Avoiding Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

The oral surgeons at Oyster Bay are highly experienced providers of extractions and replacement teeth. In order to help patients better understand their options, we wanted to provide information about a rare but serious issue called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).

Osteonecrosis refers to the death of bone tissue. It could happen to the jaw if it was exposed by something such as a severe infection, but in the modern world, it typically only happens as a result of tooth extractions. When teeth are extracted, the sockets usually close over the exposed jaw bone, but there could be complications if the patient is on bisphosphonate medication. This kind of medication is used to prevent bone resorption and is used to combat osteoporosis and the side effects of chemotherapy. Most ONJ cases occur in people who received bisphosphonates intravenously.

If ONJ is identified, the dead bone can be shaved and treated with an anti-bacterial rinse. But it can be avoided completely if patients fully disclose their medications and future treatment plans with all of their doctors, so oncologists will know not to start chemotherapy until after tooth extractions and oral surgeons will know not to recommend extractions to people on bisphosphonates.

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 Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a great solution for patients that are looking to literally “bridge the gap” created by one or more missing teeth. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists use dental bridges to restore smiles, improve talking and chewing ability, and in some cases help improve patient speech. Missing teeth can make it more difficult for patients to produce certain sounds when speaking, and the replacement of those missing teeth can help the patient form those sounds more effectively.

The process of creating a bridge begins by reshaping the anchor teeth (abutments) to which the bridge will be attached. After the anchor teeth are prepared, an impression of the teeth is taken and sent to a dental lab. The lab is able to use the impression to create a model of the teeth as they appear in the patient's mouth. Then a bridge is custom-made to properly fit and feel as close to natural teeth as possible. The bridge consists of crowns that cover the anchor teeth and a pontic (or pontics), which look like and act as the replacement tooth or teeth.

If you have questions or concerns about cosmetic dental services or restorative dental services, 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.

Juvederm Fillers in Oyster Bay, NY

As we grow older our skin begins to lose its tightness. It may also cause us to lose confidence in ourselves and can leave a person feeling self-conscious, making them think they look older than they actually are. Luckily there is a solution. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists offer non-surgical injectable filler called Juvederm that is FDA-approved to instantly smooth moderate to severe wrinkles around your nose and mouth for up to one year with optimal treatment.

When you visit The Oyster Bay Family Dentists for Juvederm treatment, the procedure takes about 15 minutes with immediate results and no recovery time. Patients should be aware that not every wrinkle-filler is right for every type of wrinkle. The least risks and best results come from using the right one correctly. Side effects are rare but can include redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site.

If you have questions or concerns about cosmetic dental services or Juvederm Fillers, 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.

Teeth Whitening

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists see many patients who want to be able to present their brightest and whitest smile.  Many ask the doctors and staff about over the counter products, and have tried them with underwhelming results.  Instead of winging it with retail products, come see us for a consultation and get your own custom whitening system!

During a consultation, your dentist will examine the level of staining on your teeth and be able to tell you what kind of results you can expect from the whitening system. To whiten your teeth at home, you will be fit with custom whitening trays made from molds of your teeth.  For a treatment, apply the whitening gel directly onto the trays and fit them over your teeth.  Your dentist will advise how often you should treat at home and how long each treatment can last.  Following dentist’s instructions, patients have seen this system whiten their smiles 4-8 shades!

To learn more about teeth whitening and all the services provided 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.