Dental Fillings Q & A

What are dental fillings?

When a dentist detects cavities on your tooth, they will remove the damaged part and “fill” the empty area of the tooth. That’s why every person who has had cavities usually has dental fillings in his or her mouth. At New Hyde Park Dental we believe our patients have to feel confident and not think whether their fillings show every time they laugh or smile, that is why we use white fillings which match the color of the teeth and are as strong as any other amalgam fillings.

What are the types of white fillings?

Composite fillings

Composite fillings are the most popular tooth-colored dental fillings. They are made from quartz, powdered glass, silica or other ceramic components added to a resin base to maintain their white color. A doctor will choose a shade matching your teeth and bond the filling onto the area with an adhesive, shining afterwards onto it with light to set it. With this kind of filling the doctor will remove less of the tooth, which has its advantages. Composite fillings have been designed to withstand the normal wear and tear associated with the usage of the mouth on a daily basis. They will last for years to come, providing your tooth with the protection it needs to remain healthy. Costs may vary based on individual needs.

Porcelain fillings

Porcelain fillings are often referred to as dental inlays and onlays. They are indirect fillings because unlike a composite filling that is done in our office, dental inlays and onlays are made in a laboratory and cemented or bonded to the structure of the tooth during a second visit. Just as composite fillings, porcelain fillings don’t darken over time and are great alternatives for people who have metal allergies. Unlike amalgam fillings they don’t require more of the tooth structure to be removed, just the decayed part. These fillings can be hard wearing and long lasting.New Hyde Park Dental proudly restores the dental health of all our patients. While keeping your mouth cavity-free is our ultimate goal, if a cavity does occur, we offer white composite fillings to restore your oral health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for you or a family member. Costs may vary based on individual needs.

Gum Disease Q & A

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a serious oral health condition which occurs as a result of bacterial growth in the mouth and if not treated may lead to the teeth loss and gums destruction. In its earliest stages, gum disease is known as Gingivitis. It starts with the accumulation of plaque at the gum line, leading to inflamed gums which bleed during brushing or flossing. Gums may be irritated at this stage, but are still firm and have no serious damage. New Hyde Park Dental in Lake Success, New York, goes through a thorough evaluation to catch gum disease at its earliest stage, preventing it from get worse. However, when gum disease is allowed to progress without treatment, it can cause irreversible damage that will negatively impact your mouth for life. At this point the gum disease is labeled Periodontitis. This stage is diagnosed when gums pull away from the teeth and form sort of “pockets”, where food remnants collect and start to decay. As the result gums get infected deeper and deeper, breaking down the tissue and bone holding the teeth and destroying them. Once the teeth become loose, they may fall out completely. Periodontitis is the primary reason of tooth loss among adults.

What are the symptoms/signs of Gum Disease?

Early signs of gum disease include:

• Red gums
• Bleeding when brushing and/or flossing
• Bad breath

As gum disease gets worse, signs/symptoms include:

• Receding gums
• Indentations at the gum line
• Cold sensitivity
• Tooth loss

What are the treatments for Gum Disease?

Gum disease can be prevented by keeping plaque under control.  It all starts with proper brushing and flossing or your teeth every single day to prevent the occurrence of gum disease. Brushing the teeth is necessary for loosening plaque from the surfaces of the teeth, while floss removes bacteria-laden plaque from the tight spaces between the teeth and the gum line. Professional dental cleanings at least once every six months is also very important.Once diagnosed, treatment options for gum disease include surgical and nonsurgical procedures, depending on the stage of the disease. Nonsurgical treatment includes scaling and root planning, which is basically a procedure of deep-cleaning above and below gum line, scraping away plaque and smoothing down the rough spots on the tooth root. Once the disease has passed the early stage, surgical treatment may be necessary, which include partial bone or tissue replacement or contouring. If you need treatment for gum disease, please call New Hyde Park Dental as soon as possible so that the health of your mouth can be restored. Treatment costs may vary based on individual needs.

Removable dentures can be a good solution for patients who have missing teeth. Without your natural teeth, you're unable to eat -- or even speak -- normally in many cases. Removable dentures can allow you to function just as if you had your own teeth again. New Hyde Park Dental in Lake Success, New York, is ready to help you achieve a full smile once again.

Removable Denture Q & A

What are dentures?

Dentures are a type of teeth replacement for patients who are missing their natural teeth. If you've lost teeth due to disease, illness, injury, or for some other reason, dentures may be a good option for you. Dentures are custom-made for each patient so that they fit the mouth properly and look natural. They adhere to the gums via suction, and a dental adhesive may also be used to help ensure proper fit. Denture cost may vary based on the individual case.

How does the denture process work?

The denture process consists of several steps, so it usually takes at least two or three appointments with at New Hyde Park Dental. During the first appointment, our providers will evaluate your existing teeth and determine if the remaining natural teeth should be extracted. If you need teeth extraction, you'll also need some time to heal before the dentures can be installed.Once your mouth is properly prepared for the dentures, our providers will create a mold. This mold allows the dental lab to create a denture base that perfectly conforms to the dimensions of your mouth. The teeth for the dentures are also custom-made to fit the mold and your mouth.Once the new dentures are ready, our providers will check their fit during another appointment. At this time, you'll be able to get advice about how to care for the dentures, including cleaning and other basic maintenance. With the proper care, your dentures should last for years.

What are overdentures?

Overdentures are an alternative to traditional removable dentures. This type of tooth replacement works in conjunction with dental implants. Overdentures can replace either individual teeth or groups of teeth, and both removable and fixed overdentures can be used.Removable overdentures sit immediately on top of the gums, and they're typically supported by dental implants. In some cases, removable overdentures may be connected to a bar that then connects to the dental implants. Removable overdentures allow for the natural-looking replacement of missing teeth, and offer the convenience of removal for cleaning or maintenance.Fixed overdentures are sometimes used for groups of missing teeth. The group of replacement teeth are attached to dental implant anchors. There are at least two dental implants needed to anchor fixed overdentures to the bottom teeth, and multiple dental implants are needed to anchor fixed overdentures to the top teeth.

Invisalign® is an invisible teeth-straightening system that requires no metal at all. It's far from the old image of a "metal mouth" that you may have thought of when you imagined braces. New Hyde Park Dental in Lake Success, New York, is a general and cosmetic dentist who's ready to help you look your very best, including a straighter smile.

Invisalign® Q & A

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign gently and gradually moves your teeth into an improved state of alignment. To start the Invisalign treatment process, our providers will create impressions of your teeth. These impressions are then sent to a laboratory that specializes in the production of Invisalign aligner trays. The aligner trays fit perfectly on top of your teeth, snapping into place. You'll receive a series of aligner trays, usually around 10 sets in total, though this varies by patient. You switch to the next set of aligner trays every two weeks until the treatment is complete.

How long does treatment take?

Invisalign treatment time varies from six months to about 18 months depending on how much alignment correction is needed. The majority of patients wear Invisalign for about a year. Our providers will be happy to discuss your treatment course with you in detail. If you don't have the results you're looking for after the original treatment course, you may simply need to wear Invisalign for a few more months. The treatment is fully customized for your needs.

Who is a good candidate for Invisalign treatment?

The best Invisalign candidates are patients who have good oral health overall, but who have some alignment problems. If your teeth are crooked or if you have an overbite, Invisalign may be able to help. Your alignment problems may be anywhere from minor to serious, but Invisalign isn't generally suited for patients with extremely serious alignment problems. If you're looking for a way to straighten your teeth discreetly, Invisalign may be the ideal solution. Because the Invisalign aligner trays are made from a clear plastic that molds to your teeth perfectly, nobody even has to know that you're straightening your teeth.

Do you wear Invisalign around the clock?

You don’t wear Invisalign 24 hours a day, but you should wear the aligner trays for an average of 22 hours a day for best results. You can remove the Invisalign aligner trays to eat and drink and to perform oral hygiene, like brushing. You'll wear the aligner trays for most of the day and for the whole night. Costs may vary based on individual needs.

Teeth whitening can be a great solution for patients who have dark or discolored teeth. Your teeth may gradually grow darker over time, or they can become seriously stained with exposure to substances like nicotine or coffee. New Hyde Park Dental in Lake Success, New York, can help you get the white teeth that allow you to smile proudly and freely at last.

Teeth Whitening Q & A

Why do teeth become darkened or discolored?

Teeth can become darkened or discolored for many different reasons, including:

• Smoking: Chronic exposure to nicotine often causes the teeth to take on a yellow color
• Age: It's natural for teeth to grow darker over the years
• Beverages: Chronic consumption of beverages like coffee, tea, brown sodas, and red wine can cause discoloration
• Medication: Some types of medications can cause teeth to darken

Can you whiten teeth with drugstore products?

While there are many drugstore products made for teeth whitening today, they're generally not highly effective. You may be able to achieve a shade or so of whitening, but that's not always the case. Additionally, drugstore teeth-whitening products may contain harsh chemicals that could cause damage to your teeth’s enamel.

What type of teeth whitening is available at New Hyde Park Dental?

New Hyde Park Dental offers teeth whitening with a system that's only available through dental care professionals. The teeth whitening is both easy and convenient, and it's mainly done in the comfort of your own home. Our providers will first evaluate your teeth to ensure that you're a good candidate for teeth whitening.While it's rare, there may be certain cases where dental teeth whitening can't help. In those situations, other options like dental veneers may be recommended.Our providers will create a mold of your mouth so that customized whitening trays can be created just for you. The whitening trays and a powerful whitening gel will then be sent home with you. You'll use the whitening system every day for a specified amount of time. Usually, this is only a few hours a day but in cases where major whitening is needed you may need to wear the trays overnight.The whitening system is used for at least a couple of weeks, and you'll then return to New Hyde Park Dental for a follow-up visit. At that time, you'll typically see at least a couple of shades of improvement in teeth whiteness. A whiter and brighter smile is within your reach, so contact New Hyde Park Dental to learn more today. Costs may vary based on individual needs.

Root canals are a type of endodontic treatment that focuses on repairing a damaged or diseased tooth. When your tooth is seriously damaged or decayed, the interior soft tissues must be extracted if the outer tooth is to be properly preserved. New Hyde Park Dental in Lake Success, New York, can remove the inner part of the tooth while preserving the healthy outer part in a root canal procedure.

Root Canal Q & A

What does endodontics mean?

Endodontics is a specific type of dentistry that focuses on the nerves inside the teeth. Root canals are the most well-known type of endodontics today.

What are root canals?

Root canals are a very common endodontic surgery. This type of procedure is performed on teeth that have damaged interiors but healthy exteriors. The infected nerves inside the tooth have to be taken out to avoid further damage to the tooth and the mouth as a whole.Additionally, those damaged nerves need to be extracted because they can cause serious pain while you are biting down or chewing. A root canal takes the damaged tissue out and then reinforces the remaining healthy tooth.

What happens if infected teeth are not treated?

If a tooth infection isn't treated, there can be severe consequences. The infection can worsen, eventually causing an abscess that could even cause bone loss. An untreated infection is also likely to cause very severe tooth pain, sometimes to the point that the patient is afraid to use an entire side of their mouth for fear of the pain.

What is the root canal process like?

First, our providers will administer anesthesia to numb the area around the infected tooth. Once you're comfortable and don't feel pain in the treatment area, our providers will drill a small hole in the tooth so he can remove infected tissue from the canal. Once the infected nerves are taken out and the inside of the tooth is cleaned, the tooth is filled with a sterile dental material.You'll then receive a temporary crown. This crown is worn for a couple of weeks, during which time your custom permanent crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory. When our providers install the permanent crown, he uses a dental cement to ensure that the crown won't shift or become dislodged. The crown reinforces the tooth, giving it enough strength to function just like a healthy, natural tooth does.After the root canal, you may have some soreness and swelling for a few days. Our providers may prescribe medication to help with the pain, and you can also use ice packs on your jaw to help decrease swelling and reduce discomfort. Costs may vary based on individual needs. Costs may vary based on individual needs.

Dental crowns are the ideal solution for a number of structural and cosmetic tooth issues. A crown is created to fit securely on top of the natural tooth. This provides a shield for damaged teeth, and can also be used to conceal tooth issues like cracks or discoloration. New Hyde Park Dental in Lake Success, New York, can create a custom crown to help make your smile stronger and more beautiful.

Dental Crowns Q & A

What are crowns?

Crowns are designed to protect and cover the teeth. A crown completely covers the tooth, and it's cemented into place so that it's stable. Crowns are generally made from:

• Gold
• Gold alloys
• Porcelain
• Porcelain fused to metal
• Other metal blends

In most cases, crowns are used on the back teeth, such as the molars. On the front teeth, a veneer -- similar to a crown, but made from a flat panel of material -- is often used instead of a crown.

What type of teeth problems can crowns help with?

Crowns are used in a variety of situations, including:

1. After a root canal, a crown is typically placed atop the tooth to reinforce and protect it. When a tooth is cracked, a crown is often used to provide extra reinforcement and prevent bacteria from entering the tooth.
2. When a tooth is chipped or broken, a crown may be used to provide an even surface for the tooth, which allows for normal chewing and prevents bacteria entry.
3. Crowns may also be used for cosmetic reasons, for example in cases where the teeth are seriously discolored or when there's a filling that needs to be concealed.

What is the dental crown process?

In the initial part of the dental crown process, our providers will shape your tooth. This involves gently removing a tiny quantity of enamel from the surface of the tooth. This makes room for the crown, which will allow the crown to be even with the rest of the teeth.After the small amount of enamel is removed, our providers will place a short-term crown, typically made from acrylic, on the tooth. This will protect your tooth for the next couple of weeks while the permanent crown is being made in a dental laboratory. Once the permanent crown has arrived, you'll return to New Hyde Park Dental to have it placed on the tooth. Permanent crowns are bonded securely to your tooth with dental cement, which ensures that they'll stay in place for the long term.

How long do crowns last?

It can vary by patient, but properly cared for crowns can last for decades. Many patients get 10, 20, or even more years of use from their dental crowns. Costs may vary based on individual needs.

Dental implants offer a permanent replacement for teeth that are already missing, or for teeth that must be extracted. Implants are secured by the natural jawbone, so they won't shift or move as you chew or talk. New Hyde Park Dental in Lake Success, New York, provides patients with the tools they need to smile, eat, and function fully once again.

Implants Q & A

What are dental implants?

Dental implants function as a replacement for the natural teeth roots in cases where teeth are missing or must be extracted. Implants are placed within the jawbone, which allows for very secure anchoring of a prosthetic tooth replacement.Implants may be used for individual teeth or even for an entire mouthful of teeth. They're also used as the base for removable dentures in some cases.

What are overdentures?

Overdentures are a type of removable dentures, but they offer more stability than traditional dentures because they're anchored with dental implants. Overdentures for the bottom row of teeth typically require a minimum of two dental implants, while overdentures for the top row of teeth will require multiple dental implants.Removable overdentures can be a great option for removable denture wearers because they give extra stability and allow you to chew, talk, and function with confidence.

Who should consider dental implants?

Dental implants can be a good option for any patient who is missing one or more of their natural teeth. However, only patients who have healthy gum tissue and sufficient jawbone density can support dental implants. Our providers are happy to evaluate patients at New Hyde Park Dental for dental implant suitability.

What are dental implants made from?

Dental implants are made from biocompatible metal that will eventually fuse into the jawbone seamlessly. Most dental implants are made from titanium. The teeth replacements attached to the top of dental implants are also made from titanium.A porcelain crown is typically placed on top of the tooth replacement, allowing the prosthetic tooth to look just like the natural tooth that it's replacing.

How does the dental implant process work?

First, the mouth must be prepared for the new implant. This may involve extracting teeth, or it may simply involve a dental cleaning. Next, the anchors for the dental implant are placed into the jaw while you're under anesthesia.With the implant base in place, the mouth then needs some time -- at least several weeks -- to heal. Once the mouth is healed, you'll return to have the prosthetic tooth attached to the implant. With your new dental implant in place, you can finally have a fully functioning tooth in place again. Costs may vary based on individual needs.

Dental Veneers Q & A

What are Dental Veneers?

Dental Veneers are tooth-shaped panels that are used to cover the front teeth when they're damaged in some way. Veneers are typically made from porcelain or a composite material that's custom matched to the shade of the surrounding teeth. Veneers are typically used for cosmetic purposes, but they do give extra stability to the teeth as well.

What are veneers used for?

Veneers are used in a variety of circumstances, including:

• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Filling small gaps between the front teeth
• Correction of minor teeth-alignment issues, for example slightly crooked front teeth

How does the veneer process work?

First, our providers will examine the tooth and discuss the desired changes with you. A mold of the tooth is made so that a customized veneer can be created in the laboratory. After the tooth has been cleaned thoroughly, a very small amount of enamel must be removed. This allows room for the veneer to be attached later.A temporary veneer may be used until the permanent veneer arrives. Once the permanent veneer arrives, our providers will check it for proper fit and then adhere it to the tooth using dental cement. This ensures that the veneer will stay in place long-term. Costs may vary based on individual needs.

How long do veneers last?

This can vary by patient. If you take very good care of your veneers, you can typically expect them to last for 10 years or even more in some cases. When veneers eventually wear down over time, they can be replaced with new ones.

How do you care for veneers?

Veneers need the same kind of care that you give to your natural teeth. Brush and floss twice a day to keep plaque and tartar buildup at a minimum. When flossing, use extra care to avoid snagging the edge of the veneer, as this could potentially pull it loose with enough force. Veneers are generally quite secure and can be treated just like they're part of your natural teeth. Schedule check-ups twice a year for best results, as this is the ideal time for our providers to ensure that the veneers are in good shape.

Teeth Cleaning is a vital part of regular dental care. While brushing and flossing is an important part of good dental care, your regular teeth cleaning appointments with New Hyde Park Dental in Lake success, New York, are just as important. Oral Health ties in closely to overall health and wellness, so don't delay in having your teeth cleaned regularly.

Teeth Cleaning Q & A

How can you get ready for a dental cleaning?

Before you have a dental cleaning at New Hyde Park Dental, It's important to that our providers get a full medical history from you. If you have any personal history or even family history with heart disease, gum disease, or oral cancer, our providers need to be aware of this. Information like this allow them to prepare for your dental cleaning to make it as safe as possible.Other than the medical history, the best way to  get ready for a dental cleaning is to regularly brush and floss your teeth. The better you care for your teeth in between dental cleanings, the easier your dental cleaning will be.

How does a dental cleaning work?

The purpose of a dental cleaning is to remove plaque and tartar buildup that isn’t removed by routine brushing and flossing. It's not possible to get every bit of plaque and tartar, even with the most careful brushing and flossing. A dental cleaning removes all plaque and tartar and then polishes the teeth, which makes it harder for bacteria to stick to the teeth.

When is a deep dental cleaning needed?

A deep dental cleaning is sometimes needed when a patient has more serious plaque and tartar buildup. In a deep cleaning, teeth scaling and root planing are performed as needed. This type of cleaning takes more time than a regular dental cleaning, and it requires a different kind of anesthesia in most cases.

How can you maintain the benefits of a teeth cleaning?

The best way to maintain the results of your teeth cleaning is to keep up a strict brushing-and-flossing routine. Our providers may also recommend a fluoride rinse, which can help make your teeth stronger and more resistant to bacteria.

How often should dental cleanings be performed?

It can vary based on the individual patient, but for most patients, once or twice yearly cleanings are recommended. If a patient has serious gum disease or other major dental issues, more frequent dental cleanings may be needed. Our providers are happy to work with each patient individually to determine a teeth cleaning schedule that will work for them. Costs may vary based on individual needs.