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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.

The human body is an amazing system of checks and balances. When functioning properly, all parts of the body tend to look good, as well as feel good. Conversely, when functioning improperly, we may notice symptoms such as pain, swelling, and bleeding. It is our job to recognize the signs of poor health, no matter how small, and seek the appropriate treatment from our dentist as soon as possible.

In terms of gum disease or gingivitis, these symptoms are easily recognizable in the early stages. Bleeding is never considered normal in the oral cavity. Bleeding during brushing and flossing, with or without tenderness, is an issue that should be discussed openly with your dentist.

As bleeding gums are an early indicator of gum disease, addressing the issue as soon as possible may be the best way to protect your health. In fact, bleeding is a sign of infection in the body. When the infection can be limited to a small area and treated appropriately, it can be resolved and the body can return to a healthy state. When the infection is not addressed, it becomes chronic and more widespread, posing a risk to your overall health.

From an esthetic standpoint, bleeding gums can be unattractive, as well as project an unpleasant odor. There is typically redness and inflammation to accompany the bleeding. These symptoms may cause the gums to look puffy, swollen, and irregular, negatively impacting your smile.

Generally, where there are signs of infection above the gum line, damage is also occurring below the gum line. As gum infections progress, the underlying bone and connective tissues become involved. Failure to address the infection at this level can lead to bone loss, as well as tooth loss.

Don’t ignore bleeding gums, even in the absence of pain or tenderness. Our dentist has the expertise to treat the earliest stages of gum disease in order to prevent any future risk to your smile or your health. Call the office of Dr. Richard A. Sousa, serving Manhasset, at 516-484-6600 to discuss your treatment options.

For patients who are faced with a decision on how to proceed when told they have a large cavity in a  tooth, there are multiple options to consider. A large filling might weaken the tooth or result in the tooth breaking. A dental crown is certainly an option, but if you’re seeking a resolution that falls somewhere in between those two choices, your dentist might recommend a porcelain inlay or onlay.

For a cavity on the chewing surface of the tooth, a porcelain onlay would be best. For dental decay in between teeth, a porcelain inlay is the appropriate treatment.

What makes porcelain onlays and inlays such a beneficial course of action?

• The aesthetics of porcelain trumps any other material we have today. Porcelain will not fade and is stain resistant. Porcelain is designed to match tooth color making it the choice of many patients who desire the natural look you can obtain versus gold or metal restorations.
• The porcelain onlay is designed to withstand the chewing pressure a tooth sustains during the course of a normal day. Your dentist might recommend composite resin to repair a small cavity, but when faced with a larger restoration, a porcelain onlay offers durability and strength to the treated tooth.
• With porcelain inlays and onlays, your dentist is able to reduce the amount of your natural tooth that must be removed for treatment as compared to a dental composite or crown.

At the onset of treatment your dentist will prepare the tooth and take an impression that will be used to fabricate the restoration. A temporary will be placed on the tooth to protect it until treatment is completed. When placing the onlay or inlay, the restoration is fitted to the tooth. And because it is made of porcelain, there is no possibility of shrinkage as sometimes happens with a traditional filling.

Your dentist will ensure an exact fit and permanently place the restoration. Any adjustments will be made to make sure the margins are correct and your bite is precise.

Taking care of your onlay or inlay requires nothing more than the excellent oral hygiene habits you already practice of flossing daily and brushing twice per day. A visit to our Glen Cove dentist twice per year for a professional cleaning and exam will help ensure your onlay or inlay will serve you well for many years. Call East Hills Dental Associates at 516-484-6600 if you are in need of filling a cavity.

A toothache can be an uncomfortable annoyance or a pulsating, throbbing menace. For some people, the symptoms are very subtle making it difficult to know a root canal is needed until a visit to your dentist makes that determination.

A root canal is a process in which the nerve and pulp contained in the root of the tooth are removed. A tooth can have one to four canals within the roots of the tooth and each one contains the pulp and nerve that will be removed during the endodontic procedure. At the completion of a root canal, the area is completely cleansed and filled with an infection fighting material to aid in the healing process.  The opening is then sealed to prevent further damage or infection, often with a dental crown.

The primary reason for a root canal is to save a tooth that is either severely decayed or infected, but enough of the tooth is salvageable to undergo the process. Once a tooth has matured and erupted through gum tissue, the nerve inside the root of the tooth does not serve any needed specific purpose except to detect hot or cold. So removing the nerve does not impact the value of saving the tooth.

When a tooth gets to a point where a root canal is recommended, it is usually because there is infection present or there is a crack or break in the tooth that is allowing food, beverages or air to reach the nerve causing a zinging sensation.

Before starting a root canal, the dentist will prepare the area by sealing off the tooth with a rubber dam. This is to keep the area dry during the procedure and to prevent any fluids used during the procedure from being swallowed.

Generally the patient is given an anesthetic to “freeze” the area. Depending on which tooth and how many canals are involved, a root canal can be a quick procedure or can take an hour or longer. Keeping the patient comfortable and calm during the procedure allows the dentist to work as quickly as possible.

The dentist wants to make sure all canals are treated because leaving one canal of the tooth untreated can result in root canal failure and the need to retreat.

Root canal therapy allows a patient to keep a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted, so although no one wants to experience a root canal, the value of this treatment to save a tooth is priceless.

If you are in need of a root canal in the Long Island area, please contact the office of Dr. Richard Sousa at 516-484-6600.

TMJ is the abbreviated term for temporomandibular joint. This joint is present on each side of the head just in front of the ear above the jaw. Discomfort in this area can be attributed to many things. But a visit to your dentist can provide a diagnosis as well as the treatment available to bring relief.

TMJ Disorder can cover a wide spectrum of problems, but usually the discomfort attributed to TMJ disorder is due to inflammation of the joint itself. And because we are dealing with a joint, many other issues such as arthritis, breaks or trauma can add to the possible causes and how to treat the problem.

Symptoms can vary widely when discussing TMJ disorder. The temporomandibular joint is surrounded by muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, bones and tissue. Because there are so many working parts that are affected by the motion of these joints, finding one specific cause for discomfort can be a long process.

Earache, headache, neck and shoulder tenderness, chewing difficulties or a popping sound when you open and close your mouth might all be associated with TMJ disorder. So one might ask why you should see your dentist if you’re suffering with a stiff neck or an earache? If TMJ disorder is at the root of your discomfort, your dentist can help you determine the cause and suggest treatment options to resolve the problem.

Bruxism has long been thought of as a primary contributor to TMJ disorder. Bruxism is the term given to the consistent grinding of your teeth or clenching your jaw. For many this is an unconscious habit done during sleep. Quite often stress is the trigger for bruxism and many people catch themselves doing the same thing throughout the day.

Having an uneven bite can lead to issues involving the TMJ. Shifting teeth due to tooth loss or the addition of a new restoration that has not been adjusted properly are possible contributors to jaw discomfort.

One of the first things your dentist will do is a total assessment of your condition. A thorough dental exam testing your bite and reviewing the level of grinding on your teeth will provide clues to your dentist as to the cause of the problem.

Adjusting your bite by leveling the biting surfaces of your teeth is one option your dentist might consider. Or if your dentist feels bruxism is at the base of your TMJ discomfort, a night guard might be suggested which should help to curtail or eliminate the subconscious grinding and clenching done during sleep.

For temporary relief, acetaminophen or any product that reduces inflammation might also be recommended. For more persistent problems, more extensive testing will be done. But the first step toward relief is a visit to East Hills Dental Associates in Roslyn NY for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan. Call 516-484-6600 and schedule your appointment today.

Bruxism, a common dental condition in which patients clench or grind the teeth, can be caused by a wide range of factors. The most common trigger, stress, can be emotional or physical. For some patients, clenching and grinding can be the result of a nervous habit. The condition can also be observed when patients are deep in concentration, completely oblivious to the damage that may be occurring.

Although you may be unaware of the extent of your bruxism habit, discussing your symptoms with Dr. Richard Sousa, your dentist serving Old Westbury, can still be a major step toward the appropriate treatment. According to your specific signs and symptoms, Dr. Sousa may recommend a variety of treatment options, ranging from conservative to surgical. These treatments may be recommended to prevent clenching and grinding from occurring, or to correct any damage that may have occurred as a result of the habit.

For most patients, bruxism happens at night during sleeping hours. Though many patients are not aware that they are clenching or grinding the teeth, waking up with headaches, neck pain, or tenderness in the jaw joint can be a significant clue. Determining whether these symptoms occur every day or once a month can help to determine the treatment method.

A protective mouthguard , known as a biteguard or nightguard, is a common treatment for bruxism. The guard is custom-molded to the shape of the upper or lower teeth and serves multiple purposes. It provides a physically protective barrier that can prevent excessive wear or damage to the teeth. The guard can also be designed to properly position the jaw joint in order to reduce strain and joint damage.

For patients who clench or grind the teeth regularly, the mouthguard may be worn daily. For patients who only occasionally experience bruxism, the guard can be worn as needed. Your dentist may also recommend relaxation or meditation as a preventative measure against clenching and grinding.

Bruxism is a common dental condition that should not be ignored. If you believe that you may be clenching or grinding the teeth, call East Hills Dental Associates at 516-484-6600 and schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms right away.

Choosing a dental restoration that can meet your particular needs can be challenging. Most likely, you desire an attractive, natural-looking restoration that is also strong and comfortable. When you are missing one or more teeth, these criteria become even more important. After all, the tooth replacement that you select will become a part of your daily life.

Dr. Richard Sousa, your dentist serving Brookville NY, is available to help you in selecting the most appropriate solution. In terms of replacing a missing tooth, the more stable, permanent option tends to be the most satisfying choice for most patients.

A fixed bridge is often the recommendation of choice by your dentist as a permanent solution for replacing a missing tooth. The fixed bridge is securely anchored to at least two natural teeth and does not have to be removed for eating, drinking, or routine care. The bridge is suspended slightly above the gumline, depending upon the adjacent teeth for support, rather than resting on the gum tissue.

In comparison to the fixed bridge, the removable bridge or partial must be removed after each meal for proper brushing and flossing. It is not advisable to sleep with the partial in place, and patients are encouraged to remove it each night during the sleeping hours. This recommendation poses a challenge for many patients who may feel self-conscious about being seen without their teeth, even by family members.

The fixed bridge is generally a more conservative tooth replacement solution since it involves only the teeth on either side of the missing teeth. The removable bridge is typically a larger, bulkier option, made of a metal or acrylic base which spans to width of the upper or lower jaw. The removable bridge is also designed to clip or clasp onto multiple teeth on the left and right sides of the mouth, even when used to replace only a single tooth.

Your dentist will be glad to review the risks and benefits of each option in order to provide you with the restoration that is best for your health. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Sousa today to find out which one is right for you.

Whether your beautiful smile is all-natural or you’ve invested in state of the art cosmetic dentistry, there’s a lot riding on your smile. Your confidence, your overall health, and even your finances are directly influenced by the status of your smile.

Dr. Richard Sousa, your dentist serving Manhasset, is dedicated to helping you protect your smile. With proper care and the appropriate use of preventative dentistry, you can expect to enjoy your smile for a lifetime. Gone are the days when adults could expect to lose their teeth to gum disease and cavities. Today, a dental philosophy centered on prevention can help to preserve your teeth for the entire duration of your life.

Essentially, preventative dentistry is the use of minimally invasive dental practices designed to prevent or reduce the risk of various dental diseases. Some of these measures can be implemented as early as the childhood years. The introduction of fluoride, both systemic and topical, can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay in children. Studies have shown that fluoride plays an important role in tooth development as well as remineralizing weakened enamel.

Sealants, a protective coating that seals the grooves and crevices on the biting surfaces of the back teeth, can prevent decay for both children and adults.

Routine dental visits and oral hygiene instructions are also critical components of preventive dentistry. Appropriate patient education, dental x-rays, and periodontal examinations can effectively identify and treat various dental conditions as soon as possible, preventing them from progressing to the point of damage or discomfort.

Mouthguards bite splints, and night guards are useful for protecting your teeth from excessive forces such as clenching or grinding, as well as damage from contact sports like football, basketball, or boxing. These appliances are highly effective for preventing chipped teeth, fractured restorations, and other trauma to the teeth. Reducing these unnecessary forces can also prevent bone loss and gum recession, two irreversible signs of gum disease.

Your dentist cares about your health and is committed to protecting your smile. By providing a variety of preventive procedures, your dentist is able to customize your preventive dental regimen to meet your individual needs.

To discuss the methods of prevention that are best for you, call the office of Dr. Sousa at 516-484-6600 and schedule your next exam.

Would you know what to do in the event of a dental emergency?  First, and foremost, always carry the name and telephone number of your dentist serving Roslyn.  Make sure your dentist has after-hours coverage (many emergencies happen at night or on week-ends).   Secondly, we should define what constitutes an actual emergency.

Breaking a tooth:  Teeth can be knocked out or chipped due to a traumatic event or something as benign as chewing on a piece of ice, candy, popcorn, etc.  If a tooth is knocked out, your next actions are very important and can make the difference between saving or losing your tooth.   Trying to see your dentist within an hour or two is critical.  Rinse the tooth off (do not remove any tissue that may be on the tooth, and try not to touch the root).  If you can replace the tooth back into the socket, hold it in place with a damp cloth.  If you cannot replace the tooth, place the tooth in milk, saliva or warm water, and get to your family dentist immediately.

Chipped tooth:  Trying to determine whether or not your chipped tooth is an emergency or not is a little trickier.  A chipped tooth where there is no pain, swelling or discomfort is probably not an emergency.  However, if a tooth is chipped and there is pain or sensitivity in the chipped tooth, see your dentist immediately because the nerve might be injured.

Lost filling or crown:  Get into your dentist as soon as you can.  But in the meantime, a little sugar free gum can protect that lost filling area.  If you can replace your crown, clean it off first and replace using over the counter dental adhesive until you can see your dentist.

Object caught between teeth:  Gently try to floss the affected area being sure not to cut the gum tissue.  If you can’t remove the object, contact your dentist.

Soft tissue injuries:  Biting your tongue or lip can be very painful.  Apply a cold compress – if the bleeding will not stop, you should not wait to see your dentist – proceed to the emergency room.

Toothache:  Rinse your mouth with warm water.  Gently floss the tender area.  If the pain persists, see your dentist.

Prevention is very important.  A mouth guard can be worn when playing sports to prevent a dental emergency.   Toddlers have a tendency to fall down or bump into things.  Child proofing your house could prevent a traumatic event like a child knocking out a tooth.

To learn more tips and to schedule your next exam, contact East Hills Dental Associates today!