Nitrous Oxide

Known best as “Laughing Gas”, nitrous oxide (N2O) is highly utilized within the dental community. At Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we use this sedation method for patients who suffer from dental phobia and for our patients who will undergo a particularly invasive dental procedure. Our doctors, Dr. Robert G. West and Dr. Denise VeyVoda believe that patient comfort is one of the most important aspects of a successful dental practice.

Nitrous oxide was invented in the 1700’s and was discovered because the researcher had a toothache and was looking for pain relief. It’s almost as if it was strictly invented for Dentists. While it is utilized in other medical fields, its primary use is during particularly invasive dental procedures such as root canals, extraction and others. The mixture typically used is 30% nitrogen, 70% oxygen; these percentages can differ depending on the procedure.

Contrary to popular belief, N2O is not used to put you to sleep. You will be able to hear and respond to any directives or requests your dentist may have. N2O works very rapidly, reaching the brain within 20 seconds. The process begins when the doctor places a small mask over your nose. The doctor will then ask you to breathe normally; within a few short minutes you will begin to feel the effects. These effects are light headedness (euphoric state), tingling in your extremities and the possible feeling of sleepiness that may cause “dreams”.

Patients can be sedated for any procedure, whether it’s a normal cleaning or root canal, sedation is a great tool for those suffering from dental phobia. To set up an appointment with Dr. Robert G. West or Dr. Denise VeyVoda by visiting our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com or call our office at 516-922-5730.

What is a Perio Pocket?

Gum disease affects oral health in many ways, and this includes the development of a perio pocket. A perio pocket or periodontal pocket describes a detachment of gingival fibers from the tooth, creating a deep gap which may contribute to infection and abscess, and further advancement of periodontal disease. If left untreated, a perio pocket can result in tooth loss.

It’s very important to get a perio pocket properly diagnosed and treated. Treatment consists of reducing the depth of the perio pocket through removal of bacteria by deep cleaning and/or osseous surgery.

If you are affected by a perio pocket, or you have noticed your gum tissue receding or separating from the base of your teeth, please contact us and arrange an appointment. We can determine the best treatment for your needs, help you get periodontal disease under control, and work to save your smile.

Tooth Extractions

Extractions

It is the goal of all our patients to keep their natural teeth as long as possible, but this isn’t always an option. Extractions are sometimes performed to remove a tooth, whether from gum disease, decay, being impacted, or because a tooth is broken and will likely fall out on its own.

We also perform extractions in order to prevent infection or other complications, though some patients need their wisdom teeth pulled or another tooth extracted due to overcrowding.

Extractions are performed right here at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists office and we make the process as comfortable as possible for our patients. After we have removed the tooth, Dr. Denise VeyVoda provides patients with important after-care instructions, including the following:

1. Patients are coming out of anesthesia, therefore they need a ride home.


2. Patients are given instructions for medications to take when they get home.


3. Gauze must be reapplied at home whenever it gets soaked.


4. Patients are advised to drink liquids or eat only soft foods for a few days.


5. Patients must never use a straw as the sucking motion can remove the blood clot.

Extractions are never fun, but we make them easier. Visit us in Oyster Bay, NY to learning more about tooth extractions.

Canker Sore

What is a Canker Sore?

You may have heard the term, but may not be exactly sure what is a canker sore. Known in the medical community as aphthous ulcers, a canker sore is an open sore in the mouth (mouth ulcer) that can be quite painful, and make chewing, eating, and talking problematic.  The good news is that they can be treated.

Canker sores can develop due to a number of reasons, including:

• Brushing your teeth too roughly


• Biting your cheek or tongue


• Experiencing stress


• Changes in hormones


• Allergies to food


• Lack of some kinds of minerals and vitamins, particularly vitamin B-12, folic acid and iron

For many people, canker sores go away on their own typically within two weeks. However, if your canker sore does not go away after two weeks, is especially large, accompanies other symptoms such as skin rash, diarrhea, fever, or headache, or you tend to get canker sores more than three times a year, contact us here at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists for an evaluation.

Veneers vs. Crowns

Veneers vs. Crowns

Veneers and crowns are both reliable restorative solutions that protect the structure of a tooth while refinishing its surface to create a strong, reliable and beautiful smile esthetic. However, veneers and crowns have many differences with regard to their purpose, placement and function.

Veneers: Veneers are most frequently used as a cosmetic smile solution. They can be used use refinish the surface of a tooth and correct teeth that are too narrow or short, and cover-up stains, small chips and cracks. While a single veneer can be used to refinish an individual tooth, multiple veneers are most often used to refinish the most visible teeth and provide a smile makeover that’s fully customized and idealized. Like crowns, veneers are comprised of a thin porcelain shells that are fabricated from an impression of the existing tooth site. Veneers are usually much thinner than crowns, but the existing tooth structure will need to be slightly modified for permanent bonding and placement. 

Crowns: Crowns may be used for cosmetic purposes, but they’re most frequently used to restore the surface of a tooth due to a fracture, severe chip, deep cavity, or following a root canal or other procedure that calls for the modification of the tooth.  Like veneers, crowns are custom fabricated to perfectly restore the appearance of a tooth, in addition to protecting its structure.  Crowns are frequently created from porcelain or ceramic, but they may also be formed from gold, porcelain fused to metal or other material.

 

Zoom Whitening

Zoom Whitening

While there are a variety of professional teeth whitening options to choose from in the pursuit of a brighter smile, we offer one of the most effective and beautifying solutions. Zoom Whitening, developed by Philips, is a unique type of teeth whitening. Completed by applying a specialized gel on the surface of the teeth and activating its brightening effects with a specialized light, the Zoom Whitening process delivers results that are not only dramatic, but long lasting.  Zoom Whitening has provided our patients with a teeth whitening improvement of up to ten shades.

If you are seeking stunning teeth whitening results that are obtained through a single, one hour procedure, ask us how Zoom Whitening can help you. Call us directly at 516-922-5730.  

 

Lower Jaw Mini Implants and Lower Denture

Lower Jaw Mini Implants and Lower Denture

In the past, one of the most common issues concerning both full and partial dentures was stability. Thankfully, there is a solution that many of our Oyster Bay Family Dentists patients have come to rely upon.  Lower jaw mini implants can be used to support and stabilize both full and partial lower dentures.

Mini implants root the lower denture securely to the jaw, preventing slipping and shifting. Since mini implants are used in this procedure, they are non-invasive to implant, heal quickly and remain strong-- even for patients with thin or narrow jawbones.

While mini implant supported dentures are versatile and have helped many of our patients, they may not be right for everyone.  To determine if they’ll be your best prosthetic option, please contact us directly at Oyster Bay Family Dentists.

 

Diode Lasers in Dentistry

Diode Lasers in Dentistry

At our state-of-the-art practice, we are determined to provide our patients with a combination of advanced capabilities and personalized care. One way we accomplish this is the use of a diode laser. Diode lasers improve the efficiency, safety and experience of numerous procedures. By changing a few simple settings with the touch of a button, diode lasers can be used to complete biopsies, gingivectomies, implant recoveries, and many other services.

Since these procedures are completed with a laser rather than manual tool, the process is considerably less invasive, more comfortable and significantly more precise. As a result, our patients experience less gum trauma, virtually no bleeding and faster healing. In many causes only minimal aesthetic is needed during the procedure.

To learn more about how we use the diode laser and to find out how it could improve your upcoming procedure, please contact us directly.