How Does the Dentist Fix a Chipped Tooth?

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?

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

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.

The Benefits of Invisalign

For so many, needing corrective dental work is never good news. The time, cost, and actually using either braces or Invisalign is never easy. People sometimes worry about how they will look and what others will think of them when they wear braces. This is in addition to the adjustment, upkeep, and other duties involved in keeping traditional metal braces in tip top shape. However, one of the friendlier alternatives to traditional braces is Invisalign. It is a clear, plastic alternative to traditional metal braces that helps correct your teeth and create a beautiful, brilliant smile. Below, we’ll discuss what Invisalign is, how it differs from traditional metal braces, and what the benefits of retainer are.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an invisible alternative to traditional metal braces that work to guide out of place teeth to their proper place. Unlike traditional braces, they are made of a clear plastic and are much easier to clean.

What are some of the benefits of Invisalign?

Easier to clean

One of the many benefits of retainer is that it is easier to clean. Unlike traditional metal braces, you only need to worry about cleaning your aligner trays instead of worrying about onerous brackets. 

No need to adjust your current diet

Another one of the benefits of Invisalign is that you do not need to avoid certain foods or even some drinks because you are using it. One can simply remove the aligners and reinsert them after the meal is done and you have thoroughly brushed and flossed your teeth. 

More comfortable 

Traditional metal braces are notoriously uncomfortable. Between metal and bands needing tightening, there is little to look forward to when you have traditional braces. A benefit of Invisalign is a decrease of pain for the wearer’s mouth. 

Fewer visits to the dentist’s office

Metal braces that are traditionally installed in someone’s mouth sometimes require many multiples of visits to a dentist’s office demanding time, money, and, most importantly, patience. A key benefit of orthodontics is that you receive multiple aligners for multiple stages at the same time, eliminating the need for some of those visits.

Look better

Although many people profess not to care about how traditional metal braces make them look, they often shy away from photos at social or professional occasions to not showcase the braces. A tangential benefit of orthodontics is that taking photos will not be impacted and you can showcase you winning smile with confidence while maintaining a professional demeanor. 

What can I do if I want to take advantage of the benefits of Invisalign? 

If you want to explore the benefits of Invisalign or whether Invisalign aligners are right for you, call our Lake Success office today. Our New Hyde Park dental professionals are standing by to help you and ensure all your questions and needs related to the benefits of Invisalign are answered.

The Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental Implants

Oral care can be a literal pain, especially as we age. Our once pristine teeth which flashed a pearly-white smile yellow with age, making it embarrassing or even difficult to smile for photographs, converse with friends and family, and contribute to a lack of self-esteem. Additionally, the weakening of your teeth and enamel can lead to pain while eating, chewing and swallowing making eating, something that should be a joyful activity shared with others, a source of embarrassment or shame. This is without mentioning the myriad of dental issues that can creep up causing longer-term oral health problems that can create disease which impacts other parts of the body. Luckily, New Hyde Park Dental can help alleviate these ailments through the use of latest dental implants. 

Why are dental implants in New Hyde Park a good option for me?

Dental transplant installed by a New Hyde Park dentist are a good option for many whose teeth are no longer able to be sufficiently maintained through a regular cleaning and upkeep routine. Implants can save you thousands of dollars in dental costs in the long run through ensuring your mouth is no longer the subject of decay. 

What are some of the other benefits of dental implantation?

Dental transplant can have a myriad of positive effects on your life that are not directly medically related. A New Hyde Park dentist can work to ensure that the implants you pick are appropriate for your budget and needs.

Dental implantation have a variety of extra benefits and can improve:

  • chewing – and it won’t slip out like some dentures, so you can avoid those embarrassing moments at important business meals or long-awaited family reunions
  • your smile’s overall appearance – so posing for a headshot, a photo with your children or grandchildren, or at an important event won’t leave you smiling awkwardly
  • your speech – as you won’t have to worry about any issues caused by dentures not sticking to your mouth
  • dental durability – as implants will typically last longer and be stronger than any other type of alternative available such as a crown or dentures
  • your morning and evening routines – as roots dental do not require any sort of removal or special care

How long do dental implants typically last and how successful are they when attached by a New Hyde Park dentist? 

Roots dental, when installed by an experienced Lake Success dentist, typically last a lifetime with proper care and with regular visits to a dental professional or as needed. The success rate of these implants is the high 90% range, given they are a common practice for individuals of any age or dental health. Anyone is eligible to get dental implants no matter their age as long as they have sufficient bone to hold the implants in. Healthy gums are a must in order for the implants to be successful.

What happens after my implants are attached?

An experienced Hyde park dentists will ensure that the implants have a natural look and feel avoiding the artificial look which plagues some implant patients. Your new teeth will work just like your original teeth and will require much of the same care such as brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist. 

Will my insurance cover dental implants?

Dental insurance does not cover implants except in some specific cases. However, the medical and billing professionals at lake success dental care can work with you for a d implants treatment and payment plan that fits your timeline and budget so getting the implants is just as easy as living with them.

What do I need to do to get d implants that fit my needs?

Contact us today at New Hyde Park Dental to ensure that we’re able to create a dental implant plan that fits your life and needs!

How to Properly Care for Your Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are more than a second chance to have nice teeth. Simply put, a dental implant is a substitute tooth that imitates the real thing. The titanium “root” inserted into the jawbone gives it a flare, supporting the rest of the implant including the crown, bridge, and the denture itself. The crown is porcelain, which allows the implant to look like a natural tooth.

Dental implants are different from “dentures.” It can be the full top and bottom sets of teeth but implants are also for just one tooth that is irreparable. Implants help your jawbone stay in line. Where there is no tooth, because of lack of stimulation, the jaw bone in the empty space deteriorates. In the first year of losing a tooth, if no implant is put, the bone region loses 25 percent of its weight, and bone loss continues over the years. A missing tooth gap can cause adjacent teeth to move to the gap in a crooked manner. This will pull your teeth out of place and may affect your grip, chewing capacity, and appearance. It can cause interference which later makes it difficult to replace the tooth. A poor bite can also cause problems with your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) and can lead to headaches and pain. Facial sagging can result from missing teeth as an unwanted consequence of bone loss. The lower third of the face begins to collapse here, gradually closing the distance between the nose tip and the chin. Changes can include excess mouth wrinkles, thinning lips, and a more pointed chin, making the person look much older than his true age.

After your dental implants heal, they will slowly start fuse with your jawbone and become seamless with your other teeth.

How to care for your dental implants.

One of the most important things to remember when you get ready for your day and before going to bed is your dental hygiene. You take care of your d implants in the same way that you take care of real teeth. Brush them twice a day, before your day starts in the morning and after your day is over in the evening. If you want to extend the life of your dental implants, then cleaning them after eating and drinking things other than water would be a good way to do that. You also need to take proper care during the healing process. When your implant is joining with your jawbone it is the perfect time for bacteria and other bad germs to get inside the spaces between the implant, your gums, and your other teeth. If bacteria, food and other molecules were to get stuck anywhere in that area, that could make the entire experience worse for you. It would cause discomfort and could even cause bone loss in your jaw. Negligence will cause a bigger problem than a cavity.

A tiny and soft toothbrush, mechanical and/or manual would be the best tools for cleaning d implants. You should also use a low or non-abrasive, tartar-control toothpaste to ensure that the dental implants are not scrubbed away or scratched. You should use dental floss to wash the abutments to make sure that the implants last longer. 

Antimicrobial mouthwash and rinse help keep bacteria and plaque from building up inside of your mouth. Finding interdental brushes and other aids to remove plaque buildup between your teeth keep your implants from eroding and eventually chipping away.

Scheduling regular cleanings for your dental implants are also a part of keeping your d implants healthy. If there is any issue with your dental implants, then you need to inform your dentist as soon as possible. Cleaning implant-supported tooth replacements is just as important as cleaning natural teeth, both types rely on healthy surrounding tissues for support. Bacterial biofilm (plaque) collects on implant crowns just as it does on natural teeth, and must be removed on a daily basis at home. Unlike inflammation around the teeth, this reaction can be quite catastrophic in both rate and quantity, leading to well- or dish-shaped bone loss around the implant affected.

Scheduled Cleanings for Your Dental Implants

Scheduling appointments to see your dental hygienist is the best way to stay ahead of the curve if an infection were to occur. Maintaining the abutment and crown’s highly polished, smooth surface is important. They can attract and harbor bacteria if they are scratched. That is why the instruments used are most often made of plastics and resins, called scalers and curettes. Natural teeth do not scratch the same way, so metal tools can be used to clean them. Nylon or plastic sheaths or tips are available for a number of power (ultrasonic) instruments to minimize implant damage. Your dentist will clean through the use of high-frequency vibration, which may be appropriate when large amounts of debris have accumulated. They are used for cleaning and flushing material in a low-power setting with lots of water irrigation and sometimes antibacterial solutions. If any part of the implant body itself (root replacement portion) is visible, this may mean that gum and/or bone loss has occurred due to infection. The layer of the implant is exposed to the bone after the failure of its fusion. Implant surfaces are usually “roughened” microscopically to increase bone attachment surface area. But this surface roughness makes cleaning and disinfecting implants difficult, if not impossible. Some implants are also screw-shaped and their threads only add to the dilemma of cleaning. Wherever practicable, brushes are used to clean biofilm from an implant’s exposed areas. If calculus or dental cement is present on an implant surface (used to protect the crowns), the hygienist will need to use devices that are successful in removing such contaminants. In such situations, the clinician must ensure that the completion of the procedure does not cause any scratching or harm.

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