Stages of Gum Disease

If you want to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, then you need to practice a proper oral hygiene routine on a daily basis. If you don’t, you’re already headed down the road toward gum disease. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth and there are three stages that you need to be aware of. You should always schedule professional cleanings and oral exams with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists twice a year to avoid this condition.

• Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.


• Periodontitis – This is the second stage of gum disease. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.


• Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are officially destroyed. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.

If you experience gum inflammation, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730. 

Rotary Endodontics for Smoother Root Canals

With the technological advances in dental equipment, many dental procedures have changed over the years. One of these advances we use here in our office called rotary endodontics has improved the process of a root canal, making the procedure, quicker, quieter, and more comfortable. Root canals used to have a scary reputation, which is why The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY have chosen to utilize rotary endodontics.

In the past, performing a root canal included using a manual file made of steel. Rotary endodontics uses an electric drill that has a much more flexible file made of titanium alloy. The more flexible file lets us drill deep into the root canal without stretching or damage. This means a much more comfortable experience during and after a root canal. Root canals are now usually no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled. Rotary endodontics also make root canals a much quieter process, so those who get anxious about hearing the drilling will be able to relax more. Rotary endodontics also makes the process of a root canal quicker, a benefit for both the patient and the dentist.

Our patients' comfort and health are our top priorities which is why we choose to update our office with advanced technology. To learn more about the technology we use here in our Oyster Bay, NY office, call The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Ridge Augmentation

When teeth are not replaced soon after they go missing, the bone tissue that used to hold the tooth in place starts to deteriorate. When the ridge becomes smaller, this makes it difficult to place successful dental implants. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY perform ridge augmentations for those who lost bone tissue so dental implants are a replacement option.

Dental implants are often considered the best option for replacement as they are able to last a lifetime. If the ridge where the implant is placed into has lost bone tissue, the implants will not hold in place. While replacing the tooth as soon as possible is ideal, sometimes when a tooth goes missing, a patient may not have the money, insurance, or time to have an implant installed. This is why we offer ridge augmentation, to make dental implants possible again when patients are ready for them.

Ridge augmentation involves taking bone graft material and placing it where the bone has been lost. The area is stitched up and allowed to heal for a few months before the implant is placed. During this time, the bone graft material will also promote the ridge to grow even more. When the ridge is healed, it will be big and strong enough to hold a dental implant.

To learn more about ridge augmentation, contact us or visit our website. To set up an appointment with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.