Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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. 

Cavity Symptoms

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.

Do You Think You Have a Cavity?

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, we urge you to schedule an appointment with our Encino, CA, dentist as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can prevent more serious dental issues and keep your smile healthy.

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.

Tailored Treatment Plans

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to cosmetic dentistry. Whether we're correcting a single tooth or enhancing your entire smile, we want you to feel confident about the process and excited about the results. 

Dr. Sheila Mahooti takes the time to learn about your wants and needs and offers personalized cosmetic dentistry solutions using the latest techniques and materials. We pay careful attention to detail and customize each treatment to your needs, ensuring natural-looking, long-lasting results.

Cosmetic dentistry can address a variety of concerns, including stained teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, gaps, misaligned teeth, and more. Every treatment begins with a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of action for your unique smile.

Start Your Smile Transformation

Take the first step toward your ideal smile with Signature Smiles. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry in Encino, CA, or to schedule a consultation, call us at (818) 600-1884. We proudly serve Encino and the surrounding communities, including Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Tarzana, and Van Nuys.

The lifespan of a dental crown is 10 to 15 years but depends on several factors—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:

Caring for Your Dental Crown

• 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.

Schedule Your Appointment for Dental Crowns in Encino, CA

If you’re considering dental crowns in Encino, CA, or need advice on caring for an existing crown, Dr. Sheila Mahooti and the team at Signature Smiles can help. Call (818) 600-1884 to schedule your consultation today.

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, Dr. Tina Jung, 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  —  Dr. Jung 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!

Discover Dental Implants in Encino, CA

Dental implants can be life-transforming, and we would love to take the journey with you. Call Signature Smiles of LA to schedule a consultation to get started.

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.

The Importance of Regular Checkups

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.

Serving the Encino Community and Beyond

At Signature Smiles of LA, we proudly serve patients from Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Tarzana, Van Nuys, and surrounding areas. If it’s been more than six months since your last visit or you’re experiencing dental concerns, call today to schedule an appointment. 

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.

Remove Invisalign before Meals

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.

Drinking with Invisalign Aligners

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.

Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation Today

Invisalign offers a discreet, convenient way to straighten your teeth while enjoying your favorite foods without the restrictions of traditional braces. To ensure the best results, follow the recommended care routine, including removing your aligners before meals and brushing them before putting them back in.

If you’re considering Invisalign in Encino, CA, Dr. Sheila Mahooti is here to help. Call (818) 600-1884 today to schedule your consultation. We proudly serve Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Tarzana, Van Nuys, and surrounding areas.

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. 

Advanced Periodontal Treatments

• 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 (818) 600-1884 to schedule an appointment.

When properly cared for, veneers can last ten years or longer. The key is simple steps like 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.

3 Tips for Caring for Veneers

Keeping veneer teeth healthy and free of cavities and gum disease is crucial to avoid replacing them.

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.

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 curies deposit stains that gradually discolor tooth enamel.
• Tobacco use of any type deposits ugly, 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.

Get Started with Teeth Whitening

Dr. Mahooti recommends a professional teeth cleaning at our Encino, CA, dental office before whitening to achieve the most dramatic and lasting results. This process removes plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces that can inhibit whitening and lead to uneven results. At that time, we’ll also check your teeth to ensure they’re in good condition and ready for whitening.

Ready to see your brightest smile? Call Signature Smiles of LA today to get started!

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.

Schedule Your Tooth Extraction in Encino

Proper post-extraction care is key to ensuring a smooth and successful recovery. If you have questions or think you need a tooth extraction in Encino, contact us at (818) 600-1884 to schedule a consultation.