Frequently Asked Dental Questions Encino

Are you accepting new dental patients?

Yes! We love to welcome new patients to our Encino dental office!

At Signature Smiles of LA, you will find a welcoming team of dedicated dental professionals who genuinely care about you and your smile. We offer a wide range of dental services to help you achieve your smile goals and optimal oral health.

Dr. Mahooti believes that everyone deserves outstanding dental care and a beautiful smile! It is her mission to make this possible. However, we understand that cost can be a concern for some patients. To that end, we offer some convenient ways to fit your dental care comfortably into your budget:

• Dental Insurance — We work with several different dental insurance plans that help minimize the cost of dental care. Contact our team for more information.
• Financing with CareCredit — CareCredit offers third-party financing for patients interested in making affordable monthly payments. Well-qualified patients can even choose interest-free plans.

What areas does your Encino dental practice serve?

At Signature Smiles of LA, we don’t just serve neighborhoods; we serve people. Whether you’re driving in from across the street or across the city, you’re part of our dental family the moment you walk through our doors.

From the heart of Encino to the surrounding communities of Sherman Oaks, Studio City, and Tarzana, we’re here to make exceptional dental care feel personal, accessible, and worth the trip.

Signature Smiles of LA is located at 5363 Balboa Blvd. in Encino, CA. We offer a wide range of dental services to meet your oral health needs, including dental implants, cosmetic dental services, and Invisalign® clear aligner therapy.

We are conveniently located close to parks, shopping, and restaurants and happily serve residents of the 90077 area. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00-5:00.

Some of the areas we serve include the following:

• Sherman Oaks
• Studio City
• Tarzana
• Woodland Hills
• Van Nuys
• West Toluca Lake

Where is your dental office located?

Signature Smiles of LA is conveniently located at 5363 Balboa Blvd. in Encino, CA. Our modern dental office is easily accessible from major routes, including the 101 and Ventura Boulevard.

From the 101 Freeway:

• Take the Balboa Boulevard exit
• Head north on Balboa Boulevard
• Our office will be on your right

Street parking and dedicated lot parking are available for our patients.

Our Encino office puts you in the heart of one of the San Fernando Valley's most vibrant neighborhoods. Many patients combine their dental visits with other activities in the area:

• Before your appointment, you might enjoy a peaceful stroll through the nearby Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area or find your center at the serene Japanese Garden with its beautiful koi ponds and landscaped grounds.
• Afterward, treat yourself to a delicious meal at Davenport's Restaurant, known for fresh seafood and chef-inspired cocktails, or enjoy family-style Italian dishes at Buca di Beppo just off Ventura Boulevard.
• If you have extra time, the Encino Town Center Shopping Center offers various options for some retail therapy, while the Balboa Sports Complex provides recreational facilities if you're feeling active.

How can I tell if I have a cavity?

Several signs can indicate you might have a cavity. Awareness of these symptoms can help you catch decay early and seek treatment before it worsens.

Here’s what to watch for:

• A sharp, fleeting pain when consuming hot, cold, or acidic foods and drinks.
• A persistent toothache, either sudden or ongoing, that worsens when you bite down or apply pressure to the tooth.
• Visible dark spots or small holes or pits on the surface of your teeth.
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste that doesn’t go away with brushing or mouthwash could result from cavities harboring bacteria.
• Pain or sensitivity, specifically when eating sugary foods, can indicate a cavity, as sugar can irritate exposed nerves in a decayed tooth.

Dr. Mahooti also wants you to know cavities can develop without noticeable symptoms. This is another reason why six-month checkups are so crucial; if we find a cavity, we can treat it promptly before it worsens.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry in Encino focuses on enhancing the appearance of your teeth, gums, and overall smile. Whether you want to address minor imperfections like chips, discoloration, or a complete smile transformation, cosmetic dentistry provides solutions that improve aesthetics and function.

Treatments offered at Signature Smiles of LA range from teeth whitening and veneers to bonding, Invisalign, and full smile makeovers.

How long does a dental crown last?

The lifespan of a dental crown is 10 to 15 years but depends on several factors, including the material used, the location of the crown, and how well it’s cared for. To ensure your dental crown lasts as long as possible, it’s important to follow a few key steps:

• Consistent Oral Hygiene — Brush at least twice daily and floss once with fluoride toothpaste to prevent plaque buildup around the crown and gumline. This helps protect both the crown and the surrounding teeth.
• Avoid Chewing Hard Objects — Crowns are strong but can still crack or chip under excessive force. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails or using your teeth to open packages.
• Wear a Nightguard — If you grind or clench your teeth (bruxism), a custom nightguard can help protect your crown and prevent damage.
• Visit Your Dentist Regularly — Regular checkups allow your dentist to monitor the health of the crown and the tooth underneath, ensuring any potential issues are caught early.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

While dental implants do work well for most patients, they also have some simple requirements that help make them successful:

• Enough healthy bone structure to support the implant
• The patient is in good general health

The best way to determine if you're a good candidate for dental implants is to book an evaluation with Dr. Mahooti. She will use x-rays and a thorough exam to determine if dental implants in Encino suit your needs.

If you lack enough healthy bone structure to support a tooth implant, a bone grafting procedure may be able to rebuild your jawbone for optimal support.

Why are dental implants a great choice for tooth replacement?

Dental implants rise above other tooth replacement options because they replace both the tooth and root. No other option can offer that benefit. Here are some additional advantages of dental implants to consider:

• Natural aesthetics — Dental implants look and feel like a natural tooth.
• Easy home care — You can brush, floss, and care for your implant as you would a natural tooth.
• Bite function — Your chewing and biting function is restored with tooth implants.
• Excellent longevity — Dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime, providing excellent longevity and a wise long-term investment.

What's the process for getting a dental implant?

It’s exciting to consider the effects a dental implant will have on your smile and comfort. Signature Smiles of LA is here to ensure the journey getting there is easy and stress-free.

• Consultation and Planning — During your initial consultation, Dr. Sheila Mahooti and our periodontist listen to your concerns and answer your questions. Our personalized approach ensures your treatment plan is tailored specifically to your needs.
• Advanced Imaging for Precision — Careful preparation is key to achieving the best possible results, and we use the latest imaging technology to plan your implant placement.
• Preparatory Procedures — If you require tooth extraction or bone grafting, we will explain what’s involved and what to expect. Our goal is to create a strong, healthy foundation for your implants to ensure long-term success.
• Expert Implant Surgery — Yi places your implant precisely under local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience.
• Crafting Your Perfect Smile — Once your implant fully integrates with your jawbone, Dr. Mahooti works closely with you to design a restoration that matches your natural teeth in appearance and function. We understand this is a significant moment for you, and we’re delighted to celebrate your new smile alongside you!

How often do I need to see the dentist?

Maintaining a healthy smile requires regular visits to your dentist, even if you take excellent care of your oral health. Dr. Sheila Mahooti generally recommends a dental exam every six months; however, she may recommend a different frequency based on your unique needs.

A typical checkup at Signature Smiles of LA typically involves the following steps:

• Examine Your Teeth and Gums — This thorough examination helps identify early signs of decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues that may require attention. Early detection is key to preventing more serious problems in the future.
• Perform a Professional Cleaning — Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas. A professional cleaning removes these deposits, helping to prevent cavities and maintain healthy gums.
• Provide Personalized Care — Your dentist will tailor advice to your oral health needs, whether it's improving your at-home care routine or recommending additional treatment if necessary.

Some patients may require more frequent checkups: those with a history of gum disease, a tendency toward cavities, or chronic health conditions that affect oral health. Regular visits allow our dentist to monitor changes and adjust your care plan accordingly.

What if I miss regular dental visits?

Small issues have time to develop into more significant problems when you postpone dental visits. What might have been a simple cleaning can turn into gum disease treatment, and small cavities can grow to require a more extensive procedure to address. Maintaining your regular schedule with your dentist in Encino is the easiest way to avoid these complications.

Ready to schedule your next appointment? Contact Signature Smiles of LA today to maintain your healthiest, most beautiful smile!

Can I eat and drink with Invisalign aligners in?

Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water. Unlike traditional braces, which have many food restrictions, Invisalign allows you to enjoy all your favorite foods without worry.

Simply remove your aligners before meals to enjoy the foods you love. Brushing before putting the aligners back in is crucial to avoid trapping food particles and bacteria underneath them.

While drinking water with your aligners is okay, it's best to avoid beverages like coffee, tea, wine, or soda that can stain or cloud your aligners. Sugary or acidic drinks can lead to tooth decay, as these substances can become trapped against your teeth if consumed with aligners in place.

Is Invisalign® as effective as braces?

When you're ready to transform your smile with braces or clear aligners, you want to know you're making the right choice. Many patients ask if Invisalign is as effective as braces, especially when they’re hoping for a comfortable, convenient treatment that fits into their busy life.

You’ll be happy to know that Invisalign can be just as effective as traditional braces for many orthodontic cases, from crooked teeth to gaps and even bite issues. Keep reading to learn more.

For teens or adults with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, Invisalign clear aligners can often work as well as traditional braces, correcting the following concerns:

• Crowded teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite

Traditional braces may be better for more complex cases, such as large gaps, rotated teeth, or severe bite issues. Our dental team can assess your situation and recommend the best treatment for your smile.

What does a periodontist do?

Our general dentist handles routine dental hygiene and even deep cleanings called scaling and root planing; our periodontist goes beyond these basic services to provide specialized treatments to restore gum health.

Some advanced periodontal treatments include:

• Gum Grafts — Gum grafts treat gum recession by covering exposed tooth roots, protecting them from decay and sensitivity and improving the gumline's appearance.
• Laser Gum Surgery — This minimally invasive treatment uses precise laser technology to remove infected gum tissue, reduce bacteria, and promote healing with less discomfort and faster recovery times.
• Crown Lengthening — This procedure exposes more tooth structure to prepare for crown placement or correct a “gummy” smile.
• Osseous Surgery — With advanced gum disease, osseous surgery may be necessary to reshape and smooth the bone around your teeth, eliminating deep pockets where bacteria thrive. This procedure helps stabilize your teeth and prevent further damage.
• Sinus Lifts — This procedure involves raising the sinus and grafting bone into the area underneath to create sufficient bone height for successful implant placement.
• Ridge Augmentation — Bone or ridge augmentation restores lost bone tissue, creating a strong foundation for dental implants or improving jawline contours.

If you have been told you need any of these treatments and would like a second opinion, please call our Encino, CA dental office at (310) 861-2348 to schedule an appointment.

How long do veneers last?

When properly cared for, veneers can last ten years or longer. Simply take steps like maintaining good oral hygiene, routine dental checkups, and avoiding foods that can damage them.

Your team at Signature Smiles of LA will provide specific instructions on how you can ensure you get the most longevity out of them.

Here are three tips:

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Floss once daily to remove plaque between teeth. If plaque is not removed, it turns into a hard substance called tartar, which promotes gum disease.

2. Attend Routine Dental Checkups

We typically recommend dental checkups every six months. Attending these appointments allows us to check your veneers, evaluate your oral health, and promptly detect and treat any issues.

3. Be Mindful of Damaging Foods and Oral Habits

Porcelain veneers are very strong and durable. However, you can chip or crack them by biting down on hard or crunchy foods like popcorn, crusty bread, nuts, and hard candy. Don’t chew on ice or bite your fingernails, and never use your teeth as tools to open packages.

Following these simple steps will allow you to enjoy your beautiful new smile for many years. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, please call Signature Smiles of LA in Encino, CA.

What causes tooth stains?

It is common for teeth to become dull and stained over time due to various factors, including:

• Consuming coffee, tea, red wine, or deeply colored foods like blackberries, blueberries, beets, and curries deposit stains that gradually discolor tooth enamel.
• Tobacco use of any type deposits hard-to-remove brown stains on your teeth. This applies to smoking, chewing, or vaping and gives you another great reason to quit.
• As we age, tooth enamel becomes more porous. These microscopic holes open in our teeth and trap food debris and stains, leading to a dull, discolored appearance.
• Certain medications can discolor teeth, such as those prescribed for high blood pressure
• Poor dental hygiene allows a film of plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth, dulling your smile and contributing to yellow teeth.

What's involved with post-extraction care?

It's normal to experience some discomfort after a tooth extraction in Encino. To reduce swelling, you can apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek in 10–15 minute intervals. Taking over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen can also help minimize discomfort.

• Extraction Site Care — Keep the area clean by gently rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution 24 hours after the extraction. Avoid spitting or using a straw, as these actions can dislodge the healing blood clot forming at the extraction site.
• Diet — Stick to soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and soup In the first few days following your tooth extraction. Gradually reintroduce more solid foods as you heal, but continue to avoid chewing near the extraction site to prevent irritation.
• Rest and Activity — Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or exercise for at least 24 hours, as increased physical activity can lead to bleeding or slow the healing process. Keep your head elevated while resting to minimize swelling.