Smoking with Sleep Apnea

Smoking will exacerbate any respiratory condition, and it is proven to cause snoring and lead to obstructive sleep apnea.  Patients struggling with sleep apnea should come see Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro and his staff for evaluation. We can help patients find relief from sleep apnea, but quitting smoking is up to you!

Smoking causes upper airway inflammation, meaning the swelling causes the airway to narrow and disrupts the flow of air to the nasal passage and throat.  This causes snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.  Cigarettes are highly addictive, and some smokers seek treatment for sleep apnea like a snore guard or CPAP machine, but continue to smoke. Smoking with sleep apnea not only puts more stress on the heart every day, but negates any treatment a sleep apnea patient is undergoing.

Habitual smokers may feel relaxed by one last cigarette for the day, but it actually creates more complications for restful sleep. Smokers can experience nicotine withdrawal overnight, causing more waking up and restlessness.  Quitting smoking cold turkey is very difficult, but even lessening the amount of cigarettes or avoiding smoking at nighttime can help you achieve more restful sleep.  Most smokers cannot quit on their own or on their first attempt, so don’t get discouraged!

To learn more about sleep apnea and the treatments we provide, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Keep Your Teeth Healthy This Holiday Season

The holidays are a test of self-control for many of us. It’s hard to avoid snacks and sweets that are lurking around every dinner table. You don’t have to deprive yourself to protect your teeth enamel or dental health, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS just wants patients to be more aware of what they are consuming. If you’re struggling with what to eat during this holiday season, we are here to help.

Whatever you decide to eat, be sure to brush your teeth after your meal, especially if you are munching on something that is high in sugar. If there is a charcuterie, or cheese spread on the table, reach for these, as cheese contains calcium that assists in keeping tooth enamel strong. Making poor nutritional decisions can lead to painful and expensive damage. So when you’re reaching for the candy canes, popcorn balls, and cookies, chew carefully, so you don’t chip a tooth.

If you have questions or concerns about diet and 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.

Replace Teeth with Implants

At the dental practice of Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, we have restored many smiles with single-tooth dental implants.  Implants are a permanent restorative option for teeth that are missing or have been extracted.  They look and feel like natural teeth, and are the most permanent and efficient means of replacing lost teeth.

An implant is placed over a series of appointments because of the healing time required.  Implants are titanium screws inserted through an incision in the gum. Over a period of 3-6 months, the jaw bone heals around the implant to become a solid, stable base for the new tooth. During this time a patient is fitted with a temporary crown, and a custom crown is created to match their smile perfectly.

After the jaw bone and gums have healed appropriately, the custom crown is placed in a second minor procedure.  The doctor may need to expose the head of the implant by removing some gum tissue, and the crown is screwed to the top of the implant.  When this is complete the tooth looks like part of the natural smile, and with proper care will last for decades!

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

Night Guard Protection

Mild tooth grinding may not require treatment. However, in serious cases, tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders (TMJ/TMD), headaches, and damaged teeth. Once your teeth become damaged this can lead to costly dental procedures that could have been avoided with night guard treatment. Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro offers custom-fitted night guards to eligible patients. These night guards are made for your mouth and your mouth only to provide maximum comfort.

It might be pretty unattractive to wear a night guard in the daytime, so that is why it should be worn during sleep. The night guard, which is very similar to a mouth guard that athletes wear, provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. All night guards at Artisan Dental are custom fitted for comfort and allow for proper breathing. To create the night guard Dr. Kamal Ahmed will first take an impression of your teeth and have the night guard created by a dental lab. 

If you have questions or concerns regarding night guards or oral appliances, 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.