Crown Lengthening

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists want every patient to experience their best smile.  Even when patients take great care of their teeth, they may think their gums keep them from their perfect smile.  It is normal for some people to have more gum tissue than others and when it results in a gummy smile, we can correct it by a procedure called crown lengthening.  

Crown lengthening is the term for removing excess gum tissue from the surface of the teeth and sculpting the gum line.  Dentists often do this in order to expose more of a tooth and affix a restoration like a crown. We also offer crown lengthening for cosmetics so that any patient can have their perfect smile.  Local anesthetic is used while your dentist removes excess gum tissue with either a scalpel or laser tools.  The procedure only comes with minor discomfort afterwards, and result is a pleasing ratio of teeth to gums that creates an even smile.  Contact us if you think your smile would benefit from crown lengthening!

To learn more about crown lengthening and all 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.

Oral Cancer and Alcohol

The prosthodontists of the Oyster Bay Family Dentists provide reconstructive surgery to people who have suffered the ravages of oral cancer. But we also want our patients to know how to avoid this disease in the first place, which is why we strive to provide the latest information.

Recently, the American Society of Clinical Oncology released a study which examined the relationship between cancer and alcohol. They found that alcohol use is the cause of about 5% of new cancer cases, including of oral cancer. This is concerning because most people are aware of the danger posed by smoking and HPV, but are not aware of that of alcohol. The research did not show that the odds of cancer developing differed between different types of alcohol, but it did show that even moderate drinking carries a risk.

Scientists are still debating why alcohol would lead to oral cancer. Some hypothesize that it damages the soft tissues in the mouth, which then have to regrow. But one positive finding of the research was that when people stop drinking, their chances of developing cancer in any part of the aerodigestive tract declines.

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.

 

Children's Dental Health Month

We of the Oyster Bay Family Dentists treat patients with all kinds of needs, but preventive care is always best. Each February, the American Dental Association devotes a month to educating the public about children’s dental health, and the theme of this year’s campaign is how to use fluoridated toothpaste to protect every part of every tooth surface.

Children’s baby teeth need to be cared for. Although they will eventually fall out, decay is still painful and can cause children to miss sleep and avoid eating and speaking. Parents should start brushing a baby’s teeth as soon as the first one erupts. As children get older, brushing their teeth is a good habit for them to get into as an introduction to taking responsibility for their overall health. It is important for them to remember to brush for two full minutes during each session and to brush every tooth surface and on their tongue.

Fluoridated toothpaste is particularly beneficial because it helps to prevent acid produced by bacteria from eroding tooth enamel. Fluoride treatments available at our office are offered for the same reason. However, fluoridated toothpaste should not be used on mouth guards or other oral appliances because the minerals can leave scratches on plastic.

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.

 

Endodontics: Root Canal

Most of us know how painful a toothache can be, but when a toothache is the result of dead pulp, a root canal may be necessary. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists understand that the term, “root canal” may sound terrifying, but it’s much more painful to leave with a diseased or damaged tooth. With advances in dental technology, a root canal is very similar to a routine filling and can usually be completed in two appointments.

Endodontic treatment is necessary when the dental pulp inside of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. If this is left untreated, a painful dental abscess may form. A root canal saves the tooth by allowing one of our doctors to remove the inflamed or infected pulp while carefully cleaning and shaping the inside of the tooth’s root canal. Once the procedure is complete, the tooth will be placed with a crown to protect it and restore it to its full function.

If you have questions or concerns about root canal treatment, 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.

Biannual Cleanings

It is recommended by the Academy of General Dentistry you have a dentist or hygienist perform a dental cleaning every six months.  The Oyster Bay Family Dentists want patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for regular professional cleanings.  However much you brush and floss, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional.

It’s important to see a professional regularly to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, a hygienist thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist.

To learn more about teeth cleanings and all 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.

Caring for Invisalign

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists offer Invisalign, the clear aligner system that straightens teeth without the metallic look of braces. Another perk of Invisalign clear aligners is that they require less maintenance and won’t prevent you from eating certain foods.  Although you won’t have to make too many changes, there are still guidelines you should follow to wear and care for your aligners!

You should remove Invisalign each time you eat, but if you do eat anything while wearing the aligners make sure to clean them thoroughly afterwards. It is also best to brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in.  Ideally when wearing clear aligners, you would only drink water. Colorful drinks can stain the aligners and too many hot drinks can eventually warp the plastic.  If you do drink anything other than water while wearing the aligners you should rinse them with warm water afterwards. 

Cleaning the clear aligners regularly is important for your teeth and straightening treatment.  Clear aligners can become discolored over time without losing their effectiveness, but the color can show on your own teeth and continue to darken.  Invisalign offers its own brand of cleaning solution, and there are several soaking solutions available over the counter, but brushing the aligners is also a sufficient cleaning option.  Do not use toothpaste to brush the aligners because subtle abrasive properties of toothpaste could harm the aligner.  It is best to use mild dish soap and a soft bristle brush to clean the aligners each time you brush your teeth.

To learn more about Invisalign and all 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.

Nocturnal Bruxism

If you’ve ever noticed yourself clenching your teeth during the night, or during the day, you may be considered a “bruxer.” This is the name for someone who suffers from bruxism, a condition in which a person can habitually grind or clench their teeth. The most common form of bruxism occurs during sleep and The Oyster Bay Family Dentists usually suggest a night guard as a method of treatment. To diagnose this condition, you will need to schedule a consultation.

The action of grinding teeth is dangerous because it can damage tooth enamel, and make teeth more prone to sensitivity. When teeth become sensitive, it may be more difficult to consume hot and cold beverages and to enjoy the foods you love to eat. There are many factors that lead to bruxism, such as stress and anxiety, but this condition can also be brought on by a misaligned bite. To receive a proper diagnosis and treatment, visit us immediately.

If you have questions or concerns about bruxism, 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.