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Holistic and mercury-free dentistry are build on two major principles, improving the whole health of the patient while protecting the environment. When both of these are taken into consideration the treatment objectives are designed to use materials, procedures and techniques that promote comprehensive care for the patient and the environment. At Modern Smiles Dental Office in North Hollywood, Dr. Kasra Tajik, believes in the delivering the best dental care while doing whats best for the environment with fewest harmful toxins and wastes.

Mercury Free Dentistry

At Modern Smiles we are committed to offering the best possible materials that are bio compatible, esthetic and long lasting. We offer our services to replace failing mercury based amalgam fillings with new bio-compatible resin fillings. Furthermore with introduction of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), D. Tajik can treat decay without having to remove any tooth structure, no shots and no drills! You can always depend on the dental team at Modern Smiles to provide you with the latest and safest dental care .

Green Dentistry

At Modern Smiles we care about the environment and what we put back in our world. That’s why our office is dedicated to using technology to reduce our carbon foot print, minimize the hazardous waste materials used, and reduce amount of energy consumed. We have modernized our North Hollywood dental office in accordance with green principles and actively reduce our waste output while improving our energy efficiency. To accomplish this goal, we have made the following improvements to our office:

• Energy Efficiency – We have dedicated to reduce our consumption of electricity and other energy resources by incorporating smart devices, such as Nest Thermostats, insulating windows, LED lighting, drip irrigation and drought tolerant landscaping, and other water waste limiting technologies.
• Digital Dentistry and X-Rays – Use of digital x-ray technology, Lasers, and LED based Curing Lights, is not only more efficient than traditional methods, but also reduces radiation output and eliminates the use of harmful chemicals and hazardous waste.
• Paperless System– By switching over to a complete digital workflow, Modern Smiles has completely eliminated use of paper charting in addition to creating a more secure system.

At Modern Smiles we are always looking for ways to improve how we care for our patients. Contact our office by calling 818.763.9353 or make an appointment online today.

Dental Implants have advanced to such a degree that they have become the most popular choice for replacing missing teeth today. Improvements in manufacturing, design, surface treatment, and comfort have made implants extremely stable, low maintenance and with an unparalleled natural look and feel. Furthermore, the time needed to heal prior to restoring of an implant with a crown has reduced by a third from 6 months to only  2.  The first phase of an implant installation is the placement of the titanium post in the jaw bone to serve as the root structure for the future crown. After the implant has fused to the bone and stabilized, a custom made porcelain crown is designed and attached to the post.

To help ensure predictable and successful results during this procedure, Dr. Kasra Tajik creates a 3D printed surgical guide that ensures accurate and risk free placement of the implant with computer generated CT Scan model of the patient’s mouth and bone structure. To ensure complete comfort, Dr. Tajik performs the procedure in his state of the art facility where a comfortable and relaxing environment is provided before and after the procedure and patient’s are adequately anesthetized with  local anesthetic or IV sedation maximum comfort. With proper preparation, the implant placement surgery is only a few minutes long with little or no discomfort. Afterwards, most patients return to work and their normal daily schedule with very little downtime.

If you’re interested to learn more about dental implants or your options to restore a missing tooth, please schedule a free consultation with Dr. Tajik at Modern Smiles Dentistry in North Hollywood today.

Have you wondered how some celebrities or maybe someone you know, have such beautiful smiles? Its’ not always genetics! Although some people are blessed with good genes and naturally beautiful teeth, many can achieve that ideal smile with a little help from cosmetic dentistry. A lot of what you see is carefully planned and developed cosmetic dentistry using Veneers and Gum Contouring. Veneers can be a wonderful way to spruce up your smile and if you’re looking for ways to achieve that our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Tajik at Modern Smiles has some tips for you.

Who is an ideal candidate for cosmetic dentistry?
Almost everybody! If you have teeth or maybe missing some teeth, cosmetic dentistry can change the way you feel about your smile. At Modern Smiles we always like to make sure that our patients have healthy gums and a good foundation prior to starting any cosmetic work.

What are my options?
Cosmetic dentistry includes treatments such as:

• Teeth whitening
• Dental bonding
• Porcelain veneers
• Gum contouring
• Invisalign Clear Braces

Cosmetic dentistry can help achieve not only a beautiful smile, but also help your overall health and confidence in as little as 2 appointments.

Where can I get this done?
At Modern Smiles dental Spa in North Hollywood, we offer some of the most advanced tools and technologies to offer you results that create that “wow” factor while keeping you comfortable and relaxed. Come check out our facilities and judge for yourself. Dr. Tajik has spared no expense when it comes to making his patients and his work.

When can I start?
Your new smile is already waiting for you at Modern Smiles and our staff are ready to make your dreams a reality. We are available weekdays and weekends and will do everything in our power to help you maximize your full potential.

Why should I do this?
Your smile is a reflection of your confidence and self esteem. Even A small and pain free cosmetic treatment can go along way in affecting your overall life. Call us today to find out what you have been missing.

ABOUT YOUR NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA DENTIST:
Dr. Tajik provides all of our patients with a comprehensive modern dental evaluation in a warm, and friendly environment. We offer free consultations and have late and weekend appointments. Call to schedule your appointment at Modern Smiles in North Hollywood, CA, today at (818) 763-9353.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the gum and bone tissue surrounding your teeth and is the primary cause of tooth loss next to fractures and decay. Gum disease is a chronic infection with different levels of severity and like most other chronic diseases, develops slowly and is often not painful. Many patients are not even aware of its existence until its too late or its discovered during a routine exam.

Unfortunately, like most infectious bacterial diseases, gum disease can be passed between members of a family. For example, a mother with periodontitis can pass it to her children or a husband can pass the infection to his wife or partner. In healthy adults with proper oral hygiene the infection is often resolved before causing periodontal disease, however, the constant reintroduction of the pathogens and bacteria can increase the risk of developing a chronic gum disease in your loved ones.

Periodontal disease generally has two stages defined as: gingivitis vs. periodontitis.

• Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is accompanied by red or swollen gums that bleed easily.  Gingivitis is readily treatable and if diagnosed and treated early, it can be resolved without any long term significant effects.
• Periodontitis is the result of untreated gingivitis that has become a chronic illness. Periodontitis has multiple stages depending on the level of severity and the amount of irreversible gum and bone damage done to the mouth.

Factors that can increase your risk of periodontal disease and its transmission:

• Smoking and chewing tobacco
• Diabetes
• Living with someone who has periodontal disease
• Certain types of medication such as: chemotherapy medications, oral contraceptives, steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, calcium channel blockers.
• Crooked teeth that cause food and bacteria traps
• Old and leaking fillings or crowns
• Pregnancy

If you suspect that either you or a loved one has periodontal disease visit your dentist. Some common symptoms can include:

• Bleeding gums
• Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
• Recession and sensitive teeth
• Persistent bad breath also known has halitosis or a bad taste
• White or brown buildups and stains around the gum line and teeth
• Loose teeth that easily move to your touch

Treatment Options

Depending on the severity gums disease can be treated in a number of ways:

• Non-surgical periodontal therapy, also knows as Scaling and Root Planing (deep cleaning)
• Periodontal or Osseous surgery and Diode laser gum treatment
• LANAP Laser or guided Tissue Regeneration

Gum disease is a readily preventable disease that can be eliminated by regular dental checkups. Neither you or any of your loved ones should ever loose a tooth or suffer from this silent and chronic illness. By following some simple steps such as proper and regular brushing, flossing between your teeth, a low sugar balanced diet, and regularly scheduled dental visits, you and your family and keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

Dr. Kasra Tajik, DDS at Modern Smiles Dental Office in North Hollywood.

Dentistry can be a lot more than just removing pain or restoring broken teeth, cosmetic dentistry can be an effective tool in helping you achieve a more dramatic youthful look in as short 1 or 2 appointments without the pain or costs of plastic surgery. As we age our teeth lose some of their shape and luster due to wear and tear which can make your teeth appear yellow or shortened. However, depending on your goals,  cosmetic dentistry can offer a variety of treatment options to restore your natural beautiful smile and make you look younger.

1. Teeth Whitening is a simple, safe and inexpensive procedure that in as short as 1.5 hours can dramatically improve your smile. Whiter teeth help give you the appearance of a youthful look and brighten your smile and boost your confidence.
2. Porcelain Veneers, can restore and reshape discolored and worn out teeth in as quick as 2 appointments. Porcelain veneers can mimic tooth’s natural radiance and shine, restoring your smiles brilliance. In addition, Veneers can help lift your lip line and reduce the appearance of wrinkles or fine lines around the mouth without having to endure painful lip injections or implants.  Furthermore, Veneers can help reshape teeth and correct minor crowding or misalignment of teeth, without having to wear braces, for a more straight and beautiful smile.
3. Direct Bonding with Composite, is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that in 1 appointment can mask or correct small chips, fractures and even fill spaces between teeth. This procedure is very safe, quick and affordable, and although not as durable as Veneers, it can serve as a excellent alternative for sprucing up your smile.
4. Clear Braces, such as Invisalign, can help straighten your teeth and align them to your preference. A more symmetric and straight smile can go a long way in achieving a beautiful and harmonious smile line.
5. Gum Contouring or Reshaping is a simple and painless 1 appointment procedure that can help lengthen your teeth by removing excess gummy tissue from around your teeth. At Modern Smiles Dentistry in North Hollywood, Dr. Tajik utilizes a diode laser to provide painless and lasting gum lifts and reduce the appearance of a gummy smile.

These are some procedures that can individually or in combination provide you with a new look and confidence in your smile. Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, a special event or just looking to boost your confidence, consider cosmetic dentistry at Modern Smiles as an option for your goal.  Schedule your free consultation by calling Modern Smiles in North Hollywood , CA, today at (818) 763-9353. We also welcome patients from Sherman Oaks, Toluca Lake, Encino, Burbank, and all surrounding communities.

As dental material technology has evolved over the years, so have dental crowns. There are 3 main generations that date as far back as 1900’s and started with the first of its kind, the all-porcelain “jacket” crowns. This crown although aesthetic, was prone to fractures and leakage and didn’t last very long. In the 1950’s Abraham Weinstein addressed this issue by inventing the famous Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) crown that has become the stable of the dental industry and still used to this day. By bonding the porcelain to an underlying metal framework, Weinstein was able to reduce the stress fracture rate and simultaneously improve their fit and longevity. However, this process wasn’t without some downsides.  To hide the dark color of the underlying metal framework, an opaque white layer had to be baked on top of it to cover the color and created the appearance of chalky white crowns often associated with PFMs. Furthermore, as the gum lines recessed due to irritation or other factors with the metal alloy, the margin of the these crowns would start to show as an undesirable dark purple line around the gum line.

Th second generation of dental crowns IPS Empress by Ivoclar Vivadent Inc., Leucite crystals were introduced to the porcelain  which allowed it to be pressed under heat and pressure to form in a mold and create restorations that were fracture resistant while providing a great fit and appearance. Although this was a significant improvement and allowed to do away with the metal framework, its application was limited to front teeth or smaller cavities. These IPS Empress crowns were still not strong enough to be used to cover the back teeth such as molars or used as dental bridges and under heavy stress would fracture or break.

In the late 1990’s Lithium Disilicates and Zirconium Dioxide based crowns, also known as Bruxzir, were introduced to dentistry which significantly changed the landscape and provided a new paradigm shift in dental aesthetics and wear resistance. These E.Max crowns and restorations achieved an impressive flexural strength without compromising fit or the translucency of the material which gives its beautiful and life like appearance. In addition, these materials have been shown to be less abrasive on the opposing natural dentition which overtime leads to less excessive wear and attrition.

In summary, BruxZir and E.max crowns will continue to grow in use due to their better esthetic characteristics. New hybrid full ceramic materials are coming into the market and at Modern Smiles Dental Spa in North Hollywood we are committed to using the latest and the best in materials and advancements for our patients. So here is a list of major benefits of these new 3rd generation crowns or veneers to consider:

1. Soft Tissue Response:  Many  patients who have had serious soft-tissue irritation with metal or PFM crowns have seen  a complete reversal of the inflmmation and recession, often within just a few days after placing E.max or BruxZir crowns
2. Preservation of Natural Tooth Structure: Due to their increased strength and stacking of fewer layers, less tooth structure has to be removed to achieve the same objective leading to less sensitivity and preservation of patient’s natural tooth.
3. Improved Aesthetics: The transparent color and lifelike shape of E.Max porcelains ensures that these crowns or veneers will never be noticed amongst your own natural teeth, plus there is no metal base so no unsightly looking grey line around the gum line.
4. Bio-compatibility: Both Bruxzir and E.max crowns are regarded as highly bio compatible. With no metal alloy layer prone to rust or toxic mercury content,  these crowns are very inert and considered non-cytotoxic.
5. Bonded Retention: Due to their unique chemistry and structural form, these crowns can be bonded to the tooth which not only increase their strength but also their adhesion to the tooth and therefore longevity.

At Modern Smiles Dental Practice in North Hollywood your satisfaction is our number one priority. Our trained and dedicated doctors will utilize only the best in class and modern dental materials to achieve extraordinary results. Contact us via phone at 818.763.9353 or online to learn more.

In our daily lives, we all experience stress and anxiety. Work, family, and hectic schedules can create a great deal of pressure.  Most people have heard about the impact this tension can have on your body, including insomnia, ulcers, and panic attacks. Did you know that stress also impacts your mouth? In fact, stress can contribute to a variety of issues like:

Bruxism/Grinding
Also known as clenching or grinding, bruxism is often an unconscious action that can happen while you sleep. Bruxism can lead to fractures, uneven tooth wear, and alignment issues. At his North Hollywood dental office, Dr. Tajik recommends treating for Bruxism with a special mouth guard that helps relax the jaw muscles and prevent the habitual grinding of teeth.

Canker sores
Though these small sores are harmless, canker sores can cause a good deal of pain. Stress can also activate dormant viral lesions such as herpes which lead to unsightly sores that can be painful and slow to heal. An effective method of treating these sores and reduce their occurrence is laser treatment with Diode lasers.  Low-intensity laser therapy can significantly lower the incidence of local recurrence of herpes simplex infection and even eliminate it. Dr. Tajik utilizes a Biolase Diode Epic X laser designed specifically for this purpose.

Dry mouth
If you don’t produce enough saliva, the condition is called dry mouth. Not only can stress contribute to dry mouth, but certain antidepressant can produce dry mouth as a side effect of the medication.

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Undiagnosed sleep apnea is a hidden health crisis costing Americans over 100 billion dollars  according to the Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and while this is a medical condition often diagnosed by your physician, your local dentist can prescribe and develop the oral appliance required to treat it.

A new study at University of Georgia of over 15,000 people with multiple dental fillings has concluded that mercury based amalgam fillings commonly referred to as silver fillings, can lead to increased mercury levels in the blood.  Mercury, a heavy metal known to be toxic at high levels, can cause heart, brain, lung, kidney and immune system impairment. Furthermore, new research suggests that methyl mercury may cause damage even at low levels.

“As toxicologists, we know that mercury is poison, but it all depends on the dose. So, if you have one dental filling, maybe it’s OK. But if you have more than eight dental filings, the potential risk for adverse effect is higher,” says study co-author Xiaozhong (John) Yu. If you have multiple silver dental fillings and are also exposed to mercury from other sources, such as seafood or work environments, you are most at risk.

In United States, the average American has about three dental fillings, with a quarter of the population having 11 or more fillings. If you are a pregnant women, a parent with children under six with silver fillings or generally concerned about your mercury fillings affecting your health make an appointment with your dentist at Modern Smiles in North Hollywood so we can discuss replacing your mercury based fillings with new dental fillings that could actually REPAIR tooth decay.

At Modern Smiles Dental Practice in North Hollywood, our professional dentists use a new class of composites, made of bioactive glass, that help repair tooth decay by releasing fluoride, calcium and phosphate; components that are all key to the formation of the inner tooth structure. In additions, the newer bioactive glass based fillings actually replenish these minerals that were lost due to tooth decay and can prevent bacteria from further infiltrating the tooth by filling in the gaps with minerals such as fluoride which is bactericidal.

To learn more about Dr. Kasra Tajik and Modern Smiles, please contact our office today.