Dental Abscess Causes and Treatment

Toothaches can be very painful, but when they lead to infection the problem becomes more serious. Most of us know how painful a canker sore can be, but what about a dental abscess? An abscessed tooth is a painful infection that is commonly caused by tooth decay, dental trauma, or periodontal disease. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists encourage you to seek treatment right away if you have signs of symptoms of a dental abscess.

Most abscesses are painful because they originate from a bacterial infection in the mouth. Bacteria exist in plaque, so if you lack proper oral hygiene, you increase your risk of developing a dental abscess. Abscesses can form very quickly and resemble a pus-filled bubble. The abscess will not go away on its own, so it’s impossible to seek treatment as it will need to be drained and treated with antibiotics. If the infection is not treated, it can destroy the bone surrounding the infected tooth. Rinsing with salt water may reduce the pain, but it will not eliminate the problem.

If you have questions or concerns about dental abscesses, 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.

Zoom Whitening

Are you afraid to show some teeth in your selfies because you’re self-conscious about discoloration? If so, The Oyster Bay Family Dentists have a solution, with Zoom whitening. Zoom is a bleaching process used to lighten discoloration of enamel and dentin which may be caused by food and beverages and/or smoking. With a whiter smile, you can feel better about yourself while decreasing your risk of developing oral problems.

During your consultation, our doctors will examine your teeth and gums to ensure that they are in good health. If you are able to move forward, you will sit in our dental chair and receive three whitening gel applications for a total treatment time of 45 minutes. Once completed, you will receive instructions on how to practice proper oral care. It’s important to understand that your teeth won’t stay white on your own; you will need to maintain the brightness with daily brushing and flossing. Additionally, you should refrain from smoking, as tobacco products will stain teeth.

If you have questions or concerns about ZOOM whitening, 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.

Intrinsic Staining

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists provide technologically advanced services for removing dental stains, but there is an important distinction to be made between stains that are extrinsic to the tooth and those that are intrinsic. Extrinsic stains caused by things such as smoking and drinking dark fluids and only affect the outermost layers of the teeth. They can be removed through bleaching. But intrinsic stains are caused by overexposure to fluoride, use of tetracycline antibiotics, or pulp inflammation, and sometimes require a different approach.

Of course, an intrinsic stain can still be masked with a veneer or bonding. But pulp inflammation indicates that a tooth is injured or infected. We will use the advanced imaging devices in our office to detect whether there is an infection within the tooth or at its root. A root canal may be necessary to remove the inflamed tissues, after which the crown may be either filled and sealed or replaced entirely. Our doctors are highly skilled prosthodontists, so if a crown does need to be replaced, patients may rest assured the new one will be cosmetically pleasing.

Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit OysterBayDentists.com and fill out a contact sheet.