Wednesday, January 30, 2019

What Is An Apicoectomy?

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists perform many root canals to save and repair teeth that are badly damaged or infected.  A root canal procedure involves removing any inflamed or infected tissue, and thoroughly cleaning the root canal system.  In most root canal cases, the tooth heals and doesn’t require further treatment. When an infection won’t go away or the canals become re-infected, our doctors can perform an apicoectomy.


An apicoectomy removes damaged tissue and seals a tooth’s root from any further infections.  The procedure involves a small incision in the gums, followed by removal of any infected tissue and finally the end of the root tip itself.  A root-end filling is placed there to act as a seal, preventing reinfection. The gum is sutured, and most patients only feel slight discomfort or swelling during healing.  If you have a tooth infection lingering after a root canal gone wrong, please contact us to discuss your treatment options.


To learn more about the apicoectomy procedure 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.

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Infections and Impacted Crowns

As permanent teeth push their way into the mouth, they sometimes fail to completely clear the gum line. When this happens, the patient is at risk for pericoronitis, an infection surrounding a crown. This situation is relatively common in teenagers, so we at the Oyster Bay Family Dentists want our patients to be able to recognize when they need help.


The wisdom teeth are the largest molars and the last to erupt. They emerge in late adolescence, when the rest of the teeth are already in place and the jaw bone has solidified. The lower wisdom teeth can easily become impacted, meaning that they are blocked from emerging fully. A flap of gum tissue, known as an operculum, is likely to still be partially covering the impacted tooth. Bacteria can build up in between the operculum and the impacted tooth’s crown, resulting in infection. The longer it lasts, the more painful and swollen it can become.


Professional hygienists can clean an operculum and rinse it with antibiotics. The patient may also try cleaning their mouth with a saltwater rinse. But the problem is likely to persist until the impacted tooth is extracted or the operculum is removed. We recommend regular dental check-ups so that we can determine whether a tooth is likely to be impacted and strategize preventive treatment.


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.


 

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Orthodontic Options for Adults

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists provide orthodontic care for adolescents and adults.  It is often recommended to start treatment on an adolescent patient once all the permanent teeth have come in, but adults can still get great results from orthodontic care.  There are several options for adults beginning orthodontic treatment, and the best one for you will depend on what needs to be corrected.


To correct bite issues and straighten teeth, the traditional braces method includes brackets on the teeth and connecting wires that are tightened over the course of treatment. Clear braces use the same method but the materials are tooth-colored to avoid a metallic look.  Accelerated orthodontics are applied to correct cosmetic issues in about six months. Severe misalignments and bite issues can’t be corrected in such a short time, but if your concerns are purely cosmetic, it’s a great option for a short treatment time that can completely transform your smile. Invisalign treatment is popular because of its almost invisible appearance.  A treatment plan consists of a series of clear aligners that straighten teeth over time.  Come see us and find out what will be best to correct your smile!


To learn more about the orthodontic treatments 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, January 2, 2019

Have A Whiter Smile This Year!

Everyone likes to make a make a great impression with a nice bright smile.  The Oyster Bay Family Dentists provide an at-home whitening system to patients that you can use to whiten and brighten your smile gradually at home.  Patients with serious and minor stains can both see great results from this whitening treatment.  A consultation can help you determine how severe your stains are and what kind of results you can expect from a whitening treatment.  Come visit us about teeth whitening and start the New Year with your best smile!


To whiten your teeth at home, we outfit patients with whitening gel and a set of custom trays for application.  A dentist takes an impression of your teeth, and from this impression two custom trays are made for your top and bottom teeth.  The trays are made for you to take home and use by applying gel to the trays and then fitting them over your teeth. The dentist’s recommendation of how often to treat and how long each treatment should last may vary.  When following the dentist’s recommendations, most patients see results of teeth whitening 4-8 shades.


To learn more about teeth whitening and all 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.