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ANTI-AGING DENTISTRY NEWS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022
RIGHT THE FIRST TIME THE DANGERS OF DENTAL MISDIAGNOSIS
It’s not uncommon for patients to travel from other cities and states to seek dental care in my office. Of course, most people across the country have access to dozens of dentists right in their own town — so why get in a car or on an airplane to see me? These patients have typically already received months or years of dental work without a resolution. And all too often, the root of their ongoing suffering lies in misdiagnosis. Diagnosing someone isn’t always a simple process. For any particular set of symptoms a patient displays, there are often several possible explanations. Each case requires excluding variables before proceeding with treatment. Otherwise, you don’t know if a patient’s pain is from their muscles, bone, or teeth. The correct way to approach diagnosis is to ask many questions, eliminate the simplest problems, then use that knowledge to progress to the possibility of more complicated issues. Failing to follow these steps has countless consequences for patients. The most common misdiagnosis I see involves teeth clenching and grinding, which can result in all kinds of mysterious pains. Sometimes the pain travels around the mouth, so a dentist has a difficult time pinpointing the offending tooth. Patients have received root canals, crowns, and extractions unnecessarily, all because of muscular pain those procedures couldn’t have fixed. I also see many patients whose gum pain was confused for tooth pain. A gum infection can cause pain throughout one or several teeth in the mouth. Again, they receive root canals and crowns on the painful teeth. But the pain doesn’t disappear because the dentist didn’t treat the gum infection. Then there are patients with badly decayed or broken teeth and a dentist who is determined, against better judgment, to save them. While the best treatment would be extracting the tooth and placing an implant, they perform multiple root canals that only temporarily fix the problem. The patients return to the dentist repeatedly, only to receive short-term relief before another procedure. (I also see the opposite. Dentists sometimes extract salvageable teeth for convenience.)
Why do these errors happen? Experience plays a significant role, and newer dentists can sometimes miss less-common problems.
Other dentists prefer aggressive approaches, convinced they’re
more likely to solve the issue permanently. But as we’ve seen, bolder solutions aren’t always better, especially when they’re not treating the correct condition.
Thankfully, the odds of any particular patient experiencing a dental misdiagnosis are small. I see so many of these cases because they’re one of my specialties. But while a misdiagnosis is unlikely to happen to you, it is possible. So, it’s always wise to be aware of the signs. Ensure your dentist takes the time to ask you questions about your condition and obtain a comprehensive medical history. A dentist who immediately identifies the problem and does not check for other possibilities may not be a good sign. Not understanding your treatment — especially if your dentist doesn’t take much time to explain it to you — is another reason to seek a second opinion. And when you are worried a treatment plan is too aggressive (or too timid), there’s no harm in having another doctor give their take. While many patients appreciate a quick diagnosis, one doesn’t always result in the best quality of care. My best advice is to ensure you’re comfortable with your dentist before allowing them to perform any work. If your gut feeling is telling you something is off, find another provider. There are many dentists, but we each only get one mouth.
-Dr. Maddahi
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How do you flush a water heater? First, grab a gardening hose and a shop vac. Then, turn off your water heater’s thermostat and the breaker (for an electric heater) or gas (for a gas heater). Turn off the cold water supply to the water heater. When everything is off, head to a sink and switch on the hot water. Leave the water running and go back to your water heater. Open the pressure release valve and screw your hose onto the spigot at the bottom of the water tank. Put the other end of the hose near a drain, into a bucket, or outside. Then, open the spigot to start draining your water heater. (You may need to vacuum out sediment if your hose clogs.) Finally, turn the cold water back on and run it through your water heater until the water leaving the hose runs clear. You’re done! It’s safe to return the pressure valve, thermostat, and breaker/gas to their original states. It may be necessary to relight the pilot on a gas heater. If this process seems too intimidating or your system is different from what is described here, call your plumber and schedule a professional draining. There’s no shame in relying on the experts!
When was the last time you flushed your water heater? If we had to guess your answer, our money would be on “I don’t know” or “never!” You should flush your water heater once a year to extend its life and keep it functioning properly — but most people don’t. What is ‘flushing’? Flushing your water heater isn’t as simple as flushing the toilet, but it’s the same principle. You need to drain the tank of your water heater to get rid of lime and other sediments. If you don’t do this, the gunk can harden over time and potentially destroy the unit. To flush, or not to flush? If you’ve been in your home for more than a year and haven’t flushed your water heater, the answer to this question is easy: It’s flush time. If you’re a new homeowner, it can be tricker to know when to do your first flush. Fortunately, your water heater has ways of telling you maintenance is overdue. To find out whether your water heater needs flushing, stand next to it for a while and listen. If you hear what experts describe as “popping,” “banging,” or “rumbling” sounds, sediment is clogging your unit.
IT MIGHT BE TIME TO FLUSH YOUR WATER HEATER This Is How You Do It!
RESHAPE YOUR SMILE The Benefits of Cosmetic Recontouring
Few of us are naturally blessed with perfect teeth. There are too many things that could go wrong. Some people experience pain, infection, or decay. And even those with healthy teeth may find them aesthetically lacking. Smiles grow crooked or crowded, and many others become chipped or stained. There are even people displeased with the shape of their teeth. Fortunately for this last group, a simple solution exists. It’s called cosmetic recontouring, and it has the potential to reshape your smile — literally. Cosmetic recontouring is a noninvasive procedure that allows your dentist to change the shape of any particular teeth that make you unhappy. The process can buff away small chips and create a less harsh tooth edge. Many people seek out recontouring because they think their teeth are too pointy. And others want to even the length of their teeth across their smile.
Before exploring the procedure, your dentist will first want to confirm your teeth are healthy. In our office, Dr. Maddahi then uses cosmetic imaging software to show patients the projected outcome of the recontouring process. This step ensures everyone knows what to expect before making any permanent changes. Patients suitable for recontouring will not need anesthesia because the procedure is painless. Depending on the particular goals and the dentist’s preferred techniques, they may use sanding, drilling, or lasering to complete the recontour. They all work to remove small amounts of enamel from your teeth until they form the desired shape. While each alteration is tiny, several together can create a big impact. But it’s important to note that the procedure is best for only minor adjustments. Removing too much enamel is dangerous to your teeth and can result in
decay or sensitivity. So, dentists must take a conservative approach. Patients who want more extensive changes to their smiles will need other procedures to secure their desired results. But for the right candidates, cosmetic recontouring can quickly revolutionize the appearance of their smiles and how they see themselves. And because the procedure is noninvasive, it’s significantly more affordable than many other cosmetic interventions. If uneven, chipped, or misshapen teeth affect your self-confidence, we’d love to review your options in a consultation. Call our office today!
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Bothered by Bad Breath? SOLUTIONS THAT WORK
We have all suffered from bad breath at some point, if only after a particularly pungent meal. And few of us wake up with minty-fresh mouths. In these cases, brushing and flossing usually serve as a quick fix for the scent that ailed us. But others find it impossible to scrub away the smell, or it keeps coming back quickly. They suffer from chronic halitosis. Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. When it becomes chronic, it causes embarrassment and even affects interpersonal or professional relationships. Sufferers sometimes go to great lengths and expenses to hide their condition. It is worth noting that the most common cause of halitosis is poor oral hygiene. Most people will significantly reduce symptoms by brushing twice daily, flossing, and using mouthwash. Seeing a dentist twice a year is just as crucial as at-home care because cavities and gum disease can cause bad breath in addition to their health impacts. Other personal habits are sometimes to blame. While you can usually brush away your meals, certain foods like garlic, onions, and spices can affect your breath long after they’ve entered your bloodstream. So, chronic halitosis sufferers might want to consider changing their diets. Of course, all types of tobacco use and smoking cause bad breath — not to mention gum disease.
Refer a Friend, Get a Brighter Smile! That’s right! Every time you refer a friend to Dr. Maddahi, you get one FREE teeth cleaning! Many halitosis cases also result from dry mouth caused by dehydration, several medical conditions, and a side effect of many common prescription medications. Since saliva helps clean our mouths, a shortage results in unpleasant odors. (Our mouths naturally become dryer during sleep, causing “morning breath.”) Drink plenty of water, and if you see no improvement, ask your dentist for advice on a mouthwash designed to relieve the problem. While most sources of halitosis are relatively benign, some serious conditions can play a role. People with gastroesophageal reflux disease are more prone to bad breath. An infection in the nose, throat, or lungs and kidney or liver disease can do the same. Finally, halitosis can also result from some head or neck cancers. People with these diseases have bigger concerns than bad breath, but early diagnosis is best. So, tell your dentist if you’re seeing changes or can’t rid yourself of halitosis. They’ll help rule out serious conditions as the culprit and create a pathway towards a better-scented future.
Green Bean and Eggplant Stir-Fry
In just 30 minutes, turn a pile of summer veggies into a Chinese-inspired dish.
INGREDIENTS •
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, add the eggplant and coat with salt. Cover the eggplant with water and soak for 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry. 2. In a wok over medium heat, warm 2 tbsp of oil. Add the eggplant and fry for 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside. 3. Add the remaining oil and green beans to the wok. Fry for 5 minutes, then remove and set aside. 4. Add garlic, ginger, and chili before stir-frying for 1 minute. Return the green beans and eggplant to the wok and add the soy sauce, vegan stir-fry sauce, and pepper. Toss to coat, then serve over rice!
2 Chinese eggplants, cut into 1/4-inch strips
Call us today at 310.888.7797 to get started and to start earning your free cleaning!
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Salt, to taste
3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided 6 oz green beans, trimmed
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6 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2-inch piece of ginger, thinly sliced 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp vegan stir-fry sauce (like Lee Kum Kee Vegetarian)
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1/8 tsp pepper
Inspired by ThePlantBasedWok.com
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www.drmaddahi.com 310.888.7797 | 888.310.6771
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE 436 N. Roxbury Dr. #202 Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Why Does Dental Misdiagnosis Happen?
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Your Water Heater Needs Attention
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How Recontouring Can Change Your Smile
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What Causes Bad Breath?
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Green Bean and Eggplant Stir-Fry
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Places to Visit Similar to Montana
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3 VACATION DESTINATIONS SIMILAR TO MONTANA Get Out and Explore
Because of the popularity of the Kevin Costner miniseries “Yellowstone,” the state of Montana is seeing an economic boom, both in tourism and real estate, as people flock to explore the natural beauty of the state. But with Montana’s increasing popularity, traveling there may not be ideal, especially if you want to avoid crowds. Here are some other destinations that offer similar sights and activities! Stanley, Idaho If the mountains are calling your name, then Stanley, Idaho, is the place to go! About three hours northeast of Boise, this gem has three
different mountain ranges: the Sawtooth, Lost River, and White Cloud. This trifecta is home to whitewater rafting, hiking, sightseeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and exploring. While there’s tons to see and experience during the day, the beauty doesn’t stop at night. As Stanley is situated in the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, you’re able to see so much more in the night sky, such as the Milky Way, meteors, and even planets! Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming In Grand Teton National Park, you’ll find many sights and wildlife similar to those seen on screen in “Yellowstone.” The towering craggy peaks and luscious landscape do not disappoint, and sometimes there is no sign of human development for miles. It’s a truly remote and beautiful place to visit and explore.
home to more than 60 species of mammals and 300 species of birds.
Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming Specifically known for being remote, Bighorn National Forest is located in north-central Wyoming and offers over 192,000 acres of open wilderness and 1,200 miles of hiking trails to venture out on. The forest contains many meadows and grasslands surrounded by large, dancing mountains and rolling hills. The best part is that there are many different ways to explore Bighorn National Forest. Fishing, camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, hunting, and horseback riding are just a few of the many ways to experience Wyoming’s beauty. Are you ready to get out and explore these different areas of our nation’s beauty? Check some of these great destinations off your bucket list!
You are sure to encounter some amazing wildlife while hiking or camping — the park is
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