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For many patients, the use of dental crowns is a viable alternative to having a broken or damaged tooth removed. A dentist may also use a dental crown on a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment, in order to protect it.

With conventional dental crowns, a dentist will require taking an impression of a patient’s existing teeth in order to mold a well-fitting dental crown, but another option for those patients who prefer a quick remedy is CEREC dental crowns.

Normally, dental crowns take two sittings to complete the treatment; the first involves the dentist preparing the tooth by shaving it down to accommodate the crown before an imprint of the patient’s teeth is taken and a temporary crown applied. The second visit involves the dentist applying the custom-molded crown onto the patient’s tooth.

CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, and a CEREC dental crown is a dental reconstruction treatment that can be performed by a dentist in a single sitting, usually around 2 hours.

CEREC dental crowns allow a dentist to quickly restore damaged or broken teeth back to their former appearance without the need for imprints or temporary fixings, and provide a hard-wearing solution. CEREC dental crowns are also constructed from a durable ceramic material that can be matched to the natural color of the patient’s remaining teeth, helping to conceal the fact the patient has had a dental procedure.

The benefits of CEREC dental crowns are numerous, and include:

• The speed of treatment, with a complete treatment being carried out in approximately 2 hours, saving both the patient and the dentist time;
• Foregoes the need for a temporary crown, and so requires only a single visit;
• They are free from metallic substances , which helps with aesthetic appearance;
• The material can also be used for dental fillings, and so look better and are more hardwearing than standard dental fillings;
• They can be colored to blend in with the remainder of the patient’s teeth.

And so for patients who require a quick and easy solution for dental restoration inLong Island, CEREC dental crowns could be the answer. Contact East Hills Dental Associates at 516-484-6600 to schedule your consultation.

Periodontal disease is often the major underlying cause for bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth. Also known as gingivitis, if left untreated by a dentist, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and jaw problems, and can also affect a patient’s general health.

Periodontitis is a chronic bacterial infection which affects a patient’s gums and the bone which supports the teeth. It can affect a single tooth or many teeth.

Gingivitis is often the first sign of periodontal disease and typically characterized by red or swollen gums that are prone to bleeding when brushed. Often caused by poor oral hygiene, gingivitis is often relatively mild and easily treatable by a dentist, along with an improvement in dental hygiene care. Tobacco and alcohol use can often increase the likelihood of a patient developing gingivitis, as can certain medications.

Left untreated, gingivitis can progress into a more serious condition, known as periodontitis. This condition affects the bone supporting the tooth, eroding the jawbone and causing gums to recede. This can lead to the loosening of teeth and eventually the affected teeth may have to be removed altogether.

In addition to sore, bleeding gums, periodontal disease may also show other symptoms, including:

• Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth that doesn’t go away with brushing or use of mouthwash;
• Gaps appearing between teeth, leading to increased sensitivity to heat and cold;
• A change in the way in which teeth fit together while biting, perhaps through a tendency to grind teeth;
• A build-up of pus between the teeth and gums.

If a patient experiences any of these symptoms, a visit to a dentist is recommended in order to begin treatment and prevent further problems later. A dentist will examine the patient’s teeth, and perhaps use x-rays to determine the severity of the periodontitis and its effect on the gums and jawbone.

Treatments for periodontitis vary depending on the severity of the condition. In early stages, treatment may involve a thorough dental cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist and a recommendation for improving oral hygiene at home. However, if the disease is more advanced, the dentist may perform a scale and root planing treatment to remove deep-set bacteria.

To learn more and to schedule your consultation in the Glen Head area, contact the office of Dr. Richard Sousa at 516-484-6600 today.

Pregnancy can have an effect on many aspects of a woman’s life. As well as having an emotional effect, pregnancy can also have a physical effect, and can influence a person’s overall health including their oral health.

A dentist often stresses the importance of a regular dental care routine, and during pregnancy this is no different; in fact, it may be prudent to increase the level of care during the pregnancy, especially if problems begin to occur.

For most women, some changes in their oral behavior may be observed. Gums may bleed more easily and appear inflamed or swollen. These changes are known as ‘pregnancy gingivitis’ and can begin early in the pregnancy term, running through until close to the due date.

Pregnancy gingivitis is a common condition and is often caused by a change in the woman’s hormone level. A dentist will check for signs of periodontal disease, as hormone levels may stimulate the growth of bacteria which cause gingivitis, while the body’s immune system may alter the way it reacts to the bacteria.

Some women may develop ‘pregnancy granuloma’, which is a small lump that grows on the gums. This condition affects only a small percentage of pregnant women, and often occurs during the second trimester. The lump is, however, completely harmless – if a little painful – and disappears soon after the child’s birth.

Increased tooth erosion may occur in women who experience severe morning sickness, and frequent bouts of vomiting can often lead to the erosion of the tooth enamel at the back of the teeth. However, a dentist can advise on protecting the tooth enamel should severity or frequency of vomiting become a cause for concern.

Other oral issues that may occur during pregnancy include dry mouth and excessive saliva production. Dry mouth can be easily treated with plenty of fluids, or sucking on sugarless candies; while excessive saliva is often a short-term complaint and disappears on its own relatively quickly.

Despite these issues, a regular visit to the dentist is perfectly safe, and normal dental treatments can usually be carried out without issue. Major dental surgeries, dental x-rays or reconstructive treatments may have to wait until after childbirth, however. If in doubt, discuss any issues with a dentist, who can advise and reassure.

Contact our experienced team at East Hills Dental Associates, serving Glen Cove and the surrounding areas, for more information.