Practice News

We are pleased to announce that Modern Smiles is now offering medical aesthetic services that focuses on facial and body rejuvenation with non-invasive procedures such as Dysport, Botox, Dermal fillers (i.e. juvederm, restylane)  and Rejuvapen Micro Needling facials to treat scars, acne scars, lines, wrinkles, and stretch marks, and to improve skin texture and tighten the skin. These services can enhance the appearance of your smile and boost your confidence in a short and painless appointment.

You are cordially invited to Modern Smiles for a talk on medical aesthetics by Dr. Raheleh Sarbaziha (Rahi) on October 25th at 6 pm (6-8 PM). Light refreshments and Hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Dr. Rahi is board certified in Internal Medicine and completed her post graduate training program at the University of Southern California. Dr. Rahi’s philosophy is that health and beauty start from the inside out. She believes that with the combination of lifestyle changes, supplements, Eastern and Western Medicine you can achieve your optimal health. Dr. Rahi’s focus is providing the most noninvasive approach to healthcare with each patient receiving a unique and individualized treatment plan.

Please stop by to learn more on this growing area of medicine and have all your questions/concerns answered! We will also be doing a raffle for a free Rejuvapen facialtreatment and one area of Dysport or Botox cosmetic treatment.

As always, feel free to request your next appointment below or online. We truly value you as a member of our practice. Should you have any questions or concern please call us at (818) 763-9353

Whether your teeth are worn, crowded or discolored due to the natural aging process or years of teeth grinding and clenching, our expert cosmetic dentist at Modern Smiles can design a comprehensive treatment plan for rejuvenating your smile. One of the most common questions we get asked is whether to use Invisalign Clear Aligners or Porcelain Veneers to restore your  beautiful smile.  The answer is not always a clear choice and sometime both treatments are necessary to achieve the ideal result. While Invisalign treatment can correct the positioning of your teeth, alignment and jaw function through a series of clear aligners, they can do  little to correct their size, color or shape. Porcelain veneers on the other hand can correct most imperfections on your teeth by refacing them with a contact lens thin layer of porcelain that look completely life like, however without healthy teeth in proper position the results are not lasting or predictable. Most often, a combination of both treatments can be used to reinforce tooth structure, lengthen the teeth, and create a healthier, more proportionate appearance.

So depending on your smile goals and initial assessment by our American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry trained cosmetic dentist, the best course of action will be outlined and presented to you. The causes of your worn or crowded teeth will play an important role in determining the course of your treatment. It is vital that we identify the underlying cause and forces from an imbalanced bite in order to create an environment that will be suitable for long lasting cosmetic dentistry.

If you are considering cosmetic dentistry with either Porcelain Veneers or Invisalign clear aligners and would like to find out which procedure can better enhance your smile, please contact our office online or by phone 818.763.9353 to schedule a free consultation.

 The American Dental Association (ADA) has published a clinical evidence based research study recommending topical fluoride as a preventive measure for reduction of caries in children, adolescents and adults. An expert panel of dental professionals “evaluated the collective body of scientific evidence on the effectiveness of professionally applied topical fluoride for caries prevention.”  and here is a summary of the panel’s conclusions, based on the evidence:

Fluoride Varnish is effective in preventing caries

Patients who are at higher risk of developing caries may benefit the most from Fluoride treatment.

There are a considerable amount of reserach data proving caries reduction as a result of professionally applied topical fluoride varnish treatments of four minutes or more.

Fluoride varnish applied every six months is effective in preventing caries in both primary and permanent teeth.

Two or more applications of fluoride varnish per year are effective in preventing or arresting caries from developing in susceptible teeth.

From the evidence presented it was determined that Fluoride Varnish treatment is most beneficial to people with moderate to high risk of caries. High risk is defined by combination of factors such as previous history of tooth decay, presence of multiple incipient or cavitated primary or secondary carious lesions during the last three years, low saliva flow or other factors such as smoking and diabetes.

Here at Modern Smiles Dental Office in North Hollywood, our goal is to prevent our patients from ever reaching moderate or high risk categories. Proper oral care with periodic periodontal maintenance in conjunction with good home care and Fluoride treatment can lower your risk for caries and periodontal disease. Furthermore, topical fluoride applications can be applied to treat hypersensitivity in some patients, especially when large calculus deposits are removed during scaling and root planing (Deep Cleanings).

To learn more about how Fluoride treatment can help maintain your healthy and beautiful smile get in touch with us at Modern Smiles in North Hollywood either online or by calling 818.763.9353 today.

At Modern Smiles our number one priority is our patient’s well-being and we are continuously striving to raise the bar when it comes to our level of service. We believe that in today’s fast paced world and busy schedules our ability to provide excellent care in a timely and convenient manner is the key to our success. It is with this mission in mind that we like to announce our new dental specialty services at our dental practice in North Hollywood. By becoming a Multi-Specialty practice we will be giving our patients the ability to have all of their dental needs met right here at at our dental office in North Hollywood and eliminate the need to have to commute to various offices to have specialized treatment. Now, in one visit to our friendly and modern dental facility, not only will you be able to have your X-rays, exam and teeth cleaning completed in your first appointment, but also consult with a cosmetic dentist, an endodontist and an oral surgeon. Normally, to receive such comprehensive care our patients would have to visit multiple locations and obtain multiple referrals. By taking care of more of your dental needs under one roof, we can save you valuable time that would have otherwise been spent making appointments, transferring records, and traveling in traffic. Here is a short list of our services provided at our facility:

• Dental Emergencies and 24/7 Access to an On Call Doctor
• Dental Implants and Bone Regeneration
• Sedation Dentistry
• Invisalign Adult, Teen and now offering Invisalign Express for those who need minor corrections at half the usual price.
• Oral Surgery Services such as Wisdom Teeth Extraction for Erupted, Partially Erupted, or Impacted 3rd Molars.
• Periodontal Examination and Treatment with Diode Lasers for Guided Tissue Regeneration
• Root Canal Therapy

If you are interested in any of our comprehensive dentistry services we have specialists in our office to meet all of your needs ranging from preventive checkups to Impacted Wisdom Teeth extraction and Sedation Dentistry. We see patients of all ages, so your entire family is welcome. For more information or to schedule your next visit, call Modern Smiles in North Hollywood, Ca, at 818-763-9353.

The American Dental Association, ADA, has sponsored a campaign called National Children’s Dental Health Month every February to raise awareness about the importance of stopping childhood caries and developing good oral hygiene habits at an early age. Not only can this noble effort lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums in our children today but also in the future generations leading to thousands of dollars of savings in preventable dental care. This year’s campaign slogan, is “Choose Tap Water for a Sparkling Smile” to highlight the benefits of fluoridated tap water over sugar-sweetened beverages. Fluoridated water has the added benefit of preventing tooth decay and at Modern Smiles we emphasize the importance of regular oral checkups along with preventable methods such as fluoride.

When is the best time to start cleaning my child’s teeth?
This is one of the most often asked questions at our dental office in North Hollywood and the short answer is: As soon as you see one! The earlier you can start establishing an oral hygiene routine with your child the better. For premature baby teeth that have not fully emerged from the gum you can use a clean moist wash cloth or special baby tooth brush that has very soft bristles to clean them. For teeth that have fully emerged and erupted in the mouth, use a soft bristle, child-sized tooth brush at least twice daily with just a dab of fluoridated toothpaste. Although fluoride is important in preventing tooth decay, swallowing too much of it can cause an upset stomach in young children.

Can baby teeth get cavities?
Any teeth, baby or adult, is susceptible to decay causing bacteria especially if they are routinely exposed to fluids or foods that contain sugar such as Milk, formula or even breast milk. These drinks all contain sugars, that if allowed to stay in contact with your baby’s teeth for long periods of times, such as sleeping with a baby bottle, facilitate development of childhood decay. Anything but water is a high risk of causing decay, and juices are even worse as they contain both sugars and acids.

Can my baby have sweets once in a while?
Short answer is YES! It’s not realistic to make your kids avoid sweets completely but having sweets once in a while under supervision is preferable. Try to make it far and in between and its better to have deserts or candies immediately after a meal followed by brushing or rinsing to prevent sugars from building up around their teeth. Soda drinks should just be avoided at all costs. There is just no benefit in them, only harm!

When should I start taking my child to the dentist?
As soon as you see teeth in their mouth! Our professional dentist at Modern Smiles, Dr. Tajik, recommends having the first visit be in year one. Baby’s mouth starts collecting bacteria as soon as the first tooth erupts and there is a lot we can do at that first visit to ensure good oral health. At Modern Smiles we will do everything possible to make sure your child’s first visit to the dentist is a positive one! This will help set an important trend for many more visits to come and their overall perception of dental care. We’ll also answer any specific questions you may have and provide hands-on training and instructional manuals on how to care for your little one’s teeth and gums.

If you would like more information about your child’s oral health, please call us at (818) 763-9353 or schedule an appointment online for a consultation.

At Modern Smiles Dental Spa in North Hollywood we are accustomed to preparing our patients for the wedding season and give their smiles a boost before the big day. We want your smile to be just as ready for all the pictures and videos that will be taken as your makeup and dress. Therefore, each season we help both grooms and brides obtain that picture perfect smile that will be remembered for years.

There are some very quick and simple treatments that can be done to help improve your smile. If you are simply concerned about the color of your teeth, the fastest and most cost effective way is our professional single appointment teeth whitening. We offer two different types of whitening methods at our dental office in North Hollywood: BioLase Laser and Zoom!^® teeth bleaching. The Biolase laser uses an special laser activated whitening gel that is the most effective and newest technology designed to lighten your teeth to the shade you desire without the sensitivity common with some of the more traditional methods. Clinical studies have shown that Biolase Laser can perform a full-mouth whitening procedure with an average of 6-8 shades improvement in 20 minutes of treatment time with long lasting results!

Zoom!^® teeth whitening treatments are also an in-office treatment and very effective at removing tea, wine, smoking, coffee and natural aging process stains that accumulate on your teeth over the years. The main ingredient of this gel, Hydrogen peroxide,  penetrates deep in the outer and inner layers of the tooth to erase tough stains and whiten your teeth 3-4 shades in an hour. Zoom and Laser are both ideal methods to whiten your teeth when in a time crunch. We also include a complimentary full mouth polishing and cleaning with each of our in-office whitening treatments to give you the best result possible.

Additionally, if you are concerned about a gummy smile, we can use our specialized dental laser to reshape and recontour your gum line in as quick as half an hour with almost no post surgery bleeding or swelling. The results are a significant improvement in the length and appearance of your own natural teeth that transforms your smile. Combine this a whitening treatment and you practically have a brand new smile in a single appointment! Check out our Yelp, Instagram,  Facebook or online smile gallery to see some amazing before and after photos of our smile transformations.

To learn more about Laser or Zoom!^® whitening treatments, or to schedule an online appointment with Modern Smiles, please contact us online or call us at (818) 763-9353 today

This is a common question that we get asked at Modern Smiles.  Although there is no set rule, the accepted and standard of care is to remove these teeth at an early age.  However, many people are skeptical about removing teeth that don’t hurt or otherwise are not even aware that they have.

Generally, it is not necessary to remove your wisdom teeth if they are properly positioned in your mouth, are not causing any problems, and you have excellent oral hygiene. However, wisdom teeth are the farthest teeth in the mouth and are very hard to properly maintain and keep clean. They are an evolutionary useless body part, similar to tonsils or the appendix. Due to their position, wisdom teeth, also known as 3rd molars, are often neglected because of  inaccessibility and difficulty to properly floss and brush. Therefore, these teeth are at much higher risk of developing decay and  become a common spots for accumulation of bacteria and pathogens.

So, if that’s the case, why not just wait till they go bad and then pull them out like other teeth? The answer to that question is tied to our philosophy of practicing preventive dentistry.  Modern day standard practice is not longer to wait for something to break down to fix it, cause by then it will often be a very costly and difficult procedure, but rather a proactive approach to diagnosis. Preventive dentistry is about identifying potential problems and resolving them before they develop into one and at Modern Smiles Dental Office in North Hollywood, our focus is using latest diagnostic technologies to accomplish this.  

Consider this x-ray of a patient with wisdom teeth that were kept in. As you can probably see, the tilted lower wisdom tooth has caused a break in the outer shell of the neighboring tooth in front of it and an extensive decay has formed inside of that tooth. This patient is now experiencing dental pain and unfortunately will have to undergo a root canal treatment with a crown in addition to removal of the wisdom tooth. This could have been prevented years ago if the wisdom tooth had been removed preemptively.

Still not ready to part with your molars? Consider the following conditions that may arise due to wisdom teeth:

• Gum disease
• Damage to surrounding teeth
• Pain
• Tooth decay
• Repeated infections in the back of the mouth
• Tumors
• Cysts
• Bad Breath

This list is not comprehensive so it’s important to talk with your dentist in detail about your health and treatment options. At Modern Smiles we are committed to providing customized care to each of our patients and our expert dentists will assess your personal situation and figure out what will be necessary for you. Call us today at (818) 763-9353 or schedule an appointment online.

Fear of dentistry or being in a dental chair can have a real impact on your likelihood to visit a dentist even if you’re in need of one. Many people have this phobia and consequently suffer from serious dental conditions for years. In some cases untreated dental conditions can have a severe or life threatening impact on your overall health.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be afraid anymore. Modern advances in sedation techniques and medications and have made sedation dentistry an easy and affordable solution, allowing thousands of people get the dental treatment they need without the anxiety or fear that usually accompanies a dental appointment.

There are multiple types of sedation or sleep dentistry varying depending on the level of consciousness desired.  The most common type of sedation dentistry practiced by our professional dentists at North Hollywood location is called oral conscious sedation. This is a unique type of sedation that doe snot require an IV connection or needles to deliver.  Patient’s simply take a small pill one hour prior to the appointment either at home or while resting at or comfortable waiting area. The medication will help you enter a state of deep relaxation and generally last only a few hours so you can be back to your daily life with little or no downtime. As with any method of sedation, our staff will be continuously monitoring your vital signs and checking in to make sure you’re safe an comfortable.  After a few hours most of the effects of the sedation disappears but Dr. Tajik recommends having a friend or family member available to drive you home especially if it was a short appointment or a long drive to get to your destination.

There is no reason to let your dental anxiety get between you and having your beautiful smile. Oral sedation can help you get the care you need with a sense ease and comfort. Most people describe the experience as so relaxing and effortless that they often lose their fear of dentistry and need for future sedation appointments.

CONTACT US TODAY

If you would like more information on sedation dentistry, or if you would like to schedule a free consultation with our Dental Team at Modern Smiles in North Hollywood, please contact us today.

Porcelain veneers are thin, highly stain-resistant porcelain shells that are custom-designed by your dentist and a master ceramist to correct shape, size and color of your teeth. Veneers are securely and permanently attached on top of your teeth to greatly enhance the appearance your own natural smile by covering up cracks, stains, chips, misalignment, and other minor imperfections.

Dr. Kasra Tajik, at Modern Smiles Dentistry in North Hollywood evaluates each patient during a consultation appointment to custom design a treatment option to meet your unique goals. If you are interested in getting porcelain veneers, let our professional cosmetic dentists design an effective treatment option. The process usually involves taking multiple high resolution professional photographs, moldings of your teeth, a cosmetic dental interview to establish your goals and desires and a diagnostic wax model to create a mock up of what your new veneers will look like prior to start of treatment. These steps are all necessary and crucial to ensure effective communication between the patient, the dentist and the lab ceramists to create one of a kind beautiful porcelain veneers, provided you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Generally speaking, cost of veneers vary depending on how many teeth need to be treated to restore your smile, and the type of materials selected. Modern Smiles friendly and knowledgeable staff can provide you with a detailed breakdown of your treatment costs and discuss affordable financing options to help you formulate a convenient payment plan that matches your budget. Our goal is to help you love you smile and anything we can do to make sure you are able to receive the care you need, we will do. Our staff can also check to see if they can qualify you through your dental insurance to help cover some of the procedure’s cost.

For more detailed information about the cost and process of getting veneers or financing options, please call us at (818) 763-9353 or contact us online through our website to schedule an appointment.

The longevity of whitening procedure varies from person to person depending on diet, lifestyle habits, age  and many other factors. Much like a tan, proper maintenance and follow up care can significantly affect how long the whitening effects will last. At Modern Smiles Dentistry in North Hollywood, our experienced cosmetic dentist offers two types of professional in-office teeth whitening procedures, Zoom Bleaching or Laser (Biolase) Whitening, as well as customized at-home whitening trays to help you maintain your color.

Generally, an in-office teeth whitening treatment result can last anywhere from six months to two years. Here are some tips on how to prolong results of your whitening treatment:

• Periodic Touch-Ups: Occasional whitening re-treatments approximately every 6 months or annually, can be of great way to maintain the effects.
• Avoid Pigmented Foods and Drinks: Reducing consumption of highly staining foods or drinks such as coffee, tea , tobacco, and red wine can help slow down the discoloration of your teeth. You can also use a straw as oppose to sipping, while drinking coffee or tea to reduce contact with your teeth.
• Consult with your Dentist: Ask our team at Modern Smiles if there are factors affecting your teeth whitening results and if a take home tray and bleaching gels or a touch-up is recommended to maintain your teeth color.

Here at Modern Smiles we are committed to providing you with the best return on your investment in your smile. Our Whitening results are often extraordinary and longer-lasting than over-the-counter whitening products. Dr. Tajik customizes your teeth whitening treatments based your unique attributes to achieve the best possible results. If you would like to learn more about our teeth whitening or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at 818.763.9353 or book it online today.