You can replace your missing teeth with dental implants. They attach to your gums and jawbones seamlessly.

If you have lost your teeth because of an injury or a disease, this is the ideal solution since it is a permanent, natural-looking, and long-lasting replacement method. It also allows you to chew your favorite hard or crunchy foods again. Additionally, since they are artificial tooth roots, they can be paired with bridges and crowns to restore your smile.

Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider this option to replace your missing teeth.

7 Benefits of Dental Implants

You can get a lot of benefits from dental implants. Here are a few:

  1. You can get them to restore a tooth’s natural look. With them, you can now smile without feeling self-conscious. 
  2. Your mouth will feel comfortable because they are molded into a natural shape. They won’t cause any discomfort to the inside of your cheeks. 
  3. Your speech will improve, and you will be able to pronounce your words clearly again without a lisp as well as to speak at any volume that you like. 
  4. Your teeth won’t wobble when you chew or crack if you bite hard on something. Your jaw will be restored to its natural strength and shape with titanium implants. 
  5. Your oral health risks will be reduced since empty spaces between your teeth will no longer compromise the health of your gums. 
  6. You will come to think of them as the best solution to your chewing problems. All other options available for replacing missing teeth, including the most expensive dentures, come with risks, costs, and discomfort. 
  7. You will not have to chew on just one side of your mouth to compensate for the missing tooth that you had before you replaced it with a dental implant. A dental implant provides stable and permanent support when eating a meal. They help you maintain a healthy mouth and improve the structure of your full set of teeth.

Improve Your Oral Health Today with Dental Implants

You can improve your oral health by having dental implants. A titanium implant can be inserted under the gums, in the jaw, or in a hard palate. If you have gum disease, tooth loss, or a facial injury that has caused bone loss, you might be a suitable candidate for a dental implant.

Get a Consultation Today

Island Dental Associates is a professional dental practice in Franklin Square committed to providing exemplary service in a healthy environment. We have earned the trust of Long Island residents for more than 27 years. Our goal is to provide dental care that is convenient, affordable, comfortable, and pain-free. As a full-service dental practice, we help our patients restore their beautiful smiles. We provide our patients with complete family dentistry, ranging from teeth whitening to dental implants. To schedule an appointment, call us at 516.271.0781 or visit us online at Island Dental Associates. We are located at Franklin Square, NY 11010.

People who have lost teeth because of disease, injury, or wear and tear can benefit from getting dental implants. This surgical procedure inserts a titanium screw into a bone to hold an artificial tooth in place. They are affordable and can last a lifetime.

Missing teeth can cause speech impediments, difficulty chewing, chronic pain, and gum infections. Fortunately, dental implants are a durable, natural-looking, and attractive way to replace one or more teeth. You can smile again with confidence with this permanent solution.

The Best Age for Dental Implants

Most people do not realize that dental implants are not only for older people. Although there is no upper age limit, there is a lower one. The best age to get dental implants is when you have a fully developed jaw. You can’t have dental implants when you’re under the age of 18 since your bones are still growing. Your jaw must fully develop before receiving this type of surgery.

Choosing the Best Dental Implants

There are two primary types of implants: implant-supported crowns and implant-supported bridges.

Implant-supported crowns are the most common type of dental implant. Because they hold a permanent bond with the surrounding tooth structure, they are sometimes called “bonded” or “fixed” crowns. Fixed crowns are also sometimes referred to as fixed bridges. Usually, they are made from porcelain or ceramic materials, but some can also be made from metal alloys.

Implant-supported bridges are another option. They are also known as fixed bridges, but unlike implant-supported crowns, they have more options, such as metal, porcelain, and enamel-colored materials.

Are Dental Implants Better than Dentures?

Many patients wonder whether they should get dentures instead of implants. Despite the widely advertised benefits of dentures and their impressive cost, they are not a better option. Dental implants offer more benefits than dentures, making them a popular alternative.

A dental implant is placed in the jawbone with a titanium screw that has roots in the bone. It holds firmly in place because it is encased in a layer of bone. Dental implants are more effective than dentures because they have roots in the jawbone. Since dentures do not have an attachment to the jaw, they can wobble when you chew on anything hard or crunchy.

Why You Should Choose a Dental Implant

Dental implants are a long-term solution that can improve your oral health. Besides restoring your smile and raising your self-esteem, they will also improve your overall health since you can eat all kinds of healthy, natural foods, like apples and pears, or nuts and seeds.

Schedule a Consultation

Island Dental Associates is a Long Island-based dental office that believes in creating smiles that last a lifetime. We offer a variety of dental services, such as general and cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, and orthodontics. We also offer dental implants and crowns to replace missing teeth. Our team of dentists and dental assistants at Island Dental Associates are ready to provide you and your family with the highest quality of dental care. Call 516.271.0781 to make an appointment. Online appointment scheduling is also available. Our dental practice is at Franklin Square, NY 11010.

When you indulge in sweet treats during the holiday season, it is particularly crucial that you practice regular oral care routines. This will prevent a variety of dental problems.

The sugar content in many holiday treats will make you more susceptible to tooth decay. However, if you take care of your teeth and gums now rather than after the holiday season, you can prevent any oral health issues in the coming year.

While caring for your teeth during the holiday season may seem like a cumbersome task when you’re just out to have some fun with family and friends, it is essential to practice some self-discipline. An overabundance of sweet foods and beverages during the holiday season can trigger plenty of dental problems.

To avoid tooth decay and gum disease, here are 3 tips for keeping up with your oral hygiene routines so that you can enjoy a happy, healthy holiday season.

1. Make an appointment with your dentist.

Practicing proper oral hygiene is the most effective way to protect your health. By visiting your dentist, you will not only protect your teeth, but also prevent foul breath, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Everyone should receive regular professional dental cleanings to remove the plaque that builds up on teeth over time. Plaque causes periodontal disease, which is an infection of the soft and hard tissues that support your teeth. This disease causes inflammation and can lead to tooth loss, pain in the mouth, and difficulty eating crunchy food.

Since dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar from causing cavities, they are an integral part of living a healthy life and one of the leading defenses against swollen, bleeding, and painful gum disease.

2. After eating, lower your risk of tooth decay.

Whenever you eat something sweet or sticky, the sugar from these foods will cling to your teeth and put you at risk for tooth decay and cavities. You can prevent all this from happening by brushing your teeth after eating candy or chocolates. If you can’t brush your teeth because you’re at a party, rinse your mouth with plenty of water.

Brushing, of course, is always the most effective option, but there is one more way to remove tooth-decaying sugars and acids from your teeth—eat your confectionery with a balanced meal to lower your risk of tooth decay. Here is why this simple strategy can prevent tooth decay: Eating a regular meal will activate your salivary glands. Since your saliva, will quickly neutralize acids, this will prevent harmful bacteria from harming your teeth.

3. Reduce your risk of chipping, cracking, or breaking your teeth.

Keeping your teeth healthy starts with eating the right candy. You should eat lighter candies that are softer, such as marshmallows or jelly beans. Avoid hard, crunchy candies like lollipops, popcorn balls, sticky caramels, and sugar-coated nuts.

Request a Consultation

Our team at Island Dental Associates believes a healthy and beautiful smile is the foundation of a happy and successful life in Long Island, NY. We have dedicated ourselves to providing personalized dental care to meet the needs of each individual patient. Visit us online at Island Dental Associates or call us at 516.565.6565 to schedule an appointment. We are located at 639 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, NY 11010.

Despite taking practical steps to prevent dental emergencies, from practicing proper oral hygiene to visiting your dentist for regular checkups, you may sometimes need to see a dentist for additional dental work.

You should see a dentist if you get any warning dental signs. Some may be minor, others signal you’re on the threshold of an emergency. If you ignore a serious warning, your condition could deteriorate quickly.

Since it’s never obvious whether you’re dealing with a minor or severe issue, here are five signs that you should never ignore, hoping the jaw, tooth, or gum problem will go away on its own.

You Get a Toothache

Toothaches are always distressing. Don’t wait for the pain to become unmanageable before you contact a dentist. The longer you wait, the more likely it will get worse.

There are several types of pain that can accompany a toothache, from intense pressure to throbbing. Do not waste your time trying out different home remedies as the pain may be coming from an abscessed root canal or an infected tooth.

Your Gums Bleed After Your Brush Your Teeth

Bleeding gums can be a sign of periodontal disease, an infection that attacks the tissues supporting your teeth. The bacteria from your gums can travel to the bone and infect it, leading to painful gums.

While there are different treatments, one of the most effective methods is deep cleaning, a treatment in which a dentist or hygienist removes tartar and plaque from all gum surfaces of the mouth.

Your Jaw Hurts

Consult a dentist if you are experiencing discomfort, pain, or if you feel your jaw is not working properly. While there are many potential causes of jaw pain, most can be treated by a dental professional.

One reason for jaw pain is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMJ. This condition affects the muscles and joints of the jaw. It is caused by many things, but the most common is stress in the jaw muscles.

You Crack a Tooth

A cracked tooth is more susceptible to tooth decay and infection. The contamination can spread quickly and cause a host of problems such as an abscess, which is an infected pocket of pus in the tissue.

Fractured cusps, vertical root fractures, and other types of fractures are caused by a sudden change in pressure from an outside force. Cracked teeth can cause your teeth to become sensitive and painful.

Your Tooth Gets Loose

A loose tooth is often the result of trauma to the jaw, but it can also be caused by certain diseases or conditions. To find out what is causing your pain, contact a dentist who can evaluate your tooth and recommend treatment.

Schedule an Appointment with Island Dental Associates Today

Island Dental Associates is a full-service dental practice located in Franklin Square, Long Island. We provide a variety of general and cosmetic dentistry services, such as dental implants, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, full mouth reconstruction, and more. Our experienced team of dentists, specialists, and laboratory technicians is committed to providing high-quality, affordable dental care and exceptional customer service. Contact us for immediate dental assistance.

Dentures help to restore your ability to speak, eat your favorite foods and smile confidently. But, over time, your dentures can accumulate superficial stains. If you allow these stains to build up on your dentures, it can become more difficult to eliminate them. Coffee, tea, tobacco products, smoking, wine, soda, and other foods that contain synthetic or natural dyes often cause stains that can make your dentures look yellowed and dull.

When this happens, the first words that may run through your mind are can dentures be whitened? Actually, denture whitening can help to remove these superficial stains, restoring the original tooth color of your dentures.

How Denture Whitening Works

First, it’s important to know there’s a difference between whitening to eliminate stains and whitening to try to change the color of your dentures. There isn’t a method available to change the color or lighten your dentures in a completed denture. In order to do this, you would require a newly manufactured denture with a lighter teeth shade.

Whitening Methods to Avoid

There are also methods you’ll want to avoid when you’re looking to whiten your dentures. These include:

How to Whiten your Dentures

Fortunately, there are ways you can whiten your dentures, whether at home or professionally.

Denture Whitening at Home

If you prefer whitening your dentures in the comfort of your home, you can try a non-abrasive dental cleaner. Soak them overnight in the dental cleaner to help loosen and eliminate deposit buildup and stains. Just be sure you speak with your dentist first before you try any type of at-home denture cleaning method.

Professional Denture Whitening

The safest and most efficient way of whitening your dentures is to have them professionally whitened. Dentures can lose their luster and become scratched over time. This could cause them to develop crevices and microcracks which allow stains to build up. Removing these stains is hard, if not impossible at home. It’s best to have a dental professional periodically clean your dentures.

They have the equipment and materials necessary to polish superficial stains and scratches out and restore your dentures to their original like-new finish. Professional denture whitening is time and money well spent to enhance the look of your dentures.

You don’t have to settle for stained dentures that have lost their luster. Here at Island Dental Associates in Franklin Square, NY, we have the right tools to get your dentures professionally whitened. For more than 27 years we’ve been serving the Long Island community with an array of dental services. We strive to make your visit with us as comfortable as possible. 

Contact the Franklin Square dentists at Island Dental Associates to request an appointment.  Contact our offices at (516) 271-0767 or use our online form to schedule a visit.

Many people don’t know when they should visit a dentist for a checkup or tooth cleaning. It is recommended that you visit the dentist twice a year to check the condition of your teeth. If there are any oral issues, the dentist will offer advice on the way forward. They can also monitor your oral health and determine whether you’re experiencing major or minor health issues. After the checkup process is over, the dentist will issue some wisdom on ensuring your oral health is in check.

Some of the signs that you need to see your dentist include:

  1. Swelling or Tooth Pain

Have you experienced a toothache in the past? Then you understand how miserable a person feels as they wait for the pain to fade away. Words can explain the pain that you experience in such instances. Continuous toothaches and sharp tooth pains are signs that there is a serious issue. The pain also gets worse if you leave it untreated.

If there is a swelling around the cheeks, this is a sign that there is an infection around the roots of your teeth. You need to see your dentist immediately, and they’ll help handle the issue. There is a likelihood the dentist will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. The medicine will also help ease the pain. After that, the dentist will administer full treatment to ensure you won’t experience any more pain and the infection won’t spread further.

  1. Bleeding After Flossing

Is there blood on your toothbrush after brushing your teeth? It means gum disease is developing. The gum is infected, and if the condition is not treated, you’ll experience bone loss around your teeth. With time, tooth loss will also occur. Other signs you should be on the lookout for include tender or swollen gums, red gums, and the presence of a discharge between the gums and teeth.

  1. White Spots on the Gums or Teeth

Do you have white spots on your teeth? This is a sign of tooth decay. You can liaise with the dentist when you notice the white spots. If the condition is detected early, it is possible to ensure that cavities can be prevented.

If there are white spots on the gums, this is a sign there is an infection. If you have an infection in the roots of your teeth, you won’t experience any pain at first. However, you’ll notice there is a “pimple” on your gums. You should not scrape the white spots. Instead, consult a dentist right away.

  1. Dry Mouth

A healthy mouth is lubricated at all times using saliva. The saliva will wash away the food particles while also neutralizing the acids that are produced by plaque. If your mouth feels extremely dry, this is a sign that you’re ill. The dentist will determine the cause of the dry mouth. After that, they’ll recommend different ways to protect the teeth and restore moisture.

Final Thoughts

You should be on the lookout for each of the signs listed above. If you happen to notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to contact the Franklin Square dentists at Island Dental Associates to request an appointment.  Contact our offices at 516-271-0765 or use our online form to schedule a visit.

Implanting a dental implant is a surgical procedure involving three visits: one to prepare the site in your jawbone, one to put the implant post in your jaw, and a third visit for the final adjustment and bite. Implants are made of titanium with an organic coating that mimics healthy bone. The patient’s bone fuses with the implant when it’s placed, just as our bones grow over damaged or missing surfaces without even being aware of it. They are durable and will not corrode or deteriorate but they can loosen later in life due to tissue changes around them, so regular maintenance may be needed every few years.

What are Implants?

Implants are used to replace missing teeth and improve the patient’s appearance and ability to chew food after losing an entire tooth or several teeth. It also allows patients facing a difficult healing period due to gum disease or other problems, a much-needed solution for permanent dental restoration.

How does the surgery work?

The surgery to implant a dental implant is usually an inpatient procedure. The patient must refrain from eating or drinking anything for several hours before the procedure begins. Once the patient arrives at the office, he/she will be given general anesthesia and remain asleep throughout much of the process. A local anesthetic may be used for minor discomfort during the procedure. Your periodontist will numb your gum tissue with a local anesthetic and place the implant guideposts in your jawbone. After that, they will place the dental titanium post in the proper position and fit it tightly to both the gum and bone. This can take up to two hours, though it’s usually over fairly quickly.

While you’re under general anesthesia, we’ll remove as much of the old tooth that remains on your jaw as possible so it doesn’t interfere with your new dental implant. We’ll then cover the surface of your jawbone where you’ve had a tooth removed with a special gauze dressing that helps preserve its structure.

After the procedure, we’ll remove your dressings and wake you up. You’ll be able to eat right away, though it might take a couple of days for the area to heal.

What happens when it’s over?

Your in-office visit will conclude with a brief examination of your new implant, taking care to measure the distance between your jawbone and implant. We’ll then adjust any remaining parts of the implant to be as close together as they should form an attractive appearance and a stable fit. We may also offer you an exam and cleaning to remove any remaining bits of tooth or bone fragments that may have been lost during the procedure. If you’re concerned about the position of your dental implant, we can make minor adjustments while you’re under general anesthesia.

How often do dental implants have to be checked?

Once you have a completed dental implant, it will remain stable for many years, no matter how much your face changes. You’ll need to visit every few years to make minor adjustments to keep it securely in place, but none are required more often than once every 12 months or so.

Contact the Franklin Square dentists at Island Dental Associates to request an appointment.  Contact our offices at 516-271-0765 or use our online form to schedule a visit.

You know the saying, “ A smile is the quickest way to brighten a room.” But what happens when you haven’t taken care of your gums? Poor dental hygiene affects your body in several different ways. It can impact your self-esteem, speech, and overall quality of life. And while everyone might want beautiful white teeth, not many may understand that healthy teeth start with healthy gums! Gums are the foundation of a healthy gleaming smile. If neglected, you will see the adverse effects pretty quickly.

Not only does gum disease affect your teeth, eventually resulting in losing them, research has shown that it also directly impacts other conditions, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and rheumatoid arthritis. Gum complications can also affect pregnancy, increasing the chances of premature birth or low birth weight.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease starts with plaque, a sticky substance that clings to your teeth and migrates down to the root of the tooth. If not removed daily through flossing and brushing, the plaque builds up to create tartar. Tartar buildup inflames your gums and erodes your tooth enamel. If you have swollen, bleeding gums, chances are you have gingivitis.

Another symptom of gingivitis is your gums may start to pull away from your teeth. Though gum recession could be caused by genetics, grinding your teeth while you sleep, or intense brushing, in most cases, plaque and tartar are to blame. Gum recession, unlike gum disease, is not reversible. You may experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, as the tooth’s root is not as well-protected by enamel.

Reversing Gum Disease

Luckily, it is easily reversible! Just practice proper oral hygiene like flossing once a day and brushing twice a day for two minutes each. Suppose you don’t take care to remove the plaque. Gingivitis could become periodontitis: a more severe form of gingivitis that causes pockets of toxins to form around your gums, dissolving the tissues and bones.

Many dental and oral problems develop without any symptoms, so what can you do to keep your gums healthy?

Though keeping your gums healthy requires you to make an effort, know that even if you are very vigilant in maintaining your oral health, you may still experience some gum complications brought about by hormonal changes. For example, during pregnancy, rising progesterone can make women more susceptible to gingivitis.

While you may not prevent every single cavity, you can reduce your chances of gum disease and other illnesses by practicing proper daily hygiene.

Contact the Franklin Square dentists at Island Dental Associates to request an appointment.  Contact our offices at 516-271-0764 or use our online form to schedule a visit.

Do you find yourself smiling less because you’re ashamed of having crooked, missing, or discolored teeth? A healthy smile is more than an attractive ornament; it’s essential to effective communication and important for emotional well-being.

If you’re putting off having your smile repaired because you’re reluctant to wear braces or because you think doing so would cost too much, dental veneers may be right for you.

WHAT ARE VENEERS?

Veneers are thin, custom-molded coverings affixed to the front of the teeth, hiding any discoloration, gaps, or broken teeth. Originally made as temporary devices for movie stars, veneers have been used for nearly fifty years now.

Dental veneers come in three types: composite, porcelain, or Lumineer porcelain. While veneers made of composite material last an average of three to five years, those made of porcelain tend to last between five and ten years.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Consultation

The first step to restoring your smile is to schedule a consultation, during which you and your dentist will discuss your desired outcome and decide which type of veneer is right for you. X-rays and an impression of your teeth will likely be taken on this first visit.

Preparation

During your next visit, your teeth will be prepared for adhesion to your new veneer. Your dentist will remove about one-half millimeter of enamel from any teeth to which the veneer will be bonded, and will use an anesthetic, if necessary, to alleviate any discomfort.

Once the enamel has been removed, another impression will be taken. Then, using the impressions, a custom-fit veneer will be created for you. The process usually takes about a week.

Bonding

Bonding is the method by which your dentist affixes your custom veneer to your teeth. After applying a tooth-colored resin to both your teeth and the veneer, your dentist will use a special light that cures and hardens the resin almost instantaneously. As it sets, the cement bonds to tubules in your tooth, creating a powerful adhesion that’s designed to last for years.

Before bonding your new veneer permanently to your teeth, your dentist will make several adjustments to the device. Then, once you are both satisfied the veneer is comfortable and not affecting your bite or interfering with your gums, the device will be etched, polished, and cleaned before being permanently affixed.

Follow-Up

As you grow accustomed to your new veneer, you may find further adjustments are necessary. Don’t worry; once the veneer has been permanently affixed, your dentist can still make adjustments for your comfort.

Contact the Franklin Square dentists at Island Dental Associates to request an appointment.  Contact our offices at (516) 565-6565 or use our online form to schedule a visit. Our experienced dentists and staff can help you decide if dental veneers might be a good option for you.

With the help of Island Dental Associates, you can soon have the attractive smile you deserve.

Next steps after getting a cavity

A cavity is an opening on the tooth, dentin, or gum. It can be caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or misaligned teeth. What to do if you get a cavity? One of the first steps is to seek dental advice to determine the cause and get treatment. A hole that has healed but remains unrepaired may result in the loss of a tooth.

The main problem that causes tooth decay lies in the tooth’s place. This is known as the cavity’s apical location. Most holes are located in the tooth’s center or, more specifically, in the soft tissue at the tooth’s back. If the tooth is not properly cleaned, bacteria can grow in the tooth. These germs break down the tooth enamel and release acids that eat away at the tooth’s supporting layers. When this happens, the tooth decays and needs to be replaced.

A cavity that has healed but is left untreated could cause a severe dental problem. A retained filling causes infection because it contains bacteria, which is toxic to the body. It also can cause the surrounding gum tissues to become inflamed. That will lead to tooth sensitivity or even swelling, which will need to be treated by a dental professional.

If your child has a cavity, then the best thing to do is to make sure that he or she goes to a dental clinic straight away and is treated promptly. If your child were to wait two or three days before seeking help, the bacteria could spread and could cause further damage to the tooth. What to do if you get a cavity? Consult a dentist right away.

There are some things to consider when considering what to do if you get a cavity. The first is how severe the condition of the tooth is. An extreme case of a cavity could mean that the tooth is permanently gone. While this sounds horrible, it’s the reality of dental problems. Most dental clinics have emergency departments in which they will treat severe cases. It would help if you went to your dentist immediately when you have any tooth problems or other dental concerns, regardless of their severity.

Another consideration is whether or not the dentist you see is emergency only or specializes in what to do if you get a cavity. You might find it helpful to ask for a referral to a specific dentist. If you have any other children, then they might want a referral as well. Your dentist may be able to recommend them.

For serious cases of tooth decay, the mouth may need to be taken care of by a dental professional. If you get a cavity in your tooth, if you don’t go to the dental clinic, fill it with potassium nitrate. This chemical compound is used to neutralize the acids produced by the decaying tooth. This will make the enamel stronger and will prevent further decay from occurring. It also makes it easier for bacteria to live in an environment where there is no acid. For severe cases, the teeth could need to be removed so the dentist can correct the problem properly.

What to do if you get a cavity in your tooth is often a big concern for adults who need to take care of their teeth independently. Some people make the mistake of flossing daily and cleaning their mouths before they go to bed. However, this is not a good idea because flossing and brushing can actually damage the teeth and mouth over time. For this reason, it is important to go to the dentist for regular dental checkups. Regular trips to the dentist will ensure that you get proper dental care. Schedule a dentist appointment today!

Contact the Franklin Square dentists at Island Dental Associates to request an appointment.  Contact our offices at 516-565-6565 or use our online form to schedule a visit.