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What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite that is bonded over teeth to correct dental problems. They are tooth-colored. Dental veneers are mostly used in cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of smiles with aligned teeth. Even so, dentists can utilize them to boost protective features that prevent further treatment.

Porcelain veneers resist stains and reflect light like natural teeth in contrast to composite resin-made veneers.

Should I Get Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are handy in solving most cosmetic issues. You should consult a dentist near you for the installation of veneers to solve the following:

• A damaged enamel- teeth enamel can get worn over time as a result of wear and tear
• Abnormally spaced teeth that widen with age
• Pointed, misaligned, and uneven teeth that make chewing difficult
• Discolored teeth- stubborn stains from root canal treatment, smoking, taking coffee or particular medication, and genetic conditions may require further intervention apart from whitening.
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Tiny teeth

What Are The Benefits of Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers have the following advantages:

• Long-lasting qualities. They have a lifespan of up to ten years.
• A natural tooth appearance
• Stain resistance
• Extreme shaping is not necessary, as in the case of crowns.
• Gums don’t react to porcelain.
• They can be color customized.

Dental Veneers Procedure

The procedure is often completed in three visits in six weeks. Before the process, the dentist will schedule a consultation to determine your dental problem’s appropriate solution. You should note that veneers are not compatible with decayed or weakened teeth hence the importance of this step. During this session, your dentist will first consider less invasive options that don’t require removing part of the teeth. If they conclude, that veneers are the best option; your input on the design process will be essential. Share your preferred choice of shape and color to achieve your expectations.

The preparation procedure is essential. It entails a discussion of how many veneers will be placed and preliminary procedures that may include:

• X- rays to check on your tooth decay and gum disease
• Installation of braces for crooked teeth

During the actual placement, our dentist near you, will trim down and shape your tooth to get an accurate veneer size. They will get rid of the enamel using a grinding tool and then take an impression of your teeth. This imprint is sent to the lab for the formation of your veneers. The creation of the mold takes two weeks.

The next step is to have the veneers placed. Your dentist will analyze their properties to ensure that they are a perfect fit for you. They will then clean your teeth to remove any bacteria that might get trapped. Grinding the teeth surface to achieve a rough exterior comes next. This activity will make sure the veneer attaches to the tooth.

A bonding agent is then applied to cement the two together permanently. The adhesion will be strengthened by the immediate use of ultraviolet light to harden the material. Finally, the dentist will remove the excess resin, inspect its functionality, and make any needed adjustments.

The recovery period is often short. The dentist might schedule a follow-up visit.

Dental Veneers Aftercare

Dental veneer doesn’t require special treatment. It is advisable to follow proper dental hygiene by:

• Brushing and flossing your teeth
• Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash
• Minimizing stain-inducing drinks

To maximize their longevity, take the following precautions:

• Invest in a retainer to prevent chipping if you are prone to clenching and grinding teeth
• Avoid chewing with your front teeth or chewing on hard objects like ice
• Wear mouthguards while playing sports
• Don’t use your teeth to open any wrappers

What Are the Risks of Dental Veneers?

Some disadvantages of veneers are:

• Irreversibility
• Inability to be repaired if they crack
• Sensitivity to cold or hot food since the enamel is removed
• Once attached they cannot be whitened
• Teeth decay is still a possibility
• They cost more than composite bonding

Visit Your Nearby Dentist

Do you need a dental veneers in Huntington, NY? Visit Smile, Huntington. We are devoted to fulfilling your dental needs. The Dentist at Huntington is well-trained to provide efficient treatment. Our dentist in main st Huntington will utilize their expertise to serve you. Book an appointment today and consult our top-rated dentist near you in Huntington, Lloyd Harbor, Cold Spring Harbor, and the surrounding communities.

Do you have anxiety over a dental extraction procedure? Tooth removal aids in maintaining your oral health. Severely decayed teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, or infected or crowded teeth may require an extraction procedure. If your dentist in Huntington, NY, recommends you to have dental braces, some of your teeth may be extracted to provide room for dental prosthetics. An organ transplant may compel your dentist to remove your tooth which may compromise your health.

Your Huntington dentist administers anesthesia before a dental extraction to relieve your anxiety and alleviate pain during the highly invasive procedure. Visible and loose teeth require a simple procedure but impacted and painful teeth may require an extensive surgical procedure.

Why a Dental Extraction Procedure is Performed?

Your oral surgeon may extract your teeth due to various reasons, including:

• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Severely decayed teeth
• Periodontal infections
• Severely damaged a tooth beyond repair due to traumatic injuries
• Dental abscess
• Preparation for a dental prosthesis
• Crowded teeth
• Falling primary teeth for your child

Types of Tooth Extraction Procedure and Which one is Ideal for You?

A simple or surgical extraction may be performed depending on whether your tooth is impacted or visible. During a Surgical extraction, local and intravenous anesthesia may be administered to keep you relaxed. Our Huntington dentist may use general anesthesia based on your medical history. Your specialist will cut your gum and make an incision. The bone around your impacted tooth may be removed before the extraction process.

A simple extraction procedure involves using local anesthesia to numb the area around your tooth, to alleviate pain during tooth removal. A specialized tool is used to loosen your tooth, and forceps are used to pull out the tooth.

Dental Extraction Procedure

During your appointment, our dentist in Huntington, NY, takes an X-ray of your affected tooth to evaluate the tooth’s root. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the tissues surrounding the tooth that’s to be extracted, and your tooth may be removed in portions. If your tooth is beneath your gum line, gum tissues or bone obstructing the tooth may be removed. You are likely to experience cracking of your bone or grinding of teeth.

After tooth removal, stitches, and additional procedures to control your bleeding are performed. The stitches dissolve within a week, and you don’t need to make a dental visit for their removal. Our dentist in Huntington may place thick gauze over your extraction site to absorb blood and enhance clotting. The healing process takes effect immediately after the completion of the procedure.

Recommended Tips to Ensure Proper Healing and Recovery

At Smile Huntington, we recommend you to follow the measures below in enhancing quick recovery after dental extraction:

• Eat soft foods since hard foods may hurt the surgical site.
• Keep your toothbrush away from the healing site while brushing your teeth. You can soften your toothbrush with hot water before you clean your mouth.
• Avoid taking alcohol and smoking, which may weaken the healing process.
• Bite down on gauze to ensure blood clotting in case your surgical site is bleeding
• Rinse your mouth with salty water after 24 hours. Rinsing your mouth earlier may lead to bleeding.

It’s important to brush your teeth carefully after your surgery to ensure no food debris is trapped at the extraction site. You need to consult your dental hygienist on the ideal ways to clean your teeth without dislodging the newly formed blood clot on your tooth socket.

When to Call Your Dental Specialist

You are likely to experience discomfort as your anesthesia wears off, but the pain fades away gradually. The extraction site may swell and bleed. However, if your bleeding is severe, it’s ideal to seek immediate medical treatment. You also need to call our dentist in Huntington, NY, if you experience the following:

• Chest pains. Shortness of breath and severe nausea
• Excessive discharge of residual matter from the surgical site, swelling, and redness
• Signs of infection including high fever

Healing takes about two weeks, and new gum tissue and bone develop into the left gap. Missing a tooth may cause the adjacent teeth to shift towards the left gap, which leads to biting complications. It’s essential to consult your specialist on the ideal restorative dental procedures for your missing teeth. Dental implants, dentures, braces, or a fixed dental bridge may be ideal for replacing your missing teeth. It would be best to undergo a dental extraction procedure if you have painful impacted wisdom teeth, or severely decayed or infected teeth.

If You feel that you are the right candidate for a tooth extraction procedure, call us now to schedule a consultation with our dentist near you at Smile Huntington. We also offer services to the patients living in Huntington Station, Cold Spring Harbor, Greenlawn, and nearby communities.

There is a lot of information out there about a root canal, and unfortunately some of it is misleading. Over the years, several myths have been raised and this has contributed to the stigma forming around the procedure. At Smile Huntington, our dentists are committed to breaking the stigma by ensuring patients get correct and updated information, not just about root canals, but for all dental procedures. It is important for patients to understand that dental treatments are in their best interest and there is really nothing to worry about as long as all precautions are observed.

Root canal therapy is a procedure used to treat an infected root canal. It involves completely clearing out the root canal to get rid of the inflamed or infected pulp. The canal is the hollow section inside of a tooth that consists of the nerves, blood vessels, and other connective tissues that are collectively referred to as the pulp.

The role of the pulp is to nourish the tooth through the blood vessels and sense temperature changes with the help of the nerves. However, once a tooth has completely matured, it can survive without the pulp as opposed to having an infected pulp that can cause irreversible damage such as tooth loss. During the treatment, expect our Huntington dentist to clean, disinfect, fill and seal the canal.

Common Myths About Root Canal Treatment

Here are some common myths about root canal treatment:

1. It Hurts

It is widely assumed that the procedure is painful, but the truth is that it actually relieves you from pain caused by having an inflamed and infected pulp. In fact, the pain from a diseased pulp is what makes most people visit their nearest dentist in such for relief. Before the procedure begins, an anesthetic will be administered to make the process comfortable and painless.

The idea that root canal treatment is painful is completely inaccurate and mostly spread by people that are yet to receive the treatment or those that experienced it decades ago. Modern dentistry through anesthetics and improved tools has enabled the treatment to be quick, painless, and yet effective. Some patients report feeling some discomfort after the procedure such as inflammation but this is effectively handled with anti-inflammatory and pain medications to help with the recovery.

2. Requires Several Dental Appointments

The advancements in technology have made it possible to complete a root canal in just a single appointment. However, depending on the complexity of your case, it can take a maximum of 3 dental appointments to complete a root canal therapy. Issues such as the number of roots affected and the nature of the canal can affect the treatment time.

3. Can Trigger Other Illnesses

There is no evidence that supports the idea that people that have undergone root canals are at higher risk of developing certain illnesses than people who have never had the procedure. if anything, root canal treatment promotes good oral health by getting rid of bacteria from the infected part of the mouth and striving to prevent re-infection. Our dentists in Main St, Huntington advises patients that the procedure is meant to fight off illness and infection, and not cause it.

4. Tooth Extraction is a Better Alternative

This is entirely false, as saving your tooth in any situation is always the best option. Losing a tooth puts you at risk of other complications, especially if no effort is made to replace it. So, rather than extract a tooth and then go through the process of replacing it, our dentist insists that you save your tooth whenever it is possible. There is no tooth-replacement solution that matches up with your natural teeth.

5. Only Performed When a Tooth Hurt

According to our emergency dentists in Huntington, most patients that come in reporting a persistent toothache often end up in need of root canal therapy. This however does not mean that a root canal is not necessary if your tooth does not hurt. Your pulp could still be infected but not at the stage to cause pain. This is why it is important to go for routine dental visits so that problems are spotted even before they start to show any symptoms.

Visit Your Nearby Dentist

For any more questions you may have concerning root canal treatment, book an appointment with us today for a personalized consultation with our qualified team. Our team of dental professional also welcome patients from the nearby communities like Huntington Station, Cold Spring Harbor, and Greenlawn.

Thanks to the enamel, human teeth are strong and durable. These properties have made it possible for them to perform their task through most parts of our lives. Despite their strength, it’s far easier for them to chip than you had thought. More so, you don’t have to get punched in your face or get hit by an at-ball for your tooth to crack. This is something that can happen as a result of chewing on ice cubes or opening a glass bottle. The chances of chipping a tooth are higher in persons struggling with bruxism, tooth decay, or abnormal acid amounts that damage the enamel.

Dental bonding helps in the restoration of a chipped tooth-saving it from any more damage. Read along to find out more about this procedure and decide whether it is the right move or not for you to take.

Tooth Bonding Defined

Dental bonding or tooth bonding is a cosmetic procedure performed by Huntington dentist and any other qualified dentist to repair a broken, cracked, or otherwise a chipped tooth. This dental procedure also helps to:

• Restore decayed teeth
• Make teeth look a bit shorter than the rest look longer
• Alter a tooth’s shape
• Close the gaps between teeth
• Protect a part of your tooth’s root when exposed due to gum recession
• Improve the look of a discolored tooth

Fixing the cracks and chips in your teeth is important because it promotes good oral health, which also leads to better general body health. Furthermore, it restores your chewing abilities and helps prevent any further occurrence of dental damages that threaten the health state of the remaining teeth. If you ever reconsider this option, you can see our dentist in Huntington station for professional guidance, evaluation, and placement procedures.

Please note that bonding materials do not respond to whitening products. When you bleach your teeth with your bonds in place, it is only the enamel that will become lighter. So, if you also wanted your teeth to be whitened, it is advisable to first start with the bleaching procedures before the teeth bonding exercise because your bond’s color is not going to change.

The Tooth Bonding Procedure

Bonding is a procedure that can be done in one dental visit but this will depend on the number of teeth you want to have the bonding procedure done on. During the procedure, anesthesia is rarely used unless in special circumstances like where a dental practitioner needs to change a tooth’s shape dramatically or when the chipping has occurred too close to the tooth’s nerve.

The first step of tooth bonding in Smile Huntington dental clinic involves the color selection of the composite resin that closely matches your tooth’s color. To make sure that the choice made is correct, a chart with different color shades will be used for comparison.

What follows next is tooth preparation, where our dentist will make the surface of the teeth to receive the bonding rough before any bonding agent is applied. The purpose of roughening your teeth’s surface is to make it a bit easier for the composite material and liquid to stick. The dental professional will then apply, mold, and smoothen the resin to repair your teeth’s damages. A visible bright light that is blue in color is used to harden the bonding materials.

The Longevity of Dental Bonding

The durability and longevity of teeth bonding vary from one person to another. To stretch their durability up to maximum, dental-bonding recipients are advised to care for their teeth in ways that are recommended by the flossing and brushing guidelines handed out by their oral care provider. As long as you give your gums and teeth the care they deserve, be sure that your teeth bonding will last for a period of not less than five years.

Aside from oral hygiene practices, persons who have had their teeth bonded are supposed to avoid:

• Biting fingernails
• Chewing ice
• Hard candy
• Opening packages with the help of teeth
• Foods and drinks that stain natural teeth as well as those that affect the bonding plastic’s color. Examples of such items include tobacco, wine, tea, and coffee.

Dental experts recommend visiting a dental office as early as possible if your bonding material ever falls off to lower the chances of getting an infection.

Visit a Dental Clinic Near You

If you want to learn more about the dental bonding procedure in detail, get in touch with our dentist near you at Smile Huntington. Call us right away to book a consultation with our expert professionals. Our dental team also caters to patients residing in nearby communities.

If you have missing teeth, you’ll agree they can be a nuisance. Not only do they damage your smile and confidence, but will also impair your dental structure. This is because the surrounding teeth shift to the available spaces and weaken the teeth and the structure. Fortunately, we have several dental restoration treatments that can restore your teeth’ function among them are the dental implants.

1. What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are metal posts that are usually made of titanium and are surgically fixed on the jaw bone. The implants are made of three parts; a screw, an abutment, and a dental crown.

Compared to other restorative dental treatments, dental implants help to protect the jaw structure. This is because they tend to fuse to the bone. Other benefits include improved dental appearance, self-confidence, oral health, and speech.

2. What Are The Available Dental Implant Options?

Several dental implant options are available that you can choose based on your dental health, bone density, and the number of teeth missing. Some of the implants options include:

• Endosteal Implants: These are the conventional dental implants used to restore one or multiple teeth individually. These implants are fixed on the jaw bone.
• Subperiosteal Implants: These implants are similar to the endosteal, but they are fixed above the jaw bone, but underneath the gums.
• 3i Dental Implants: These are corn-shaped screws that are fixed similarly to the rest of the implants. But, the one advantage of these implants is that you do not need a bone graft to increase your bone density.
• All-on-4 Implants: These implants are great if you have multiple teeth. They also do not require a bone graft as they are fixed on the available bone. Our dentist in Huntington will fix two implants on both jaws to anchor the dentures or bridges.

3. How Are the Dental Implants Fixed?

Dental implants in Huntington are fixed in two dental visits, but the process is done in different phases:

Step 1: Preparation and Mapping of the Treatment Procedure

Before our dentist in Huntington, NY, fixes the dental implants, a thorough dental assessment is done. Using modern dental tools such as x-rays, the dentist will examine the teeth, gums, and bone density.

It is important to inform the dentist of your medical and medication history.

At this stage, the dentist will discuss the treatment plan. The course of treatment will depend on your dental health.

Step 2: Fixing Dental Implants

At Smile Huntington we offer the 3i dental implants, which are fixed similarly to the rest of the implants. The dentist will drill the jaw bone to fix the implants. The bone and implant need to fuse for the artificial teeth to be supported well. With 3i dental implants, the fusing process is faster compared to conventional implants. This is because they contain calcium phosphate. The other implants are sprayed with the compound instead.

The abutment is fixed 10 to 12 weeks after the procedure is done, and the gums have healed completely. A dental impression is then taken to mold the permanent crowns.

Step 3: Placement of the Crowns

The dentist will remove the temporary crowns and replace them with permanent ones. These crowns are screwed in place.

4. What Should You Expect After Treatment?

After the teeth implants are fixed, you may experience swelling of the gums, pain in the area of the implant, and injury of the surrounding soft tissues. These dental problems clear after some time, but the dentist may prescribe pain relievers.

5. Can Dental Implants Fail?

Rarely do the dental implants in Huntington fail, because they have a high success rate. However, there is a five percent possibility that the implants can fail because of several causes such as:

• Nerve damage around the implant area
• Pain and swelling
• Infection of the surgical area
• Rejection of the implant. If the bone and implant do not fuse properly, the body may end up rejecting the implant.

Take Away

The dental implants are durable and can last to more than two decades. Visit Smile Huntington for more information about dental implants. Book an appointment now.

Teeth bonding can dramatically change the appearance of your stained teeth. The bonus part is that you do not need to make multiple appointments. Furthermore, the process does not require artistic skills to accomplish the desired appearance.

Make sure you choose a certified dentist before choosing dental bonding. Asking for before and after pictures of other bonding, patients can give you a hint of the previous work done by the expert.

How Dental Bonding Works?

The dental bonding procedure involves preparing the tooth surface with a thorough cleaning. It is then followed by priming it with etch and bond. After that, composite material is added. Our dentist in Huntington will match the color of the material to the desired teeth color.

Dental Bonding Vs Porcelain Veneers

If veneers appear to be costly for you, dental bonding is a great option. It is less permanent, offers an excellent appearance, and comes at a fraction of the veneers’ cost. On the other hand, veneers are non-reversible. But you can apply composite bonding to any clean tooth and adjust it easily by a dentist.

Is Dental Bonding Not Good For Your Teeth?

No. Dental bonding is used in cosmetic dentistry to re-contour or reshape teeth. Bonded teeth do not cause any harm to your teeth. So it’s worth trying from a skilled dentist near you. It just requires excellent oral hygiene and healthy gums to make it work well.

Can You Have Teeth Whitening for Your Bonded Teeth?

No. Dental bonding does not whiten the bonded teeth like that of dental crowns and veneers. It’s best to bleach your teeth before opting for the bonding procedure.

Advantages of Dental Bonding

Below are the perks of dental bonding:

1. Need Just One Visit

Dental bonding needs only one office visit and does not require the use of a dental lab. Thus, if you have a shortage of time, you can get a new smile without waiting for weeks or months.

2. Affordable

The average dental bonding is from $300 to $600 per tooth. It is also less expensive than veneers. The whole process gets completed in 30 to 60 minutes per tooth.

3. Last Long

Dental bonding also lasts for a long time. The longevity depends on how well you take care of them after the treatment. Good oral hygiene habits let you prevent cavities and preserve your bonded teeth. Bonding usually lasts for 3 to 7 years.

4. Ease

Anesthesia is not required for bonding. It is being used to fill a decayed tooth. In comparison to crowns and veneers, it needs less enamel removal.

5. Safe

Dental bonding uses a composite material that is completely safe. It means you do not need to concern about the deadly chemicals entering your body. Since dental bonding material bonds to your teeth, it creates a good seal. This prevents the re-entering of bacteria and prevents infection in the filling area.

6. Improve Your Look

Dental bonding is 100% natural and comes in many shades. You can pick an ideal shade to blend with the remaining teeth. Moreover, it is a preferred option for fixing chipped, decayed, gapped, and broken teeth.

Caring for Bonded Teeth

Dental bonding is prone to staining and chipping. That is why it is also vital to take care of your bonded teeth because it will help you to maintain a gorgeous smile for years to come. Below are the best maintenance tips on how to care for dental bonding:

• Brush and floss daily
• Quit smoking and tobacco products
• Cut down the use of tea, coffee, bright-colored candies, sports drinks, and red wine
• Do not chew hard objects or bite your nails
• Avoid the use of drinks and foods that can quickly stain your bonded teeth
• Get dental checks every six months
• In case you find any sharp edges to bonding, call our dentist Huntington NY right away

Dental bonding enhances your smile and helps you to repair teeth staining, chipping, and fluorosis. It also does not involve the elimination of tooth surfaces in comparison to veneers and crowns. Not just the composite material is effective and natural material.

Visit a Tooth Bonding Dentist Near You

Get dental bonding at Smile Huntington to improve your teeth imperfections. Our experienced dentist in Main ST Huntington strives hard to achieve the desired results. Moreover, the procedure is painless and quick. Are you ready to transform your smile? Call us or book an appointment with us today!

Oral cancer can be described as the uncontrolled growth of cells in the mouth. This type of cancer occurs as a sore in the mouth, which doesn’t go away. Oral cancer is a collective term referring to cancers of the cheek, lips, floor of the mouth, and tongue. If not diagnosed, early treating oral cancer is hard.

Oral cancer is quite different from other common types of cancer since its symptoms do not show in the early stages. The only way to identify oral cancer in its early stages is through screening. You can get affordable oral cancer screening services at Smile Huntington.

What Are The Signs of Oral Cancer

Even though oral cancer does not present any clear symptoms in its early stages, there are some signs that may indicate a problem. If you have any of these signs, we advise you to visit our dentists in Huntington, NY, for oral cancer screening. With cancer, the sooner you take action, the higher chances of treating it.

• Persistent Swelling and sores in the mouth, neck, and face that last for more than two weeks
• Unexplained ear pains
• Constant and unexplained oral bleeding
• Problem speaking, chewing, and swallowing
• Persistent sore throat

Why Do You Need Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screening is an examination done to identify any signs of oral cancer. The main reason why oral cancer screening is done is to detect cancer in its early stages to increase the chances of curing it. Oral cancer screening is quick, and it will only take a few minutes, unlike screening for other types of cancer.

Our dentists in main st huntington recommend that you go for oral cancer screening at least twice a year. We can perform an oral cancer screening when you come in for your routine exam or cleaning. Once our dentists suspect oral cancer biopsy will be carried out.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

These factors increase the risk of developing oral cancer.

Tobacco

Tobacco use has been linked to many types of cancer, including oral. All types of tobacco, including chewing tobacco, cigarettes, and cigars, are discouraged. Using tobacco for a long time puts you at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. Continued use of tobacco after successful oral treatment could also increase the risk of developing oral cancer again.

Previous Cancer

People who previously had oral or any type of cancer are also at a higher risk of developing oral cancer again. It is advisable that you quit smoking and drinking if you previously had cancer.

Alcohol

Alcohol also is a serious risk factor for oral cancer. Higher consumption of alcohol will put you at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. There is an even higher risk if you use both tobacco and alcohol.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

This is a group of many different types of related viruses. Most of these viruses are sexually transmitted. They are known to infect both male and female sexual organs. In the case of oral sex, these viruses will infect both the mouth and the throat.

Oral Cancer Screening May Call for Additional Tests

Not all sores in your mouth are cancerous. The only problem is that screening can’t identify cancerous from non-cancerous ones. Our dentist in main St Hunting will recommend a biopsy if he finds any unusual sore.

Preparing For Oral Cancer Screening

Unlike screening for other types of cancer, oral cancer screening doesn’t require much preparation. Our dentist will check inside your mouth for any mouth sores or white patches. Our dentist will also check for lumps by feeling the tissues in your mouthing using his hand.

Other Additional Tests You Should Expect

Our dentists may use other special tests besides the normal oral screening. These additional tests will involve the following.

Use of Oral Cancer Screening Light

Here a special light that when shined in your mouth will make diseased tissue appear white while healthy tissues appear dark is used.

Use of Oral Cancer Screening Dye

Our dentists will rinse your mouth with an oral cancer screening dye before the examination. Abnormal tissues will appear blue upon taking up the dye.

Consult a Dentist Near You

At Smile Huntington, we have a team of certified and qualified dentists in Huntington Beach. Our other friendly staff will make your experience memorable. Call or book an appointment with our dentist near you for oral cancer screening.

The temporomandibular joint is found in both cheeks, in front of the ears, and it facilitates the movement of the lower jaw. Without this jaw, speaking, chewing, and yawning will not be possible. Any damage to the TMJ can cause pain and discomfort, and the inability to use the jaw as intended.

TMJ disorder is common, affecting more women aged 20 and 40 years than men. The cause of TMD is not known, but it is believed to be caused by several factors such as jaw injury, arthritis, and genetics.

TMJ pain is temporary and can be managed at home with remedies, However, if you have severe pain and are unable to open the jaw, other therapies such as surgery may be used to rectify the underlying problem.

What is TMJ?

TMD and TMJ are used interchangeably, but they are in different terms. TMJ is the joint connecting the jaw and the skull, allowing you to speak, chew, and swallow. TMD is a musculoskeletal disorder affecting this joint and the surrounding muscles, causing pain and discomfort.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is not a single disorder, but a combination of the conditions that cause inflammation and myofascial pain. TMD is classified into three categories based on the severity of the pain.

• Arthritis which is an inflammation of the TMJ
• Myofascial pain
• Dislocated and displaced joint pain

What Are the TMJ Causes and Symptoms?

Various factors can trigger TMJ, such as:

• Bruxism. Excessive grinding and clenching of teeth occur when you are asleep. Although how bruxism affects the TMJ is debatable by dentists’, several reports say that it causes jaw pain and discomfort.
• Anxiety, stress, anger, and depression increase jaw activity and clenching, which causes pain.
• Hormone imbalance is also linked to TMJ pain. Some studies suggest that a low level of estrogen is related to TMD.
• The other causes of TMJ syndrome include trauma to the jaw, wrong bite or jaw position, arthritis, stress, and other physiological factors.

Symptoms of TMJ/TMD

Sometimes you may have a clicking sound in the jaw when you open and close it. Also, spasms, dysfunction, pain, and tenderness may develop in the muscles that help chew.

Patients with TMJ syndrome may complain about ear pain, pain in the jaw muscle, cheek pain, jaw locking, difficulty in opening the mouth thoroughly, head, and neck pain.

Treatment Options for TMJ/TMD

TMJ pain is temporary at times, and it is mild meaning they can clear with home remedies. However, for severe pain, the dentist may recommend other treatments.

TMJ is similar to musculoskeletal disorders, and therefore the treatment is the same, and they include:

1. Medication:

Some of the medications used include muscle relaxants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation. Antidepressants can also be prescribed if stress is a contributing factor.

2. Therapy:

Physical therapies can be a treatment option also for people having TMJ pain. Exercises and stretching help to ease the pain and get the jaw moving. Muscle massages relieve the tension and relax the muscle.

Acupuncture uses hair-thin needles that ease muscle tension. TENS and biofeedback are also therapies that the dentist can use in severe cases. Talk to our dentist about the use of biofeedback for muscle relaxation.

3. Lifestyle and Home Remedies:

Hot moisture is an excellent remedy for sore jaw. The heat helps to relax the muscles and ease swelling. Oral splints and mouthguards are also used for severe jaw pain. These devices help to maintain the proper alignment of the jaw.

They also help prevent clenching and grinding of the teeth.

The oral splints are useful; however, they are used as temporary treatments as they may disfigure the jaw.

Eating soft foods, resting the muscles and joints, avoiding chewing gum, and not grinding teeth is essential in maintaining joint health.

4. Surgery:

Jaw surgery is the last resort when all these treatments fail. Several surgical procedures can be used, and the dentist will advise on the suitable one.

Take Away

If you are experiencing TMJ pain, book an appointment with our dentist in main St. Huntington, and we will take care of you with TMJ treatment in Dentist Huntington, NY.

What Are Dental Crowns?

The tooth can be divided into two parts which are the root and the crown. People with healthy bones and gums will have the root of the tooth covered by gums and bone. The crown is the visible part of the tooth that is above the gum line on the lower teeth and below the gum line for the upper teeth. A bonded restoration that completely or partially covers the exterior of the tooth is referred to as a dental crown or cap.

When are Dental Crowns Necessary?

There are a variety of reasons when a dental crown will become a necessity because a tooth may need restoration. The reasons are varied and will depend upon why dental crowns are being recommended rather than other restorative options. The dentist near you may recommend a dental crown for cosmetic reasons while another dentist may recommend them merely to protect your tooth from further damage. The most common reasons why the dentist in Huntington, NY, is recommending dental crowns are for the following:

Large Fillings

A tooth with large cavities or fractures involving half the width of the tooth will require restoration with a crown. The reason for this is that the remaining tooth around the filling would be weak and become prone to fractures. At times large fillings in the mouth need to be replaced with a dental crown because the tooth is displaying signs of stress and cracks around the filling.

Root Canal Treatments

Root Canal treatments often leave the tooth hollowed out and fragile leaving it prone to cracking. Therefore a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment must be restored with a crown to inhibit fracturing.

Cracked Tooth

At times patients have fractures within the tooth causing pain when chewing in a particular way. The chewing stresses the fracture giving the feeling that it could be splitting apart. In such cases, a crown can hold the tooth together to redistribute the stress and eliminate the pain in most instances. In such situations, it is suggested that a temporary crown should be left on the tooth for some time to ensure it can eliminate the pain and the tooth does not require a root canal.

Undesirable Appearance of the Teeth

Many people have teeth that do not appear great because of discoloration, gaps between the teeth, and shape. Dental crowns can make such teeth appear natural and beautiful.

Apart from the above instances, dental crowns can also be used on dental implants or when spaces left behind by missing teeth need to be filled with dental bridges that are made from crowns sitting on the teeth neighboring the spaces and attached to the false teeth in the middle.

What Type of Dental Crowns Are Available on the Market?

Crowns are fabricated from gold alloy, stainless steel, all-porcelain or ceramic, zirconia, composite resin, or porcelain fused to metal. New technology is permitting the dentist in Huntington Station, NY to provide ceramic crowns to patients by using CAD/CAM technology and milling the crowns in the dental office to eliminate the need for a temporary crown which in most cases becomes a requirement because all dentists have not invested in the technology available with Smile Huntington. People, therefore, must choose carefully between traditional and same-day crowns because differences in the prices exist and the same-day variety is more expensive than the rest.

The Procedure for Getting a Dental Crown

Local anesthesia will be administered by the dentist to patients that need a dental crown. Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment or are fractured will need to be filled to restore enough of the tooth to hold a crown. Thereafter the tooth is trimmed to make space for the crown and an impression is taken of the prepared tooth to having the crown fabricated in a dental laboratory. The dentist will determine the shade of the patient’s teeth using a color guide to help the laboratory fabricate crowns that will match the patient’s teeth. Patients will be provided with a temporary crown as protection for the trimmed-down tooth.

Patients must return to the dentist for a second visit after a few weeks when the permanent crown will be ready. The tooth will be numbed again to remove the temporary crown and to place the permanent crown and inspect it for the bite, fit, and smooth margins. After the dentist performs any necessary adjustments the permanent crown will be bonded in place with dental cement.

Dental crowns are an effective restoration procedure that can provide your teeth with strength and functionality if they have been affected by any problems as discussed above. They can also be used for cosmetic purposes if your teeth do not have a pleasing appearance. The reason why you need them will depend upon your unique situation with the guarantee that they can improve the appearance of the tooth or even provide the strength and functionality the tooth needs.

Visit a Dentist Near You

Are you looking for dental crowns in Huntington, NY? Call us or book an appointment with Smile Huntington today!

Dr. Epakchi and the team at Smile Huntington are passionate about helping their community. They recently donated some of their PPE (personal protective equipment) to a local charity: PPE for Hospitals in Need!

Siblings Kameron and Roya Ipektchi started their fundraiser because they know dental offices have been force to operate on very limited hours during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because these offices won’t be seeing as many patients at this time, many have extra PPE supplies on hand. The Ipektchis are seeking to redistribute those supplies to local hospitals who do not have enough, and to raise money to purchase additional supplies. You can find their fundraiser page here: PPE for Hospitals in Need