You Deserve a Beautiful Smile

Everyone deserves a smile that not only looks good, but makes them feel good as well.

Fortunately, we live in an age of advanced technology and knowledge. Dr. Stelmach can create that picture perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of. So, if every time you look in the mirror all you can think about is regret- regret for sliding around on your socks in the kitchen after you Mother told you not to, and then cracking your front tooth, regret for those 3 cups of coffee you require each morning to keep up with your kids and get through your meetings, regret for being born into an otherwise lovely family with a stubborn gap tooth gene- then it’s time to stop regretting and start doing something about it!

Veneers are a terrific way to solve issues like cracked, stained or slightly uneven teeth and unlike braces which can up to a year or more to complete treatment,

Veneers can be created, fitted and applied in a  three-step process:

1. Preparation: It’s generally necessary to prepare the teeth by removing a thin layer in order to make for your new porcelain veneers. Although some techniques claim not to need this preparation, be wary. As you can imagine, without making room for a new layer, you could end up with a bulky unnatural-looking result.

2. Preview: After the veneers have been fabricated, Dr. Stelmach will test them on your teeth to check their form and color. You will appreciate his careful attention to detail as he makes final adjustments.

3. Perfection: Once a perfectly beautiful result has been achieved, Dr. Stelmach uses bonding material to carefully apply your new veneers.

Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Stelmach and get the smile you deserve!

Have You Considered Porcelain Crowns?

How would you like to enhance your smile with new porcelain crowns?

Now consider being able to accomplish a healthy beautiful smile enhancement in just one visit. Sounds amazing, right?

That's the kind of result you could accomplish after visiting Dr. Thomas Stelmach, a leading dentist in Beverly Hills, Ca.


Using Dr. Stelmach’s in-house CEREC machine, the image of the your teeth and gums can be digitally captured and previewed- eliminating the need for temporary crowns or messy impressions virtually altogether. We can create full porcelain crowns in approximately an hour and a half- instead of weeks.
Dr. Stelmach will create a custom fit that naturally matches your shape, size, contour and bite.

The result will be long-lasting and make your smile shine brighter.

Learn more about CEREC Dental Crowns, view before and after photos, and contact our office today. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Stelmach to find out if CEREC Dental Crown may be the right choice for you!

Dental Implants

Dr. Stelmach offers many different cosmetic dental procedures to improve and enhance your smile. Dental implants are one of the extremely effective techniques he has at his disposal.

If you are self-conscious of your smile due to missing teeth, you can regain confidence in your smile through the use of dental implants.

In a dental implant procedure, Dr. Stelmach crafts natural-looking, artificial tooth replacements to replace the missing tooth or teeth. These implants will not only improve your smile and make you look healthier and younger, they can also help to prevent or even stop jaw bone loss caused by missing teeth.

Beverly Hills Dental Implants have an added bonus for those who have been living with damaged teeth: they restore your ability to eat the foods you love, as they are incredibly durable. While there are many options available to those seeking to restore the loss of one or more teeth, often implant dentistry is the strongest most functionally effective option.

We invite you to contact our office to schedule your consultation with Dr. Stelmach to learn more about this and other cosmetic procedures designed to enhance your smile by replacing your missing teeth.

Trying out a New Dentist

We don’t always know what to ask about or what kind of threats could possibly be wreaking havoc on our teeth and gums. We don’t always know the best methods for prevention or how often we should be coming in. Much like going to the mechanic, most of us are at the mercy of our Dentist and just hoping to high heaven that they are a decent individual with supreme knowledge and skill.

That can be intimidating , especially when starting with a new Dentist!

Dr. Stelmach and his staff understand this dental reality. We want you to be confident that when you are in that dreaded dental chair that your teeth and you are in good hands.

One way you can be assured that Dr. Stelmach will be the perfect dentist for you is to review his leading  ratings on Sites such as Dr. Oogle and Yelp! where countless other patients have shared their experience

Your initial dental exam with Beverly Hills dentist Dr. Thomas Stelmach will be thorough and gentle. Dr. Stelmach will conduct a comprehensive dental exam that covers all the basis. He will take appropriate x-rays using safe and effective digital x-ray technology. He will conduct a careful examination of these diagnostic x-rays to detect any presence of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions. He will check for gum disease oral cancer and tooth decay.  If you like, Dr. Stelmach can also examine your smile and make recommendations for enhancements.

Most importantly, he will make sure that through it all, you are comfortable, secure and that your questions are being answered.

Contact our office today to schedule your comprehensive dental exam and begin a new era of dental health.

Composite Fillings in Beverly Hills

Dr. Thomas Stelmach of Beverly Hills, California, creates gorgeous smiles (worthy of Beverly Hills Housewives!) using a number of advanced dental techniques. One of these is composite fillings, a technique that delivers seemingly invisible fillings that are much more visually pleasing and natural-looking than older filling techniques which can darken and become much more visible.

At some time in all of our lives, most of us will need a filling (or two). A filling is required with a tooth which has some decay. It is important to have regular check-ups at your dentist and not just go when you are in pain or when there is a more serious problem. Having regular check ups can help prevent more serious problems through early detection and proper cleaning.

Fillings will last you several years before needing to be replaced, however, they are under constant stress from chewing. Those who clench or grid their teeth are putting even more stress and wear on the fillings, meaning they may need to be replaced sooner.

Learn more about Beverly Hills Composite Fillings and contact Dr. Stelmach today to schedule your appointment.

Take A Day Off from Brushing Your Teeth

Let's make a deal! You come visit our Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dental practice every six months, and on that day, we'll brush your teeth for you. In fact, we'll also floss them, get rid of any tartar buildup, treat any gingivitis problems, and polish your teeth, too. Just call Cami to make your next appointment, and let Lynette and Patti treat you to a day off from brushing.

Posted by Beverly Hills Dentist 

Dr. Tom Stelmach. 

Expert Dental Care. Gentle Dental Techniques. 

Dedicated to your health and well-being. 

Call or email today!

310.659.5399

8920 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Insurance Accepted

 

 

Invisalign® - the Clear Alternative to Braces!

Invisalign® is just what its name implies, an invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces.

I am very happy to offer Invisalign® - the revolutionary new approach to straightening teeth - at my Beverly Hills dental practice. They can best be described by what they're not: there are no brackets or wires, no tedious appointment for rewiring and tightening, no visible braces at all.

Instead, Invisalign® straightens your teeth through a series of clear removable aligner.  I develop a custom straightening plan, mold the perfet fit to your mouth, and create the aligners through 3-D computer technology.  You'll visit me every 6 weeks to monitor your progress, and within an average of 9 to 15 months, you'll have the straight results you've been wanting for so long.


Contact our office today for your Invisalign consultation!

Posted by Beverly Hills Dentist 

Dr. Tom Stelmach. 

Expert Dental Care. Gentle Dental Techniques. 

Dedicated to your health and well-being. 

Call or email today!

310.659.5399

8920 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Insurance Accepted

Dr. Thomas J. Stelmach, Gentle Beverly Hills Dentist

Dental anxiety is a debilitating condition for many people, often causing them to refuse to visit a dentist even if they're in pain.

I'm here to tell even the most frightened patients that dental anxiety can be a thing of the past.

Our practice offers a variety of numbing and sedation options to ensure our patients will relax and enjoy a worry-free, pain-free dental experience. From Oral Sedatives to  Sedation Dentistry, Numbing Gels to Nitrous Oxide and so much more -  including soft blankets, movies and headsets - we’ve got you covered.

My staff and I are committed to Gentle Dentistry and will make sure that you are safe, comfortable and pain-free every step of the way.

Contact our Beverly Hills dental office today to schedule your appointment to see what you’ve been missing out on. Great, anxiety free dental care is only a phone call away.

Posted by Beverly Hills Dentist 

Dr. Tom Stelmach. 

Expert Dental Care. Gentle Dental Techniques. 

Dedicated to your health and well-being. 

Call or email today!

310.659.5399

8920 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Insurance Accepted

Bruxism Bites

Brusixm is involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth. 

You may do this at night while sleeping. And you might even be grinding or clenching during the day without realizing it.

Bruxism is a serious issue that creates a domino effect of problems. 

• Bruxism typically causes teeth to become worn down.
• Teeth that are worn down often become misaligned.
• Misaligned teeth can cause spasms in your facial muscles
• Facial spasms can then create misalignment of the jaw.
• Jaw misalignment leads to TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorders
• TMJ symptoms include headaches, neck pain, back pain and earaches.

All because of grinding your teeth!

There may be several reasons you grind your teeth. Certainly some of those reasons can be stress-related. But it might also be that missing tooth has caused your other teeth to shift. Sometimes an improper restoration has affected your bit. Even destructive habits such as lip or nail biting can lead to misalignment, with or without accompanying grinding.

Bottom line: grinding is a serious condition. The good news is that it can easily be treated, typically with a dental appliance you will wear while sleeping or full time, depending on the situation. If you know you are grinding your teeth, or if you notice your teeth have become worn down, please make an appointment with our dental practice. We'll fix the situation before it creates a serious problem for you.

Posted by Beverly Hills Dentist 

Dr. Tom Stelmach. 

Expert Dental Care. Gentle Dental Techniques. 

Dedicated to your health and well-being. 

Call or email today!

310.659.5399

8920 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Insurance Accepted

Dental Bridges: The Fix Is In

Fixed dental bridges, also called fixed partial dentures, are used to replace missing teeth and gum tissue. They are typically made of porcelain with an underlying substructure of ceramic or metal, and are attached to neighboring teeth and cemented into place. The goal is to make the artificial teeth in the bridge look as natural as possible, so you definitely want a dentist who is experienced at esthetics.

Generally speaking, if you're missing a tooth or even several teeth, and you have sufficient bone, dental implants are the best option as they provide a fixed, lifelong solution that most closely resembles your natural teeth.

But a fixed bridge may be the best option for you if the following conditions exist.

• You have economic or health reasons that prevent you from getting implants.
• You want an option that last longer and looks better than removable bridges.
• You don't mind having adjacent teeth crowned so they can serve as an anchor for the fixed bridge.

If you are missing teeth or a single tooth, or if you are dissatisfied with previous treatments you've had for missing teeth, I invite you to contact our office. Explain your situation to Cami Green, our office coordinator, and she'll set you up with an appointment. Together we'll settle on the best 'fix' for your dental situation.

Posted by Beverly Hills Dentist 

Dr. Tom Stelmach. 

Expert Dental Care. Gentle Dental Techniques. 

Dedicated to your health and well-being. 

Call or email today!

310.659.5399

8920 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Insurance Accepted

Inner Peace Creates Outer Beauty

One of the key reasons people come to me for cosmetic dental improvements is they feel that their outside appearance doesn't match the way they feel inside. In those cases, cosmetic dentistry creates a wholeness that brings new life and spark to every aspect of the patient's life.

Other times, I've created beautiful smiles, perfectly suited to a patient's physiology, but something still isn't quite right. Often the reason has more to do with psychology. Stress, anxiety and fatigue are all-too-common in these difficult times, and these inner conditions definitely affect both inner and outer beauty. In addition, even temporary bouts of these types of tensions can cause early aging.

If you're struggling with tension, consider these calming techniques.

• Smile. That's right, smile. Even if you don't feel happy or upbeat or even the least bit pleasant. Take a private moment for yourself – simply by turning away if that's all your situation allows. Then close your eyes, take a deep breath, and bring the corners of your mouth up into a smile. Hold it. Feel the immediate change in your state. Allow yourself this one moment of peace. It will help restore your ability to navigate challenges that come your way.
  
  
• Be grateful. Even in the most complicated and challenging circumstances, life offers magnificence and much to be grateful for. So when you are overwhelmed by problems, make sure to find time to appreciate the positives as well. In other words, take a break from your problems. Take a walk. Write in a journal. Listen to music. Laugh at television. Read a book. Play with your children. Hold hands with your partner. Cuddle with a pet. Take a nap. Breathe in and out, turn the corners of your mouth up into a smile and feel grateful.
  
  
• Choose to be interested. Another effective technique for dealing with tensions is to develop interests. Mentor. Volunteer. Learn something new. Develop a positive passion. Contribute to positive conversations online.  People who are active in creating an interesting life for themselves are happier and healthier than those who are bored and disinterested in themselves and others. Not only with this approach help you through difficult times, it helps you create a rich and full life where problems become bumps in the road you navigate efficiently, because your focus is so much larger.
  
  
• Be healthy. Invest in yourself through proper rest, exercise, good hydration, nourishment and personal care. The effort is worth your time. You are worth the effort.

Posted by Beverly Hills Dentist 

Dr. Tom Stelmach. 

Expert Dental Care. Gentle Dental Techniques. 

Dedicated to your health and well-being. 

Call or email today!

310.659.5399

8920 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Insurance Accepted

Mind the Gap: Special Occasion Smiles

Many people love their smile, gaps and all. Madonna immediately comes to mind. And there's Anna Pacquin, Brendan Fraser and 1980s supermodel Lauren Hutton. But these celebrities also had occasions when they wanted their smile to appear full and complete with no gaps.

So if you sometimes want a unbroken row of white teeth - but don't have the time or interest in permanently closing a gap between your teeth – I can help you out by creating a "special occasion smile."

A removable acrylic overlay is a device I can form from thin acrylic or plastic that will snap into place, cover the space between your teeth, and seamlessly blend in with adjacent teeth. This technique was commonly used before dental bonding was developed, particularly by models, actors. It's an inexpensive alternative that works particularly well if you are being photographed or have a special event coming up.

While the overlay looks attractive from a distance, you do need to keep in mind it is a temporary, short-term appliance with some downsides. The overlay is made of plastic and is kept as thin as possible, but it still adds a bit of bulk to your natural teeth. That same thinness makes it difficult to create a 100% natural look and makes the overlay susceptible to fracture. Overlays can also become discolored and eating with it can be difficult.

The positives are an inexpensive price and a great ability to hide spaces for special occasions. So if you'd like to have a special occasion smile – or if you'd like an easy way to see how you'd look without your gap – contact me and we'll discuss a removable acrylic overlay.

Posted by Beverly Hills Dentist 

Dr. Tom Stelmach. 

Expert Dental Care. Gentle Dental Techniques. 

Dedicated to your health and well-being. 

Call or email today!

310.659.5399

8920 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Insurance Accepted

Tap-3 Times If You're Tired of Snoring

I am passionate about improving the lives of my patients – and many of them are troubled by snoring. Sometimes their own snoring; sometimes the snoring of their partner. Fortunately, I've found a device that alleviates this problem.

The Thornton Adjustable Positioner®  - or TAP®-3 - is an oral appliance that is worn while sleeping to help reduce snoring or treat sleep apnea. 

Much like an athletic mouth guard, the simple design of the TAP®-3 reduces both snoring and sleep apnea.

Put simply, the TAP holds your lower jaw, or mandible, forward while you sleep, which prevents the soft tissue in your throat from blocking your airway. 

You see, the loud and noisy sounds of snorting are caused by vibrations in the soft tissue structures located at the back of the throat. The palate, uvula and tonsils can flap against each other if a person has too much tissue at the back of their mouth, or if the air passageway to the back of their throat is somehow obstructed.

The Tap-3 is comprised of an upper and lower tray that I will fit to your mouth. The upper tray and lower trays are attached by a socket that I will adjust to ensure your sleep is comfortable and quiet. Just a few weeks of treatment makes a tremendous difference! And if you begin to snore again, you'll be able get right back on track by adjusting the TAP yourself.

You'll also be pleased to know the TAP is covered by medical insurance as durable medical equipment and prostheses. So even if you don’t have dental coverage you may be eligible for the TAP.

Learn all about the TAP and then make an appointment to get fitted. We'll have you – and your love - sleeping like babies in no time.

Posted by Beverly Hills Dentist 

Dr. Tom Stelmach. 

Expert Dental Care. Gentle Dental Techniques. 
Exceptional Cosmetic Dentist.

Dedicated to your health and well-being. 

Call or email today!

310.659.5399

8920 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Insurance Accepted

Smoking and Periodontal Disease

Inflammation and Discoloration

Most people are aware of typical medical problems associated with smoking, such as lung disease, cancer, heart disease and low-birth-weight in infants.

But I want you to realize another real and significant threat to smokers: periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is essentially a chronic, open infection in your mouth. Smoking worsens this very serious dental condition by damaging the natural process your body uses to fight the periodontal infection.

Research has shown that smokers are four times more likely to have advanced periodontal disease, and are twice as likely to lose their teeth because of it.

Periodontal disease begins with calculus, which is dental plaque that hardens on your teeth and can only be removed by a professional cleaning. If it isn't removed, it will continue to build up, not only on visible portions of your teeth, but below the gum line, too. 

Once it reaches below the bum line, the bacteria in the calculus can destroy your gum tissue and cause your gums to pull away from your teeth. These spaces are called periodontal "pockets" and they fill with disease-causing bacteria that destroy tissue and supporting bone. At that point, the gums can shrink away from the teeth making them look longer, and left untreated, cause teeth to become loose, painful and even fall out.

And there's more. Cigarette smoke contains over  4000 harsh, damaging chemicals – including formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, ammonia and arsenic – and those chemicals can slow down the healing process. So even if you've had periodontal treatment - or any type of oral surgery – smoking can severely compromise the results.

We hope this information will help you find the strength to stop smoking. But even if you don't stop, please come in for a cleaning as soon as possible. We'll welcome you and develop a treatment plan of frequent cleanings and regular pocket measurements to make certain we protect your health against this serious condition.

Posted by Beverly Hills Dentist 

Dr. Tom Stelmach. 

Expert Dental Care. Gentle Dental Techniques. 

Exceptional Cosmetic Dentist. Extraordinary Whole Life Dentist.

Dedicated to your health and well-being. 

Call or email today!

310.659.5399

8920 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Insurance Accepted

Top 10 Ways to Evaluate a Cosmetic Dentist

In an earlier post, I shared some of the ways I evaluate your smile to determine the best cosmetic dental plan for your needs and desire for a beautiful new smile.

Today I want to share some of the ways you can evaluate me! Changing your smile is an exciting, life-changing event. The outcome is central to many important areas of your life. Your confidence and sense of self. Your openness to the world. Your inner peace and relaxation. Not to mention your overall dental health. Therefore it's essential to find a dentist you can trust to understand both the aesthetics and health of your teeth.

Here are steps you can take when evaluating cosmetic dentists. Enjoy the process. I look forward to meeting you and sharing my best recommendations for creating your beautiful new smile.

1. Get Referrals  Best are from friends and social websites such as Yelp! and Dr. Oogle where people share their experiences in detail.
2. Evaluate the Website Compare credentials, educational background and before and after photos. Beware of hype!
3. Compare  Contact at least three dentists to begin with and make appointments for an evaluation – and keep all three appointments.
4. Communicate   Share what changes you want to make – this post on evaluating your smile will help you think it through.
5. Bring Photos! Of you and of smiles you admire. Maybe you want to restore features of your smile that have been damaged. Maybe you want a visual aid to look at as you discuss a new smile. And maybe someone else has a smile you've always loved.
6. Bring x-rays or study models  If you happen to have these, please bring them to your appointment.
7. Ask questions
1. Does the dentist have photographs of patients with conditions similar to yours
2. Does the dentist use computer imaging to design your smile.
3. Will the dentist give you a preview of your smile.
4. If you have dental fears, is the dentist an expert in gentle dental techniques.
5. Who are the assistants and technicians that will assist the dentist.
6. How much of the work will be done by the dentist vs. his technicians. '
7. How many patients does the dentist work on at the same time.
8. Listen It's easy to get caught up in a 'sell' situation. Have fun and enjoy the excitement of discussing your new smile, but at the same time, think about what's being said – and what might not be said.
9. Discuss fees  Be up-front if you have budget restrictions, but be careful of shopping for bargains or you might be opening yourself up to corrective work in the future.
10. Be early or on time This recommendation is for you, not the dental office. You want to be relaxed and focused so you can get the information you need to make the decision that's best for you.

Posted by Beverly Hills Dentist 

Dr. Tom Stelmach. 

Expert Dental Care. Gentle Dental Techniques. 

Exceptional Cosmetic Dentist. Extraordinary Whole Life Dentist.

Dedicated to your health and well-being. 

Call or email today!

310.659.5399

8920 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Insurance Accepted

Gum Disease: Serious Infection That Can Lead to Tooth Loss

Did you know that periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection? It is. In fact, it's a particularly nasty infection that affects the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place.

Periodontal disease begins with dental plaque – that sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. Because plaque contains bacteria, it causes the gums to become inflamed - just as an infected cut on your finger would become swollen and inflamed. If that happens, you have a case of periodontal disease.

There are two types of periodontal disease: Gingivitis and Periodontitis.

Gingivitis. The mildest form of periodontal disease is Gingivitis. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily and is typically caused by inadequate oral hygiene. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage, and gingivitis can be reversed with  professional treatment and good oral home care. Nonetheless, gingivitis is serious, because it can – and too often does – lead to periodontitis.

Periodontitis. With time, bacteria-filled plaque can spread below the gum line. Toxins produced by that bacteria irritate the gums, stimulating a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself. In the process, the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. As that occurs, gums separate from the teeth, forming "pockets" of space between the teeth and gums that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. This destructive process often has only the mildest of symptoms, but extremely serious results. Left untreated, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

Periodontal Disease is Preventable and Treatable

Just as gum disease starts with plaque, it can end with it, too. Plaque is removed every time you brush your teeth, and plaque that has managed to build up anyway can be safely removed when you have your regular dental cleanings. 

If you've waited too long in between cleanings and gum disease has developed, it is treatable. But sooner is definitely better. I invite you to contact our dental office today to schedule a professional dental cleaning. Our hygienists are gentle and thorough, and following your cleaning, I will conduct a thorough exam. We'll see if this disease is present, how far it has progressed, and map out a treatment plan that will return you to optimum dental health.

Posted by Beverly Hills Dentist 

Dr. Tom Stelmach. 

Expert Dental Care. Gentle Dental Techniques. 

Exceptional Cosmetic Dentist. Extraordinary Whole Life Dentist.

Dedicated to your health and well-being. 

Call or email today!

310.659.5399

8920 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Insurance Accepted

Medications and Dental Health

Did you know that some medications can lead to negative effects on your teeth? The list is longer than you might think. For your convenience, I've provided a basic overview below along with links to more detailed resources. I invite you to contact my Los Angeles Dental office to discuss your specific medication questions.

The ill effects of medication on your teeth don't often reverse themselves, but fortunately they can be reversed with proper dental care. I have helped a number of patients restore their dental health and smile aesthetics using a variety of dental treatments, including dental cleanings, whitening techniques, and such cosmetic dental work as porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns and even dental implants.

If your doctor has prescribed treatment with any new medication, be sure to ask about potential dental side effects. You are also welcome to call my office for information. In addition, drinking at least 64 ounces water and maintaining regular dental checkups every 3 to 4 months can help treat these conditions and even prevent them from occurring in the first place.

If you or someone you know has begun hiding their smile because medication has damaged their teeth, please share this information and contact my Beverly Hills dental practice for a consultation.  Together, we'll create the open, confident and healthy smile everyone deserves.

           

            Common Side Effects and Causes

            Learn more

Dry Mouth (xerostomia): When the mouth becomes overly dry, the pH is decreased, which causes and increase in plaque formation, which creates an increased risk of tooth decay. Certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedatives, antihistamines and illegal recreational drugs can cause this side effect.

Gum Tissue Overgrowth (gingival hyperplasi): This condition ranges from red and puffy gums to serious overgrowth and can lead to gingival bleeding, pain, teeth displacement, and periodontal disease. Calcium channel blockers, a class of medications commonly used in treating hypertension, and some anti-seizure medications can cause this side effect.

Tooth Discoloration: Certain medications can cause teeth to become a greenish gray or a bluish gray and the condition typically doesn't disappear on its own after the medication has been discontinued. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin, tetracycline and minocycline can cause this side effect.

Posted by Beverly Hills Dentist 

Dr. Tom Stelmach. 

Expert Dental Care. Gentle Dental Techniques. 

Dedicated to your health and well-being. 

Call or email today!

310.659.5399

8920 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Insurance Accepted

NOTE: The information contained herein is intended for educational purposes only.  It is not intended and should not be construed as the delivery of dental or medical care and is not a substitute for personal hands on dental or  medical attention, diagnosis or treatment. 

Myths About Dental Implants

In spite of the fact that dental implants have been used successfully by qualified dentists for more than 40 years, there's a surprising amount of incorrect and negative information out there.

Here are three of the most common myths patients mention when we discuss the option of tooth implants – and the reality I then share with them. I invite you to contact my Los Angeles Dental office today to discuss your dental implant needs.

1. Dental implants are painful.

False. In fact, after having dental implants placed, the majority of my patients tell me it was easier than they thought it would be. When considering dental implants, I recommend your main consideration be whether or not the procedure will give you the best result for your unique situation. For the procedure itself, I recommend IV sedation dentistry, after which most patients only need Tylenol and/or Advil. For those who are more susceptible to pain, I can prescribe a stronger painkiller such as Vicodin.

2. Dental Implants are expensive!

Again, false. Comparing long-term costs, having an implant is much less expense than a bridge because a bridge will be replaced every 7 -15 years whereas a dental implant will most likely never need to be replaced. In terms of short term costs, dental implants are roughly the same cost as an average 3-tooth bridge.

3. Dental implants take a long time!

For me – and the majority of my patients – this, too, is false. Implant placement typically spans takes 4 to 16 weeks, with a significant portion of that time spent simply waiting for the bone to heal around the post. During that period, you will have a natural-looking, firmly set, temporary tooth in place. I recommend comparing the time to that of a typical bridge which takes 3 to 6 weeks, while also factoring the benefits of an implant vs. a bridge.

I've made implants a specialty in my dental practice simply because they are so often the best solution to my patients' needs. If you think this option might be appropriate for you, please contact my office for a consultation.

Posted by Beverly Hills Dentist 

Dr. Tom Stelmach. 

Expert Dental Care. Gentle Dental Techniques. 

Dedicated to your health and well-being. 

Call or email today!

310.659.5399

8920 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Insurance Accepted

Dental Implants: Excellent Alternative to Dentures

Did you know there's an excellent alternative to conventional, removable dentures? They're called dental implants.

Cosmetic Contouring: A Simple Way to Smooth Rough Edges

Cosmetic contouring is a cost-effective way to repair small chips or fractures in your teeth. This minimally invasive approach can work for you if:

• You have a very small fracture or chip in your tooth
• You can to invest a minimal amount of time and money to repair it
• And your teeth are long enough that contouring won't make them too short, worn or aged

With cosmetic contouring, there is no anesthetic required, although our practice still offers options to patients who have dental fears.

In addition, contouring is an excellent finishing touch. If, for example, you are having one or more of your teeth treated with veneers or crowns or bonding, I will often cosmetically contour adjacent or opposing teeth to create an attractive and harmonious smile line.

Contouring is definitely not appropriate for all situations, but where it is appropriate, it's a fantastic treatment.

My goal is to let patients know they have options. Never think you have to settle for a smile that is less than you want it to be. Always feel free to make an appointment to discuss your options. I can tell you – based on thousands of procedures – that there is nothing as exciting and empowering as the confidence you get from finally achieving a full, complete, youthful and  beautiful bright white smile.

Posted by Beverly Hills Dentist 

Dr. Tom Stelmach. 

Expert Dental Care. Gentle Dental Techniques. 

Dedicated to your health and well-being. 

Call or email today!

310.659.5399

8920 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Insurance Accepted

Art, Architecture, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Tree Branches and A-List Smiles

What do they have in common? The Golden Proportion. Also known as the Golden Mean, Golden Ratio, and de divinia proportione, or the Divine Proportion. The most pleasing geometric relationship of parts to a whole.

Put simply, great minds throughout history have recognized a basic set of proportions that are common to all things of uncommon beauty, both natural and man-made.

When I work with you to bring out your best Signature Smile, my vision is guided by this time-tested artistic principle. Here's a list of some of the areas I focus on when I evaluate smiles.