expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Clarisse Atakhanian, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Clarisse Atakhanian is a Dentist practicing in Glendale, CA. Dr. Atakhanian specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Dr. Clarisse Atakhanian, DDS
  • Glendale, CA
  • University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
  • Accepting new patients

Is it too late to straighten my teeth?

Of course not! I have had a 70 year old patient strengthening her teeth with clear braces (Invisalign) with a great outcome.

How soon after a root canal can I get a crown?

I recommend as soon as possible, if you have a temporary filling after the root canal, it could wear off real fast and expose the root canal to your oral cavity and the natural READ MORE
I recommend as soon as possible, if you have a temporary filling after the root canal, it could wear off real fast and expose the root canal to your oral cavity and the natural bacteria that’s there and thus lead to failing if the root canal. Also teeth are very fragile after root canal and you could break the tooth when eating even a piece of soft bread.

Can brushing your teeth help a toothache?

Once you have a toothache, you need to have it checked by your dentist, toothache means you have an underlying issue, brushing won’t remove cavity once you have it, it will help READ MORE
Once you have a toothache, you need to have it checked by your dentist, toothache means you have an underlying issue, brushing won’t remove cavity once you have it, it will help with your gum health and prevent further cavities on your other teeth, but I recommend you see your dentist as soon as possible to gave the tooth in pain checked.

Should old amalgam fillings be replaced?

Only if they cosmetically bother you OR if there is a cavity underneath the amalgam filling.

Why choose Invisalign?

Invisalign is clear, and thus people like it. But besides the cosmetic advantage, it is removable, so it is easy to eat food and not get food stuck in between the brackets. You READ MORE
Invisalign is clear, and thus people like it. But besides the cosmetic advantage, it is removable, so it is easy to eat food and not get food stuck in between the brackets. You can remove them, eat, brush and floss your teeth easily and then replace them back in your mouth. So in the long run also helps with future cavities post ortho due to the ease of brushing and flossing.

What to eat after filling a cavity?

Anything you want as long as the numbness is gone. The only reason we ask parents to not eat anything right after a filling, is because they could bite their tongue, lips or cheeks READ MORE
Anything you want as long as the numbness is gone. The only reason we ask parents to not eat anything right after a filling, is because they could bite their tongue, lips or cheeks due to being numb after a dental work.

How do you manage a cavity when you can't see a dentist?

Unfortunately there is nothing you can do but to take care of it by a dentist, but since you can’t see one now due to pandemic, make sure to keep the tooth clean, by flossing and READ MORE
Unfortunately there is nothing you can do but to take care of it by a dentist, but since you can’t see one now due to pandemic, make sure to keep the tooth clean, by flossing and brushing after each meal, avoid sugary food to prevent sensitivity and pain, since once there is a cavity sweets will cause pain, and schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as they open.

Does having a filling replaced hurt?

You would be given a local anesthesia for the treatment, but once the cavity is filled, it depends on how deep and close to the nerve pulp the cavity was, sometimes due to the READ MORE
You would be given a local anesthesia for the treatment, but once the cavity is filled, it depends on how deep and close to the nerve pulp the cavity was, sometimes due to the proximity of cavity to the nerve, causes the tooth to be sensitive for a while after it’s filled.

How do you pop a gum abscess?

You don't/should not pop an abscess, you should call your dentist and be seen as soon as possible. You will needs an X-ray, a clinical examination to find out the cause of the READ MORE
You don't/should not pop an abscess, you should call your dentist and be seen as soon as possible. You will needs an X-ray, a clinical examination to find out the cause of the abscess first, and most probably be prescribed an antibiotics first and then be treated as necessary.

What causes your gums to bleed?

Poor oral hygiene is a main cause of gums bleeding, which leads to gingivitis and later periodontal problems. You need to be seen by your dentist or hygienist for your regular READ MORE
Poor oral hygiene is a main cause of gums bleeding, which leads to gingivitis and later periodontal problems. You need to be seen by your dentist or hygienist for your regular dental cleaning at least 2/year, and then you need to continue with a good home dental hygiene, such as flossing and brushing after each large meal.

What does it mean when I tap my dental implant and it hurts?

Many things, if you recently had a dental filling and you are experiencing a pain when tapping on the tooth, it could mean that the restoration might be a bit high and just a simple READ MORE
Many things, if you recently had a dental filling and you are experiencing a pain when tapping on the tooth, it could mean that the restoration might be a bit high and just a simple occlusal adjustment will take care of the discomfort. If you have a very large restoration on the tooth, that has been there for a long time, you might have cavity into the nerve with possibly needing a root canal, it could be a fracture. Best way to find out the cause is to be seen by your dentist for a clinical exam and X-rays to evaluate the cause of the discomfort.

Can teeth be saved with periodontal disease?

it is possible, but it depends on the severity of the periodontal disease. Depends on how much of your bone surrounding your tooth/teeth have been lost.

Can radiology detect an impacted tooth?

if you mean x-rays, yes.

Can I use mouthwash with Invisalign?

Yes, you can. The beauty of having Invisalign is that you can take them out when eating/drinking/brushing and rinsing. You wear them 24 hours a day, and take them out only when READ MORE
Yes, you can. The beauty of having Invisalign is that you can take them out when eating/drinking/brushing and rinsing. You wear them 24 hours a day, and take them out only when eating, drinking (especially colored beverages), and rinsing.

Is pericoronitis a serious condition?

Pericoronitis, simply means gum tissue over your tooth, that is not erupted completely. It can be a serious condition if left untreated. If there is no room for the tooth to erupt READ MORE
Pericoronitis, simply means gum tissue over your tooth, that is not erupted completely. It can be a serious condition if left untreated. If there is no room for the tooth to erupt completely, you need to have the tooth removed, however if there is room for the eruption your dentist could remove the tissue to help with the eruption of the tooth using laser or surgical blades. Once again, it depends on the situation, which will be determined by your dentist once you visit him/her. Pericoronitis can become infected and cause swelling if left alone since you irritate the tissue every time you chew food and food can get impacted under the loose tissue.

How fast does gingivitis progress?

Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease. Here you have redness and bleeding of the gums, if not treated early on it will lead to periodontitis where it will effect the READ MORE
Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease. Here you have redness and bleeding of the gums, if not treated early on it will lead to periodontitis where it will effect the surrounding bone and lead to bone loss, tooth mobility and eventually loss of teeth.

Do veneers stain with coffee?

Even though the porcelain is polished and stain resistant, over time, unfortunately, they will stain with dark colored liquids such as coffee, red wine, etc.