, and your ability to effectively chew food can become compromised, leading to digestive issues due to impartially chewed food passing into the body
• Additional tooth loss: as the gums recede, perfectly healthy teeth can fall out
• Ineffective, unattractive teeth: left unsupported, previously healthy teeth can shift and tip

Dental implants are not for everyone as you must be in good general health, possess healthy gums and have enough bone in the jaw to safely support anchors. Additionally, you must be dedicated to basic maintenance - brushing and flossing - and continue to maintain regularly scheduled cleanings and check-ups. Type II diabetes and smoking can slow the healing process and reduce long term success.

Millions of adults have lost teeth. More and more men and women are doing something about it with dental implants, and in the process, are not only taking care of their teeth, but of their overall health. Smile. It's okay. It's not vain. It shows confidence and it's good for you. And, yes, it's essential.

If you would like to learn more about dental implants in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and Santa Monica, contact Dr. Azar-Mehr Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule a consultation, or call 310-443-3030.

Finding a dentist in Los Angeles doesn't seem like a difficult undertaking, until you actually sit down to look for a dentist in Los Angeles. Then the challenge may become overwhelming. There are so many choices. If you're searching online and you've entered search criteria like "dentist search Los Angeles," you'll get millions of results that will include all of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Hollywood and many other enclaves. You want to find a dentist you can trust, who will do a good thorough job at keeping your mouth healthy and clean. You want someone you can talk to, someone who will answer your questions and give you reliable advice. So what should you look for when you're trying to find a dentist in Hollywood or Los Angeles?

If you are searching online, websites for dentists in Beverly Hills, Hollywood and Los Angeles can be great sources of information and a good introduction to the practice. But don't let a pretty website be your sole reason for choosing a dentist. If you start online with a dentist search in Hollywood, make a list of the dentists you would like to meet, and call for a consultation appointment. This initial appointment will allow you to meet the dentist and the staff, see the offices, find out about fees and insurance coverage, and ask questions.

When making your list of dentists to call from your initial Los Angeles, Hollywood or Beverly Hills dentist search online, make sure the website lists the medical degree the dentist received and look for board affiliations. There is no medical difference between a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or a DMD (Doctor of Medical Dentistry) degree, but make sure that one or the other is listed on the website. Seven out of ten dentists are members of the American Dental Association, and if you find a dentist who is a member, you can be pretty sure that the dentist adheres to the strict medical and ethical requirements of board certification. There are other board certifications for different states and dental specialties. Board certification is an endorsement from the organization, but it is not a guarantee. Be sure to ask your potential dentist any questions you may have about the techniques they use and their special skills.

When trying to find a dentist in Los Angeles, there are some differentiators you can look for. When you find dentists who teach at USC and UCLA dental schools, you'll know you have found professionals who are exceptionally capable and well trained. The dentists who teach at reputable dental schools have to keep up with current innovations and advances in dental science and technology, and most of these dentists will list their teaching affiliations on their websites. University Professors function in different capacities, and it is important to understand their different functions. Instructors are entry level teachers who are supervised by a senior faculty member. Assistant Professors are junior faculty members who perform research, learn new technology and write papers for dental journals. Associate Professors are senior faculty members with considerable clinical experience who publish scientific papers in dental journals. Professors are senior faculty members with vast clinical and research experience with many published papers in dental journals. Finding a dentist who is a faculty member does not guarantee that you will find a great dentist, but it will increase your chances of finding a dentist with superior skills and knowledge.

A dentist search in Los Angeles will include many dentists who practice general dentistry or who specialize in specific procedures. The website should list all of their specialties and services. If there is a photo gallery of before and after photos, be sure to look at the dentist's work, but know that some procedures can't be seen or evaluated from a picture. Write down any questions you have about the procedures and services and bring those questions with you for your consultation.

If experience and training are important to you, when you do your dentist search in Hollywood or other areas, look for the dentist's biography on their website. Some websites have a section called "Meet the Doctor" or "About Dr. X." The dentist should list the kind of training they received, the institution where they received their training, and the amount of experience they have performing specific procedures. You should ask about the dentist's training and experience during your consultation for the procedures you want to receive.

With so much new technology in the dental field, you will want to find out about the techniques your dentist uses for the procedures they perform. Specifically, you may want to ask the prospective dentist about pain management techniques. Many dentists have specialize in reducing pain and anxiety for their patients so going to the dentist doesn't have to be scary or stressful.

Some basic criteria you may want to consider when engaging in a dentist search in Los Angeles:

• Can you get an appointment when you need one?
• How convenient is the office location from your home or office?
• Does the dentist have a reasonable policy for handling emergencies?
• Does the dentist clearly explain the fees they charge and the insurance coverage they accept before rendering services?

Finally, when you visit the dentist's office, make sure it is clean, that machinery is in good working order, and that the instruments are sterile for each use.

A good relationship with a great dentist can last a lifetime, so taking these extra steps to find the right dentist for you will be worth the investment of time and energy in the long run.

Mouthwash, breath mints and gum are the common agents we think of when we want to fight bad breath. We tend not to think of technology. But one Southern California dentist is using advanced technology to identify levels of odor causing bacteria in the mouth, which helps determine the cause and subsequent treatment of bad breath.

In his private practice, Dr. Parviz Azar-Mehr (http://www.azarmehr.com), Clinical Professor at USC School of Dentistry, uses the Halimeter® to scientifically detect the levels of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) caused by bacterial growth. Measuring VSC accurately and properly is vital for effective diagnosis and treatment of bad breath.

Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, not associated with smoking or eating certain foods, is almost always a symptom of dental problems, most commonly gum disease. In rare cases, halitosis can be a symptom of more serious general health problems like a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, and even liver or kidney problems, according to the American Dental Association.

Mouthwash won't cure gum disease or liver problems. So if you can't tell what's causing the odor by the smell, getting an accurate VSC reading from the Halimeter® may be the better way to fight halitosis.

Parviz Azar-Mehr MDM, is a Prosthodontist and Professor of Clinical Dentistry at the University of Southern California. Dr. Azar-Mehr is a dental specialist with post doctoral training from London University, New York University and the University of Michigan. Dr. Azar-Mehr has taught dentistry for over 25 years.