Good oral health is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, and poor dental conditions can have negative effects on your body. Ongoing research indicates that there is an association between disorders such as atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries) with dental conditions such as periodontal disease. Scientists also believe that oral inflammation and bacteria may play a role in systematic diseases such as diabetes or blood cell disorders, according to information from the American Dental Association.
This is just one of the reasons we believe dentistry is much more than merely two cleanings a year. We see it as an insight into your overall condition and a way to help you keep your entire body healthy. Therefore, our family dentists in Elmsford offer a wide variety of extensive services to provide comprehensive dentistry right here, including:
- Regular Exams and Cleanings
- X-Rays
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Root Canals
- Removable and Implant-Supported Dentures
- Emergency Dentistry
Your smile deserves the best treatment possible, and healthy teeth will help you maintain your overall health no matter what your age.
Exams and Cleanings
Even the most diligent patients have difficulty thoroughly cleaning their teeth in hard-to-reach areas along the gum line. If plaque isn’t removed, it will harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Failure to follow through with this treatment plan means you are setting the stage for bacteria to multiply dramatically, resulting in more extensive tooth and gum damage that may prompt the need for fillings, crowns and root canals and periodontal disease.
Regular dental exams give us the opportunity to check for cavities, monitor your dental health, and give a brief oral cancer examination.
X-Rays
Only one-third of your tooth is visible, which means X-rays are crucial to help us examine your entire tooth for problems such as abscesses, infections or cavities. They also help us track changes over time to monitor tooth alignment, evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth, and assess your overall gum health. Because we use digital X-rays, you are exposed to a FRACTION of the radiation than you would be by traditional, wet film-based x-rays.
Fillings
Dental caries (cavities) are the most common chronic disease among children and adolescents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 9 out of 10 adults over the age of 20 have some degree of tooth decay. It’s important to diagnose, treat and repair cavities before they grow and prompt the need for a root canal or other endodontic treatment.
At our office in Elmsford, we offer several options for dental fillings, including:
- Composite resins, which are tooth-colored fillings. These are often created with a mixture of glass or quartz filler. While they can be used on either front or back teeth, insurance companies vary on whether or not they will approve composite fillings for back teeth or those that are not in clear view.
- Amalgam fillings, which is the traditional silver-colored fillings that are most common. While they are not as natural looking as composite resins, they are durable and more affordable.
We’ll be happy to discuss which option is right for you.
Crowns
When a cavity is so deep that it damages the structure of the tooth, or when your teeth have been cracked, chipped or damaged, a crown may be needed to stabilize your tooth and protect the pulp. Crowns are often also indicated after completion of root canal therapy. Crowns are coverings that protect the nerves and soft tissue within your tooth, ensuring that bacteria will not enter. Crowns may also be used for cosmetic reasons to correct misshapen or severely discolored teeth. These crowns come in a variety of different materials like porcelain, zirconia, ceramics and many more. Your dentists will help choose the best material for you.
To create your crown, we take an impression of your tooth to create a mold, which is then sent to a dental lab. Generally, it will take one to two weeks for your crown to arrive. In the meantime, you’ll need to wear a temporary crown that will be removed when your new one is placed.
Once the crown is secured, you care for it just as you would your natural teeth.
Bridges
Missing teeth are more than just an inconvenience; they can have a devastating effect on your dental health. That unsightly gap can cause extensive problems. By creating an uneven bite, they can cause your other teeth to shift and damage neighboring teeth. An uneven bite can also exacerbate an overbite or under bite in addition to causing difficulty speaking, chewing and eating.
If you have one or several missing teeth, a dental bridge may be a good solution. Bridges anchor artificial teeth to natural teeth to create an even, aligned bite. Bridges are made from a variety of materials, including gold, alloys, and porcelain. Bridges can be anchored to your natural teeth or they may be anchored into your jaw through a dental implant.
Root Canals
If tooth decay is so extensive that it infects the dental pulp—the soft inside of your tooth—you may need a root canal to save your tooth and ensure all the bacteria is removed. While the very words “root canal” cause many patients to become anxious and apprehensive, in reality, getting a root canal is very similar to getting a cavity filled.
During a root canal, the infected pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth and the roots are cleaned. They are then filled with a rubber-like material called gutta percha in order to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth. A crown is then placed over the tooth to protect it and support it.
Removable and Implant-Supported Dentures
We provide a wide variety of removable and implant-supported dentures for those patients who are partially edentulous (missing a few teeth) or fully edentulous (missing all of their teeth). Implant-supported dentures are secured in place by titanium posts that are surgically placed in your jaw, allowing the bone to fuse with it in a process called osseointegration. These osseointegrated titanium implants can then be used as anchors to help support your removable denture.
Emergency Dentistry
Dental emergencies can be scary and painful whether you’re a child, a senior, or anywhere in between. Accidents involving your mouth that need immediate care, like breaking a tooth or losing a crown should be taken care of as soon as possible. We are here for any of your emergency dentistry needs.
We want to be partners in your care to ensure you have the best smile possible.
The key to a healthy smile and healthy body is to continually safeguard your oral health by making regular dental visits a part of your routine. Whether you need a root canal or just a simple filling, we have the experience to provide the highest level of quality care for you and your family.
We also offer same day dentist appointments and Saturday dentist appointments.
Please Contact Us or stop by our office in Elmsford, NY for more information or to schedule an appointment.