5 Things You Need To Know About Dental Bonding

What is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding or teeth bonding is a type of dental procedure used by dentists to fix chipped or decayed teeth. When a person’s teeth get damaged due to decay, delayed treatment will worsen the condition. Dentists often use dental bonding to close the hole caused by the decay. Also, people with chipped or broken teeth can get dental bonding to fill up the affected part.

There are several dental bonding materials in use today. One of them is the composite resin which is identical to your natural teeth. When used, it will blend in with your actual teeth and make it easier for you to smile or talk comfortably, among others.

5 Things to Know about Dental Bonding

Below are the five things that you should know about dental bonding:

1. Dental Bonding is A Flexible Procedure

Dental bonding is indeed a less-invasive procedure. If you need a quick solution to make your dental appearance look good, you can quickly get a dental bonding before getting a more comprehensive dental treatment later. You can visit our dentist in Huntington to get dental bonding treatment today.

2. Dental Bonding Can Last Long if You Maintain it Properly

Although dental bonding can last long, it still depends on how well you maintain it. Various oral care and habits can either make your dental bonding last long or get worn down in little time. Check out this list of oral traditions that are dangerous to your dental bonding material:

  • The more you bite on hard foods, the more your dental bonding gets weak.
    The extra pressure that you put on your dental bonding material can damage it.
  • The dental bonding material can get stained if you are not extra careful. Beverages like tea, wine, and coffee can stain or discolor your dental bonding material.
  • Bad oral hygiene can reduce the sustainability of your dental bonding materials. To make your dental bonding material last long, you should practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least two times daily, and do not forget to floss once daily.
  • Refusing to get a dental check-up from our dentist can put your dental health at higher risk of developing teeth infections and decay. After getting your teeth bonded, you should visit our dentist for routine dental examinations to be on the safer side.

3. Dental Bonding has Lots Of Benefits

Getting dental bonding treatment goes beyond fixing a dental problem. Dental bonding can be advantageous in other ways. Our dentists at Smile Huntington have listed the following benefits that you can enjoy from teeth bonding:

  • It is conservative. It allows you to maintain your natural teeth. During the treatment, no part of your teeth is cut, chipped, or broken.
  • The dental bonding material is safe to use on dental patients who require dental bonding treatment. Some people are often scared that the material might hurt their health or cause further damage. Well, this is not true because the dental bonding material is biocompatible and authorized for use.
  • It is a procedure that doesn’t require more than one visit. It is painless and comfortable.
  • It can improve your dental appearance and make you look good without showing traces of dental issues.

4. Dental Bonding isn’t Effective On Decayed Or Damaged Teeth That is Intense

Dental bonding works better for mild or moderate teeth damage or decay. The strength of a composite resin dental bonding can’t stand the force at the posterior teeth. Unless you’re using metal, the pressure from the posterior teeth can break the dental bonding material. If you have a large crack, you can consider getting a dental crown from our dentist near you to cover the entire tooth.

5. Dental Bonding by Insurance

Since the procedure is less expensive, most insurance companies do not opt from making the payments. Depending on your insurance company, dental bonding might be a treatment that your insurance company can fully cover, and even if you would need to pay, you might not have to pay so much at all. You can visit your insurance company to know if dental bonding is part of the dental treatments they can cover.

Visit a Nearby Dentist

Are you confused about where to get dental bonding in Huntington, NY? You can call or schedule an appointment with Smile Huntington today!

Essential Information You Must Have about Inlays and Onlays

Are you aware when your teeth sustain damage from decay or injuries, there are remedies available to restore them? You may have heard about getting fillings or dental crowns to fill damages from tooth decay and injuries. However, it is likely you may never have heard about alternatives like dental inlays & onlays are also appropriate to restore teeth.

Generally, fillings help treat minor cavities, while crowns are beneficial when you have significant decay or a more extensive fracture to cover. Unfortunately, you may encounter a situation where a filling is insufficient and a dental crown too much to protect the damages. Dental inlays & Onlays are solutions to our dentist near you who recommends in these tricky situations when providing appropriate treatment to fill the gaps in your teeth. Dental inlays & Onlays are considerably more substantial than fillings but nonintrusive as dental crowns require reshaping of the teeth before restoration.

How Inlays & Onlays are Different from Each Other?

Inlays & Onlays have some differences between them explained hereunder for your understanding.

Inlays help fill cavities and holes in a tooth in the area between the cusps. Onlays, besides filling cavities in these spaces, also function over a larger area, including the thresholds. Onlays are comparable to dental crowns but do not cover the entire tooth’s surface. The materials helping make inlays & Onlays are identical, and the restorations also function similarly. However, they cover different areas of the tooth affected by decay to protect it correctly.

What are Inlays & Onlays in Dentistry?

Inlays are created and fitted on the chewing surface of the tooth damaged by decay or injury. Impressions of your teeth and the affected areas are sent to the dental lab by our dentist in Huntington, NY, for custom-creating your inlay. The inlay fits perfectly within the hollow of the tooth without affecting the cusps.

When taking impressions of your tooth, our dentist matches the color of the tooth as best possible to ensure the inlay is not visible when it is placed in your mouth. Composite material or porcelain helps make the inlay making them more robust and durable than conventional fillings. The customization of the inlay makes it more expensive, but they are also durable. Our Huntington dentist recommends this option when they feel fillings are inappropriate to strengthen the surrounding tooth and the cavity requires more durable materials to fortify it.

Onlays help restore decay and damage to the cusps of the tooth beside the biting surface. Dentists select an onlay when a cavity is extensive to fill with conventional fillings like silver amalgam, or the tooth is prone to cracking due to weakness. An onlay strengthens the tooth besides protecting the decaying area. Unlike inlays, the area covered by Onlays includes the cusps and the space between them.

What is the Procedure for Getting Dental Inlays & Onlays?

If you desire dental inlays & Onlays in Huntington, NY, you must endure the tooth preparation procedure similar to getting fillings. Our dentist drills out the cavity and cleans up the area after providing you with local anesthesia in the mouth. In addition, you receive temporary restorations in the prepared area of your tooth because our dentist takes impressions for the dental laboratory to customize your repair. As a result, a significant portion of your tooth structure is preserved when getting an onlay, unlike with dental crowns requiring extensive tooth structure removal.

Are Dental Inlays & Onlays Better in Functionality?

Several factors determine whether dental inlays & Onlays are better than fillings or crowns. Our Huntington dentist determines an onlay is appropriate if the restoration doesn’t have to be aggressive like a dental crown. The determination ensures the preservation of tooth structure. However, you must deal with our skilled dentist because Onlays are challenging to fit.

Inlays are undoubtedly better than dental fillings and can restore large cavities while remaining durable. Inlays strengthen the tooth and are not prone to problems like silver amalgam fillings vulnerable to expansion or contract due to temperature. Inlays significantly strengthen the tooth, helping it endure 75 percent more additional chewing forces than it could before the restoration. Unfortunately, inlays & Onlays both require multiple visits to our dentist’s office, unlike fillings completed in one visit. Inlays and Onlays are also expensive, cost nearly $1200 per tooth, and are covered by dental insurers. Therefore if our Huntington dentist recommends these restorations for your teeth, welcome the suggestion because it provides a durable alternative to fillings and crowns.

Conclusion

If you are searching for Inlays & Onlays in Huntington, NY, you can schedule an appointment with Smile Huntington for hassle-free dental care services.

Fluoride Treatment to Fight Cavity and Strengthen Tooth Enamel

Are you at a high risk of developing dental cavities and are forever concerned about how you can avoid them? Perhaps you have never heard about how a natural mineral fluoride helps build durable teeth to prevent cavities from developing. Your tooth enamel receives help from fluoride to battle against the bacteria in your mouth harmful to your teeth and gums.

What is Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride treatment is particularly beneficial for you as you are at a higher risk of developing dental cavities. Tooth decay occurs when you allow bacteria to build upon your teeth and gums by neglecting or ignoring proper dental hygiene to form a sticky layer called plaque. Acids are produced by plaque to erode your teeth and gum tissue. When the plaque drills the enamel layer, the microorganisms infect and harm the nerves and connective blood tissue at the tooth’s center. However, as you don’t know how fluoride treatments can help, it will be beneficial to see our dentist near you and inquire about how this treatment can help strengthen your tooth enamel to prevent cavities from developing.

How Much Fluoride Will You Need?

Your discussion with our dentist near you will reveal that professional fluoride treatments from dentists are recommended by the American Dental Association every three, six, or 12 months based on your oral health. In addition, our dentist recommends or prescribes a special fluoride rinse or gel for at-home use if you are at a higher risk of dental cavities.

If you are an excessive drug or alcohol user, have eating disorders, maintain poor oral hygiene, do not visit our dentist for exams and cleanings, and have weakened enamel, you can consider yourself a candidate for professional fluoride treatments at the recommended time intervals. As an adult, you require 1.5 to 4 milligrams of fluoride every day. If our dentist recommends, you can get the fluoride intake you need from water, food, and supplements. Alternatively, you can schedule six-monthly dental appointments with our dentist for cleanings and exams when you also receive fluoride treatments after dental prophylaxis.

How Beneficial is Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride therapies perform by renovating minerals to tooth surfaces where bacteria have corroded the enamel. The treatment also inhibits the development of harmful bacteria to prevent cavities further. Please do not assume fluoride treatment, will remove decay by itself. However, the treatment ensures it creates a more robust outer surface to your teeth to ensure pollution doesn’t penetrate the deeper parts of your tooth.

Fluoride is beneficial to both adults and children. The earlier children are presented with fluoride, the less likely they developing cavities.

Is Fluoride Treatment Stressful?

Our dentist in Huntington provides fluoride treatments in highly concentrated rinses, varnish, gel, or foam. Application of the treatment proceeds with a swab, brush, tray, or mouthwash. Our dentist’s fluoride treatments contain more fluoride than is available in water or toothpaste. The treatment requires a few minutes to complete before the stressful part begins.

Our dentist recommends you avoid eating or drinking anything for the next 30 minutes after the application to ensure your teeth entirely absorb the fluoride. Beyond the 30 minutes of stress, you must endure, you can proceed with your regular activities soon after the treatment.

Fluoride treatments aren’t likely to cause any stress even financially because they are affordable and cost around $10 or $30 for adults. However, fluoride treatments for children are covered by dental insurance companies. Therefore you don’t have to worry about any dental anxiety when scheduling your appointment for fluoride treatments to prevent a recurring problem from occurring in your mouth.

How Else Can You Prevent Cavities?

Brushing your teeth twice daily is optimal to remove dental plaque from your teeth and gums. Flossing at least once a day or using an interdental cleaner also helps reach tooth surfaces challenging to reach with a toothbrush.

Brushing your teeth is vital because of the friction and movement it causes. You can brush your teeth using water but favoring a toothpaste containing fluoride and other cleaning ingredients significantly enhances the benefits of brushing.

You must aim to get the fluoride you need topically from toothpaste or fluoride treatments from our dentist. If you live in an area where fluoridated water is available, you can benefit from drinking the water. However, the ADA recommends you get fluoride both topically and systemically to confirm fluoride toothpaste is essential even if you drink fluoridated water frequently.

Visit a Dentist Near You

If you are looking for Fluoride Treatment in Huntington, NY, you can book an appointment with Smile Huntington for you and your family.

Best Teeth Whitening Methods for a Brighter Smile

What is Teeth Whitening?

Just as the name suggests, teeth whitening is the process of making your teeth brighter, mostly through bleaching treatments. It cannot make teeth snow-white but it can actually help improve the color by several shades. Teeth staining and discoloration are inevitable and are caused by foods and drinks, smoking, and the natural aging process. While the shade or color of your teeth is not always a reason for concern, it has been shown that it can affect your confidence levels. Many people, therefore, get teeth whitening in Huntington, NY just to feel good about themselves.

A study conducted in 2015 by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry reported that Teeth Whitening is the most sought-after cosmetic dental procedure. The procedure is an effective and safe way to improve your smile, only if the right technique is applied. Using the wrong method could lead to serious and permanent damage such as tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, brittle and weak teeth, etching teeth, and even loss of productive enamel.

Different Teeth Whitening Methods

You can either choose to have your teeth whitened with our professional dentist or at home using DIY kits and over-the-counter products. While it is possible to safely whiten your teeth at home, we always recommend in-office treatment from our cosmetic dentist near you.

Home-Based Teeth Whitening Methods

  • If you choose to whiten teeth at home, keep in mind that it is all upon you to determine the safety of the technique being used. While it is possible to use research as a guide on what to do, you lack the expertise to determine what works best for your teeth.
  • Common DIY teeth whitening remedies include the use of baking soda, activated charcoal, lemon, and wood ash. Dentists however discourage patients from using these products. An ingredient like lemon has a pH of 2.2, which is highly acidic and causes corrosion of the enamel.
  • Most people think that since home whitening remedies use natural ingredients, they are completely safe. This however not the case. Just because something is good and safe for one use does not mean it will be safe for another different use.
  • An alternative to the DIY methods is the use of OTC whitening treatments. These are bought at the store without a prescription. They include whitening toothpaste, rinses, and whitening strips. These are generally safer than DIY remedies and can help brighten teeth by one or two shades.
  • Since they are for general use, they contain low concentrations of the whitening ingredients and thus may not deliver the results you are after.

Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments

This is the most recommended way for you to whiten your teeth. The procedure is performed under the supervision of our teeth bleaching dentist or hygienist to ensure safety.

There are three options when it comes to professional treatments which include in-office bleaching, custom-trays whitening, and a combination of both in-office bleaching and at-home custom whitening trays:

In-office Bleaching

In-office bleaching is known to deliver the quickest results. It may take one or more appointments to complete but this will depend on your specific needs. A highly concentrated whitening agent is applied to the teeth and left to sit for 15 to 30 minutes before being removed. In-office teeth bleaching treatments include chairside bleaching which uses a syringe to apply the bleaching agent. Then there is the use of the bleaching agent alongside high-intensity lights like LED, UV, or halogen which are applied using a special lamp or a laser device.

Custom-trays Whitening

Another professional option is the use of custom whitening trays. Using an impression of your teeth, our dentist in Huntington prepares for you a set of custom trays to take home. You will then be provided with a bleaching agent such as carbamide peroxide in form of a gel to place in the trays before wearing them. You will be required to use the trays and gel for a couple of hours every day for a few weeks to gain results.

Combination of in-office bleaching and custom whitening trays

In some cases, our dentist may suggest that you get both in-office treatments and still get the custom trays to use at home.

Conclusion

While professional teeth whitening promises to be effective at brightening your smile. It is not short of risks and side effects. At Smile Huntington, our team is well trained and experienced to ensure you get the best results from your teeth bleaching treatment. You can book an appointment with us here for your teeth whitening treatment.

How Affordable and Painless Dental Bonding Helps Restore Your Smile

Your teeth are naturally robust, and most of them help you chew, smile, and even open packages for the better part of your life. What contributes to the durability of your teeth? The tooth enamel is the most vital part of your body, contributing to the durability of your teeth.

Do not for a moment think chipping or breaking a tooth is challenging because it is easier than you think. You don’t have to endure a punch in the face or even become involved in accidents. You can crack your tooth when biting down on ice cubes or having any hard foods and even during childbirth. If you clench and grind your teeth or have acidic foods that erode your enamel, chipping or cracking a tooth becomes easier.

If your smile is affected by chipped or cracked teeth, our dentist near you can help by providing dental bonding to prevent them from further damage. Are you aware of what dental bonding is? Please continue reading to learn more about this procedure.

What Is Cosmetic Dental Bonding?

Cosmetic dental bonding is a procedure to repair chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. Bonding also helps with gaps between your teeth. If you want to lengthen a tooth shorter than the rest, dental bonding is the perfect solution for you. The composite resin helps bond your tooth to make it appear like it has suffered no damage. The color of the bonding material is similar to your natural teeth and makes your smile appear natural.

Perhaps to make you wonder why you must choose dental bonding to hide a small chip. If you are concerned merely about your smile and not your oral health, fixing chips and cracks in your teeth is also crucial. The bonding helps you chew correctly and prevents additional damage that may threaten the health of the neighboring teeth.

Are You Suitable for the Dental Bonding Procedure?

Understanding whether you are suitable for the dental bonding procedure requires a visit to our dentist in Huntington, NY. If your teeth are affected by minor injuries and not by severe decay, you can consider yourself suitable for dental bonding. However, if you have lost a tooth or your tooth is severely damaged dental implants are a better option for your needs. Dental bonding works best if you are already happy with the color of your teeth.

If you consider whitening your teeth, it helps if you get the whitening before you request dental bonding in Huntington to bond your teeth. It enables our dentist to select a color similar to your natural teeth. However, if you decide to get your teeth bonded and then whiten your teeth, the bonded tooth will appear different because the teeth whitening procedure only works on natural enamel, leaving the composite resin untouched.

What Does Dental Bonding Entail?

Dental bonding is a quick procedure requiring merely one visit to our Huntington dentist. You need no anesthesia unless you want to have teeth filled, or our dentist must change the shape of your tooth dramatically. You might receive anesthesia if you chipped a tooth near the nerve because the dental work may bump it, making it painful.

Our dentist starts the procedure using a shade guide to ensure they choose a composite resin color closely matching the color of your natural teeth. After that, our dentist creates a rough surface on your tooth by applying an etching solution making it easier for the bonding material to adhere to the tooth. Finally, the dentist adds the bonding material to the area and molds it to repair the damages. Ultraviolet light helps harden the bonding material.

If you think the bonding is not correct the first time around, our dentist can reshape the tooth after hardening the resin.

How Affordable Is Dental Bonding?

When compared to dental veneers, dental bonding is perhaps the most affordable cosmetic dental procedure. While you are expected to pay around $1700 per tooth per veneer, dental bonding merely costs $300-$600 per tooth, and the process is accomplished in one visit to our dentist’s office.

Caring for Your Bonded Teeth

The composite resin material used to bond your teeth is not as robust as your natural teeth. Therefore, it would help if you refrained from habits like chewing on ice cubes, pens and pencils, fingernails, and trying to open packages with your teeth. In addition, dental bonding is not stain-resistant like veneers. Therefore, unless you limit having pigmented foods and beverages, you will likely experience long-term discoloration without any solution to whiten your bonded teeth.

Visit a Teeth Bonding Dentist Near You

If you don’t want to invest a considerable sum in cosmetic dental procedures but want to repair your chipped and cracked teeth, dental bonding is an affordable and painless procedure you cannot overlook. Set an appointment with Smile Huntington. We also serve nearby areas like Huntington Country Club, Huntington Station, Halesite, Oakwood Road, & Park Ave.

Dental Implants: Their Uses, Types, and Benefits

The procedure, known as Dental implant surgery, offers a welcome alternative to dentures or bridgework, which doesn’t fit well and offers an option when a lack of natural teeth roots doesn’t allow building dentures or bridgework tooth replacements.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots that provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match natural teeth.

Losing one or more teeth often makes people too self-conscious or self-aware to smile or talk confidently. These can lead to the development of poor eating habits as food becomes difficult to chew. It often eventually leads to secondary health problems. Hence, dental implants provide individuals with cosmetic advantages and a complete restoration option for missing teeth.

Types of Dental Implants

There are three common types of dental implants in Huntington, NY. These are Endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic.

Endosteal is the safest and most common, followed by subperiosteal, with zygomatic being the last and most complex making it rarely used.

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are the commonest dental implant used. While suited for most patients, they instead require a sound and healthy jawbone for the post to fuse. They are placeholder posts that are shaped like screws. They are put into the jaw that the false teeth are fitted onto. After the procedure is done, it takes a little time to heal, requiring it to fuse and create a stronghold. Once it’s healed, the false teeth can be placed onto the post to fit in with the surrounding teeth.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are the main alternative to Endosteal Implants. Here, instead of being fixed into the jawbone, subperiosteal implants rest on top of the bone but are still under the gum. A metal frame is placed under the gum with a post attached to it. The gum then heals around the frame to hold it in place. The false teeth are secured to the poles that come from the gum. This procedure is only used if the patient doesn’t have enough jawbone for an implant to be placed or if the person in question doesn’t want to go through intensive oral surgery to add bone to the area.

Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants are the least common type of dental implant available. It is the most complicated procedure and should only be done if there isn’t enough jawbone for the Endosteal implant. The implant is placed in the patient’s cheekbone rather than the jawbone.

What Are The Advantages Of Dental Implants?

Advantages of dental implants are numerous, and some include:

  • Improved Appearance: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, and because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
  • Improved Oral Health: Dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
  • More Straightforward Eating Process: Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain, unlike sliding dentures which can make chewing difficult.
  • Improved Self-esteem: Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
  • Improved Speech: Dental implants allow you to speak without worrying that teeth might slip because with poor-fitting dentures instead, the teeth can slip within the mouth, causing you to mumble or slur your words.
  • Comfortability: Implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures, as they have a permanent feel.
  • Durability: Implants are very durable and will last many years, and even with reasonable care, many implants can last a lifetime.
  • Convenience: Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.

Success And Safety Of Dental Implants

Dental implant success rates vary, and this depends on where in the jaw the implants are placed. However, in general, dental implants can have a success rate of up to 98%.

Visit a Cosmetic Dentist Near You

Finding a dentist near you is no longer a complicated thing, or getting dental implants in Huntington. We have a dedicated team of dentists in Huntington, NY, who are ready to attend to you and give you the best dental implant treatment possible and are guaranteed to last a lifetime. Call us now to book an appointment with our dentist near you at Smile Huntington. Our dentist also caters to patients residing in Huntington, Delaware Street, Leslie Lane, Hill Place, Clearview Street, Sterling Court, Grandview Street, Carley Avenue, Overlook Drive, and nearby communities.

Types of Dental Bridges in Dentistry

Thanks to technology and innovation, modern dentistry provides a variety of oral appliances for dental care treatments and procedures. Not only that but for each dental appliance, versatility is achieved, with different options for patients to select for their treatment. This is the case with dental bridges.

Instead of relying on one type of dental bridge, you have options to choose from for your restorative dental procedure, depending on your needs and personal preferences.

What Are Dental Bridges?

They are dental appliances used in restorative dentistry to replace missing teeth. Dental bridges are made of an artificial replacement tooth and supporting features to hold the artificial tooth in place. The artificial tooth is often referred to as an abutment or a pontic.

The unique thing about dental bridges is that they are used to replace few missing teeth. They are not suited for multiple dental replacements as is the case with dentures. In fact, for you to get oral bridges, our Huntington dentist near you must ascertain that you are not missing more than two teeth in a row. The reason is that dental bridges rely on the support of the adjacent teeth to work effectively.

Common Types of Dental Bridges

Even though the types of dental bridges are not very much different from each other, they provide the needed versatility. The types of dental bridges include the following:

Traditional Bridges

They are the most common types of bridges installed by dentists. They feature an abutment and two dental crowns. The replacement tooth is sandwiched between two dental crowns for ample support. They, therefore, make the strongest type of dental bridge, suitable for the replacement of the back teeth. For them to work, however, you need to have your adjacent teeth intact on both sides of the missing tooth, where the dental crowns are placed.

Cantilever Bridges

They are a little different from traditional dental bridges. They feature a replacement tooth and one dental crown. This means that you do not need two adjacent teeth to support the bridge. While they are still sturdy and effective, they are not as strong as traditional bridges.

Maryland Bonded Bridges

They are also known as resin-bonded bridges, these bridges are very different from other types. They do not use dental crowns for support. Instead, these bridges rely on a metal framework and porcelain to support teeth. A pontic is placed in the location of the lost tooth, with porcelain wings on both sides. The wings are fixed on the adjacent teeth. This method, like with traditional bridges, requires that you have two adjacent teeth to support the bridge.

However, it is a more conservative technique compared to traditional bridges, as our dentist in Huntington NY, would not have to trim and reshape the adjacent healthy teeth to install the oral bridge. They are mostly used for replacing the front teeth, since they may not be strong enough for back teeth replacement.

Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

These are dental bridges that rely on dental implants for support. Ideally, before a dental bridge is placed in your mouth, a dental implant procedure is performed. Ideally, an implant is placed in your jawbone for every missing tooth. In some cases, patients have many missing teeth, which would make it illogical to place an implant for each lost tooth.

In that case, a pontic will be used in some of the areas where an implant was not installed. When implants are used to support a dental bridge, it provides the sturdiest type of dental bridge. Besides, the results are more permanent and long-lasting. However, the procedure may take several weeks or months before the treatment is complete since a surgical process is necessary.

Which Type Is the Best?

When it comes to choosing the best type of bridge for your treatment, it boils down to the underlying needs you have, and your preferences. When you have several missing teeth, for instance, implant-supported bridges would be best for you. Consider the following aspects:

  • The number of teeth you need to replace
  • The location of the lost teeth – will dictate the level of sturdiness you need for the replacement procedure.

Conclusion

The type of procedure you are willing to withstand – some procedures are more invasive than others. We also welcome patients from nearby communities like Huntington, Jackson Ave, Orchard PL, Platt pl, and Irwin place. Call or book your appointment with us today!

Different Types of TMJ Treatments

Dentists do more than care about the health of your teeth. There are different components in the oral cavity, all of which matter in the sustenance of good oral health. One dental region that many people overlook in their oral health is the jawbone. Strong as it is, your jawbone can sometimes need treatment.

What is TMJ?

It is an oral disorder that meddles with the functionality of the jawbone. It features distress of the joint and connective tissue that connects your skull to your jawbone. The joint is called the temporomandibular joint, which is where the name of the condition comes from. The disorder of this joint, therefore, goes by the acronym TMJ or TMD.

TMJ is not a very common dental disorder, even though there are a number of patients who need TMJ treatment in Huntington Station. Most of the cases of TMJ resolve on their own within a few days, freeing people of the need to seek dental treatment. However, some cases of TMJ are very severe and require the immediate attention of a dentist near you.

TMJ is one of those dental issues that affect the jawbone and the connective tissues thereof. While. Mild. TMJ may not be as concerning to you, some severe cases of this condition can lead to dental emergencies.

How to Know You Have TMJ

Since it is not a very common dental problem, many patients are not aware of the condition until they get a dental exam from our dentist in Huntington, NY. Some of the symptoms that can indicate TMJ include:

  • Pain when eating – experiencing pain every time you chew your food can be a symptom of many oral problems, including TMJ.
  • Cranking noises when you move your mouth – the joint allows for the movement of your upper and lower jaw. When there is a dysfunction thereof, you will hear weird sounds every time you try to move your mouth.
  • Pain and swelling in other areas of your body – even though this condition is specific to the jawbone and the connecting tissues thereof, it causes other problems to your body. Usually, you may experience migraine headaches, neck pain, and swelling of your eyes and cheeks, to mention a few. Unfortunately, you may not be able to relate such symptoms with TMJ, unless with proper diagnosis by our TMD dentist near you.
  • Jaw lock – it is the one symptom that distinctively indicates TMJ. It is when your upper and lower jaw is stuck in the open mouth position. This mostly happens when you yawn or laugh loudly. It can make it very difficult to close your mouth, unless with the help of a dental expert.

Different Treatment Options For TMJ

Depending on how severe your condition is, any of the following treatments may be prescribed by a dentist near you:

Oral Appliance

Our dentist in Huntington, NY, may recommend wearing a mouthpiece that will help with your treatment. Having that one of the main causes of TMJ is excessive teeth grinding, a mouthguard can help control the disease. The mouthguard is designed based on the impressions of your mouth. It then helps create a barrier for your upper and lower jaw, so that your teeth do not rub on each other when you sleep.

Lifestyle Adjustments

This mainly includes making changes in your sleeping habits. Whichever side of your jawbone hurts needs ample rest to alleviate the pressure and tension thereof. Therefore, our dentist may recommend changing sleeping positions, so that the affected side of your jawbone does not get more pressure when you are sleeping.

Over-the-counter Pain Medication

The medication should be prescribed by our dentist. It can help alleviate your pain and discomfort. This is often a treatment alternative for mild TMJ that usually resolves by itself after a couple of days. The medication you get can also help reduce any swelling in your face and reduce other associated symptoms like migraine headaches.

Surgery

Sometimes invasive measures are necessary to correctly treat your disorder. The surgery allows your oral surgeon to correct the position of the disc in the joint that is misplaced and causing the malfunctioning of the temporomandibular joint. Surgery is only performed for the complex cases of TMJ that cannot be treated by other treatment options.

Schedule a Consultation

Still confused about the types of TMJ treatment? Call us now at Smile Huntington and book a consultation with our dentist near you. We also cater to patients residing in Huntington, Huntington Station, Cold Spring Harbor, Old Hickory Lane, Hill Place, Overdale Court, Sundown Ct, Hildreth Avenue, and nearby communities.

Successful TMJ Treatment Depends on Judgment and Careful Diagnosis

The TMJ joint functions like a sliding hinge and connects your jawbone to your skull. Each side of your jaw has one TMJ joint. If you are affected by a TMJ disorder, you experience pain in your jaw joint and the jaw movement muscles.

The precise reasons for TMJ disorders are challenging to determine because the pain you experience could be from various factors like jaw injuries, arthritis, or genetics. Teeth clenching and grinding are also contributors to TMJ disorders, although many people habitually grinding and clenching their teeth are now affected by TMJ disorders.

Self-care and non-surgical treatments often prove beneficial for relieving the pain you experience from TMJ disorders. You can seek treatment from our dentist in Huntington if you experience persistent pain and tenderness in your jaw or if you experience challenges opening and closing your jaw entirely. Our dentist in Huntington Station, a TMJ specialist, will discuss the possible causes and treatments for the condition.

How Can You Manage TMJ Disorders Yourself?

When you begin experiencing TMJ disorders, you likely will have pain or tenderness in your jaw and discomfort in one or both jaw joints. You may confront challenges when chewing with aching facial pain bothering you. Opening and closing your mouth may seem challenging because of the locking of the jaw joint.

Earlier in the 70s and 80s, dentists and physicians thought the joint needs fixing to eliminate the pain. The practitioners put various reasons forward for the pain you experienced, including malocclusion and bruxism. The treatments offered back then were aggressive and frequently unnecessary.

Fortunately, thinking about TMJ disorders have changed since the late 90s, and practitioners are not eagerly pointing out malocclusion or a faulty TMJ joint as a reason for the condition. Currently, more attention is paid to sorting out various sources of the jaw and facial pain. Dentists now focus on treating various dental problems, including migraine headaches and bruxism arising from anxiety and stress.

Experts think it is best to simultaneously tackle various problems because the pain from TMJ disorders may have unrelated sources. Therefore trying to manage TMJ pain yourself without help from the dentist near you is challenging to leave you grappling in the dark instead of finding relief from the discomfort.

What Can You Expect from the Dentist Near You?

When you visit our dentist for TMJ treatment, you can expect our dentist to touch the area near the joint examining to see if it’s tender. You are asked to move your jaw to determine which motion produces painful conditions.

If you have difficulties moving your jaw up and down but not when moving it side-by-side, it is an indication of muscle pain without any issues with the temporomandibular joint. The TMJ joint could be the cause of the discomfort if both movements are causing pain.

TMJ disorders require additional diagnostic detection because many reasons are attributed to facial and jaw pain. No lab tests are available to diagnose TMJ disorders besides taking x-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans.

You can help our dentist identify the exact causes of the TMJ disorder by providing your entire history and a comprehensive description of your symptoms. You must try explaining to our dentist when the symptoms started and were associated with anything else, besides providing an entire list of all medical problems you experience.

What Precisely is TMJ Treatment?

TMJ treatment in Huntington Station is often non-aggressive because the pain is comfortably treated with a combination of hot or cold packs and anti-inflammatory medicines. Our dentist recommends you strengthen your jaw muscles or stretch them out.

Besides advising non-aggressive treatments for TMJ disorders, our Huntington dentist may recommend a soft firm device to wear over the teeth as a low-cost conservative treatment against TMJ disorders. However, if the TMJ disorder is a long-standing problem with you, along with teeth grinding and clenching, you are recommended a hard sprint right away.

You may receive recommendations for chronic pain conditions from tricyclic antidepressants in low doses or, as a last resort arthrocentesis, to remove excess synovial fluid from the joint.

In most cases, TMJ disorders disappear by themselves without treatment. However, if you need a remedy for persistent pain and discomfort, you can always contact our Huntington Station dentist adopting low-cost conservative treatments to relieve the pain you experience.

Consult to a Dentist Near You

Call us now to book an appointment with our dentist near you and learn more about TMJ treatment. We also cater to patients residing in Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington, Halesite, Laurel Hollow, Holdsworth Drive, Caribou Court, Southcrest Court, and the surrounding communities.

Cosmetic Injections 101: All You Need to Know

Our skin elasticity reduces as we age and start to fold and form lines and wrinkles. Other factors like over-exposure to UV light speed up the aging process. The UV light breaks down the collagen and elastin fibers that are found in the deep layers of the skin. Without collagen and supporting tissues, the skin will lose strength and flexibility. This causes sagging and the premature formation of wrinkles. Smoking and repeated facial expressions also accelerate the process of wrinkling.

While you may not have control over the aging process, you can reduce the wrinkles and smoothen your face with cosmetic injections. Before you visit our doctor or dentist near you for your cosmetic procedure, here is some information:

What are Cosmetic Injections?

Cosmetic injections are substances that are injected into the face to reduce the lines and wrinkles. Botox and dermal fillers are the two available injections used to improve your skin appearance.

1. Botox

Botox is an injection that can reduce the wrinkles in the skin.

It is a protein made from Botulinum toxin that is produced by the Clostridium botulinum. The component used in Botox is a toxin that can paralyze the muscle. But, our dentist near you, will use small doses to reduce wrinkles and lines.

Botox is also approved by the FDA as a treatment for various health issues like excessive sweating and eyelid spasms.

Our dentist or doctor will inject a very thin needle into the affected muscles to soften the facial lines. The injections improve the frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines, and lines in your throat or neck.

2. Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers are substances with a gel-like consistency that are injected into the skin. These fillers address several issues like deep under-eye circles, smoothening lip lines, lifting cheekbones, and rejuvenation of the hands.

Dermal fillers are substances that are either synthetic or natural. These substances are available in different types such as:

  • Hyaluronic acid is the most commonly used filler. It is found in some fluids and tissues in the body and it adds plumpness to the skin.
  • Calcium hydroxylapatite is found in bones
  • Polylactic acid stimulates the production of collagen.

Each of these fillers is used in different stages and signs of aging. They also differ when it comes to how they work and how long they last. Some of these fillers can last for six months and others for up to two years.

Who Can Do Cosmetic Injections?

Getting Botox or Dermal fillers from unlicensed clinics or medical practitioners increases your risk of getting botched. Cosmetic injections should be done by licensed and experienced dentists, doctors, or nurses. You need to check the licensing of the clinic before you go for your treatment.

While we are still in the eligibility criteria, you need to be of legal age to have cosmetic injections done. Botox and dermal fillers are also recommended for people who have wrinkles and facial lines.

Do Cosmetic Injections Hurt?

Our dentist in Main St. Huntington is trained and skilled and therefore the injection is quick. Also, the needles are fine and small and do not cause discomfort. However, you will feel a slight pinprick sensation, and can be a bit uncomfortable rather than painful.

How Long Do Cosmetic Injections Last?

The duration of the treatment will depend on the type of injection you get. Botox, on average, can last for three to four months, but some people can last for four to six months. Also, remember if it is your first time, you may notice that the Botox may not last as long as the second treatment.

Are Cosmetic Injections Safe?

Botox and dermal fillers are safe when used in the correct dosage. After the treatment, you may notice skin redness and swelling around the treated area. You may also experience minor bruising and mild headaches, but this clears after a while. It is important to avoid alcohol or strenuous activities for 24 hours following the treatment.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Smile Huntington clinic for more information on cosmetic injections, how they work, and the expected side effects. Our dentist at Smile Huntington also caters to patients from Huntington Station, Lloyd Harbor, Cold Spring Harbor, and surrounding communities. Call us now to book an appointment with our expert dentist near you.

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