Invisalign

If you are unhappy with the alignment of your teeth, have spaces between your teeth, or have bite issues, orthodontic treatment is a great solution. The highly trained staff here at Oyster Bay Family Dentists has the ability to straighten your teeth quickly and effectively with Invisalign. Invisalign works just as effectively as traditional braces but you won't have to deal with the hassle of metal wires and brackets.

To have Invisalign placed on your teeth, you will first need to have impressions taken of your teeth. These images are sent to a computer screen, where they are analyzed and a 3D mock-up is created for the first set of plastic aligners. These are sent to the lab, and the patient returns in about two weeks to obtain their first set of aligners. Your doctor will ask patients to return to his office every 2-3 weeks for their next set of aligners, helping to encourage movement of their teeth to the desired location.

Compared to bracket traditional, Invisalign is a much safer option. Patients who use Invisalign often avoid damage to the gums and supporting tissues. Patients will also avoid bacteria build up that would result through traditional braces. Patients are also able to get regular dental checkups while using Invisalign. Traditional braces prevent X-rays and regular cleanings while the removable aligners used through Invisalign can be removed allowing for dentist access.

Give us a call today to set up an appointment with either Dr. Robert G. West or Dr. Denise VeyVoda to learn more about Invisalign!

Nitrous Oxide

Known best as “Laughing Gas”, nitrous oxide (N2O) is highly utilized within the dental community. At Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we use this sedation method for patients who suffer from dental phobia and for our patients who will undergo a particularly invasive dental procedure. Our doctors, Dr. Robert G. West and Dr. Denise VeyVoda believe that patient comfort is one of the most important aspects of a successful dental practice.

Nitrous oxide was invented in the 1700’s and was discovered because the researcher had a toothache and was looking for pain relief. It’s almost as if it was strictly invented for Dentists. While it is utilized in other medical fields, its primary use is during particularly invasive dental procedures such as root canals, extraction and others. The mixture typically used is 30% nitrogen, 70% oxygen; these percentages can differ depending on the procedure.

Contrary to popular belief, N2O is not used to put you to sleep. You will be able to hear and respond to any directives or requests your dentist may have. N2O works very rapidly, reaching the brain within 20 seconds. The process begins when the doctor places a small mask over your nose. The doctor will then ask you to breathe normally; within a few short minutes you will begin to feel the effects. These effects are light headedness (euphoric state), tingling in your extremities and the possible feeling of sleepiness that may cause “dreams”.

Patients can be sedated for any procedure, whether it’s a normal cleaning or root canal, sedation is a great tool for those suffering from dental phobia. To set up an appointment with Dr. Robert G. West or Dr. Denise VeyVoda by visiting our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com or call our office at 516-922-5730.

Crowns

In some cases, a decayed or fractured tooth may require more than a filling to restore its function and appearance. At The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we are happy to offer patients options in repairing damaged teeth, such as crowns.

A dental crown involves a few steps. The process starts by removing the bacteria and tooth decay. In some instances, a root canal may be performed if decay is extensive. The tooth is then prepared for the crown by filing it down in order for the crown to fit. Next, an impression of the tooth is taken. A temporary crown is placed, while the permanent crown is being made in a dental lab.

Crowns are a great choice for restoring a damaged tooth for several reasons. For example, crowns are usually made of porcelain, metal or ceramic and function just like a natural tooth. The color of the crown is matched to your other teeth, so it also is indistinguishable from other teeth. A dental crown is often very durable and with proper oral hygiene can last for fifteen years or longer.

At The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we offer a range of restorative services. In addition to crowns, we also provide bridges, inlays/onlays and bonding. Our staff is committed to providing you with exceptional service in a state of the art facility.

For more information on dental crowns or any of our other services, please call our office at 516-922-5730.

What is a Perio Pocket?

Gum disease affects oral health in many ways, and this includes the development of a perio pocket. A perio pocket or periodontal pocket describes a detachment of gingival fibers from the tooth, creating a deep gap which may contribute to infection and abscess, and further advancement of periodontal disease. If left untreated, a perio pocket can result in tooth loss.

It’s very important to get a perio pocket properly diagnosed and treated. Treatment consists of reducing the depth of the perio pocket through removal of bacteria by deep cleaning and/or osseous surgery.

If you are affected by a perio pocket, or you have noticed your gum tissue receding or separating from the base of your teeth, please contact us and arrange an appointment. We can determine the best treatment for your needs, help you get periodontal disease under control, and work to save your smile.

Bonding and White Fillings

Bonding and White Fillings

Everyone wants to feel good about their smile. But chipped, cracked and misaligned teeth can make you feel self-conscious smiling. At The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we offer solutions in order to help you smile with confidence.

 

Bonding and white fillings are excellent ways to improve your smile. White fillings are a composite tooth colored filling used in order to repair decayed teeth. White fillings are a great alternative to other types of filling, such as silver. Since they are matched to the color of your teeth, white fillings blend in and are not noticeable.

 

Bonding is another great way to repair cracked, chipped or discolored teeth. Bonding can also be used to close gaps between the teeth. The bonding process is performed by applying a composite resin to the tooth. The tooth is first prepared by making it a little rough, which helps the resin adhere to the surface of the tooth. After the resin is placed on the tooth, a laser is aimed at it, which helps the resin harden. Excess resin is removed, and the tooth is polished.

 

White fillings and bonding are great options to improve your smile for several reasons. They can usually be performed in a single office visit and the cost is often less than other types of cosmetic procedures.

 

Our team at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists believe in providing exceptional customer service and outstanding dental services. For more information on white fillings and bonding, please call our office at 516-922-5730.

Diode Laser

Diode Laser

We know you have choices when it comes to selecting a dentist. That’s why the dental practice of Dr. Robert G. West and Dr. Denise VeyVoda offers the most advanced technology in order to provide exceptional dentistry. For example, we are happy to utilize the diode laser in our practice.

 

The diode laser is ideally suited for soft tissue dental procedures. It is versatile and can be used clinically in several capacities. The diode laser can be used to perform restorative, cosmetic and periodontal procedures. For instance, the laser can be used in order to enhance periodontal treatment including root planning and scaling.

 

Using lasers to perform dental procedures, which in the past were done by making incisions and cutting, is often advantageous. The diode laser is gentle and is used to precisely cut targeted tissue.

Your comfort is our priority. The use of lasers in our practice helps us achieve that goal. Procedures performed with the diode laser are usually comfortable, and patients often heal quickly.

Our experienced dentists and staff aim to provide you with exceptional service and individualized attention. In addition to the diode laser, our technology includes digital x-rays, oral cancer screening, the intraoral camera and sedation dentistry.

 

We are happy to answer any questions and provide convenient appointment times including alternating Saturdays. For more information on the diode laser or any of our other services, please call The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 516-922-5730.

Bridges

Bridges

Broken or missing teeth can occur for a variety of reasons. For example, trauma to the mouth can fracture a tooth or knock it out completely. In addition, gum disease can cause tooth decay and possibly lead to tooth loss. The good news is at Oyster Bay Family Dentists we offer restorative services including dental bridges.

 

A bridge fills in the gap where the missing tooth was. It may be supported by dental implants or natural teeth. A conventional bridge includes two crowns on both sides of the gap. The bridge is attached to the crowns, which act as an anchor and hold the bridge in place.

 

Usually two appointments are needed in order to have a traditional dental bridge placed. The process of getting a bridge will involve preparing the adjacent teeth for the crowns. Preparation involves removing any decay and shaping and filing the teeth. An impression of the teeth is taken so the bridge can be made. While you wait for your permanent bridge to be made, a temporary one will be placed.

 

Bridges are made from durable materials, such as porcelain, gold or alloy. In some cases, a combination of materials will be used. Proper maintenance of a bridge is essential in order to prevent cavities from developing underneath. Regular brushing, flossing and professional cleanings are needed.

 

For more information on bridges or in order to schedule an appointment, please call The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 516-922-5730.

Crowns

Crowns

In some cases, a decayed or fractured tooth may require more than a filling to restore its function and appearance. At The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we are happy to offer patients options in repairing damaged teeth, such as crowns.

 

A dental crown involves a few steps. The process starts by removing the bacteria and tooth decay. In some instances, a root canal may be performed if decay is extensive. The tooth is then prepared for the crown by filing it down in order for the crown to fit. Next, an impression of the tooth is taken. A temporary crown is placed, while the permanent crown is being made in a dental lab.

 

Crowns are a great choice for restoring a damaged tooth for several reasons. For example, crowns are usually made of porcelain, metal or ceramic and function just like a natural tooth. The color of the crown is matched to your other teeth, so it also is indistinguishable from other teeth. A dental crown is often very durable and with proper oral hygiene can last for fifteen years or longer.

 

At The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we offer a range of restorative services. In addition to crowns, we also provide bridges, inlays/onlays and bonding. Our staff is committed to providing you with exceptional service in a state of the art facility.

 

For more information on dental crowns or any of our other services, please call our office at 516-922-5730.

BriteSmile

BriteSmile

Teeth whitening is important to many of our patients, which is why we offer theBriteSmile option here at the The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. With BriteSmile, the teeth become 6-10 shades whiter in as little as one hour. This advanced system uses a combination of a whitening gel placed on the teeth and a light that helps activate the gel.

 

Dr. Denise VeyVoda offers this convenient form of teeth whitening to all her patients, many of whom get it done during their lunch hour and then return to work.

BriteSmile offered here at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists works like this:

• The patient gets whitening gel applied to the top of their teeth.
• A low-intensity lamp is placed over their mouth for 20 minutes at a time, where it activates the gel.
• The gel seeps into the enamel of the teeth, whitening their teeth.
• It is repeated 1-3 times, depending on how white they want their teeth to get.
• Patients return to their normal activities without pain or sensitivity.

If you are interested in getting your teeth whitened with the convenient BriteSmile option, schedule an appointment by calling 516-922-5730.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants

Replacing missing teeth used to be only done with temporary options, like dentures or bridges. But now there is advanced dental technology available to provide a permanent tooth replacement with dental implants. Dental implants act as the tooth’s root, by having a metal post implanted right into the bone. As it heals, the bone grows around the tooth, holding it there permanently.

Over the top of the post, a crown is placed after it has healed completely. This crown is made from impressions of the patient’s other teeth so that it matches the color, size, and shape perfectly. This makes it so the dental implants are not made obvious to others. Dental implants also have excellent function, allowing the patient to eat whatever they want and not worry about it falling out.

Patients who get dental implants benefit in a number of ways. They can eat what they want, as well as brush and floss their teeth like normal. They also have higher confidence and self-esteem with a restored smile. If you want to learn more about how dental implants work, call us here at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 516-922-5730 to speak to Dr. Denise VeyVoda.