What Is a Dental Bone Graft? | Central Park West Dentist

When you have jaw issues and there needs to be a reconstruction done in order to return your smile back to beautiful, a dental bone graft may be necessary. Once complete, it will allow your jaw to regenerate bone tissue, making your jaw stronger. Yes, it does sound quite overwhelming, but it is actually quite common. Here are the four variations of bone grafts, based on the condition of your smile:

Socket preservation. Sometimes called ridge preservation, this type of graft is placed in the socket immediately after a tooth extraction to fill the void and prevent the socket from caving here.

Ridge augmentation. Ridge augmentation increases the width and volume of the jawbone so it can provide a stable foundation for implants or other restorative options.

Sinus lift. If the upper back teeth are missing, the sinuses can drop down and invade the space once occupied by the teeth roots. To address this problem, your oral surgeon or periodontist can perform a sinus lift, raising the sinus back to its proper position. A dental bone graft is then placed underneath the sinus, creating a solid foundation for dental implants later on.

Periodontal bone graft. Infection from gum disease can erode the bone that supports the teeth. This can cause the teeth to become loose. A periodontal bone graft is placed around an existing tooth to reduce mobility and provide additional support.

In most cases, bone grafts for dental implants must heal completely before the actual implant is placed. Because each person is unique, recovery times vary. In rare instances, your dentist may be able to place a bone graft and a dental implant at the same time. But this is decided on a case-by-case basis.

If you have questions or concerns about dental bone grafts, make an appointment today with Dr. Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Philip Schnall proudly serves Central Park West and all surrounding areas.

It’s Time to Get a Dental Crown: What to Expect | Central Park West Dentist

Let’s face it – accidents happen. They can’t be helped. But when those accidents damage your teeth, it is important to let your dentist examine them for any problems that may arise in the future. But you need not worry – chances are, a dental crown will be the suggested fix. Crowns are placed on top of damaged teeth or implants to restore the tooth’s shape, function and structure. It may sound fancy, but it’s a common procedure. Here is a quick breakdown of what to expect from a dental crown procedure:

The procedure for fitting or installing a dental crown typically takes two separate dental visits, with usually a week or two of interval in between each appointment. During the first appointment, you dentist prepares the tooth by filing it down, but it there is significant damage, the tooth may need to be filled in so a crown can be applied. After preparing the tooth to the proper shape, your dentist will take an impression of it and the surrounding teeth, then send it away to a dental lab. It is there at the lab that a dental technician will create the permanent crown. But in the meantime, your dentist will have to place a temporary crown to protect the damaged tooth during your first visit until the final crown is ready.

Once ready, you will return for a second visit where your temporary crown is removed and replaced by the new crown using a special adhesive to bond it to the tooth. Once the procedure is done, the dentist will then explain everything you should expect after (such as the adjustment period) and how to take better care of your crown.

If you have questions or concerns about dental crowns, make an appointment today with Dr. Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Philip Schnall proudly serves Central Park West and all surrounding areas.

Brightening Your Smile for 2022 | New York Dentist

Now that we are officially ingulfed in 2022, it is time to think about our future goals. For many of us, it is a health thing, for others it’s a spiritual thing. Regardless, it is the time of year we reflect on how we want to be as humans. A simple way to make a change that can not only affect the way you look, but also the way you feel is to whiten your smile. There are plenty of variations on how it is done – from over-the-counter options to in-office dental procedures. So, if you’re thinking about improving yourself for 2022, think about brightening that grin.

First thing’s first – brushing and flossing on a daily basis are the two most important things you can do to prevent yellow teeth and to maintain oral health. Avoiding smoking and the over-consumption of acidic food and drink are all simple options that will surely improve the state of your tooth coloration overall. Food and drinks that are very acidic break down the tooth’s enamel, making your teeth look dingy.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products, such as whitening toothpastes, whitening trays and even mouth rinses, can all help whiten teeth by removing some of the stain build-up and providing a mild bleaching effect when used properly.

Lastly is the most effective way to whiten teeth with lasting results – visit the dentist. Only they can give you the proper advice on how to achieve the sparkly, white smile you’ve always wanted, which may include bleaching kits for you to use at home, or via in-office bleaching procedures, the latter being the more effective option. Enjoy your new year!

If you have questions or concerns about improving your smile, make an appointment today with Dr. Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Philip Schnall proudly serves New York and all surrounding areas.

Fixing Your Smile vs. Keeping Your Smile Healthy | New York Dentist

We all think that if we want something fixed inside our mouth, we go to a dentist. But that isn’t always the case. The dental profession is broken up into many different segments, each having their own specialty inside your mouth. We all want a fantastic smile, but how you want your smile to look will define which dental specialty you will likely focus on – aesthetic or cosmetic.

There is a difference between cosmetic procedures and aesthetic procedures, and this is why – cosmetic dentistry will improve the look of your teeth, one of the bits that creates your smile (i.e., whitening or veneers). Aesthetic dentistry, on the other hand, deals more with your smile and the way it looks on your face. Think of cosmetic dentistry like playing college ball, aesthetic like going pro.

Another big difference between cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry is the end goal. Aesthetic dentistry uses techniques available to modern medicine to give you a more natural, healthy look. Aesthetic dentists use techniques like regular cleanings, root canal removal, and the restoration of teeth with fillings or bridges to make your teeth look normal and healthy. The goal is to give you healthy teeth that function properly so that you can look your best and eat and talk normally.

Cosmetic dentistry is a little different from aesthetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry uses more advanced and invasive methods to make your teeth look a little better than what is considered perfect. Cosmetic dentistry includes techniques like teeth whitening, braces, veneers and a wide variety of other techniques. The idea is to give you bright, white, straight teeth that are picture perfect.

If you have questions or concerns about improving your smile, make an appointment today with Dr. Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Philip Schnall proudly serves New York and all surrounding areas.

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns | New York Dentist

When you damage your teeth, it is important to let your dentist examine them for any problems that may arise in the future. Because you may not realize this, but a damaged tooth can lead to many other issues down the line if you don’t get it looked after. Worry not – chances are, a dental crown will be the suggested fix. Crowns are placed on top of damaged teeth or implants to restore the tooth’s shape, function and structure. Here is a quick breakdown of what to expect from this very common dental procedure:

The procedure for fitting or installing a dental crown typically takes two separate dental visits, with usually a week or two of interval in between each appointment. During the first appointment, you dentist prepares the tooth by filing it down, but it there is significant damage, the tooth may need to be filled in so a crown can be applied. After preparing the tooth to the proper shape, your dentist will take an impression of it and the surrounding teeth, then send it away to a dental lab. It is there at the lab that a dental technician will create the permanent crown. But in the meantime, your dentist will have to place a temporary crown to protect the damaged tooth during your first visit until the final crown is ready.

Once ready, you will return for a second visit where your temporary crown is removed and replaced by the new crown using a special adhesive to bond it to the tooth. Once the procedure is done, the dentist will then explain what you should expect afterwards and how to take better care of your crown.

If you have questions or concerns about dental crowns, make an appointment today with Dr. Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Philip Schnall proudly serves New York and all surrounding areas.

Bright Smiles for the Holidays | New York Dentist

It’s the holiday season and while there are different rules this year, pictures will be taken and we all want to look our best. Unfortunately, many of us don’t have the smile we would like. Lots of times, a simple whitening treatment would do the trick. But keeping up a bright white smile isn’t exactly easy. Most of us don’t keep up the greatest diets and lifestyle choices, and that can hinder our teeth being their whitest. You can brush & floss every day, but your teeth will eventually lose its natural sheen. And being smack dab the holiday festivities, we need a bright smile. So, what do we do? Try these whitening options:

Kitchen items. DIY toothpaste can be made with a little hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, but did you know that strawberries and bananas can produce similar results? Strawberries contain stain-fighting malic acid, so crush a couple of berries with some baking soda. Even simpler, rubbing a potassium-filled banana peel over your teeth like a toothbrush will also shine up your smile.

Whitening products. Over the counter in the form of strips, trays, or paste work by using the oxidizing agents to remove pigment on the surface of the enamel. The products are effective at removing surface stains but make sure to follow the instructions. Overuse will wear down enamel making your teeth look yellowed.

In-office visits. When all else fails, it may be time for you to make a dental appointment. A ZOOM! whitening treatment that can either be applied by your professional, or customized so you can do it yourself. Ask your dental professional which whitening options will work best for you.

If you have questions or concerns about teeth whitening treatments, make an appointment today with Dr. Philip Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Schnall proudly serves New York and all surrounding areas.

What Type of Bridge Will Bridge the Gap? | New York Dentist

There are many gorgeously constructed bridges in the world. Not only do they look beautiful, but they serve a beautiful purpose – to connect two things far apart together. When we have spaces in our teeth, it can cause us to feel self-conscious about our smiles. Luckily, there are plenty of treatment options to choose from when deciding to fix it. One of these options will be a dental bridge.

A dental bridge is a false tooth or set of false teeth held in place by abutment teeth on both sides of the gap. They come in a variety of styles, from gold to a natural-looking porcelain. But did you know there are different variations? Here is a quick rundown:

Traditional. The more traditional, this style of bridge is held in place by crowns that have been cemented to the abutment teeth on either side of the gap.

Cantilever. The teeth on a cantilever bridge are held on by a dental crown, but unlike the traditional version, only one crown as you only need one natural tooth.

Maryland. The Maryland bridge is closer to the traditional version, as it needs two natural teeth, but this particular bridge is bonded onto the natural teeth, not crowns.

Implant-supported. The strongest and most stable variation is based on dental implants. The bridge is supported by dental implants on either side. The only real downfall is that it takes multiple visits to complete.

If you have one or more missing teeth and think it’s time to get it fixed, make sure to ask about dental bridges as possible treatment options.

If you have questions or concerns about dental bridges, make an appointment today with Dr. Philip Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Schnall proudly serves New York and all surrounding areas.

Brighten Your Smile in the Kitchen | New York Dentist

There are plenty of things we use the kitchen for beyond cooking – parties always gather in the kitchen; homework is best done wherever snacks are close. It is basically the most important room in the house. But did you ever think you could brighten your smile in the same room you do all of those other important things? It’s true. There are lots of ways you can brighten your smile using things you have in your kitchen. Check it out…

The version most people are used to hearing about is a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste, or “old reliable”. You can find a lot of toothpastes with these ingredients, but you can mix a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into a little bit of baking soda.

Doesn’t get more natural than this – strawberries and banana peels. Strawberries contain malic acid, fantastic at breaking down stains. So, grab a couple berries, add about a teaspoon of baking soda & rub on your teeth for 5-7 minutes. After you brush your teeth, peel a ripe banana and rub a piece of the inside on your teeth for two minutes.

If you have apple cider vinegar, dilute it with some water (3 parts water, 1 part vinegar) and mix it with an all-natural toothpaste, you’ve made yourself a pretty efficient tooth whitening solution. If you are one that has discovered the many uses for coconut oil, you may also know that swishing it around in your mouth for 20 minutes is a possible solution to dingy teeth. Heat a cup of coconut oil, add two teaspoons of baking soda & five to ten drops of natural spearmint essential oil. The spearmint adds antimicrobial benefits for your gums.

If you have questions or concerns about DIY teeth whitening, make an appointment today with Dr. Philip Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Schnall proudly serves New York and all surrounding areas.

The Problem with Fillings | New York Dentist

The Problem with Fillings

When we find out that we need a filling, chances are this is due to our poor attention to dental hygiene. Unfortunately, that is just the facts. But then we are hit with another conundrum – what kind of filling is best? Because believe it or not, but fillings have progressed quite a bit from the silver fillings that your grandparents knew. These days, you can choose from a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and copper, but mostly made out of mercury, both amalgam fillings and white fillings are common options to restore cavity-damaged teeth back to their original form. But which is best for you? You will be approached by your dental professional regarding your best options, but let’s break it down simply.

Resin. Made of composite resin, white fillings are tooth-colored plastic mixtures. They’re filled with different materials, usually including quartz, silica and sometimes, barium for added strength. The main advantages of white fillings include durability, discreet for a more natural look, less sensitive and more cost-effective.

Mercury. The OG filling, mercury fillings have been around for 150 years, and usually made from mercury and combined with an alloy powder containing a mixture of silver, zinc, copper and tin. The advantages to this option are that they are stronger and more durable than the natural white fillings, but it is likely that they are also covered by your insurance. These are also a great option for the back teeth since they aren’t seen when you smile.

To be honest, both treatments are equally as effective as the other, so you’re not exactly losing out on anything, regardless of whichever you choose. Talk to your dentist and weigh out your options together.

If you have questions or concerns about dental fillings, make an appointment today with Dr. Philip Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Schnall proudly serves New York and all surrounding areas.

How Do Dental Crowns Work? | New York Dentist

When you damage your teeth, it is important to let your dentist examine them for any problems that may arise in the future. But you need not worry – chances are, a dental crown will be the suggested fix. Crowns are placed on top of damaged teeth or implants to restore the tooth’s shape, function and structure. It may sound fancy, but it’s a common procedure. Here is a quick breakdown of what to expect from a dental crown procedure:

The procedure for fitting or installing a dental crown typically takes two separate dental visits, with usually a week or two of interval in between each appointment. During the first appointment, you dentist prepares the tooth by filing it down, but it there is significant damage, the tooth may need to be filled in so a crown can be applied. After preparing the tooth to the proper shape, your dentist will take an impression of it and the surrounding teeth, then send it away to a dental lab. It is there at the lab that a dental technician will create the permanent crown. But in the meantime, your dentist will have to place a temporary crown to protect the damaged tooth during your first visit until the final crown is ready.

Once ready, you will return for a second visit where your temporary crown is removed and replaced by the new crown using a special adhesive to bond it to the tooth. Once the procedure is done, the dentist will then explain to you what you should expect after (such as the adjustment period) and how to take better care of your crown.

If you have questions or concerns about dental crowns, make an appointment today with Dr. Philip Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Schnall proudly serves New York and all surrounding areas.