The Tender Dentist

The Tender Dentist - General dentist in Sunland, CA
8120 Foothill Blvd, Sunland-Tujunga, CA 91040

My dental philosophy speaks directly to my core belief and is, to many, the Golden Rule:Do for others what you want them to do for you. For that reason, I strive to make the dental experience enjoyable. You are visiting a FRIEND, who is a dentist.

Your mouth is connected to the rest of your being, so we will always keep that in mind, and we will use biological methods and treatment modalities. My Woodland Hills dentist office is a NAG-FREE zone. I offer suggestions, but I respect your choices no matter what the circumstance.I will help you mostly by sharing my knowledge in helping you, your family, and your children PREVENT problems through natural and easy home techniques. If treatment is necessary, we will proceed with a TENDER touch.

Both tooth decay and gum infection are connected to microorganisms such as bacteria. There are ways to change the FLORA of the mouth to create an environment that will help prevent tooth decay and gum infection.Preventing tooth decay anad gum infections are always easier, less costly, and more fun than getting dental treatment.

If you are dealing with a problem in your mouth but cant get yourself to walk in to a dental office, you are not alone. In one study, 36% of people reported avoiding the dentist due to anxiety.Lets change that!

Most people arent aware that they may be allergic to metals used for dental restoration. To avoid this problem altogether I have chosen to use metal free restorations and fillings. These restorations do contain trace elements of metals but they are so small as to be measured by parts per million and therefore do not cause an allergic response in people. Besides, they are more aesthetic and naturally translucent.

For fillings, I use BPA free composite material for the most biologically safe outcome. We do not use metal fillings.My favorite crown restoration is called E-max because it is both very strong and able to be bonded to teeth in a special way. Much like a veneer, we use bonded crowns with biosafe adhesive and resin cement to permanently attach crowns to teeth. Bonded crowns will never fall off of a tooth.

Mercury-Safe has to do with special care while removing metal fillings when the need arises. During the mercury filling removal process (also known as amalgam fillings), there is a release of mercury gas that can be absorbed by the body through the lungs. That mercury vapor may cause toxicity symptoms, especially in people who have a specific gene type. I have chosen to take special care in removing these silver fillings using a specific protocol.

The mercury filling removal protocol that takes place in our Woodland Hills offices includes a rubber dam, high volume vent and other steps, to reduce the amount of mercury exposure to as close to zero as possible. I do this for my patients sake and also for my staff and myself. Mercury poisoning is a common problem among dentists, and is the cause of many neurological and psychological issues that dentists deal with later in their careers.

Should I Have My Amalgam (Mercury) Fillings Removed If I Plan to Get Pregnant?YES. You should have your fillings removed before becoming pregnant!According to QuickSilver Scientific, inorganic mercury transfers through breast milk and methyl mercury transfers across the placental barrier. Therefore, only a very mild detoxification that does not mobilize mercury is recommended while breast-feeding or during pregnancy. Blood has been shown to have higher mercury levels in fetuses than the mother. Amalgam fillings should not be tampered with during pregnancy. Again, you should have your fillings removed before becoming pregnant!

In my experience people are usually told they have gum disease by their hygienist or dentist, without really having it explained in a way that can help them fight the problem on their own. The news is usually followed by a guilt trip about flossing more. But there are a few suggestions that can help people fight and prevent periodontal disease on a much deeper level (excuse the pun).

Gum recession and bleeding is caused by your OWN immune system. Because of the presence of unhealthy or bad bacteria, your body reacts. If we kill the bad bacteria and invite good bacteria (similar to gut bacteria that can be good or bad; the reason why people take probiotics) we can solve the problem. Best of all, the solution to preventing periodontal disease doesnt involve a lot of treatment in the dental chair. It is best solved with some easy at-home steps that well suggest you take.Give a man a fish, he will eat for a day; teach him how to fish, he will eat for a lifetime.

The Tender Dentist - General dentist in Sunland, CA

I have recently decided to tell my patients about using coconut oil in their oral hygiene routine as an adjunct to regular brushing and flossing. The technique is referred to as oil pulling, and I do it myself.

There is something called lauric acid in coconut oil which has been shown to kill oral microorganisms (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21333271). Besides the great effect of killing microorganisms, coconut oil helps to break up the biofilm on teeth that bacteria like to attach to.

I generally ask my patients to rinse with coconut oil once a week or before they have a date because in addition to the antimicrobial effects, it also helps to freshen your breath. Note: please do not swallow coconut oil after you have rinsed with it because it will contain saturated fats as well as your mouth bacteria.

Dr.Shahen Rostamian has spent over 20,000 hours perfecting his techniques for restoring oral health. He has completed advanced course at the Misch Implant Institute under the tutelage of Dr. Carl Misch, the man who literally wrote the textbook on dental implants. Dr. Rostamian has also dedicated his time to understand and implement the latest digital technology in his dental practice. 3d cone beams are low-radiation scans (see right) that show what normal x-rays cant. With this information planning big cases becomes a breeze.

Dr R attended UCLA for his undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Sciences in Physiological Sciences with emphasis on Integrative Biology. His degree enables him to have a deep understanding of medical conditions and how they can affect the treatment options available to his patients.After UCLA, he attended USC School of Dentistry where he dedicated most his free time volunteering at the Mobile Childrens Clinic. He enjoys being goofy and trying to make young people laugh. He also focused on attending the Emergency Clinic almost daily in addition to his regular studies concentrating on emergency dentistry and helping people out of pain. Since then he has done extensive course work on bite analysis, smile designs, implants and more.

Dr. Rs spouse is a pediatric neuropsychologist and his first son was born in 2014 the second one . He loves to spend his free time making his family laugh. In fact, Dr. R enjoys making everyone laugh. He is expecting his second son in 2018 and hopefully he won't be too sleep deprived when he does.

Reviews

Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 11 reviews

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Cassie the smart lady
2 years ago
Highly recommend. He is a very good dentist and takes both dental plans including Denti-Cal. Take your kids here, he's gentle and super nice. Can't wait for my dentist appointment.


Cassie the smart lady
3 years ago
Highly recommend. He is a very good dentist and takes both dental plans including Denti-Cal. Take your kids here, he's gentle and super nice. Can't wait for my dentist appointment.


Sam Fallah
3 years ago
They are great and friendly staff.


Sam Fallah
4 years ago
They are great and friendly staff.


Kelley De Pompa
4 years ago
Dr. Mertzel and his assistant Liz are extremely nice and honest. They make me feel comfortable and are accommodating with scheduling appointments and sending reminders which is very helpful. Dr. Mertzel is an excellent dentist. I trust his work and professional opinion completely. They are both kind people and I look forward to my dental appointments. I had four quadrants deep cleaned with minimal to no pain in the chair and zero pain after the Novocain wore off. I highly recommend him.


Daosawan Vongyai
5 years ago
AMAZING Dentist kind and caring.


Kelley De Pompa
5 years ago
Dr. Mertzel and his assistant Liz are extremely nice and honest. They make me feel comfortable and are accommodating with scheduling appointments and sending reminders which is very helpful. Dr. Mertzel is an excellent dentist. I trust his work and professional opinion completely. They are both kind people and I look forward to my dental appointments. I had four quadrants deep cleaned with minimal to no pain in the chair and zero pain after the Novocain wore off. I highly recommend him.


Raymone Carter
5 years ago
It was an amazing visit. The doctor was absolutely wonderful. I felt no pain. The receptionist Elizabeth was wonderful. I felt nothing but love. He told me personally he only existed because of the love his wife and he shared. God bless the doctor of love, Dr. James Merpzel. Thank you so much. Peace and love Raymone.


C B
5 years ago
Dr. Mertzel is very caring and takes great care of your teeth. He is very patient and answers any questions you have. The staff are all super nice.


Daosawan Vongyai
5 years ago
AMAZING Dentist kind and caring.


Leslie deVillez
5 years ago
I was a new patient with a crown that came off. My old dentist was on vacation, so I tried Dr. Mertzel's office. I'm hooked. He and Liz, his dental assistant and office manager took me right in, and in a week, I will have a new crown. These two people are dedicated to the comfort of their patients. Sunland Dental is the best!!


C B
6 years ago
Dr. Mertzel is very caring and takes great care of your teeth. He is very patient and answers any questions you have. The staff are all super nice.


Berenice Wheeler
6 years ago
I was nervous about my son's dentist appointment... Luckily the dentist was amazing... Patient good my son didn't even cry that's how good he was... Highly recommend him to anyone :)


Raymone Carter
6 years ago
It was an amazing visit. The doctor was absolutely wonderful. I felt no pain. The receptionist Elizabeth was wonderful. I felt nothing but love. He told me personally he only existed because of the love his wife and he shared. God bless the doctor of love, Dr. James Merpzel. Thank you so much. Peace and love Raymone.


Leslie deVillez
6 years ago
I was a new patient with a crown that came off. My old dentist was on vacation, so I tried Dr. Mertzel's office. I'm hooked. He and Liz, his dental assistant and office manager took me right in, and in a week, I will have a new crown. These two people are dedicated to the comfort of their patients. Sunland Dental is the best!!


Berenice Wheeler
6 years ago
I was nervous about my son's dentist appointment... Luckily the dentist was amazing... Patient good my son didn't even cry that's how good he was... Highly recommend him to anyone :)


Matt Maxon
6 years ago
Dr Mertzel he is competent at general dentistry my Son swears by him. Unfortunately I need complex dental restorations. This is not Dr Mertzels bag


Matt Maxon
7 years ago
Dr Mertzel he is competent at general dentistry my Son swears by him. Unfortunately I need complex dental restorations. This is not Dr Mertzels bag


Donna LePera
7 years ago
Dr. Mertzel is a very good dentist, takes most all of available insurances. Try him you will be pleased.


Donna LePera
8 years ago
Dr. Mertzel is a very good dentist, takes most all of available insurances. Try him you will be pleased.


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