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.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants

Replacing missing teeth used to be only done with temporary options, like dentures or bridges. But now there is advanced dental technology available to provide a permanent tooth replacement with dental implants. Dental implants act as the tooth’s root, by having a metal post implanted right into the bone. As it heals, the bone grows around the tooth, holding it there permanently.

Over the top of the post, a crown is placed after it has healed completely. This crown is made from impressions of the patient’s other teeth so that it matches the color, size, and shape perfectly. This makes it so the dental implants are not made obvious to others. Dental implants also have excellent function, allowing the patient to eat whatever they want and not worry about it falling out.

Patients who get dental implants benefit in a number of ways. They can eat what they want, as well as brush and floss their teeth like normal. They also have higher confidence and self-esteem with a restored smile. If you want to learn more about how dental implants work, call us here at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 516-922-5730 to speak to Dr. Denise VeyVoda.

 

 

 

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.

Denture Specialist

Denture Specialist

Dentures are often the best course of action when a patient has multiple missing teeth. It is important that anyone looking to get dentures visit a denture specialist, like our own Dr. Denise VeyVoda here at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Denture specialists have extensive training, education and experience in preparing dentures for patients, as well as other dental procedures. They provide the best option for patients, whether they need a partial, full dentures or implant-supported dentures. Denture specialists also construct the false teeth to be used in the dentures and help with special issues a patient is experiencing.

Here at Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we provide options for our patients who need prosthetic dental devices, like dentures. Our dentist diagnoses the problem and helps our patients find the best fit. For some patients, natural teeth may not need to be removed. Others are getting partial dentures for several missing teeth, while others choose implant-supported dentures for more stability. Not only does our denture specialist provide dentures, but other types of dental procedures, including crowns and implants. To find out more about Dr. VeyVoda and why a denture specialist is essential, give our office a call at 516-922-5730.

Night Guards

Night Guards

Here at Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we want our patients to have good oral health, and that starts with preventative care. One type of preventative care is through the use of night guards. Night guards are worn by patients who have a problem with grinding or clenching their teeth at night. While it may not seem like a serious problem, teeth grinding can lead to reduced tooth enamel, which weakens teeth. Teeth grinding may also cause severe headaches, jaw pain, and an irritation of the gums. Night guards help prevent these from occurring.

The benefits of night guards include the following:

• Protecting the patient’s teeth so they don’t weaken or crack from being worn down.


• Saving patients money on future dental procedures.


• Getting relief from headaches and jaw pain.


• Eliminating partner disturbance while sleeping and grinding teeth.

Our night guards are made custom to the patient, so they fit comfortable and do not interrupt their sleep. Dr. Denise VeyVoda starts by making impressions of the patient’s teeth and sending them to the lab. Once they arrive, patients are instructed to wear them every night while sleeping. Night guards last about 10 years with proper care. Contact our dental office in Oyster, Bay, NY to learn more about night guards.

Root Canals

Root Canals

Root canals are performed when there is an infection deep within the nerves and root of a tooth. Our dentist, Dr. Denise VeyVoda, numbs the area with a local anesthetic, then drills a hole into the tooth to reach the canal. She then cleans out the infection and infected tissue, and fills up the hole with a material called gutta percha. It is not a difficult or long procedure, but one that is necessary to get rid of the infection and save the tooth.

The root canal procedure is over in about an hour, after which Dr. Denise VeyVoda recommends the following aftercare instructions:

1) The patient should avoid eating on the tooth for several days as it can be sensitive.

2) After one week, the patient should return to our office to get an impression of the tooth for a permanent crown. We will fit them with a temporary crown.

3) In 1-2 weeks, the patient should return to our office a final time to get the permanent crown bonded to their tooth.

4) Patients must reach us immediately if they notice excessive bleeding, severe pain or a high fever.

5) Patients should take all prescribed medications, including any antibiotics.

To find out more about root canals and how they are performed, call us here Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY at 516-922-5730.

Periodontal Disease

If left undiagnosed and untreated, periodontal disease can do some serious, irreversible damage to your smile.  Periodontal disease can also compromise your overall health, making you susceptible to serious infection, malnutrition and other serious complications.  Here at our Oyster Bay practice, we’re committed to educating our patients on the risks of periodontal disease and what they can do to prevent its harmful effects.

The best ways to stop periodontal disease before it starts is to practice diligent oral hygiene. That includes daily brushing and flossing, maintaining a sensible and healthy diet, reducing sugar, alcohol and tobacco, and staying current with biannual dental checkups.

It’s also important to be on the lookout for any warning signs that could indicate the early stages of periodontal disease, these include:

• Bleeding of the gums during or after brushing and flossing.


• Redness, swelling, soreness and discomfort that affect your gums on a regular basis.


• Gum recession and exposed portions of the tooth root


• Bad breath or a foul taste regardless of what you’ve recently eaten or even after you’ve brushed and rinsed.


• Loose or easily moveable teeth.


• Changes in bite alignment or the stability of prosthetic dental work

If you notice any of the above symptoms, please contact us promptly and arrange an appointment.

Source:

http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/GumDisease/PeriodontaldiseaseAdults20to64

Bleaching and Whitening

There’s a reason why we all want our smile to be just a little bit (or even a whole lot) brighter. A stunning while smile give us confidence. It makes us want to smile more.  A whiter smile also inspires us to take better care of our teeth.  And best of all, revealing a bright, happy smile spreads positivity and affects those around us for the better. Here at our practice, we offer Zoom bleaching and whitening to help our patients realize the effects of a brighter smile. We offer Zoom specifically as it’s a very simple and efficient way to achieve dramatic and resilient smile brightening results.

Zoom whitening is a one-time, chair side procedure that takes about an hour in total. It’s a non-invasive surface treatment that doesn’t involve any pain and gives you a chance to relax as you wait for Zoom to take effect.  The results amount to a shade improvement of up to ten shades, which can be maintained with diligent brushing and flossing, as regular oral care checkups.

If you’ve wanted to brighten your smile professional, our Zoom bleaching and whitening services are great reason to finally have your smile enhanced.  We invite you to visit us for a consultation and find out is this whitening and bleaching method is right for you.

Head and Neck Radiation and Impact on Dental Health

If you are to be treated with radiation for cancer of the head and neck, there are many things you should know regarding the effect on your dental health.

As radiation is so effective in eliminating malignant cancer cells and tumors, it can also damage healthy tissues that comprise your teeth, gums, salivary glands and jaw.  Subsequently, you may experience soreness, discomfort, dry mouth, tooth decay, reduction of taste receptors, jaw stiffness and other concerns. As you undergo and complete radiation treatments, you should rely on a prosthodontist to help assess, manage and treat your oral health.  Here at our practice, we’ve helped many patients maintain and restore their dental health as they treat and recover from head and neck cancer.

We offer a variety of preventative and restorative capabilities, as well as treatment experience and expertise, that’s needed to help you save and renew your smile. We also provide surgical and prosthetic options that have helped many head and neck cancer patients regain a real sense of recovery.

To learn how we can help you protect your oral health when undergoing head and neck radiation, we invite you to contact us through our website and arrange a consultation.  

Source: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/CancerTreatment/HeadNeckRadiation.htm

Snoreguard Gift

Give yourself the Gift of Sleep in 2013!!!!

Does your spouse snore loudly throughout the night?  If they do, you know just how frustrating it can be for you to achieve and continue sleep through the night.  Not only does this affect your sleep, as you listen to your spouse’s snoring, but it also affects their ability to have a deep, restful night of sleep, can impact their cardiac health and contribute to other physical changes in their lives.  Patients that snore often find that they are unable to get a full night’s sleep.

Patients have alternatives to the C Pap machine. Come into our office in February, for a free consultation, and learn about the many types of snore gards that will improve your's and your partners sleep for 2013

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and your new year is off to a great start, but remember you can give yourself and your loved one the gift of sleep all year round!  When you invest in a snore guard for your partner, you are giving them a chance to get the rest they need and deserve and you are investing in their health.  Contact our office and find out more about snore guards and how you can give your partner a gift that will last and benefit them for many seasons to come.

Juvaderm Facial Fillers

If you’re making some positive personal improvements for 2013, why not add a more youthful appearance to the list?  To help you achieve a new look, we offer Juvaderm facial fillers at our practice.  This cosmetic service restores the collagen that your face naturally loses overtime, affecting the elasticity of your face.  Some of the most popular reasons that our patients opt for facial fillers are to correct or improve the appearance of:

• ·         Emotion lines


• ·         Wrinkles


• ·         Pits and scars


• ·         Sunken cheeks


• ·         Lip augmentation

The results of Juvaderm last for about a year.  If you are seeking a non-permanent, nonsurgical alternative to a facelift, contact our office to learn more about how Juvaderm facial fillers can provide you with the results you desire. 

Call and make your appointment  in January and receive a free consultation and $50 toward your first treatment.

 

Source: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/filler-injections

Botox

Treat yourself to a New Year's relaxed look!!!!

At Oyster Bay Dentists, we offer many ways to cosmetically improve your smile and enhance your youthful, relaxed appearance .  We always look forward to helping people feel happy and confident.  With Botox cosmetic, you can achieve a more youthful overall look to compliment your smile.  Botox injections can smooth forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines, with effects that last close to  six months. It is relativly painless and you will eagerly await your gradual youthful changes as they gradually take place. We treat you with small areas and encourage a natural, relaxed result. NOT a dramatic change. You will be very happy and excited with the results.

Botox is administered with a hair fine needle which assures that it is as pain free as possible.

Botox is administered in units. Depending on the facial area in question, the amount of units needed could range from 2 - 40. for one area.

The botox used in our office is safe, and obtained from Allergan. We only use FDA approved Botox from the Allergan manufacturer.

Treat yourself to a New Year relaxed appearance and call us for the January special of :

The first twenty five  units - $10

All other units needed - $12

   Call our office  and book a free consultation in January and also receive a $50 gift toward your first treatment. Call us at 516-922-5730 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how Botox can help you discover a more relaxed and youthful look for 2013.