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Give It to Me Straight | New York Dentist

When we have a flawed smile, it can become an issue to do certain things. It could affect our speech, our bite, even our self-esteem. And since social media is all about photos, and we all maintain some type of online presence, having these flaws fixed is a must. It’s time to make a dental appointment…

One great way to fix a crooked smile is with orthodontics. Believe it or not, having braces can fix a number of dental issues. Fixing your crooked teeth with a set of braces – traditional or otherwise – will improve your mouth’s alignment, speech and/or chewing difficulties. The following are various dental issues and how getting braces can repair them:

Gapped teeth. Gaps in between teeth can occur from the abnormal continued growth of the jawbone or missing teeth causing teeth the shift to adjust to the empty space, creating gaps.

Overbites. When the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth, you have an overbite. Much like teeth gaps or spaces, overbites can eventually lead to gum problems and add unnecessary stress on the lower teeth and jaw.

Underbite. The opposite of overbites, an underbite occurs when the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth. Having an underbite causes unnecessary tooth wear, in addition to causing pain and other issues in the jaw joints.

Teeth crowding. Crowded teeth occur when there’s not enough room in the jaws for teeth to fit normally as they would. If left untreated, expect severely crooked teeth, which causes various dental issues, such as plaque accumulation, tooth decay and an increased risk for gum disease.

If you have questions or concerns about braces, 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.

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What to Expect when You’re Expecting a Dental Cleaning | New York Dentist

You brush, floss and rinse your mouth twice a day, the way you have been for as long as you can remember. Your teeth are looking good, so naturally you think everything is kosher when it comes to your oral health. Having to go to the dentist to have them cleaned is completely unnecessary, right? Wrong. You may be doing a fabulous job cleaning your teeth, but you still have to get a good scrubbing done by a professional. Not because you aren’t doing a good job, but because teeth cleanings with your dentist are more thorough than the type of cleaning you do at home. They can get into smallest of crevices a normal toothbrush and floss just can’t. Dental cleanings also help to prevent many other health problems.

Gum disease is an infection in your gums that breaks down the bone and soft tissue in your mouth. If left untreated, will eventually leads to tooth loss. Not only that, but gum disease has been proved to cause heart disease, strokes and even a low birth rate. Keeping a bi-yearly dental checkup and cleaning will help to prevent these health issues.

When it comes to the detection of oral cancers, you can never be too proactive. When you get your teeth cleaned, you are screened for oral cancer. Like any health issue, early detection is extremely important and getting your teeth cleaned is an easy way to kill two birds with one dental stone. No matter how often you do it, regular dental visits helps keep your oral health on track and any problems you have had in the past, or are currently experiencing, can continue to be monitored.

If you have questions or concerns about dental cleanings, 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.

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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.

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What Do You Know About Dental Sealants? | New York Dentist

It’s a new year and a new train of thought. But when you think about life improvements, do you ever think about your dental health? It’s something to think about, since our mouths are the first line of defense against lots of general health issues. So, when we are maintaining our dental hygiene routines, we need to realize that how we brush our teeth is important. After all, no one wants to have a cavity. The best way to prevent them from developing is to practice proper dental hygiene, keep your dental checkups regular and consider dental sealants.

What is a dental sealant? Dental sealant is a thin coating that is painted onto the crevices of your premolars and molars in order to prevent cavities from forming in the areas it is difficult for toothbrushes to reach. While it is available to everyone, dental sealants are a great way to prevent cavities while your tiny human is learning to properly brush.

The process is quick, painless and economical, as sealants are less expensive than a filling. The tooth is cleaned and dried, then a low-acidic solution is applied so the sealant can adhere to the tooth. The sealant is painted onto the respective tooth and dried with a curing light. Start to finish, the process takes less than a minute.

Once the sealants have been applied, the upkeep is simple – look after your teeth like you would normally. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, floss at least once, and swish some mouthwash around. You’ll be pleased to see a great report card at your next dental visit.

If you have questions or concerns about dental sealants, 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.

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When It’s Time for an Extraction | New York Dentist

Let’s face it – once we lose our baby teeth, this is all we get. We need to preserve our teeth for the rest of our lives. Because while dental implants are fantastic replacements, nothing beats our natural set of teeth so our goal is to keep them as long as we possibly can. But life happens, and so do accidents. It isn’t impossible that you will need a tooth or teeth replaced at some point in your life.

While there are many different reasons for extraction, virtually all extractions fall into one of two classes: simple or surgical. Simple extractions typically involve local anesthetic, and instruments are used to gain leverage and physically loosen and pull the tooth from the patient’s mouth. Surgical extractions, as their name implies, is typically conducted by an oral surgeon under anesthesia, and may involve teeth that are fully beneath the gum tissue, or teeth that require cutting tissue or bone for other reasons.

But you need to know, there is no easy extraction and both surgical and simple extractions require healing – your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to minimize the chance of infection. Packing the area with gauze will also help to eliminate the chance of food particles becoming embedded in the opening formerly occupied by the removed tooth. Depending on your case, you may also require antibiotics and/or pain killers for the first bit of healing time, but you will soon be good as new. While extraction is fairly common and well understood, there are some potential complications, including infection, bleeding, swelling, and nerve injury.

If you have questions or concerns about teeth extractions, 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.

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The Benefits of IV Sedation | New York Dentist

When we need to have a dental procedure done, it never ceases to make us a bit skittish. After all, surgery is never a fun thing to do. But there really isn’t anything to fear – the dental industry understands that patients are nervous and have developed IV sedation as an option prior to the procedure, so you can rest at ease. Because you may be a bit hesitant, here are some of the benefits of having IV sedation during your next dental procedure:

  • IV sedation kicks in right when it’s first administered, and the drug dosage can be altered to fit each individual patient.
  • A safe level of deep sedation can be reached with IV sedation, as where oral sedation and inhalation sedation can be unpredictable. IV sedation is safe and effective.
  • Certain treatments can be performed at a fast pace and with fewer office visits with the help of IV sedation.
  • With IV sedation, your gag reflex is greatly diminished. If you are using IV sedation for gag reflex, then your dentist may try inhalation sedation first.
  • IV sedation allows patients to be conscious, while also relaxing them. This allows them to cooperate with the dentist instructions and be relaxed at the same time.
  • Recovery time is typically shorter with IV sedation. This is mostly because the drug dosage can be tailored.

Now that you’ve gotten a little more familiar with sleep dentistry, you don’t need to worry about that dental procedure you’ve been dreading. Get that much need dental procedure done. Don’t let your dental anxiety or sensitive gag reflex keep you from visiting the dentist.

If you have questions or concerns about the effects of IV sedation, 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.

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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.

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Give Your Smile a Makeover with Porcelain Veneers | New York Dentist

When we have a flawed smile, it can lead to other issues. If teeth are missing or crooked, it can cause your other teeth to respond to these flaws by moving and/or shifting. In order to fix this, it’s time for a visit to the dentist for a smile makeover. One option to improve your smile? Porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers offer superior benefits over other cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental crowns or braces. The fingernail-thin shells, which are adhered to the front surface, solve a myriad of aesthetic problems with just one treatment. Here is a list of the top 10:

Natural looking. Porcelain is a translucent material that mimics the look, luster, and feel of enamel.

Whiten. When adhered to the front surface of your teeth, veneers you’re your teeth look instantly whiter.

Straighten. Veneers offer a great alternative for patients with crooked teeth who do not want to endure the process of having their teeth straightened with dental braces.

Fix. Veneers can fill in and improve the look of teeth that are chipped or broken.

Fill in gaps. Veneers can be customized to repair smiles with unsightly gaps.

Youthful. A whiter, brighter, more lustrous smile can immediately you’re your face a more youthful appearance.

Conservative. Unlike other cosmetic procedures that require removing a large portion of healthy, natural teeth, veneers can be applied with little alteration.

Protection. Once applied, the veneers also serve to provide a protective shield to the front surface of teeth.

Stain-resistant. Porcelain is stain-resistant, which will make your smile stay brighter and whiter longer.

Gum friendly. Gum tissue is not irritated by porcelain.

If you have questions or concerns about porcelain veneers, 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.

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Ouch! My Jaw Is Sore | New York Dentist

Do you wake up with a sore jaw? Have you found yourself grinding your teeth lately? If you find that your jaw has become more sore than usual, you may be developing a deeper issue and should consider taking a trip to the dentist to make sure nothing is wrong. A routine dental check-up may be able to diagnose the issue and recommend proper treatment.

The first question we need to ask is why this is happening. If your teeth do not align properly, clenching and grinding your teeth is a common response, especially while asleep. Over time, your teeth can become seriously worn down, which is its own set of issues. But your teeth may even chip or break because of this unconscious habit, and that’s a different set of remedies.

Many times, stress is a major cause of teeth clenching (bruxism) or grinding. Labeled as one of the most dangerous afflictions, stress is a lifestyle issue that can do more damage than you may think. If your grinding is due to stress, try to identify the reasons you have the stress and try to alleviate those stressors.

Habitual, long-term bruxism can cause a number of problems if left untreated. It can cause your jaw to move out of proper alignment, leading to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Excessive grinding can even cause you to lose your teeth.

Grinding your teeth is a habit that can lead to dental issues, but there are ways to quit the habit and cosmetic dental procedures fix your smile. It’s important to see your dental professional if you feel that you are developing bruxism in order to diagnose the problem and find a solution.

If you have questions or concerns about TMJ issues, 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.

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Seal It with a Kiss | New York Dentist

When it comes to dental hygiene, we do our best to make sure our teeth are healthy and strong by brushing, flossing, eating well and visiting the dentist regularly. So, when you find out that you have developed a cavity, we tend to question why it happened. Unfortunately, there are ways you can develop cavities that have nothing to do with how well you brush your teeth. But worry not, there is a way to prevent cavities from happening – dental sealants.

Dental sealant is a thin coating that is painted onto the crevices of your premolars and molars in order to prevent cavities from forming in the areas it is difficult for toothbrushes to reach. While it is available to everyone, dental sealants are a great way to prevent cavities while your tiny human is learning to properly brush.

The process is quick, painless and economical, as sealants are less expensive than a filling. The tooth is cleaned and dried, then a low-acidic solution is applied so the sealant can adhere to the tooth. The sealant is painted onto the respective tooth and dried with a curing light. Start to finish, the process takes less than a minute. A minute to prevent cavities? It’s true!

Once the sealants have been applied, the upkeep is simple – look after your teeth like you would normally. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, floss at least once, and swish some mouthwash around. You’ll be pleased to see a great report card at your next dental visit.

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

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