What Tools do Dentists Use?

As prosthodontists, we at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists have a wide variety of tools in our office. They allow us to handle just about every problem a patient might come in with, but to our patients, they may seem mysterious. We want our patients to feel comfortable with their dental care, so we thought it would be a good idea to briefly describe what the most commonly used dental instruments are and what names we might use for them.

Dental explorers are metal wands with hooks at the end. You’ve doubtlessly seen hygienists use them to break up tartar. Explorers in different shapes might be called probes or scalers when they’re being used to test the depth of gum pockets and remove plaque from beneath the gum line. They’re also used to test the hardness of each tooth’s enamel, which helps us to determine if there’s an active infection. We use explorers in combination with handheld mirrors to see the backsides of patients’ teeth and move their cheeks out of the way. As we break up tartar, we’ll suction it out with a tube called an evacuator or an ejector.

Larger evacuators are used when we need to drill away decayed enamel. The drill emits water so it won’t overheat the patient’s mouth, and the patient is numbed with medication delivered through a syringe. Fillings are applied with pluggers and polished with burnishers. When a tooth needs to be extracted, we’ll use a flat spoon called an elevator to loosen it by rocking it back and forth. We may also use reverse-action forceps to lift a tooth out once it’s loose enough to avoid harming the surrounding soft tissues..

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.

 

What is Pericoronitis?

We don’t take tooth extractions lightly at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Although we are expert prosthodontists, providing extensive dental and facial restorations, we only recommend tooth extractions when a patient’s health would be endangered otherwise. One of the situations that may necessitate a tooth extraction is pericoronitis. A fancy word for inflammation around a dental crown, pericoronitis is one of the main reasons dentists commonly remove people’s wisdom teeth, so let’s take a closer look at what it is.

Dentists say that a tooth is “impacted” when it is unable to fully erupt. This happens most frequently to the wisdom teeth, which are the largest teeth, and which erupt long after the others. Most people do not have enough room in their mouths for them, and the wisdom teeth often get stuck partially exposed and partially underneath a flap of gum tissue called an operculum. Food debris can easily get caught under the operculum, where it will be difficult for a patient to dislodge it. There, it will fuel the growth of infectious oral bacteria, leading to inflammation. Pericoronitis is often painful and may lead to discharges of bad-tasting pus. The infection might also spread, causing the airways to become swollen, as well.

The first step of treating pericoronitis to clean out the operculum and apply antibiotic rinse. Unfortunately, this does not prevent more food debris from being trapped under the operculum later. We may recommend surgically cutting the operculum away. But if the tooth is no longer erupting and we don’t think orthodontics could help to align it, we might advise the patient that the tooth should be removed. In those cases, we would extract it in as uninvasive a way as possible and provide the patient with guidance to ensure a quick recovery.

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.

 

Pediatric Sealants

Did you know that cavities are common in kids aged five to fourteen? With baby teeth falling out and adult teeth coming in, deep grooves and gaps make it difficult for kids to brush their teeth thoroughly. Drs. Haeri and West at Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, take pride in educating young patients about proper oral hygiene. Sometimes, though, certain procedures are required to help young patients prevent cavities. Sealants prevent food from getting stuck in grooves and gaps, which ultimately prevents the process of tooth decay. Your experienced Oyster Bay dentists are committed to helping your child stay cavity-free!

 

In addition to regular brushing and flossing, dental sealants are used in an effort to keep out tooth decay. Sealants are plastic coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth. Drs. Haeri and West fill in the grooves that are hard to reach while brushing, with the thin plastic material. This added layer of protection greatly lowers your child’s chances of developing a cavity.

 

When you help your child prevent cavities at an early age, they are less likely to have oral health problems as an adult. The way they take care of their baby teeth directly affects how taking care of their adult teeth will be. Solidify good dental hygiene habits now by encouraging your child to take care of their teeth properly, and they will be rewarded with a lifetime of good oral health.

 

Do you think your child could benefit from pediatric sealants? We are happy to address any questions or concerns you might have. Oyster Bay Family Dentists is located at 123 South Street in Oyster Bay, NY 11771. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit oysterbaydentists.com or call 516-922-5730.

 

Whiten Your Teeth With Zoom!

Your teeth lose their white sheen over time, especially if you use tobacco products or drink beverages that accelerate this process. While it’s true that the aging process discolors your teeth, it’s not the leading cause. Drinking tea, soda, coffee, and red wine plays a big role in darkening your teeth, as well as smoking. If you absolutely cannot break one of these habits, just make sure you take the necessary steps to everyday good oral hygiene. And if you’ve tried everything to whiten your smile, Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, is excited to offer Zoom! teeth whitening in our practice. 

 

Zoom! is a safe whitening gel that, in combination with a low-intensity light to activate the gel, has the ability to whiten teeth instantly. The light and gel work together to dissolve the stains on your teeth. It only takes an hour to notice a six to ten shade difference from where you started! Zoom! contains materials that are more able to penetrate tough stains than over the counter whitening kits. Because of this, Zoom! offers these great benefits:

 

- Instant results that are noticeable

- Safe and effective product

- Convenience

- Results that last a long time

- Confidence boosting

 

Do you want to try Zoom! to whiten your teeth? We are happy to address any questions or concerns you might have. Oyster Bay Family Dentists is located at 123 South Street in Oyster Bay, NY 11771. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit oysterbaydentists.com or call 516-922-5730.

 

Canker Sores

Everyone has experienced that moment of dread after noticing a canker sore. These little ulcers are painful sores that make it hard to eat, drink and talk without discomfort. If you notice yourself developing canker sores frequently, contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Located in Oyster Bay, NY, Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda are here to help. While you’re waiting to be seen, check out this small guide on canker sores.

 

Before you start treating your canker sores, it’s important to understand what they are. They are identifiable as small white or yellow sores surrounded by a red border. Canker sores develop on your soft tissues, like the gums or lips. There are three separate types: minor, major, and herpetiform. A canker sore is either major or minor depending on its size. A minor sore takes about a week to heal. Major sores often take longer, sometimes up to six weeks. Herpetiform canker sores look different from the other types. These manifest in clusters of ten to one hundred. If you are prone to canker sores, contact your Oyster Bay, NY, dentists for an appointment.

 

You can treat your canker sores either holistically or with over-the-counter solutions. Your Oyster Bay, NY, dentists recommend trying different options to find what is best for you.

 

There are a few great options for holistic treatments. The first is just plain, old-fashioned ice. Apply an icepack to the injured area of the face. Keep it on for about twenty minutes to reduce the swelling. Tea bags are another possible solution. They have certain nutrients and minerals in them that promote healing. Place the tea bag directly on the canker sore and let it sit. Lastly, create a baking soda or salt-water rinse. Create the solution and then swish it around your mouth. This works by both cleaning and soothing the sore.

 

If these options aren’t right for you, try out some over-the-counter remedies. These products focus on numbing the pain. Most of them contain a product known as benzocaine. Apply a small amount to the canker sore, numbing it for an extended period. You’ll now have a chance to eat and drink without irritation from the sore. Certain dental products target canker sore relief, such as mouthwash.

 

Don’t wait when you have frequent canker sores. Contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Located in Oyster Bay, NY, Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda are here for you. To schedule your appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit http://www.oysterbaydentists.com/.

Night Guards

Night guards are placed in the mouth to act as a “cushion” during sleep to prevent someone from grinding or gnashing their teeth together. Some people actually do this during the day as well. Grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, damages enamel, wears down teeth, causes jaw pain, and irritates gums. If you think you are grinding your teeth, Drs. Haeri and West at Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, can help you.

Severe teeth grinding can lead to tension-type headaches and disorders in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), where a clicking noise is heard when you open and close your mouth. Teeth grinding has also been seen in quite a few children. According to WebMD, “approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth.” The first step to preventing teeth grinding is to determine what is causing it. Sometimes a night guard or change in lifestyle is all you need to prevent it.

There are several factors that increase the chances of grinding your teeth:

- Stress and anxiety

- Age (though common in children, bruxism goes away by adulthood)

- Aggressive or competitive personality type

- Psychiatric medications

- Smoking tobacco

- Consuming caffeine or alcohol

- Family history of teeth grinding

- Other disorders such as Parkinson's, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), epilepsy, night terrors, sleep apnea, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Do you think you’re experiencing bruxism and want to try a night guard? We are happy to address any questions or concerns you might have. Oyster Bay Family Dentists is located at 123 South Street in Oyster Bay, NY 11771. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit oysterbaydentists.com or call 516-922-5730.

 

 

 

Sjogren's Syndrome

The Oyster By Family Dentists provide patients in Oyster Bay, NY, with quality dental care. Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda can help you with the oral symptoms of certain systemic conditions, like Sjorgren’s syndrome. This is an autoimmune condition that targets that salivary and tear glands. The results are a chronically dry mouth. If you notice this happening to you, schedule an appointment with us today.

 

Sjogren’s syndrome, because it is a systemic autoimmune condition, affects the entire body. Your dentists here in Oyster Bay, NY, have sorted out the symptoms specifically related to your mouth. Here are a few of them:

 

-Scratchy or sore voice

-Constant oral infections or cavities

-Dry lips, mouth, and throat

-Chronic cough

-Difficulties swallowing

-Swollen glands in the neck and face

 

There is no known cause for the development of Sjogren’s syndrome. Your general practitioner or primary care provider can provide you with certain medications. This helps curb your immune system’s response.

 

Your Oyster Bay, NY, dentist can make a diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome during a dental appointment. Drs. West or VeyVoda evaluates your salivary glands, along with checking for other secondary conditions like dry mouth or cavities.

 

It’s possible to increase your body’s production of saliva. Artificial Saliva keeps your mouth moist and fresh. Certain over-the-counter products like mouthwash and toothpaste can also increase your salivary flow.

 

If you or a loved one are struggling with dry mouth, and are concerned it could be Sjogren’s syndrome, contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists today. Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda are available at their office in Oyster Bay, NY. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730. You can also visit their website at http://www.oysterbaydentists.com/.

Receding Gums

Dental problems don’t develop overnight. They progress over time, often due to neglect. This is the case with Receding Gums. The gum tissue surrounding the teeth starts to pull back, exposing more of the tooth structure and sensitive areas. When this happens, it’s important that you contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists right away. Located in Oyster Bay, NY, Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda are here to help.

 

Receding gums is a progressive condition, meaning that it doesn’t happen all at once. You probably won’t notice that anything is different right away. Many Oyster Bay, NY, patients have symptoms but don’t connect them. The first of these is that your teeth suddenly look longer. In reality, your teeth are the same size, it’s the amount of gum tissue covering them that has shrunk. Patients also report a sudden onset of teeth sensitivity. This directly correlates to how much more tooth is shown. Lastly, be on the lookout for any teeth that seem loose or wiggly. Without the secure attachment from the gums, the teeth are prone to looseness.

 

Knowing how receding gums develops helps you prevent it. The biggest cause for it is neglecting your oral health. You need to brush and floss properly multiple times a day. If you don’t, you are at risk for periodontal (gum) disease. This is also a good moment to evaluate your brushing habits. You don’t want to brush so hard that you damage the gums. Grinding your teeth is also detrimental. An appointment with your Oyster Bay, NY, dentists can work that out for you.

 

The best thing to do is to start taking better care of your teeth. Remember to brush twice a day and floss at least once. It’s also important that you see your dentist for a professional cleaning every six months.

 

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists are located right here in Oyster Bay, NY. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Robert West or Denise VeyVoda, call 516-922-5730 or visit their website at http://www.oysterbaydentists.com/.

Gingivitis in Children

Many parents make the mistake of not helping their small children take care of their teeth. Just because baby teeth are temporary, does not mean they aren’t important. It’s much easier for baby teeth to suffer from complications, including gingivitis. This is the first stage of periodontal (gum) disease. You’ll notice that your child’s teeth are swollen and red, producing blood when they rinse after brushing. It’s important that you schedule an appointment for your child with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda can help treat your child’s gingivitis. Learn more by contacting our office in Oyster Bay, NY.

 

Gingivitis, as mentioned above, is the first stage of gum disease. It’s caused by an accumulation of large amounts of plaque on the teeth. This material is also responsible for cavities. Abnormal amounts are the result of not properly taking care of your oral health. The first thing you need to do is re-evaluate your child’s dental habits.

 

First, take a moment to observe your child’s brushing techniques. They need to brush twice a day, after breakfast and before bed. Children older than five can brush by themselves. You just need to watch them to make sure it’s done right. Younger kids need a parent’s direct involvement. Your Oyster Bay, NY, dentists also stress the importance of using the correct toothbrush. Toothbrushes differentiate in size depending on a child’s age. You should also replace your child’s toothbrush every 3-4 months.

 

Flossing, like brushing, can be done by children over the age of five. Younger children need your assistance. Flossing is the only way to clean and remove excess plaque from certain areas. You or your child starts by removing 18 inches of floss. Move the floss around each separate tooth in a “C” formation. Carefully move it up and down, rubbing the sides of the teeth.

 

Everyone, including children, need to see the dentist twice a year. Professional cleanings are the only proper way to treat gingivitis. Contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists right away if your child experiences symptoms of gingivitis. Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda are available by appointment in Oyster Bay, NY. To set up your appointment, call 516-922-5730. You can also visit our website at http://www.oysterbaydentists.com/.

Digital X-Rays

The advancements in dental technology have now made it easier for dentists to deliver efficient care and diagnoses to their patients. One such advancement is digital x-rays, which are becoming a staple in dental practices all over the country. We at Oyster Bay Family Dentists in New York are always looking to stay up to date with the latest technology, products, and treatments. Digital x-rays allow dentists to look more closely at your teeth than ever before!

 

A digital x-ray takes an image of your teeth and puts it into an imaging program. With special tools exclusive to this imaging program, your dedicated dentist can take a closer look at your teeth with impeccable accuracy. Digital x-rays emit eighty percent less radiation than a standard x-ray since they are actually sensitive to radiation. This is a great benefit to the patient since the patient is exposed to less radiation. Digital x-rays can be classified as intraoral (inside the mouth) or extraoral (outside the mouth), though intraoral x-rays are the most commonly taken.

 

Intraoral x-rays allow us to:

 

- Observe the status of developing teeth

- Monitor tooth health

- Look at the tooth roots

- Find cavities

- Check the health of the bony area around the tooth

- Determine if there are signs of periodontal disease

 

Oyster Bay Family Dentists is located at 123 South Street in Oyster Bay, NY 11771. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit oysterbaydentists.com or call 516-922-5730.

 

Dentures

Oyster Bay Family Dentists takes pride in helping patients achieve their best, confidence-boosting smile. For patients with missing teeth, we offer both full and partial dentures. Dentures are designed to replace missing teeth as well as the surrounding tissues. They are custom made, removable, and significantly improve the function and appearance of your smile. You can even eat and sleep with them! Your New York dentist will ensure that your new dentures fit your mouth properly and comfortably.

 

Full dentures are either “conventional” or “immediate.” Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been completely removed from the gum tissue and the healing process has had a chance to begin. After that time, this type of full denture is placed in the mouth for eight to twelve weeks. Immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. This is a great alternative to conventional dentures because the wearer doesn’t have to go without teeth during the healing process. Partial dentures are also removable and are used when one or more teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. This type of denture requires crowns on the teeth on either side of the space to attach artificial teeth and a cemented-in bridge. Partial dentures fill in the open spaces so that the remaining teeth cannot shift, and they appear more natural-looking than full dentures.

 

Other benefits of full and partial dentures include:

 

- Facial muscle support

- Allows patients to eat food they couldn’t eat without teeth

- Improves the ability to chew, eat, and speak

- Improves appearance and smile

- Improves self-esteem and confidence

 

Are you missing teeth and could benefit from wearing dentures? We are available to address any questions or concerns you have! Oyster Bay Family Dentists is located at 123 South Street in Oyster Bay, NY 11771. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit oysterbaydentists.com or call 516-922-5730.

 

Crown Lengthening

Do you feel like you have a “gummy” smile? In other words, are your teeth covered by excess gum tissue? We at Oyster Bay Family Dentists in New York are committed to helping our patients feel confident and happy with their smiles. We are excited to offer crown lengthening to bring out the fullness of your teeth!

 

The crown lengthening procedure involves reshaping your gum line as well as the bone around the affected tooth or teeth. This creates a more balanced gum to tooth ratio. The great thing about crown lengthening is that it can be performed on as many or as little affected teeth there are in the patient’s mouth. One tooth with excess gum tissue can be reshaped or a whole gum line can be reshaped, depending on the patient.

 

In addition to your smile becoming more aesthetically pleasing, crown lengthening also improves the overall health of your gums. The edge of the restoration is sturdy enough to withstand brushing and flossing to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. 

 

Are you self-conscious of your gummy smile? We are available to address any questions or concerns you have about our crown lengthening procedure! Oyster Bay Family Dentists is located at 123 South Street in Oyster Bay, NY 11771. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit oysterbaydentists.com or call 516-922-5730.

 

Bonding and Fillings

Chipping or breaking a tooth can be very painful. It can also leave the tooth misshapen or with a sharpened edge that could hurt the inside of your mouth. Dental bonding and fillings assist in rebuilding the affected tooth with special materials. We at Oyster Bay Family Dentists in New York are proud to offer both of these procedures to our patients. We are committed to helping fix your smile when unexpected chips and breaks occur!

 

Dental bonding restores the natural shape of your tooth by using composite resin matched to your specific tooth color. In cases of accidental damage or minor decay, it is an inexpensive way to restore the look of the tooth to its normal healthy self. Dental bonding can also be used for protecting the roots of your teeth. Receding gums that expose the tooth root allow bacteria in easily, making them more susceptible to infection.

 

Dental fillings focus more on restorative efforts rather than cosmetic ones since they are stronger and more durable than dental bonding. This method also has a low cost but is the better option over dental bonding in the long run. Whereas dental bonding fixes the outside of the tooth, dental fillings fix the inside of a tooth that has been damaged from decay or breakage. For back teeth, it’s better to use metal fillings so that it can better withstand the force of chewing. 

 

Have you recently chipped or broken a tooth? We can check out the issue and determine if bonding or fillings are a good option for you! Oyster Bay Family Dentists is located at 123 South Street in Oyster Bay, NY 11771. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit oysterbaydentists.com or call 516-922-5730.

 

Diabetes and Implants

As specialists in prosthodontics, we at the Oyster Bay Family Dentists have used implants to help hundreds of people gain new teeth. This technology has made great strides since it became popular about thirty years ago and can now be adapted to people in all sorts of situations. But people with diabetes still experience some particular oral health challenges that require them to take special care of their implants, which is why we wanted to share a recent scientific review with our patients.

People with diabetes suffer from damage to their blood vessels. As a result, it often takes them longer to heal from wounds, and they have a harder time fighting off infections. Although dental implants have very high success rates, dentists were long concerned that the need to create incisions to place them would be a problem for diabetic patients. But the review found that, although it tends to take longer for diabetic patients’ jaw bones to integrate with the implant posts, they nearly always heal successfully when their blood sugar is well-controlled. The mini-implants used with dentures do not require large incisions to place, and are also a good option for people who heal slowly.

An implant will have to be removed if a patient’s gum disease causes it or the bone it integrates with to deteriorate. Diabetic patients are at a higher risk of this when their blood sugar is not controlled, but the study found that when they’re well-cared for, their implants have the same rate as success as non-diabetic people's for the first six years. After that, people with diabetes can significantly extend the life of their implants by maintaining good oral hygiene.

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.

 

Diet and Tooth Decay

Regardless of whether you have your natural teeth or artificial ones, you’ll want to protect them from erosion. Although teeth can lose enamel due to mechanical wear, it is more common for them to decay as a result of acid exposure. What a person eats and drinks has a major impact on the integrity of their teeth, so we want to make sure our patients understand how to eat for a healthy mouth.

Food and drink commonly contain acid as well as sugar, which feeds oral bacteria. The longer bacteria have to feed on sugar, the more acid they’ll produce. Citric juices, such as orange juice and tomato juice, are high in both acid and sugar, as is soda. Citric acid is also a frequent flavoring in sour candy and energy gels, making these products even more dangerous to the teeth than sweet candy and energy bars. Alcohol, red meat, and garlic and onions can also cause acid reflux, which means that stomach acid is able to enter the mouth and cause further damage to enamel and the gums.

A person with natural teeth will suffer sensitivity as their enamel decays, and tooth sensitivity should be taken seriously in patients of every age. But if a person has prosthetic teeth, they may not notice their crowns being damaged. Patients can prevent tooth decay by removing food debris quickly after eating. Besides regular brushing and flossing, they should drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum. They may also want to sip sugary or acidic drinks through straws and avoid eating large meals before lying down.

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.

 

Gum Abscesses

Periodontal disease is one of the most common reasons for people to need replacement teeth. We at the Oyster Bay Family Dentists offer the most advanced prosthodontic technology for our patients’ dental restorations, but they will also need treatment for gum disease. A particularly worrisome aspect of gum disease is the potential for an abscess, so we want our patients to understand why abscesses matter and how they’re treated.

Pus, a liquid made up of bacteria, acid, and dead tissue, develops as a result of infections. It accumulates in hollow spaces called abscesses, which are opened up by bacterial damage to tissue. In a person with gingivitis, the lesser form of gum disease, an abscess might form near the gum line. This is called a gingival abscess. In a person with more advanced gum disease, called periodontitis, an abscess might form between the gum wall and the root of the tooth. This would be called a periodontal abscess. The recession of gum tissue is what would allow the tooth to come loose, and if the infection is not halted, it could also cause recession of bone tissue. Warning signs of a periodontal abscess include a bad taste in the mouth, soreness, and fever.

If we suspect a patient has an abscess, we’ll conduct x-ray tests to determine its location. We can pierce and drain a gum abscess and remove the dead tissue while a patient is under local anesthetic, but we may also have to deal with infections in the tooth’s pulp or at the tip of its root. After the infected material is removed, we may smooth down the tooth root, which is known as planing, in order to make it easier for hygienists to clean in the future. This will also deprive bacteria of a place to hide in between dental visits.

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.

 

 

Partial Crowns: Inlays and Onlays

If you have decayed or broken teeth, don’t wait any longer to schedule an appointment with the Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Although we provide general dental services, our speciality is prosthodontics, the placement of prosthetic teeth. Sometimes, a tooth is too damaged to be repaired with a simple filling, but when large parts of it are still intact, we may give it a partial crown.

Partial crowns are usually placed on molars or premolars, the wide teeth in back. These teeth grind food and have deep indentations in between their pointy bits, called cusps. It is easy for food debris to get trapped in the indentations, where it would become infected and decay. The acid produced by oral bacteria would damage the enamel, causing the patient pain, and if it continues, the infection may reach the pulp chamber. The cusps surrounding the indentation may also be damaged, whether through decay or being broken off in an accident.

When a patient is suffering from tooth decay, we’ll remove the damaged enamel after numbing them with a local anesthetic. Once the infected material has been removed, we can take an impression of the patient’s mouth that will be used to mill the partial crown. A partial crown that nestles into the indentation is called an inlay, while a partial crown that substitutes for cusps is called an onlay. The custom-fitted partial crown is cemented onto the tooth, allowing the patient to eat normally again. It will need to be cared for through regular brushing and flossing, but can last for over a decade.

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.

 

Dry Mouth

Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda of The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, located in Oyster Bay, NY, provide quality care for their patients. They treat a variety of conditions, including Xerostomia. This is commonly known as Dry Mouth. As the name suggests, patients suffering from this problem don’t produce enough saliva. They struggle with chewing, speaking, and swallowing. It lowers your quality of life while also putting your oral health at risk. Schedule an appointment with our staff right away if you notice any alarming symptoms.

 

You may not realize it, but saliva plays an important role in your life. Besides everyday tasks like eating and speaking, it keeps your mouth clean. Saliva is necessary for washing your teeth of food debris. Without properly working salivary glands, you’re at risk for plaque and tooth decay.

 

The first step at your appointment with your Oyster Bay dentist is to determine the cause of your dry mouth. Treatment depends entirely upon the source. Talk to your dentist about your medical history, along with any medications you are taking. There are over 500 different medications that result in negative dry mouth symptoms. Do your research when starting any drugs. If the pharmaceutical is the trigger, you should talk to your prescribing physician about switching to another type. Certain autoimmune disorders also put you at risk. Another possibility is certain medical treatments. Chemotherapy is infamous for creating dry mouth.

 

Once the cause of your dry mouth is determined, the treatment can begin. Here are a few general tips for reducing negative symptoms:

 

-Reduce your sugar intake. Sugar naturally dries out your mouth. That means cutting out or back on tea, soda, alcohol, and coffee.

-Water is necessary for your health, including your dental! Water keeps your mouth moist. Increase your water intake for a wetter mouth.

-Invest in over-the-counter dry mouth treatments. These are sold at your local grocery store or supermarket. They are available in mouthwash, gel, and toothpaste form.

 

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, located in Oyster Bay, NY, are available for all your dental needs. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda, call 516-922-5730 or visit their website.

Dental Emergencies

No matter how careful you are in your everyday life, accidents always happen! You and your family must be prepared for all dental emergencies. At Oyster Bay Family Dentists, Drs. Robert West and Denise VeyVoda offer emergency dental services. Call our Oyster Bay, NY, office right away when an accident occurs. Whether you hurt yourself playing sports, you fell or received facial trauma, we are here for you.

 

You must contact us as soon as your injury occurs. The quicker you do, the faster we can treat you. If you can’t get in contact with us for some reason, consider going to your local emergency department. Here is a basic guide while you wait for dental services:

 

-Dental crowns: whether they are missing or loose, you must locate the crown itself. If possible, try to place it back on the tooth. If it fits, try keeping it in place temporarily with over-the-counter denture cream.

-Missing filling: similar to a dental crown, it’s important to find it. Cover the area with sugarless gum for temporary protection.

-Toothaches: before scheduling an appointment, clean the area thoroughly. In certain cases, food or debris can get trapped between the teeth. This might be what’s irritating your mouth. If cleaning doesn’t work, see us right away.

-Tooth Injuries: when it comes to any injury directly to the tooth, try to save as much of the tooth as possible. If you break or chip a tooth, wash your mouth out while saving any of the fragments. Then apply an icepack to your face to reduce the swelling. For teeth that are only partially knocked out or dislodged, avoid touching the area at all costs. Reduce the swelling with anti-inflammatory medication. Lastly, we come to teeth that are completely knocked out. Find the tooth and try to place it back in its spot. If it won’t fit, get a cold glass of milk or salt-water, placing the tooth within it. This keeps the tooth alive while you wait for reattachment.

 

Your family should always be prepared for a dental emergency. When one happens, contact The Oyster Bay Family Dentists right away. We are conveniently located in Oyster Bay, NY. To schedule your emergency appointment with Drs. Robert West or Denise VeyVoda, call 516-922-5730. You can also visit their website.

Denture Stomatitis

As prosthodontists, we at the Oyster Bay Family Dentists have provided many people with new sets of teeth. When properly cared for, dentures will help to maintain a patient’s facial structure and can last for years. But they do require a patient to make changes to their oral hygiene routine, which is why we wanted to discuss the dangers of denture stomatitis.

Yeasts of the Candida genus are normally present in the mouth, but they aren’t usually harmful. Saliva contains antimicrobial enzymes that keep their population under control and washes away food debris, depriving them of a nutrition source. However, if a person wears an upper denture, the roof of their mouth may be covered and kept out of contact with saliva. This could allow Candida to rapidly multiply, creating the red sores that are commonly regarded as symptoms of stomatitis, or a yeast infection.

Yeast infections can be prevented by removing the upper denture and brushing it every day. Patients should brush the entire denture, not just the teeth, and they should use specialty toothpaste that won’t scratch soft plastic. (They may want to keep a separate toothbrush for this.) They should also brush the insides of their mouths before inserting the denture each morning. Stomatitis is not always painful, so patients will have to regularly inspect themselves for it visually.

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.