What Is An Apicoectomy?

Dr. Amit Pandya performs many root canals to save and repair teeth that are badly damaged or infected.  During a root canal a dentist removes any inflamed or infected tissue, and thoroughly cleans the root canal system. In about 90% of cases, the tooth heals and doesn’t require further treatment. When an infection won’t go away or the canals become re-infected after root canal treatment, Dr. Amit Pandya can perform an apicoectomy.

An apicoectomy is also called a root-end resection and is performed to remove damaged tissue and seal a tooth’s root from any further infections.  The procedure involves a small incision in the gums, followed by removal of any infected tissue and finally the end of the root tip itself.  A root-end filling is placed there to act as a seal, preventing reinfection. The gum is sutured, and most patients only feel slight discomfort or swelling during healing.  If you have a tooth infection lingering after a root canal gone wrong, please contact us to discuss your treatment options.

To learn more about the apicoectomy procedure and all the services provided at the practice, visit www.goinggrin.com. To set up an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS in New Hyde Park, NY, call us at (516) 233-2135.

Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Amit Pandya is proud to serve the families from our community, and we want them to know it’s just as important for children to have regular dental visits at our practice.  A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled between when the first baby tooth appears, and the child’s first birthday.  Baby teeth eventually come out, but their growth and development is important for overall oral health for the child and the development of their adult teeth. Baby teeth should be brushed and cared for like adult teeth, and it’s important to monitor their growth and development. 

Missing any tooth for too long can change the development of surrounding teeth and compromise the structure of the jaw bone, but regular checkups can keep a child’s tooth development right on track.  Our dentists are skilled and experienced in administering dental care to children.  If your child has seems nervous about seeing a dentist for the first time, we recommend going through a brushing routine with them at home, and talking about the dental visit before you arrive.  Once we get your child’s oral health off to a great start, we offer a full range of services for child patients including dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants.

We love to see good oral hygiene habits formed early, and make lifetime patients out of kids from our community!  To learn more about the services provided at the practice, visit www.goinggrin.com. To set up an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS in New Hyde Park, NY, call us at (516) 233-2135.

Flossing with Traditional Braces

Flossing with traditional braces may seem impossible, but it’s not. If you don’t floss between the brackets and wires, you will develop periodontal disease which will make your gums sensitive, red, and swollen. Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS, will guide you through the process of flossing with traditional braces, but you can start with this simple technique.

• Use waxed floss, because unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught and shred in your braces.


• Use about 18 inches of floss and thread it carefully.


• Take the floss and gently thread it under the main wire of the braces before passing it between two teeth. Then remove the floss and re-thread it under the main wire to pass between the next pair of teeth.


• Be sure not to snap the floss. Simply move the floss up and down carefully against the side of each tooth.

If you have questions or concerns about orthodontic oral care, please give us a call. To set up an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS in New Hyde Park, NY, call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Inlays and Onlays

When patients chip a tooth or have extensive decay, we can help them at Dr. Amit Pandya’s New Hyde Park dental office. Replacing an entire crown is not always necessary—we also offer partial crowns, known as inlays and onlays.

The chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars have raised cusps with indentations between them. These cusps can sometimes chip and food debris can get stuck in the indentations, eventually leading to decay. When that happens, we’ll drill away the decayed section and then make an impression of the patient’s mouth. The patient is provided with a temporary artificial crown while the impression is used at a dental lab to manufacture a prosthetic. An onlay is a partial crown that replaces or covers a cusp; an inlay is one that settles between them.

Once the partial crown arrives at our office, we’ll be able to cement it into the patient’s tooth. The patient should then be free to enjoy their restored bite function. A partial crown still has to be brushed regularly. Patients can also prevent decay by getting fluoride sealants to smooth out their teeth’s indentations.

The office of Amit Pandya, DDS, is at 1575 Hillside Ave, Suite 207, New Hyde Park, New York, 11040. To schedule an appointment, call 516-233-2135, or visit his website at Going Grin and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Reasons for Extractions

When we extract teeth at Dr. Amit Pandya’s New Hyde Park dental practice, we do so quickly after ensuring that our patients fully understand their post-operative instructions. But because the outcome of extractions depends so heavily on the patient’s commitment, we want to make sure they are aware of why they are undergoing extractions in the first place and why it is often the best option.

A lot of extractions in young people are done to ensure the remaining teeth will have enough room to form a healthy arch. Well-aligned teeth are easier to keep clean, won’t put as much strain on the jaw muscles during chewing, and keep the face straighter, but the mouth often doesn’t have enough room for all of them. A set of premolars are often removed prior to orthodontic work, and wisdom teeth are commonly extracted to prevent them from getting stuck while erupting. Baby teeth may also be extracted if they do not fall out naturally before their adult replacements grow in.

We always try to save teeth that have been damaged, but sometimes extractions are necessary to protect the patient’s health. A cracked crown can be repaired or replaced, but a crack that goes all the way through the crown and root cannot be and the tooth will have to be replaced with an implant.

The office of Amit Pandya, DDS, is at 1575 Hillside Ave, Suite 207, New Hyde Park, New York, 11040. To schedule an appointment, call 516-233-2135, or visit his website at Going Grin and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Teeth Grinding: Bruxism

Do you ever wake up from a night’s sleep with sore teeth and jaws? You could be grinding your teeth. The medical term for occasional teeth grinding is called bruxism and although this condition does not usually cause harm, when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise. Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS provides night guards to prevent this from happening and to provide you with relief.

Stress, anxiety, smoking, heavy alcohol, caffeine, depression and sleep disorders are all possible causes of teeth grinding. Treatment for teeth grinding depends on the cause. In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in fracturing, loosening or loss of teeth. The purpose of a night guard is to protect your teeth and jaws. At our practice, if you require a night guard we will custom make them just for you.

If you have questions or concerns about bruxism or teeth grinding, please give us a call. To set up an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS in New Hyde Park, NY, call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Restorative Dental Services

The goal of restorative dental services is to preserve the natural teeth as much as possible. Dr. Amit Pandya will do this with dental implants, dentures, bridges, and/or dental crowns. Restorative dental services improve the aesthetics of your smile as well as the overall function of the teeth and gums. Restorative dental services will help you achieve optimum dental health.

Once Dr. Amit Pandya diagnoses your dental condition, he will discuss treatment options with you in detail. If you have missing teeth, dental implants and bridges work best to resemble natural teeth and restore them to their natural function. A dental crown can protect a tooth if dental bonding isn’t strong enough to withstand chewing forces. Restorative dental services as well as cosmetic, have similar properties, both aesthetically fix the problem and revive the tooth back to life.  

If you have questions or concerns about restorative dental care, please give us a call. To set up an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS in New Hyde Park, NY, call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gum Disease

Autoimmune disorders often complicate peoples’ oral health, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is no exception. Scientists have recently made great strides in understanding how this disease affects the gums, and we want patients at Dr. Amit Pandya’s dental practice in New Hyde Park to know what they’re facing.

People with RA have extremely high rates of gum disease. A recent study by Johns Hopkins found the number could be as high as 70%. While scientists formerly believed this was because people with RA have difficulty moving their hands, they noticed that people whose RA was still in its early stages also had high rates of gingivitis.

New research has found similarities between gum tissue and synovium, the joint lining that becomes inflamed when the immune system mistakenly attacks it. Some of the medications that are used to combat RA may also cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of gingivitis. Patients may need an electric toothbrush to maintain their oral hygiene, as well as throat moisturizers and water picks. They can also reduce their risk of RA and other oral health diseases by not smoking.

The office of Amit Pandya, DDS, is at 1575 Hillside Ave, Suite 207, New Hyde Park, New York, 11040. To schedule an appointment, call 516-233-2135, or visit his website at Going Grin and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Types of Teeth

Every tooth needs to be brushed and flossed to stay healthy. But the teeth also have specialized functions. At Dr. Amit Pandya’s New Hyde Park dental practice, we believe patients should have an understanding of basic oral health issues, which is why we wanted to provide a guide to what makes teeth distinct.

Adults typically grow thirty-two permanent teeth to replace the twenty-two they grew in childhood. There are sixteen teeth in each jaw. The four in the front of the jaw are called incisors, and they are used for speech and for tearing food. To the sides of the incisors are the cuspids, so called because they end in a point. They are also called canines or eye teeth. The upper cuspids sometimes have difficulty breaking through the gum line, and in rarer cases, so do the lateral incisors.

The premolars and molars are used for chewing. Their crowns have multiple cusps, but the premolars (four per jaw) only have one root. The molars (three per jaw) in the lower jaw have two roots and the ones in the upper jaw have three. Molars have strong ligaments and have to withstand incredible force. The wisdom teeth, which are the largest molars and the ones furthest in the back, also commonly have difficulty erupting.

The office of Amit Pandya, DDS, is at 1575 Hillside Ave, Suite 207, New Hyde Park, New York, 11040. To schedule an appointment, call 516-233-2135, or visit his website at Going Grin and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry emphasizes the importance of ongoing hygiene procedures and daily practices to prevent tooth decay and dental diseases. Preventive oral care strategies begin with home care, such as brushing at least twice a day and flossing after each meal. When Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS, and the patient work together, this can prevent costly, invasive procedures in the future and allow you to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime.

Diagnostic and preventive dental services include, but are not limited to, oral evaluations, routine cleanings, X-rays, and fluoride treatments. These procedures help prevent dental diseases such as periodontal disease, cavities, dry mouth, and potential tooth loss. It’s important to visit the dentist twice a year to maintain optimal oral and periodontal health. Because very few dental problems can be treated alone, delaying treatment will only put your oral health at risk.

If you have questions or concerns about preventive dental care or periodontal disease, please give us a call. To set up an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS in New Hyde Park, NY, call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Aggressive Periodontitis

If you’ve been told by Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS that you have gingivitis, you should take treatment seriously, as gingivitis is reversible with good oral habits. If left untreated, gingivitis will progress to a more aggressive form of gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis means inflammation around the tooth. When inflammation becomes aggressive, this can destroy the surrounding bone, potentially leading to tooth loss.

Periodontitis develops when bacteria and plaque build-up around the tooth, and the immune system launches a reaction. Periodontal disease in any form can be prevented by brushing at least twice a day for two minutes and flossing at least once a day every day. To restore periodontal health, Dr. Pandya may suggest scaling and root planing treatment to clean underneath the gums and remove harmful bacteria.

If you have questions or concerns about preventive dental care or periodontal disease, please give us a call. To set up an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS in New Hyde Park, NY, call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Causes of Bleeding Gums

When patients have bleeding gums, Dr. Amit Pandya of New Hyde Park is here to help. Unfortunately, many people are not even aware that bleeding gums are a problem, and think that seeing blood when they brush their teeth is normal. Perhaps they would think otherwise if they knew what they are seeing is caused by an infection.

Having some bacteria in our mouths is necessary for our health, but bacteria grow in excessive numbers when there is food debris available to them. Bacteria produce acid as a by-product of their metabolism, and the acid gets stuck in the sticky plaque surrounding teeth. Plaque in gum pockets is hard to remove, so bacteria often grow there, and the resulting acid damages gum tissue.

When gums first become inflamed, they are said to be suffering from “gingivitis.” If the infection becomes more severe, a patient develops “periodontal disease.” At this point, their gums will not only bleed, but recede, imperiling the stability of the teeth. Patients can prevent this by brushing their teeth thoroughly, but it is still a good idea to regularly come to our office for deep cleanings.

The office of Amit Pandya, DDS, is at 1575 Hillside Ave, Suite 207, New Hyde Park, New York, 11040. To schedule an appointment, call 516-233-2135, or visit his website at Going Grin and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Shopping for Mouthwash

Not everyone chooses to incorporate mouthwash to his or her oral care routine, but doing so will benefit your smile. The main function of mouthwash is to freshen breath, but certain mouthwashes contain fluoride that will protect tooth enamel. Mouthwash has a few beneficial properties and Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS would like to address a few of them.

Mouthwash contains:

• Antimicrobial agents act directly on oral bacteria to help reduce plaque, decrease the severity of gingivitis and control bad breath.


• Fluoride helps reduce tiny lesions (tooth decay) on tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay.


• Astringent salts can serve as temporary deodorizers that mask bad breath.


• Odor neutralizers act by chemically inactivating odor-causing compounds.

If you have questions or concerns about preventive dental care, please give us a call. To set up an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS in New Hyde Park, NY, call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Intrinsic Staining

As part of his quest to provide optimal dentistry, Dr. Amit Pandya of New Hyde Park helps people with stained teeth to brighten up their smiles. The most common way of doing this is with chairside whitening, which leaves patients with teeth that are several shades lighter for months. But some stains, those which are intrinsic to the tooth, require a more involved approach.

Usually, stains are acquired from things consumed in adulthood, such as smoke or coffee. These can be bleached away. But intrinsic stains may be the result of something the tooth was exposed to during its formation, such as excessive amounts of fluoride or tetracycline antibiotics. These stains are too deep to be bleached, but they are not a health hazard and can be covered with veneers.

Intrinsic stains resulting from infection are another matter. An infection in the dental pulp may not be painful initially, but it is likely to become so and can imperil the patient’s life if it spreads to the bloodstream. A root canal will be done to remove infected pulp, after which the tooth may be given a new crown.

The office of Amit Pandya, DDS, is at 1575 Hillside Ave, Suite 207, New Hyde Park, New York, 11040. To schedule an appointment, call 516-233-2135, or visit his website at Going Grin and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Shopping for Toothpaste

A toothbrush is your most powerful tool to fight against tooth decay and periodontal disease. A toothbrush isn’t as effective, however, without toothpaste. Brushing with toothpaste is important for several reasons. Toothpaste removes plaque, the sticky, harmful film of bacteria that grows on teeth that causes cavities and also contains fluoride which promotes re-mineralization. With so many toothpaste options to choose from, how do you decide?  Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS wants patients to know that when it comes to choosing the toothpaste that is best for you, it’s important to consider your unique oral health needs.

• Anti-cavity: This type of toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride plays an active role in preventing decay, and it actively strengthens tooth enamel.


• Anti-gingivitis: If you spit blood in the sink, this is an early sign of gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. Anti-gingivitis toothpaste help reduces oral bacteria and can be very effective at stopping gingivitis in its tracks.


• Desensitizing: If you’ve ever bit into an ice cream cone and felt a sharp pain in your tooth’s nerve, this type of toothpaste will provide relief by blocking the tooth’s pain signal to the nerve.


• Tartar-control: This toothpaste does exactly what it says, however, the best way to remove tartar is by scheduling a professional dental cleaning with one of our doctors.


• Whitening: This toothpaste contains chemicals that are able to help maintain the natural color of your teeth.

If you have questions or concerns about preventive dental care, please give us a call. To set up an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS in New Hyde Park, NY, call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Sectioning Teeth

At the New Hyde Park dental office of Dr. Amit Pandya, we understand the concerns people have about tooth extractions. Natural teeth are always the best and extractions should only be done when necessary. However, when impacted wisdom teeth threaten the health of the rest of the teeth, we remove them quickly and with minimal risk to the patient. This sometimes requires us to section the teeth before removal.

Wisdom teeth are the largest teeth and have multiple roots attached to strong ligaments. Trying to remove them in one piece could subject the patient to a dangerous amount of force even if the wisdom teeth were in a perfect position which, if they are being removed, they probably are not. Impacted wisdom teeth are often located close to major nerves and are too large to move without cutting away some gum tissue.

Teeth can be moved with less force and through smaller gum flaps when they have been cut apart. This is only done after the patient has been numbed and sedated. A dental drill is used to do the cutting and the surgical site is kept under a stream of water to prevent damage from heat. Sectioned teeth can be lifted out of the jaw easily and the gums can then be sutured.

The office of Amit Pandya, DDS, is at 1575 Hillside Ave, Suite 207, New Hyde Park, New York, 11040. To schedule an appointment, call 516-233-2135, or visit his website at Going Grin and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Childhood Halitosis

We help patients of all ages with all sorts of oral health needs at the New Hyde Park dental office of Dr. Amit Pandya. Adults aren’t the only people who get bad breath, and when children get it, there may be some specific issues which need to be addressed for their oral health as well as their social prospects.

Halitosis, as bad breath is scientifically called, is the result of excessive bacterial growth in the mouth and throat. There may be some condition which is allowing bacteria to grow or preventing the body from fighting infection, but in most cases, the problem is simple lack of hygiene. Children sometimes have difficulty brushing every tooth surface and on their tongues for a full two minutes. These children will require more teaching and supervision and may benefit from the use of an electric toothbrush.

The most common condition which would contribute to halitosis is dry mouth. Besides making it harder to remove food debris, dry mouth disrupts the mouth’s optimal acidity level, hampering the immune system. This could be caused by diabetes or medications, such as those commonly used for psychiatric conditions. Children are also particularly prone to nasal infections, which could result in drip accumulating in their throats and feeding bacteria. Non-alcoholic mouthwash could help with this problem.

The office of Amit Pandya, DDS, is at 1575 Hillside Ave, Suite 207, New Hyde Park, New York, 11040. To schedule an appointment, call 516-233-2135, or visit his website at Going Grin and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Bad Oral Habits

Most of us have habits that we aren’t proud of. When these habits begin to affect the teeth, Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS encourages you to break them immediately. Bad oral habits such as these can cause fractures in the teeth, may leave gums and enamel feeling sensitive and may lead to costly dental treatment in the future. If you practice any of these bad oral habits, do your best to reduce and eliminate them.

• You’re brushing too hard – over time, if you brush with too much force, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubules are exposed, tooth sensitivity is a result.


• You’re eating too many acidic foods – If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods will leave you in pain.


• You have tooth decay – If you have tooth decay, it’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown.


• You’re a tooth grinder – Grinding your teeth can wear down your enamel. This exposes the dentin and causes sensitive teeth.

If you have questions or concerns about preventive dental care, please give us a call. To set up an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS in New Hyde Park, NY, call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitive teeth can be very uncomfortable. A patient who has fell victim may feel gum inflammation and possibly wince at the thought of drinking a hot or cold beverage. Possible causes of sensitive teeth include tooth decay, worn fillings, and periodontal disease. However, the most common reason for tooth sensitivity is a poor oral care routine. Fortunately, if you have sensitive teeth, Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS can treat the problem.

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of the teeth – the part above the gum line. If proper oral care isn’t practiced, gums may recede and this will cause sensitivity. Treatment options for sensitive teeth may include desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride gel, a gum graft, or a root canal depending on the severity of the sensitivity. To prevent sensitive teeth you should always brush at least twice a day for two minutes and floss at least once a day.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth sensitivity, please give us a call. To set up an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS in New Hyde Park, NY, call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

What is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is the term for harvesting bone material from a healthy location and grafting it to a location that is broken or weakened.  Dr. Amit Pandya performs bone grafts on patients in need of dental implants.  Missing a tooth for an extended period of time can leave the jaw bone vulnerable and compromise its structure.  When a patient needs an implant for a permanent replacement tooth, a bone graft reinforces the jaw bone so it is strong enough to handle the placement of an implant. 

In the same procedure, bone material is harvested from a healthy location in the patient’s mouth and grafted to the compromised area of the jaw bone.  This strengthens the weakened bone, and encourages growth of new bone material as it heals.  After the procedure, the bone graft will be monitored over the course of months.  When the jaw bone has strengthened enough to handle the placement of an implant, the dentist can move forward with the patient’s plan of care.

To learn more about bone grafting and all the services provided at the practice, visit www.goinggrin.com. To set up an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS in New Hyde Park, NY, call us at (516) 233-2135.