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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.

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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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Garlic: Your Mouth’s Best Friend? | New York Dentist

Some of our favorite dishes have it. The Italians have made it a staple in every dish they serve. There is even a festival in Gilroy, CA every July. In fact, the only ones that don’t enjoy it would be vampires. Yes, we are talking about garlic – that gloriously smelly delight that graces our kitchens and taste buds. And with every good comes a bad and garlic is no different. The more we enjoy it, the more it is invading our mouths, leaving us with some of the stinkiest breath around. But have you ever stopped to think that garlic is actually helping our smiles? It may be hard to believe but it’s true. Garlic is one of the most multi-faceted foods we have. And since April 19th is National Garlic Day, let’s celebrate our favorite smelly friend…

Gum disease prevention. Garlic has thiosulfinate, a bacteria-reducing compound that specializes in reducing the production of plaque, the first stage of gum disease.

Promotes dental hygiene. We all know that garlic is guaranteed to give us some of the worst breath, so garlic is actually helping us maintain healthy dental practices as we are more prone to brush after eating garlic.

Get a good night’s sleep. Did you know garlic helps you sleep? Those that suffer from sleep apnea can benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties that can also help open up your airways and reduce enlarged tonsils.

Toothache relief. If a toothache or headache has occurred, munching on a clove of garlic can help relieve some of your pain naturally.

If you have questions or concerns about garlic, 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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A Smile Is Contagious | New York Dentist

It’s tough to deny the fact that a smile is contagious. If you’re in a bad mood, something as simple as a smile can lift your spirits. And if you have the smile on your face, the world just seems to feel a little bit brighter. Yes, our smile is one of the most powerful tools we have to make the world a better place.

Because our smile is so important, it is vital that we take care of it with proper daily dental hygiene and a healthy, balanced diet. Make sure to brush at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes, floss to get into those areas missed by your toothbrush, and rinse thoroughly to remove any of those cavity-causing bacteria.

A healthy balanced diet is not only good for our overall health, but also for our teeth. Fruits and vegetables are a great way to get vital nutrients into our systems, but there are some in particular that add a dental boost. Crunchy foods like apples and carrots increase saliva production, which is our mouth’s natural cleanser. Dairy products include lots of calcium, which is ideal for strong teeth and gums. Staying away from excessive sweets and junk food is also going to help keep your grin the brightest it can be.

So, before you start your day, take a moment to put a smile on your face. Not only will it help your general disposition, but it can spread to everyone you meet. Say cheese!

If you have questions or concerns about your smile’s health, 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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Improving Hygiene with Oral Appliances | New York Dentist

When creating our ideal smile with the help of our dental professional, it is important to know that this may lead to the use of removable dental appliances, like dentures or bridges. If this is the case, you need not worry – today’s dental advancements can now give you the most natural-looking smile possible. While these dental miracles are going to give you a fantastic smile, you are in charge of maintaining that smile. This includes hygiene.

When you receive your new smile, your dentist is going to give you a set of do’s and don’ts to follow – pay attention. These words of advice are not only going to ensure that your new smile is going to last as long as possible but will also prevent future issues due to the development of pathogens that can lead to oral thrush, pneumonia and other systemic diseases.

Many will soak their appliances in an OTC solution dissolved in water. This is fine for aesthetic maintenance, but they do nothing for the harmful pathogens. Best solution is a nice soak in an all-purpose antimicrobial cleanser.

We know that toothpaste is necessary for proper dental hygiene, but it isn’t for removable dental appliances. Most toothpastes are too abrasive and can cause tiny scratches, and these tiny scratches are the perfect hiding place for bacteria and other fungal colonies.

In order to maintain your dental health while using dental appliances, make sure to thoroughly disinfect your appliances and clean the areas they are placed. No sense in keeping pristine dentures if you plan on placing them in an unclean mouth. Keeping both clean and disinfected will keep your renewed smile around for years to come.

If you have questions or concerns about dental appliances, 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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Gum Disease Prevention at Home | New York Dentist

Periodontal disease is one of the most common problems Americans face – as many as half of American adults have some level of periodontal disease, and that percentage increases at higher ages. Periodontal, or gum, disease can take many forms – from mild gingivitis, with symptoms like red inflamed gums to severe periodontal disease, where pus from infections can push teeth from their socket.

Fortunately, there are things you can do at home to help prevent periodontal disease. First and foremost – brush at least twice a day (ideally after each meal), and floss at least once a day. Periodontal disease typically starts with plaque and tartar on the teeth – brushing and flossing helps remove that plaque before it can harden into tartar.

Controlling bacteria in the mouth can be done with a few home remedies. Saltwater rinses (2 teaspoons of salt in a glass of warm water, swirled in your mouth for up to 60 seconds) and hydrogen peroxide (food grade, equal parts 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and water, swirled in your mouth for a few seconds and then spit out) can help combat bacteria in your mouth, and sugar-free gum with Xylitol has antibacterial properties as well as encourages the production of saliva to help wash food particles from your mouth.

While there’s no substitute for professional dental visits, taking good care of your mouth at home will help keep periodontal disease at bay. If you see red, inflamed, or bleeding gums, skip the home treatment and visit a professional – it’s best to treat periodontal disease before it becomes a serious problem.

If you have questions or concerns about gum disease prevention, 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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Drink Up! It’s National Drink Wine Day | New York Dentist

Our smile is very important to us, so it is important that we take care of it. Because if we develop tooth decay, we may not be keeping our teeth much longer. Thankfully, there are things we can do that can prevent cavities beyond brushing and dental visits. The following are a handful of not-so-well-known tips for cavity prevention. And since February 18th is National Drink Wine Day, you’ll be happy to know wine is actually on this list…

Wine. Red wine is generally not considered great for teeth because of the stains, but one study suggests that many of the individual chemical components in both red and white wine can actively fight the bacteria that lead to tooth decay and cavities.

Raisins. Within the same vein, scientists have found that some of the chemicals present in nature’s candy, including polyphenols and flavonoids, may actively fight oral bacteria that lead to cavities.

Use a straw. We really shouldn’t have sugary drinks in our diet, but a good way to minimize damage to healthy teeth is by sipping that soda through a straw, so there is minimal contact with your teeth.

Cheese. Some researchers believe that casein, a protein found in cheese, may have a protective property that promotes healthy teeth and could help with cavity prevention.

Chewing gum. Chewing sugar-free gum has long been recommended to avoid bad breath and cavities. Even more so if it’s made with xylitol, a natural sugar substitute.

Dental sealants. To prevent tooth decay, many dentists recommend dental sealants, a protective coating that’s applied to the surface of the back teeth.

If you have questions or concerns about cavity prevention, 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 You Want Your Smile Whitened | New York Dentist

When we think of a smile that lights up a room, we are generally thinking about those amazing Hollywood smiles we see on our movie screens. They are bright and white and envious to those that can’t claim the same perfection. Now it is time to do something about it – a teeth whitening treatment is sure to fix things right up.

Brushing and flossing remain 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. Avoiding snacks in between meals also help give your saliva enough time to dilute and help rinse the acids in your mouth.

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.

In general, the most effective way to whiten teeth and get lasting results is to visit the dentist. Only they can give you the proper advice on how to achieve the sparkly, white smile you’ve always wanted. There are various ways dentists can help you achieve better looking teeth. This may include using bleaching kits for you to use at home, or via in-office bleaching procedures though the latter is considered the more effective option.

If you have questions or concerns about 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.

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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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Why You Need to Use Toothpaste | New York Dentist

oral hygieneWe know the importance of looking after our teeth, and in doing that, brushing on a daily basis. Brushing, along with flossing, will not only remove food debris and plaque but will also protect your teeth against tooth decay and gum disease. But have you ever wondered why we use toothpaste? Sure, it tastes great and makes our breath less harsh, but is that all it does for our dental health? You may be surprised by just how much it does…

Dentists recommend that you use fluoride toothpaste, as it not only cleans your teeth but protects them. Toothpaste and gentle circular strokes work to remove plaque, a sticky, harmful film of bacteria that grows on your teeth that causes cavities, gum disease and eventual tooth loss if not controlled. For toothpaste that contains fluoride, which makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay, and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage can even be seen.

Special ingredients in toothpaste help to clean and polish the teeth and remove stains over time. Toothpaste helps freshen breath and leaves your mouth with a clean feeling. But contrary to what toothpaste commercials show, the amount of paste or gel needed on your brush for effective cleaning does not have to be a heaping amount. Simply squeeze a pea-sized dab of paste on the top half of your brush.

Whatever toothpaste you choose will be effective in that it will clean your teeth and prevent the risk of tooth decay. Your dentist can advise about toothpaste, so feel free to ask him/her for their advice.

If you have questions or concerns about toothpaste, 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.