The Root Canal Procedure

Hearing that you need a root canal might shake you to your core, but at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists we are here to make you as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Signs you may need root canal therapy include: severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures (after the heat or cold has been removed), discoloration (darkening) of the tooth, swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums and/or a persistent or recurring pimple on the gums.

The root canal procedure itself requires one or more office visits and can be performed right here in the office. The first step in the procedure is to take an X-ray to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection in the surrounding bone. Once anesthesia is administered, your dentist will make an opening in the crown of the tooth. Very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling. After the space is cleaned and shaped, your dentist will fill the root canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. There may be some soreness after the procedure, but that is perfectly normal.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about root canal therapy as well as other 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.

Tooth Enamel Restoration

Tooth enamel covers each of your teeth and protects them from damage. Enamel can be damaged by a variety of factors including overexposure to acids, physical damage to teeth, and other oral health issues. When tooth enamel becomes worn down, the Oyster Bay Family Dentists offer a variety of restoration options to restore it.

Enamel’s primary purpose is to protect your teeth from damage. When you chew, you risk damage to your teeth because you have to grind your food. Although enamel is a hard protective surface, it can crack or chip fairly easily. If food gets stuck between your teeth or a food substance is particularly hard, the enamel can break. If your enamel begins to decay, we may recommend a variety of procedures, depending on the degree of enamel loss. It’s important to visit us as soon as possible when you experience tooth pain, as well as get regular checkups so that you can stop enamel problems before they get more serious.

If you have questions about tooth enamel restoration, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. 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.

Diet Affects Your Dental Health

Your body is a complex machine, which is why it’s necessary to feed it with the right fuel. The foods you choose and how often you eat them can affect your general health and the health of your teeth and gums. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists can’t monitor what you eat and drink, but we can tell you what foods are and aren’t harmful to your dental health.

You may be able to prevent two of the most common diseases of modern civilization, tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, simply by improving your diet. To keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape, choose health foods from the five main food groups: fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy. If you consume too many sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks or non-nutritious snacks, you could be at risk for tooth decay. For healthy living and for healthy teeth and gums, think before you eat and drink.

If you would like to schedule a dental checkup, 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.

Stop Bad Breath in Its Tracks

Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis, it’s an unpleasant condition that’s cause for embarrassment. The odor is caused by wastes from bacteria in the mouth, the decay of food particles, other debris in your mouth and poor oral hygiene. This odor can occur from time to time, or it can be long lasting, depending on the cause. When bad breath has you down, The Oyster Bay Dentists provide a wide variety of treatment to freshen it up.

You may not always know that you have bad breath. That’s because odor-detecting cells in the nose eventually get used to the smell. Millions of bacteria live in the mouth, particularly on the back of the tongue. In many people, they are the primary causes of bad breath. The mouth’s warm, moist conditions are ideal for the growth of these bacteria. Maintaining good oral hygiene, eliminating gum disease and scheduling regular professional cleanings are essential to reducing or eliminating bad breath.

If you would like to schedule a dental checkup, 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.

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.

Customized Take-Home Teeth Whitening Trays

When a bright and flashy smile is desired, our patients want a whitening treatment that is going to deliver results. Here with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, we offer completely customized take-home teeth whitening trays for a smile you can be confident in.

Our whitening trays are created by using impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These impressions create trays that fit your teeth perfectly. The whitening gel placed into the trays is able to evenly coat the surface of your specific teeth; unlike mass produced whitening strips bought at the store. The whitening trays are worn for a short period of time over a few days. The length of the time you wear them can be altered depending on if you would like to wear them overnight or during the day.

The process works by reaching below the enamel’s surface to whiten stains within the dentin of the tooth. Every case is different, and depending on the current level of staining to your teeth, our custom whitening trays may offer whiter teeth by four to eight shades.

If you are looking for a teeth whitening system that works, schedule a consultation to see if our customized take-home teeth whitening trays are right for you. To schedule, call The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Frenectomy in Oyster Bay, NY

Lip tie and tongue tie are frustrating conditions that have a simple solution. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists here in Oyster Bay, NY have been solving patients’ lip and tongue tie concerns with frenectomies. A frenectomy is a simple and common procedure to free the “tied” tongue and lips.

Lip tie is a condition where the lips are connected to the gums with a frenulum that is too short or too tight. Tongue tie is the same scenario, but with a tongue that has restricted movement. Both conditions can be terrible for an infant and a breastfeeding mother. The baby may not be able to breastfeed correctly, causing coughing, colic, and fatigue from feeding within a short time. If the baby cannot feed correctly, they suffer with inadequate weight gain. The condition can also be very painful for the mother as milk flow may not be regular. The baby may also bruise the mother’s nipples.

A frenectomy is a quick procedure that is done right here in our Oyster Bay, NY office. A scalpel or a laser is used to detach the short frenulum so it can heal with more range. The procedure and the healing time afterward are both quick and cause very minor discomfort.

To learn more about lip tie, tongue tie, or frenectomies, visit our website. To schedule a consultation with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call our office at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.