Some health issues can be prevented, especially when it comes to your teeth. While dental emergencies are uncomfortable and worrisome, many oral health problems that qualify as an emergency can be prevented by taking a few steps to protect your teeth and gums:
Practice Good Oral Health
Painful toothaches from infection and decay can be prevented with a comprehensive oral health routine. Flossing between teeth and thoroughly brushing teeth for at least two minutes twice a day helps to sweep away the plaque, debris, and bacteria that eat away at dental enamel and contribute to infection of the material inside a tooth.
Avoid Bad Health Habits
Dental enamel is strong and can stand up to a great deal of pressure, but teeth can still be chipped, cracked, and broken under certain circumstances. Bad habits like chewing on fingernails, ice, and involuntary grinding your teeth while you sleep can easily cause damage that requires emergency dental attention. Recognizing and correcting bad habits, and seeking care for nighttime teeth grinding, can help to prevent damage to teeth.
Wear Mouth Guards when Necessary
Injuries to teeth and gums can severely damage your smile – sudden implant can completely knock out or more teeth. Impact and injury can be lessened if you’re prepared to protect your teeth in certain situations. For athletes in high-impact sports, wearing a mouth guard prevents impact and accidents from damaging your oral health.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Certain slow-developing problems that end up as dental emergencies, such as gum disease or the formation of abscesses can be treated before they interfere with your health via routine dental appointments. During dental visits, our dentists take X-rays and examine your oral health to spot any small problems and conservatively treat issues that could pose a threat to your smile later down the road.
Complications Caused by Dental Emergencies
Getting immediate treatment for dental emergencies is vital to protect the health of teeth and gums, as well as your overall wellbeing. Without seeking care for your dental emergency, you are at-risk for further damage to injured teeth, negatively affecting healthy teeth, and changes in dentition. Getting dental care as soon as possible, and taking steps to prevent emergency oral health issues, helps preserve your smile.
If you have questions about preventive care or treatment for dental emergencies in Brooklyn, NY, contact First Impression Dental.
Monday, August 3, 2015
Monday, July 20, 2015
Dentures and Dental Implants: The Best of both Worlds
To merge the best of the most popular methods to replace missing teeth, traditional dentures can be supported by dental implants. This treatment, called an overdenture is a life-changing procedure. Implant-supported dentures offer many advantages over the traditional method of placing dentures.
Application of Removable Dentures vs. Implant Dentures
Normal, non-implant-mounted dentures are usually held in place with adhesive paste. Simple actions such as eating, drinking, or even talking may loosen the grip of dentures until they move out of place entirely. Dental implant supported dentures, however, offer more security through the permanence and stability of implants.
Dental implants are titanium fixtures placed into the jawbone that can serve as anchors for dentures. Implants have been increasingly popular as a restorative dental therapy over the last 50 years after the discovery that titanium is biocompatible (meaning the human body does not reject it). The jawbone actually grows into the titanium post, securing it in place.
The denture is fixed into place on the implants to allow for a great deal more stability than traditional adhesives. Overdentures are held in place by a bar that runs along a few implants which dentures snap onto. These overdentures can still be removed, when necessary, but provide a far improved denture-wearing experience, as they are attached to permanent fixtures. Patients with an overdenture can take advantage of the easy removal of a traditional denture, but the strength and durability of implants.
Benefits of Implant Dentures
Normal dentures do not support the jawbone, as the denture is placed only on the gum. Just like a muscle that is not regularly used will weaken, bone will lose nutrients and become thin without stimulation from a tooth root -- this can cause facial collapse as the bone withers. The use of implants counteracts this, allowing the jaw to find purpose again in supporting the denture.
While the care for the overdentures may be the same as standard dentures (they both must be taken out at night and cleaned) the benefits are tremendous. With implant dentures, there is no clicking, no slipping, and no worry about your denture failing in social situations. Implant dentures make wearing full dentures significantly more comfortable, and give you the oral function you need to eat, talk, and smile with confidence.
If you have traditional dentures and are interested in a better way to hold them in place, call our Brooklyn dental office to learn more about getting implant-retained overdentures.
Application of Removable Dentures vs. Implant Dentures
Normal, non-implant-mounted dentures are usually held in place with adhesive paste. Simple actions such as eating, drinking, or even talking may loosen the grip of dentures until they move out of place entirely. Dental implant supported dentures, however, offer more security through the permanence and stability of implants.
Dental implants are titanium fixtures placed into the jawbone that can serve as anchors for dentures. Implants have been increasingly popular as a restorative dental therapy over the last 50 years after the discovery that titanium is biocompatible (meaning the human body does not reject it). The jawbone actually grows into the titanium post, securing it in place.
The denture is fixed into place on the implants to allow for a great deal more stability than traditional adhesives. Overdentures are held in place by a bar that runs along a few implants which dentures snap onto. These overdentures can still be removed, when necessary, but provide a far improved denture-wearing experience, as they are attached to permanent fixtures. Patients with an overdenture can take advantage of the easy removal of a traditional denture, but the strength and durability of implants.
Benefits of Implant Dentures
Normal dentures do not support the jawbone, as the denture is placed only on the gum. Just like a muscle that is not regularly used will weaken, bone will lose nutrients and become thin without stimulation from a tooth root -- this can cause facial collapse as the bone withers. The use of implants counteracts this, allowing the jaw to find purpose again in supporting the denture.
While the care for the overdentures may be the same as standard dentures (they both must be taken out at night and cleaned) the benefits are tremendous. With implant dentures, there is no clicking, no slipping, and no worry about your denture failing in social situations. Implant dentures make wearing full dentures significantly more comfortable, and give you the oral function you need to eat, talk, and smile with confidence.
If you have traditional dentures and are interested in a better way to hold them in place, call our Brooklyn dental office to learn more about getting implant-retained overdentures.
Monday, July 6, 2015
How Does Invisalign® Work?
Invisalign® is capable of giving you a fantastic smile by treating common orthodontic issues. Invisalign® uses pressure, just like metal braces, to move the teeth into a more pleasing and functional alignment. But to understand how Invisalign® does its job, it’s first important to know how traditional braces work, in comparison:
How Braces Move Your Teeth
Braces are a system that consists of several different components. There are brackets, which are attached to each tooth on the arch. There's also the arch wire, a thin metal wire that connects all of the brackets and is fixed to the brackets with small rubber rings.
The system can be adjusted by manipulating the arch wire to exert the force that pushes or pulls teeth into the desired alignment. Sometimes extra components might be added to better control the direction of the force.
What Makes Invisalign® Different?
Invisalign® also works by moving teeth into new alignment over time, but uses different tools to achieve the desired results. Instead of a collection of brackets and wires, Invisalign® uses customized trays that are extremely easy to wear.
To make the trays, your dentist takes impressions and pictures of your teeth, which are used to create a three-dimensional image of your entire mouth. Your dentist then uses the 3-D images to design a customized treatment plan. Your Invisalign® trays are created according to these images. The very first tray you wear will be only slightly different from your current teeth alignment. By wearing the tray 22 to 23 hours a day, your teeth will be shifted into that new alignment. Every couple of weeks, you’ll switch-out to the next tray in the series. The process is repeated until you reach the final tray and finish the treatment.
How Long Does Invisalign® Treatment Take?
Invisalign® can be used to correct mild to moderate alignment problems, with the typical course of treatment usually taking 12 months. Not only is this a comfortable way of fixing teeth alignment problems, it's also one that allows you to see the ongoing results much more easily, as there's no metal or ceramic to obscure your teeth.
If you have questions about whether Invisalign® is right for you, please contact our Brooklyn Invisalign® dentist for your consultation.
How Braces Move Your Teeth
Braces are a system that consists of several different components. There are brackets, which are attached to each tooth on the arch. There's also the arch wire, a thin metal wire that connects all of the brackets and is fixed to the brackets with small rubber rings.
The system can be adjusted by manipulating the arch wire to exert the force that pushes or pulls teeth into the desired alignment. Sometimes extra components might be added to better control the direction of the force.
What Makes Invisalign® Different?
Invisalign® also works by moving teeth into new alignment over time, but uses different tools to achieve the desired results. Instead of a collection of brackets and wires, Invisalign® uses customized trays that are extremely easy to wear.
To make the trays, your dentist takes impressions and pictures of your teeth, which are used to create a three-dimensional image of your entire mouth. Your dentist then uses the 3-D images to design a customized treatment plan. Your Invisalign® trays are created according to these images. The very first tray you wear will be only slightly different from your current teeth alignment. By wearing the tray 22 to 23 hours a day, your teeth will be shifted into that new alignment. Every couple of weeks, you’ll switch-out to the next tray in the series. The process is repeated until you reach the final tray and finish the treatment.
How Long Does Invisalign® Treatment Take?
Invisalign® can be used to correct mild to moderate alignment problems, with the typical course of treatment usually taking 12 months. Not only is this a comfortable way of fixing teeth alignment problems, it's also one that allows you to see the ongoing results much more easily, as there's no metal or ceramic to obscure your teeth.
If you have questions about whether Invisalign® is right for you, please contact our Brooklyn Invisalign® dentist for your consultation.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Do I Need a Tooth Extracted?
When teeth are healthy enough to support restorative treatments – like a filling or a crown – it’s important to perform these procedures and help patients keep as much original tooth structure as possible. However there are instances where teeth have been injured or damaged beyond restoration, and should be removed, in order to relieve discomfort, and prevent decay or infection from spreading.
You may need a tooth extracted in any of the following circumstances:
Infection – Certain infections, when left untreated, can call for the extraction of a tooth. Gum disease can progress to the point where bacteria and tartar begin to damage bone and weaken or loosen teeth. It’s also possible to develop a tooth infection that becomes so severe, it damages tooth roots and the affected tooth cannot be saved. Extracting infected teeth eliminates the pain associated with biting and chewing on a damaged tooth.
Decay – In the beginning stages, small spots of decay can be treated with dental fillings, and larger tooth decay can be corrected with an onlay, inlay, or dental crown. But if the decay is allowed to progress, extraction may be necessary. Decay that reaches the inner potion of the tooth, the dentin, can often be corrected with a root canal first, but may need extraction if the root canal is unsuccessful in preserving the tooth’s structure.
Injury – A tooth that has been knocked loose in an accident and cannot be re-attached may need to be extracted to improve oral function.
Impaction – In the event that your wisdom teeth are impacted in bone or soft tissue, or may cause problems for the healthy alignment of your teeth, they’ll need to be removed. Wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure that many people undergo to protect their oral health and function.
While tooth extraction is often a final measure to preserve the state of your oral health, it can be
necessary to prevent pain, discomfort, and further damage. If the event that one of our patients need a tooth extracted, we provide oral surgery care that includes simple tooth extractions and wisdom teeth removal.
If you have a tooth ache, or have suffered a dental emergency, and are concerned that one of your teeth may need to be removed, please get in touch with our Brooklyn, NY office for more information.
You may need a tooth extracted in any of the following circumstances:
Infection – Certain infections, when left untreated, can call for the extraction of a tooth. Gum disease can progress to the point where bacteria and tartar begin to damage bone and weaken or loosen teeth. It’s also possible to develop a tooth infection that becomes so severe, it damages tooth roots and the affected tooth cannot be saved. Extracting infected teeth eliminates the pain associated with biting and chewing on a damaged tooth.
Decay – In the beginning stages, small spots of decay can be treated with dental fillings, and larger tooth decay can be corrected with an onlay, inlay, or dental crown. But if the decay is allowed to progress, extraction may be necessary. Decay that reaches the inner potion of the tooth, the dentin, can often be corrected with a root canal first, but may need extraction if the root canal is unsuccessful in preserving the tooth’s structure.
Injury – A tooth that has been knocked loose in an accident and cannot be re-attached may need to be extracted to improve oral function.
Impaction – In the event that your wisdom teeth are impacted in bone or soft tissue, or may cause problems for the healthy alignment of your teeth, they’ll need to be removed. Wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure that many people undergo to protect their oral health and function.
While tooth extraction is often a final measure to preserve the state of your oral health, it can be
necessary to prevent pain, discomfort, and further damage. If the event that one of our patients need a tooth extracted, we provide oral surgery care that includes simple tooth extractions and wisdom teeth removal.
If you have a tooth ache, or have suffered a dental emergency, and are concerned that one of your teeth may need to be removed, please get in touch with our Brooklyn, NY office for more information.
Monday, June 8, 2015
What Makes Pediatric Dentists Different
When it comes to finding a dentist to care for your child’s smile, many general dentists advertise that they treat children, but don’t have a pediatric dental certification. While a general dentist may be able to clean your child’s teeth, only a pediatric dentist has the training and expertise to provide comprehensive care for young smiles.
So, what makes a pediatric dentist different?
Advanced education – In addition to earning a DMD or DDS degree, a pediatric dental specialist will complete graduate training in the pediatric dental field, which involves research and clinical residency focused on pediatric dental health care.
Understanding of oral health as it relates specifically to children – Compared to adults, whose permanent teeth have long since grown into their smiles, children’s health and dentition are in stages of development. A pediatric dentist has knowledge of the best ways to care for young patients whose teeth are changing and moving.
Guiding health habits – A pediatric dentist is responsible for being a part of a supportive oral health education system that involves both parent and child. Pediatric dentists provide parents with the information they need to help their kids have healthy teeth at home, and teaches children about what’s going on with their oral health during routine dental visits.
Residency with a focus on treating children – Many graduate programs for pediatric dentistry involve clinic work that deals with providing dental care for children in a hospital environment. In this setting, most pediatric dental candidates get the opportunity to provide treatment for patients with special needs as well.
Pediatric dentists are specially trained to understand the health and development of children’s smiles. They also spend months in a clinic setting treating children, and are able to develop responsible treatment plans that address oral health concerns that children may face. General dentists do not have this specialized training, making pediatric dentists better able to care for your child’s oral health, through every age and stage of development.
At First Impression Dental, our certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Anjum Kherani, provides gentle and experienced care for young dental patients. To learn more about dentistry for children, contact our office to speak to a member of our team.
So, what makes a pediatric dentist different?
Advanced education – In addition to earning a DMD or DDS degree, a pediatric dental specialist will complete graduate training in the pediatric dental field, which involves research and clinical residency focused on pediatric dental health care.
Understanding of oral health as it relates specifically to children – Compared to adults, whose permanent teeth have long since grown into their smiles, children’s health and dentition are in stages of development. A pediatric dentist has knowledge of the best ways to care for young patients whose teeth are changing and moving.
Guiding health habits – A pediatric dentist is responsible for being a part of a supportive oral health education system that involves both parent and child. Pediatric dentists provide parents with the information they need to help their kids have healthy teeth at home, and teaches children about what’s going on with their oral health during routine dental visits.
Residency with a focus on treating children – Many graduate programs for pediatric dentistry involve clinic work that deals with providing dental care for children in a hospital environment. In this setting, most pediatric dental candidates get the opportunity to provide treatment for patients with special needs as well.
Pediatric dentists are specially trained to understand the health and development of children’s smiles. They also spend months in a clinic setting treating children, and are able to develop responsible treatment plans that address oral health concerns that children may face. General dentists do not have this specialized training, making pediatric dentists better able to care for your child’s oral health, through every age and stage of development.
At First Impression Dental, our certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Anjum Kherani, provides gentle and experienced care for young dental patients. To learn more about dentistry for children, contact our office to speak to a member of our team.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Dental Crowns vs. Inlays and Onlays – Which do you Need?
If you have a decayed tooth, there are options for removing the decayed portion and helping to replace what was lost. Most of the time, patients assume they need a dental crown if they have a damaged tooth, but this may not always be the case.
For dentists who practice the philosophy of conservative dentistry, a dental crown isn’t the right solution for every situation. At First Impression Dental, we believe in giving patients only the treatments they need. When it comes to cosmetic dental restorations, this means recommending the treatment that will allow you to keep more of your natural tooth structure with conservative dentistry.
Dental crowns are typically indicated when you are experiencing a large amount of decay on a tooth and the damaged tooth enamel has to be removed to preserve your oral health. Because crowns require buffing down teeth to place the restoration, it makes the most sense to use them on teeth that require that amount of preparation anyway. Buffing away healthy dental enamel in a conservative treatment approach is typically avoided, so a spot of tooth decay may not always need a crown.
Inlays and onlays are pieces of custom-made porcelain that are intended to fill in spots of decay that are too large for a filling, but don’t require the preparation necessary for a dental crown. Onlays can replace parts of the outer wall of a tooth, while inlays repair damage that is confined to the top and center of teeth. In many cases, placing an onlay or inlay can make your tooth even stronger than it was originally. With advances in better and stronger bonding agents, inlays and onlays can fully restore a tooth with less preparation.
For smaller spots of decay on teeth, the best course of action is usually a traditional dental filing.
We make sure that all of our patients get personalized restorative care that allows their smiles to look healthy and beautiful. We provide porcelain crowns and onlays and inlays so your treated teeth look like a natural part of your smile. We also offer tooth-colored composite fillings instead of metal amalgam. Our Brooklyn dental office is proud to provide care that improves the cosmetic appeal of your smile, and helps you regain improved oral health.
Contact our office today for more information on treating tooth decay with cosmetic and restorative care.
For dentists who practice the philosophy of conservative dentistry, a dental crown isn’t the right solution for every situation. At First Impression Dental, we believe in giving patients only the treatments they need. When it comes to cosmetic dental restorations, this means recommending the treatment that will allow you to keep more of your natural tooth structure with conservative dentistry.
Dental crowns are typically indicated when you are experiencing a large amount of decay on a tooth and the damaged tooth enamel has to be removed to preserve your oral health. Because crowns require buffing down teeth to place the restoration, it makes the most sense to use them on teeth that require that amount of preparation anyway. Buffing away healthy dental enamel in a conservative treatment approach is typically avoided, so a spot of tooth decay may not always need a crown.
Inlays and onlays are pieces of custom-made porcelain that are intended to fill in spots of decay that are too large for a filling, but don’t require the preparation necessary for a dental crown. Onlays can replace parts of the outer wall of a tooth, while inlays repair damage that is confined to the top and center of teeth. In many cases, placing an onlay or inlay can make your tooth even stronger than it was originally. With advances in better and stronger bonding agents, inlays and onlays can fully restore a tooth with less preparation.
For smaller spots of decay on teeth, the best course of action is usually a traditional dental filing.
We make sure that all of our patients get personalized restorative care that allows their smiles to look healthy and beautiful. We provide porcelain crowns and onlays and inlays so your treated teeth look like a natural part of your smile. We also offer tooth-colored composite fillings instead of metal amalgam. Our Brooklyn dental office is proud to provide care that improves the cosmetic appeal of your smile, and helps you regain improved oral health.
Contact our office today for more information on treating tooth decay with cosmetic and restorative care.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Welcome to our blog!
We're excited to announce the official launch of our First Impression Dental blog.
We'll be posting helpful dental tips, news from the dental industry, news from our practice, and more about the latest in dentistry.
We built our practice on the notion that we're there for our patients when they need us and we want our online presence to be a reflection of that principle. We hope this blog provides an extra level of service to our current and future patients.
If you would like to stay up to date on the latest from First Impression Dental, simply click the RSS “Subscribe to feed” link located on our website and subscribe. Our subscribers will be updated when we make a new blog post.
Here's to your best oral health ever!
We'll be posting helpful dental tips, news from the dental industry, news from our practice, and more about the latest in dentistry.
We built our practice on the notion that we're there for our patients when they need us and we want our online presence to be a reflection of that principle. We hope this blog provides an extra level of service to our current and future patients.
If you would like to stay up to date on the latest from First Impression Dental, simply click the RSS “Subscribe to feed” link located on our website and subscribe. Our subscribers will be updated when we make a new blog post.
Here's to your best oral health ever!
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