Pediatric Sealants

Did you know that cavities are common in kids aged five to fourteen? With baby teeth falling out and adult teeth coming in, deep grooves and gaps make it difficult for kids to brush their teeth thoroughly. Drs. Haeri and West at Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, take pride in educating young patients about proper oral hygiene. Sometimes, though, certain procedures are required to help young patients prevent cavities. Sealants prevent food from getting stuck in grooves and gaps, which ultimately prevents the process of tooth decay. Your experienced Oyster Bay dentists are committed to helping your child stay cavity-free!

 

In addition to regular brushing and flossing, dental sealants are used in an effort to keep out tooth decay. Sealants are plastic coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth. Drs. Haeri and West fill in the grooves that are hard to reach while brushing, with the thin plastic material. This added layer of protection greatly lowers your child’s chances of developing a cavity.

 

When you help your child prevent cavities at an early age, they are less likely to have oral health problems as an adult. The way they take care of their baby teeth directly affects how taking care of their adult teeth will be. Solidify good dental hygiene habits now by encouraging your child to take care of their teeth properly, and they will be rewarded with a lifetime of good oral health.

 

Do you think your child could benefit from pediatric sealants? We are happy to address any questions or concerns you might have. Oyster Bay Family Dentists is located at 123 South Street in Oyster Bay, NY 11771. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit oysterbaydentists.com or call 516-922-5730.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Tooth Decay during the Holidays

Between candy canes, eggnog, and Christmas cookies, sweet treats abound at the end of the year. We’ve provided a lot of people with replacement teeth at the Oyster Bay Family Dentists, and would hate to see anybody have another outbreak of gingivitis due to tooth decay. But we want our patients to enjoy the holiday fun, too, so we thought we’d offer some suggestions for teeth-friendly winter socializing.

The longer the teeth are exposed to sugar, the more time bacteria will have to eat it and produce acid. Bacteria are able to consume simple sugars quickly, but they can also metabolize starch. Bits of food debris lodged in between teeth and dental cusps are obviously a potential source of decay, but so is the residue left by sugary drinks. Hard candy is also a tooth decay hazard because it remains in contact with the teeth for a long time and tends to deplete the mouth’s saliva, which is needed to rinse away food debris and maintain the mouth’s pH level.

People produce the most saliva while eating large meals, but socializing sometimes prevents us from avoiding snacks and drinks. Often, it is still acceptable to chew sugar-free gum (as long as it is spat out discreetly). This will dislodge some food and stimulate saliva production. Another option is to alternate sips of water with sips of other drinks to prevent dry mouth and give the teeth a wash. We can also try to favor sugar-free candy and remember to bring floss with us to use when convenient.

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.

 

Dental Instruments

We hope all our patients feel comfortable at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. We use a lot of interesting instruments to provide the best healthcare possible, but we recognize that they may be a source of anxiety for some people. Because regular dental cleanings are so important, we thought it would be helpful if patients felt they had the vocabulary to talk about our instruments.

For regular cleanings, our hygienists use handheld mirrors and explorers. The explorer is the hooked metal instrument we use to break up hardened bits of tartar. We also use it to test the sturdiness of enamel and determine whether there is an active infection. Explorers come in many shapes, and some are also called “probes” in reference to how they are used to test whether there is decay in the gum pockets. If there is, a flattened hook called a scaler can be used to clean decay out.

When tooth decay is identified, we have other specialized tools for repairing it. Localized anesthetic is delivered through a syringe and the drill site will be kept under running water to prevent heat damage. The material for the filling will be applied and contoured using a blunt-tipped instrument called a burnisher. Suction hoses called evacuators are used to remove broken up tartar and decayed enamel.

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.

Tooth Decay in Children

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists want parents to know that infant dental care is important from the very beginning. In fact, many dentists recommend an initial visit before the child’s first birthday to make sure that teeth and gums are properly cared for. Babies are born without harmful bacteria in their mouth, and studies have proven that moms (rather than dads) typically infect their children before age 2. This is because tooth decay can develop from breast milk if you don’t wipe your baby’s teeth and gums with a clean, damp washcloth after a feeding.

There are daily health habits that you and your child should practice, such as eating a proper diet, exercising, bathing, and sleeping. Caring for your mouth is as important as caring for the rest of your body. Teach your child that cleaning teeth and gums removes a sticky film called plaque and that plaque contains harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay. In addition to teaching them oral care lessons, don’t forget to schedule his or her dental appointment!

If you have questions or concerns about cosmetic dental services, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Dentures

Teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but sometimes accidents happen and they go missing. Whether you’ve lost teeth to dental trauma, decay, or an injury, it’s important to know what your replacement options are. Dentures are a non-invasive way to restore teeth, because they are natural looking, comfortable, and can restore regular function to your chewing and speaking habits. Here at Sun Family Dental, the denture process begins with a consultation from The Oyster Bay Family Dentists.

To place dentures, the first step involves removing the teeth that are being replaced. Once the teeth are removed, the soft tissues will need to heal, and this could take a couple of weeks to accomplish. Once this part of the process is complete, one of our doctors will take X-rays, as well as a mold of the gum and jaw so that the dentures can be sent to the lab. Once they return, the final step is to see how they fit. Some adjustments might need to be made along the way to ensure that they fit properly and are not causing any pain or discomfort on a long-term basis, but in the end, you will be left with the smile you’ve always dreamed of. 

If you have questions or concerns about dentures, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

White Spots on Teeth

Everybody wants whiter teeth. But when white spots with a chalky character develop, they’re a warning sign of infection. We of the Oyster Bay Family Dentists don’t want our patients to let tooth decay take them by surprise, which is why this week we’re talking about white spot lesions.

Tooth decay is caused by an infection on the enamel. Bacteria produce acid, which sticks to tartar and plaque. When enamel is eroded by acid, it first takes on a glazed, white appearance as it loses minerals. (This can also be seen in people who suffer from acid reflux.) White spots don’t usually hurt, but if the infection is not stopped, it will create a cavity and remove the protection from the nerve in the tooth.

A white spot can form in as few as thirty days. They are particularly prone to appearing on the upper front teeth at the part where the crown meets the gum line and in the area surrounding orthodontic brackets. Although enamel cannot be regrown, it can be remineralized, so patients should not give up on fighting incipient lesions. We also offer Invisalign as an alternative to fixed braces at our office, which creates less of a risk for white spot development.

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.

 

Manage Tooth Sensitivity

To treat sensitive teeth, you first have to get to the root of the problem and believe it or not, the root is where it begins. Tooth sensitivity is common and it can come and go over time. If hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods make you cringe, you may want to discuss your treatment options with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists.

You can reduce tooth sensitivity by brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. When teeth are sensitive, it could be painful to perform these actions but remember to be very gentle on your gums. Pain after consuming hot or cold beverages can be due to decay or a cavity, so it’s important to visit us for a dental checkup to ensure that your mouth is in a healthy state. Letting tooth sensitivity go untreated can lead to oral health complications so it’s best to seek treatment immediately.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth sensitivity, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Diet and Dental Health

Oral systemic health and diet go hand-in-hand. A poor diet can lead to periodontal disease, tooth decay, and can even cause enamel to wear down over time. Foods that contain sugars of any kind accelerate the tooth decay process and though most foods contain sugars, certain foods are part of a healthy diet and need to be consumed. If you need a refresher on what foods to eat for your oral health, The Oyster Bay Dentists are here to inform you.

Added sugars are often present in junk foods, like cookies, candy, and pastries. To maintain a balanced diet, you should consume foods from each of the five major food groups and limit the number of snacks you eat. Wise choices include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products like cheese and milk. These foods will keep the mouth clean, and help protect it from dental disease.

If you have questions or concerns about diet and dental health, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Sugar’s Effect on Teeth

It’s common knowledge that sugar is bad for your teeth. If you go to the dentist and are told you have a cavity, sugar is likely the culprit. This is because tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth that uses sugar from foods and drinks to produce acids that damage the teeth. Our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists don’t expect you to quit sugar cold turkey, but we’d like to encourage you to reduce your intake.

Sugar attacks the teeth and provides no nutritional benefits to their components. Soft drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks have high acidity levels, so if you drink them on a daily basis, you are at a high risk for developing cavities. Fruit juice has a medium acidity level, but can be watered down to reduce the levels of sugar. As you may already know, water is your smile’s best bet for staying healthy. Milk is also beneficial for keeping enamel strong.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth decay, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Drink More Water

The best thing you can do for your smile is to keep your mouth clean. In addition to brushing and flossing on a daily basis, it’s important to stay hydrated to keep your mouth moist. Water replenishes saliva, our body’s natural defense against dry mouth and tooth decay. Sugary beverages may wash down your food, but as we’ve previously mentioned, they provide no nutritional benefits to tooth enamel. Our doctors at The Oyster Bay Dentists are here to encourage you to drink more water to protect your teeth.

Water cleans the mouth with every sip, keeping teeth cavity-free. Water washes away the sugars that food and beverages leave behind to attack tooth enamel. Additionally, when saliva runs low, the mouth becomes dry. The frequent dry mouth can lead to tooth decay. Next time you reach for a sugary drink, try replacing it with water, or if you decide to consume the sugary beverage regardless, wash it down with a refreshing glass of water.

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Dental Abscess Causes and Treatment

Toothaches can be very painful, but when they lead to infection the problem becomes more serious. Most of us know how painful a canker sore can be, but what about a dental abscess? An abscessed tooth is a painful infection that is commonly caused by tooth decay, dental trauma, or periodontal disease. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists encourage you to seek treatment right away if you have signs of symptoms of a dental abscess.

Most abscesses are painful because they originate from a bacterial infection in the mouth. Bacteria exist in plaque, so if you lack proper oral hygiene, you increase your risk of developing a dental abscess. Abscesses can form very quickly and resemble a pus-filled bubble. The abscess will not go away on its own, so it’s impossible to seek treatment as it will need to be drained and treated with antibiotics. If the infection is not treated, it can destroy the bone surrounding the infected tooth. Rinsing with salt water may reduce the pain, but it will not eliminate the problem.

If you have questions or concerns about dental abscesses, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Common Reasons for Tooth Extractions

As much as you may think our staff at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY enjoys pulling teeth, it’s truly no pleasure of ours. In fact, before one of our doctors even considers extraction, every effort will be made to repair and restore your tooth first. However, sometimes tooth extractions are unavoidable. Although permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, this isn’t always the case. You’re probably most familiar with wisdom teeth extractions, but aside from wisdom teeth removal, other reasons for extractions may include:

• Severe tooth damage/trauma – some teeth have such extensive decay and damage (broken or cracked) that repair is not possible.


• Orthodontic treatment – people getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for teeth that are being moved into place.


• Some teeth may need to be extracted if they have the potential of becoming infected.


• Extra teeth – extra teeth may block other teeth from erupting, therefore, will require extraction.

If you have a tooth that is causing you pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the 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.

How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Teeth?

Pregnancy can cause numerous emotional and physical changes, even in your mouth. The primary changes are due to a surge in hormones – particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone – that can cause your gum tissues to exaggerate a normal reaction to plaque. With proper hygiene at home as well as professional help from The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, your teeth should remain healthy throughout pregnancy.

Pregnancy can lead to dental problems in some women, including gum disease and increased risk of tooth decay. Pregnancy does not automatically damage your teeth, but so-called “pregnancy gingivitis” affects most pregnant women to some extent, and it generally begins to surface as early as the second month. It’s important to visit us during pregnancy for checkups and cleanings, along with brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing.

Pay attention to any changes in your gums during pregnancy. If you notice any changes, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Crowns

In some cases, a decayed or fractured tooth may require more than a filling to restore its function and appearance. At The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we are happy to offer patients options in repairing damaged teeth, such as crowns.

A dental crown involves a few steps. The process starts by removing the bacteria and tooth decay. In some instances, a root canal may be performed if decay is extensive. The tooth is then prepared for the crown by filing it down in order for the crown to fit. Next, an impression of the tooth is taken. A temporary crown is placed, while the permanent crown is being made in a dental lab.

Crowns are a great choice for restoring a damaged tooth for several reasons. For example, crowns are usually made of porcelain, metal or ceramic and function just like a natural tooth. The color of the crown is matched to your other teeth, so it also is indistinguishable from other teeth. A dental crown is often very durable and with proper oral hygiene can last for fifteen years or longer.

At The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we offer a range of restorative services. In addition to crowns, we also provide bridges, inlays/onlays and bonding. Our staff is committed to providing you with exceptional service in a state of the art facility.

For more information on dental crowns or any of our other services, please call our office at 516-922-5730.

Crowns

Crowns

In some cases, a decayed or fractured tooth may require more than a filling to restore its function and appearance. At The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we are happy to offer patients options in repairing damaged teeth, such as crowns.

 

A dental crown involves a few steps. The process starts by removing the bacteria and tooth decay. In some instances, a root canal may be performed if decay is extensive. The tooth is then prepared for the crown by filing it down in order for the crown to fit. Next, an impression of the tooth is taken. A temporary crown is placed, while the permanent crown is being made in a dental lab.

 

Crowns are a great choice for restoring a damaged tooth for several reasons. For example, crowns are usually made of porcelain, metal or ceramic and function just like a natural tooth. The color of the crown is matched to your other teeth, so it also is indistinguishable from other teeth. A dental crown is often very durable and with proper oral hygiene can last for fifteen years or longer.

 

At The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we offer a range of restorative services. In addition to crowns, we also provide bridges, inlays/onlays and bonding. Our staff is committed to providing you with exceptional service in a state of the art facility.

 

For more information on dental crowns or any of our other services, please call our office at 516-922-5730.

Pediatric Dental Care

Pediatric Care

Here at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we want even our youngest patients to get the dental care they need. Dr. Denise VeyVoda offers pediatric care for children as soon as they get their first tooth. It is at this point that their parents start brushing their teeth and getting them used to their oral hygiene routine. While at home brushing is essential, the children also need to visit us for teeth cleanings.

A common misconception with children is that they don’t have the same risk of tooth decay with their brand new teeth. But we recommend bringing babies in as soon as they have their first tooth, because decay can happen at any age. We will make the first dental visit as comfortable as possible, using the gentlest of methods for cleaning their teeth. Early dental visits benefit the child and the parent because it gets the child used to visiting us, thus eliciting less anxiety for them.

Aside from routine cleanings and exams, we also offer sealants for our young patients. Sealants protect their teeth and reduce the risk of decay and build-up. If your child has their first few teeth it, bring them to our Oyster Bay, NY practice.