Scaling and Root Planing

Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease and is fortunately easy to treat.  However, when left untreated it progresses into periodontitis, which causes permanent damage. Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro performs scaling and root planing procedures to stop gum disease in its tracks, and protect patient’s smiles from the effects of periodontitis.

Scaling and root planing is a simple and non-invasive procedure done in the office.  It begins with scaling, the term for the dentist removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the tooth all the way down to the gums. Depending on the case, a dentist may recommend completing this process over two appointments, and a patient may request local anesthetic.  This is followed by root planing, which means minor contouring to the surface of the tooth near the root.  When gums have a clean, smooth surface to reattach to, new growth of tissue is encouraged and gums heal giving the patient a clean slate against gum disease.

To learn more about scaling, root planing, and all the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Intraoral Camera

The technology available in our practice plays a part in every dental appointment.  Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS uses an intraoral camera to view angles of the mouth not possible before this technology. The tiny camera’s view is also projected onto a monitor, making the same angle of the mouth visible to both doctor and patient at the same time.

The intraoral camera helps you and your dentist better see and understand what is happening to your oral health. These detailed views can help you identify a specific area or issue to your dentist, and help your dentist plan a targeted treatment. This technology promotes a better understanding of any changes to your oral health. An added bonus to using this technology in our practice is capturing images needed for insurance companies to approve procedures.

To learn more about the technology we use and services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Dental Implant Restoration

By choosing dental implants to restore your missing teeth, you are making an excellent decision to improve the status of your oral health. When teeth are missing, this can diminish a person’s self-esteem, make them appear older, and/or affect the way they eat and speak. Dental implants allow you to enjoy life without worry about your teeth and will have you smiling in photos in no time. If you are considering dental implant restoration, schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS so he can answer all of your questions.

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots that act as a natural tooth. Because dental implants don’t alter the teeth, more of your natural teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Dental implants stay in place and aren’t removable like some dentures, therefore they are durable and will last many years with proper oral hygiene.

If you have questions or concerns about restorative dentistry, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Nocturnal Bruxism

Nocturnal bruxism is a condition in which the patient clenches or grinds his or her teeth during sleep. Bruxism most often occurs during this time frame but can also happen unintentionally while the person is awake. Bruxism is often caused by stress or anxiety and is used as a coping mechanism for these emotions. Once bruxism is properly diagnosed, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS can discuss treatment options.

The act of clenching the teeth can be detrimental to a person’s smile. It leads to tooth damage such as weakened enamel, increased sensitivity, and chips or fractures. During sleep, the jaw is set in a certain position that may trigger the natural reflexes of the brain which are never turned off. Dr. Dallessandro may suggest a night guard to alleviate pressure that is put on the jaw and prevent further damage.

If you have questions or concerns about nocturnal bruxism, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Thank You For Your Testimonials!

At the dental practice of Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, our staff appreciates feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our team would not only like to thank Margaret R. for this five-star review, but we would like to thank her for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“I've been a patient of Dr. D's for a couple of years now and love him. But on July 28, the 18 year old bonding on one of my front teeth crumbled apart and I was in a panic. I called the office and had an appointment with Dr. Choi, Dr. D's new associate, the next morning at 9 a.m. Dr. Choi was fantastic, explained everything she was doing, and did an amazing job with my bonding. I was due for a cleaning and she was able to take care of that for me as well....herself! She is a great add to the practice and I would feel very comfortable seeing her again. Their office is super convenient for me at work, but I would travel across the city to keep them as my dentists. The whole staff here is lovely too! – Margaret R. (Patient since 2015)

If you would like to leave a review or are interested in learning about the services we provide at the dental practice of Joseph S Dallessandro, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Crowns Restore Smiles

The dental practice of Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro restores many patient smiles with the safe and non-invasive procedure of installing a crown.  Crowns can restore a tooth with chips or a significant amount of decay before it reaches the point of needing to be extracted or replaced with an implant.  A patient can have a new crown within two visits.

To fit a patient with a custom crown, the process begins with the dentist removing any decay from the damaged tooth.  To prepare the tooth for a crown to fit directly over it, the dentist may need to contour the tooth that remains.  When the tooth has been prepared, an impression of the mouth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory for the custom product to be fabricated.  Once the custom crown is made, it is cemented into place by the dentist at a second appointment.  Our high quality crowns are durable and should last from 10 to 15 years, but can be replaced if needed.

To learn more about dental crowns and all the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Handling Halitosis

Bad breath is embarrassing, especially when you aren’t the first to notice. Also known as halitosis, bad breath isn’t typically a problem unless it becomes chronic. Chronic bad breath is usually caused by poor oral hygiene habits. It can also be a result of dry mouth, dental problems such as gum disease, or an underlying medical condition. If your bad breath has you feeling self-conscious, schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS to get the problem under control.

Certain foods such as garlic and onions can leave a person with bad breath but that can typically be cured by a breath mint. Proper brushing and flossing remove bacteria and food particles that become trapped between teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum can control the odor, but it’s best to visit Dr. Dallessandro for a more permanent solution. He can answer any questions you may have regarding treatment.  

If you have questions or concerns about halitosis, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Cavity Prevention

Many people think that only children get cavities, but that is a myth that Dr. Joseph Dallessandro, DDS is about to debunk. It doesn’t matter how old you are, the sugars that are consumed through food and beverages feed off the plaque that sits on teeth and causes decay. If not removed by proper brushing and flossing, the acids in plaque can dissolve tooth enamel, creating cavities, or tiny holes in the teeth.

Any person who eats a lot of sugary or high-carbohydrate foods is more likely to develop cavities. The best way to prevent cavities is to keep the mouth as clean as possible. It’s important to maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine that consists of brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day in addition to visiting our office twice a year for dental checkups.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth decay, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Mouth Ulcers

If you need help with a mouth ulcer, the Midtown office of Dr. Joseph Dallesandro is the place to go. Although ulcers usually clear up on their own in about a month, it is worth consulting with us to determine if the problem is being caused by a bad bite and if there’s any treatment we can provide for the symptoms.

The herpes simplex virus-1 is responsible for cold sores. It is easily transferable during an outbreak and most people already have it from sharing cups or straws in childhood. Although the cold sore does little serious harm, it is important for patients not to transmit any fluid from the sore to their eyes. We can provide antibiotics and topical painkillers, if necessary. Unlike cold sores, cankers are lesions that are large and white. It is unknown what causes them, but they tend to occur in teenagers suffering from stress and nutritional problems.

Ulcers resulting from the patient biting down on the soft tissue of their mouths will recur until the teeth’s alignment is corrected or whatever habit is causing the patient to bite their cheek or lip is broken. Bruxism, or nighttime tooth grinding, is one possible culprit.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS, and Jiah Choi, DDS, operate at 360 E 72^nd St, Ste B, New York, New York, 10021. To set up an appointment, call 212-988-1089, or visit JosephDallessandroDDS.com, and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Loose Permanent Teeth

While many of us were excited to have loose teeth as children, the same is not true in adulthood. If a permanent tooth wiggles around, it’s in serious trouble, and patients should seek help from a dentist immediately.

Doctors classify long-term damage to the teeth as primary or occlusal trauma. Primary trauma is the result of damage from stress, as happens when a patient grinds their teeth at night. Secondary occlusal trauma is the result of severe periodontal disease. When the gums are severely infected, they, the roots of the teeth, and the jaw bone all lose tissue.

With a weakened jaw bone, other teeth are vulnerable to becoming loose, as well. Dentists must act quickly and the first thing that needs to be done is controlling the periodontal infection. Once the decay has been stopped it will probably be necessary to put the teeth in a splint for a time. Teeth that are severely compromised may need to be replaced with implants, which may also necessitate a jaw bone graft depending on how much tissue it has lost.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS, and Jiah Choi, DDS, operate at 360 E 72^nd St, Ste B, New York, New York, 10021. To set up an appointment, call 212-988-1089, or visit JosephDallessandroDDS.com, and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Why Sugar Is Bad For Teeth

Sugar has many labels – glucose, fructose, sucrose – but they all mean the same thing. It should be no secret that sugar is bad for your teeth, but Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS is here to explain why. Sugars are the main culprit when it comes to cavity development. This is because when sugars are ingested, acidity levels rise which can be too much for tooth enamel to handle, thus leading to the dissolution of enamel and dentin, causing cavities.  

Sugar takes on many forms and it can be found in almost anything. Without getting into too much detail, sugar is bad for teeth are because it creates acids that break down tooth enamel. Dr. Dallessandro doesn’t expect patients to give up sugar cold turkey, but there are replacement options. Take small steps by switching to sugar-free chewing gum and try to work your way up to reducing your sugary beverage intake.

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Water Benefits Teeth

Water keeps us hydrated and without it, we wouldn’t be able to survive. Saliva is the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay and water replenishes saliva with every sip. By drinking more water, especially if it contains nature’s natural cavity-fighter – fluoride – this will protect you from dry mouth and tooth decay. Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS is here to give you more reasons to drink water.

Saliva is made up of 99% water. When we are low on saliva, our mouths will begin to feel dry and uncomfortable. This condition can make it hard to swallow and chew because saliva washes away leftover food. Water also washes away acids that have been left behind on the teeth that may cause cavities. Water doesn’t wreak havoc on your teeth like sugary beverages do. Sugar provides no nutritional value for dental health, but water provides many.

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Pain with Fillings

Fillings are a common method of restoration intended to ease a patient’s pain from tooth decay and to prevent further erosion. However, patients sometimes continue to experience discomfort after a filling is placed. While this is normal, persistent pain should be examined by a skilled dentist such as Dr. Dallessandro or Dr. Choi.

If the area around a filling is still painful days after the filling was placed, the filling may be misshapen. This could prevent the patient from biting properly or provide bacteria with a crevice to hide in and continue to cause decay. It could also be that the decay went all the way to the pulp of a tooth and a root canal will be necessary to undo the damage.

Fillings do not always last forever. A tooth with a filling that had been comfortable for years may become painful if the sealant surrounding a filling breaks. This would provide bacteria with another hiding spot and could cause the filling to come loose. It is also possible that a second crack has formed within the tooth, and the pain from the second episode of decay is being confused with pain from a faulty filling.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS, and Jiah Choi, DDS, operate at 360 E 72^nd St, Ste B, New York, New York, 10021. To set up an appointment, call 212-988-1089, or visit JosephDallessandroDDS.com, and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Intrinsic Stains

The whitening treatments we offer at Dr. Dallessandro’s Midtown office are highly effective against extrinsic stains, but some stains are so deep bleach is unlikely to reach them. These are called intrinsic stains, and they affect the pulp of a tooth. While they may only be a cosmetic problem, in some cases, they represent a risk to the patient’s health.

The harmless intrinsic stains are those caused by the tooth being exposed to dark molecules during its formation. Common sources for these are tetracycline antibiotics and excessive amounts of fluoride. In these cases, the tooth can simply be covered with a veneer. The dangerous stains are caused by inflammation of the dental pulp in response to an infection. The body has a hard time fighting off dental infections on its own, and our doctors will recommend a root canal. Using the advanced imaging tools in our office, they will be able to determine whether the infected material has been eliminated. Once the patient is no longer at risk, the cosmetic restorations can proceed.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS, and Jiah Choi, DDS, operate at 360 E 72^nd St, Ste B, New York, New York, 10021. To set up an appointment, call 212-988-1089, or visit JosephDallessandroDDS.com, and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Extrinsic Stains

Take a look at your teeth. Are you satisfied with their shade of color? Tooth discoloration develops from the food and beverages we consume, especially coffee, wine and cola. Smoking also causes discoloration because tobacco will turn the teeth yellow. These types of stains are usually extrinsic, which means they form on the outer layer of teeth. Regardless of the cause, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS is here to revive the brightness in your smile.

Extrinsic staining is easier to remove than stains that develop inside the teeth. Extrinsic stains can range from white streaks, to yellow tints, or brown spots. To prevent extrinsic staining, you should be brushing your teeth after every meal. Dr. Dallessandro recommends using a mouth rinse or rinsing with water after having wine, coffee, or other foods that stain your teeth. Teeth whitening or bleaching is an excellent way to reverse this type of discoloration. Talk to Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS about your whitening options, today.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth discoloration or whitening services, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

We Love to Hear From You!

At the dental practice of Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, our staff appreciates feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our team would not only like to thank Judith E. for this five-star review, but we would like to thank her for being a dedicated patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“First impression. My 1st visit to Dr. Dallessandro exceeded my expectations. I had a broken tooth and needed a cleaning. I found the staff very efficient and welcoming and Dr. Dallessandro himself so easy to talk with and doing what he could to save my tooth and to find time in a very full schedule to follow up. It had been a while and the cleaning had to be a challenge but that too was handled well.” — Judith E.   (Patient since 2017)

If you would like to leave a review or are interested in learning about the services we provide at the dental practice of Joseph S Dallessandro, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Sealants for Pediatric Patients

Dental sealants are used to preserve the teeth and tooth enamel, and are the best defense against early tooth decay.  Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro recommends sealants for pediatric patients to protect their teeth and get them on track for a life time of great oral health.  Most tooth decay in children and adolescents occurs on the chewing surfaces of molars, where the pits and grooves tend to trap food and bacteria.  A child’s molars first come in at 5-7 years of age, and a second set comes in between the ages of 11-14.  We recommend having a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early. 

Sealants are applied to surfaces of these molars with a small brush, similar to paint. The plastic resin fills any pits and grooves on the surface and then hardens.  Now the surface is protected from food getting stuck, and bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay.  Tooth enamel is also protected from plaque and acids.  Sealants can be reapplied if necessary, but once applied they effectively prevent cavities for up to ten years.

To learn more about dental sealants and all the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro and his staff see patients who are unhappy with their smiles for a variety of reasons.  The total look of your smile includes the gums, and even when a patient’s teeth are healthy they may feel their gums keep them from a perfect smile.  Cosmetic periodontal surgery is a way to reshape gums and achieve the look patients desire.

Cosmetic periodontal surgery is a technical way of saying sculpting the gum line.  The procedure can include removing gum tissue, grafting gum tissue, or both. Patients with excess gum tissue may have a gummy smile, and this can be removed with a scalpel tool or laser to expose more of the tooth.  Lack of gum tissue or gums that have receded can give the look of elongated teeth.  In these cases, gum tissue is harvested from a healthy location in the patient’s mouth and grafted onto the area lacking tissue.  With cosmetic periodontal surgery, we can help anyone achieve their ideal smile!

To learn more about cosmetic periodontal surgery and all the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Flossing with Bridges

Patients at Dr. Joseph Dallessandro’s Midtown practice can count on receiving helpful instructions for maintaining their oral hygiene. As patients get different kinds of restorations, their hygienic needs will change, and we want to make sure our patients with fixed bridges understand how to floss correctly.

There is no space in between teeth on a bridge that requires flossing, but there is a space between the bridge and the gum. This area must be kept clean in order to prevent plaque build-up, inflammation, and bad breath. Most commonly, patients use a threader (a device similar to a big, floppy needle) to loop a strand of floss around the bridge, and then floss normally. Some companies also manufacture stiffened floss which can be pushed through the gap.

Patients whose fixed bridges rest on implants instead of on reshaped natural teeth may have some more space to work with. If so, they can use proxy brushes to push debris out of the gap. Manufacturers are now making toothbrush and water pick heads that are specially shaped for use on implants, and these tools are useful for structures supported by multiple implants, as well.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS, and Jiah Choi, DDS, operate at 360 E 72^nd St, Ste B, New York, New York, 10021. To set up an appointment, call 212-988-1089, or visit JosephDallessandroDDS.com, and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Reasons for Tooth Sensitivity in Children

Dr. Dallessandro’s Midtown office is fully equipped to diagnose the causes of tooth sensitivity in all our patients, including the youngest. In adults, sensitive teeth are usually due to enamel erosion, and while that is possible in children, there are a few other reasons why children get tooth aches which need to be investigated.

Children are the people most likely to get cavities (also known as caries), which is why regular brushing is the focus of most dental education materials aimed at them. But it is possible to overdo it; people who brush too hard bruise their gums, and as the gum line recedes, the teeth’s sensitive roots are exposed to air as well as hot and cold. Likewise, permanent teeth that are newly erupted from the gums will be sensitive for a little while.

It is possible for tooth sensitivity to indicate a problem elsewhere. Sinus infections often cause children’s upper teeth to feel sore. If a child clenches or grinds their jaws in their sleep in response to stress, sleep apnea, or tooth misalignment, they may also feel aches throughout their head and neck area.

Joseph S. Dallesandro, DDS, and Jiah Choi, DDS, operate at 360 E 72^nd St, Ste B, New York, New York, 10021. To set up an appointment, call 212-988-1089, or visit JosephDallessandroDDS.com, and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Wisdom Teeth

With age come wisdom teeth, also known as the third and last set of molars that appear during our late teens and early twenties. If your wisdom teeth are perfectly aligned, then there will probably be no reason to remove them, however, the chances of this happening are very unlikely. Healthy wisdom teeth can help you chew your food better, but if they are impacted – trapped under the gums – then Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro may need to discuss extraction.

The condition of a person’s wisdom teeth usually changes between the ages of 16-23. Though every patient is unique, extraction may be necessary if the person experiences pain or infection.  Wisdom teeth can additionally lead to problems if they don’t have room to grow because they can cause damage to neighboring teeth. Before making the decision to extract a patient’s wisdom teeth, Dr. Dallessandro will make sure that the teeth are functional and not problematic to your bite.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the status of your wisdom teeth, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Gum Disease: Periodontitis

Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that can develop if the first stage of gum disease – gingivitis – is left untreated. Unlike gingivitis which leaves a little bit of blood behind when you brush, periodontitis causes gums to pull away from the teeth. This action leaves deep pockets where plaque and bacteria can build up a lot faster. Periodontitis can progress until the teeth are loose and the bones that support the teeth are damaged. This is why it’s important to visit Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro twice a year for professional cleanings to prevent all stages of periodontal disease.

Periodontitis not only destroys the bones that support the teeth, this condition is critical to your oral health. Your mouth is the window to your overall health and long-term periodontitis may lead to increased blood sugar levels, as well as an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Like any other form of periodontal disease, periodontitis begins with plaque. Therefore, the more frequently your teeth are plaque-free, the less likely you are to succumb to periodontal problems. It’s important to prevent periodontal disease with a rigorous oral hygiene routine. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and visit Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro for dental health exams at least twice a year.

If you have questions or concerns regarding periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Thank You for Your Positive Reviews!

At the dental practice of Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, our staff appreciates feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our team would not only like to thank Rosalind C. for this five-star review, but we would like to thank her for being a dedicated patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“Good, honest dentistry. Furthermore, this summer when I was Montana, I had a dental emergency. I had to get treatment on the spot. It was a multi- step process. I called Dr. D and he went out of his way to help me and give advice; he got back to me multiple times, despite problems with cell signals and time differences, even giving me his cell so I could call him on his way home (at 7:00 pm!). I could heartily recommend him.” –Rosalind C. (Patient since 2012)

If you would like to leave a review or are interested in learning about the services we provide at the dental practice of Joseph S Dallessandro, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Acid Reflux

Toothaches often have preventable causes. In adults, one of the most common contributing factors to tooth decay is gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as acid reflux or GERD. At Dr. Joseph Dallessandro and Dr. Jiah Choih’s Lenox Hill office, we have a number of treatments that can mitigate acid reflux’s damage, but the patient will often have to make changes to their lifestyle to stop the disease from coming back.

Hydrochloric acid is highly corrosive to the body’s tissues. The stomach is protected from it by a layer of mucus, but if the acid escapes up the esophagus and into the mouth, it can cause quite a bit of pain. It dissolves enamel, leaving teeth sensitive and discolored, and prevents the saliva glands from keeping the mouth wet. We can strengthen enamel with fluoride treatments, but once it’s gone, it cannot grow back. However, we can replace it with fillings or partial crowns. When acid reflux causes gum recession, we can also use bonding to keep the teeth strong and brightly colored.

Avoiding acid reflux in the future may require a patient to consume less alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, fatty meat and dairy, and citrus juice. New saliva production can be stimulated by chewing sugarless gum and patients on medication may need to consider alternatives if the side effects are causing tooth decay.

Joseph S. Dallesandro, DDS, and Jiah Choi, DDS, operate at 360 E 72^nd St, Ste B, New York, New York, 10021. To set up an appointment, call 212-988-1089, or visit JosephDallessandroDDS.com, and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Pregnancy Gingivitis

As if swollen ankles and excess weight gain aren’t enough pregnancy side effects, women who are expecting should take extra precaution when it comes to their oral care. Hormonal changes hinder the body’s normal response to bacteria which can cause periodontal infections. Fortunately, Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS is here to help you maintain the issue if it were ever to arise.

Pregnancy gingivitis is caused by the hormonal changes that increase the blood flow to the gum tissue and cause your gums to be more sensitive, irritable, and swollen. The risk of developing pregnancy gingivitis usually increases in the second trimester and because your gums are the window to your overall health, it’s important to practice proper oral hygiene to prevent the problem from becoming worse. If you are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant please let our office know when scheduling your appointment. Although most women make it through the nine months without oral discomfort, it’s important to take advantage of your options.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS of New York, NY, call our office at (212) 988-1089 or visit our website, www.josephdallessandrodds.com. 

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

At the Upper East Side dental practice of Dr. Dallessandro, we are dedicated to helping parents maintain their children’s oral health. You’ve probably noticed that dental information for children tends to focus on tooth decay caused by sugar. That’s because cavities are the dental problem children most commonly suffer from, but those too young to take an active role in their own health commonly suffer from a decay pattern we call Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.

When babies suck milk or formula from a bottle, the residue tends to accumulate on the fronts of their front teeth. With no water to wash the residue away, the sugar remains stuck there until it is eaten by bacteria, creating plaque.

Preventing tooth decay always requires regular brushing, but preventing it in babies requires some extra precautions. Babies should only be given bottles at set times and should not be allowed to suck on them for hours, as this is how their teeth remain exposed to sugar for too long. They should be given water to drink, and should not be given even more sugary drinks, such as juice, until they are old enough to drink from cups.

Joseph S. Dallesandro, DDS, and Jiah Choi, DDS, operate at 360 E 72^nd St, Ste B, New York, New York, 10021. To set up an appointment, call 212-988-1089, or visit JosephDallessandroDDS.com, and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Dry Sockets

When teeth need to be extracted, most of our clients at Dr. Joseph Dallessandro and Dr. Jiah Choi’s Lenox Hill practice will experience easy recoveries and soon move on to the next stage of their treatment. However, when a complication does occur, it is usually in the form of a dry socket. This is a painful condition and poses a risk of infection, but we educate patients on how to avoid it and know how to treat it should it arise.

When a tooth is pulled, there will be a bit of bleeding in the empty socket. Ideally, this blood will congeal and seal the socket off, locking in moisture and keeping the surgical site free of bacteria. However, there are medications which may prevent clots from forming, and behaviors such as smoking may cause them to dissolve early. Patients are also warned not to sip from straws after an extraction because the suction could pull the clot off and leave the socket exposed.

Sockets usually close up quickly. The risk of dryness is highest during the first two days after the extraction. Patients in severe pain should schedule emergency appointments. If they are suffering a dry socket, we will apply moisturizing and antibiotic medication to the wound and prescribe painkillers, if necessary.

Joseph S. Dallesandro, DDS, and Jiah Choi, DDS, operate at 360 E 72^nd St, Ste B, New York, New York, 10021. To set up an appointment, call 212-988-1089, or visit JosephDallessandroDDS.com, and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Detect Oral Cancer

Cancer is a scary word that no one ever wants to hear, especially when it involves a loved one. At the dental practice of Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, we work on preventing oral cancer in our patients through oral cancer screening. Preventing oral cancer before it appears could be life-saving. It is important to remember that just because Dr. Dallessandro may recommend oral cancer screening; it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer.

The oral cavity includes the lips, hard palate, soft palate, the tongue, gums, and inner lining of the lips and cheeks. Oral cancer usually appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not go away. As a preventive measure, Dr. Dallessandro may recommend oral cancer screening during a patient visit. Oral cancer screening takes less than five minutes and can help find cancer at an early stage when it is the easiest to treat. If a screen test result is abnormal, you may need to have more tests done to confirm if you have cancer. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

If you are concerned about oral cancer, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Dry Mouth

Do you constantly feel thirsty but no amount of water can quench your thirst? You may be suffering from a condition called xerostomia, also known as dry mouth. Dry mouth refers to any condition in which the mouth is unusually dry and it is caused by the decrease of saliva flow in the mouth. This condition is treatable by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro.

Saliva helps prevent tooth decay by neutralizing acids produced by bacteria and also assists in washing food away from your teeth. Lack of saliva flow can have a major impact on your general health and the health of your teeth and can also make food less enjoyable. Common symptoms of dry mouth include a constant sore throat, burning sensation, trouble speaking, and/or dry nasal passages. Treatment of dry mouth depends on the cause, but Dr. Dallessandro may recommend various methods to restore moisture, such as sugar-free candy or a mouth rinse.

If you experience constant dry mouth, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Losing a Permanent Tooth

Sometimes, when someone loses a permanent tooth, it is possible for the tooth to be saved. However, this depends on several factors, and we at Dr. Joseph Dallesandro’s Upper East Side practice want our patients to know what to do in case of an emergency.

After locating the tooth, hold it only be the crown, not the root. The American Dental Association recommends liquids to clean lost teeth with and containers to transport them, but if these are not available, rinse the tooth with milk or saltwater. If possible, place it back in the socket. If this cannot be done, the patient should hold the tooth in their cheek or submerge it in milk or a saline solution and bring it to our office.

A tooth has the best chance of being reinserted if it is seen by a dentist within an hour of being lost. However, a lost tooth may not be the patient’s most severe injury. Additionally, only permanent teeth can be saved. Reinserting a baby tooth may disrupt the growth of the permanent tooth behind it, though children will be given a spacer to ensure there is room for the permanent tooth to erupt. If an implant is knocked out, it must be replaced.

Joseph S. Dallesandro, DDS, and Jiah Choi, DDS, operate at 360 E 72nd St, Ste B, New York, New York, 10021. To set up an appointment, call 212-988-1089, or visit JosephDallessandroDDS.com, and fill out a contact sheet.

Flossing

Regular flossing is essential to maintaining oral health. Cleaning between your teeth is just as important as cleaning the surfaces of your teeth like you do when brushing. You should floss once a day, either before or after brushing. A strand of dental floss about 18 inches long allows you to wrap the ends of the floss around a finger on each hand. This gives you excellent control over the portion of floss you are using. The proper technique to flossing is sliding the floss between the teeth and rubbing the floss back and forth up until you reach your gums.

Pushing at your gums too hard with floss can damage your gum line and isn’t necessary to floss properly. Think of a small swooping motion as you rub the floss up to one gum, then down and back up towards the other. As you move on to the next tooth, you can adjust the floss to expose an unused portion. Repeat this rubbing motion between each tooth and dispose of the floss once you are finished.

To learn more about flossing, dental hygiene, and all the services we provide, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dallessandro in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Bone Grafting

The term bone graft may sound more intense than a typical dental appointment, but bone grafting has become a routine procedure to help bodies heal. For dentists, the bone graft they perform is on the jaw to strengthen the future site of an implant. Dr. Dallessandro can advise when this procedure is necessary.

A bone graft consists of harvesting bone material from a healthy part of a patient’s body and transferring it to a site that needs reinforcement. This gives the injured or deficient bone a replacement and encourages the growth of new material around the site. There are synthetic options for bone grafts, but a dental graft is usually obtained from a different spot in the patient’s own mouth.
A jaw bone can weaken over time if tooth loss or gum disease has left a certain portion of the jaw vulnerable. When a patient needs a dental implant to replace a lost or damaged tooth, a jaw bone needs to be strong enough to receive the implant. This is when a dentist would perform a bone graft.  The healing process can often take several months, and your jaw is monitored by your dentist until it heals enough to handle the placement of an implant.

To learn more about bone grafting, dental implants, and all the services we provide, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dallessandro in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

How Do Dental Bridges Work?

A bridge may be recommended if you are missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite. Bridges span the space where the teeth are missing and are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro will fit you with a temporary bridge while we wait for the lab to craft your permanent one. This will protect the abutments and the exposed gum areas and look more appealing than having a missing tooth.

A bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap – these two or more anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth – and a false tooth in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials to ensure they are strong and durable. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants.

If you have missing teeth and are considering dental bridges, schedule a consultation with our doctors to discuss your options. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Thank You for Your Positive Reviews!

At the dental practice of Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, our staff appreciates feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our team would not only like to thank Kam for this five-star review, but we would like to thank him for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!

“I've lived in New York for almost four years now. Dr. Dallessandro and his associate, Dr. Choi, are the first dentists I've seen since I moved here. They are both very friendly and exceedingly competent, and I felt right at home in their office. Dr. Dallessandro went out of his way to schedule my treatment in a way that maximized my insurance benefits while preserving the health of my teeth. I'm so glad that I called them – If you're hesitating, don't wait!”

If you would like to leave a review or are interested in learning about the services we provide at the dental practice of Joseph S Dallessandro, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Warning Signs of a Failing Implant

Implants have become one of the most popular and effective means of tooth restoration since they started becoming common thirty years ago. However, they can fail. To spare themselves unnecessary pain and possibly save an imperiled implant, patients should know the warning signs when an implant is failing to integrate or is at risk. Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro is here to discuss them.
Sometimes problems will immediately become evident if a patient is allergic to the metals most implants are made from or if the implant is placed into a nerve. This will result in severe pain which will not get better and may be accompanied by persistent bleeding. If a surgical wound fails to heal after a few days, patients should seek help.

A complete implant may also fail due to periodontal disease or a traumatic injury. The most obvious sign that an implant needs to be examined is if it moves. Damage to the jaw bone can shake an implant loose, and gum disease can spread to corrode the implant itself. Dentists will use x-rays to monitor a patient’s jaw bone tissue for the years following placement of an implant. Loss of two much bone requires intervention.

If you are concerned about dental implant failure, give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS of New York, NY, call our office at (212) 988-1089 or visit our website, www.josephdallessandrodds.com.

Receding Gums

People commonly seek help from cosmetic dentists for receding gums. Exposed tooth roots not only look unattractive to most people, they also are very sensitive. But people may not have known that receded gums are usually the result of periodontal disease. If Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro determines that is the case, there are some interventions she may recommend which vary in intensity depending on the severity of the gum loss.

Teeth are surrounded by gum pockets which are supposed to secure them snugly. But there is always room for some bacteria and plaque in the space between the gum and the tooth root, and if healthy tissues are being eroded by acid, that space will only get larger. More plaque-causing bacteria fill the void, accelerating the decay process.

At a normal deep cleaning, Dr. Dallessandro or a hygienist will remove the bacteria colonies, but the problem remains of what to do with the enlarged pocket and exposed roots. Sometimes a simple incision can be made into healthy gum tissue, which is then folded and sutured to cover the roots. This can be done under local anesthetic. Serious cases might require the consultation of a specialist in gum grafts. There is no shortage of strategies for fixing receded gums, but patients should maintain regular oral hygiene to improve their chances of avoiding the trouble.

If your gums are causing you pain, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS of New York, NY, call our office at (212) 988-1089 or visit our website, www.josephdallessandrodds.com.

Denture Pain Can Cause Problems

Denture pain typically stems from poor fitting or poorly adjusted dentures. It may also be a result of new dentures, worn over soft tissues that have not developed thick, toughened layers of protective keratin. If you are experiencing gum and mouth irritation, problems eating and speaking, develop mouth infections, and/or dentures that move around in your mouth, give Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS a call to discuss your treatment options.

If you wear dentures, it is very important you keep your mouth clean and healthy. In addition, you should never experience pain when wearing your dentures. If you do experience pain from your dentures and this discomfort is not treated by speaking slowly, eating soft foods or using an adhesive, your dentures may need an adjustment or you may need a replacement. At the dental practice of Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS we have plenty of tooth-replacement options for you to choose from if dentures aren’t working out.

If you have dentures that are causing you pain, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS of New York, NY, call our office at (212) 988-1089 or visit our website, www.josephdallessandrodds.com.

Arestin for Fighting Gum Disease

When battling gum disease, if careful measures are not taken, the gum disease can become difficult to fully get rid of. Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS offers Arestin here in our New York, NY office to increase the success of clearing away gum disease.

When gum disease causes the irritated gums to pull away from the tooth and develop deep pockets, bacteria can reach down deep, by the tooth’s root. A scaling and root planing is performed to remove the hardened tartar from the tooth and the tooth root. The tooth is then smoothed out to remove any hiding spots for bacteria. This is where normally, the process would end. However, we add Arestin, an antibiotic made of microspheres. We place this into the gum pocket will help clear up any bacteria left over. The tiny microspheres are not visible to the naked eye, and they will dissolve on their own, so there is no need to go back to the dentist to have them taken out. Arestin is time-released, so it works for a long time after it is placed.

If you suspect you have gum disease, be sure to set up an appointment with us. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS of New York, NY, call our office at (212) 988-1089 or visit our website, www.josephdallessandrodds.com.

Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth

Imagine, after weeks of hearing your baby fuss and moan you finally spot that first little tooth bud popping up through the gums. Baby teeth may be small, but they act as placeholders for adult teeth. Without a healthy set of baby teeth, your child will have trouble chewing and speaking clearly. Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS wants to ensure a healthy smile down the road, and since your baby can’t hold a toothbrush, they rely on you to maintain their oral health care.

Starting from the day you bring your newborn home until your baby’s first tooth appears, usually around six months, rub a damp, clean washcloth over his or her gums (front and back) at least once per day.  This allows your child to get used to an oral cleaning routine while removing lingering plaque and food. You should brush your baby’s teeth until he or she is old enough to hold a toothbrush. Meanwhile, keep on the lookout for any signs of baby tooth decay.

If you have questions about pediatric oral care, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS of New York, NY, call our office at (212) 988-1089 or visit our website, www.josephdallessandrodds.com.

How to Reduce Dental Plaque

Plaque develops when foods containing carbohydrates, such as milk, soft drinks, cakes, etc. are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. This is why Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS wants patients to know how they can reduce dental plaque to avoid advanced dental procedures in the future.

To prevent plaque you must first pay attention to your diet. Since plaque needs carbohydrates to form, the fewer carbs you eat, the better. Avoid candy, cookies, and other sweet things as much as possible in order to prevent plaque build-up. If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods such as plain yogurt, cheese, fruit or raw veggies. Vegetables such as celery help remove food and help saliva neutralize plaque causing acids.  In addition, the best thing you can do to reduce dental plaque is brush and floss twice a day. Brushing removes plaque that has built up on your teeth, while flossing removes food particles and debris from between your teeth.

If you are overdue for a dental appointment, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS of New York, NY, call our office at (212) 988-1089 or visit our website, www.josephdallessandrodds.com.

Overbite Complications

If you have been diagnosed with an overbite, this simply means that your top teeth extend beyond your bottom teeth. It is a common dental problem that Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS may recommend correcting with dental braces. Overbite teeth are considered a type of “bad bite.” It can either be noticeable or unnoticeable, but it some extreme cases it can make your jaw look significantly larger or your bottom jaw look much smaller.

Most often, overbites are inherited as traits just as the color of your eyes or the freckles on your cheeks. Other causes of misaligned bites may result from an early loss of baby or adult teeth, gum disease, or common oral health problems in children, such as thumb sucking. Once one of our doctors confirms your overbite with X-rays, he or she may take regular photographs of your face to further examine the relationship between the teeth, jaws, and head. From there, an individualized treatment plan will be developed to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

If you would like to discuss malocclusion treatment options, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS of New York, NY, call our office at (212) 988-1089 or visit our website, www.josephdallessandrodds.com.

Toothbrush Care

Brushing your teeth plays an important everyday role for personal oral hygiene and effective plaque removal. You may not give much thought to cleaning your toothbrush; however appropriate toothbrush care and maintenance are important considerations for oral hygiene. At the dental practice of Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, we want you to know how and when to replace, clean, and store your toothbrush.

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush approximately every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed. However, toothbrushes will wear out more rapidly depending on factors unique to each patient. It is also important to never share a toothbrush because this practice could be a concern for people with compromised immune systems or existing infectious diseases. If your toothbrush comes in contact with another, thoroughly rinse the brush with warm tap water to remove any remaining toothbrush and debris. When you are done using the toothbrush, store it in an upright position and allow the toothbrush to air-dry until used again.

If you have further questions regarding toothbrush care, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Thank You For Your Testimonials!

At the dental practice of Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, our staff appreciates feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our team would not only like to thank Ron M. for this five-star review, but we would like to thank him for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know! 

“Dr. Dallessandro and staff always put the interest of their patients first and consistently perform service of the highest regard. The staff does not try to "over treat", and truly takes into account your wishes. The Dental skills of Dr. Dallessandro and Dr. Choi are top flight, and the Hygienist is probably the best around. I heartily recommend this practice for all of your dental care needs.” – Ron M. (Patient since 2004).

If you would like to leave a review or are interested in learning about the services we provide at the dental practice of Joseph S Dallessandro, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Occlusal Adjustments for Misaligned Bites

When a person’s bite is misaligned, it can cause pain, sensitivity, and abnormal wear-down of teeth. Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS is able to correct this problem with a simple occlusal adjustment here in our New York, NY office.

A bite can become uneven due to grinding, clenching, crowded teeth, or shifting teeth. Basically, an uneven bite is when the top teeth do not match up correctly with the bottom teeth. This can leave the patient feeling like they have a lopsided jaw. It can cause pain and pressure that not only is disruptive to one’s life; it can also harm other teeth.

An occlusal adjustment is simply altering how your top and bottom teeth meet. We take a very fine file with a dental drill to reshape areas of the teeth. Our dental technology allows us to detect very small disturbances in the bite, so we can make very minor but very accurate adjustments. Our computer program scans your mouth to find these tiny irregularities. We then use the dental drill and file to reshape the irregularities so that they will meet up with the rest of your teeth properly. In the end, you will have teeth that fit comfortably together.

If a misaligned bite sounds like something you are dealing with, an occlusal adjustment may be what you need. To set up an appointment with Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS, call our New York, NY office at (212) 988-1089 or visit our website, www.josephdallessandrodds.com.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Hundreds of different types of bacteria live on our teeth, gums, tongue and other crevices in the mouth. Some are helpful, but some can be harmful such as those that play a role in the tooth decay process. At the dental practice of Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, we want our patients to know that good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and tooth decay.

When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently – for example, if you frequently eat foods or drinks containing sugar and starches – the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. This will cause a white spot to appear if the minerals have been lost. When this happens, this is a sign of early decay.
You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
• Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.
• Visit us for professional cleanings and oral examination.

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

What are Lumineers?

Lumineers are unique in that they are ultra-thin and highly translucent, allowing them to replicate the natural appearance of enamel. While traditional veneers are much thicker, requiring the grinding down of your original tooth structure, Lumineers are so thin that little to no tooth reduction is necessary. At his dental practice, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro can place either veneers or Lumineers depending on patient candidacy.

After your initial consultation, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro will take an impression of your upper and lower teeth, and send the mold to an authorized Lumineers laboratory along with photos and other records that ensure the very best case for you. Unlike traditional veneers, with Lumineers there is typically no need for extensive drilling, shots or unsightly acrylic temporaries.  On your next visit, generally a few weeks later, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro will place your Lumineers. Before Lumineers are bonded in place, it is important to try them on to ensure a good fit. Teeth are then moderately etched to prepare for placement and then bonded one by one. Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro will then check your bite to make sure your contacts are balanced to avoid chipping your Lumineers through the course of daily function.

If you want to aesthetically enhance your smile give us a call to discuss your options. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Basics of Bruxism

If your teeth are worn, damaged, or sensitive, or if you have pain in your jaw, face, or ear, it may be time to visit Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office. These are common symptoms of bruxism, a condition in which you grind, gnash, or clench your teeth and the condition can have a variety of causes. Some experts view this issue as nothing more than a habit, but this habit can wreak serious havoc on your teeth, provoking you to endure invasive dental procedures in the future.

People with severe bruxism can break dental fillings or damage their teeth. Rubbing the teeth together can cause the outer layers of enamel to wear away, exposing dentin, which can lead to tooth sensitivity. Severe bruxism can also be the result of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders as well as unexplained facial pain. If Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro determines that you’re a “bruxer” he will discuss the best way to treat it. The treatment of bruxism depends on the cause.

If you notice yourself grinding or clenching your teeth, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Apicoectomy after Root Canal

A root canal is a treatment that is used to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth. During root canal treatment, your dentist cleans the canals using special instruments called files to remove inflamed or infected tissue. When an infection develops or won’t go away after root canal treatment, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro may suggest an apicoectomy.

Root canals may become re-infected for a variety of reasons. These include new or recurrent decay, previously undetected accessory (extra) canals branching from the primary canal at the root end of the tooth, and occasionally, calcification of canals. An apicoectomy is done only after a tooth has had at least one root canal procedure and retreatment has not been successful. It is a minor surgical procedure in which the very tip of the tooth’s root is removed and sealed.

If you have a tooth infection related to a root canal gone wrong, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Scaling and Root Planing

Bacteria causes periodontal disease and when plaque and calculus provide an irregular surface that allows these bacteria to attach easily, scaling and root planing are done to remove it. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum tissue that could affect the teeth and supporting bone in your mouth. At his dental practice in New York, NY Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro utilizes the scaling and root planing procedure to stop gum disease in its tracks.

Root planing and scaling are done when gums have either started to pull away from the teeth or the roots of the teeth have hard mineral deposits (tartar) on them. Dental scaling occurs with manual hand instruments, ultrasonic instruments or both. Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro will start the procedure with a thorough examination of your mouth. Next, an ultrasonic scaling device will be used to eliminate the plaque bacteria with sonic vibrations. Root planing involves detailed scaling of the root surface to decrease inflammation of the gum tissue. This involves Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro scaling the root surface to smooth out rough target areas, eliminating plaque and biofilm development.

If you suffer from gum inflammation, please call us to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.