North Shore Restorative & Implant Dentistry

When a patient’s teeth have been damaged by decay or injury, it’s preferable to take measures to save the biological tooth rather than extract it and replace it with a prosthetic. Dental crowns can help patients and dentists achieve this goal.

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that slide over the natural tooth. They restore the tooth’s appearance and can offer a level of protection to teeth that might be susceptible to breakage. They can also provide support to a tooth that requires a large filling and has little remaining biological tooth material. Crowns are particularly valuable in helping to make a tooth stronger following root canal therapy.

Dental crowns may also be used for solely cosmetic reasons, such as adjusting the proportions of an undersized tooth or to conceal a deep stain.

These restorations can be made of a number of different materials, and they can be designed to closely match the shade of a patient’s biological tooth.

If your dentist has recommended a dental crown to repair some sort of damage, the tooth will first be prepared for the crown to be placed. This typically entails removing a thin layer of enamel from the tooth to make room for the crown. A local anesthetic is used for greater patient comfort. After the tooth has been prepped, the patient will have impressions of the tooth taken so that the crown can be crafted.

While waiting for the permanent crown, which can take 2-3 weeks for a dental lab to finalize, the patient can choose to wear a temporary one. You may need to take certain steps to protect this temporary crown, and a dental professional will give you more specific instructions.

When the crown is ready, the patient returns to the dental office to have the crown permanently bonded to the tooth.

Dental crowns are beneficial to patients who hope to preserve their natural teeth despite significant damage. Talk to our team at North Shore Restorative & Implant Dentistry about this dental treatment if you are hoping to save a decayed or otherwise compromised tooth. Call 516-484-6394 to schedule your visit.

If you have tried to brighten your teeth with store-bought toothpastes or strips and saw insignificant results, you might think that removing permanent stains is not possible. Fortunately, professional teeth whitening services provide dramatic results in about an hour’s time, that boosts patients’ confidence and improves appearance. Dr. Gardner is proud to offer Zoom! in-office whitening to patients in our area.

Why are over the counter products ineffective?

Store-bought products are ineffective because they do not contain a high enough concentration of whitening agents to remove stains that have developed below the enamel surface of teeth. Instead, over the counter whitening toothpastes, rinses, and strips lighten surface stains with abrasives and mild bleaching ingredients.

How is professional teeth whitening different?

Since professional teeth whitening occurs in a clinical setting, North Shore Restorative & Implant Dentistry can safely utilize ingredients that are more potent without harming teeth or gums. In-office whitening involves applying protective gauze and liquid dam to the soft tissues in the mouth such as the inside of cheeks and along the gums. Then a prescription-strength bleaching solution is applied to the teeth. Once this is complete, the special dental laser that emits a concentration of light will be placed over the teeth. This laser will deepen and accelerate the whitening process. The procedure takes about 45-60 minutes and during treatment, patients relax in our comfortable chairs.

What type of results can I expect?

Our team will measure the effectiveness of in-office whitening with shade indicators before and after treatment so that patients have a visual aid to see how well their treatment worked. While every patient’s situation is unique, most patients enjoy a smile that is about eight shades brighter after professional teeth whitening treatments.

I’m interested in teeth whitening, what should I do next?

If you are interested in whitening your smile, we welcome you to discuss this with our team at your next cleaning or examination. You can also call North Shore Restorative & Implant Dentistry for a one-on-one consultation with our dentist, Dr. Gardner.

Did you know that laser technology can be used in dentistry to reveal cavities in their earliest stages? While this revolutionary technology seems like it belongs in a science fiction movie, it is available to patients in our area. With DIAGNOdent, a laser light is used to detect early stages of decay so that our team can repair teeth as conservatively as possible. With advanced technology and the best dentist in our area, North Shore Restorative & Implant Dentistry is honored to provide comprehensive oral healthcare to our patients.

Cavities and Tooth Anatomy

Cavities develop when bacteria are able to eat through the soft, vulnerable structures of teeth below the enamel surface. Decay occurs when tooth enamel is damaged or weakened. Tooth decay is so common that estimates from the Center for Disease Control show that up to 99% of the U.S. population will be affected by cavities. While teeth are made of mineralized structure similar to bone, teeth cannot regenerate once they have been damaged. Since teeth cannot regenerate new tissue, decay must be professionally treated to prevent further damage and restore the tooth’s shape and size. When decay occurs, restorations such as fillings or crowns are a necessity to enjoy optimal oral health.

Early Cavity Detection Saves Patients Money

The earlier a cavity is detected, the more conservatively it can be treated. For example, if a cavity has gone untreated, the decay can spread to the root canal and ultimately require root canal therapy and/or the placement of a custom crown. Early stages of decay, however, can be treated with fillings. Used for small areas of decay, fillings prevent further damage while allowing our team to retain as much tooth structure as possible. Compared to other restorations and endodontic therapy, fillings are much cheaper.

DIAGNOdent works by emitting laser light at a specific frequency to illuminate a decayed area. The laser will then send signals to a digital monitor to estimate the degree of decay present. With the use of a laser, cavities can be detected before they are visible to the trained eye or in X-rays.

Call our office at 516-484-6394 to schedule a cleaning or checkup with our dentist today.

You have probably heard about dental implants on the news or from an acquaintance. In fact, you might be wondering how dental implants compare to other types of tooth replacement methods or how implants affect oral function or your daily routine. Experienced with placing these permanent replacement teeth, our implant dentist offers some insight on common questions about dental implants.

Can I eat tough or chewy foods with implants?

When compared to eating with missing teeth or removable prosthetics, most patients agree that eating with dental implants is very similar to eating with biological teeth. This is because implants are placed in the jawbone and therefore will not move or slip in the mouth. After implants have stabilized, patients can enjoy a diet without restrictions.

Will my smile appear natural looking?

The prosthetics attached to implants such as crowns or bridges can be made from incredibly natural looking material like ceramic or metal with a porcelain overlay. Since porcelain comes in a number of white shades, prosthetics attached to implants will seamlessly blend with surrounding natural teeth.

What material is used to make the implant?

The implant itself, the portion of the prosthetic tooth that is embedded into the jaw, is constructed from titanium. This metal is extremely durable and also biocompatible with the body. After placing the implant, a process called osseointegration occurs where the jawbone will integrate around the titanium implant. This process is natural and is what allows the implant to function like a tooth’s root. Much of the implant’s stability and longevity is attributed to the fact that titanium is biocompatible with bone structure.

Who should receive dental implants?

Patients who have lost teeth should consider receiving implants because they offer a number of oral health advantages. Those interested in learning more should schedule a consultation with our implant dentist. During a consultation, our team will determine whether a patient is a candidate for this procedure.

To book your appointment with our caring team, contact North Shore Restorative & Implant Dentistry at your convenience.

A patient with a noticeable space between the front two teeth may be dissatisfied with the smile’s appearance but reluctant to spend years in orthodontics to correct the problem.

Porcelain veneers can be a suitable alternative for such patients, and the treatment is completed in a fraction of the time that braces take.

These handy devices are among the most versatile interventions available to a cosmetic dentist. They can be used to correct any number of aesthetic flaws in the teeth. In the case of a diastema (gap between the teeth), the porcelain veneers can create the illusion that the teeth are wider and meet in the middle.

For most patients, porcelain veneers can be designed and placed in a matter of weeks. At the initial consultation, the cosmetic dentist will assess your teeth, recording aspects like the shade, shape and dimensions of your biological teeth. That data will then be used to craft the veneers to the patient’s individual specifications.

The dentist may also prep the teeth for veneer placement at that initial appointment if a thin layer must be removed to make room for the veneers.

When the veneers are ready, the patient returns to the dentist’s office to have them bonded to the teeth. Before the veneers are placed on the teeth, the dentist can make further adjustments to the color or shape of the devices. When the patient is satisfied, the veneers are then permanently bonded to the teeth.

If you take good care of them, veneers can last for years. Use common sense, and don’t do anything with your veneers that you shouldn’t do with your natural teeth. Ask your dentist about proper care for your veneers to help them last as long as possible.

Porcelain veneers can help to close the gap in your smile and boost your self-confidence. Talk to our skilled team today to learn if this treatment might benefit you. Call 516-484-6394 to schedule your visit.

Tooth loss has the most noticeable impact on the smile’s appearance, but missing teeth can compromise a patient’s health, as well.

To protect your oral health and your overall well-being following tooth loss, it’s important to carefully consider a number of factors as you make your decision on a tooth replacement treatment.

When patients choose a structurally complete replacement tooth, such as dental implants, to restore a smile, they gain a number of health benefits.

The dental implant is unique because it replaces both the absent crown and root. Alternatives like bridges and dentures only fill in the empty space left behind by the crown but do nothing to replicate the root structure that provides essential support for the smile.

The surrounding bone will form a bond with the implant after it is REPLACEed into the jaw by the implant dentist. That phenomenon, known as osseointegration, helps to preserve a significant portion of the functionality of the biological teeth.

For this reason, dental implants are far more effective at chewing than other prosthetic appliances. They can withstand normal chewing forces, which helps in maintaining good nutritional intake even after tooth loss. Fresh and crispy fruits and veggies will not be off limits for people with dental implants.

Dental implants also offer a degree of protection against future tooth loss. The implant helps to stabilize the underlying jawbone by reducing the bone loss that typically accompanies tooth loss. This helps to preserve the integrity of the attachment between tooth and jaw, reducing the chances that a remaining tooth will fall out.

It’s also more convenient to care for dental implants with your normal oral hygiene routine. If you brush and floss normally according to your dentist’s directions, you can reduce the presence of potentially harmful oral bacteria.

Tooth loss has the potential for negative consequences for your health, but you can choose a tooth replacement method that may minimize those effects. To learn more about your options, contact the office of Dr. David Gardner and schedule your informative consultation today.

Your smile can suffer from any number of aesthetic flaws, such as chips, cracks or stains. A severely damaged tooth or an undersized one can detract from the smile, as well.

When these problems occur, dental crowns can enhance the appearance of biological teeth that are less attractive than the patient would like. These tooth-shaped caps can conceal a variety of defects, and they are particularly useful when the damage is too significant to be obscured by a more conservative restoration, such as dental bonding or porcelain veneers.

Because they are made of materials that mimic biological tooth enamel, dental crowns are remarkably lifelike. They can be designed to the patient’s unique specifications so that they will blend in with the smile.

Patients can work with a prosthodontist to get dental crowns to restore their smiles. Prosthodontists are dental specialists who focus specifically on restorations. This more narrow practice of dental medicine gives prosthodontists a level of expertise in creating devices with a very natural appearance.

When examining the tooth (or teeth) and planning for the crown placement, the prosthodontist will thoroughly inspect the targeted tooth as well as its neighbors to determine the appropriate specification for the crown, including the size, shade and shape.

The prosthodontist will prepare the tooth by removing a layer of enamel in order to make room for the crown. When the crown is ready to be placed, it will be bonded to the tooth using a strong dental cement.

Under ideal conditions, dental crowns can last for many years. During your treatment planning process, talk to our team about appropriate care for your dental crowns to be sure that you can maximize the lifespan of the devices.

If you are dissatisfied with your smile, you may be able to improve it significantly in a relatively short period of time. Contact NorthShore Restorative & Implant Dentistry at 516-484-6394 to see if dental crowns can give you the treatment results that you want.

You are probably familiar with the effects that stress can have on your physical and mental health, like an increased risk of high blood pressure and depression. Stress can also compromise your dental health, and this is another reason to try to keep your stress levels in check.

In general, high stress levels are associated with increased inflammation. In turn, inflammation plays a key role in gum disease, which can eventually lead to tooth and/or bone loss.

Although the best dentist can effectively treat gum disease, it’s best to avoid developing the condition in the first place. Effective stress management techniques may not be able to eliminate your risk of gum disease entirely, but they can get rid of one factor that contributes to it and may exacerbate it. [pullquote]Another adverse effect of stress on your oral health is the potential for structural damage to the teeth…[/pullquote]

Another adverse effect of stress on your oral health is the potential for structural damage to the teeth that may need to be addressed by a dentist.

Did you realize that excessive amounts of stress can actually lead to damaged teeth? Many patients who are overwhelmed by stress unconsciously grind their teeth, often while they’re asleep. This causes wear and tear on the teeth, and it can cause facial pain and headaches as well.

Fortunately, teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be addressed with a custom-designed mouthguard worn at night. The mouthguard prevents the upper and lower jaws from contacting each other, therefore curtailing the teeth grinding.

When a patient wears a custom-fitted mouthguard, the appliance has a better fit because it is specifically designed to the patient’s unique specifications. Therefore, custom-designed mouthguards tend to be more effective at reducing the effects of bruxism.

Seeing your dentist every six months for check-ups can help to keep tabs on any changes to your oral health that can be amplified by stress. And don’t get too stressed out to keep up your oral hygiene routine, because that helps to minimize oral diseases, too.

Stress can have many consequences for your smile. Contact North Shore Restorative & Implant Dentistry at 516-484-6394 to learn more about treatments that can help limit that damage.

A few decades ago, older patients often were relegated to ill-fitting uncomfortable dentures after the tooth loss that inevitably came with aging in years past. Now, more and more patients are keeping their biological teeth into their 80s and beyond. The best dentist can work with you to preserve your smile well into your retirement years.

Maintaining a healthy smile as you age requires some good common sense with a little special consideration of certain factors that take on increased importance in older dental patients.

Many of the steps you take to protect your dental health as you get older are the same as those you began to take during childhood. [pullquote]Routine visits with a dentist are essential because they help to minimize the oral bacteria that can attack the teeth and gums.[/pullquote]

Routine visits with a dentist are essential because they help to minimize the oral bacteria that can attack the teeth and gums. When the dental hygienist cleans your teeth, it clears away any plaque and tartar that linger on the teeth even after you’ve brushed and flossed.

If you see your dentist every six months, it will also be easier for the dentist to catch any potential problems in their earliest stages when it’s easiest to fix them. Being proactive can help to limit damage that can lead to tooth and bone loss.

Good oral hygiene habits also help you to keep your teeth as you age. Brushing and flossing help to keep plaque and tartar in check and prevent various oral diseases.

Older patients do face some specific age-associated risk factors that have the potential to compromise their oral health. For example, as you get older, your chances of developing gum disease increases. Many older adults develop dry mouth, often as a side effect of medications, and the lack of saliva can allow bacteria to proliferate. Artificial saliva, or even drinking lots of water, can help to limit the effects of dry mouth.

Patients who can keep their biological teeth has they age gain a number of benefits, from better nutrition to an improved appearance. Talk to our team today about what you should be doing now so that you’ll be able to maintain your smile throughout your lifespan. Call 516-484-6394 to learn more.