Dr. Susan Fredericks D.D.S

Dentist | General Practice

6325 Topanga Canyon Blvd Suite 402 Woodland Hills CA, 91367 Show map

About
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About

Dr. Susan Fredericks is a Dentist practicing in Woodland Hills, CA. Dr. Fredericks 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.

Education and Training

UCLA MPH 2016

UCLA School of Dentistry D.D.S. 1981

UCLA B.A. Biology 1977

Provider Details

FemaleEnglish

Dr. Susan Fredericks D.D.S

Dr. Susan Fredericks D.D.S's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Does a bone graft prevent dry socket?
A dry socket occurs when the patient has a tooth extracted and the clot that formed in the area of extraction is lost. This is more common with smokers. A bone graft is generally covered by a membrane to protect it and keep it from dislodging. So the answer is yes READ MORE
Can antibiotics heal an infected root canal?
Maybe. Root canal infections are in 3 categories: Infection was never completely abolished during procedure or with initial round of antibiotics. In this case, good chance of resolution. Second, root canal gets infected some years after procedure. In this case, maybe, but good chance root canal will need to be redone. Last, root canal never heals after second or third round of antibiotics. This can be true either at initial treatment or on down the road. Root may be fractured, or cyst may have formed, in which case, extraction or surgical intervention is needed. So, it depends! READ MORE
How do you adjust your dentures without going to the dentist?
I have had a few of my patients do this over the years. If they own a dremel tool and know right where to adjust. It is not rocket science. But many end up coming in anyway as dentists have better equipment and tools to identfy and relieve the issue. And they still need additional adjust to end painful spot READ MORE
How long after getting braces does the pain stop?
The pain should resolve in a week or two as you readjust. And don't forget to wear your retainers!!! READ MORE
Is jaw surgery risky for infection?
It depends on the type of surgery you are talking about. Wisdom teeth extraction usually includes antibiotic coverage to help prevent this. However, in a small number of circumstances, this can happen. Larger, more complicated surgeries often involve hospitalization, but again would have antibiotics. Almost all surgeries carry some risk of infection. READ MORE
How do you know when a cavity is really bad?
You know when a cavity is really bad, when the tooth starts hurting...A LOT. By this time, you will no longer need a filling, but likely a root canal and crown, much more expensive procedures. Please take care of this when it is small and much less expensive, time consuming, and painful to take care of! READ MORE
How do you stop a cavity from hurting?
The best way is to have it attended to by a dentist. If it comes up at night, take some tylenol and place a little wax over the hole, and then get to the dentist ASAP. READ MORE
Can I wait a week to fill a cavity?
Yes you can. It will not get significantly larger or worse, in a week READ MORE
Does vinegar remove tartar from teeth?
Vinegar is not good to put on teeth. It etches them. Don't do this. Have your teeth cleaned at the dental office. READ MORE
Do cavities need to be filled immediately?
It depends on how deep the cavity is. If the cavity is deep and you are already noticing sensitivity on this tooth, you may need to take care of that tooth very quickly, or you may need a root canal or extraction. If the cavity is small, taking care of it in the next few weeks or months is appropriate. READ MORE
How do you know if you need a deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning is based on a number of factors. The most important is what are your pocket depths? This involves a 6 point information gather around each tooth. If you have a lot of pockets over 4 mm, you may need this. However, you need to track this over time. I have patients with 4 and 5mm pockets who have been this way for years and are stable. Stable is little to no bleeding during probing and cleaning. If your gums bleed a lot and are very inflamed, you made need deep cleaning even if only a few pockets of 4. And the X-rays must be checked and a through health history and how long since your last cleaning? All must be taken into account. You can't just look at mouth and say, "YOU NEED A DEEP CLEANING." READ MORE
Can your jaw move back after surgery?
Once surgery is done, it should stay in that position. However, if you are under 18, it is possible that growth and development could change the lower jaw position READ MORE
Can you vape after a deep cleaning?
Of course you can vape and smoke. But it will affect healing and how long it takes, so it is best not to for a week. READ MORE
Is an X-ray required for braces?
Yes, we need to see the bone level and quality around the roots of your teeth and the length of your roots. All of this goes into the diagnosis. READ MORE
Can you see tooth decay on an X-ray?
Most of the time, it does appear on the X-rays. But in early or incipient decay, it may not show, but be visible to the eye. READ MORE
What X-rays are needed for braces?
A full mouth set, showing all the teeth and surrounding bone READ MORE
How often should you get a deep cleaning?
Deep cleanings are based on need and the presence of disease. If you have deep cleanings, hopefully it has resolved most of the problem. But gum disease is like diabetes, it is a long-term, chronic problem. And, like diabetes, it becomes a lifelong problem. As treatment, most patients move onto periodontal maintenance and have appointments every 3 to 4 months to manage this. However, many people don't stick to this, don't come in again for 6 months to a year and end up repeating the cycle and having more deep cleanings. READ MORE
Are ceramic fillings worth it?
It depends on the cost. Tooth colored fillings are far less expensive than ceramic lab fabricated restorations and often not worth the additional cost. Ask for a comparison of filling vs. lab ceramics. READ MORE
Do gums reattach after deep cleanings?
Gums do not reattach after deep cleanings. They will tighten up and look healthier and pinker, but once attachment is lost, it does not come back. READ MORE
What happens if you get a cavity under a filling?
Yes, getting a cavity under an existing filling is common. The old restoration is removed and the new decay and a new one is placed. Fillings are never as good as your original tooth structure. They wear out and have to be replaced. READ MORE