Preventing and Treating Dry Sockets

Patients undergoing tooth extractions at Dr. Amit Pandya’s New Hyde Park dental office are provided with detailed post-operation instructions. However, it is possible in some cases for things to go wrong, particularly if the extraction required Dr. Pandya to cut through bone and gum tissue. Therefore, we want our patients to know how to recognize signs of a dry socket, as well as how to prevent one.

Typical instructions following a tooth extraction are to refrain from sipping through straws, using birth control, and smoking or otherwise using tobacco. These are meant to ensure that a blood clot is able to form over the extraction site and remain in place (birth control prevents clot formation; the sucking pressure from a straw tears clots loose). Without the blood clot, the socket will dry out and be at high risk of infection.

If a patient can see the exposed socket or is in severe pain, they should request an immediate emergency appointment. Dr. Pandya will clean the extraction site with a small vacuum and cover it with medicated dressings. These dressings will have to be replaced every few days until the socket is closed. The patient will also be given painkillers and antibiotics. Though a dry socket is painful and something to be avoided, it is treatable and should not prevent a full recovery.

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 GoingGrin.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Dangers of Amateur Orthodontics

In recent years, orthodontists have seen an alarming trend of people attempting orthodontic work on themselves. While amateur dentistry has always been a problem, the internet is now helping to fuel a new wave of dangerous practices which we at Dr. Pandya’s New Hyde Park office want to make sure our patients do not engage in.

Moving teeth safely takes time. They and the bony ridge surrounding them are living tissue, and shifting teeth requires that the jaw bone dissolve and then rebuild itself around them. Much of the current DIY orthodontic craze can be traced to a story that appeared online in March of 2016 about a person who used a 3D printer to make his own aligners. He claimed that by shifting his teeth at whatever speed he pleased, he was sparing himself expense at the dentist’s office. But dentists aren’t draining our patients of money by scheduling aligner appointments every six weeks; we’re giving our patients’ jaw bones enough time to rebuild so their teeth won’t come loose or fall out.

Other amateur orthodontic correctives are older, but are regaining fame online. These include using floss or hairbands as corrective wire. There are several problems with this: elastic could strangle the teeth’s blood supply, bonds without brackets could slide underneath the gum line, and they could exert too much pressure and push teeth the wrong way. If you are suffering from misaligned teeth, we urge you to come to our office and discuss professional orthodontics. Doing it yourself is unlikely to provide satisfactory results and very likely to do you harm.

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 GoingGrin.com and fill out a contact sheet.

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

When a tooth goes missing, it can be easy to make the decision to not replace it, especially if it is a back tooth that does not bother you. However, it is actually very important to replace teeth as soon as you can. Dr. Amit Pandya of New Hyde Park, NY offers several options to replace teeth. Keep reading to learn about the importance of tooth replacement.

When a tooth is lost, the bone tissue in the area of the jaw begins to deteriorate. This changes the shape of the jaw. This happens gradually for younger people but usually faster for older people. If multiple teeth are missing, this can actually end up changing the shape of the facial structure. Also, when there is a space where a tooth used to be, the other teeth begin to shift towards that opening. This can create an uneven bite. It also creates gaps between the other teeth that can become hard-to-reach places for a toothbrush. Bacteria can build up and cause decay and gum disease. In addition, the unprotected gum tissue can become harmed easier.

We have several options here for tooth replacement. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya in New Hyde Park, NY, call our office at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Ridge Augmentation

Dental implants usually are the most-desired form of tooth replacement. This is because they act most closely to a real tooth and they can last a lifetime. However, without a stable jaw bone, dental implants may not be an option. Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS  has found a way to correct this problem with a ridge augmentation.

A ridge augmentation replaces lost bone tissue along the ridge of a patient’s gumline. If the ridge where teeth are settled in loses width or height, implants may not be a realistic option for tooth replacement. This is because without a sturdy ridge, the implant will not last long or may not even be able to be placed at all. When a tooth goes missing, the ridge where the tooth sits can begin to deteriorate. If not replaced soon, the ridge may lose enough tissue so an implant cannot be held there anymore. When the tooth goes missing, a patient may not have the money, insurance, or time to have an implant installed. However, an implant may become possible for them in the future. This is why we offer ridge augmentation; to make implants possible again when bone has been lost.

Ridge augmentation involves taking bone graft material and placing it where the bone has been lost. The area is stitched up and allowed to heal for a few months. During this time, the bone graft material will also promote the ridge to grow even more. The area will then be ready for a dental implant to be placed.

If you have been told your ridge is too small for a dental implant, a ridge augmentation may be what you need. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS in our New Hyde Park, NY office, call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Gum Pocket Reduction

Advanced gum disease can cause gums to pull back from the teeth and form deep pockets. This is called gum recession. This can cause further infection of the gums, cause loss of teeth, and a lot of pain. Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS of New Hyde Park, NY is able to correct this problem with gum pocket reduction. This will not only improve the health of the gums physically, it will also help keep away gum disease once it is gone.

Before a gum pocket reduction is performed, the gum disease needs to be cleared up. Measures will be taken to clear the bacteria within the gums. This is typically done through a scaling and planing procedure. After this is complete, sometimes the gums do not go back to normal, keeping those deep pockets. The deep pockets make it easy for bacteria to re-infect the gums. Because of this, the gums need to be put back into their natural place.

To begin pocket reduction, your dentist will lift the gums up and away so that the deepest bacteria can be reached and removed. After the bacteria are cleared out from the gums and teeth, your dentist will replace the gum tissue so that it is tight against your teeth.

Gum disease is a serious matter as your oral health affects the rest of your overall health. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS in our New Hyde Park, NY office, call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Sinus Augmentation

Many patients prefer dental implants because they are the best replacement option out there and they can last a lifetime. However, the jawbone needs to be just right in order to successfully place dental implants. In the case where patients’ sinus cavity is too close to the upper jawbone, Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS can perform a sinus augmentation.

Sometimes the jawbone right below the sinus cavity is not big enough to allow a dental implant to successfully be placed. When a tooth is missing for a while, the bone in the area where the tooth used to be can begin to deteriorate. In other cases, a patient may just be born with a smaller jawbone. A sinus augmentation adds bone to the area between the upper jaw and the sinuses. The sinuses on either side of the nose are also commonly too low for placing an implant for a molar or premolar.

The bone for the graft is usually taken from another area in the jaw or from a place like the hip bone or shin bone. This added bone will also promote growth of the jawbone already in place. The grafting process begins with cutting the tissue where the implant will be. The bone is exposed and a small opening is created. The membrane separating the sinus cavity from the jaw is pushed up and away. The bone graft material is then packed into the space. Afterwards, the area is stitched closed. The area will need several months to heal, but the end result is a large and strong jawbone that can hold a dental implant for life.

To learn more about dental implants and sinus augmentation, be sure to contact us. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS, call our New Hyde Park, NY office at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Canine Exposure

Canine teeth are very common teeth to become impacted. They can end up causing a lot of problems, which is why Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS performs canine exposure here at our New Hyde Park, NY office.

Impacted teeth cannot fully grow in. This often happens when there is not enough room in the mouth. Wisdom teeth and canine teeth are two sets of teeth that commonly become impacted. While wisdom teeth can be pulled out, canine teeth are very important.

Impacted teeth become trapped within the bone and gum tissue that surrounds them and it can cause major pain. When they are stuck because of other teeth, they can end up doing damage to those surrounding teeth. They can wear down on the teeth or make them more susceptible to injury due to pressure. In addition, they can create places for bacteria to hide.

Here in our New Hyde Park, NY office, we can help an impacted canine tooth emerge correctly. First, we will make an incision in the gums where the canine tooth is stuck. We will then attach a brace to the tooth to gradually guide the tooth down into the right position.

In addition to the health problems impacted canines cause, they also cause troubles biting into food and they affect the appearance of your smile. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS, call our New Hyde Park, NY office at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Arestin for Fighting Gum Disease

Gum disease can create a vicious circle of cleaning your teeth, feeling better, and then having the disease occur all over again. Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS knows the frustration of gum disease and utilizes Arestin in his New Hyde Park, NY dental office. Arestin is an antibiotic placed at the source of the infection for a greater chance of clearing up gum disease for good.

Gum disease can not only lead to severe oral consequences like pain, loss of teeth, and infection, but it can also harm your overall health by increasing the risks of heart attack and stroke. It is for this reason that we offer Arestin as a way to combat bacteria. Arestin is usually placed deep into the gum pockets after a scaling and planing procedure has been performed. While scaling and planing gets a lot of the plaque and bacteria away from the tooth and out of the pocket, bacteria that reaches deep into a badly recesses gum line can be difficult to reach.

Arestin is made of microspheres that are placed into the gums and dissolve over time so that the antibiotic keeps working long after the application. Using Arestin clears up gum disease better than a scaling and planing alone.

If you would like to learn more about gum disease and treatments available, do not hesitate to contact us. 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. 

Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is performed when the gums have receded and are exposing the tooth’s root. Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that is required in order to keep healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS of New Hyde Park, NY is performing gum grafts to relieve his patients of the effects of receded gums.

There are a few different things that can cause gums to recede. Periodontal disease, genes, personal oral habits, and hormones are a few of the factors that can cause the gums to recede. In any case, receded gums need to be fixed. The exposed tooth roots not only look bad, but they are sensitive to hot and cold, and can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Gum grafts work by taking tissue from the roof or palate of the mouth and attaching it to the gum line. It is sewed into place where the gums are needed. The gums will heal and grow so they resemble the original gums in their ideal positon.

Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS has been repairing his patients’ gums that have receded at his New Hyde Park, NY dental office. If you suspect you have receded gums, schedule an appointment today. To schedule, call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Root Canal Therapy

When you hear the term “root canal,” you probably associate this infamous procedure with a sense of dread.  However, this association is actually based in a number of common misconceptions.  Modern technology has made root canal procedures virtually painless!

New advancements and technologies have improved the efficiency and comfort of a procedure so that patients no longer have to be afraid of the process.  Digital x-rays, precision instruments and effective dental anesthetic have made it possible to accurately target infections.  Since the entire process is less invasive, patients have a reduced healing time and can return to their normal activities without pain.  Any discomfort that is felt during the healing period can be easily relieved with over-the-counter painkillers.

If you are still nervous or have concerns about your root canal or endodontic procedure, feel free to call our New Hyde Park, NY office at 516-233-2135.  We’re happy to answer any questions you may have!

Tooth Replacement Options

There are several options for tooth replacement, but how do you know which is right for you? Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS of New Hyde Park, NY wants to inform his patients of the types of tooth replacements available for an informed decision.

Dental bridges, a popular option, are long lasting and can be made to look just like your natural teeth. They work by placing crowns onto teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. The crowns hold a full tooth replacement in the middle of them, like a bridge.

Dr. Pandya offers full (conventional and immediate) and partial dentures for his patients desiring a removable option. Dentures are long lasting and are also custom created to create the best smile for you. Partial dentures are for those who have not lost all of their teeth and are similar to bridges, but removable.

Dental implants are offered in the full size and the mini size. Implants are permanent tooth replacement, being able to last a lifetime. Mini implants are great for smaller spaces and for creating a more stable base for dentures.

If you are looking to replace a tooth, come see Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS for a consultation and find out which option is right for you. To schedule an appointment here at his New Hyde Park, NY location, call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Apicoectomy

When root canals fail to clear the infection of a tooth, an apicoectomy may be the solution. For patients who have had one or more root canals fail, Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS offers apicoectomy at his New Hyde Park, NY dental practice.

While a root canal cleans the tooth out by working down to the root, an apicoectomy cleans the tooth by starting at the root tip. Dr. Pandya will surgically access the root’s tip and remove the last few millimeters of it. He will then remove the infected tissue, clean the area, and seal the root tip.

The process begins with Dr. Pandya making an incision in the gums. He will then remove the bone surrounding the tooth’s root. The infected tissue will be cleaned out, the root tip will be removed, the root will be cleaned and sealed, and the area will be cleaned once more. The gums will be stitched back together. Over the course of several months, the bone tissue around the root tip will heal.

Infected teeth can be painful and when root canals fail to work, it only adds to the frustration. An apicoectomy may be what is needed to save the tooth from extraction.

If you are still experiencing pain and sensitivity after one or more root canals, schedule an appointment to see Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS of New Hyde Park, NY. To schedule, call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Oral Cancer Screenings for Early Detection

Cancer is never a word someone wants to hear. With the latest dental technology, Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS has the ability to detect abnormalities that may lead to oral cancer for his patients in the New Hyde Park, NY area.

Oral cancer screenings are performed in our office with an ultraviolet light that allows us to see more than can be seen by the human eye. Oral cancer screenings are meant to detect abnormalities before symptoms show. When it comes to cancer, the earlier it is caught, the better the chances of survival are. By the time symptoms show, the cancer may have already spread.

Routine oral cancer screenings are good for anyone, but particularly for those who are at an increased risk. Factors that increase the risk of oral cancer include heavy alcohol use, tobacco use, significant sun exposure, or a previous oral cancer diagnosis. If you are at an increased risk for oral cancer, make sure to ask Dr. Pandya about an oral cancer screening during your next visit.

Safety and health of our patients is our top priority, which is why Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS offers oral cancer screenings at his New Hyde Park, NY dental practice. To schedule your next routine visit and to learn more about our oral cancer screening process, call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Cosmetic Dentistry in New Hyde Park, NY

White, gleaming smiles are what many of us desire, but with personal habits like what we eat and drink, along with chewing objects like pens or playing sports can sometimes leave our teeth a little less than brilliant. Here in New Hyde Park, NY, Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS offers cosmetic options that can bring back that smile and give you the confidence you deserve.

Lumineers are ultra-thin porcelain veneers that are bonded to the front of your existing teeth. They can fix the look of misaligned teeth, gaps, chips, cracks, discoloration and more. They are long lasting and stain resistant, so a white smile is a long-term result! Plus, there are completely reversible.

Veneers are very similar to Lumineers, but slightly thicker. A thin layer of your enamel is taken off and replaced with the veneer. These are long lasting, stain resistant, and also are fantastic for many aesthetic improvements.

For whitening solutions, Dr. Pandya implements a tray whitening system. They trays are completely customized for each patient for maximum benefits. Used over a period of a few days, they have the ability to whiten your teeth by four to eight shades!

If you are looking to improve the aesthetics of your smile, call us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS at our New Hyde Park, NY office. Call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed?

It seems like most wisdom teeth need to be taken out. Does anyone ever keep them? How come they need to be removed? Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS of New Hyde Park, NY is here to answer some of his patients’ questions about wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of seventeen and twenty-five, but some people do not even have any! While some wisdom teeth grow in with complications, some grow in just fine. However, depending on the person, even some wisdom teeth that grew in properly are recommended to be taken out.

Since the wisdom teeth are so far back in the mouth, sometimes taking care of them is difficult. When it is difficult to brush and floss, bacteria builds up that can cause gum disease and infection. Removal is recommended in this case, and especially for those with compromised immune systems.

Wisdom teeth that do not grow in properly can cause serious damage. When a wisdom tooth grows in at an angle, it can damage other teeth and cause bacteria to build up in hard-to-reach areas. When a wisdom tooth does not have enough room in grow in, it is impacted in the jawbone, or stuck. This can be very painful, and when it only partially erupts, it can cause gum disease.

If you suspect your wisdom teeth are growing in, schedule an examination with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS of New Hyde Park, NY. Call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Sleep Apnea Dental Appliances

Sleep Apnea Dental Appliances

Sleep apnea is a frustrating condition for many sufferers.  In addition to nightly snoring, sleep apnea can also increase your risk of developing other serious health problems.  High blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, daily fatigue, drowsiness, and liver problems can all develop or worsen as a result of sleep apnea.

 

Fortunately, there are ways to treat sleep apnea at our practice.  While CPAP is commonly used as an effective sleep apnea treatment, many find the device to be uncomfortable.  We offer custom dental appliances as an alternative treatment, preventing respiratory obstruction and ensuring oxygen flow throughout the night.  Many of our patients have found dental appliances to be a more comfortable and convenient sleep apnea treatment.

If you or someone you know may be suffering from sleep apnea, contact our New Hyde Park practice for more information on how to protect your health.