Tag Archives: dental

With Presidents Day coming up, we’ve been thinking about the story of George Washington’s wooden teeth. In fact, George Washington had several sets of dentures, none of which were made of wood. Thankfully, today we have many more options than those available to America’s first President, including Same Day Dentures, Dental Implants, Overdentures and All-on-4 Implant Supported Dentures, many of which can be completed in as little as one day! If you are missing teeth, Morris Park Dental has a solution for you!

What were George Washington’s Dentures Made of?

America’s very first president began losing teeth even in his twenties and was finally forced to wear several sets of unattractive dentures. By the time he was admitted to the office of president in 1789, Washington only had a single natural tooth left. Dental problems plagued Washington for most of his adult life. Instead of wood, Washington’s many false choppers were made out of varying combinations of human teeth, metal fasteners and rare ivory from the hippopotamus. Ivory from elephant and walrus may also have been used, along with lead, gold metal springs, wires, and brass screws. None of these materials looked very natural, nor were they comfortable. George Washington may have also gone through a “tooth transplantation” operation, a precursor to today’s dental implant procedures.

What are Dentures?
As we age, our teeth can become loose or decayed and fall out or have to be extracted. The denture is a removable plate or frame holding one or more fabricated teeth. Dentures have been around for many years, as evidenced by the story of George Washington, but today they are made of more modern materials like metal and plastic, and can be color-matched closely with any natural teeth in the patient’s mouth.

There are two basic types of dentures: Complete or Partial. A complete denture replaces a full set of teeth (top or bottom, or both), while a Partial denture is used when a patient still has some natural teeth but is missing one or more teeth.

The partial denture usually has clasps which snap into your existing teeth. A partial denture is great, not only to disguise missing teeth, but also because it keeps your existing natural teeth from shifting, and it helps save the space from further bone loss.

In order to make a Complete denture, the dentist takes an impression of the patient’s gums, which is used to create a mold. This mold is then used as the basis of a wax model to which the teeth are added. The model is tested in the patient’s mouth to confirm it will be suitable in size and color, and for the formation of a plate that fits snugly in the mouth. Plates made from acrylic resin are compatible with dentures that require an artificial gumline because the material can be tinted to resemble the patient’s natural gum color. Metal plates, however, carry less risk of breaking. They are also stronger and provide a better fit. This makes metal ideal for partial plates that are fully hidden behind the remaining natural teeth.

Because our office has an in-house lab, both partial dentures and complete dentures can be made in as little as one day! Other offices which send their dentures to an outside lab can take as many as five individual visits for you to get your dentures. Our motto is: Why Wait? You can get back to eating the foods you enjoy in as little as one day.

What are the Drawbacks of Dentures?

Partial and full dentures need to be cleaned daily just like natural teeth. If the cleaning is not done correctly, plaque and tartar will build up on your dentures. This will cause stains, gum problems and bad breath. Plaque from your dentures can also spread to your natural teeth and gums, leading to gum disease and dental cavities.

In addition, even if you have dentures you should still come in to see the dentist for checkups and oral cancer screenings, as well as periodic adjustments. As a person ages, their jaw bones shrink and gums recede, and the denture will no longer fit like it once did. Dentures can also break and may need to be repaired.

Finally, even with dentures that are custom fitted to your mouth, you still may experience discomfort or rubbing, difficulty eating with the denture in, and problems speaking clearly. Some people just are not happy with their dentures, no matter how many times they come in for adjustments.

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a relatively recent type of prosthetic device that replaces a natural tooth. Almost all dental implants in our modern world are made from titanium or titanium alloy. These are elements that have been proven over hundreds of years to be well tolerated by bone. To support replacement teeth, dental implants, for the most part, have post space or internal screw thread that allows components to be fitted. Once installed, these components provide the foundation for long-term support of crowns, bridges or dentures. You can have any number of teeth substituted with implants – ranging from one single tooth to a complete set of dentition.

If you have several teeth absent with your gums and jaw are in healthy condition, you may benefit from dental implants. With outstanding oral hygiene, dental implants can last up to 20 years without the need for a substitute.

Dental implants are often a favored choice for people who have only one or two teeth missing, but they can be a great alternative to dentures if you have a full mouth of missing teeth. As long as your gums and jaw are in good form, implants can serve as a base of support for a number of replacement teeth, and can be used to support a full denture (known as an All-on-4 or Implant supported denture).

What are All-on-4 Implant Supported Dentures?

All-on-4 Implant Supported Dentures are a permanent solution for missing teeth. Unlike dentures, they do not come out of your mouth but are screwed into 4 separate implants, which hold the denture in place. All-on-4 can also be completed in as little as one day, thanks to our in-house lab.

Dental implants are a “built to last” solution. If you consult a dentist, they would say that, with proper care dental bridge can stand perhaps up to ten years. Traditionally, dental bridges on average last up to seven years, but at some point, they will require replacement. While dental implants may need occasional adjustments, they can last a lifetime when properly placed and cared for frequently over time. Besides that, you can enjoy life without being concerned about your teeth again. You can be safe assured that the removable dentures or tooth-supported replacement teeth will not be loose, even drop out when you speak, laugh or eat. Gone are the days of staying at home due to the feeling of unease in public, embarrassed because your smile looks unique from others, or worrying those missing teeth will restrict your ability to enjoy your freedom. Teeth rehabilitated with dental implants are teeth that allow you lead the life you dreamed. The third benefit you’re getting is the ease in speech. Accommodating oneself to removable dentures can mean having to put up with some struggle in pronouncing everyday words. This is not the case with dental implants, which function so alike natural teeth that you wouldn’t notice the difference.

Whether you’re considering Dental Implants or Dentures, Morris Park Dental aims to cater the highest standards of dentistry possible using state-of-the-art technology, in as little as one day. Call us today at (718) DR-SMILE (718-377-6453) to schedule your consultation today!

Now that it’s a New Year, it’s a good time to start considering new dental practices to get the best results for your teeth. Once you take on a New Year, new you attitude to 2016, you will notice big changes in your smile.

If you find yourself in a position where you need braces in the New Year, the timing couldn’t be better to look into our Invisalign treatment. Here at Morris Park Dental, our Bronx dental office is a Premier Invisalign Provider, which means we have more experience than other dentists in this field so we can certainly give you the best results possible.

If you need braces and are thinking about Invisalign, you will undoubtedly have many questions about the differences between this solution and traditional braces. This article is here to outline some of the benefits of Invisalign as opposed to traditional braces to help give you more facts. Keep reading to find out how Invisalign treatment can brighten your smile and make you shine for the rest of the year.

Invisalign is nearly Invisible

One of the major benefits to having Invisalign instead of traditional braces is the way that they look. Invisalign treatment doesn’t use hardware or ugly wires on your teeth so these won’t be a problem when you smile. In fact, Invisalign is practically invisible so there will be no need to be self-conscious or shy at all. This is particularly relevant for adults who need their teeth straightened but don’t want to endure unsightly braces.

Invisalign is more Comfortable than Traditional Braces

Invisalign treatment is practically pain free. The technology is developed to suit your individual teeth. Invisalign uses Align Technology with 3-D computer imagery to get results that are perfectly suitable to your teeth. This means that the treatment plan will work with your teeth and their structure.

The actual Invisalign trays are pain free to wear, as well. For two weeks, aligners are worn that gently push your teeth into place. These adjustments are supported with check ups every few weeks to ensure that your teeth are naturally straightening with the Invisalign treatment.

The lack of wires and metal or brackets mean that there is minimal pain in the mouth. Invisalign reduces and essentially removes the risk of mouth and gum abrasions that come with traditional braces. Your comfort as well as a beautifully straight smile is certainly worth it.

Invisalign doesn’t ask you to sacrifice Oral Hygiene

Maintaining dental hygiene is important, especially when you have ongoing dental work to be tended to. With traditional metal braces, oral hygiene can be problematic with brushing and flossing between the wires and brackets. Invisalign takes away all hygiene problems, as the clear retainers are removable. This means that you can take the retainer out, brush and floss your teeth as per usual, and then replace the retainer to allow the natural straightening process to continue throughout the day and overnight. Your Invisalign orthodontic treatment won’t compromise your health and hygiene in your mouth at all.

Benefits of Invisalign as compared to Traditional Braces

Mentioned above are some key benefits of Invisalign treatment. If you’re still not convinced that this is the way to go over traditional braces, keep reading below.

Invisible: The clear aligners are practically invisible.
Comfortable: The plastic aligners are comfortable and won’t cause mouth irritation.
Removable: You can easily remove the aligners to clean them, eat and to brush your teeth.
You Can Eat What You Want: Your diet won’t be restricted and you can eat whatever you want. With traditional braces, you would have to stay away from sticky foods and foods that get stuck in your brackets, but with Invisalign, you can remove your clear plastic aligners
More Comfortable: There are no uncomfortable wires or brackets that irritate your mouth and gums.
Less Time: The treatment process may take less time than traditional metal braces
See into the Future with Your ClinCheck: The 3-D imaging technology allows you to see what your teeth will look after the treatment.
Your Dental Insurance may cover Invisalign: If your dental insurance covers Orthodontics, it will cover Invisalign just as it would traditional metal braces!
Same Cost: Invisalign and Traditional Braces cost roughly the same price! Why not go for the clear alternative?

Click here to read more about Invisalign and find out why it is the clear choice to straighten your smile!

Why wait? Click here to get in touch with the experts here today to find out how Invisalign treatment can change your smile or call us today at (718) DR-SMILE (718-377-6453) to schedule a Consultation!

If you’ve been writing a list of New Year’s resolutions for your teeth, now is the time to act on them. Over the years, we put our teeth through an awful lot, including plenty of things that can cause cavities that need fillings and crowns. As time goes on and your teeth change, and so does the structure of these fillings and dental crowns. Often, these changes are not for the best and the dental filling or crown can stop being as effective as it was when it was first placed.

CALL (718) DR-SMILE (718-377-6453) or click here to request an appointment for a dental fillings and crowns consultation today!

If you’ve been having doubts about old fillings or crowns, why not take the New Year as a good chance to do something about it. Replacing old crowns and fillings will help to extend the longevity and health of your teeth. Read below about more benefits to replacing old crowns and fillings.

How long do crowns last before they need replacing?

Generally speaking, dental crowns last between five and fifteen years. This obviously varies on many factors revolving around your personal circumstances. As a rule of thumb, you should feel confident that your crown would keep protecting the nerve ending around your tooth for five years. Most dental insurance plans cover crown replacements for this time period.

After five years, you should start paying attention to the area around your crown. Many factors such as the amount of chewing and biting forces, which contribute to unavoidable wear and tear, as well as how well you take care of the area will impact on how long your crown will last.

When you have a crown, make sure you brush and clean the area regularly and thoroughly. This is especially important after the five-year mark. After five years, it is worth checking up with your Bronx dentist and seeing how your crown is coping and if it needs replacing. Prevention is often the best way to deal with this.

When should fillings be replaced? What if I have old metal fillings?

Fillings don’t last forever, unfortunately. What is fortunate, however, is that options with fillings have changed with time. In the past, metal amalgam fillings that stand out like a silver sore thumb in the mouth are no longer the only option. Today there is the option to get tooth-colored fillings that are a much more attractive option. This leads to many people wondering if they should replace all silver amalgam fillings from bygone days.

There are certainly many benefits to composite fillings, some of which include:

They don’t contain mercury (unlike amalgam or metal fillings)
They strengthen the tooth by bonding to it
They look better as the color blends with the tooth
They don’t require as much of the tooth to be removed to be placed

However, this doesn’t mean that you need to replace every single metal filling immediately. There are a few factors that can help you decide if now is the right time to replace old fillings for the New Year. Consider the following reasons:

Fractured tooth
Age which causes looseness around the filling and causes decay to get in
Leakage when the bond is no longer strong
Cosmetic reasons if the look really does both you that much

The best way to decide if you need to replace old fillings is to consult your dentist. The New Year is the perfect opportunity to book an appointment for all-over dental check up and be sure to ask about any queries you have regarding old fillings.

CALL (718) DR-SMILE (718-377-6453) today for your dental fillings and crowns consultation or click here to request an appointment online.

Health concerns regarding diabetes might not be something that crop up on your agenda, but November is the month to start thinking seriously about this health condition. November is National Diabetes Month and is a timely reminder to consider out overall state of general wellbeing. A thought that might not be so common during this month is to get a check up with you dentist. What many people don’t realize that there is a link between diabetes and dental concerns such as gum disease. This is why, as National Diabetes Month encourages you to become more aware of health problems related to diabetes, you shouldn’t forget about your mouth during this time.

Emerging research suggests that having diabetes puts you at risk of increasingly complicated gum problems. Gum disease, or periodontitis in its most severe form, is when gums begin to pull away from teeth. This leaves pockets of air between your gum and teeth, meaning that germs and pus can move in and create serious issues. Among the symptoms of gum disease are jaw pain, tenderness while brushing your teeth, and bleeding.

There is also research that indicates patients with diabetes are at risk of other oral health problems, such as gingivitis. This is because diabetes leaves you more susceptible to bacterial infection. Diabetes also decreases your abilities to fight and prevent bacteria from getting stronger between your gums.

Gum disease is also linked to diabetes in other ways. Serious periodontitis can potentially affect blood glucose control and contribution to diabetes progressing in patients.

During National Diabetes Month, consider these things about your oral health care to raise your awareness of dental concerns associated with diabetes.

How am I at risk of dental problems if I have diabetes?

As diabetes alters the blood glucose levels, this impacts infections in the mouth. A lack of control of blood sugar levels can lead to gum disease and teeth loss occurring more easily. Gum disease can also cause blood sugar levels to increase and have a negative impact for diabetics. There are also other oral hygiene concerns that increase with diabetes, such as thrush, dry mouth, ulcers, infections, and cavities.

What can I do to prevent these concerns if I have diabetes?

It is important to remember that just because you have diabetes or are at risk of having diabetes, this doesn’t mean that you are guaranteed to have increased dental problems. There are many preventative measures you can take to protect the state of your teeth if you have diabetes, for example:

Control blood sugar levels
Regularly brush and floss your teeth, and clean your teeth
Have a regular check up at the dentist every six months
Avoid smoking
Control your diet

What else can I do?

If you have diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes, it is very important to tell your dentist during your routine check ups. If your dentist or oral hygienist is aware of your health condition, they can give you better advice and practical tips on how to care for your teeth as well as your diabetes, and might refer you to a periodontist. Your dentist or dental hygienist also needs to be aware of any medication you are taking to treat your diabetes as this can impact on the treatments they are able to give you and procedures they can do. Staying aware and informed with all your health professionals is the best thing you can do to take care of your health.

What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. They are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, and are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.

Periodontists often treat more problematic periodontal cases, such as those with severe gum disease or a complex medical history. Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling and root planing (in which the infected surface of the root is cleaned) or root surface debridement (in which damaged tissue is removed). They can also treat patients with severe gum problems using a range of surgical procedures. In addition, periodontists are specially trained in the placement, maintenance, and repair of dental implants.
At Morris Park Dental, we have all specialists under one roof, including a dual board certified periodontist and prosthodontist Dr. Yung Kim! Dr. Kim is one of only four dentists in the country who has both board certifications, which means he is a specialist in gum disease as well as dental implants. Click here to read more about our periodontist, Dr. Yung Kim.

Call us today at (718) DR-SMILE (718-377-6453) to schedule a consultation today with our periodontist or click here to request an appointment online!

We’ve all made New Year’s resolutions about many different things every year. Some people make the resolution to save, others to meet that special someone, and many others want to lose weight and look great. Well, here at Morris Park Dental, let us direct your attention to a different kind of New Year’s Resolution… Oral and Dental Health!

I. Don’t wait until “it hurts” to get it checked out
One of the biggest and most common mistakes made by people is not going to see their dentists for their regular check-ups. If you visit your Bronx dentist at least once or twice a year, your Bronx dental team could oversee and prevent dental health problems early. You could even save money, and time, because the facts are this: Someone who goes to the dentist seldom will most likely require more than a simple dental procedure. More extensive and expensive treatment will most likely be required, which will lead you to have a less enjoyable visit. So, brush your teeth and floss every day, twice a day, (even after every meal for those A+ patients) make your regular 6 month full-mouth exam and cleaning, and actually keep your appointment! (Click here to schedule your appointment at Morris Park Dental now or call (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453) )

II. STICK to Good Oral Habits This Year
And we mean it! Even if you have to place a Sticky Note on your mirror.
Who likes the feel of that thin layer of temporary plaque on your teeth? No one does! Plaque though, doesn’t just feel gross; it is actually harmful bacteria that can build up on your teeth and gums every day… This is why brushing and flossing regularly is very essential. Many people avoid flossing because they don’t know how, or because they think it’s too much work, or because they find it disgusting. Well the truth is, brushing only, will NOT remove ALL of the plaque from your teeth. Plaque also grows in between teeth and below the gumline, the only way to reach those areas, would to floss them. If you have a hard time flossing, we urge you to ask your hygienist, dental assistant or dentist properly instruct you the way to do this (trust me, you might even start to enjoy it)

Facts: Did you know that decay and gum disease often begin below the gumline, and in between the teeth? Did you know that bleeding, swollen gums, gingivitis, and other gum diseases can develop if proper and regular brushing and flossing is not prevalent? Did you know that mouth diseases could affect the rest of your body?

Try this at home: THE FLOSS CHALLENGE! (For those who don’t believe that flossing makes a difference)

1. Eat a hardy meal, with your favorite meats, greens, pastas, and desert.
2. After your meal, and a little bit of digestion, go brush your teeth. (BRUSH ONLY)
3. Notice how ‘fresh and clean’ your mouth feels! You may think, “Oh, my teeth are brushed, my mouth is clean, there’s no need to floss”
4. Now take your floss of choice, (not those little individual ones, but the floss in the dispenser) floss in between each tooth… notice anything? Yep! Those are food particles, plaque, and many other foreign objects left behind from before.
5. Now marvel at the fact that flossing is absolutely essential to the contribution of a clean and healthy mouth. Even after thorough brushing, of the surfaces, your teeth are not completely clean! So I’m hoping that you are now a believer and you will brush AND floss regularly.

III. Stay Away From Bad Oral Habits!
Are you a smoker, or a heavy drinker? Please continue to read this, and head these lifesaving warnings. Virtually everyone knows by now, that the use of tobacco may harm your mouth gravely, in more ways than one. It increases the risk of cancer, tooth discoloration, cavities, dry mouth, gum recession, dry socket and sometimes it may even cause you to have a lower pain tolerance.
Facts: Did you know that smokeless tobacco is just as harmful to your oral and overall health? Did you know that smokers are twice as likely to lose their teeth and have gum diseases, compared to non-smokers? Did you know that your high risks can decrease after quitting smoking, or using smokeless tobacco?

For those who binge drink or consume high amounts of alcohol on a regular basis, listen up. You’ve always heard that alcohol can affect your liver, your overall health, etc… but that is not all that it can affect. Taking in an excessive amount of alcohol may affect your oral health as well, causing increased gum recession, gum disease, and more. So limit your alcohol intake, and take good care of your oral hygiene.

Get help, get support, and if you fall, just get back up, don’t just stay down! It’s a new year, and anything is possible.

IV. Your Teeth Are What They Eat
Who would have thought that eating well would be important to dental health? Well I guess that New Year’s resolution of losing weight can finally kick off right now. Studies show that poor nutrition can actually affect the immune system, which increases susceptibility to numerous common oral disorders. So, drink plenty of water, eat lots of fruits, vegetables and nuts.

Facts: Fruits and Vegetables contain antioxidants that can improve your body’s ability to fight bacteria, and inflammation; this helps not only to protect your teeth and gums, but also helps you to heel well and fast. Did you know that raw and crisp fruits and veggies i.e. crunchy apples, crunchy raw carrots and celery can contribute to cleaning plaque from teeth, and even freshen your breath?

V. Educate Yourself and Your Children this year
Starting very young is not at all frowned upon, in fact, it is to be applauded. Take your children to go see the dentist and to get acquainted with the staff, have them sit in the chair, just to get the feel of it, before an actual dental appointment visit, so he or she doesn’t feel intimidated, scared or perhaps traumatized. Ask for permission of your dentist and the staff first, it usually shouldn’t be a problem, as long as they have previous knowledge.

Infants: If you live in an area without fluoridated water, you can make sure your kids get their fluoride by using tablets, drops or gel and by having topical fluoride treatments applied at the dental office (you can find that out by calling your local water company or your local health department.) Using fluoride toothpastes and rinses are also effective. A healthy and balanced diet is not just important for adults, but children as well. Children especially need calcium, which helps build strong bones and teeth. Good sources of calcium are milk, cheese and yogurt. Research shows that eating cheese after meals seems to prevent the effects of decay-causing acids. As much as possible, avoid giving your kids snacks containing sugar or starch.

By the age of 3: Children should be brushing their own teeth under adult supervision. Only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is necessary. Start flossing your child’s teeth daily when all the primary teeth are in or when teeth are touching each other.

By the age of 8: Children should be able to brush and floss by themselves, with occasional checks. Turn brushing and flossing into a fun and daily routine. Make it fun by having your child pick out his or her own colorful toothbrush, with perhaps their favorite cartoon character and bubble gum-flavored floss.

Here is a tip: Today, many of the kids’ shows feature dentist appointment episodes, or how to brush your teeth episodes. Take advantage of these, to help your child see that it is actually a good thing and show them by your example how fun, but yet how important and necessary it is to have good oral hygiene habits.

VI. Take A Plan Of Action NOW!
Get yourself a journal, take up a new hobby, or revisit an old one. Undoubtedly, you will work hard this year, so take care of your body, and it can take care of you. Ultimately the body does not just consist of one or two limbs, nor does it just run on one or two organs. The entire body is an inclusive machine that works together with every inch of it involved. This does not exclude your mouth.
Write down your goals. Number them. Be honest, and realistic. Write down what practical steps you will take to reach those goals. Document your actions every week to monitor your progress, obstacles, and positive outcomes. By the end of the year, go back and read your journal from beginning to end, and see what you’ve accomplished. In dentistry, caring for your mouth is more than just brushing flossing, or check-ups, but it is about your overall health, and happiness. We want to help to contribute to those things, in any way possible. Therefore this New Year, make the resolution to take better care of your mouth, don’t you think it deserves it? It helps to feed you every day; it makes kissing that cute little baby of yours special. It is the least you can do for your mouth… and yourself.

Click here to schedule your appointment at Morris Park Dental now or call (718) DR.SMILE (718-377-6453) and stick with those new years dental resolutions!)