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.

 

Sensitivity with Fillings

At Dr. Amit Pandya’s New Hyde Park Dental practice, patients needing relief from tooth decay are supplied with naturally-colored, expertly crafted fillings. When properly cared for, fillings can last for as long as ten years. However, there are some situations in which they would require a dentist’s attention, which is why we want to provide our patients with information about what to look out for.

After decayed enamel has been drilled away and filled in, it is normal for teeth to be sensitive for about two days. But sensitivity should not last longer than this, and the filling should not seem to be leaking or prevent the patient from closing their teeth together. In either of these cases, the filling would need to be reshaped, which is a simple enough process, but one which should be handled quickly.

When a filling is about ten years old, the bonding holding it together will start to disintegrate. It is important at this point for the filling to be replaced, or else the cracks in the bonding will provide a new home for bacteria. By maintaining regular check-ups, patients can ensure that old fillings will be replaced in time.

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.

 

Acid Reflux

At Dr. Amit Pandya’s New Hyde Park practice, we’re committed to preventing and treating dental damage no matter its source. Although tooth decay is caused by bacterial infection, loss of erosion to acid reflux is another problem patients need to be on guard against.

Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) describes when acid escapes from the stomach into the esophagus at least twice a week. The damage the acid does on its way up is commonly, but inaccurately, called heartburn. Acid increases the risk of esophageal cancer and if it gets as far as the teeth, it can cause erosion. Its effects will usually be visible first on the upper back teeth, which will take on a glazed appearance before becoming pitted and yellowish as the underlying pulp shines through.

Acid reflux makes teeth more sensitive but can be guarded against with fluoride treatments. Patients may also reduce their frequency of acid reflux by giving up smoking and by cutting down on citric juices, chocolate, fried food, red meat, caffeine, and foods in the onion and garlic group. It also helps to avoid large meals before bed.

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.