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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.

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How Is Gum Disease Diagnosed? | Central Park West Dentist

When it’s time for a dental checkup, your dentist will look for various issues that may be developing inside your mouth. Oral cancer, tooth decay and gum disease are some of the major issues that can arise due to poor dental hygiene, poor diet, etc. By catching these issues early, it is possible to treat the issue before it develops into a more serious issue.

Believe it or not, 47% of adults over 30 will have gum disease at one point in their lives. Because it is such a common occurrence, it is important to treat the issue as soon as possible because your gums keep your teeth in place. Having them weakened by gum disease will only lead to more dental issues in the future.

But how exactly does a dentist diagnose gum disease? During a dental exam, your gums will be probed with a small ruler to check for inflammation and any pockets around your teeth. Your dentist may also order x-rays to check for bone loss.

If you are diagnosed with gum disease, there are a few things that your lifestyle will need to change a bit in order to treat the issue.

You must practice good oral hygiene to treat gum disease. You should also cut back on any smoking if you smoke and manage your diabetes if you live with this condition. Quitting smoking may be difficult, but a doctor can help build a cessation plan that works for you.

Other treatments include:

  • Deep cleaning your teeth with techniques like scaling, root planning and lasers.
  • Antibiotic medications, microspheres and antiseptic mouthwashes can help treat the issue.
  • Surgery (flap surgery, bone and tissue grafts, and dental crown lengthening) would be the options if your gum disease is severe.

If your gingivitis is severe, especially if it’s caused any gum or bone tissue loss, you may need surgery. Types of gum surgery, which is performed by a periodontist, include:

Flap surgery. Flap surgery is a procedure where the gums are lifted back while plaque and tartar is removed from deeper pockets. The gums are then sutured in place to fit snugly around the tooth.

Bone and tissue grafts. Grafting can be used when your teeth and jaw are too damaged to heal.

Gum graft surgery uses tissue from the roof of your mouth to cover the exposed tooth root. This helps prevent additional gum and bone loss.

For a bone graft, your doctor will start with a procedure similar to flap surgery, but they’ll put in a bone graft to encourage your body to regenerate any lost jawbone.

Dental crown lengthening. Some people with gingivitis may have excess gum tissue. If this is the case, a periodontist can reshape your gum and bone tissue to expose more of your teeth. This may also be necessary before certain cosmetic or restorative procedures on your teeth.

If you have questions or concerns about gum disease, 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.

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Root Canals: What to Expect | Central Park West Dentist

Proper dental care is imperative if you want a good dental checkup. We all know this. It’s ingrained in our heads as children – brush your teeth twice a day if you don’t want cavities. And as adults, we realize this is very true, because you’ve landed yourself a root canal. But what can you expect from this dental experience?

A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth, rather than remove it. The procedure involves removing, disinfecting and filling the affected area of the tooth or the pulp. The most common reasons for the pulp to be damaged is a cracked tooth, or the development of a very deep cavity, as well as repeated dental treatment to the tooth, or trauma. Below is a list of steps of what you can expect from top to bottom.

X-ray. After a thorough check-up of your teeth, the dentist will take a few x-rays to double check if you really need a root canal and to see where the decay is located.

Anesthesia. Once you’re found to need a root canal, the endodontist or dentist will then administer local anesthesia to the affected tooth.

Pulpectomy. The dentist or endodontist then makes an opening to remove the diseased tooth pulp.

Fillings. Once the diseased pulp has been removed, the dentist then fills it with a gutta-percha material and finishes it off by sealing it with cement to prevent further bacterial growth.

After your procedure, your dental professional will give you some tips to a smooth recovery. Make sure to take them all to heart to avoid infection and other issues as it heals.

If you have questions or concerns about root canals, 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.

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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.

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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.

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Eating too much Sugar Will Eventually Ruin Your Smile | New York Dentist

34.2 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes. And we all understand that sugar is what causes cavities. If we eat too much and don’t look after our teeth afterwards, we are likely to have begun to develop some issues at your next dental checkup. But too much sugar can contribute to the development of diabetes. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, glucose is present in your saliva and when diabetes is not controlled, high glucose levels in your saliva help harmful bacteria grow, and more dental issues than just cavities. These bacteria combine with food to form a soft, sticky film called plaque. Some types of plaque cause tooth decay or cavities, while others cause gum disease and bad breath. This is why diabetics need to be extra careful – because they are prone to gum disease more than non-diabetics. Even further, when blood glucose is high, this gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes.

It can be said that overconsumption of sugar may be a major cause of two of the most prevalent diseases in the world, i.e., gum disease and diabetes. National surveys have found that the average American consumes around 77 grams of sugar every day, and the recommended amount is a fraction of that. Overconsumption of sugar leads not only to cavities and gum disease, but also can predispose you to prediabetes and even diabetes. So, while you are celebrating the holiday season, keep your sugar intake in mind. And if you find you are overindulging, make sure you practice proper dental hygiene after every sweet treat.

If you have questions or concerns about diabetes, 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.

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Cavity Prevention: Your Guide to Halloween Candy | New York Dentist

It’s that time of year again, folks – the spookiest night of the year. And we are all prepared for those tiny ghosts and goblins to haunt our houses, looking for tasty treats. But before you head out for candy in that plastic pumpkin, keep these tips in mind to maintain a healthy smile:

Candy corn. Even though candy corn is a Halloween candy trademark, it is one of the worst Halloween candies for your teeth because of the high amount of sugar, which can lead to tooth decay if neglected.

Caramel apple lollipops. Caramel apple suckers are also a huge symbol of Halloween, but they are extremely bad for your teeth. Not only do they have a caramel coating that can get stuck in your teeth, but they also have a high amount of sugar that can cause tooth decay.

Chewy candy. Chewy candy like Starburst and gummies can hit the spot sometimes. And while some are made with fruit juice, they can stick in the crevices of your teeth, unable to be removed by your toothbrush alone. 

Filled chocolates. Candy bars are one of the most popular items to give out on Halloween, but chocolates filled with caramel, cream, or coconut are bad for your teeth. They stick to your teeth like chewy candy, allowing bacteria to feed on it and cause tooth decay. 

As you indulge in those Halloween sweets, make sure to give your teeth a quick brushing afterwards. And if you don’t have a toothbrush handy, give your teeth a quick rinse until you get home to help prevent cavities. In fact, if you have little ones, make this a family affair. Crank on the tune “Monster Mash” and brush your teeth together!

If you have questions or concerns about Halloween candy, 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.

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Autumn Leaves and Tooth Sensitivity | New York Dentist

As the days get shorter and the weather gets chillier, we begin to change up our diets a bit – drinks go from iced cold to piping hot. Unfortunately for some of us, this causes some major issues in our mouths.

Thankfully, there are some things you can do to prevent your teeth from becoming sensitive to your favorite autumn treats. By taking these proactive measures, you will not only decrease your chances of developing tooth sensitivity, but will also maintain your mouth’s overall good health:

Avoid acids. One of the easiest ways to keep your smile is to improve your diet. Instead of junk foods and acidic drinks like sodas, try eating more fruits and dairy as snacks. They will naturally scour stains from your teeth while producing saliva to wash any sugars left away.

Be gentle. One of the main reasons your tooth enamel may be thinning is due to your brushing. Brushing harder doesn’t clean your teeth better. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. For best results, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and hold it at a 45-degree angle while you brush gently in a circular motion.

Cool it on bleaching. We all want bright, Hollywood smiles, but overbleaching will begin to have an adverse effect on your teeth as it begins to wear down your enamel, exposing the discolored layers hiding beneath.

Don’t grind your teeth. Believe it or not, if you find that you are clenching your teeth or waking with headaches, see a dentist. Clenching your teeth will wear enamel, so you may need a mouth guard.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth sensitivity, 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.

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Invisalign Is the Answer to Fixing Your Adult Smile | New York Dentist

Many patients are familiar with braces – metal fastened to teeth that we all saw growing up. However, many patients grow through childhood and into adulthood with unsolved dental problems, and if you asked those patients if they would fix their crooked smile, odds are the answer would be yes. The American Association of Orthodontics indicates that approximately 25% of people wearing braces are adults. That’s a lot of patients. But despite the large number of patients currently wearing braces, in most parts of the country you probably don’t see many adults with braces. What’s the secret? Invisalign.

Invisalign is a series of treatments where clear plastic aligners are custom created for an individual patient. Each aligner is worm for a specific period of time, slowly and slightly correcting the patient’s bite. As the patient completes the specified time with each aligner, the teeth slowly shift into their proper position.

The aligners should be worn as often as possible – generally 20-22 hours each day. They can be removed while you eat, and when you brush your teeth, but are generally worn while awake and asleep. Because the aligners are removed while you eat, you’re free to eat virtually anything you’d normally eat – meaning there are no food restrictions.

Nearly all bite issues can be corrected with Invisalign, though some dentists will recommend against Invisalign in certain cases where Invisalign may be significantly more costly and difficult than traditional orthodontic treatments. To determine if you’re an Invisalign candidate, schedule an appointment soon for a full evaluation.

If you have questions or concerns about Invisalign, 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.

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Why You May Have Developed Gum Disease | New York Dentist

No one wants gum disease. And while it can be prevented with proper dental care, there are some things that can happen that will cause you to develop gum disease. Because gum disease is typically painless, you may not even know you have it. Only a dental professional can diagnose you.

But what causes gum disease? Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. However, other factors can contribute to periodontal disease, including:

  • Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and monthly menstruation, make gums more sensitive, which makes it easier for gingivitis to develop.
  • Various illnesses may affect the condition of your gums. This includes diseases such as cancer or HIV, because they interfere with the immune system. Diabetes’ effects on the body’s ability to use blood sugar makes patients with this disease at a higher risk of developing infections, including periodontal disease and cavities.
  • Medications can affect oral health, because some lessen the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on teeth and gums.
  • Bad habits such as smoking make it harder for gum tissue to repair itself.
  • Family history of dental disease can be a contributing factor for the development of gingivitis.

Gum disease may progress without producing obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. Although the symptoms of periodontal disease can often be subtle, it can present some warning signs. But even if you don’t notice any symptoms, you may still have some degree of gum disease. In some people, gum disease may affect only certain teeth, such as the molars. Only a dentist or a periodontist can recognize and determine the progression of gum disease.

If you have questions or concerns about gum disease, 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.