What Tools do Dentists Use?

As prosthodontists, we at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists have a wide variety of tools in our office. They allow us to handle just about every problem a patient might come in with, but to our patients, they may seem mysterious. We want our patients to feel comfortable with their dental care, so we thought it would be a good idea to briefly describe what the most commonly used dental instruments are and what names we might use for them.

Dental explorers are metal wands with hooks at the end. You’ve doubtlessly seen hygienists use them to break up tartar. Explorers in different shapes might be called probes or scalers when they’re being used to test the depth of gum pockets and remove plaque from beneath the gum line. They’re also used to test the hardness of each tooth’s enamel, which helps us to determine if there’s an active infection. We use explorers in combination with handheld mirrors to see the backsides of patients’ teeth and move their cheeks out of the way. As we break up tartar, we’ll suction it out with a tube called an evacuator or an ejector.

Larger evacuators are used when we need to drill away decayed enamel. The drill emits water so it won’t overheat the patient’s mouth, and the patient is numbed with medication delivered through a syringe. Fillings are applied with pluggers and polished with burnishers. When a tooth needs to be extracted, we’ll use a flat spoon called an elevator to loosen it by rocking it back and forth. We may also use reverse-action forceps to lift a tooth out once it’s loose enough to avoid harming the surrounding soft tissues..

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 Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.

 

What is Pericoronitis?

We don’t take tooth extractions lightly at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Although we are expert prosthodontists, providing extensive dental and facial restorations, we only recommend tooth extractions when a patient’s health would be endangered otherwise. One of the situations that may necessitate a tooth extraction is pericoronitis. A fancy word for inflammation around a dental crown, pericoronitis is one of the main reasons dentists commonly remove people’s wisdom teeth, so let’s take a closer look at what it is.

Dentists say that a tooth is “impacted” when it is unable to fully erupt. This happens most frequently to the wisdom teeth, which are the largest teeth, and which erupt long after the others. Most people do not have enough room in their mouths for them, and the wisdom teeth often get stuck partially exposed and partially underneath a flap of gum tissue called an operculum. Food debris can easily get caught under the operculum, where it will be difficult for a patient to dislodge it. There, it will fuel the growth of infectious oral bacteria, leading to inflammation. Pericoronitis is often painful and may lead to discharges of bad-tasting pus. The infection might also spread, causing the airways to become swollen, as well.

The first step of treating pericoronitis to clean out the operculum and apply antibiotic rinse. Unfortunately, this does not prevent more food debris from being trapped under the operculum later. We may recommend surgically cutting the operculum away. But if the tooth is no longer erupting and we don’t think orthodontics could help to align it, we might advise the patient that the tooth should be removed. In those cases, we would extract it in as uninvasive a way as possible and provide the patient with guidance to ensure a quick recovery.

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 Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Canker Sores

Everyone has experienced that moment of dread after noticing a canker sore. These little ulcers are painful sores that make it hard to eat, drink and talk without discomfort. If you notice yourself developing canker sores frequently, contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Located in Oyster Bay, NY, Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda are here to help. While you’re waiting to be seen, check out this small guide on canker sores.

 

Before you start treating your canker sores, it’s important to understand what they are. They are identifiable as small white or yellow sores surrounded by a red border. Canker sores develop on your soft tissues, like the gums or lips. There are three separate types: minor, major, and herpetiform. A canker sore is either major or minor depending on its size. A minor sore takes about a week to heal. Major sores often take longer, sometimes up to six weeks. Herpetiform canker sores look different from the other types. These manifest in clusters of ten to one hundred. If you are prone to canker sores, contact your Oyster Bay, NY, dentists for an appointment.

 

You can treat your canker sores either holistically or with over-the-counter solutions. Your Oyster Bay, NY, dentists recommend trying different options to find what is best for you.

 

There are a few great options for holistic treatments. The first is just plain, old-fashioned ice. Apply an icepack to the injured area of the face. Keep it on for about twenty minutes to reduce the swelling. Tea bags are another possible solution. They have certain nutrients and minerals in them that promote healing. Place the tea bag directly on the canker sore and let it sit. Lastly, create a baking soda or salt-water rinse. Create the solution and then swish it around your mouth. This works by both cleaning and soothing the sore.

 

If these options aren’t right for you, try out some over-the-counter remedies. These products focus on numbing the pain. Most of them contain a product known as benzocaine. Apply a small amount to the canker sore, numbing it for an extended period. You’ll now have a chance to eat and drink without irritation from the sore. Certain dental products target canker sore relief, such as mouthwash.

 

Don’t wait when you have frequent canker sores. Contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Located in Oyster Bay, NY, Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda are here for you. To schedule your appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit http://www.oysterbaydentists.com/.

Sjogren's Syndrome

The Oyster By Family Dentists provide patients in Oyster Bay, NY, with quality dental care. Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda can help you with the oral symptoms of certain systemic conditions, like Sjorgren’s syndrome. This is an autoimmune condition that targets that salivary and tear glands. The results are a chronically dry mouth. If you notice this happening to you, schedule an appointment with us today.

 

Sjogren’s syndrome, because it is a systemic autoimmune condition, affects the entire body. Your dentists here in Oyster Bay, NY, have sorted out the symptoms specifically related to your mouth. Here are a few of them:

 

-Scratchy or sore voice

-Constant oral infections or cavities

-Dry lips, mouth, and throat

-Chronic cough

-Difficulties swallowing

-Swollen glands in the neck and face

 

There is no known cause for the development of Sjogren’s syndrome. Your general practitioner or primary care provider can provide you with certain medications. This helps curb your immune system’s response.

 

Your Oyster Bay, NY, dentist can make a diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome during a dental appointment. Drs. West or VeyVoda evaluates your salivary glands, along with checking for other secondary conditions like dry mouth or cavities.

 

It’s possible to increase your body’s production of saliva. Artificial Saliva keeps your mouth moist and fresh. Certain over-the-counter products like mouthwash and toothpaste can also increase your salivary flow.

 

If you or a loved one are struggling with dry mouth, and are concerned it could be Sjogren’s syndrome, contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists today. Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda are available at their office in Oyster Bay, NY. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730. You can also visit their website at http://www.oysterbaydentists.com/.

Receding Gums

Dental problems don’t develop overnight. They progress over time, often due to neglect. This is the case with Receding Gums. The gum tissue surrounding the teeth starts to pull back, exposing more of the tooth structure and sensitive areas. When this happens, it’s important that you contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists right away. Located in Oyster Bay, NY, Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda are here to help.

 

Receding gums is a progressive condition, meaning that it doesn’t happen all at once. You probably won’t notice that anything is different right away. Many Oyster Bay, NY, patients have symptoms but don’t connect them. The first of these is that your teeth suddenly look longer. In reality, your teeth are the same size, it’s the amount of gum tissue covering them that has shrunk. Patients also report a sudden onset of teeth sensitivity. This directly correlates to how much more tooth is shown. Lastly, be on the lookout for any teeth that seem loose or wiggly. Without the secure attachment from the gums, the teeth are prone to looseness.

 

Knowing how receding gums develops helps you prevent it. The biggest cause for it is neglecting your oral health. You need to brush and floss properly multiple times a day. If you don’t, you are at risk for periodontal (gum) disease. This is also a good moment to evaluate your brushing habits. You don’t want to brush so hard that you damage the gums. Grinding your teeth is also detrimental. An appointment with your Oyster Bay, NY, dentists can work that out for you.

 

The best thing to do is to start taking better care of your teeth. Remember to brush twice a day and floss at least once. It’s also important that you see your dentist for a professional cleaning every six months.

 

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists are located right here in Oyster Bay, NY. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Robert West or Denise VeyVoda, call 516-922-5730 or visit their website at http://www.oysterbaydentists.com/.

Gingivitis in Children

Many parents make the mistake of not helping their small children take care of their teeth. Just because baby teeth are temporary, does not mean they aren’t important. It’s much easier for baby teeth to suffer from complications, including gingivitis. This is the first stage of periodontal (gum) disease. You’ll notice that your child’s teeth are swollen and red, producing blood when they rinse after brushing. It’s important that you schedule an appointment for your child with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda can help treat your child’s gingivitis. Learn more by contacting our office in Oyster Bay, NY.

 

Gingivitis, as mentioned above, is the first stage of gum disease. It’s caused by an accumulation of large amounts of plaque on the teeth. This material is also responsible for cavities. Abnormal amounts are the result of not properly taking care of your oral health. The first thing you need to do is re-evaluate your child’s dental habits.

 

First, take a moment to observe your child’s brushing techniques. They need to brush twice a day, after breakfast and before bed. Children older than five can brush by themselves. You just need to watch them to make sure it’s done right. Younger kids need a parent’s direct involvement. Your Oyster Bay, NY, dentists also stress the importance of using the correct toothbrush. Toothbrushes differentiate in size depending on a child’s age. You should also replace your child’s toothbrush every 3-4 months.

 

Flossing, like brushing, can be done by children over the age of five. Younger children need your assistance. Flossing is the only way to clean and remove excess plaque from certain areas. You or your child starts by removing 18 inches of floss. Move the floss around each separate tooth in a “C” formation. Carefully move it up and down, rubbing the sides of the teeth.

 

Everyone, including children, need to see the dentist twice a year. Professional cleanings are the only proper way to treat gingivitis. Contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists right away if your child experiences symptoms of gingivitis. Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda are available by appointment in Oyster Bay, NY. To set up your appointment, call 516-922-5730. You can also visit our website at http://www.oysterbaydentists.com/.

Diabetes and Implants

As specialists in prosthodontics, we at the Oyster Bay Family Dentists have used implants to help hundreds of people gain new teeth. This technology has made great strides since it became popular about thirty years ago and can now be adapted to people in all sorts of situations. But people with diabetes still experience some particular oral health challenges that require them to take special care of their implants, which is why we wanted to share a recent scientific review with our patients.

People with diabetes suffer from damage to their blood vessels. As a result, it often takes them longer to heal from wounds, and they have a harder time fighting off infections. Although dental implants have very high success rates, dentists were long concerned that the need to create incisions to place them would be a problem for diabetic patients. But the review found that, although it tends to take longer for diabetic patients’ jaw bones to integrate with the implant posts, they nearly always heal successfully when their blood sugar is well-controlled. The mini-implants used with dentures do not require large incisions to place, and are also a good option for people who heal slowly.

An implant will have to be removed if a patient’s gum disease causes it or the bone it integrates with to deteriorate. Diabetic patients are at a higher risk of this when their blood sugar is not controlled, but the study found that when they’re well-cared for, their implants have the same rate as success as non-diabetic people's for the first six years. After that, people with diabetes can significantly extend the life of their implants by maintaining good oral hygiene.

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 Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Diet and Tooth Decay

Regardless of whether you have your natural teeth or artificial ones, you’ll want to protect them from erosion. Although teeth can lose enamel due to mechanical wear, it is more common for them to decay as a result of acid exposure. What a person eats and drinks has a major impact on the integrity of their teeth, so we want to make sure our patients understand how to eat for a healthy mouth.

Food and drink commonly contain acid as well as sugar, which feeds oral bacteria. The longer bacteria have to feed on sugar, the more acid they’ll produce. Citric juices, such as orange juice and tomato juice, are high in both acid and sugar, as is soda. Citric acid is also a frequent flavoring in sour candy and energy gels, making these products even more dangerous to the teeth than sweet candy and energy bars. Alcohol, red meat, and garlic and onions can also cause acid reflux, which means that stomach acid is able to enter the mouth and cause further damage to enamel and the gums.

A person with natural teeth will suffer sensitivity as their enamel decays, and tooth sensitivity should be taken seriously in patients of every age. But if a person has prosthetic teeth, they may not notice their crowns being damaged. Patients can prevent tooth decay by removing food debris quickly after eating. Besides regular brushing and flossing, they should drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum. They may also want to sip sugary or acidic drinks through straws and avoid eating large meals before lying down.

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 Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Gum Abscesses

Periodontal disease is one of the most common reasons for people to need replacement teeth. We at the Oyster Bay Family Dentists offer the most advanced prosthodontic technology for our patients’ dental restorations, but they will also need treatment for gum disease. A particularly worrisome aspect of gum disease is the potential for an abscess, so we want our patients to understand why abscesses matter and how they’re treated.

Pus, a liquid made up of bacteria, acid, and dead tissue, develops as a result of infections. It accumulates in hollow spaces called abscesses, which are opened up by bacterial damage to tissue. In a person with gingivitis, the lesser form of gum disease, an abscess might form near the gum line. This is called a gingival abscess. In a person with more advanced gum disease, called periodontitis, an abscess might form between the gum wall and the root of the tooth. This would be called a periodontal abscess. The recession of gum tissue is what would allow the tooth to come loose, and if the infection is not halted, it could also cause recession of bone tissue. Warning signs of a periodontal abscess include a bad taste in the mouth, soreness, and fever.

If we suspect a patient has an abscess, we’ll conduct x-ray tests to determine its location. We can pierce and drain a gum abscess and remove the dead tissue while a patient is under local anesthetic, but we may also have to deal with infections in the tooth’s pulp or at the tip of its root. After the infected material is removed, we may smooth down the tooth root, which is known as planing, in order to make it easier for hygienists to clean in the future. This will also deprive bacteria of a place to hide in between dental visits.

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 Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.

 

 

Partial Crowns: Inlays and Onlays

If you have decayed or broken teeth, don’t wait any longer to schedule an appointment with the Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Although we provide general dental services, our speciality is prosthodontics, the placement of prosthetic teeth. Sometimes, a tooth is too damaged to be repaired with a simple filling, but when large parts of it are still intact, we may give it a partial crown.

Partial crowns are usually placed on molars or premolars, the wide teeth in back. These teeth grind food and have deep indentations in between their pointy bits, called cusps. It is easy for food debris to get trapped in the indentations, where it would become infected and decay. The acid produced by oral bacteria would damage the enamel, causing the patient pain, and if it continues, the infection may reach the pulp chamber. The cusps surrounding the indentation may also be damaged, whether through decay or being broken off in an accident.

When a patient is suffering from tooth decay, we’ll remove the damaged enamel after numbing them with a local anesthetic. Once the infected material has been removed, we can take an impression of the patient’s mouth that will be used to mill the partial crown. A partial crown that nestles into the indentation is called an inlay, while a partial crown that substitutes for cusps is called an onlay. The custom-fitted partial crown is cemented onto the tooth, allowing the patient to eat normally again. It will need to be cared for through regular brushing and flossing, but can last for over a decade.

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 Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Dry Mouth

Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda of The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, located in Oyster Bay, NY, provide quality care for their patients. They treat a variety of conditions, including Xerostomia. This is commonly known as Dry Mouth. As the name suggests, patients suffering from this problem don’t produce enough saliva. They struggle with chewing, speaking, and swallowing. It lowers your quality of life while also putting your oral health at risk. Schedule an appointment with our staff right away if you notice any alarming symptoms.

 

You may not realize it, but saliva plays an important role in your life. Besides everyday tasks like eating and speaking, it keeps your mouth clean. Saliva is necessary for washing your teeth of food debris. Without properly working salivary glands, you’re at risk for plaque and tooth decay.

 

The first step at your appointment with your Oyster Bay dentist is to determine the cause of your dry mouth. Treatment depends entirely upon the source. Talk to your dentist about your medical history, along with any medications you are taking. There are over 500 different medications that result in negative dry mouth symptoms. Do your research when starting any drugs. If the pharmaceutical is the trigger, you should talk to your prescribing physician about switching to another type. Certain autoimmune disorders also put you at risk. Another possibility is certain medical treatments. Chemotherapy is infamous for creating dry mouth.

 

Once the cause of your dry mouth is determined, the treatment can begin. Here are a few general tips for reducing negative symptoms:

 

-Reduce your sugar intake. Sugar naturally dries out your mouth. That means cutting out or back on tea, soda, alcohol, and coffee.

-Water is necessary for your health, including your dental! Water keeps your mouth moist. Increase your water intake for a wetter mouth.

-Invest in over-the-counter dry mouth treatments. These are sold at your local grocery store or supermarket. They are available in mouthwash, gel, and toothpaste form.

 

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, located in Oyster Bay, NY, are available for all your dental needs. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda, call 516-922-5730 or visit their website.

Dental Emergencies

No matter how careful you are in your everyday life, accidents always happen! You and your family must be prepared for all dental emergencies. At Oyster Bay Family Dentists, Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda offer emergency dental services. Call our Oyster Bay, NY, office right away when an accident occurs. Whether you hurt yourself playing sports, you fell or received facial trauma, we are here for you.

 

You must contact us as soon as your injury occurs. The quicker you do, the faster we can treat you. If you can’t get in contact with us for some reason, consider going to your local emergency department. Here is a basic guide while you wait for dental services:

 

-Dental crowns: whether they are missing or loose, you must locate the crown itself. If possible, try to place it back on the tooth. If it fits, try keeping it in place temporarily with over-the-counter denture cream.

-Missing filling: similar to a dental crown, it’s important to find it. Cover the area with sugarless gum for temporary protection.

-Toothaches: before scheduling an appointment, clean the area thoroughly. In certain cases, food or debris can get trapped between the teeth. This might be what’s irritating your mouth. If cleaning doesn’t work, see us right away.

-Tooth Injuries: when it comes to any injury directly to the tooth, try to save as much of the tooth as possible. If you break or chip a tooth, wash your mouth out while saving any of the fragments. Then apply an icepack to your face to reduce the swelling. For teeth that are only partially knocked out or dislodged, avoid touching the area at all costs. Reduce the swelling with anti-inflammatory medication. Lastly, we come to teeth that are completely knocked out. Find the tooth and try to place it back in its spot. If it won’t fit, get a cold glass of milk or salt-water, placing the tooth within it. This keeps the tooth alive while you wait for reattachment.

 

Your family should always be prepared for a dental emergency. When one happens, contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists right away. We are conveniently located in Oyster Bay, NY. To schedule your emergency appointment with Drs. Robert West or Denise VeyVoda, call 516-922-5730. You can also visit their website.

Denture Stomatitis

As prosthodontists, we at the Oyster Bay Family Dentists have provided many people with new sets of teeth. When properly cared for, dentures will help to maintain a patient’s facial structure and can last for years. But they do require a patient to make changes to their oral hygiene routine, which is why we wanted to discuss the dangers of denture stomatitis.

Yeasts of the Candida genus are normally present in the mouth, but they aren’t usually harmful. Saliva contains antimicrobial enzymes that keep their population under control and washes away food debris, depriving them of a nutrition source. However, if a person wears an upper denture, the roof of their mouth may be covered and kept out of contact with saliva. This could allow Candida to rapidly multiply, creating the red sores that are commonly regarded as symptoms of stomatitis, or a yeast infection.

Yeast infections can be prevented by removing the upper denture and brushing it every day. Patients should brush the entire denture, not just the teeth, and they should use specialty toothpaste that won’t scratch soft plastic. (They may want to keep a separate toothbrush for this.) They should also brush the insides of their mouths before inserting the denture each morning. Stomatitis is not always painful, so patients will have to regularly inspect themselves for it visually.

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 Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Your wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that emerge in the back of your mouth. When wisdom teeth emerge, they will either come in naturally or crowd your gums. If your wisdom teeth protrude your gums, they need to be extracted at your local dentist. At The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we can tell you if your wisdom teeth need to be removed through routine x-rays.

In most cases, wisdom teeth will grow in on an angle which can cause crowding for your teeth and possible damage to your jawbone or nerves. Wisdom teeth that develop that only partially impact your gums increase the chance for bacteria to build which leads to more cavities and gum disease.

If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain or there appears to be an infection, please give us a call. We. The earlier you remove your wisdom teeth, the less chance your teeth will shift and cause further problems.

To learn more about all of the services provided at our practice, 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, please visit our website or call 516-922-5730.

Cracked Teeth

The prosthodontists at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists provide patients with lots of options for repairing damaged teeth. Sometimes a crack is merely a cosmetic issue, and sometimes it is painful and puts the tooth at risk for infection. Regardless, we’ll conduct a thorough assessment and implement a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing solution.

The smallest cracks are known as “craze lines.” These can be bonded over or covered with veneers, which are also common solutions when a small portion of enamel has chipped off. They are not usually indicative of a major health concern. However, a large crack creates an avenue through which bacteria may enter the dental pulp. In these cases, a patient would require root canal therapy, which would conclude with the crown being sealed. If a crack goes deep into the tooth’s inner layers or is wide, it may necessitate the replacement of the crown. When a vertical crack reaches the root of a tooth, the tooth will have to be extracted and replaced.

If a person frequently develops cracks in their enamel, they may be grinding their jaws in their sleep. These patients can benefit from the use of custom-fitted night guards. Patients are also advised to never use their front teeth for chewing or as tools, and to refrain from chewing ice.

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 Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Asthma and Oral Health

When people have chronic dry mouth, they are at greater risk for oral health problems. For this and other reasons, people with asthma need to be especially vigilant about maintaining their oral hygiene. We treat a lot of patients at the Oyster Bay Family Dentists whose oral health is compromised by limited saliva production (called xerostomia), so we wanted to provide asthma patients with some hygiene pointers.

Saliva is crucial to controlling oral microbes. It neutralizes acid, removes food debris, and contains enzymes that restrict the growth of bacteria and fungus. People with asthma commonly breathe through their mouths, particularly at night, causing them to be more vulnerable to microbial growth. This can cause them to have bad breath, tooth decay, and gum recession. Furthermore, asthma patients are often on medications that relax the sphincter separating the stomach from the esophagus, causing them to suffer from frequent acid reflux.

Asthma patients shouldn’t change medications without oversight from their doctor, but they should request changes when they are suffering recurrent dryness. We can assist them by prescribing stronger throat moisturizers, and they can stimulate additional saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum. Asthma patients should also brush their teeth at night after using inhalers, since inhaler medication often contains sugars which will be dispersed throughout the mouth.

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 Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Incipient Lesions

If you see strange white spots lingering on your teeth, that’s not just a cosmetic issue. It’s the sign of an incipient lesion, meaning a developing cavity. We at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists specialize in replacing damaged teeth, but we want our patients to be able to exercise preventive care and see us early in the tooth decay process. To that end, we thought it would be a good idea to discuss the development of white spots.

When enamel is being chemically eroded, it takes on a glazed appearance. This can be observed on the upper back teeth of people with chronic acid reflux, but is more often seen in people experiencing the early stage of tooth decay. As bacteria consume sugar, they produce acid as a by-product of their metabolization process. The acid gets stuck in the biofilm covering teeth, causing breakdown of the nearby enamel’s mineral structure and recession in gum tissue. If the demineralization goes on for as few as thirty days, a cavity will develop.

Incipient lesions are likely to appear in places where patients have difficulty brushing, such as the sides of teeth and around orthodontic brackets. Doing a better job of brushing can usually kill the infection, although the demineralized tooth may still look chalky afterward. We can help patients by assessing whether the infection is still active and by covering up the scar with bonding or a veneer. Our hygienists can also demonstrate brushing techniques to patients during regular check-ups, so that lesions will be less likely to develop.

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 Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Senior Dental Care

Even though the Tooth Fairy stops visiting when you’re older, that doesn’t mean you should stop taking care of your teeth! As you age, your dental needs shift. Problems that never occurred before start to manifest. This is especially true for senior citizens. Your teeth, like all bones, weaken as you age. Patients over the age of sixty are at a higher risk for tooth decay, extraction, and periodontal (gum) disease. Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda offer premium dental care for all ages. Learn more by contacting Osyer Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY.

 

When you get older, certain physical tasks become much harder. For senior citizens that struggle with brushing, your Osyer Bay dentists have some advice for you. The first thing you can do is buy an electric toothbrush. These are incredibly helpful. They provide you with a thorough cleaning while using minimal physical activity. You should also consider elongating the toothbrush handle. This lets you reach the back areas of your mouth effortlessly. Wrap the handle in materials like foam, rubber, or even tape tongue depressors to it. Any flexible material around the house will work. If you haven’t already, consider switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush. These are much gentler on your teeth and gums. Check out the oral hygiene aisle at your local grocery store. Many brands provide toothbrushes targeted toward senior citizens.

 

Dentures are an affordable and functional replacement for your natural teeth. Your teeth should come in a complete set. Dentures let you go about your everyday life as normal. If you’re interested, talk to your Oyster Bay, NY, dentists. At your initial appointment, a specialized mold is created from your mouth. This creates your personalized dentures. Doing so guarantees a perfect fit.

 

If you are a caretaker or live with an older individual, help them out with their dental routine. Remind them to schedule an appointment with Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda at Oyster Bay Family Dentists. To contact our office in Oyster Bay, NY, visit their website or call 516-922-5730.

Sealants

We offer a variety of prosthetics to repair dental damage at the Oyster Bay Family Dentists, but when it comes to healthy teeth, a sealant can be most useful. Children are particularly vulnerable to tooth decay, so we often talk to their parents about getting sealants during regular dental check-ups.

The crevices in our molars and premolars can easily get caked in food debris. The shape of these teeth is necessary for them to grind up food, but they are hard to keep clean and food debris stuck in them may remain in place for several hours. Sealants are plastic shields for the teeth that smooth over crevices. They are thin enough to allow the chewing teeth to continue to function, but add a layer of protection against acid and make brushing easier.

Placing a sealant doesn’t require any preparation from the patient. After cleaning a tooth, we’ll apply an etching acid to increase its surface area. This will allow it to more easily bond with the liquid sealant. We will then use a blue light to harden the plastic, and the patient should be able to soon resume eating normally.

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 Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Oral Cancer Check-Up

At The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we offer oral cancer screenings to our patients to look for signs of oral cancer.

During the exam our doctors will look for any lumps and spots in different areas in your mouth. Besides looking for lumps and abnormalities, our doctors might use their finger to feel the skin and tissue underneath your jaw for possible signs of cancer.

When possible, we advise our patients to avoid using tobacco as it increases your chance of developing oral cancer. If you consume alcohol regularly you have a higher chance of developing it. Our patients that have a family history of oral cancer or have previously been diagnosed with oral cancer are encouraged to have an exam at least once a year.

Don’t forget to ask for an oral cancer screening the next time you see us or if you notice any abnormalities in your mouth.

To learn more about all of the services provided at our practice, 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, please visit our website or call 516-922-5730.