Are You Flossing?

Flossing your teeth is more important to your well-being than brushing. So why do people come up with silly excuses such as, “I’m not coordinated enough to floss,” or “I don’t know how to floss.” After today, you won’t be able to use these excuses anymore, because our staff at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists is going to teach you how to floss and floss correctly.

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.


• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.


• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.


• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.


• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth and don’t forget the back ones!

If you have questions regarding your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more 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.

What Is A Cavity?

Having bacteria in your mouth is a normal thing. Certain types of bacteria, however, can attach themselves to hard surfaces like the enamel that covers your teeth. When this bacteria turns into plaque, if left untreated it can cause cavities. Here at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists we have plenty of materials to fill your cavity, but we would rather you have a better understanding as to what they are and how you can prevent them.

Cavities are what you get from tooth decay. When foods with carbohydrates like bread, cereal, milk, soda, and other sugary treats stay on your teeth this leads to the decaying of your teeth. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and your saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel, thus creating holes called cavities. Only your dentist can tell for sure if you have a cavity. That’s because cavities develop below the tooth’s surface, where you can’t see them. Brush at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth and below the gum line to avoid cavities. In addition, try eliminating starchy and sugary foods from your diet.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about 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.

Scaling and Root Planing

The three stages of gum disease – from least to most severe – are gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum tissue that could affect the teeth and supporting bone in your mouth. If you think the metal scaling tool we use on you during a professional cleaning is scary, our staff at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists doubts you want to get to the point where you’ll need scaling and root planing.

Plaque bacteria, acids and certain foods all contribute to the development of gum disease. Fortunately, two common methods exist to reverse the disease. Dental scaling occurs with manual hand instruments, ultrasonic instruments or both. Our dentist will start the procedure with a thorough examination of your mouth. Next, an ultrasonic scaling device will be used to eliminate the plaque bacteria with sonic vibrations. Root planing involves detailed scaling of the root surface to decrease inflammation of the gum tissue. If your gum tissue is sensitive and diseased, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the tissue. Dental scaling and root planing may take two to four visits based upon the level of oral disease in the mouth.

If you wish to inquire about the comfort level of the scaling and root planing procedure, give us a call. To learn more about scaling and root planing as well as other 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.

The Root Canal Procedure

Hearing that you need a root canal might shake you to your core, but at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists we are here to make you as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Signs you may need root canal therapy include: severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures (after the heat or cold has been removed), discoloration (darkening) of the tooth, swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums and/or a persistent or recurring pimple on the gums.

The root canal procedure itself requires one or more office visits and can be performed right here in the office. The first step in the procedure is to take an X-ray to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection in the surrounding bone. Once anesthesia is administered, your dentist will make an opening in the crown of the tooth. Very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling. After the space is cleaned and shaped, your dentist will fill the root canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. There may be some soreness after the procedure, but that is perfectly normal.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about root canal therapy as well as other 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.

Tooth Enamel Restoration

Tooth enamel covers each of your teeth and protects them from damage. Enamel can be damaged by a variety of factors including overexposure to acids, physical damage to teeth, and other oral health issues. When tooth enamel becomes worn down, the Oyster Bay Family Dentists offer a variety of restoration options to restore it.

Enamel’s primary purpose is to protect your teeth from damage. When you chew, you risk damage to your teeth because you have to grind your food. Although enamel is a hard protective surface, it can crack or chip fairly easily. If food gets stuck between your teeth or a food substance is particularly hard, the enamel can break. If your enamel begins to decay, we may recommend a variety of procedures, depending on the degree of enamel loss. It’s important to visit us as soon as possible when you experience tooth pain, as well as get regular checkups so that you can stop enamel problems before they get more serious.

If you have questions about tooth enamel restoration, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about 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.

Diet Affects Your Dental Health

Your body is a complex machine, which is why it’s necessary to feed it with the right fuel. The foods you choose and how often you eat them can affect your general health and the health of your teeth and gums. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists can’t monitor what you eat and drink, but we can tell you what foods are and aren’t harmful to your dental health.

You may be able to prevent two of the most common diseases of modern civilization, tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, simply by improving your diet. To keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape, choose health foods from the five main food groups: fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy. If you consume too many sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks or non-nutritious snacks, you could be at risk for tooth decay. For healthy living and for healthy teeth and gums, think before you eat and drink.

If you would like to schedule a dental checkup, give us a call. To learn more about 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.

Stop Bad Breath in Its Tracks

Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis, it’s an unpleasant condition that’s cause for embarrassment. The odor is caused by wastes from bacteria in the mouth, the decay of food particles, other debris in your mouth and poor oral hygiene. This odor can occur from time to time, or it can be long lasting, depending on the cause. When bad breath has you down, The Oyster Bay Dentists provide a wide variety of treatment to freshen it up.

You may not always know that you have bad breath. That’s because odor-detecting cells in the nose eventually get used to the smell. Millions of bacteria live in the mouth, particularly on the back of the tongue. In many people, they are the primary causes of bad breath. The mouth’s warm, moist conditions are ideal for the growth of these bacteria. Maintaining good oral hygiene, eliminating gum disease and scheduling regular professional cleanings are essential to reducing or eliminating bad breath.

If you would like to schedule a dental checkup, give us a call. To learn more about 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.

How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Teeth?

Pregnancy can cause numerous emotional and physical changes, even in your mouth. The primary changes are due to a surge in hormones – particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone – that can cause your gum tissues to exaggerate a normal reaction to plaque. With proper hygiene at home as well as professional help from The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, your teeth should remain healthy throughout pregnancy.

Pregnancy can lead to dental problems in some women, including gum disease and increased risk of tooth decay. Pregnancy does not automatically damage your teeth, but so-called “pregnancy gingivitis” affects most pregnant women to some extent, and it generally begins to surface as early as the second month. It’s important to visit us during pregnancy for checkups and cleanings, along with brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing.

Pay attention to any changes in your gums during pregnancy. If you notice any changes, give us a call. To learn more about 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.

Customized Take-Home Teeth Whitening Trays

When a bright and flashy smile is desired, our patients want a whitening treatment that is going to deliver results. Here with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, we offer completely customized take-home teeth whitening trays for a smile you can be confident in.

Our whitening trays are created by using impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These impressions create trays that fit your teeth perfectly. The whitening gel placed into the trays is able to evenly coat the surface of your specific teeth; unlike mass produced whitening strips bought at the store. The whitening trays are worn for a short period of time over a few days. The length of the time you wear them can be altered depending on if you would like to wear them overnight or during the day.

The process works by reaching below the enamel’s surface to whiten stains within the dentin of the tooth. Every case is different, and depending on the current level of staining to your teeth, our custom whitening trays may offer whiter teeth by four to eight shades.

If you are looking for a teeth whitening system that works, schedule a consultation to see if our customized take-home teeth whitening trays are right for you. To schedule, call The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Frenectomy in Oyster Bay, NY

Lip tie and tongue tie are frustrating conditions that have a simple solution. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists here in Oyster Bay, NY have been solving patients’ lip and tongue tie concerns with frenectomies. A frenectomy is a simple and common procedure to free the “tied” tongue and lips.

Lip tie is a condition where the lips are connected to the gums with a frenulum that is too short or too tight. Tongue tie is the same scenario, but with a tongue that has restricted movement. Both conditions can be terrible for an infant and a breastfeeding mother. The baby may not be able to breastfeed correctly, causing coughing, colic, and fatigue from feeding within a short time. If the baby cannot feed correctly, they suffer with inadequate weight gain. The condition can also be very painful for the mother as milk flow may not be regular. The baby may also bruise the mother’s nipples.

A frenectomy is a quick procedure that is done right here in our Oyster Bay, NY office. A scalpel or a laser is used to detach the short frenulum so it can heal with more range. The procedure and the healing time afterward are both quick and cause very minor discomfort.

To learn more about lip tie, tongue tie, or frenectomies, visit our website. To schedule a consultation with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call our office at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Crown Lengthening in Oyster Bay, NY

When teeth have decay or damage below the gum line, the gums must be altered so that dental work can be performed to save the tooth. This procedure, called crown lengthening is a routine procedure performed here with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY.

A crown lengthening procedure begins with the dentist making an incision to the gums and removing the amount necessary to reach the lower part of the tooth. The gums are then stitched into place to heal. Since gum tissue tends to shrink as it heals, if a crown is being placed on the tooth, the healing process will need to be fully completed before the crown can be placed.

For instances where a patient has excess gum tissue in their smile, crown lengthening may also be utilized for cosmetic purposes. The process is the same; the gums are cut and stitched down so that more of the tooth is showing. The gums will then heal into a natural-looking, healthy line.

If you are unhappy with your “gummy smile”, or are in need of dental work below the gum line, trust in our skilled and experienced dentists. To schedule a consultation in our Oyster Bay, NY dental practice, call The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Many of us have heard of a friend or family member who has had their wisdom teeth removed. It is a very common procedure, but it makes you wonder what wisdom teeth are for and why they are taken out so often. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists here in Oyster Bay, NY want to inform their patients of why wisdom teeth are around and the benefits of removing them.

Wisdom teeth are thought to have had a purpose around 20,000 years ago, but not so much now. Back then, humans may have needed an extra set of teeth to chew through the hard items in their diet like roots and uncooked meat. Since then, the sizes of our jaws and face have gotten smaller; explaining why many of us do not have enough room for wisdom teeth.

Since wisdom teeth create an overcrowded mouth for many of us, this creates several problems that are solved when we extract them. When the teeth do not have enough room to grow in correctly, they can damage other teeth, create hard-to-reach places, or become impacted; meaning they are completely or partially stuck in the jaw. Impacted teeth can cause gum disease by trapping bacteria under the gum tissue that is still present over the chewing surface.

While wisdom teeth may have had a purpose in the past, problems with them are frequent these days. If you are experiencing issues with your wisdom teeth growing in, schedule an examination with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY by calling (516) 922-5730 or by visiting our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Night Guards for Protection Against Teeth Grinding

Grinding teeth can lead to damaged teeth, worn down teeth, sensitivity, and jaw pain. To protect teeth from damage during the night, a night guard should be worn. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists offer night guards for their patients who need protection from grinding and clenching their teeth at night.

During the day, teeth grinding and clenching can still be present, but it is easier to recognize the behavior and stop it. At night, you almost have no control over doing it. Teeth grinding will wear down enamel, causing sensitivity and making teeth prone to cavities. The sound of grinding at night can also be disturbing to any sleeping partners.

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists create a custom night guard to wear while sleeping. The night guard puts a barrier between the upper and lower teeth so night grinding cannot cause harm. We take impressions of your teeth so that the night guard created is a perfect fit. Night guards are durable and may last for up to ten years.

Grinding teeth can damage teeth, wear them down, and cause pain and sensitivity. Protect your teeth by putting a shield between them. If you would like to try a night guard, or if you suspect you are grinding your teeth at night but do not know for sure, schedule an appointment with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in their Oyster Bay, NY dental practice. To schedule, call (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.

ZOOM! Whitening for Powerful Whitening Results

Stained, yellow, or otherwise discolored teeth can really hurt your self-esteem. It is not a very healthy-looking smile, either. When a stained smile is bringing you down, it’s time to do something. For patients who want dramatic whitening results, the dentists of The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY offer ZOOM! Whitening.

ZOOM! Whitening is a professional teeth whitening system only accessible by dentists. With ZOOM! Whitening, you will no longer have to buy whitening kits from the store that are messy and offer little results. ZOOM! Whitening can provide a smile six to ten shades whiter in about an hour! The procedure is performed in-office. The secret to the fast and powerful results is in the specialized light that reacts to the whitening gel. The whitening gel is placed on the teeth and the light is placed to activate and accelerate the whitening process.

The whitening gel reaches deep down in the tooth; below the enamel. Teeth become discolored when stains penetrate the enamel and discolor the dentin. The whitening gel lifts the color out of the dentin to reach a dramatically whiter smile.

If you have tried store-bought whitening kits without luck, or simply want to try whitening for the first time, ZOOM! Whitening may provide exactly the results you desire. To schedule a consultation with The Oyster Bay Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY, call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.

Mini Implants for Smaller Replacements and More Stable Dentures

When looking for a permanent tooth replacement, it is nice to have options. This is why The Oyster Bay Family Dentists choose to offer mini dental implants to our patients in the Oyster Bay, NY area who need alternative options for permanent tooth replacement.

Mini dental implants are about half the size of a full-sized dental implant. This means several things. They fit into smaller places, they are faster to install, and they can be used to stabilize dentures.

Because of their small size, mini implants are great for narrow spaces where a full-sized implant would not fit. Their small size also allows a faster installation and faster healing. While full-sized implants need several months to heal before the permanent crown can be attached, mini implants can often be completed in the same day. The implant does not require an incision to place it, so healing time is much shorter. This is great news for patients who cannot wait several months for a permanent tooth replacement.

Mini implants also work as a more stable platform for dentures. Dentures can be made to clip onto mini implants that are placed along the gum line. Four to six implants are placed and the dentures clipped right in for a tight and perfect fit.

Options are always great to have. To learn more about the mini implant option, contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists here in Oyster Bay, NY. Call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.

Lumineers For Brilliant Smiles in Oyster Bay, NY

A full, bright smile is the first thing many people notice. Confidence can be hindered when a smile is not all it could be. Here at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, we offer our patients Lumineers, the super-thin veneer that completely transforms smiles.

Lumineers are a very thin form of a veneer. They are a shell that is placed over the fronts of your existing teeth. Lumineers can fix the look of many different types of problems including gaps, misshapen teeth, discoloration, and cracks. They are long-lasting and stain resistant.

Lumineers are placed onto the teeth with minimal alteration done to the actual tooth. This means that they are completely reversible, if desired in the future. They are custom created so that they fit your teeth perfectly and they create the best, most natural smile for you. They are durable to last for over twenty years! This means bright, white teeth for a long time. They are so durable that you do not need to alter the way you eat. You can continue to eat any of the sticky and crunchy foods that you love.

If you are looking to turn up the wattage on your smile, come see us for a consultation to see if Lumineers are right for you. To schedule a consultation here at our Oyster Bay, NY practice, call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit The Oyster Bay Family Dentists website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.

Tooth Replacement Options in Oyster Bay, NY

When there are so many options for tooth replacement, how are we to know what the best option is? Here at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY, we want our patients to know about the options they have for tooth replacement so they can make an informed decision.

Dental bridges are an option here at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. A dental bridge is a replacement tooth using adjacent teeth to attach the replacement. This is a long-lasting and popular option. With good care, dental bridges can last over fifteen years.

Dental implants are options for permanent replacement. We have both full-sized implants and mini implants available. Dental implants actually implant a titanium post into the jaw bone to heal just as a normal tooth root would. Mini implants work great for smaller areas and also as a more stable base for dentures.

This brings us to one more option we have here for tooth replacement. We have available full and partial dentures for patients who have lost all their teeth or only some. Dentures are great for those who want a removable option. They are completely customized so that you have the best, most natural smile for you!

To learn more or to schedule a consultation about tooth replacement, contact us at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY. Call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.

Tips for Brushing Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth is what rids the mouth of bacteria that can decay the teeth and cause gum disease. With such an important job, brushing should be done correctly. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY want to give a quick refresher on proper brushing so you can be sure it really counts!
Plaque, the bacterial film that forms on teeth, can appear just hours after brushing. This is why it is important to brush at least twice per day. If it is possible to squeeze in a third time, this is ideal. A good way to accomplish this is by keeping a toothbrush and toothpaste with you at work or at school. Brushing is important to clear away debris from food, but make sure to wait at least thirty minutes before brushing. This is because acids from certain foods can wear down enamel when brushed right away.
Brushing should be done for two full minutes every time. A good way to keep track of this is to split the mouth into four sections and brush each section for thirty seconds. Brush every surface of the teeth. Also make sure to brush your tongue, the insides of your cheeks, and the roof of your mouth, as bacteria collects in these places, as well. It will also help freshen your breath!
In addition to brushing, flossing should be performed once a day! To learn more tips on keeping a healthy mouth, call The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website,www.oysterbaydentists.com.

Inlays and Onlays

For teeth that are weakened with decay and cannot hold a filling, but do not need a full crown, there is a need for something in between. Patients in the Oyster Bay, NY area can be reassured, because The Oyster Bay Family Dentists offer inlays and onlays. We want to provide options for our patients so that they can have the best care available for them.
Inlays are onlays are commonly referred to as partial crowns. An inlay is a covering that strengthens and protects the inside of the chewing surface. An onlay serves the inside of the chewing surface, plus one or more of the cusps of the tooth. These are options for when there is a little more damage than what a filling could fix, but not so much that a full crown needs to be placed.
Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, a composite resin, or gold. The porcelain and composite resin options are tooth-colored and blend right in with your teeth. It will look natural and allow your tooth to look healthy again. With a normal oral hygiene routine like brushing twice daily and flossing once daily, inlays and onlays can last up to thirty years.
Here at Oyster Bay Family Dentists, out patients are deserving of the best options and treatment for their specific cases. If you are experiencing pain and sensitivity to a tooth, schedule a visit to our Oyster Bay, NY dental practice. To schedule, call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website,www.oysterbaydentists.com.

Intraoral Camera

Advancements in technology allow us to better serve our patients. Here at Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we use an intraoral camera for more accurate and efficient patient diagnoses. Our patients here in the Oyster Bay, NY area deserve the best technology and the best outcomes.
The intraoral camera allows us to see parts of the mouth that have been difficult to see in the past. The camera is about the size of a pen and lets us look at any surface in the mouth more easily and more close-up. We can also take pictures and videos that can be saved on a computer. The digital photos and video makes future visits more efficient by allowing us to refer back to the past condition of the mouth. These photos can also be printed and taken home by the patient so they can keep a better eye out for any changes. It is also very easy to send pictures of a condition to another doctor or to an insurance company.
Intraoral cameras also allow the patient to see what we see for the first time. The camera displays the video onto a monitor for viewing. Dental exams have never been better.
For more information about the technology we use here at Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY, visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. To schedule an appointment, call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website.

Apicoectomy in Oyster Bay, NY

When one or more root canals will not clear up an infection, it is time to go deeper, to the tip of the root. Dr. Robert G. West and Dr. Denise VeyVoda of Oyster Bay Family Dentists offer an apicoectomy to their patients in the Oyster Bay, NY area who have had root canals fail.
When bacteria has reached down so deep into the tooth that a root canal fails to clean it out, an apicoectomy may be needed to save the tooth. An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure that cleans out the infection from the other side of the tooth, directly through the tooth’s root. First, your dentist will make incisions in the gums to reveal the root tip. If bone tissue also needs to be removed to access the root, it will be removed next. The infected tissue will be removed, along with the last few millimeters of the tooth’s root. The canal will then be cleaned out and sealed again. The bone and gum tissue are put back in place and the gums are stitched together.
For those who have had at least one root canal and still have an infected tooth, an apicoectomy may be the solution. Dr. Robert G. West and Dr. Denise VeyVoda of Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY have been performing apicoectomies and thereby saving patients’ teeth from extraction. If you still have pain after a root canal, schedule an appointment with us by calling (516) 922-5730 or visiting our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.

Arestin to Combat Gum Disease

Arestin, an advanced form of antibiotic can help resolve gum disease. Because of the seriousness of gum disease, Dr. Robert G. West and Dr. Denise VeyVoda of Oyster Bay Family Dentistry offer Arestin to their patients in the Oyster Bay, NY area with gum disease.
Here at Oyster Bay Family Dentistry, we understand the urgency of clearing up gum disease. We know that the bacteria that collects in the gum pockets can lead to severe infection and loss of a tooth. It is for this reason that we offer Arestin as a way to combat bacteria. Arestin is usually placed deep into the gum pockets after a scaling and planing procedure has been performed. While scaling and planing gets a lot of the plaque and bacteria away from the tooth and out of the pocket, bacteria that reaches deep into a badly recesses gum line can be difficult to reach.
Arestin is made of microspheres that are placed into the gums and dissolve over time so that the antibiotic keeps working long after the application. Using Arestin clears up gum disease better than a scaling and plaining alone. Afterwards, avoid flossing the area for ten days to allow the antibiotic to stay in place and offer its full benefits.
If you have been experiencing irritated, tender gums, do not wait to schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert G. West or Dr. Denise VeyVoda here at Oyster Bay Family Dentists. To schedule, call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.

Sealants at Oyster Bay Family Dentists

Sometimes wish you could wear a shield around your teeth to protect them from cavities? The experienced team here at Oyster Bay Family Dentists can offer dental sealants to place on the teeth of children, teens, and some adults in the Oyster Bay, NY area.
Dental sealants are made of a plastic material and are painted onto the surface of molars. This protects the depressions and grooves of molars which can sometimes be hard to reach. Sealants work best for children and teens between the ages of six and fourteen; however adults who have not had decay or fillings may also benefit.
To place the sealants, first an acid will be placed onto the surface of the tooth. This acid roughens up the surface of the tooth to allow a stronger bond with the sealant. The tooth is rinsed and dried. Then the sealant is painted onto the tooth and a curing light may be used to harden the sealant. There will then be a shield in place, blocking out food, drinks, and other debris for several years. Of course, a regular oral hygiene routine is still needed.
If you are interested in having sealants placed, schedule a consultation with us at our Oyster Bay, NY dental office. Call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit the Oyster Bay Family Dentists website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.