How Do Dental Crowns Work?

A dental crown is used to completely cover or “cap” a damaged tooth. Besides supporting a damaged tooth, a dental crown can be used to better its appearance, contour or alignment.

How Do Bridges Work?

A bridge may be recommended if you’ve lost one or more teeth. Gaps left by lost teeth ultimately cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift towards the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite.

How Are Dental Crowns and Bridges Made?

Before either a crown or a bridge can be made, the size of the tooth or teeth has to be reduced so the crown or bridge will fit over it correctly. After reducing the tooth/teeth, your dentist will take an impression to provide an exact mold for the crown or bridge. If porcelain is going to be used, your dentist will determine the correct shade for the crown or bridge to match that of your existing teeth.
Using this impression, a dental laboratory then makes your crown or bridge, in the material your dentist requires. A temporary crown or bridge will be placed over the prepared tooth while the permanent crown or bridge is being made. Once it is ready, the permanent crown or bridge is ready replaces the temporary one and is cemented over your prepared tooth or teeth.

How Long Do Dental Crowns and Bridges Last?

While Dental crowns and bridges can last a lifetime, they do come loose or fall out every now and then. To ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge, you have to maintain good oral hygiene. A bridge can lose its support if the teeth or bone holding it in position are affected by dental disease. Keep your gums and teeth healthy by brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice daily and flossing every day. See your dentist and hygienist on a regular basis for examinations and professional cleanings.
To prevent your dental crown or bridge from being damaged, avoid chewing hard foods.

The infection of the pulp can lead to an abscess which usually develops at the tip of the root causing swelling.

Root canal treatment is a complicated procedure that involves both dexterity and skill. The root canal dentist locally anaesthetizes the area of the infected tooth. A clamp is placed over the tooth, and a rubber dam is spread over the clamp to isolate the tooth and prepare it for the procedure.

The root canal dentist makes a tiny hole through the enamel and dentin, and into the pulp. The pulp is then taken out with minute stainless steel files of increasing diameter. Once all the pulp has been taken out, the inside walls of the roots are shaped. Nickel/Titanium files attached to a slow speed drill can help in shaping the canals. During the operation, irrigants such as sodium hypochloride and a compound containing ethylenediamine-tetraacetate (EDTA) are used to kill both remaining pulp tissue and bacteria within the roots, and take out dentin shavings left over after filing.

Once the root canal dentist removes the pulp and shapes the inside of the roots, the canal is dried with paper cones. The canal is then filled with gutta-percha. Gutta-percha is a purified form of Mazer Wood Trees indigenous to Indonesia and Malaysia that is combined with zinc oxide and other substances to make the rubbery dental filling that is placed into the tooth roots. The Gutta-percha is then cemented into the roots with a sealer. The objective of the filling procedure is to tightly seal off the tooth against bacteria.

Root canal therapy is normally not painful. With the effective use of anesthesia and modern methods, most root canal treatments can be done in a single one hour visit. A treated tooth will be sensitive for a few days after therapy, and your root canal dentist can prescribe you medication to relieve the pain. Furthermore, you should avoid eating on the side of the mouth that has the root canal for a few days.

Dental implants are a perfect option for patients with overall good oral health who have lost any number of teeth because of periodontal disease, an injury, or several other reasons.

The product of cutting edge technology, dental implants (NYC) are more tooth-saving than conventional bridgework because implants do not depend on adjacent teeth for support.

Dental implants (NYC) appear and feel so natural that you might forget that you lost a tooth. Your confidence in your smile affects the way you feel about yourself. Missing teeth are enough for anyone to lose confidence. While dentures may appear natural, they seldom feel secure and most people who use them still experience difficulty chewing. If you wish to smile, speak and eat again without difficulty or embarrassment, dental implants (NYC) can appear and function just like the real things! With the proper placement by a qualified periodontist and conscientious patient maintenance, implants can last a lifetime. Continuing studies show improving success rates for implants.

Why Should You Choose Dental Implants over Other Options

• Dental implants (NYC) appear and function like your own teeth. Since dental implants incorporate themselves into your bone structure, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that usually accompany bridgework and dentures. No one will ever guess that you had your tooth replaced.
• Unlike bridges, dental implants do not need the support of adjacent teeth. That means that none of your remaining healthy teeth need to suffer, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health.
• Dental implants will allow you once more to speak and eat with without difficulty or embarrassment. They free you from the annoyance and inconvenience of the noisy clicks and wobbles associated with dentures. Never again will you experience the frustration of forgetting where you last put your dentures and struggling with messy pastes and glues.
• The success rate of dental implants is extremely predictable. They are thought of as an exceptional option for tooth replacement. ü

Benefits of Porcelain Veeners

The procedure used to bond porcelain veneers to teeth has more than a few advantages over other tooth restoration techniques. Porcelain is a very resilient substance with a shade, semi-transparency and surface that is analogous to dental enamel. It is highly impervious to deterioration and resists discoloration while retaining a natural look.
Porcelain veneers can effectively:
•    Close gaps between teeth
•    Elongate and reshape teeth
•    Repair chipped, damaged, or crooked teeth
•    Conceal stains and yellowing.
Once your teeth have been prepared and prior to the application of your permanent veneers, appearance should be fairly normal. Some sensitivity may be experienced mostly when drinking cold beverages. Drinking through a straw can prevent feeling discomfort.
During this time, you need to brush on a regular basis, as your teeth will be more vulnerable to discoloration. Regular flossing is vital, too, since inflamed or bleeding gums could interfere with the bonding of the permanent porcelain veneers.

Cost of Porcelain Veneers

After your porcelain veneers are permanently placed, you will feel as if they are a natural part of your teeth. Biting, chewing, speaking and smiling with them will feel no different than the time before you had them. However, just like regular teeth, veneers can be damaged if you do not care for them. To prevent your veneers from chipping, refrain from biting down into very hard foods. Slice apples, pears, and other similar fruits and vegetables before you eat them. Ditch habits such as chewing on fingernails, pencils, or paperclips and gritting or grinding your teeth.

Your dentist should have the first and last word on your choice of teeth whitening (New York City) products and procedures. Not all whiteners are effective in removing stains and discolorations. Grey stains are more difficult than yellow ones. Upon examination, your dentist will be able to prescribe what products and procedures are suitable for your particular teeth whitening goals. Peroxide ingredients are the active components in teeth whiteners and different products contain these ingredients in varying concentrations and only your dentist has the expertise required to tell which products suit your needs.

Proper evaluation of your gums

Your gums and teeth have to be assessed carefully to determine if you can go through with a whitening procedure. Teeth whitening (New York City) does not suit everyone. For example, pregnant women are absolutely prohibited from undergoing teeth whitening. Those who suffer certain allergies and tooth sensitivity cannot be candidates for whitening. If you have gum problems, chipped teeth, cavities or exposed roots, whitening is not for you.

Your Budget

Teeth whitening (New York City) methods include gels, strips, trays and lasers. These are some of the most sought-after options available today. Go for the option that fits your budget.

Educate yourself

Learn everything there is to know about all your options so you can choose wisely. Always look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal.
H2 Consider Your Family’s and Friends’ Recommendations
If anyone you know has already gone through teeth whitening (New York City), ask him or her for recommendations. Not counting your dentist, a regular user of teeth whitening products is the person most qualified to give you advice.

If the sufferer fails to immediately seek the help of a root canal dentist (NYC), the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and may lead to the formation of abscesses.
The term “root canal” refers to the natural cavity found inside the tooth. The pulp or pulp chamber is the soft area inside the root canal. It is here where the tooth’s nerve is found.
A tooth’s nerve is not really important to a tooth’s health and function once the tooth emerges from the gums. It exists only to provide the sensation of hot or cold. The absence of a nerve therefore does not affect the functionality of the tooth.

Why Does Tooth Pulp Have to Be Removed?

When a tooth’s nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it collapses and bacteria start to multiply inside the pulp chamber. Bacteria and other rotten fragments can lead to an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that develops at the tip of the roots of the tooth. An abscess forms when the infection spreads beyond the tips of the roots of the tooth. In addition to abscesses, root canal infections can result in:
•    Inflammation that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head
•    Bone loss around the end of the root
•    Drainage problems originating from the root. A hole can form on the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums or through the cheek with drainage into the skin.

What Damages a Tooth’s Nerve and Pulp in the First Place?

A tooth’s nerve and pulp can become chafed, swollen, and infected because of profound decay, recurrent dental procedures on a tooth, and/or large fillings, a fissure or flaw in the tooth, or trauma to the face.

What Are the Signs That a Root Canal Dentist Is Needed?

At times, no symptoms are noticeable; nevertheless, signs you may need a root canal include:
•    Severe pain when chewing
•    Prolonged feelings of hot or cold even after the stimulus is removed
•    Tooth discoloration.
•    Inflammation and rawness in the adjacent gums
•    Persistent or recurring blemish on the gums

But while conventional braces are composed of stainless steel and metal wire, Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic less than a millimeter thick. They are also removable, which makes eating and other day-to-day activities a whole lot easier.

One of the reasons Invisalign’s popularity has grown in recent years is more and more adults are having orthodontic work done. In the past, most people thought that braces could only make a significant difference to teeth during the teenage years a teenager since they are still growing. That is a misconception. Braces can move adult teeth so you still have the opportunity to achieve that perfect smile. As more adult orthodontic treatments are becoming available, interest in them are growing as well.

The developments in adult orthodontic treatment have resulted in increased consumer demand for more versatile products that can be custom-made to suit a person’s lifestyle. While conventional braces may achieve results identical to those of Invisalign aligners, they are unsightly. Furthermore, their irremovable nature makes eating cumbersome. Lastly, almost all fixed appliances have adverse effects on gums and supporting tissues such as root resorption and demineralization. None of these disadvantages are present in Invisalign and adults finally have an alternative to conventional braces.

Through the years, Invisalign established itself as a successful brand with a variety of products to choose from. There is the original, definitive Invisalign program, the new Invisalign Express designed to correct minor orthodontic issues in short time periods, Invisalign Teen developed for teenagers, and a whole lot more.

Preventive dental cleanings and yearly dental examinations during pregnancy are not just harmless, but are strongly suggested. The increase in hormone levels during pregnancy lead to swollen, bleeding gums that trap food which ultimately result in even further irritation. Preventive dental work is vital to prevent gum disease and other oral infections that are linked to preterm birth.

Other Regular Dental Work

Dental work like cavity fillings and crowns must be treated to lower the risk of infection. If dental work needs to be done during pregnancy, the second trimester is the best time. Once the third trimester is reached pregnant women find it difficult to lie on their back for long periods of time.
Still, the best course of action is to postpone all unimportant dental work until after childbirth. However, emergency dental work such as a root canal or tooth extraction is sometimes required.

Teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures must be postponed until after childbirth.

Dental Medication

Presently, separate studies disagree on the possible negative effects on the unborn child from medications used during dental work. Lidocaine is the most commonly used drug for dental work and it (category B) does cross the placenta after administration.

If dental work is necessary, the amount of anesthesia administered should be just enough to prevent the patient from feeling pain.
Dental work frequently needs antibiotics to prevent or treat infections. Penicillin, amoxicillin, clindamycin, and other antibiotics labeled category B may be prescribed after your procedure.

X-Rays

Regular x-rays, typically taken during yearly exams, can generally be put off till after childbirth. According to the American College of Radiology, no single diagnostic x-ray has a radiation level high enough to cause harm to a developing embryo or fetus.

Fetal organ development begins in the first trimester; it is wise to steer clear of all potential hazards. If non-emergency dental work is required during the third trimester, it is normally postponed until after childbirth to avoid the risk of premature labor.

Pregnant and in need of a dentist? Contact Dr. Massiah, Today at (212) 222-5225 !

1. Wisdom Tooth Surgery

Wisdom teeth are extracted because they either have already become impacted, or they could possibly cause certain problems if not extracted.

Potential problems include:

•    Infections caused by bits of food trapped in the jaw area behind the wisdom teeth where conventional brushing and flossing is difficult and ineffective
•    Misalignment which rubs up against the tongue or cheek causing pain
•    Potential crowding or maloclussion of teeth

2. Periodontics Surgery

Periodontal surgery is any operation performed to treat disease or repair abnormalities in the specialized tissues that both surround and support the teeth. Theses tissues are referred to as periodontium and include your alveolar bone, cementum, gums and periodontal ligament.

3. Cosmetic Oral Surgery

Cosmetic oral surgery refers to techniques employed for the “enhancement” of the appearance of the oral and maxillofacial region through surgical and medical means, and is specifically concerned with maintaining normal appearance, restoring it, or enhancing it beyond the average level toward some aesthetic ideal.

Recovery After Oral Surgery

•    Bleeding after wisdom tooth surgery is normal and slight bleeding may be experienced for up to one day after surgery. Use the gauze that was provided to you, and bite down with firm pressure for sixty minutes. You should remove the gauze gently. It may be necessary to sip a little water to wet the gauze if it feels stuck to the tissue. Sipping water will also prevent the bleeding from happening again. If your bleeding persists, consult your dentist or surgeon. They may advise you to bite on a moist black tea bag. The tannic acid in the tea has been shown to reduce bleeding and assist with clotting.

•    Swelling is a common complaint after oral surgeries. Keep your head elevated with pillows. You may place an ice pack on the outside of your face for the first day after oral surgery. Swelling is usually completely gone within 7 to 10 days after oral surgery. Stiffness in the muscles of the face is also common and may be felt for up to 10 days after oral surgery. You may notice slight bruising, usually if the surgery involved your lower wisdom teeth. If you have any concerns about swelling, or swelling persists after 7 to 10 days, consult your doctor.

•    Pain after oral surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure. Your dentist or surgeon will prescribe any necessary pain relief medication. Follow the instructions for your medication carefully and always check with your dentist or surgeon before taking any over-the-counter medications with your prescriptions. If you have been prescribed an antibiotic, always take all of the medication prescribed to you to prevent infection.

•    Rest for at least 48 hours after oral surgery. Physical activity ought to be avoided for 2 to 3 days after your surgery. Typically, you should be able to resume normal daily activities within two days after surgery.

•    Vigorous rinsing and spitting should be avoided for 24 hours. Brush gently and floss if you are able to open your mouth wide enough. Lightly rinse your mouth with water and not mouthwash. Let the water fall out of your mouth on its own. After 24 hours, you may begin rinsing with a saline or salt water solution. This will naturally help keep the surgical site clean, aiding in the recovery process. Prepare your saline solution by placing one tablespoon of salt in one cup of warm water. Do not swallow the saline solution. Repeat this as needed throughout the day. If you have had an extraction, do not try to remove anything from the tooth socket (hole). Rinsing gently will dislodge any bits of food from the site.

•    Do not smoke for at least 24 hours after oral surgery. Smoking prolongs the healing time, and may cause an extremely painful infection known as a dry socket. Dry sockets have to be treated by your dentist. Even the use of smokeless or chewing tobacco should be avoided until the surgical area is completely healed. If you have had an extraction, the pieces of tobacco may enter the extraction site, causing pain and discomfort in the socket.

Invisalign Invisible Braces for Teens

Invisalign Teen uses the same Invisalign technology as adult aligners with some special features that fulfill the specific needs of teens:

•    Blue wear-indicators turn from blue to transparent to help your teen measure wear time
•    Designed to compensate for the growth of new teeth
•    Six free individual replacement aligners are included in case any are lost or misplaced

Cleaning Invisalign Invisible Braces

•    Soak your aligners using one tablet of denture cleaner in the morning and one tablet in the evening for about 1 hour each time.
•    If you are trying a brand of denture cleaner for the first time, monitor your aligners for any major etching and stop using the cleaner if damage occurs.
•    Use baking soda as an alternative. Dissolve one tablespoon of baking soda in half a cup of water and soak like you would with denture cleaner.
•    Brush aligners with a soft child’s toothbrush after you soak them to remove all traces of cleaner and rinse thoroughly.