Posted on October 15, 2021September 23, 2021

Did you know that up to 40% of all dental injuries occur during sports? Even when participating in non-contact sports there is always the risk of impact to the face from a ball, the ground, or another person. These injuries often happen to the teeth, mouth, or face and can be very serious.

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons, it is recommended that appropriate protective headgear and a mouth guard be worn by every person participating, no matter what sport they play. When these two things are worn correctly, the risk of trauma from an impact to the head or mouth is drastically reduced.

There are 3 different types of sports mouth guards available:

Stock Guards

These kinds of mouth guards are pre-made and are available to purchase at your local sporting goods store or online. Although convenient, these tend to be uncomfortable because they are not made to fit your mouth properly and provide less protection. 

Boil and Bite Guards

The way this guard works is that it is designed to be softened in boiling water before using it. Once the guard is ready, the wearer bites down on it to create an impression for their teeth to mold to it. These are a better option than a stock mouth guard because they have a better fit.

Custom Guards

More durable than a stock guard, or a boil and bite guard, custom guards are made from impressions done by our doctor in the office and they are the most accurate fit for your teeth. With our help, you will be able to choose which type of mouthguard is the best for you.

Every year, over 5,000,000 teeth are injured or knocked out and around $500,000,000 is spent on treatment. If any of your teeth have been injured or knocked out, can provide you with immediate instructions. With prompt care, teeth can often be saved and even re implanted.

If you would like custom guards created for you or your family, contact our oral surgeon in Lakewood, NY today to schedule a consultation.

Posted on October 1, 2021September 23, 2021

After going through oral surgery, it is important to take extra care of your mouth for at least a few days after the procedure. Our experienced oral surgeon is determined to make sure that your mouth heals up as quickly as possible after any treatment.

It can be helpful to learn about what kind of foods to avoid following surgery and which foods will help you heal properly and as quickly as possible.

After surgery, your mouth will likely be very sensitive for the first few days. During the healing process, you should avoid foods that will be painful for irritated and inflamed soft tissues. These include hot or cold food or beverages, spicy, and acidic foods.

Foods that involve a lot of chewing can cause bleeding, slow down healing, and in some cases, cause infection. You should also avoid hard foods like potato chips which can be extremely harsh on the mouth, causing pain and possible injury to recently treated areas.

A helpful tip would be to avoid drinking through a straw which can strain areas that are sensitive and can be very harmful. Drinking straws should be avoided during the first few days following your procedure.

What foods can you eat? In the first 24 hours following your procedure, you should stick to eating soft or mushy foods that don’t involve a lot of chewing.

Here are some options to consider:

• Banana smoothies – delicious and filling and they also contain valuable nutrients.
• Soft fruits – easy to eat and tasty options include applesauce, mandarin orange slices in juice, seedless watermelon, and avocado.
• Warm soup – broths and soups without large, chunky ingredients can help bring your strength back to life.
• Mashed potatoes – a soft, warm, and filling dish which will make you feel like you’ve eaten a whole meal. Jazz it up with some shredded cheese for more flavor!
• Puddings and gelatin – two great options to get in some needed calories, and will decrease soreness and stiffness following your surgery. They are gentle on the stomach as well as the mouth.

If you still have questions or concerns, please contact our oral surgeon in Lakewood, NY for more advice on post-surgery care and the food options that will work best for you.

Posted on September 15, 2021September 23, 2021

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and made entirely from minerals. Still, it is susceptible to erosion, fracture, and weakening, so it is vital to keep it protected with proactive oral hygiene.

Without strong enamel, the inner part of your tooth risks decay, which leads to pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

Causes of Tooth Enamel Erosion

The most common causes of tooth erosion are preventable.

Drinks: Sugars and acids can easily wear down enamel over time. If you regularly consume soft drinks, fruit juices, and energy drinks, you may be harming your teeth. Alcohol can erode enamel, as well.

Food: A diet high in carbohydrates and sugar allows mouth bacteria to create damaging acid that harms tooth enamel.

Medical problems: Acid reflux conditions such as GERD, frequent vomiting, and certain genetic conditions can erode enamel. Teeth grinding from stress can also impact the integrity of your teeth. Once enamel is chipped or worn, it cannot repair itself.

How to Avoid Tooth Enamel Erosion

Our office regularly sees tooth problems that could have been avoided through good oral care. In addition to good at-home dental hygiene and professional exams and cleanings, here are extra steps you can take to protect your smile.

• Trade sweets and junk food for a diet rich in crisp veggies, fruit, cheese, yogurt, and whole grains.
• Plain water is a healthier refresher than sports beverages and energy drinks. If you do indulge, rinse with water afterward and wait about a half-hour before brushing to avoid further enamel wear.
• Saliva neutralizes acids in the mouth. By drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum after meals and beverages, you boost production of cleansing saliva.
• To avoid fracturing teeth, don’t chew on ice cubes, pens, or other hard substances.
• If you grind your teeth, request a night guard from our office.
• Wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports. It protects tooth enamel from cracks and chips, and helps prevent traumatic tooth loss.

Tooth enamel is essential for maintaining a healthy smile, so take care to protect it. If you suspect compromised enamel is causing you problems, call our office or ask your general dentist for a referral. Our oral surgery practice specializes in expert, specialized care for damaged teeth, jaws, and mouth tissue. Contact us for more information.

Posted on September 1, 2021August 26, 2021

Athletes often hydrate with sports beverages during exercise and busy people like the caffeine kick of energy drinks. While the health value of these beverages is debatable, research shows both sports and energy drinks can have a negative impact on your oral health.

The danger in most sports and energy drinks isn’t just sugar; these beverages also contain a significant amount of acid that can harm tooth enamel.

Sports Drinks and Dental Health

Whether you are an athlete, a weekend warrior, or the parent of a sporty child, you have probably been exposed to energy drinks. Rich in carbohydrates and minerals, they are designed to replace electrolytes and water lost through sweat. If you sip these beverages for a prolonged period and breathe through your mouth from exertion, the combination of air, acid, and sugar creates an ideal environment for tooth decay.

Energy Drinks and Your Teeth

These drinks usually contain stimulants like caffeine and guarana along with minerals, vitamins, and protein. Whatever the content, these beverages often contain sugar and acids that can harm teeth.

Are Sugar-Free Power Drinks Better?

Unfortunately, beverages without sugar can still contain phosphoric and citric acids that weaken tooth enamel. This leaves teeth more susceptible to decay and bacteria invasion.

The best substitute for high-octane sports drinks is plain water. A study from Melbourne University in Australia found that H20 can actually harden tooth enamel. Always rinse your mouth with water after drinking sports beverages. Coffee and tea, while acidic, are a better substitute for energy drinks.

What to Do After Drinking Sports and Energy Beverages

After what you have learned, you might be tempted to keep a toothbrush handy and whip it out each time you drink sports or energy beverages. However, research shows that rinsing with water is better than brushing, at least for a few minutes after drinking a sugary, acidic substance.

A substitute for rinsing while on the go is chewing sugarless gum, especially the type that contains the enamel-friendly sweetener xylitol. Chew for about 20 minutes after consuming a sugary, acidic beverage. It stimulates saliva, which is nature’s way of rinsing bacteria and acids from the mouth. Finally, don’t sip your drinks all day, as this continually bathes your teeth in acid and sugar. 

Sports and energy drinks can lead to tooth and jawbone loss in a way that is preventable. If you do suffer dental problems that require oral surgery, get a referral to our office or make an appointment.

Posted on August 15, 2021July 26, 2021

Dental implants are a safe, long-term tooth replacement option that improves the function and appearance of your smile. This technology can benefit many adults who have lost at least one tooth.

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Dental implants can be used singly, or in groups to anchor a bridge or set of dentures. For the right patient, they provide a strong, durable solution for tooth loss.

There are many benefits to choosing dental implants. 

• Improved teeth function: Dental implants work like natural teeth, allowing you to eat without pain
• Durability: Implants are stable, strong, and stain-resistant 
• Better oral health: Since there is no need to alter surrounding teeth to anchor implants, more of your natural teeth are preserved, improving long-term oral health
• Natural looking smile: Dental implants are designed to closely resemble natural teeth, creating an attractive smile
• Improved comfort: Dental implants avoid the uncomfortable slipping of removable dentures and partials
• Clearer speech: Removable dentures can slip within the mouth, causing slurred or mumbled speech, while dental implants remove that concern
• Protecting bone structure: Empty spaces caused by tooth loss can eventually lead to deterioration of the jawbone. Because implants have artificial roots, they prevent this type of bone loss
• Longer-lasting solution: Dentures must be replaced about every five to seven years. Dental implants, when cared for properly, can last decades

If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be the right denture alternative for you. Our oral surgeon will consider many health factors before determining whether you are an appropriate candidate for this procedure. Some considerations include whether you have adequate bone to anchor the implant and the health of your gum tissue. Also important are the locations of your sinuses and nerves, as our doctor must avoid damaging them. 

For some patients, we recommend advanced treatment for the upper or lower jaw to ensure there is enough bone to support an implant. However, we recognize each patient’s treatment plan is unique, based on specific needs and personal goals. 

If you would like to learn more about dental implants or are ready to schedule a consultation, contact our Lakewood ny oral surgeon team and make an appointment. Our aim is to restore the health and beauty of every smile with precision, comfort and lasting results. 

Posted on August 1, 2021July 26, 2021

If you’re considering dental implants, here are some questions to consider.

Am I An Ideal Candidate?

Your oral surgeon will evaluate your overall health and advise if you may be a candidate for dental implants. Your oral and overall health will be considered to ensure your safety and overall health is prioritized. 

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What credentials, qualifications, and experience do you have with dental implants?

When considering dental implants, make sure you consider the experience, training and equipment utilized by your surgeon. Our team has extensive training in the most complex dental surgeries and will be happy to share openly. It’s important you feel confident in your decision.  

What is your success rate?

For a dental implant to be considered a success, it must integrate into the jaw bone (osseointegrate) and not be at risk for coming loose. During your consultation, our team will discuss all risks associated as well as the expected results based on your individual circumstances. 

Do you have any images of prior results?

You’ll enjoy seeing how dental implants have completely changed many of our patients’ lives. Sharing the transformative nature of this procedure can make a difference in your feelings towards dentistry and oral health. 

What can I expect in the recovery process? 

Whether you are in need of one or several implants, you can expect that we’ll discuss your detailed treatment and recovery plan with you. The specifics will vary based on your individual plan, however we’ll be able to provide post operative instructions, and everything in between. It is our goal to communicate with you in a way that you experience no surprises. 

Do you offer a payment plan?

We offer financing and will take the time to discuss your financial arrangements prior to moving forward with any form of treatment. Transparency is important to us, as it is a key component in providing an excellent experience for you. 

If you’re considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with our dental implants lakewood NY team to learn how we can help you. 

Posted on July 15, 2021July 26, 2021

Orthognathic surgery, or jaw surgery, is a procedure with a plethora of applications. It is used for a wide variety of medical purposes, and may also provide cosmetic benefits. If you’ve been having problems with eating, speaking, or breathing, orthognathic surgery may be recommended. 

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What Can Orthognathic Surgery Fix?

Your jaw has two parts: the upper and lower, otherwise known as the maxilla and the mandible respectively. Some jaw complications are the result of the halves out of alignment and may require orthognathic surgery to amend. This can be the result of genetics or childhood habits like thumb sucking and mouth breathing that caused improper development. Common types of jaw misalignment that may require surgery are:

• An overbite, when the upper jaw protrudes over the lower jaw
• An underbite, when the lower jaw extends too far forward
• An open bite, when both sets of teeth do not meet properly when the mouth is closed

There are a number of other conditions that can be fixed with orthognathic surgery. These include:

• Chronic jaw joint pain, otherwise known as TMJ or TMD
• Breathing problems while sleeping, including obstructive sleep apnea
• Facial injuries that knocked the bone out of alignment
• Difficulties with biting, chewing, and swallowing
• Not being able to close the lips without straining

What Are The Cosmetic Benefits?

Orthognathic surgery can also help address a variety of cosmetic issues. The surgery can realign the jaw properly to repair facial injuries. In others, it can help to fix imbalances that are the result of genetics, such as crossbites.

What Types of Orthognathic Surgery Are There?

There are four common types of orthognathic surgeries available. The right one for the patient depends on the severity of the misalignment and what conditions need to be treated. The different types of surgery are:

1. Maxillary osteotomy, or upper jaw surgery, is used to correct receded maxilla. The position of the bone is adjusted and fixed in place using screws and metal plates. This procedure corrects overbites and crossbites.
2. Mandibular osteotomy, or lower jaw surgery, is the inverse and adjusts the position of the mandible. This treatment is used to correct underbites.
3. Genioplasty, or chin surgery, can also be used to correct receded lower jaws. It is often combined with a mandibular osteotomy in the same operation.
4. TMD Surgeries, which can be one of two procedures to correct temporomandibular joint dysfunction. The first, arthroplasty, is the removal of scar tissue surrounding the jaw joint to relieve pain. The second, arthrocentesis, uses sterile fluid to clean and disinfect the joint.

Choosing a qualified oral surgeon is essential to getting the right treatment for your needs. If you believe you may need orthognathic surgery, call us today to schedule a consultation. Our Lakewood oral surgeon team looks forward to providing personalized and compassionate care.

Posted on July 1, 2021July 26, 2021

Teeth that are overcrowded can lead to a number of dental concerns, including plaque build up, a misaligned bite, distorted speech, and even discomfort while chewing. No one wants to have a tooth extracted, but in some cases, removing a tooth may actually be the best solution to restore the health and function of your smile.  

Oral Surgeon Lakewood NY

Diagnosing a Bad Bite

When a patient is diagnosed with malocclusion, also known as a “bad bite,” it is typically because their upper and lower teeth improperly fit when they bite or chew. They may have crowded teeth that affect their appearance, speech or ability to eat. There are many causes for a malocclusion, ranging from genetics to thumb sucking and premature tooth loss.

Jaw Size and Teeth Crowding

A smaller sized jaw not only prohibits new teeth from settling into their correct positions but also encourages existing teeth to become misaligned. In these cases, dentists will often recommend for one or more teeth to be surgically removed. Oral surgery in combination with orthodontic measures such as braces or retainers can assist with proper realignment. 

Tooth Extraction for Pediatric Patients

Early diagnosis in children is key to projecting proper tooth alignment. Children who are identified with a malocclusion before the age of eight have a much better chance of achieving an attractive and healthy bite. When a child is identified as a good candidate for braces, the dentist will identify when it might be necessary to remove healthy teeth that may be in the way. This extraction may have to take place a year or two before the braces can be put on. Once the teeth have been moved into their new position, the braces are removed and a retainer is worn until the teeth stabilize in that position.

If overcrowding in your mouth is creating malocclusion or a “bad bite”, your dentist may consider the removal of one or more teeth in order to give your other teeth the space they need to align correctly. The only way to find out if tooth extraction will be part of your orthodontic treatment plan is to have a consultation with your orthodontic specialist. Your Oral Surgeon in 14750 will work with you to tailor a treatment plan that will be custom fit to meet your needs.