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.

 

 

Tooth Extractions

Extractions

It is the goal of all our patients to keep their natural teeth as long as possible, but this isn’t always an option. Extractions are sometimes performed to remove a tooth, whether from gum disease, decay, being impacted, or because a tooth is broken and will likely fall out on its own.

We also perform extractions in order to prevent infection or other complications, though some patients need their wisdom teeth pulled or another tooth extracted due to overcrowding.

Extractions are performed right here at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists office and we make the process as comfortable as possible for our patients. After we have removed the tooth, Dr. Denise VeyVoda provides patients with important after-care instructions, including the following:

1. Patients are coming out of anesthesia, therefore they need a ride home.


2. Patients are given instructions for medications to take when they get home.


3. Gauze must be reapplied at home whenever it gets soaked.


4. Patients are advised to drink liquids or eat only soft foods for a few days.


5. Patients must never use a straw as the sucking motion can remove the blood clot.

Extractions are never fun, but we make them easier. Visit us in Oyster Bay, NY to learning more about tooth extractions.

Denture Specialist

Denture Specialist

Dentures are often the best course of action when a patient has multiple missing teeth. It is important that anyone looking to get dentures visit a denture specialist, like our own Dr. Denise VeyVoda here at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Denture specialists have extensive training, education and experience in preparing dentures for patients, as well as other dental procedures. They provide the best option for patients, whether they need a partial, full dentures or implant-supported dentures. Denture specialists also construct the false teeth to be used in the dentures and help with special issues a patient is experiencing.

Here at Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we provide options for our patients who need prosthetic dental devices, like dentures. Our dentist diagnoses the problem and helps our patients find the best fit. For some patients, natural teeth may not need to be removed. Others are getting partial dentures for several missing teeth, while others choose implant-supported dentures for more stability. Not only does our denture specialist provide dentures, but other types of dental procedures, including crowns and implants. To find out more about Dr. VeyVoda and why a denture specialist is essential, give our office a call at 516-922-5730.

Night Guards

Night Guards

Here at Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we want our patients to have good oral health, and that starts with preventative care. One type of preventative care is through the use of night guards. Night guards are worn by patients who have a problem with grinding or clenching their teeth at night. While it may not seem like a serious problem, teeth grinding can lead to reduced tooth enamel, which weakens teeth. Teeth grinding may also cause severe headaches, jaw pain, and an irritation of the gums. Night guards help prevent these from occurring.

The benefits of night guards include the following:

• Protecting the patient’s teeth so they don’t weaken or crack from being worn down.


• Saving patients money on future dental procedures.


• Getting relief from headaches and jaw pain.


• Eliminating partner disturbance while sleeping and grinding teeth.

Our night guards are made custom to the patient, so they fit comfortable and do not interrupt their sleep. Dr. Denise VeyVoda starts by making impressions of the patient’s teeth and sending them to the lab. Once they arrive, patients are instructed to wear them every night while sleeping. Night guards last about 10 years with proper care. Contact our dental office in Oyster, Bay, NY to learn more about night guards.

Root Canals

Root Canals

Root canals are performed when there is an infection deep within the nerves and root of a tooth. Our dentist, Dr. Denise VeyVoda, numbs the area with a local anesthetic, then drills a hole into the tooth to reach the canal. She then cleans out the infection and infected tissue, and fills up the hole with a material called gutta percha. It is not a difficult or long procedure, but one that is necessary to get rid of the infection and save the tooth.

The root canal procedure is over in about an hour, after which Dr. Denise VeyVoda recommends the following aftercare instructions:

1) The patient should avoid eating on the tooth for several days as it can be sensitive.

2) After one week, the patient should return to our office to get an impression of the tooth for a permanent crown. We will fit them with a temporary crown.

3) In 1-2 weeks, the patient should return to our office a final time to get the permanent crown bonded to their tooth.

4) Patients must reach us immediately if they notice excessive bleeding, severe pain or a high fever.

5) Patients should take all prescribed medications, including any antibiotics.

To find out more about root canals and how they are performed, call us here Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY at 516-922-5730.

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.

Diode Lasers in Dentistry

Diode Lasers in Dentistry

At our state-of-the-art practice, we are determined to provide our patients with a combination of advanced capabilities and personalized care. One way we accomplish this is the use of a diode laser. Diode lasers improve the efficiency, safety and experience of numerous procedures. By changing a few simple settings with the touch of a button, diode lasers can be used to complete biopsies, gingivectomies, implant recoveries, and many other services.

Since these procedures are completed with a laser rather than manual tool, the process is considerably less invasive, more comfortable and significantly more precise. As a result, our patients experience less gum trauma, virtually no bleeding and faster healing. In many causes only minimal aesthetic is needed during the procedure.

To learn more about how we use the diode laser and to find out how it could improve your upcoming procedure, please contact us directly.    

 

Periodontal Disease

If left undiagnosed and untreated, periodontal disease can do some serious, irreversible damage to your smile.  Periodontal disease can also compromise your overall health, making you susceptible to serious infection, malnutrition and other serious complications.  Here at our Oyster Bay practice, we’re committed to educating our patients on the risks of periodontal disease and what they can do to prevent its harmful effects.

The best ways to stop periodontal disease before it starts is to practice diligent oral hygiene. That includes daily brushing and flossing, maintaining a sensible and healthy diet, reducing sugar, alcohol and tobacco, and staying current with biannual dental checkups.

It’s also important to be on the lookout for any warning signs that could indicate the early stages of periodontal disease, these include:

• Bleeding of the gums during or after brushing and flossing.


• Redness, swelling, soreness and discomfort that affect your gums on a regular basis.


• Gum recession and exposed portions of the tooth root


• Bad breath or a foul taste regardless of what you’ve recently eaten or even after you’ve brushed and rinsed.


• Loose or easily moveable teeth.


• Changes in bite alignment or the stability of prosthetic dental work

If you notice any of the above symptoms, please contact us promptly and arrange an appointment.

Source:

http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/GumDisease/PeriodontaldiseaseAdults20to64

Bleaching and Whitening

There’s a reason why we all want our smile to be just a little bit (or even a whole lot) brighter. A stunning while smile give us confidence. It makes us want to smile more.  A whiter smile also inspires us to take better care of our teeth.  And best of all, revealing a bright, happy smile spreads positivity and affects those around us for the better. Here at our practice, we offer Zoom bleaching and whitening to help our patients realize the effects of a brighter smile. We offer Zoom specifically as it’s a very simple and efficient way to achieve dramatic and resilient smile brightening results.

Zoom whitening is a one-time, chair side procedure that takes about an hour in total. It’s a non-invasive surface treatment that doesn’t involve any pain and gives you a chance to relax as you wait for Zoom to take effect.  The results amount to a shade improvement of up to ten shades, which can be maintained with diligent brushing and flossing, as regular oral care checkups.

If you’ve wanted to brighten your smile professional, our Zoom bleaching and whitening services are great reason to finally have your smile enhanced.  We invite you to visit us for a consultation and find out is this whitening and bleaching method is right for you.

Head and Neck Radiation and Impact on Dental Health

If you are to be treated with radiation for cancer of the head and neck, there are many things you should know regarding the effect on your dental health.

As radiation is so effective in eliminating malignant cancer cells and tumors, it can also damage healthy tissues that comprise your teeth, gums, salivary glands and jaw.  Subsequently, you may experience soreness, discomfort, dry mouth, tooth decay, reduction of taste receptors, jaw stiffness and other concerns. As you undergo and complete radiation treatments, you should rely on a prosthodontist to help assess, manage and treat your oral health.  Here at our practice, we’ve helped many patients maintain and restore their dental health as they treat and recover from head and neck cancer.

We offer a variety of preventative and restorative capabilities, as well as treatment experience and expertise, that’s needed to help you save and renew your smile. We also provide surgical and prosthetic options that have helped many head and neck cancer patients regain a real sense of recovery.

To learn how we can help you protect your oral health when undergoing head and neck radiation, we invite you to contact us through our website and arrange a consultation.  

Source: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/CancerTreatment/HeadNeckRadiation.htm

Head and Neck Cancer

Cancers that affect the head and neck can have a serious effect on the oral and nasal cavities, the sinuses, throat and other vital areas.  We’ve treated many patients who have been affected by head and neck cancer and need specialized prosthetics as a result.  Two of the most common types of prosthetics we provide are custom facial prosthetics and custom intraoral prosthetics.

As head and neck cancer can affect the external tissues of the ears, nose and eyes, as well as the jaw, teeth, gums, pallet, prosthetic are often needed to restore the function and appearance of these features following treatment.  Creation and placement of these prosthetics is one of our specialties.

We helped many patients with complete prosthetics which contribute to full recovery from head and neck cancer.  Our objective is to help patients regain a sense of normalcy and renewal as they move beyond the effects of cancer.  If you or someone you know is in need of custom prosthetics due to injury or the effects of head and neck cancer, please call us directly and arrange a consultation.  Images of our custom facial prosthetic work and our custom intraoral prosthetic work can be found right on our website.    

Source: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/head-and-neck

Oral Cancer

Are you due for your oral cancer screening? If you’re over fifty, use tobacco products and have a family member who’s been diagnosed, you are probably due for an oral cancer screening.  Even if you have a clean bill of health, older adults should make oral cancer screenings a regular part of their yearly health exams.

Oral cancer can have a devastating effect, but if it’s caught in its earliest stages, chances of full recovery are significantly improved. We use a variety of comprehensive and advanced technology that gives us full insight into your oral health, and that includes detection of any abnormalities or problem areas that could easily go undetected.  If you’re not sure whether or not you’re due for an oral cancer screening or if you’re an adult who’s never had one, it’s better to yield on the side of caution. We look forward to your visit for a comprehensive exam and giving you the peace of mind and information you need to protect and preserve your health. 

Sleep Apnea

If something affects you when you’re alseep, how can you tell? That’s one of the problems with sleep apnea. Many people are affected and don’t even know it.  Even their sleep partners often mistake sleep apnea as snoring and don’t recognized the serious health effects until it’s too late. Fortunately, there are a few common signs and symptoms that may indicate you or someone you care about has sleep apnea.  If you notice any of the following, please be proactive in seeking a diagnosis and any necessary treatment:

• Daytime sleepiness, fatigue or regular drowsiness


• Dry mouth, sore throat and/or headaches that frequently occur upon waking


• Abrupt awakenings followed by shortness of breath, as well as gasping or choking while asleep


• Loud snoring, which remains the most prominent though easily dismissed sign of sleep apnea.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can amount to some serious health risks that include stroke and heart disease.  Thankfully, there are a variety of treatments, therapies and procedures that can correct sleep apnea and eliminate its harmful effects.  We can help sleep apnea patients here at our practice; so if you or someone you love may be affected, please call us for more information on how we can help.

Invisalign

Should you choose Invisalign? If you are in need of mild to moderate smile alignment, and you’re seeking a discreet way to correct cosmetic crowding, gaps or tooth misalignment, Invisalign may be a great choice for you. However, there are a few things to consider when it comes to clear tooth aligners:

• Invisalign takes some getting used to.  When you first wear your aligners, you’ll notice they don’t totally conform to your teeth. Even though they’re custom created for you, they are designed to gradually shift the alignment of your teeth. Each aligner is design to suit a projected smile design increment, so when you initially wear them they may feel snug or ill-fitting. That is inherent to the process and shouldn’t be cause for concern.

• You will need to remove your aligners when you eat or drink beverages that are hot, acidic or could potentially stain your tooth enamel. Drinking cool water with Invisalign is fine and actually quite beneficial for your teeth, but other beverages can stain the plastic of your aligner or get trapped between your tooth surface and the aligner, causing staining and decay.

• Invisalign aligners should be cleaned separately from your teeth and require a specific cleansing solution, in which the aligners are submerged. You should also keep a separate toothbrush exclusively for manual cleaning of your aligners.

• You can remove Invisalign for special events, but remember, if they aren’t on your teeth, they aren’t treating your teeth. Make sure you promptly return them to your smile when possible and wear them on an everyday basis.        

There are a number of other factors to keep in mind when you decide to try Invisalign, but they remain one of the most popular and convenient methods for discreetly correcting cosmetic misalignments.  The best way to determine if Invisalign is right for you is to visit for a complete consultation. We look for forward to seeing you and answering all of your Invisalign questions.

Porcelain Laminates

Porcelain laminates are one of the best ways to achieve that red carpet-ready, movie star smile. As they’re able to address multiple cosmetic issues efficiently and reliably, porcelain laminates, or veneers, are regarded as a highly efficient means to a gorgeous cosmetic smile makeover. If you’re not familiar with them or you’re shopping around for a way to successfully renew your smile, here are some advantages to consider when choosing porcelain laminates:

• Porcelain laminates can be used to address staining, chips, gaps, fractures and other cosmetic surface issues. They are a multipurpose solution in one.


• Porcelain laminates look real because of specialized translucent porcelain that captures light like natural tooth enamel. They are totally indistinguishable from a naturally beautiful smile.


•  Porcelain laminates retail their pearly, white beauty through staining resistance. If you enjoy red wine, tea, coffee, or use tobacco products, you can still rely upon veneers to stay bright.


• Porcelain laminates can close gaps and eliminate the need for minor cosmetic orthodontic treatments.


• Porcelain laminates can last a lifetime. Provided you brush, floss, stay consistent with professional exams and cleanings, and do your part to retain the structural integrity of your teeth, you shouldn’t need to replace or update your veneers as you would with bridges and crowns.

If these advantages sound favorable to you and you’re ready for the ultimate in cosmetic smile improvements, we look forward to answering your questions on porcelain laminates, veneers and Lumineers.

 

Snoreguard Gift

Give yourself the Gift of Sleep in 2013!!!!

Does your spouse snore loudly throughout the night?  If they do, you know just how frustrating it can be for you to achieve and continue sleep through the night.  Not only does this affect your sleep, as you listen to your spouse’s snoring, but it also affects their ability to have a deep, restful night of sleep, can impact their cardiac health and contribute to other physical changes in their lives.  Patients that snore often find that they are unable to get a full night’s sleep.

Patients have alternatives to the C Pap machine. Come into our office in February, for a free consultation, and learn about the many types of snore gards that will improve your's and your partners sleep for 2013

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and your new year is off to a great start, but remember you can give yourself and your loved one the gift of sleep all year round!  When you invest in a snore guard for your partner, you are giving them a chance to get the rest they need and deserve and you are investing in their health.  Contact our office and find out more about snore guards and how you can give your partner a gift that will last and benefit them for many seasons to come.

Juvaderm Facial Fillers

If you’re making some positive personal improvements for 2013, why not add a more youthful appearance to the list?  To help you achieve a new look, we offer Juvaderm facial fillers at our practice.  This cosmetic service restores the collagen that your face naturally loses overtime, affecting the elasticity of your face.  Some of the most popular reasons that our patients opt for facial fillers are to correct or improve the appearance of:

• ·         Emotion lines


• ·         Wrinkles


• ·         Pits and scars


• ·         Sunken cheeks


• ·         Lip augmentation

The results of Juvaderm last for about a year.  If you are seeking a non-permanent, nonsurgical alternative to a facelift, contact our office to learn more about how Juvaderm facial fillers can provide you with the results you desire. 

Call and make your appointment  in January and receive a free consultation and $50 toward your first treatment.

 

Source: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/filler-injections

Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry

Cosmetic and implant dentistry can address a wide range of smile issues, especially when there is a need for more involved tooth restorations, as in the case of missing or severely damaged teeth.  Tooth loss can affect both the aesthetic appearance of your smile and your oral health.  Many patients want to correct this issue, but are unsure of the options that are available to them.  One of the best ways to fix a gapped smile is through dental implants.  Here are some of the benefits that dental implants have to offer:

• ·         Looks and feels like a natural tooth


• ·         No need to change brushing, flossing, or eating habits


• ·         Blends in with the rest of your smile


• ·         Doesn’t alter any of the surrounding teeth


• ·         Sturdy and long lasting


• ·         Implant is rooted into the jaw

Visit our FAQ page at www.oysterbaydentists.com/dental-implant-faq-s/ to learn more about dental implants or call our office at 516-922-5730.

Botox

Treat yourself to a New Year's relaxed look!!!!

At Oyster Bay Dentists, we offer many ways to cosmetically improve your smile and enhance your youthful, relaxed appearance .  We always look forward to helping people feel happy and confident.  With Botox cosmetic, you can achieve a more youthful overall look to compliment your smile.  Botox injections can smooth forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines, with effects that last close to  six months. It is relativly painless and you will eagerly await your gradual youthful changes as they gradually take place. We treat you with small areas and encourage a natural, relaxed result. NOT a dramatic change. You will be very happy and excited with the results.

Botox is administered with a hair fine needle which assures that it is as pain free as possible.

Botox is administered in units. Depending on the facial area in question, the amount of units needed could range from 2 - 40. for one area.

The botox used in our office is safe, and obtained from Allergan. We only use FDA approved Botox from the Allergan manufacturer.

Treat yourself to a New Year relaxed appearance and call us for the January special of :

The first twenty five  units - $10

All other units needed - $12

   Call our office  and book a free consultation in January and also receive a $50 gift toward your first treatment. Call us at 516-922-5730 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how Botox can help you discover a more relaxed and youthful look for 2013.