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.

 

How Smoking Affects Post Op Extractions

How Smoking Affects Post Op Extractions

Following a tooth extraction, the mouth should be carefully protected to minimize any risk of complications or compromise in healing.  This is an especially important consideration for smokers. Smoking cigarettes within the first forty-eight hours of a tooth extraction could increase the risk of treatment site complications, including the development of a dry socket, or alveolar osteitis. The risk is greatly increased within the first few hours of the post op, so it’s best to avoid cigarettes for as long as possible.

While tobacco can be harmful to long term oral health, the immediate issue of smoking after an extraction is the inhaling and pressure in the mouth that occurs in the physical act of smoking.  This can worsen pain and complicate healing. If you cannot go for an extended time without a cigarette, it may be best to prepare for your extraction procedure and post op by using a nicotine patch several days prior to your appointment.

For complete information on how you can prepare for your extraction and ensure a speedy, healthy recovery, contact us directly by calling: 516-922-5730.     

 

How Smoking Affects Post Op Extractions

How Smoking Affects Post Op Extractions

Following a tooth extraction, the mouth should be carefully protected to minimize any risk of complications or compromise in healing.  This is an especially important consideration for smokers. Smoking cigarettes within the first forty-eight hours of a tooth extraction could increase the risk of treatment site complications, including the development of a dry socket, or alveolar osteitis. The risk is greatly increased within the first few hours of the post op, so it’s best to avoid cigarettes for as long as possible.

While tobacco can be harmful to long term oral health, the immediate issue of smoking after an extraction is the inhaling and pressure in the mouth that occurs in the physical act of smoking.  This can worsen pain and complicate healing. If you cannot go for an extended time without a cigarette, it may be best to prepare for your extraction procedure and post op by using a nicotine patch several days prior to your appointment.

For complete information on how you can prepare for your extraction and ensure a speedy, healthy recovery, contact us directly by calling: 516-922-5730.     

 

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.

 

Invisalign

Invisalign

Did you know that we provide our Oyster Bay Family Dentists patients with the modern orthodontic option Invisalign?

Invisalign is a great way to cosmetically straighten your smile without having to commit to the appearance and lifestyle changes that are needed in the case of tradition braces or other form of conventional orthodontics. These clear plastic tooth aligners are discreet, comfortable and flexible.

Invisalign works by incrementally adjusting the alignment of your teeth while remaining inconspicuous.  You can easily remove the aligners for meals, brushing and flossing, as well as dental exams and cleaning. Once your treatment period is complete, you can enjoy a cosmetically straightened smile and the confidence that comes with it.