nhpdental, Author at New Hyde Park Dental

What Can a New Hyde Park Dentist Do for My Abscess?

Posted on August 24, 2021April 26, 2022 by nhpdental

Tooth issues are common no matter what the cause of the pain might be. Sometimes, it’s a simple tooth ache from eating something too hot or too cold too quickly. Other times, it may be related to other medical conditions, or a sign that you need to get your teeth cleaned and gums taken care of. Finally, sometimes, it is a sign of a tooth abscess and the need for immediate dental care. Below, we’ll detail what a tooth abscess is, what its symptoms are, what a dentist can do for your tooth abscess, and what to do if you think you have one.

What is a tooth abscess and what are its symptoms?

A tooth abscess is a pocket that is often filled by pus which is usually caused by a bacterial infection, which can occur in different parts of the tooth for different reasons. Unlike cavities, they can occur generally anywhere. There are two different kinds of abscesses. One is called a periapical abscess and occurs at the tip of the root which is at the bottom of the tooth in the gums. The other one, a periodontal abscess, occurs at the side of the tooth near the gums.

These abscesses are often caused by a bacterial infection that has occurred as a result of an untreated or badly treated cavity, an injury, or prior dental work that was done carelessly. Symptoms of a tooth abscess can include: a toothache that can radiate to your jaw, ear, or other nearby extremities, sensitivity to chewing, biting, or hot and cold temperatures, fever, swelling in the face or neck, a difficulty breathing or swallowing, and other dental-related difficulties.

What can a New Hyde Park dentist do for my tooth abscess?

If a dentist determines you do indeed have a tooth abscess, there are several possible courses of treatment that can be taken. The first is to open up and drain the abscess by making a small cut and allowing the pus to drain out, while he or she washes it with a saline solution. Another option might be to perform a root canal that can not only drain the abscess, but can help save the infected tooth. The most extreme option is to pull the infected tooth to prevent further damage to the jaw and other areas of the mouth, if the harm is severe enough. A dentist may prescribe antibiotics at his or her discretion to stop any spread of infection or potential spread.

What should I do if I think I have a tooth abscess?

Call our New Hyde Park office today to schedule an appointment to find out what one of our dentists can do for your tooth abscess. Our staff of dental professionals is standing by to help and is ready to assist you, no matter the dental issue you may face.

Why Are My Gums Bleeding?

Posted on July 30, 2021April 26, 2022 by nhpdental

Brushing twice a day isn’t just good practice, it helps preserve your oral hygiene in the short and long-term, so that you can have a brilliant smile for years to come. For many, they worry when in the course of their brushing, their gums begin to bleed. This leads to asking themselves why their gums are bleeding, even though they are taking proper care of their dental hygiene. Below, we’ll detail a few reasons why gums bleed from the common and every day to the serious.

Overly aggressive brushing and flossing

We’ve all been there, a bad day at work, a discussion gone wrong with a spouse, or daily frustrations somehow put us in a bad mood. Sometimes, that translates to overly aggressive brushing and flossing that mean you bear down on your teeth harder than you intended to. These brush strokes and flossing can cause your gums – which are naturally sensitive – to bleed and quickly recover. While not advisable, this is not likely to do long term damage to your gums. It is also entirely preventable.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and often leaves gums swollen, puffy, and tender. This leads to blood when brushing or flossing at a regular pace and is often a warning sign that you should see a dentist. Gingivitis is reversible given the proper treatment. If you think gingivitis may be the reason your gums bleed, you should contact New Hyde Park Dental immediately so you can begin treatment before it progresses into gum disease.

Medication

Sometimes, the reason why gums bleed is unavoidable. Some medications, such as blood thinners, make gums more susceptible to bleeding. While this isn’t a cause for concern, make sure to mention any medications – especially blood thinners – that you’re taking during your next visit with your dentist or dental hygienist.

Pregnancy gingivitis

In some cases, women who are pregnant may experience swollen and sensitive gums that bleed while brushing normally. This “pregnancy gingivitis” as it’s known should be mentioned to your dentist, so you can do as much as you can to protect your gums. Ensuring you continue to floss and brush can help make sure any damage does not worsen.

If you have any questions as to why your gums bleed, call our New Hyde Park office today to make an appointment and ensure that you’re on the right course of treatment.

The Best and Worst Summer Foods for Your Teeth

Posted on July 8, 2021April 26, 2022 by nhpdental

Now that summer is upon us, everyone is excited to get back to a new normal and see their friends, family, and loved ones at various events and BBQs. Unfortunately, all this celebration comes with a price to your teeth. Sugary, acidic foods are tough on your teeth, though they tend to be what is preferred on summer menus. However, there are also some foods that can help your teeth maintain their shine and integrity. Below are the best and worst summer foods for your teeth!

Best: Water

Water is the original best food. Clear, plentiful, and with no calories, most water contains fluoride which helps strengthen your teeth.

Best: Dairy

A cold glass of milk can not only be refreshing on a hot summer day, but the calcium in milk can help strengthen teeth as well as bones. Plus, this refreshing drink can be served a variety of ways!

Best: High-Fiber Foods

Pass the baked beans and spinach, because the chewing involved helps clean teeth in a way like no other. These foods require quite a bit of chewing and produce saliva, while the food itself scrubs your teeth as you chew.

Best: Strawberries

Strawberries, long a dish for summer cookouts, are also a natural teeth whitener due to malic acid. In fact, some people even make their own strawberry teeth whitening paste!

Worst: Citrus Fruit

Oranges, pineapples, and other citrus fruit tastes great, but wreaks havoc on your teeth. The acid that give each its unique flavor wears away at the enamel both short and long term.

Worst: Candy

What is summer without some candy to make it sweeter? Well, too much of the sugary stuff will wear down your enamel and leave you with cavities. While candy tastes great, its not so great for your teeth and body.

Worst: Soda

After a long, hot day, many people want to relax with a glass of soda – but beware, all that sugar and carbonation can hurt and discolor your enamel. Soda is best left as a sometimes drink.

Worst: Pickles

One of the typical accompaniments to any summer side dish are pickles, crunchy and, unfortunately, acidic. Pickles are not often consumed but when they are, their acid wears away the enamel on your teeth.

This year, you’ll have the opportunity to eat plenty of the best and worst summer foods for teeth. Make sure to stock up on the best ones and have the worst ones sparingly to have a great summer for yourself and your teeth!

What Can My Dentist do for My Infected Tooth?

Posted on May 28, 2021April 26, 2022 by nhpdental

That throbbing feeling you have in your mouth won’t go away no matter how hard you try to avoid hot and cold liquids. More sleep doesn’t help either. An infected tooth is never fun and even less appealing is the pain, swelling, and other discomfort that you feel from the ache that accompanies it. Sometimes, patients will try to ignore the pain or will look for home remedies. Others will rely on aspirin or other over-the-counter pain medications. However, these are not permanent solutions and a patient should consult a New Hyde Park dentist for long-term help with their infected tooth.

What causes an infected tooth?

A tooth infection is caused by bacteria pooling at the base or root of the tooth creating what is called an abscess. This bacterial pooling creates infections that are harmful and painful for the patient. One of the root causes is poor dental hygiene – not taking proper care of your teeth and gums – that can increase your likelihood for gum disease, tooth decay, and other complications. Other causes can include dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay, or a diet high in sugar which can corrode gums and teeth. A New Hyde Park dentist will be able to determine the exact cause of your infected tooth in order to help you decide on an appropriate treatment.

What symptoms do I feel?

An infected tooth will have a few different symptoms depending on the person and severity of infection. As mentioned before, throbbing can not only impact the tooth but also extend to the jawbone, neck, ear, or other part of the head. Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, sensitivity when a patient chews or bites, a fever, swelling in the face or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and a few other similar symptoms. A New Hyde Park dentist will be able to help you ensure that you get the best pain relief treatment.

How do I prevent an infected tooth?

One of the best ways to prevent an infected tooth is brushing twice a day, eating healthy food and avoiding sugary foods, and replacing your toothbrush. Your dentist can provide more tips on preventing an infected tooth.

Do I need to see my dentist if I feel these symptoms?

If you feel any of these symptoms, you should call our office immediately to make an appointment to see a New Hyde Park dentist. Our dentists can quickly help you decide what the right course of treatment is for your infected tooth. Make an appointment today to ensure your questions regarding an infected tooth are answered by our dental staff and dentist!

Wisdom Tooth Headaches: Causes and Solutions

Posted on April 28, 2021April 26, 2022 by nhpdental

No one likes feeling pain, even less so when the cause is wisdom tooth headaches. For so many who get wisdom tooth headaches, their immediate reaction is to wonder what causes wisdom tooth headaches and how to fix them. More than just a minor annoyance, they can leave you feeling disoriented, tired, and sluggish. Below, we’ll detail what causes wisdom tooth headaches and how to fix them.

What causes wisdom tooth headaches?

One of the biggest causes of wisdom tooth headaches is emerging wisdom teeth. These teeth come in between the ages of 17 and 25 and often through the jawbone and gum line.

Another cause of wisdom tooth headaches are impacted wisdom teeth. This happens when there may not be enough room in the patient’s mouth for the tooth to grow. Some of the causes of these impacted teeth are teeth emerging at an angle, getting stuck in the jaw, and pushing against other molars. Other problems with wisdom teeth that can cause wisdom tooth headaches include tooth decay, cysts, gum disease, and other damage to neighboring teeth.

What can I do to fix my wisdom tooth headaches?

One of the quickest, not to mention cheapest, ways to attack your wisdom teeth headaches is to rinse your mouth with warm water and salt. This regimen quickly kills any bacteria in your mouth that could be attacking your wisdom teeth and causing these headaches. Another method that involves medication is taking an aspirin. This simple trick often stops the pain associated with wisdom tooth headaches for a short amount of time.

However, if you find yourself having to take aspirin on a continued, regular basis you should consult with a New Hyde Park dentist. The most drastic solution to fix wisdom tooth headaches is for you to have surgery to remove the wisdom tooth or teeth that are the cause of the headaches. Wisdom teeth are unnecessary for most people and oftentimes are extracted when a person is younger than 30.

What do I do if I have more questions about wisdom teeth headaches and fixing them?

Contact our New Hyde Park office immediately so we can answer all of your questions regarding wisdom teeth headaches and solutions. Our dental staff is ready to answer any and all questions you may have and to make an appointment today!

The Ultimate Broken Tooth Extraction Procedure – New Hyde Park Dental

Posted on March 30, 2021April 26, 2022 by nhpdental

A broken tooth is sometimes a fact of life. No one wants to deal with the unfortunate pain, hurt, and distress that is caused by it. For most, they can’t wait for a convenient moment to go to our New Hyde Park dental office. However, many people have not experienced a broken tooth before and, understandably, have questions about how a dentist extraction a broken tooth. Below, we’ll detail a few ways.

Filling to fix a broken tooth

For the smallest of injuries to a broken tooth, a dentist may decide to create and insert a filling into the break. In the process of fixing a broken tooth, a dentist will likely bond it. This involves using a resin, shaping it to the outside “look” of the tooth, and letting it set. Usually, this tooth colored resin will look natural and be a permanent fix for a broken tooth, so no one but the patient will know work was done.

Dental crown fix a broken tooth

Larger pieces of a broken tooth often require a dentist to fix it using a crown or a dental cap. Usually, depending on the type and size of the break, a dentist will file down your tooth so it is easy to place a cap or crown on it. This is done through making an impression of a tooth with a putty-type material that is then sent to a lab or manufacturing center. There, using the impression, a crown or dental cap is created. While you wait for a permanent crown or dental cap to be created, the dentist will likely give you a temporary crown so you can continue to live and eat normally.

Removal of a broken tooth

Sometimes, there is little recourse but to extract or remove a broken tooth and evaluate options. If your dentist determines this is the right course of action, they will numb the area and extract the tooth using a variety of tools. Following the removal of a broken tooth, you and your dentist can evaluate options for replacement or something, such as dentures, that will mask the fact that your tooth was removed.

What if I have more questions about how a New Hyde Park dentist extraction a broken tooth?

Call our New Hyde Park office today with any questions about how one of our dentists can fix or remove a broken tooth. We’re available to make an appointment for you with a qualified dental professional as soon as possible!

How a New Hyde Park Dentist Can Treat Dry Socket

Posted on February 23, 2021March 27, 2026 by nhpdental

Dry socket is one of the dental maladies feared by so many people who avoid going to the dentist or do not wish to undergo more than routine dental procedures. alveolar osteitis is the direct consequence of tooth removal for any reason and while preventable, does occur in a significant number of people.

what causes dry socket and what is a dry socket?

While still rare, alveolar osteitis is caused after a tooth is removed and is most common in wisdom teeth removal. During most routine tooth removals, a blood clot usually forms to protect the opening in your gums and allow the healing process to commence.

However, if a blood clot does not form, it can create what is known as a dry socket. An alveolar osteitis often leaves gums and bones exposed, leading to infection and other maladies. These dry sockets are created through bacterial contamination from food or other objects that enter a person’s mouth. Trauma is another possible cause of alveolar osteitis as a consequence of the tooth removal procedure. It is important to seek treatment as quickly as possible with a New Hyde Park dentist in order to minimize the damage.

Are there risk factors and possible complications for alveolar osteitis?

Generally, there are not many risk factors for dry socket, but people who have experienced dry socket before are more likely to get it than those who have not. Other risk factors include use of cigarettes and other tobacco products regularly, take oral contraceptives, or if you don’t care for the wound properly. The possible complications for dry socket include healing that is delayed, socket infection, and an infection that spreads to the bone and could hurt other parts of the body.

How will a New Hyde Park dentist treat alveolar osteitis?

Our dental surgeon will quickly work to treat dry sockets so that infections do not occur or spread and lead to further damage. This is often done by cleaning the dry socket to ensure it no longer has any food or other particles. The dentist will pack the dry socket with gauze. We may then later give you saltwater or other rinses in order to clean the dry socket at home, in addition to more gauze to protect the socket from more damage.

What do I do if I have more questions regarding how a dentist treats a dry socket?

Call our Lake success dentist today for an appointment to get more information on alveolar osteitis and how dentists treat them. For patients who have experienced tooth loss and are considering long-term replacement options, our experienced dental implant specialist in New Hyde Park is also available to discuss restoring your smile with permanent, natural-looking results. We’re standing by and available for any questions you may have.

How Does the Dentist Fix a Chipped Tooth?

Posted on January 27, 2021April 26, 2022 by nhpdental

We’ve all been there: when we bite down on hard candy or a fork, knife or spoon, and we hear the hard crunch or crack of enamel breaking. This can be terrifying for health, physical, and cosmetic reasons. The first reaction of many is to cover their face until they can fix the issue. Luckily, the fast work of a New Hyde Park dental professional can help fix a tooth quickly so you can work, spend time with family, and pursue leisure activities.

How do I care for my chipped tooth immediately?

A broken tooth should be immediately fixed by a dentist as soon as possible. Any delay can only lead to a worsening of the condition. While you get your appointment scheduled with a New Hyde Park dentist, you may want to take over the counter acetaminophen for the pain. You can also cover the tooth, if it is jagged, with a small piece of wax paper or sugarless chewing gum to stop it from cutting into your tongue. If you need to eat, have soft foods that will not further worsen the chipping of the tooth.

How does a dentist fix my broken tooth?

Depending on the severity of the chip, it may be a relatively simple fix through filling or a resin-based process called bonding for a front crack tooth, so the damage is not noticeable. Bonding is a simple process where a dentist applies an adhesive to your chop tooth and then adds a tooth colored resin to fill in the chipped part of your tooth. After the dentist has ensured your broken front tooth resembles your natural tooth, he or she will expose it to safe radiation to harden it.

However, if a larger piece of your tooth breaks off, your dentist may opt for a dental cap or crown to fix your chipped tooth. Your dentist may file away part of your tooth so that he or she can place a porcelain or resin dental cap or crown on top of your cracked tooth. This fix for a more severe chop tooth may also involve a root canal or canal therapy, which helps ensure the underlying root of the tooth is preserved while the cosmetic exterior is replaced. Thus protecting against lasting and sometimes lifelong damage to your mouth.

Crowns are usually a more intensive process than adhering resin to your Broken tooth. They usually require at least two visits to our dental office to complete, so a New Hyde Park dentist can provide you with a temporary crown and then, after a couple of weeks, a more permanent crown. There may be other alternatives, such as a dental veneer, for other cases that we can pursue in treating your cracked tooth.

What if I have more questions about how to tooth fix?

Call our Dentist Lake Success office today so you can get all of your questions answered about how our dentist can fix your tooth, and to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

What is the Difference Between Tartar and Plaque?

Posted on December 28, 2020April 26, 2022 by nhpdental

For so many patients, tartar and plaque are interchangeable scourges that they want to live without. It ruins their smile, can contribute to bad breath, and can contribute to a myriad of other dental issues. Unfortunately, patients believe they can treat tartar and plaque with the same removal and treatment techniques and achieve the same result. However, tartar and plaque are very different occurrences that require two different strategies to deal with effectively. Below we’ll detail the differences between tartar and plaque.

What is plaque, what does it do, and can it cause tartar?

We hear a lot about plaque and its impact on teeth from TV commercials, pamphlets, and when dental professionals, including your dentist, tell you to brush and floss your teeth regularly. Plaque is the unsightly buildup on a person’s teeth that comes from food and drink that you ingest throughout your day. Smoking can also cause plaque. Plaque is comprised of acidic bacteria that can harm your teeth and unless it is removed through regular brushing and flossing, can contribute to diseases impacting your gums, tooth decay, and the buildup of tartar.

What is tartar, what does it do, and how can I prevent it?

If plaque isn’t removed on a regular basis by brushing and flossing, it can turn into tartar over a period of one to three days. In addition to the issues related to buildup, tartar can cause bad breath, also known as halitosis, contribute to gum disease, and it will negatively impact enamel which can lead to tooth loss, cavities, and other maladies. The best way to prevent tartar is to prevent plaque. Brushing twice a day is the most important part of plaque prevention as it effectively cleans your mouth. Additionally, flossing once a day with an emphasis on brushing your gums can get rid of hard to get to plaque and eliminate it.

Why can only a dental professional remove tartar?

Plaque is easy to remove at home and many people practice effective plaque removal through their daily brushing and flossing routine. Tartar buildup is impossible for people to remove at home and requires a dental professional with the correct training and instruments. Your dental professional, a dentist or hygienist, will use a metal scaler to remove tartar from your mouth. For most patients who go to regular dental visits every six months or so, this is a sufficient treatment to remove the tartar buildup. However, for other patients who have not gone to the dentist with as much regularity, a patient may need a deep clean that involves other, more invasive procedures to remove tartar.

What do I do if I have any more questions on why tartar can only be removed by a dental professional?

Our New Hyde Park Dental office is available to answer any questions you may have on the difference between plaque and tartar. Call us today so we can answer your questions and assist you in ensuring any and all tartar you have is removed – so you can have a healthy smile that will last you for years to come.

What to Expect When Having a Tooth Removed

Posted on November 24, 2020April 26, 2022 by nhpdental

Getting a tooth removed is not an easy or pleasant experience for most. Sometimes, even with the best and most diligent dental care, tooth removal is the only option to ensure a healthy mouth and to prevent future problems from occurring in other parts of your body. For many, there is some trepidation to getting teeth removed because they are unsure of what comes next for their smile and their overall health, oral and otherwise. Below, we’ll detail to expect when you’re having a removed tooth.

Why would I have a tooth removed?

There are a multitude of reasons to have a tooth removal. Sometimes, your mouth is too crowded and if your teeth are too big for your mouth, one may have to go even if all your teeth are well-cared for. Another reason is infection or risk of infection that may have already afflicted a tooth or may spread to other teeth compromising your oral health or causing other health issues.

What should I expect when I have a removed tooth?

Your dentist or oral surgeon will explain everything you need to know regarding tooth removal for your specific case. Many times, they will inject an anesthetic in the area so you do not feel pain. In some cases, they will use general anesthesia which puts you to sleep, so you are effectively asleep throughout the entire procedure. In some cases, a tooth can be removed all at once. In others, a tooth may have to be removed in pieces.

What can I expect after I have a tooth removed?

Once your tooth has been removed, you should follow a New Hyde Park dentists’ instructions and take any medication as prescribed. For some, painkillers may be appropriate. For others, relaxing for a day or two in addition to putting ice packs on their face to reduce swelling is a tried and true method to recuperate. You should also avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully for at least 24 hours. Eating soft foods is helpful in addition to regular oral care, as long as you avoid the area so it has time to heal and repair itself.

If I’m worried about care after my tooth is removed, when should I call the dentist?

Some pain and discomfort is normal once your tooth is removed so you should not need to call the dentist for minor aches and pains. However, there are times when a call to the dentist is warranted. If you believe you have a potential infection, marked by fever and chills, persistent cough, nausea, or vomiting, you should call our office immediately as this may be a sign of a serious condition.

What do I do if I have more questions about having a tooth removed?

If you have any questions about having a tooth removal, our New Hyde Park office is here to assist you every step of the way. Call us today for an initial consultation where we can walk you through the process step by step.