Kahn, Ferrari & Aldieri, DDS, LLC - Long Island, NY

Understanding the Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

If you have ever felt intense, momentary pain in your teeth after sipping a hot beverage or taking a bite of ice cream, you are familiar with the unpleasant condition of tooth sensitivity. The harsh sensation that occurs from hot and cold triggers is caused by exposed dentin, the layer of the tooth under the enamel which contains tiny tubes that connect to the nerves within the teeth. When these tubes fill with hot or cold substances, the nerves react with sudden and often severe pain that dissipates quickly. Below is a look at some of the ways that the enamel can become worn-out, causing the dentin to be exposed:

Brushing Overly Hard
The idea that brushing too well can cause damage to teeth may sound contradictory, but this phenomenon can occur when excessive pressure is applied during brushing. When you clean your teeth, avoid pressing the brush against them—instead, simply polish them gently with the brush held at an angle.

Using Too Much Mouthwash
Rinsing with mouthwash can freshen your breath and remove food particles after a meal. However, you should not use mouthwash more than once or twice each day. Overuse can wear down dental enamel due to the alcohol and chemicals that many mouthwashes contain. If you do need to rinse multiple times per day, simply use water instead.

Grinding Your Teeth
Bruxism, or tooth grinding, is a highly detrimental habit because it generates pressure in the jaw while damaging the tooth enamel. If you suspect that you are grinding your teeth while you sleep, ask your dentist about getting fitted for a night guard that will protect your mouth.

At Kahn, Ferrari & Aldieri, DDS, LLC, we utilize advanced diagnostic technologies such as intraoral cameras and the Diagnodent laser to quickly and accurately reveal common dental problems. Schedule a consultation with us to discuss your dental health by calling (888) 829-9575. 

How to Floss Your Teeth

Flossing is one area of dental hygiene where many people struggle to use the proper technique. However, this important habit should not be neglected, because flossing is the only way to clean the spaces between the teeth. With this brief instructional video, you can learn how to floss the right way so that you can make a habit of doing so every day.

For more tips on practicing better oral care at home, visit Kahn, Ferrari & Aldieri, DDS, LLC. Our practice offers dental procedures for the whole family along with specialized restorative and cosmetic care. Make us your primary source for dental care by scheduling your initial consultation online or calling (888) 829-9575. 

What Is Revealed in Your Dental X-Rays?

When you visit the dentist for a checkup, you might need to have an X-ray taken of your teeth and jaws. Today’s dental X-rays are low-risk procedures thanks to digital radiography that takes more accurate images with lower radiation exposure. Here is a look at some of the issues that may be identified with your next X-ray:

Hidden Tooth Decay
Decay can sometimes affect teeth without displaying any visible signs that can be identified during a standard dental exam. Cavities may exist between the teeth, affecting both your teeth and gums unless they are identified via X-ray and treated.

Cysts and Tumors in the Jaw
Although they are somewhat rare, benign cysts and tumors can develop in the jaw, causing the bone tissue to recede. When this problem is identified and diagnosed early, there is a low chance of long-term damage. However, cysts or tumors diagnosed at later stages of development may be much more difficult to treat.

Changes in Bone Structure
The bone of the jaw is the foundation anchoring the teeth, so bone loss caused by gum disease, TMJ, or osteoporosis can quickly develop into a serious problem. X-rays allow your dentist to look at the structure of the jawbone so that any changes can be quickly detected.

Abnormal Tooth Development
Young adult patients should have regular X-rays to monitor the growth of their wisdom teeth, which often need to be extracted because there is no room for them to erupt. Growing children and teens also benefit from X-rays that can reveal the development of the permanent teeth.

Kahn, Ferrari & Aldieri, DDS, LLC of Long Island offers dental X-rays that use the latest in digital technology to reduce your radiation exposure by around 80%. Make an appointment for your next complete dental exam by calling us at (888) 829-9575 or visiting us online. 

Curious for More About Dental Care? Click Through These Links

Proper preventative care and regular dental visits are a fundamental aspect of good oral health. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a family dentist, call  Kahn, Ferrari, and Aldieri, DDS, LLC at (888) 829-9575 or visit us on the web. We offer restorative and family dental services to the Long Island area. These articles explain some dental issues patients commonly face and treatment options offered by family dentistry practitioners.

• What is a cavity? HowStuffWorks.com breaks down the details of tooth decay.
• Contrary to popular belief, cavities can occur without tooth pain. WebMD.com gives readers the facts on more dental myths.
• When a patient is diagnosed with a cavity, the most common treatment method is a filling. MedicineNet.com provides a comprehensive summary of how fillings work.
• If a cavity is extensive, a root canal may be required. The National Institutes of Health explains this common dental procedure.
• Gum disease can cause not only significant oral health issues, but also other problems such as stroke and heart disease. EMedicineHealth.com reports on this widespread dental concern.

The Differences Between Inlays, Onlays, and Fillings

When you are diagnosed with a cavity, you must receive dental treatment to protect the tooth from further decay. Unless the tooth decay is so severe that it has penetrated the tooth’s interior, most family dentistry experts will recommend one of three different procedures: a filling, inlay, or onlay. Each technique can effectively remedy the damage caused by tooth decay while retaining an attractive cosmetic appearance. The following descriptions explain the differences between these common dental procedures.

Fillings
The most conservative option for treating tooth decay is the administering of a tooth filling. A tooth filling is comprised of a natural-looking resin composite that fills in and seals the hole created by the tooth decay. Individuals with minor cavities are the most likely candidates for composite fillings.

Inlays
When tooth decay is more pronounced, a family dentistry practitioner may recommend an inlay. An inlay is a viable option for patients who require a larger portion of the damaged tooth to be removed, though a sizeable amount of tooth enamel may remain. An inlay can also be made from resin composite, or in some cases, it may be created from porcelain. The structure is then applied to the crevice of the tooth affected by tooth decay. 

Onlays
Onlays are very similar to inlays in that they are required when tooth decay has damaged a substantial portion of the tooth. Also like inlays, onlays can be crafted with either resin composite or porcelain, which are both completely inconspicuous to anyone other than a trained family dentistry expert. However, onlays are the preferred treatment option when the tooth decay has compromised one or more cusps on the tooth.

Though no one wants a cavity, Kahn, Ferrari & Aldieri, DDS, LLC can provide several different treatment options to remedy tooth decay. To schedule an appointment at our Long Island facility to discuss our restorative dentistry options, call us today at (888) 829-9575.