Wednesday, November 22, 2017

What is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a procedure to remove a frenulum, or muscular attachment between two tissues, from the mouth.  The Oyster Bay Family Dentists perform frenectomies to correct a number of issues patients may have with their teeth, lips, and tongue.


We each have a frenulum in between the font teeth (both upper or lower) that connects the inner surface of the lip to the gums. Removing this attachment is called a labial frenectomy. Patients who have receding gums can benefit from this procedure, because a strong frenulum from the gum to the lip can cause extra pulling on the gums and lead to further recession.


Another frenulum is located underneath your tongue, and removing this is called a lingual frenectomy.  Patients that have an enlarged frenulum underneath their tongue will not be able to move their tongue freely.  This interferes with speech and is often called ‘tongue tie’. Lingual frenectomies are typically performed on young patients, who can recover quickly and continue to develop their speech.


To learn more about frenectomies and all 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.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Sealants for Pediatric Patients

Almost half of all children and adolescents in the United States have had cavities in their permanent teeth.  The Oyster Bay Family Dentists take pride in serving the families from our community, and we offer sealants for young patients to start protecting teeth early.  We want to see your whole family set up for a lifetime of great oral health!


Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early.  In children and teenagers, most tooth decay occurs on the chewing surfaces of molars where the pits and grooves can trap food and bacteria.  Dental sealants are applied to the surface of these back teeth much like paint.  When the plastic resin is brushed on, it fills any pits and grooves on the surface and then hardens. Now the surface is protected from bits of food being stuck, and bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay.  Sealants also protect tooth enamel from plaque and acids, and can effectively prevent cavities for up to ten years.


To learn more about sealants and all 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.