Periodontal Splinting

Having a loose permanent tooth doesn’t bring the same amount of excitement that it did when you were a kid. As an adult, it’s often a sign of injury, lost gum tissue, misalignment, or orthodontic treatment. Trying to eat or speak becomes uncomfortable. Drs. Robert G. West and Denise VeyVoda of The Oyster Bay Family Dentists offer a solution. Periodontal splinting attaches your weak teeth to strong ones, creating a single, stable unit. Contact our office in Oyster Bay, NY, to learn more.

 

Schedule an appointment with your Oyster Bay dentist as soon as a loose tooth is noted. Otherwise, it can damage other dental structures. Trauma is the biggest culprit for a loose tooth. Grinding or clenching your teeth is also a probable reason. Some patients even experience a combination of the two. Periodontal disease is also a likely cause.

 

By splinting your loose teeth, Drs. West or VeyVoda are able to correct your misaligned bite. This relieves the pressure behind the looseness. Temporary and permanent splints are offered. For temporary splints, there are extra-coronal and intra-coronal. The placement defines the kind needed. Extra are bonded to the enamel while intra requires a channel in the teeth. For permanent splints, a splint fuses the crowns of each tooth together.

 

Drs. Robert G. West and Denise VeyVoda are located in Oyster Bay, NY. To schedule an appointment at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, visit our website or call 516-922-5730.

Gum Grafting

Drs. Robert G. West and Denise VeyVoda of The Oyster Bay Family Dentist offer gum grafting procedures to our patients. These are necessary when patients don’t follow recommended oral routines. Periodontal disease manifests when proper brushing and flossing isn’t utilized. The early stage is Gingivitis. It can be reversed while later stages of periodontal disease cannot. When your gums begin to recede gum grafting is necessary. Contact our office in Oyster Bay, NY.

 

Gingivitis occurs when bacteria and plaque manifest. This bacteria will continuously multiple until large pockets are formed. Drs. West or VeyVoda can clean these pockets out. This won’t get rid of them though. They reveal an abnormal amount of the tooth itself, making it dangerous and displeasing to look at.

 

A gum graft can fix this. It restores and corrects these gum pockets. Your Oyster Bay dentist starts by numbing the areas with a local anesthetic. Gum tissue is removed from the top of the mouth. It’s then stretched and stitched over the gums. The outcome is to cover the exposed areas of the tooth. A successful procedure encourages the gums to grow on their own.

 

Following your post-operative instructions is necessary for a successful procedure. It should take between 2-3 weeks to fully heal. It’s important to avoid eating difficult food during this time. Try to eat only soft and cold foods. Don’t engage in any sorts of vigorous exercise. Be very careful when brushing and flossing the healing area.

 

To learn more about the gum grafting procedure, contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. We are located in Oyster Bay, NY. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Robert G. West or Denise VeyVoda, visit our website or call 516-922-5730.

Lumineers

Dental lumineers are similar to porcelain veneers with one big difference: lumineers require no preparation and are done quickly. Veneers are made of thick porcelain while lumineers are ultra thin. At The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, Drs. Robert G. West and Denise VeyVoyda can directly apply lumineers to your teeth. It’s quick, painless, and easy. Contact our office in Oyster Bay, NY, to learn more.

 

You don’t have to be embarrassed about your smile with lumineers. They correct issues like stained, chipped, gapped, crooked, and misshapen teeth. The entire process takes two easy visits to your Oyster Bay dentists. At the first appointment, your upper and lower teeth are used to create an impression or mold. Your customized cosmetic devices are created in a dental laboratory from the supplied impressions. Unlike veneers, you won't need drilling, shots, or temporary restoratives.

 

The lumineers are made between 2-3 weeks. You’ll schedule your second appointment after they’ve returned. Drs. West or VeyVoda will have you test out the lumineers. If they fit, they’ll be placed directly onto your teeth. It’s as easy as that.

 

There are many benefits to dental lumineers. The biggest being that it’s a timesaver. You only need two appointments for the complete process. You also save your natural teeth with lumineers. Veneers require you to trim off layers of your natural teeth. Not the case with lumineers. The bond is a lot more secure. Lumineers are placed directly onto the enamel. Lastly, it avoids creating post-procedure teeth sensitivity.

 

If you are interested in learning more about dental lumineers, contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. We are located in Oyster Bay, NY. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Robert G. West and Denise VeyVoda, visit our website or call 516-922-5730.

Dental Implants

Teeth are like a puzzle, they’re meant to come in a complete set. The puzzle doesn’t work without that missing piece. That’s why Drs. Robert G. West and Denise VeyVoda offer dental implant services to our patients at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Located in Oyster Bay, NY, dental implants are a permanent and recommended solution for missing teeth.

 

The entire process takes over a few months to complete. It starts with your Oyster Bay dentist taking x-rays of your mouth and jaw. If your bone structure is looking strong, you’ll be eligible for implants. Otherwise, you may need to get a bone graft.

 

At the beginning of the procedure, the specific area receives a dosing of local anesthetic. This will minimize any pain or discomfort. Drs. West or VeyVoda creates an incision in the gums. The implant, composed of a titanium screw, is inserted. It’s then shut with a suture. The placement of a temporary dental crown restores everyday functions. This lets you continue to eat and speak normally. It takes between 3-6 months for the area to heal. A healing process called osseointegration occurs, where the bone grows around the screw.

 

Once the implant has healed, the next stage can begin. An abutment is placed onto the screw. It will serve as the base for your new restorative device. A permanent restorative device is created from the abutment. At your final appointment, it’s permanently placed.

 

To learn more about dental implants, contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Our office is located in Oyster Bay, NY. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Robert G. West or Denise VeyVoda, visit our website or call 516-922-5730.

 

Bone Grafting

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY., offer bone grafting services to our patients. Dr. Robert G. West and Dr. Denise VeyVoda are skilled and experienced professionals. Bone grafting is a common procedure used to prep the jaw bone for a restorative device. When a tooth is missing or extracted from the jaw, the bone starts to disintegrate. A bone graft will restrengthen the area.

 

At your first appointment, either Dr. West or VeyVoda will take an x-ray of your mouth. This shows us the condition of the jaw bone. Measurements are taken for the graft. In most cases, an appropriate bone graft will be ordered from a tissue lab. This tissue will match the length and width of your bone perfectly.

 

The procedure begins with the patient receiving general anesthesia. Once unconscious, one of our dentists will make an incision along the jaw. The bone graft will be inserted, held into place using pins, plates, screws, wires, and/or cables. The incision will be stitched and bandaged.

 

Recovery is entirely dependent on the patient. Their health and the size of the graft determine recovery time. Some recovery takes two weeks, while others can last up to a year. Avoid vigorous activity for as long as instructed. Follow any and all post-operative instructions given to you.

 

If you are in need of a bone graft or other dental services, contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Our office is located in Oyster Bay, NY. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Robert G. West and Denise VeyVoda, visit our website or call 516-922-5730.

Zoom! Teeth Whitening

Zoom! Whitening is a new form of teeth whitening offered by Drs. Robert G. West and Denise VeyVoda at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. There are two forms of Zoom! Whitening available, Zoom! In-Office Whitening System and Zoom! Take-Home Whitening System. Both of these types of whitening offer an increase in at least 6 shades of brightness to your smile.

 

Teeth become discolored for a variety of reasons. Naturally, as we age, our teeth can start to lose their lackluster. Foods that are high in tannic acid, like grapes and tea, can have an effect. The most infamous teeth stainers are coffee and cigarettes. For some, cutting back on these items can bring their smile back up to where they want it. For others, Zoom! Whitening is the answer.

 

The Zoom! In-Office System takes about an hour to complete. It utilizes a light-activated whitening gel made out of hydrogen peroxide. The gel is placed onto your teeth and the light is turned on. This causes the hydrogen peroxide to break down. Oxygen is able to enter the teeth and whiten them. The entire procedure is completely painless. Many people just relax during the whitening, either sleeping, reading, or watching TV.

 

The Zoom! Take-Home Whitening System consists of take-home whitening trays and gels for you to use. Over three days, you will wear the whitening gel for 4-8 hours. Our dentists will let you know how long you should be wearing them for exactly.

 

There is almost no difference between the two forms, besides the obvious: one takes place at the office while the other takes place at your home. The Take-Home system brightens your smile by six shades, while the In-Office system brightens about eight shades.

 

If you are interested in our Zoom! Teeth Whitening services or other dental work, contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. We are located in Oyster Bay, NY. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Robert G. West or Denise VeyVoda, visit our website or call 516-922-5730.

Root Canal

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists offer endodontic services for our clients. Endodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on the nerves or root of the teeth. When a tooth becomes infected, the cause is often in the roots. This results in what is known as the most common endodontic procedure, the root canal. If you are in need of a root canal, schedule your appointment with Drs. Robert G. West and Denise VeyVoda.

 

If you suspect that your tooth is infected, do not wait to make an appointment. Left untreated, infections can spread and progress, including bone loss in the jaw. Modern technology makes root canals relatively straightforward and painless. At your appointment, a local anesthetic will be applied to the tooth. Then either Dr. West or VeyVoda will drill into the root canal. From here, the infected material can be spotted and removed. The tooth will then be filled with a sealant and a crown will be placed.

 

You may experience pain and soreness after the procedure. This is completely normal. Take over-the-counter pain medication to help. If you are worried that this isn’t strong enough, contact our office. Once your tooth heals you will be able to resume life as usual. You shouldn't experience any pain when eating or drinking.

 

To schedule your root canal at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, visit our website or call 516-922-5730. Our office is located in Oyster Bay, NY. Appointments can be scheduled for both Dr. Robert G. West and Dr. Denise VeyVoda.

Occlusal Adjustment

If you wake up in the morning with a sore jaw or teeth or feel like when you bite down that your jaw is lopsided, then you need to make an appointment with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Drs. Robert G. West and Denise VeyVoda are highly skilled dental professionals. If you experience these symptoms, you most likely need to get an occlusal adjustment.

 

An occlusal adjustment fixes the misalignment of the bite. This can be caused by loose, shifting, crowded, or missing teeth. The result is an uneven pressure distribution throughout the entire mouth. An occlusal adjustment will rebalance your jaw, allowing your teeth to meet evenly again. The adjustment itself causes minimal pain and a small amount of discomfort. A dental drill is used with a fine filing stone. Removal mouthpieces are also used. These protect the surfaces of the mouth and help relax the jaw.

 

Patients with loose and shifting teeth are ideal candidates for an occlusal adjustment. Patients who grind or clench their teeth are also eligible. In certain cases, teeth sensitivity can be corrected this way as well.

 

Drs. West or VeyVoda will use a computer scan to take hundreds of images of your mouth. Once uploaded into the computer program, anomalies within your mouth and bite will be spotted. This assures total relief from your symptoms, along with addressing all areas of concern.

 

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists are located in Oyster Bay, NY. To schedule your appointment with Drs. Robert G. West and Denise VeyVoda, visit our website or call 516-922-5730.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are an excellent way to redesign and reshape your entire mouth. Dr. Robert West and Dr. Denise VeyVoda will listen to your concerns and questions while walking you through our cosmetic service options. Veneers are thin, durable porcelain shells that cover your individual teeth. They fix and cover issues such as staining, cracked teeth, spaces, misaligned teeth, and chipped teeth.

The process of having veneers placed requires two to three separate appointments at Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY. The first visit will be a consultation with our staff. It’s recommended that you do some research beforehand to get a better understanding of what you’re looking for. Knowing what you want to change and achieve in your smile is crucial. Veneers are highly customizable. Shape and brightness are two of the most significant choices.

Once a decision has been made, the next step is to make a mold of your teeth. After cleaning the surfaces of the teeth, the impression is taken and sent to a high standard dental laboratory. It will take between 10-14 days for your veneers to be fashioned. In the meantime, you will be provided with temporary veneers. When we receive your permanent veneers back you will come in and have them permanently bonded to your teeth.

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists is located in Oyster Bay, NY. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert G. West, D.D.S. or Dr. Denise VeyVoda, D.D.S. visit our website or call 516-922-5730.

 

Night Guards

Bruxism, commonly referred to as teeth grinding, is a dental concern our staff at the Oyster Bay Family Dentists encounters often. The solution: Night Guards. An appointment with Dr. Robert G. West and Dr. Denise VeyVoda can help you get started on your dental recovery.

The majority of teeth grinding occurs at night while you’re sleeping. You most likely don’t even realize that you’re doing it. Regardless, your mouth and jaw will still be reaping the consequences during the day. Grinding damages enamel wears down your teeth, causes jaw pain, and irritates your gums. Damaging the enamel will expose dentin, making your mouth vulnerable to bacteria. Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects your jaw to your skull. This joint is used for eating and speaking. With prolonged exposure to bruxism, your TMJ can end up with lasting damage. A night guard is the only way to bring your teeth grinding to a grinding halt.

At your appointment, Drs. West or VeyVoda will take an impression of your teeth. This mold is then sent to a dental lab to create your custom fit night guard. Similar to mouthguards worn by athletes, the night guard will create a barrier between your bottom and top teeth. Doing so stops your teeth from grinding together. Night guards are very durable and can last for up to ten years.

There are a few other tips to help you stop grinding. Make a conscious effort to realize when you're grinding and stop. Refrain from chewing on gum or objects like pens. Try to cut back on caffeine and alcohol, which increase your likelihood of grinding.

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists is located in Oyster Bay, NY. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert G. West or Dr. Denise VeyVoda, visit our website or call us at 516-922-5730.

 

Invisalign and Braces

Dr. Robert G. West, D.D.S. and Dr. Denise VeyVoda D.D.S. of the Oyster Bay Family Dentists are running a promotion for new patients that gives $100 towards your first Invisalign treatment (with the printed certificate). Invisalign is a new method of correcting your teeth without the use of traditional braces. Dubbed “Invisible Braces,” they are virtually unnoticeable, along with being comfortable to wear.  

If you qualify for Invisalign, a series of clear plastic aligners are used to create tooth movement. Through a computer program, a mold is intricately designed to match your mouth. This allows your teeth to move perfectly into place. This treatment is recommended to patients experiencing mild to moderate spacing or crowding.

Once you receive your Invisalign, it is kept in place 24-hours a day. Exceptions are for brushing, flossing, and eating. Every two or three weeks you must come in to get your aligner replaced. Because the shape of your teeth will shift, so will your Invisalign. Compared to conventional braces, this method of orthodontics is praised for its efficiency. Not every tooth is shifted, just the ones that are needed. Because of this, many patients praise Invisalign for their comfort.

If you are interested in Invisalign and our orthodontic services, contact us today. Located at our office in Oyster Bay, NY, our staff can help you pick out at an Invisalign treatment that works for you. Dr. Robert G. West and Dr. Denise VeyVoda can meet with you to discuss your needs. To set up an appointment, contact us through our website, or by calling 516-922-5730.

 

Fixing Loose Teeth

As prosthodontic specialists, we at Oyster Bay Family Dentistry regularly help patients who have suffered trauma to their teeth. When permanent teeth come loose slowly over time, it is usually due to periodontal disease, which we classify as secondary occlusal trauma (primary occlusal trauma is damage without infection). Fixing weak teeth requires a combination of periodontal and reconstructive therapy.

Periodontal disease doesn’t just destroy gum ligaments. It also causes the jaw bone to erode. When patients lose their back teeth, they sometimes try to compensate by chewing with their incisors. But the front teeth are not suited for that task and the bite forces they are subjected to further loosen them, and can also cause them to be pushed outwards, forming an open bite.

Antibacterial treatments and removal of dead tissue are necessary to prevent periodontal decay from getting any worse, and splints are commonly used during the reconstructive process. Whether the splint is permanent depends on the individual case. Teeth that have migrated may require orthodontic correction. Lost jaw tissue can be replaced with a bone graft, which can then be used as the basis for implants to replace any teeth that have been lost. But it’s much better for a patient to maintain their oral hygiene and come in at the first sign of trouble.

Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit OysterBayDentists.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Apicoectomy in Oyster Bay, NY

When one or more root canals will not clear up an infection, it is time to go deeper, to the tip of the root. Dr. Robert G. West and Dr. Denise VeyVoda of Oyster Bay Family Dentists offer an apicoectomy to their patients in the Oyster Bay, NY area who have had root canals fail.
When bacteria has reached down so deep into the tooth that a root canal fails to clean it out, an apicoectomy may be needed to save the tooth. An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure that cleans out the infection from the other side of the tooth, directly through the tooth’s root. First, your dentist will make incisions in the gums to reveal the root tip. If bone tissue also needs to be removed to access the root, it will be removed next. The infected tissue will be removed, along with the last few millimeters of the tooth’s root. The canal will then be cleaned out and sealed again. The bone and gum tissue are put back in place and the gums are stitched together.
For those who have had at least one root canal and still have an infected tooth, an apicoectomy may be the solution. Dr. Robert G. West and Dr. Denise VeyVoda of Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY have been performing apicoectomies and thereby saving patients’ teeth from extraction. If you still have pain after a root canal, schedule an appointment with us by calling (516) 922-5730 or visiting our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.

Arestin to Combat Gum Disease

Arestin, an advanced form of antibiotic can help resolve gum disease. Because of the seriousness of gum disease, Dr. Robert G. West and Dr. Denise VeyVoda of Oyster Bay Family Dentistry offer Arestin to their patients in the Oyster Bay, NY area with gum disease.
Here at Oyster Bay Family Dentistry, we understand the urgency of clearing up gum disease. We know that the bacteria that collects in the gum pockets can lead to severe infection and loss of a tooth. It is for this reason that we offer Arestin as a way to combat bacteria. Arestin is usually placed deep into the gum pockets after a scaling and planing procedure has been performed. While scaling and planing gets a lot of the plaque and bacteria away from the tooth and out of the pocket, bacteria that reaches deep into a badly recesses gum line can be difficult to reach.
Arestin is made of microspheres that are placed into the gums and dissolve over time so that the antibiotic keeps working long after the application. Using Arestin clears up gum disease better than a scaling and plaining alone. Afterwards, avoid flossing the area for ten days to allow the antibiotic to stay in place and offer its full benefits.
If you have been experiencing irritated, tender gums, do not wait to schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert G. West or Dr. Denise VeyVoda here at Oyster Bay Family Dentists. To schedule, call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.