You may ask yourself, what is the need to maintain healthy gums? With regard to your oral health, the brightness of your smile does not matter as much. You also need to ensure that your gums are healthy regardless of whether you are cavity-free.

You should know that no one is immune to gum disease. Such diseases cause a lot of discomforts, and most people don’t understand what’s going on with their gums.

About Gum Disease

Gum disease usually comes about because of plaque buildup along and under the gum line. The plaque is usually sticky, and it is filled with bacteria which can cause infections that usually hurt the bone and gum such that you’ll end up suffering from tooth decay and gum disease. The plaque can also lead to gingivitis.

Fortunately, it is possible to treat and prevent gum disease. For healthy gums, you should adhere to the following tips:

  1. Visit the Dentist Regularly

It is recommended that you should visit the dentist after every six months for a dental checkup. During the checkup, the dentist will ensure your dental health is good. If there are symptoms of gum disease, the dentist will notify you and inform you of the best way forward. The dentist will also clean your teeth well to get rid of the tartar. For those with gingivitis, flossing and brushing can help to reverse the condition.

  1. After Every Meal Brush Your Teeth

After each meal, do you brush your teeth? When you brush your teeth after each meal, you’ll manage to limit the plaque buildup that comes about because of the food particles that have been trapped between your teeth. You should scrub your teeth, gums, and tongue well to get rid of any bacteria.

A battery-powered toothbrush is highly recommended since it will help reduce plaque while also lowering the chances of having an infection that can cause gum disease. Also, you should replace your toothbrush every three months.

  1. Floss

It would help if you floss daily such that you’ll manage to get rid of the food and plaque that is stuck in areas that your toothbrush cannot reach. The time you floss doesn’t matter. You can floss in the morning and evening.

  1. Quit Smoking

Are you addicted to smoking, and you’re looking for an excellent reason to quit? Well, you should know that smoking can cause gum disease. The immune system of someone who smokes is also weaker, and if you sustain a gum infection, it will be hard to fight it off. After undergoing a dental procedure, it will be hard for your gums to heal if you engage in activities such as smoking.

The type of toothpaste you use matters if you want to ensure your gums are healthy at all times. You should use fluoride toothpaste. Also, you should floss daily to get rid of the food particles stuck in between the teeth. Additionally, smoking is not good for your health, and you should consider quitting if you want to have healthy gums at all times.

If you have any questions or concerns, consult an expert like the doctors at Shine Dental Group in Syosset. Contact us today at 516-271-0760 or use our online form to request an appointment today.

Dental implant surgery is beneficial to oral health, but the procedure can be invasive and usually requires a recovery period. Knowing what to expect and how to care for your mouth during the healing process is the best way to reduce recovery time and avoid potential problems like infection.

HOW LONG IS RECOVERY TIME FOLLOWING DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY?

Sources offer different opinions on average recovery time following implant surgery; the truth is, recovery time depends on a number of factors, and so will be different for every patient.

Factors contributing to the length of recovery time include:

As with any surgical procedure, the more rest a patient gets, and the healthier a diet they follow, the better their chances of having a relatively fast, complication-free recovery.

Recovery time following dental implant surgery can range from a few days to as long as six months or even more, depending on the extent of the procedure, the patient’s overall health, and their willingness to follow the dentist’s after-care instructions.

WHAT TO EXPECT

During the first twenty-four hours following implant surgery, swelling, bleeding, and pain are likely. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the dentist may prescribe painkillers to help manage the pain.

A patient may also experience dizziness or nausea following implant surgery. A slight fever is also to be expected in some cases.

For the next few days, a patient is likely to experience continued swelling, discomfort, and possibly even pain. During this time, the patient should continue taking any pain medication as prescribed or use an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Within a few days of surgery, it’s recommended a patient return to their usual oral-health regimen. Though the teeth and gums will still be sensitive, brushing stimulates blood flow, which facilitates recovery. Of course, it’s essential to keep the mouth especially clean during the healing process. Avoid rinsing with mouthwash for the first few days; use a salt-water mixture instead.

Smoking or using any tobacco products is one of the worst things a patient can do during the healing process. It’s recommended that a patient who smokes abstain for a minimum of one week following surgery. Smoking during recovery, especially early recovery, can lead to complications, including infection and even implant failure.

There are many benefits to having dental implant surgery, from improved oral health to the confidence that comes with having an attractive smile. It’s a surgical procedure, though, and can be invasive, depending on the state of a patient’s oral health and the number of implants to be affixed, among other things.

If you’re considering implant surgery and have any questions or concerns, consult an expert like the doctors at Shine Dental Group in Syosset. Contact us today at 516-271-0760 or use our online form to request an appointment today.

Besides using a toothbrush to clean your teeth, flossing is one of the most important steps in your regimen of oral care. If you’re not sure why flossing can help in your preventative dental hygiene program, below are some of the benefits of flossing:

Brushing alone may not prevent you from developing gum disease and tooth loss. If you have sensitive or bleeding gums you may think you should avoid flossing because it may aggravate your condition. Instead, flossing helps improve the health of your gums and helps prevent them from bleeding.

Flossing Alternatives

Standard dental floss is not the only effective product for flossing your teeth. Flossing options include:

Develop a Good Oral Care Routine

Make it a habit to develop and maintain a good oral care routine that includes:

If you haven’t seen us for some time or would like to learn more about the best way to floss your teeth, please contact us to schedule an appointment or you can call us at 516-226-9853. The dentists at Shine Dental Group will discuss your dental history and examine your teeth and help you develop a route for proper oral care.

Dental implants and dentures are two options for people in Long Island dealing with tooth loss. There are different reasons to choose either tooth restoration solution, and you may wish to consider price, bone health, treatment longevity, and your preferences when making a decision.

If you are missing only one or a few teeth, single dental implants are a strong, permanent replacement choice to restore your smile. However, the decision may be more complex when you are planning to replace all of your teeth or an entire arch of teeth.

At Shine Dental Group, we offer dental implants and dentures, and our experienced dentists can make detailed personalized recommendations for options to help you decide: Is it better to get dental implants or dentures?

Why Choose Dentures?

Dentures are removable replacement teeth that are offered as both full or partial dentures. They are fitted to your gums and mouth and may be secured further with an adhesive. Dentures are a classic option for people in Syosset who are replacing all of their teeth. Modern dentures are available more quickly than ever before. Shine Dental Group even offers same-day dentures that can be fitted on the same day your teeth are extracted. They provide a more comfortable, natural appearance than dentures of the past.

Dentures are also less expensive than implants, although they may need to be replaced and relined as they age. However, many people dislike the removable aspect of dentures and would prefer to have permanent replacement teeth. Others may be concerned that their dentures slide or shift while eating, leading to discomfort and a lack of confidence. Nevertheless, dentures remain a safe, popular tooth replacement alternative.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Dental implants have risen rapidly in popularity in Long Island, especially for younger patients looking for permanent tooth replacement. Implants function just like natural teeth; a specially placed titanium anchor is inserted into the jawbone, which integrates with the bone over time. As the implant integrates, it functions much like the root of a natural tooth, providing strength and permanence. An abutment and crown are placed atop the dental implant to complete the restoration.

Dental implants are more expensive than dentures, although they do not need to be replaced. Implants are a permanent solution that you can expect to last for decades. You care for them just like natural teeth, by brushing and flossing regularly. Because your teeth are connected to your jawbone, dental implants can help to prevent bone loss over time.

On the other hand, some may want to avoid the surgery necessary to install dental implants, and others may not have enough healthy bone to support implants. Bone grafts are a potential option that can help to prepare the weaker bone for an implant.

Implant-Supported Dentures

For people looking to replace an entire arch of teeth, implant-supported dentures in Syosset are another great option. This procedure anchors a full or partial denture to your mouth with multiple implants, keeping your dentures securely in place. However, you will not need an implant for each tooth separately.

To learn more about these tooth replacement options and which may be right for you, contact Shine Dental Group at 516-219-8694 or use our online form to request an appointment. Our experienced dentists and on-site lab provide you with many options to restore your gleaming smile.

Dental implants offer many benefits for people in Long Island looking to replace missing teeth. They offer greater comfort, security, and durability than dentures, and implants may be used to replace one tooth, several teeth, or a full arch of upper or lower teeth. However, you may wonder if a dental implant is just as strong as your natural teeth.

Of course, every person’s mouth is different, and results depend on bone strength, dental health, and the strength of their natural teeth.  The key to implant strength is a firm placement in the jawbone. Dental implants stand out as the strongest tooth replacement option, unrivaled by any other alternative.

What Are Dental Implants?

Every dental implant installed in Syosset has three parts. The dental implant itself is actually a titanium post set directly into your jawbone, where the root of your tooth used to be. This is the only part of the dental implant that is within your jaw and is the strongest part of its construction. Atop the implant is an abutment, a connector that attaches a crown or replacement tooth. The crown provides the visible tooth replacement that you can use to eat, chew and talk on a daily basis.

The titanium screw is the dental implant itself, and it is the key to the strength of this form of tooth replacement.

How Do Dental Implants Compare to Natural Teeth

Dental implants work in much the same way as your natural teeth. Your natural teeth are held in by their roots, and the implant is kept in place by the titanium roots. After your Long Island, dentist places your implants, you will go through a healing process known as osseointegration when your jawbone heals around the titanium screw. Here, the strength of your jawbone and the healing around the implant affect its strength later on.

Natural teeth may move slightly, as they are held into the gums with ligaments, while an implant is anchored into the bone with titanium. This means that implants will not move at all and may actually be able to withstand greater pressure in your mouth than natural teeth, especially if you suffered from gum disease or other oral health risks. Of course, unlike natural teeth, titanium implants are not susceptible to decay, although it is important to maintain your oral health and prevent infections.

In general, keeping your mouth clean and healthy and receiving regular dental check-ups in Syosset are key tools to protect the health of both your natural teeth and dental implants over time.

Can Dental Implants Break?

Just like natural teeth, the crowns or abutments of a dental implant could potentially be broken if enough severe force is applied. However, a dental implant will not break because you ate nuts, chomped on hard foods, or otherwise experienced the normal pressures of life. One of the great benefits of dental implants is their ability to react much like natural teeth.

Of course, during the healing or osseointegration process, it is important to be careful with your implants. Your Long Island dentist will provide you with detailed instructions about how to care for your dental implants in the first few weeks or months following placement. During this period, your implant will fuse to the bone and develop its full strength.

In many cases, dental implants are actually stronger than natural teeth. If you have concerns about your bone health and strength, a bone graft may help to restore the strength of your jawbone for dental implants. Your Syosset dentist at Shine Dental Group can assess your oral health to recommend a plan to replace missing teeth with strong, secure implants. Contact us today at 516-271-0760 or use our online form to request an appointment today.

If you are missing multiple teeth, need to have more teeth removed, or are unable to repair your natural teeth due to injury, gum disease, or tooth decay, dentures are one option that can help you restore your smile, eat the foods you love and speak freely and confidently. You may be a good candidate for dentures if you are missing some or all of your teeth and are looking for an accessible, removable solution. Here are some things to consider when determining whether to get dentures to replace your missing teeth.

What Types of Dentures are Available?

Dentures are removable appliances to replace missing teeth. Depending on the number of teeth you are missing, you may need partial dentures or full dentures. Partial dentures are designed to replace one segment of missing teeth while your other natural teeth remain in place, while complete or full dentures cover an entire arch of teeth in the top or bottom of your mouth. At Shine Dental Associates in Long Island, we have an on-site dental lab to produce your custom dentures, customized to fit your mouth perfectly. You can even leave with your dentures the same day you visit our Syosset office for any extractions.

What Are the Benefits of Dentures?

Dentures may provide a number of benefits to help restore and enhance your quality of life after missing teeth. Today’s dentures are lightweight, comfortable, and made from advanced materials that provide excellent fit and durability. With good care, your dentures can last up to 10 years, and our Syosset office provides on-site repairs and relines when necessary. Here are some of the key benefits of dentures:

Dentures are often a cost-effective restoration alternative that may be more accessible than dental implants. There are also implant-supported dentures, which may combine some of the benefits of implants and full dentures. Because your dentures can be easily removed, it is easy to thoroughly clean them. Dentures are made to be long-lasting, and with proper care, you can enjoy your new dentures for many years to come.

Restoring Confidence and Comfort with Dentures

When you come in for a denture consultation with Shine Dental Associates in Long Island, you will meet our denture team to answer any questions you may have. A full dental exam and impressions are part of your initial exam in order to produce a temporary bridge and create a plan for your dental replacement and treatment. Your denture team will provide you with a cost estimate for your dentures as well as financing options; at Shine Dental, we offer patients 48-month, interest-free financing options that can put new dentures within reach.

If you are missing some, most, or all of your teeth, you may be a good candidate for dentures to create a full smile that looks natural and restores your comfort when talking, eating, and speaking. Contact or Syosset office at 516-271-0752 or use our simple online form to request an appointment for your denture consultation.

 

Professional dental cleanings are an important part of protecting your oral hygiene and health. Brushing and flossing at home every day is critical to removing plaque and keeping your mouth healthy, but professional dental cleaning can address tartar, build-up, and other dangers to your oral health that you are unable to remove on your own.

Plaque forms on your teeth due to bacteria in the mouth; while twice-daily brushing removes a significant amount of plaque, over time, plaque hardens into tartar and stains, especially around the gumline. This type of tartar buildup can only be removed with specialized training and equipment. In addition, visiting the dentist for a regular cleaning also includes screening for other serious dental problems like gum disease, gingivitis, or oral cancer. Dentists recommend that adults receive a professional cleaning at least once every six months or twice a year. 

Why get a regular dental cleaning?

Regular dental cleanings from a professional are important to detect problems before they become more severe. They are also important for preventative care against gum disease, periodontitis, and cavities, among other problems.

Tartar buildup and plaque accumulation can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Even if you brush and floss routinely, it is impossible to remove this kind of buildup on your own. Decay can also take place between teeth, a problem that is much more difficult to detect or prevent on your own.

This buildup of plaque and tartar can also lead to gum disease. Tartar may irritate and infiltrate the gum line, pulling gums back from the teeth, inflaming the gums, and allowing for further bacterial infections of the gums and bone. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone infections, tooth loss, and other major complications, including an escalated risk of heart attack and stroke. The type of tartar that collects to cause gum disease cannot be removed at home by brushing and flossing. Your regular professional cleaning can help to prevent serious damage and later tooth loss.

A dental cleaning can also address other areas of concern, like bad breath and dental stains. Tartar buildup can lead to a bad taste in the mouth as well as bad breath. Many dental stains may not be effectively treated with at-home whitening products; your dentist or hygienist may offer solutions at your regular dental cleaning.

Untreated dental infections and problems can lead to other serious medical problems; there is a strong link between heart disease and oral health. Your dentist can also examine your mouth for signs of oral cancer or other serious illnesses. This type of preventative care can save your teeth and protect your overall health.

What happens at a dental cleaning?

At Shine Dental Associates, our skilled Long Island dentists and hygienists work to provide comfortable, painless dental cleaning. We aim to make all of our patients comfortable, even if you are anxious about dental treatment or have not had a cleaning in some time.

Your cleaning will include an initial examination of the teeth, specialized removal of tartar and plaque, polishing of the teeth, professional flossing, and oral hygiene recommendations moving forward. Your dentist or hygienist may make recommendations for other treatments for your specific oral health concerns, including fluoride treatments, whitening procedures, or other concerns. Dental cleanings are important to keep you looking and feeling your best, healthiest, and most confident.

Please remember that it is never too late to improve your oral health. If you have not had a professional cleaning for a while, you can take action today to protect your teeth and get back into your routine. Contact Shine Dental Associates at 516-271-0753 to make your cleaning appointment today.

Dental X-rays seem to be a part of your visit to your dentist at Shine Dental but you may wonder why you need to have them. Dental X-rays are an important diagnostic tool that your dentist uses to help to detect damage and disease that may not necessarily be visible during your regular dental exam. 

How often X-rays are taken will depend on a lot of factors, including:

Children are more likely to have X-rays because their teeth and jaws are still developing and their teeth may be more prone to decay than adults. 

Dental X-rays can provide your Shine Dental dentist with information about your teeth and gums so that they can plan the treatment that is best for any dental problem you may have. With dental X-rays, our dentists are able to identify some of the following dental conditions:

Modern technology has reduced the levels of radiation from a dental X-ray to a minimal amount so there is really no need to be concerned, especially now with the use of digital X-rays.

It’s very important for the dentists at Shine Dental to have a comprehensive baseline picture of your teeth to help identify changes that may occur in the future. One of the benefits of a dental X-ray is the ability to discover a dental problem before it has a chance to develop into a bigger problem. 

If you haven’t seen us for some time or had dental X-rays for a while, please contact us to schedule an appointment or you can call us at 516-226-9853. The dentists at Shine Dental Group will discuss your dental history and examine your teeth and listen to your concerns so you can make an informed decision about any treatment plan they advise. 

 

In an effort to support national efforts to fight the COVID- 19 pandemic, our practice is taking the following steps to help assure your health and well-being and that of our community:

We are following directives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as guidelines and mandates from State and Federal Agencies, as a way to limit patient and staff exposure to this virus.

Your health and the health of our team is a priority, so going forward we will be rescheduling non-emergency visits and elective services.

Patients will be seen only for urgent and emergency dental needs.

We will contact you soon to reschedule routine hygiene appointments, all hygiene appointments are canceled until further notice.

If you are already scheduled for an urgent issue, we will contact you the day before your appointment to discuss your health status, health screening protocols and confirm whether the appointment should be kept. Please understand that questions pertaining to your health is for your safety and protection. Of course, please call us right away if you have a dental emergency or need immediate care.

The safety and well-being of our patients continue to be our primary concern. We will continue to monitor the status of COVID-19 nationally and within our community and keep you up-to-date regarding our plans to reopen for business as usual.

Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We can be reached by phone at (516) 348-8500. Everyone please stay safe, and be well!

To Our Patients:

Our Team at Shine Dental Group is well aware of the situation we as a community are facing. We understand the concerns, and uneasiness surrounding coronavirus (COVID-19), and we are continuing to monitor it.

Shine Dental Group’s doors will remain open, to help our patients and our community. We want everyone to know that we always follow universal protocols, for the safety and care of our patients and staff. We are watching the ongoing situation closely, and taking extra proactive measures. Hygiene standards for our patients, office environment and the team will always be a top priority.

Our office is routinely disinfecting all doorknobs, countertops, and any other surface area multiple times a day. Our employees are washing/sanitizing their hands after each and every patient and prior to seeing the next patient.

We are implementing a screening process for everyone in the office, including inquiring on whether they have been to certain countries in the past 14 days or have come into contact with anyone who has and whether they have experienced any flu-like symptoms within the past 14 days. Should anyone respond yes to any of the above, we will be rescheduling appointments and/or sending them home.

Our team is here to assist you in all ways from continuing to provide you with dental care and accepting any emergency walk-ins. We understand that our community may be affected in all ways from health to financial hardship. We are being extra considerate of this and have many resources readily available to help you so that your dental care is never compromised. Do not hesitate to contact our office with concerns of any nature, we are all in this together.

The health and safety of our patients and employees are of the highest priority and during this time period, we are taking all the necessary precautions to continue to provide you your dental care in the safest environment.

Thank You,
The Shine Dental Team

Invisalign®

If you have been unhappy with your smile but haven’t done anything about it because you don’t want a mouthful of metal bands, brackets or wires, the Invisalign orthodontic treatment may be an option for you to explore. The Invisalign system uses a series of clear aligners that straighten your teeth without the discomfort of metal braces. These custom-made aligners are comfortable and can be easily removed when it’s time for you to eat or brush your teeth and because they are clear, it makes it difficult for people around you to know that you are wearing them. 

Invisalign aligners are able to treat the most common orthodontic problems that adults and teens have. They are successful in treating the following:

To get started with Invisalign, you will need to make an appointment with one of our Invisalign specialty-trained Shine Dental Groupdentists. They will be able to determine if the Invisalign system is appropriate for your treatment. If it is, your dentist will take a quick and precise 3D digital scan of your teeth, using the iTero Element® scanner and then map out a treatment plan specific to your needs.

Your Shine Dental Groupdentist will design a series of custom aligners that will work to straighten your teeth over a period of time. Your aligners are worn for approximately two weeks, day and night, before you change over to a new set of aligners. 

After receiving your aligners, you will need to check in with your Shine Dental Groupdentist to ensure that progress is being made and to pick up your next set of aligners. Because your Invisalign aligners are virtually transparent, you can keep up with your normal, daily routine.

Depending on how complex your orthodontic issue is, you can complete your treatment in as little as six months but you can start seeing results in just a few weeks. 

With more than two decades of innovation, the Invisalign treatment system is the most advanced clear aligner system in the world. Invisalign clear aligners are removable, virtually invisible, and painless, unlike braces. Your oral hygiene is better because you don’t have to deal with wires and brackets, as you do with braces, so you don’t have to change the way you brush and floss your teeth. Because Invisalign clear aligners are removable, you don’t have to give up your favorite foods as you do with braces. And, the cost of a typical Invisalign treatment is similar to the cost for braces. 

If you would like to know if the Invisalign system would work for your orthodontic situation or if you currently wear braces and want to switch to Invisalign, please give Shine Dental Associates a call at 516.226.9853 or you can click here to request an appointment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bad Breath

Did you ever wonder why there are so many mouthwashes, mints, gum, and other products out there to fight bad breath? That’s because bad breath can be embarrassing and over the counter products are just a temporary fix.

Depending on the source or the cause of bad breath, bad breath odors can vary. Some people have bad breath and don’t know it.

Causes of Bad Breath

Sometimes your bad breath, also known as halitosis, is caused by the foods you eat, your medical condition, dental hygiene and more. Some of the causes of bad breath include:

Treatment of Bad Breath

You need to practice good dental hygiene habits by making sure you floss, to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth. Brush your teeth and tongue, with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, after eating. Avoid dry mouth by drinking plenty of water. If you have dentures or a dental appliance, clean it thoroughly at least once a day or as directed by your dentist at Shine Dental Group. Watch your diet to avoid sugary foods and foods that cause bad breath. Change your toothbrush to a soft-bristled toothbrush every two to three months. If you smoke, stop smoking. Make sure you schedule your regular dental checkup with the dentists at Shine Dental Group every six months so you can have your teeth or dentures examined and your teeth cleaned.

The dentists at Shine Dental Group will examine you to find the source of your bad breath. Our dentists will work with you to control your condition by making sure that you have no plaque buildup on your teeth. We will also check you for gum disease to make sure that there are no deep plaque-filled pockets of odor-causing bacteria.

If you think you have bad breath or haven’t seen us for some time, please contact us to schedule an appointment or you can call us at 516-226-9853. The dentists at Shine Dental Group will discuss your dental history and your concerns with you and explain treatment options so you can make an informed decision.

Having sensitive teeth can be painful and frustrating. All you want to do is enjoy your favorite foods and drinks, only to find that it’s impossible to consume anything that’s too hot or cold because you experience severe pain. Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a variety of different conditions, some of which require immediate treatment and others that may not be as dire in nature. No matter what is causing your tooth sensitivity, there are treatment options available so that you can get back to living normally.

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can either be temporary or constant. Temporary tooth sensitivity is likely caused by worn enamel. When you eat or drink something that is either too hot or cold, it penetrates the dentin of the tooth, causing a reaction to the pulp, or nerve. If the sensitivity is constant, it may be a sign that there is something more problematic. A sensitivity that is specific to just one tooth could signal tooth decay and the need for either a filling or root canal. A sensitivity that is specific to just a few of your teeth could be a sign of gum recession, which exposes the vulnerable roots of the tooth.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

The causes of tooth sensitivity vary greatly, with some causes being more problematic than others. For example, a tooth that is sensitive because of severe tooth decay requires immediate treatment whereas a tooth that is sensitive because of worn enamel may be able to be treated using desensitizing agents and toothpaste. Some of the different causes of tooth sensitivity include:

Worn Enamel – Acidic foods and drinks as well as using harsh whitening products can eventually begin to wear down the protective layer of enamel from the teeth. This may cause the teeth to begin to look transparent when a light is shone behind them, but it also causes issues with sensitivity.

Gum Recession – As your gums recede, the soft tissue pulls back and exposes the vulnerable roots of one or more teeth. This can cause sensitivity as hot and cold liquids as well as harsh brushing to affect the exposed roots.

Cracks and Fractures – If a tooth has cracked or fractured, it exposes the inner pulp where the nerves are located. This allows cold and hot liquids to pour into the tooth, affecting the pulp (nerve) and causing severe pain and sensitivity.

Tooth Decay – Tooth decay causes the enamel and dentin to be infected and affected by bacteria. This bacterial decay continues to eat away at the tooth, causing issues with sensitivity and pain. As the decay gets worse, it is able to reach the pulp (or nerve) of the tooth, causing the need for a complete root canal.

Worn Fillings – Even if you have a filling in one or more of your teeth, this doesn’t mean that they are necessarily there for life. In fact, most fillings only last for a few years before they may crack, shrink or completely fall out. It’s not uncommon for someone to not even realize that one or more of their fillings has fallen out. As the filling shrinks and cracks, this causes the tooth underneath to become vulnerable to hot and cold liquids, causing issues with sensitivity.

Tooth Grinding – If you grind your teeth, you’re wearing down the surface of the tooth and causing the inner dentin to become exposed. Constant grinding can even cause the teeth to fracture and crack due to force. This can cause issues with sensitivity and cause pain throughout the day. Most people who grind their teeth do it at night while they’re sleeping when they’re not even aware of it.

man with a toothache

Treatment for Tooth Sensitivity

There are many different options when it comes to treating tooth sensitivity. With an examination, a series of x-rays and a consultation, it can be determined what’s causing your tooth sensitivity and the best way to begin treating it. Common treatment options for sensitivity include:

Desensitizing Agents

If you’ve ever seen a product claim it’s for tooth sensitivity, this is due to it having a desensitizing agent that blocks the pain that you’re experiencing. These products may come in a gel application form, mouthwash and most commonly, toothpaste. With several applications of the product, you will notice a significant reduction in tooth sensitivity and pain.

Mouth Guards

A mouth guard can be worn at night while you’re sleeping to prevent bruxism, known as tooth grinding. This prevents wear and tear to your teeth and can diminish as well as prevent severe tooth sensitivity.

Dental Crowns or Extractions

If a tooth has broken or fractured, a dental crown can be placed over the area to protect the remaining tooth and prevent sensitivity. If the tooth has become severely cracked below the gum line or if you’d rather avoid more invasive dental options, an extraction can be done to completely remove the tooth.

Fillings and Root Canals

If the tooth that’s experiencing sensitivity has a cavity, this can be filled with a composite resin material. If the decay has been allowed to reach the pulp (nerve) of the tooth, a complete root canal is needed to remove the infected pulp.

Soft Tissue Graft

If gum recession is the cause of your tooth sensitivity, this can be remedied with a soft tissue graft. Most often, a small piece of tissue is removed from the palate of your mouth and used to cover the exposed roots. There are other grafting options available, such as the pinhole surgical technique for gum recession.

How to Avoid Dealing with Tooth Sensitivity

Most often, tooth sensitivity is caused by worn enamel. This can be prevented by avoiding drinking too many acidic, carbonated drinks and drinking through a straw to prevent direct contact with your teeth. Brushing using a soft-bristle toothbrush is essential for preventing too much wear to the enamel and can also help in preventing gum recession, which can be caused by aggressive, hard brushing techniques.

For men and women living in Syosset, NY, it is essential that you keep up with your dental appointments twice a year as well as seeking treatment if you begin to notice problems with sensitivity. In most cases, sensitivity is caused by worn enamel due to the foods and drinks you’re consuming as well as over-whitening your teeth. However, fractures, decay, deep cracks, and gum recession can also cause sensitivity and require immediate treatment.

Dentures are a type of dental prosthetic that is worn to enhance your smile and replace missing teeth. Your natural teeth may have fallen out due to periodontal disease or trauma, or you might have lost some or all of your teeth because of severe decay. In some cases, existing decayed or loose teeth will need to be completely removed prior to having a denture plate made. With technicians on site, having dentures made can be easy, quick and provide you with a lasting, beautiful smile. Dental technology has come a long way, so dentures look more realistic than ever.

What are Partial or Full Dentures?

There are two types of appliances: full or partial dentures. Partial dentures are only used when there are several teeth missing rather than an entire arch of teeth missing. Partial dentures are worn similarly to an orthodontic retainer, but they are designed to look natural and replace only the areas that are missing teeth. Full dentures are ideal for patients who are fully missing one or both arches of their natural teeth. The denture can be worn alone or with some type of adhesive, like a gel or strip. Some patients want a more secure-fitting appliance and opt for implant-supported dentures. Implant-supported dentures require implant surgery first, which will then be used to snap the specially-made appliance into place. Both partial and full dentures can last for anywhere from five years to seven years with proper maintenance and daily care. If your denture cracks, breaks or has a tooth fall out, the plate can be repaired rather than replaced if it is still relatively new.

Why Would You Need to Have Dentures?

You’ll need or even want dentures if you’re missing many or all of your natural teeth. Unfortunately, when you’re missing teeth, you may feel uncomfortable about the way that your smile looks. You may avoid smiling altogether or you may be hesitant to meet or see people, especially those you haven’t seen in a while. Missing teeth can also make you look older than you are, especially if you are missing a lot of your natural teeth. Dentures are comfortable to wear and can be customized for a perfect daily fit.

dentures

How are Dentures Made?

Dentures are typically made out of acrylic resin to provide a natural, comfortable fit. Most appliances have a base of metal, which helps to support the overall structure of the denture. The teeth of the denture are typically made out of durable resin plastic, which provides an incredibly strong biting surface when eating or chewing. The denture is made in a dental laboratory by highly trained and skilled dental lab technicians. These dental techs work rigorously to create each denture so that it matches the patients’ existing smile.

To create a denture, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth. The impression is sent to one of these local dental laboratories to be worked on by a technician. Prior to the impression being sent out, a tooth color match is taken and put with the impression. This ensures that your new denture plate matches your existing smile and doesn’t look out-of-place. Due to the high-quality materials used to make a denture, it can last for up to seven years.

Once the denture is made, you’ll come back into the office to have the bite and fit fully adjusted. The dentist files down and smooths out any ridges or areas that are hitting your gums and mouth. It is not uncommon to have to come in several times to have a perfect-fitting denture. Dentures may need to be adjusted or fully replaced later on if you either gain or lose weight. Dentures should always be comfortable and not painful to wear, but it can take months to get used to wearing a full set of dentures if you’ve never worn the appliance before.

How to Maintain Your New Dentures

To prolong the life of your denture, you need to take good care of it. This involves removing the denture from your mouth nightly to brush and soak it in a specially-formulated denture solution. The denture solution clears away any bacteria and plaque, making the denture safer and more hygienic to wear. Cleaning your denture is also important in preventing the likelihood of having bad breath during the day. Even if you are wearing a full set of dentures, you should still schedule regular dental appointments to have the appliance checked, repaired or adjusted as well as to check the health of your gums. It is not uncommon for denture wearers to eventually suffer bone loss in the jaw area, which can have an impact on the way that the appliance sits. If eventually, you decide you want your denture secured by implants, you can schedule a consultation to be considered for surgery.

Dentures are durable prosthetic appliances that can totally transform your smile. If you’re missing a lot of teeth or have had all of your natural teeth fall out or removed, the appliance works to fill in the mouth and create a more youthful appearance. If you are interested in having a new set of dentures made for you and are living in Syosset, Long Island, consider calling us here at Shine Dental so that we can further assist in scheduling an appointment for you. At Shine Dental, we offer an on-site lab, same day service and high-quality dentures that fit comfortably and look completely natural.

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