Saving your natural tooth is always the first goal. But when a tooth is too damaged or infected to repair, removing it relieves the pain and protects the rest of your mouth. At Salem Dentistry in Long Beach, Dr. Roxana Salem, DDS, performs gentle extractions and helps you plan how to replace the tooth, so you’re never left with a gap and no plan.
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You might need a tooth removed if:
Often, yes. A root canal and crown can save many teeth that are infected or badly decayed. Dr. Salem will take X-rays, show you what she sees, and explain honestly whether your tooth can be saved and what each option involves.
Please tell us about all the medications you take, especially blood thinners, before your appointment.
A gap left by a missing tooth can cause the neighboring teeth to shift, change your bite, and make chewing and speaking harder. Dr. Salem will go over your replacement options before your tooth is removed:
If a front tooth is being removed, ask about a temporary tooth. When it’s planned ahead, you can leave your extraction visit with a tooth in place.
Most people feel better within a few days.
Call us at 562-435-8339 if your pain gets worse after two or three days, if bleeding won’t stop, or if you develop a fever or increasing swelling.
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
The area is completely numb, so you’ll feel pressure but should not feel pain. Soreness afterward is normal and usually eases within a few days.
How long does it take to heal?
Most people feel back to normal in a few days. The gum closes over in about two weeks, and the bone underneath continues to heal for a few months.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket happens when the blood clot in the socket comes loose too early. It causes throbbing pain a few days after the extraction and is easy to treat in our office. Avoiding straws, smoking, and forceful spitting helps prevent it.
Do I need to replace the tooth?
In most cases, yes, except for wisdom teeth. Replacing it keeps your other teeth from shifting and protects your bite.
What is a bone graft, and do I need one?
After a tooth is removed, the bone around it starts to shrink. A bone graft placed in the socket helps preserve the bone, which is especially important if you want an implant later. Dr. Salem will tell you if it’s recommended for you.
Can I be seen today?
Often, yes. Call 562-435-8339 as early in the day as you can and we’ll do our best to see you the same day.
Will Dr. Salem remove my tooth herself?
In most cases, yes. If your tooth is in a difficult position or close to a nerve, she’ll refer you to a trusted oral surgeon and explain why.
Do you take my insurance?
We accept all PPO dental plans and Medi-Cal Dental. We do not accept HMO plans. Call us and we’ll check your benefits for you.
When is a toothache an emergency?
If you have swelling in your face or jaw along with a fever, or any trouble swallowing or breathing, go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Call Salem Dentistry at 562-435-8339 or book online. Dr. Salem will take a look, tell you honestly whether the tooth can be saved, and get you comfortable again.
A missing tooth leaves more than a gap in your smile. Over time, the teeth next to it can shift, your bite can change, and chewing can become harder. A dental bridge fills that gap with a natural-looking replacement tooth that stays securely in place. At Salem Dentistry in Long Beach, Dr. Roxana Salem, DDS, designs each bridge to match your smile and restore comfortable chewing.
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A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap. It’s made of a replacement tooth attached to crowns that fit over the healthy teeth on either side. Once it’s cemented in place, a bridge doesn’t come out, so you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Dr. Salem will explain which option fits your smile, your health, and your budget.
Dr. Salem uses strong, metal-free zirconia and E.max for natural-looking bridges that blend in with your smile. Because they contain no metal, there is no dark line at the gumline.
Getting a bridge usually takes two visits.
First visit
Second visit
A bridge depends on the teeth that support it, so those teeth and your gums need to be healthy. If the neighboring teeth are weak, or if you have gum disease, Dr. Salem may recommend treating your gums first, or suggest a dental implant instead.
Does getting a bridge hurt?
The area is completely numb during the procedure, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Some sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal.
How long does a bridge last?
With good care, a bridge often lasts 10 to 15 years or longer. Keeping the supporting teeth and gums healthy is what makes it last.
Bridge or implant: which is better?
Both are good options. A bridge is usually faster and needs no surgery, but it relies on the neighboring teeth. An implant stands on its own, leaves the neighboring teeth untouched, and helps preserve the jawbone, but it takes longer. Dr. Salem offers both and will go over the pros, cons, and costs of each for your situation.
How many teeth can a bridge replace?
Usually one or two teeth in a row. For longer gaps, an implant-supported bridge or a partial denture may be a better choice.
Will my bridge look natural?
Yes. Dr. Salem matches the shade and shape to your other teeth, so most people won’t be able to tell it’s there.
How do I clean under a bridge?
Use a floss threader, special bridge floss, or a water flosser once a day to clean under the replacement tooth. We’ll show you how at your visit.
How soon should I replace a missing tooth?
The sooner, the better. The teeth around a gap begin to shift within months, which can make replacement more complicated later.
Do you take my insurance?
We accept all PPO dental plans and Medi-Cal Dental. We do not accept HMO plans. Call us and we’ll check your benefits for you.
Call Salem Dentistry at 562-435-8339 or book online to schedule your bridge consultation.
When a tooth is cracked, badly decayed, or weakened by a large old filling, a dental crown can make it strong again. A crown is a custom-made cap that covers the whole tooth, protecting it and restoring its natural look. At Salem Dentistry in Long Beach, Dr. Roxana Salem, DDS, designs each crown to match your smile, so it looks and feels like your own tooth.
Call 562-435-8339 or book online
Dr. Salem may recommend a crown if you have:
Back teeth with large fillings often develop small cracks that cause pain when chewing. A crown holds the tooth together and stops that pain.
Dr. Salem uses two high-quality, metal-free materials:
Because both are metal-free, there is no dark line at the gumline.
Getting a crown usually takes two visits.
First visit
Second visit
Your temporary crown protects your tooth and keeps it from shifting until your permanent crown is ready. It’s not as strong as the final crown, so for a week or two:
If your temporary crown comes loose, call us and we’ll fix it quickly.
Your new crown should feel comfortable right away. If your bite feels “off” or the tooth feels high when you chew, call us. A quick adjustment usually fixes it.
The tooth under your crown can still get a cavity at the edges, so keep brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and coming in for regular exams.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is completely numb during the procedure, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Some sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal.
How long does a crown last?
With good care, a crown often lasts 10 to 15 years or longer. Brushing, flossing, and regular checkups make the biggest difference.
How long does it take to get a crown?
Two visits, usually a week or two apart, while the dental lab makes your permanent crown.
Will my crown look natural?
Yes. Dr. Salem matches the shade and shape to your other teeth, and our metal-free materials reflect light the way natural enamel does.
Do I really need a crown, or would a filling work?
It depends on how much healthy tooth is left. Small areas of damage can be repaired with a filling, inlay, or onlay. A crown is for teeth that need full coverage to keep from breaking. Dr. Salem will show you photos of your tooth and explain her recommendation.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
In most cases, yes. A tooth that has had a root canal is more fragile, and a crown protects it from cracking.
What should I do if I broke a tooth?
Call us at 562-435-8339. We can often see you the same day. Until then, avoid chewing on that side.
Do you take my insurance?
We accept all PPO dental plans and Medi-Cal Dental. We do not accept HMO plans. Call us and we’ll check your benefits for you.
Call Salem Dentistry at 562-435-8339 or book online to schedule your crown appointment.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and it usually doesn’t hurt until it’s advanced. The good news is that it can be treated, and with regular care it can be kept under control. At Salem Dentistry in Long Beach, Dr. Roxana Salem, DDS, treats gum disease and provides ongoing periodontal maintenance to help you keep your natural teeth.
Call 562-435-8339 or book online
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. It is caused by plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. Plaque that isn’t removed hardens into tartar (calculus), and the bacteria release toxins that irritate your gums.
It develops in stages:
Nearly half of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease, and many don’t know it.
Gum health and overall health are connected. Gum disease has been linked to diabetes and heart disease, so caring for your gums is part of caring for your whole body.
Treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed. Dr. Salem measures your gum pockets, reviews your X-rays, and explains what she recommends.
Gum disease can be controlled, but it can come back if bacteria are allowed to build up again. Periodontal maintenance is a special cleaning for patients who have been treated for gum disease. It goes deeper than a regular cleaning and is usually done every three to four months.
At each maintenance visit, we:
These visits are the most important part of keeping your teeth after gum disease treatment.
See our oral hygiene page for step-by-step brushing and flossing instructions.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can be reversed. Periodontitis can’t be fully reversed, but it can be treated and kept under control with good home care and regular maintenance visits.
Does gum disease treatment hurt?
We numb the area before a deep cleaning, so you stay comfortable. Your gums may be tender for a few days afterward.
Why do I need cleanings every three to four months?
The bacteria that cause gum disease grow back in the pockets within about three months. Cleaning them out on that schedule keeps the disease from progressing.
How is periodontal maintenance different from a regular cleaning?
A regular cleaning is for healthy gums and cleans at and above the gumline. Periodontal maintenance cleans deeper, into the gum pockets, and includes measuring your gums to watch for changes.
Will I lose my teeth?
Not necessarily. With treatment and regular maintenance, most people with gum disease keep their teeth. The sooner you start, the better the outcome.
Will I always need maintenance visits?
Most patients who have had periodontitis do best staying on a maintenance schedule. If your gums stay healthy over time, Dr. Salem may lengthen the time between visits.
Does insurance cover gum disease treatment?
Many dental plans help cover deep cleanings and periodontal maintenance. We accept all PPO dental plans and Medi-Cal Dental, and we do not accept HMO plans. Call us and we’ll check your benefits for you.
Call Salem Dentistry at 562-435-8339 or book online today. If your gums bleed or it’s been a while since your last cleaning, Dr. Salem will check your gums and tell you exactly where things stand.
Even with great brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. At Salem Dentistry in Long Beach, Dr. Roxana Salem, DDS, and our team provide gentle regular cleanings and deep cleanings for gum disease, for children and adults.
Call 562-435-8339 or book online
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that is always forming on your teeth and along your gums. These bacteria feed on the sugars and starches in what you eat and drink, and they cause both cavities and gum disease. Plaque that isn’t brushed and flossed away hardens into tartar (also called calculus), which sticks to your teeth and gumline and can’t be removed at home.
Left untreated, gum disease weakens the gums and bone that hold your teeth, and it can lead to tooth loss. A professional cleaning removes the buildup, freshens your breath, and lifts surface stains.
If your teeth are sensitive or your gums bleed, we’ll explain why and what you can do about it. Most patients have a dental exam with Dr. Salem at the same visit.
Gum disease is often painless, so many people don’t know they have it. In its early stage, called gingivitis, it can usually be reversed.
A regular cleaning is for healthy gums. When tartar has collected under the gumline, where brushing, flossing, and a regular cleaning can’t reach, you may need a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing.
A deep cleaning can treat one section (quadrant) of your mouth at a time or more than one in a visit, depending on your needs. Some insurance plans limit how many sections can be treated in one visit, and we’ll plan your appointments with that in mind.
After treatment for gum disease, most patients need periodontal maintenance cleanings every three to four months to keep it from coming back.
How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
Most people should have a cleaning twice a year. If you have gum disease or certain health conditions, Dr. Salem may recommend coming in more often.
Does a teeth cleaning hurt?
A regular cleaning should not hurt. If your teeth or gums are sensitive, tell us and we’ll go gently. For deep cleanings, we numb the area first.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning is for healthy gums and removes plaque, tartar, and stains. A deep cleaning treats gum disease by removing tartar from under the gumline and smoothing the tooth roots.
How do I know if I need a deep cleaning?
We measure the space between your teeth and gums and look at your X-rays. Deeper pockets and bone loss are signs of gum disease. Dr. Salem will show you the results and explain her recommendation.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Bleeding gums are usually an early sign of gum disease. Caught early, it can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and good home care.
Will a cleaning whiten my teeth?
A cleaning removes surface stains from coffee, tea, and food, so your teeth will look brighter. It doesn’t change the natural color of your teeth the way whitening does.
Does insurance cover teeth cleaning?
Most dental plans cover two cleanings a year, and many help with deep cleanings. We accept all PPO dental plans and Medi-Cal Dental, and we do not accept HMO plans. Call us and we’ll check your benefits for you.
What if I don’t have insurance?
We have affordable options for patients without insurance. Call us at 562-435-8339 for current pricing.
Call Salem Dentistry at 562-435-8339 or book online today. Between visits, see our oral hygiene page for brushing and flossing tips.
A cavity or a worn-out filling doesn’t have to leave a dark spot in your smile. At Salem Dentistry in Long Beach, Dr. Roxana Salem, DDS, restores teeth with tooth-colored materials only. She uses composite fillings for smaller repairs and porcelain or zirconia inlays and onlays for larger ones, so your tooth looks natural and keeps as much of its own structure as possible.
Call 562-435-8339 or book online
Many cavities cause no pain at all in the early stages, which is why regular exams and cleanings are important. A small cavity caught early means a small, simple filling.
A composite filling is made of a strong resin that is matched to the color of your tooth. It bonds directly to the tooth, so Dr. Salem needs to remove only the decayed part and can leave the healthy tooth alone.
Composite fillings are a good choice for small and medium cavities, chipped teeth, and worn edges. They are finished in a single visit:
When a cavity or an old filling is too large for a regular filling, but the tooth doesn’t need a full crown, an inlay or onlay is often the best answer.
Both are custom-made from porcelain (including E.max) or zirconia and bonded to your tooth. Patients choose them because they:
Inlays and onlays usually take two visits. At the first, Dr. Salem prepares the tooth, takes an impression, and places a temporary. At the second, she bonds your finished restoration in place and checks your bite.
Old silver fillings can crack, leak, or wear down over time, letting decay start underneath. When a silver filling is worn or failing, Dr. Salem often replaces it with a porcelain inlay or onlay. The result looks like a natural tooth, and it saves healthy tooth structure that a crown would require removing.
If your silver fillings are still sound, there’s no need to replace them. Dr. Salem checks them at your regular exams and will tell you honestly when one needs attention.
See our oral hygiene page for brushing and flossing tips.
Does getting a filling hurt?
The tooth is completely numb, so you should feel pressure but not pain. If you’re nervous, nitrous oxide is available to help you relax.
How long does a filling take?
Most composite fillings take under an hour and are finished in one visit. Inlays and onlays take two visits.
How long do fillings, inlays, and onlays last?
With good care, composite fillings last for many years, and porcelain and zirconia inlays and onlays usually last even longer. Good brushing, flossing, and regular checkups make the biggest difference.
How do I know if I need a filling, an inlay or onlay, or a crown?
It depends on how much of the tooth is damaged. Small cavities need a filling. Larger areas do better with an inlay or onlay. A crown is for teeth with too little healthy structure left. Dr. Salem will show you photos of your tooth and explain her recommendation.
Should I have my silver fillings replaced?
Only if they are worn, cracked, leaking, or have decay underneath. Dr. Salem checks them at each exam and replaces them only when there is a reason to.
Can children get tooth-colored fillings?
Yes. We use tooth-colored fillings for children as well as adults.
Do you take my insurance?
We accept all PPO dental plans and Medi-Cal Dental. We do not accept HMO plans. Call us and we’ll check your benefits for you.
My filling fell out. What should I do?
Call us at 562-435-8339. We can often see you the same day. Until then, keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side.
Call Salem Dentistry at 562-435-8339 or book online today. Dr. Salem will take a look and recommend the smallest repair that will last.
Want a straighter smile without metal braces? Dr. Roxana Salem straightens teeth with clear, custom-made aligners that are nearly invisible. No wires, no metal, and no need to put your life on hold. And it’s never too late: many of our aligner patients are adults.
Learn more about clear aligners
Call 562-435-8339 or book online to schedule your consultation.
Healthy teeth start at home. Good brushing and flossing every day is the best way to prevent cavities and gum disease, and it only takes a few minutes. At Salem Dentistry in Long Beach, Dr. Roxana Salem, DDS, and our team show every patient, children and adults alike, how to care for their teeth between visits.
Questions about your home care? Call 562-435-8339 or book online
Cavities and gum disease are both caused by plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth all day long. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar and irritates your gums. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and nearly half of adults over 30 have some form of it. Daily brushing and flossing removes plaque before it can do damage.
Brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Gum disease usually starts between the teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. Floss once a day.
Your gums may bleed or feel a little sore during the first week of flossing. This is normal and should stop as your gums get healthier. If it hurts, you may be pressing too hard.
Teeth are sometimes sensitive to hot and cold after dental treatment. This usually passes quickly when you keep your mouth clean. If sensitivity lasts or gets worse, call us. Dr. Salem may recommend a toothpaste or rinse made for sensitive teeth, or check for another cause.
Even with excellent brushing and flossing, some plaque hardens into tartar that only professional tools can remove. Regular exams and cleanings at our office remove that buildup and catch small problems early, before they become painful or expensive.
How often should I brush and floss?
Brush twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day.
Should I floss before or after brushing?
Either works. The important thing is to do it every day. Many people prefer flossing first, so the fluoride from their toothpaste can reach between the teeth.
Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual one?
Both work well when used properly. An electric brush can make it easier to clean thoroughly, especially for children and for anyone with limited hand movement.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush or floss?
Bleeding is usually a sign of irritated gums from plaque buildup. Keep brushing and flossing gently every day. If the bleeding lasts more than a week or two, come in for a check.
How often should I see the dentist?
Most people should have an exam and cleaning every six months.
Do you take my insurance?
We accept all PPO dental plans and Medi-Cal Dental. We do not accept HMO plans. Call us and we’ll check your benefits for you.
Good habits at home and regular visits go hand in hand. Call Salem Dentistry at 562-435-8339 or book online to schedule your next exam and cleaning.
A regular exam and cleaning is the simplest way to keep your teeth healthy and avoid bigger, costlier problems later. At Salem Dentistry in Long Beach, Dr. Roxana Salem, DDS, examines every patient herself, children and adults alike, and takes the time to show you what she sees and explain your options.
Call 562-435-8339 or book online
Your cleaning is done by Dr. Salem or one of our dental hygienists. Even with great brushing, plaque hardens into tartar that only professional tools can remove.
A regular cleaning is for healthy gums and cleans above the gumline. If your gum measurements show gum disease, you may need a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing. It removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline so your gums can heal and reattach to your teeth. Dr. Salem provides deep cleanings right here in our office, with the area numbed so you stay comfortable.
Signs of gum disease include:
See our oral hygiene page for step-by-step brushing and flossing instructions.
How often should I have an exam and cleaning?
Most people should come in every six months. If you have gum disease or get cavities often, Dr. Salem may recommend coming in more often.
Does a cleaning hurt?
A regular cleaning should not hurt. If your teeth or gums are sensitive, tell us and we’ll go gently. For deep cleanings, we numb the area first.
How long does the visit take?
Plan on about an hour for an exam and cleaning. A first visit may take a little longer.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes. Digital X-rays use very little radiation, and we only take them when they’re needed.
I haven’t been to the dentist in years. Is that a problem?
Not at all. You’ll never be judged here. Dr. Salem will see where things stand and make a plan with you, one step at a time.
I’m nervous about the dentist. Can you help?
Yes. We explain each step before we begin and go at your pace. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available to help you relax.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Bleeding gums are usually an early sign of gum disease. Caught early, it can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and good home care.
Does insurance cover exams and cleanings?
Most dental plans cover two exams and cleanings a year. We accept all PPO dental plans and Medi-Cal Dental, and we do not accept HMO plans. Call us and we’ll check your benefits for you.
What if I don’t have insurance?
We have affordable options for patients without insurance. Call us at 562-435-8339 for current pricing.
Call Salem Dentistry at 562-435-8339 or book online today. We’d love to help you keep your smile healthy.
Good daily care keeps your dentures clean, comfortable, and looking natural for years. At Salem Dentistry in Long Beach, Dr. Roxana Salem, DDS, checks and adjusts the dentures she makes for her patients, so they keep fitting well as your mouth changes over time.
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Please don’t try to adjust or repair dentures at home, and don’t use store-bought glue or repair kits. A small change in fit is usually a quick fix in our office.
Your gums and jawbone slowly change shape over the years, so even well-made dentures can loosen. Regular visits let Dr. Salem check your mouth, adjust or reline your dentures, and spot problems early. Worn dentures can also make chewing harder and change the look of your face, so it’s worth replacing them when needed.
How often should I clean my dentures?
Brush them once a day and rinse them after every meal. Soak them overnight in water or a denture solution.
Can I sleep with my dentures in?
It’s best not to. Taking them out at night lets your gums rest and helps prevent sore spots and infections.
Why do my dentures feel loose?
Your gums and jawbone change shape over time, so dentures that once fit well can loosen. An adjustment or a reline usually solves it. If you find you need denture adhesive every day just to keep them in, it’s time for a check.
How long does a repair take?
Adjustments and simple repairs are often done the same day in our office. Relines and larger repairs go to our dental lab and take a little longer. We’ll tell you how long when you come in.
How long do dentures last?
With good care, dentures usually last about 5 to 10 years. They may need relining along the way as your mouth changes.
Does insurance cover new dentures?
Many dental insurance plans help cover new dentures every few years. We accept all PPO dental plans and Medi-Cal Dental, and we do not accept HMO plans. Call us and we’ll check your benefits for you.
My dentures were made at another office. Can you repair them?
We adjust and repair the dentures made in our office. If your dentures came from somewhere else and no longer fit, Dr. Salem can examine you and talk with you about a new set.
How often should I come in?
At least once a year, even if you have no natural teeth. Dr. Salem checks the fit of your dentures and the health of your gums and mouth.
Call Salem Dentistry at 562-435-8339 or book online to schedule a denture check.