Post-Op Tooth Extraction Care

There are many reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted. Tooth decay, gum disease, or even for orthodontic purposes name a few. After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches and you will need to follow strict instructions that our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists will give you. After the surgery, you will need to rest and you should expect the extraction site to bleed a little following extraction. In addition, here are a few things to remember during post-op care.

If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call our office immediately. Once you return home after the surgery you should rest, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. One of our doctors will prescribe you pain medication, as well as cleaning solution for the extraction site, so if you become sore take as directed. It’s important to limit yourself to soft foods such as gelatin, pudding, yogurt, mashed potatoes, etc. so that the stitches are not punctured. When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw, because the sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process.

If you are experiencing tooth discomfort or have questions about post-op aftercare, 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.

Extraction Site Preservation

When removing a tooth, it is important to consider what will be done with the empty space after that tooth is removed. Wisdom teeth are in the back of the mouth so that site has the ability to heal on its own with no complications. However, if it is necessary for one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists to remove another tooth, plans must be made and this is where extraction site preservation comes into play.

If a tooth is removed and nothing is done with the extraction site, the jaw bone will degenerate and change shape during healing. This can cause teeth to shift and can create problems in your bite that can affect the ability to speak and chew. Just imagine chewing food with no teeth and how uncomfortable that would feel. Options for filling the space include dental implants and bridges. What you choose to do with your extraction site is your choice, and our doctors are always open to a conversation on what to do with your extraction site before removing a tooth.

If you’ve recently had teeth extracted and have questions about the site preservation process, 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.

Benefits of Dentures

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists offers a wide variety of restorative options for missing teeth, but here we are going to discuss the benefits of dentures. For people who have lost their teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury, dentures can restore their smile and help them with everyday tasks such as eating and speaking. There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Our doctors will help you choose the type of denture that’s best for you based on how many teeth are going to be replaced.

Complete (full) dentures are used if you’re missing teeth in your upper (maxillary) or lower (mandibular) jaws. Partial dentures are used on patients who only have some teeth missing on either jaw. Complete dentures replace all of the teeth, while partial dentures fill in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from shifting position. Your dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them, however, you will decrease your risk of periodontal disease as well as ease the stress of your jaw while wearing them.

If you have missing teeth, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. 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.

Consequences of Missing Teeth

Although tooth loss is typically associated with the elderly, missing teeth can occur in adults for a variety of reasons. Whether you’ve lost a tooth to decay, or injury, tooth loss can rob you of much more than the ability to chew and properly digest food. It can have serious social, psychological and emotional consequences as well. Here at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we don’t want you to experience the consequences of a toothless grin. This is why we offer a wide variety of restorative and cosmetic options to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

The most obvious effect of missing teeth is aesthetic. When a tooth is lost, the facial muscles begin to sag, making you appear older than you are. Additionally, missing teeth will make it more difficult to chew and may even affect the way you speak. The more teeth a person is missing, the more challenging the task to replace them can become. It can also be costly. It is important to have regular dental visits with us to prolong the life of your teeth. 

If you have missing teeth, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. 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.

Why Invisalign is Often a Favorite Over Braces

Invisalign is often the favorite option when it comes to orthodontics. Because of the versatility, convenience, and near invisibility, The Oyster Bay Family Dentists offer Invisalign here in our Oyster Bay,  NY dental practice.

Just like braces, Invisalign is able to treat a wide variety of misalignments. It works by creating clear plastic trays that are changed out about every two weeks. Over time, the tray aligners move your teeth into their directed position.

With braces, you wear them all the time. This means you have to be careful with what you eat. No eating sticky, hard, or crunchy items anymore. This can be tough when they are your favorites. With Invisalign, you take the trays out to eat, so you do not have to avoid any types of food.

Invisalign also makes dental care a breeze. You will not have to worry about brushing around brackets and wires, being careful not to break them. No special supplies are needed either. You can brush and floss just as you always have.

In addition to the convenience factors, patients love that Invisalign is nearly invisible. No one can tell you are straightening your teeth unless they are looking at your teeth very closely. No more photos with “metal mouth”.

If you are looking to straighten your teeth, be sure to inquire about Invisalign. To schedule an appointment with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

How Dental Implants Are Installed

When replacing missing teeth, it is nice to know you can depend on it without worrying about it coming loose or needing to be replaced again. Because dental implants are so close to a natural tooth, The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY offer dental implants to our patients looking to replace missing teeth.

Dental implants are the most stable and strong tooth replacement option out there. They work by implanting a titanium post into the bone socket so that it bonds with the jawbone. A crown is then placed on top that looks and feels like a real tooth. Each crown is custom-created in a dental laboratory so it is the perfect fit for every patient.

To place a dental implant, first, there will be a surgical incision made. The titanium implant post is inserted and allowed to heal. During the healing time, you will wear a temporary crown to protect the area. After the healing is complete, an abutment is placed onto the implant to serve as the base for the permanent crown. The custom-made permanent crown is then cemented into place. With good care, a dental implant can last for a lifetime.

If you are looking to replace one or more teeth with a permanent option, dental implants may be right for you. To schedule an appointment with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Baby Tooth Care

When teeth first come in, your child may start to fuss. This is because he or she has sore or tender gums and the eruption of those little tooth buds are causing them pain. Parents often, when should I start cleaning my child’s teeth? The answer is that daily dental cleaning should start as soon as your infant’s first tooth appears. To help prevent the buildup of plaque bacteria that can lead to decay, The Oyster Bay Family Dentists highly recommend regularly cleaning your newborn’s gums with a damp washcloth following feedings.

While most babies don’t start getting teeth until they are six months old, infant dental care is important from the very beginning. In addition to cleaning your baby’s gums with a damp cloth, you can also gently rub their gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon, or a wet gauze pad. You can also give the baby a clean teething ring to chew on. It’s important to care for your baby’s teeth from the start because his or her gums act as placement holders for permanent teeth.

If you have a question about your child’s tooth care, 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.