Dr. Susan Sheets DDS - San Pedro CA

5 Advantages of Veneers – San Pedro, CA

Susan A. Sheets, DDS - San Pedro CA — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:49:14 +0000

Dr. Susan Sheets recommends using veneers when it comes to fix smiles in an easier, less painful manner. Veneers can be a great way to fix the color or shape of a tooth or both.

Some advantages of using veneers are:

They provide a natural tooth appearance.
Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well.
Porcelain veneers are resistant to stains.
The color of a porcelain veneer can be selected such that it makes dark teeth appear whiter.
Veneers offer a conservative approach to changing a tooth’s color and shape-veneers generally don’t require the extensive shaping prior to the procedure that crowns do, yet offer a stronger, more aesthetic alternative to bonding.

For more information about veneers and their benefits call Dr. Susan Sheets’s office at (310) 832-2657.

6 Facts of Oral Human Papillomavirus (HPV) You Should Know About – San Pedro, CA

Susan A. Sheets, DDS - San Pedro CA — Mon, 21 May 2012 22:38:47 +0000

What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common virus groups in the world. There are many different types of HPV. Medical research shows that certain high-risk types of HPV are linked to approximately 90% of cervical cancers. Similarly, recent studies show that these same high-risk types cause cancers of the mouth, tongue, tonsils, and throat areas.

How do people get HPV?
Low risk HPV can be transmitted by close contact between people. However, the more serious types of HPV (high-risk) that may lead to cervical cancer or oral cancer are known to be sexually transmitted. Other avenues of transmission may occur. Both males and females are at risk.

How common are HPV-related diseases?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 20 million Americans are currently infected with HPV. Another 6 million people become newly infected each year.

How do I know if I have an Oral HPV infection?
Early oral HPV infections do not typically cause any clinical signs or symptoms; thus, a visual exam would not detect people that may already have an infection caused by oral HPV. A simple test called OraRisk® HPV takes just a 30 second and consists of a short “swish and gargle” with sterile saline solution. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis and Dr. Susan Sheets will contact you to discuss the results.

Who should be tested for Oral HPV?
- Individuals with “traditional” risk factors for oral cancer such as smoking and alcohol
- Males and females that are sexually active
- Individuals with a history of oral cancer

If I test positive for Oral HPV, Does it mean I have cancer?
No. A positive test does not necessarily mean that cancer is present, nor does it mean that you will definitely develop cancer. The earlier the risk for oral cancer is detected or the earlier oral cancer itself is detected, the more likely it can be treated successfully. Oral HPV is now a known cause for cancers of the mouth and throat areas; it is important for you and your dental professional to know if an oral HPV infection is present and if so, which type of oral HPV infection is present. The OraRisk® HPV test helps you and Dr. Susan Sheets better understand your risk for oral HPV-related oral cancer.

For more information visit The National Cancer Institute or schedule an appointment with Dr. Susan Sheets by calling us at (310) 832-2657 and get yourself tested today.

Look After What You Eat After Teeth Whitening Procedures – San Pedro, CA

Susan A. Sheets, DDS - San Pedro CA — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:51:58 +0000

Following a teeth whitening procedure, Dr. Susan Sheets will advise you to watch what you eat since many types of food and drink can stain your teeth. Consumption of products such as tobacco, soy sauce, soft drinks and wine will eventually stain teeth, thus consumption should be limited or avoided if white teeth are desired. However, there are certain foods and drinks that can actually help you maintain white teeth. For example, firm fruits such as apples, green beans, cauliflower, carrots and celery will scrub your teeth while you chew as well as promote the flow of saliva which protects teeth. Dairy products high in calcium will keep teeth white and the lactic acid in those products will help prevent tooth decay. Call Dr. Susan Sheets today at (310) 832-2657 to schedule an appointment and keep your teeth radiant and healthy.

Content Received from USA Today

Invisible Braces – Invisalign – San Pedro, CA

Susan A. Sheets, DDS - San Pedro CA — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:42:28 +0000

Dr. Susan Sheets of San Pedro, CA knows that having a healty and straight smile is very important to his patients. However, many of those patients want a healthy and straight smile, but do not want to deal with the bothers of braces; when that is the case, Dr. Susan Sheets advises the use of Invisalign. Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten teeth using a series of custom-made, nearly undetectable aligners. Whether your teeth are crowded, too far apart or have shifted, Invisalign may be right for you.

Upon an initial examination, Dr. Susan Sheets will decide if Invisalign is right for you. He will then write a treatment plan and take an impression of your teeth. Thanks to the latest advances in 3-D computer technology, Invisalign carefully translates Dr. Susan Sheets’ instructions into a series of precisely customized aligners. The aligners will move your teeth gradually week by week until you achieve the smile you have always desired. For more information about Invisalign, please call Dr. Susan Sheets at (310)832-2657 and we will be happy to give you more information.

What is an Abscessed Tooth? – San Pedro, CA

Susan A. Sheets, DDS - San Pedro CA — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:09:52 +0000

An abscessed tooth is an infection at the root of a tooth or between gums caused by decay, trauma to the tooth, gingivitis or other gum diseases. An abscessed tooth begins when bacteria infect the pulp of a tooth (the soft tissue core), through a cavity or cracked tooth, and progress until pockets of pus begin to form at the root of the tooth creating an abscessed tooth. Symptoms of an abscessed tooth include toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, a bitter taste in mouth, bad breath, swollen glands at the neck or jaw and painful chewing. Symptoms as well as the severity of these symptoms vary depending on the patient. Some patients feel excruciating pain right away, as others do not know they have an abscessed tooth until they have a routine dental exam. An abscessed tooth can become very dangerous if left untreated. An untreated abscessed tooth can spread infections to other areas of the mouth causing loss of teeth, cause facial disfigurement due to infection rotting facial bones, and put immune system at risk of developing other health problems. If an abscessed is allowed to grow and spread through tissue, it can cause dramatic outward facial swelling called cellulitis and in rare cases death.

Content Received from Dental.net

Invisible Braces – Invisalign – San Pedro, CA

Susan A. Sheets, DDS - San Pedro CA — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:01:28 +0000

Dr. Susan Sheets of San Pedro, CA knows that having a healty and straight smile is very important. However, many patients want a healthy and straight smile, but do not want to deal with the bothers of braces; when that is the case, Dr. Susan Sheets advises the use of Invisalign. Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten teeth using a series of custom-made, nearly undetectable aligners. Whether your teeth are crowded, too far apart or have shifted, Invisalign may be right for you.Upon an initial examination, Dr. Susan Sheets will decide if Invisalign is right for you. She will then write a treatment plan and take an impression of your teeth. Thanks to the latest advances in 3-D computer technology, Invisalign carefully translates Dr. Susan Sheets’ instructions into a series of precisely customized aligners. The aligners will move your teeth gradually week by week until you achieve the smile you have always desired. For more information about Invisalign, please call Dr. Susan Sheets at (310)832-2657 and we will be happy to give you more information.

Monitoring Infant’s Fluoride Intake can Prevent Fluorosis – San Pedro, CA

Susan A. Sheets, DDS - San Pedro CA — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:20:18 +0000

Even though fluoride is necessary to prevent tooth decay, Dr. Susan Sheets from San Pedro, CA suggests too much fluoride given to infants and children can amount to fluorosis. Fluorosis is a harmless dental condition which is characterized by brown, mottled or discolored enamel. Most breast milk and ready-to-feed formulas contain infant-safe levels of fluoride, however, formulas that require water can increase this level since community or well sources usually contain the highest amount of fluoride proven to be beneficial in preventing tooth decay. When using formula that requires water, Dr. Susan Sheets recommends using bottled water that is low in fluoride or fluoride free or filtrated tap water. If you notice brown spots on your children’s teeth, call our office at (310)832-2657 for an appointment or visit Dr. Susan Sheets to check for fluorosis. If fluorosis is corrected in primary teeth, fluorosis will not likely be a problem when permanent teeth surface.

How Pregnancy Affects Dental Health – San Pedro, CA

Susan A. Sheets, DDS - San Pedro CA — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:15:30 +0000

Dr. Susan Sheets of San Pedro, CA understands that pregnancy puts womens’ bodies through a lot of changes, however most women are unaware of the fact that pregnancy can affect their dental health as well. Most changes are associated with a surge in hormones (estrogen and progesterone), which can intensify the way gum tissue reacts to plaque. A build up of plaque can turn into gingivitis that, if not treated, can become periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. Most women will get a certain degree of “pregnancy gingivitis” while pregnant, but it can be prevented or be less severe by keeping teeth clean, flossing, and eating healthy. Another dental complication pregnant women are at risk of developing is pregnancy tumors. Pregnancy tumors are inflammatory, non-cancerous growths that develop when swollen gums become irritated. Most of the time these tumors are left alone and usually shrink on their own after baby is born; however, if a pregnancy tumor is uncomfortable or getting in the way of dental hygiene, Dr. Susan Sheets may decide to remove it. If oral health is neglected, bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the gums and travel to the uterus developing the production of chemicals called prostaglandins which can induce premature labor. If you are unsure about your dental health and are planning to get pregnant, call the office of Dr. Susan Sheets at (310)832-2657 to understand what dental health procedures you should follow to keep you and your baby healthy.

Detecting Oral Cancer Pain-free and Easily – San Pedro, CA

Susan A. Sheets, DDS - San Pedro CA — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:51:51 +0000

When it comes to your health Dr. Susan Sheets understands you want the best results with the least amount of time and effort. An important topic today is oral cancer. Oral cancer is something you cannot afford to miss and if discovered early, it can be treated effectively. That is why Dr. Susan Sheets recommends using Saphire Plus Lesion Detection. Saphire Plus Lesion Detection is a tool that helps detect the presence of cancer or pre-cancer cells. With Saphire Plus Lesion Detection Dr. Susan Sheets will be able to find cancerous lesions even if they cannot be seen under white light. Getting screened for oral cancer should be part of your next checkup since early detection can potentially save your life. It is pain-free and can be easily administered during your next visit. For more information about Saphire Plus Lesion Detection and how it can help your dental health, call Dr. Susan Sheets at (310)832-2657.

Pediatric Dentistry in San Pedro, CA

Susan A. Sheets, DDS - San Pedro CA — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:45:43 +0000

Dr. Susan A. Sheets of San Pedro, CA recommends starting an oral regimen on children even before teeth appear by wiping a baby’s gums or using a baby toothbrush and water. As toddlers, it is a good time to begin brushing and flossing since teeth are in contact with each other and can begin to develop bacteria as well as plaque. Considering not all children need their teeth flossed at this age, it is a good idea to ask Dr. Susan A. Sheets for advice. When children reach age two, foster them to brush their own teeth, but make sure to follow up to make sure they are clean. Using fun games or a themed toothbrush can make children more willing to follow a positive oral hygiene routine.

Call us today at (310)832-2657 to learn more.

Content Received from Oral B