Intraoral Camera

Advancements in technology allow us to better serve our patients. Here at Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we use an intraoral camera for more accurate and efficient patient diagnoses. Our patients here in the Oyster Bay, NY area deserve the best technology and the best outcomes.
The intraoral camera allows us to see parts of the mouth that have been difficult to see in the past. The camera is about the size of a pen and lets us look at any surface in the mouth more easily and more close-up. We can also take pictures and videos that can be saved on a computer. The digital photos and video makes future visits more efficient by allowing us to refer back to the past condition of the mouth. These photos can also be printed and taken home by the patient so they can keep a better eye out for any changes. It is also very easy to send pictures of a condition to another doctor or to an insurance company.
Intraoral cameras also allow the patient to see what we see for the first time. The camera displays the video onto a monitor for viewing. Dental exams have never been better.
For more information about the technology we use here at Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY, visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. To schedule an appointment, call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website.

Apicoectomy in Oyster Bay, NY

When one or more root canals will not clear up an infection, it is time to go deeper, to the tip of the root. Dr. Robert G. West and Dr. Denise VeyVoda of Oyster Bay Family Dentists offer an apicoectomy to their patients in the Oyster Bay, NY area who have had root canals fail.
When bacteria has reached down so deep into the tooth that a root canal fails to clean it out, an apicoectomy may be needed to save the tooth. An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure that cleans out the infection from the other side of the tooth, directly through the tooth’s root. First, your dentist will make incisions in the gums to reveal the root tip. If bone tissue also needs to be removed to access the root, it will be removed next. The infected tissue will be removed, along with the last few millimeters of the tooth’s root. The canal will then be cleaned out and sealed again. The bone and gum tissue are put back in place and the gums are stitched together.
For those who have had at least one root canal and still have an infected tooth, an apicoectomy may be the solution. Dr. Robert G. West and Dr. Denise VeyVoda of Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY have been performing apicoectomies and thereby saving patients’ teeth from extraction. If you still have pain after a root canal, schedule an appointment with us by calling (516) 922-5730 or visiting our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.

Arestin to Combat Gum Disease

Arestin, an advanced form of antibiotic can help resolve gum disease. Because of the seriousness of gum disease, Dr. Robert G. West and Dr. Denise VeyVoda of Oyster Bay Family Dentistry offer Arestin to their patients in the Oyster Bay, NY area with gum disease.
Here at Oyster Bay Family Dentistry, we understand the urgency of clearing up gum disease. We know that the bacteria that collects in the gum pockets can lead to severe infection and loss of a tooth. It is for this reason that we offer Arestin as a way to combat bacteria. Arestin is usually placed deep into the gum pockets after a scaling and planing procedure has been performed. While scaling and planing gets a lot of the plaque and bacteria away from the tooth and out of the pocket, bacteria that reaches deep into a badly recesses gum line can be difficult to reach.
Arestin is made of microspheres that are placed into the gums and dissolve over time so that the antibiotic keeps working long after the application. Using Arestin clears up gum disease better than a scaling and plaining alone. Afterwards, avoid flossing the area for ten days to allow the antibiotic to stay in place and offer its full benefits.
If you have been experiencing irritated, tender gums, do not wait to schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert G. West or Dr. Denise VeyVoda here at Oyster Bay Family Dentists. To schedule, call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.

Sealants at Oyster Bay Family Dentists

Sometimes wish you could wear a shield around your teeth to protect them from cavities? The experienced team here at Oyster Bay Family Dentists can offer dental sealants to place on the teeth of children, teens, and some adults in the Oyster Bay, NY area.
Dental sealants are made of a plastic material and are painted onto the surface of molars. This protects the depressions and grooves of molars which can sometimes be hard to reach. Sealants work best for children and teens between the ages of six and fourteen; however adults who have not had decay or fillings may also benefit.
To place the sealants, first an acid will be placed onto the surface of the tooth. This acid roughens up the surface of the tooth to allow a stronger bond with the sealant. The tooth is rinsed and dried. Then the sealant is painted onto the tooth and a curing light may be used to harden the sealant. There will then be a shield in place, blocking out food, drinks, and other debris for several years. Of course, a regular oral hygiene routine is still needed.
If you are interested in having sealants placed, schedule a consultation with us at our Oyster Bay, NY dental office. Call us at (516) 922-5730 or visit the Oyster Bay Family Dentists website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

Invisalign

If you are unhappy with the alignment of your teeth, have spaces between your teeth, or have bite issues, orthodontic treatment is a great solution. The highly trained staff here at Oyster Bay Family Dentists has the ability to straighten your teeth quickly and effectively with Invisalign. Invisalign works just as effectively as traditional braces but you won't have to deal with the hassle of metal wires and brackets.

To have Invisalign placed on your teeth, you will first need to have impressions taken of your teeth. These images are sent to a computer screen, where they are analyzed and a 3D mock-up is created for the first set of plastic aligners. These are sent to the lab, and the patient returns in about two weeks to obtain their first set of aligners. Your doctor will ask patients to return to his office every 2-3 weeks for their next set of aligners, helping to encourage movement of their teeth to the desired location.

Compared to bracket traditional, Invisalign is a much safer option. Patients who use Invisalign often avoid damage to the gums and supporting tissues. Patients will also avoid bacteria build up that would result through traditional braces. Patients are also able to get regular dental checkups while using Invisalign. Traditional braces prevent X-rays and regular cleanings while the removable aligners used through Invisalign can be removed allowing for dentist access.

Give us a call today to set up an appointment with either Dr. Robert G. West or Dr. Denise VeyVoda to learn more about Invisalign!

Nitrous Oxide

Known best as “Laughing Gas”, nitrous oxide (N2O) is highly utilized within the dental community. At Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we use this sedation method for patients who suffer from dental phobia and for our patients who will undergo a particularly invasive dental procedure. Our doctors, Dr. Robert G. West and Dr. Denise VeyVoda believe that patient comfort is one of the most important aspects of a successful dental practice.

Nitrous oxide was invented in the 1700’s and was discovered because the researcher had a toothache and was looking for pain relief. It’s almost as if it was strictly invented for Dentists. While it is utilized in other medical fields, its primary use is during particularly invasive dental procedures such as root canals, extraction and others. The mixture typically used is 30% nitrogen, 70% oxygen; these percentages can differ depending on the procedure.

Contrary to popular belief, N2O is not used to put you to sleep. You will be able to hear and respond to any directives or requests your dentist may have. N2O works very rapidly, reaching the brain within 20 seconds. The process begins when the doctor places a small mask over your nose. The doctor will then ask you to breathe normally; within a few short minutes you will begin to feel the effects. These effects are light headedness (euphoric state), tingling in your extremities and the possible feeling of sleepiness that may cause “dreams”.

Patients can be sedated for any procedure, whether it’s a normal cleaning or root canal, sedation is a great tool for those suffering from dental phobia. To set up an appointment with Dr. Robert G. West or Dr. Denise VeyVoda by visiting our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com or call our office at 516-922-5730.

Crowns

In some cases, a decayed or fractured tooth may require more than a filling to restore its function and appearance. At The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we are happy to offer patients options in repairing damaged teeth, such as crowns.

A dental crown involves a few steps. The process starts by removing the bacteria and tooth decay. In some instances, a root canal may be performed if decay is extensive. The tooth is then prepared for the crown by filing it down in order for the crown to fit. Next, an impression of the tooth is taken. A temporary crown is placed, while the permanent crown is being made in a dental lab.

Crowns are a great choice for restoring a damaged tooth for several reasons. For example, crowns are usually made of porcelain, metal or ceramic and function just like a natural tooth. The color of the crown is matched to your other teeth, so it also is indistinguishable from other teeth. A dental crown is often very durable and with proper oral hygiene can last for fifteen years or longer.

At The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we offer a range of restorative services. In addition to crowns, we also provide bridges, inlays/onlays and bonding. Our staff is committed to providing you with exceptional service in a state of the art facility.

For more information on dental crowns or any of our other services, please call our office at 516-922-5730.