Dental Veneers for a Brand-New Smile

Having a radiant and beaming smile is, well, something to smile about! From minor imperfections to major aesthetic issues, dental veneers can offer that brilliant smile you desire! Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS offers dental veneers to his patients in our New York, NY dental practice!

Veneers are a great solution for patients with gaps, misaligned teeth, misshapen teeth, discolored teeth, cracks, and more. Without any major dental work, veneers are bonded to the front of your existing teeth. They create the look of a completely transformed smile.

To begin the process of creating your new smile, Dr. Dallessandro will prepare your teeth. He will take a very small amount of enamel from the front of your teeth. This amount of enamel equates the thickness of the veneer that will replace it. When the teeth are fully prepared, Dr. Dallessandro will take impressions of them to be sent to a laboratory. The laboratory will create completely customized veneers. During the creation process, you will wear a set of temporary veneers to protect your teeth. When the custom veneers are ready, they are bonded to the front of your teeth. With good care, veneers are able to last for up to ten years. Taking good care means brushing and flossing as you normally would, but it requires no special care. Also remember to visit your dentist for routine cleanings and examinations.

Veneers can take a smile you are insecure about and transform it so you have nothing but confidence! To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in our New York, NY office, call us at (212) 988-1089 or visit our website, www.josephdallessandrodds.com. 

Dazzling Smiles with Custom Teeth Whitening Trays

It is no wonder why most people say a smile is the first thing they notice about someone. Whitening your teeth can unleash confidence you did not even know you have. Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS here in New York, NY offers our patients a customized take-home tray whitening system for dramatic whitening results.

When you choose a whitening system that is supervised by your dentist, it means that you are going to get professional results. When store-bought whitening kits do not work, it may be time to try a professional teeth whitening system.

Dr. Dallessandro begins the whitening process with taking impressions of your teeth. These impressions are used to construct retainer-like trays that fit perfectly over your teeth. A special whitening gel that breaks the carbon bonds responsible for holding in stains is placed into the trays. The trays are worn for a short time over a period of a few days. Whitening in the comfort of your own home is a definite plus over sitting in the dental chair for the duration of your treatment. Our custom take-home whitening trays have been known to produce results four to eight shades whiter!

If you are looking for a dazzling new smile, try our completely custom take-home whitening tray system. To schedule an appointment in our New York, NY dental office, call the office of Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro at (212) 988-1089 or visit our website, www.josephdallessandrodds.com. 

Dental Implants in New York, NY

When it comes to tooth replacement, you want to look for the best options. Here in our New York, NY dental practice, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS utilizes dental implants for life-long tooth replacement. Dental implants are the closest to a real tooth as you can get.

When teeth become too damaged or decayed to be repaired, they will have to be extracted. Sometimes the tooth may just fall out on its own. In the event of a tooth gone missing, it is important to replace it as soon as possible. Leaving an open space could cause teeth to shift, jawbone to deteriorate, and gum tissue to be left vulnerable. While there are other options that are available for tooth replacement, dental implants are the only options that may last a lifetime.

Dr. Dallessandro surgically inserts the implant post into the bone socket at the site of the missing tooth. The implant post is a screw made of titanium; however it bonds to your jawbone just like a tooth’s root would. The healing process takes a few months, so to protect the area and to allow normal use of your teeth, a temporary dental crown will be applied to the implant. When the healing is finished, the temporary crown is removed, an abutment is attached to the implant, and a permanent dental crown is attached.

If you do not like the idea of having to eventually replace a replacement, dental implants are the option for you. To schedule an 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. 

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings are a very important part of the dental visit for a patient. Oral cancer screening is an examination performed by Dr. Joseph Dallessandro DDS right in his office where he will look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth. The goal of oral cancer screening is to detect mouth cancer or precancerous lesions that may lead to mouth cancer at an early stage – when cancer or lesions are easiest to remove and most likely to be cured.

Many people have sores in their mouths, with the great majority being noncancerous. During your dental visit, Dr. Joseph Dallessandro can talk to you about your health history and examine your oral cavity for signs of mouth and/or throat cancer. The screening will consist of a visual inspection of the mouth and palpation of the jaw and neck.

It is important to remember that your dentist does not necessarily think you have cancer if he or she suggests a screening test. Screening tests are given when you have no cancer symptoms.  To learn more about oral cancer screenings visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an oral cancer screening with Dr. Joseph Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. Sometimes these teeth can be a valuable asset to the mouth when healthy and properly aligned, but more often, they are misaligned and require extraction. 

Not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted, but sometimes the wisdom teeth cause pain.  Wisdom teeth are often impacted. An impacted tooth is one that gets blocked as it is pushing through the gum into your mouth. An impacted tooth can be painless, but it can also lead to a bacterial infection. If there is swelling, infection or intense pain, then antibiotics may be prescribed or the wisdom teeth may need to be extracted as soon as possible. 

Dr. Joseph Dallessandro and Dr. Thomas Chung can can determine whether or not your wisdom teeth should be extracted.

If your wisdom teeth are impacted and causing you pain, give us a call today to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about wisdom teeth extraction and other services that we offer, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph Dallessandro Or Dr. Thomas Chung, in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment is used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. It is necessary when the pulp (soft tissue inside your teeth containing blood vessels, nerves and connected tissue) becomes inflamed or diseased. During root canal treatment, Dr. Joseph Dallessandro removes the diseased pulp, leaving you feeling relieved and pain free.

When nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down, and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of a tooth’s root.  Causes of an infected pulp could include a deep cavity, a cracked or broken tooth, and injury to the tooth. Root canals have a bad reputation, but the treatment is very similar to having a routine filling and can usually be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and your personal circumstances.

If you are suffering from an inflamed tooth, give us a call today to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the root canal procedure and other services that we offer visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Dangers of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breathes while you sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times. This can lead to problems, including high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, diabetes and depression. In addition, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for poor performance in everyday activities, such as at work and school. This is why Dr. Joseph Dallessandro and Dr. Thomas Chung offer a non-surgical treatment to patients who suffer from a type of apnea called obstructive sleep apnea.  

Obstructive sleep apnea is the more common of the two forms of apnea. It is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep. Dr. Dallessandro and Dr. Chung can custom fabricate a dental appliance which allows air to move through the throat more easily when you breathe during sleep, reducing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea.

Even if you do not suffer from sleep apnea this type of dental appliance is very effective in significantly reducing snoring allowing a more peaceful night sleep for both you and your partner.

 Sleep apnea is diagnosed by the patient’s symptoms and by a sleep study test. If you have been told that you have sleep apnea or simply want to stop snoring, give us a call today to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about sleep apnea procedures that we offer visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Causes and Prevention of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is preventable and Dr. Joseph Dallessandro can offer you a variety of services to keep your gums healthy. Dental plaque and bacteria are major villains of periodontal (gum) disease. Swollen and bleeding gums are early signs that your gums are infected with bacteria. If nothing is done, the infection can spread. Eventually, your teeth can become so loose that they have to be extracted.

 

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in dental plaque. Plaque is the sticky substance that forms on your teeth soon after you have brushed. In an effort to get rid of the bacteria, the cells of your immune system release substances that inflame and damage the gums, periodontal ligament or alveolar bone. This leads to gingivitis (the earliest stage of periodontal disease) and when left untreated can cause severe periodontitis which causes tooth decay.

 

You can prevent periodontal disease by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting the dental office regularly. Most people should see a dentist about once every six months, but if you already have gum disease you may need to visit more often.

If you suffer from mouth, give us a call so we can discuss treatment options. To learn more about periodontal disease, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Stop Snoring with Night Guards

Most people are affected by bruxism, a fancy word for teeth grinding and although people may do this consciously do this during the day, it is a larger problem at night when you are asleep. Many people clench their teeth to the point of destructiveness and Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro can provide you with a night guard to prevent this from happening.

Night guards aren’t the most attractive devices, but they will keep you from sleeping on the couch. The night guard which is very similar to a mouth guard worn by athletes provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. Grinding your teeth can damage enamel, wear down teeth, cause jaw pain, or irritate your gums. The noise from teeth grinding can also disturb your spouse's sleep if loud enough. Here at the office, all night guards are custom fitted for comfort and to allow for proper breathing.

If your spouse is pestering you to stop snoring during the night, give us a call to discuss your options. To learn more about night guards, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Dental Hygiene Affects Your Overall Health

To ensure that you maintain great oral health, Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro and Dr. Thomas Chung want to make sure that your personal oral hygiene routine is at its highest quality.

Most of us are aware that poor dental hygiene can lead to bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay, but not brushing your teeth may also lead to more serious illnesses.

Like many areas of the body, your mouth is flooded with bacteria – most of them harmless. Normally, the body’s natural defenses can keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, including abcesses, gingivitis and periodontal disease. This in turn may lead to episodes of "bacteremia," where bacteria in the mouth enter the bloodstream and may spread to other parts of the body.

Bacteremias may cause serious consequences. The immune response to the bacteria in the bloodstream can cause inflammation, sepsis and septic shock. Bacteria can also use the blood to spread to other parts of the body, causing infections away from the original site of infection. Examples include endocarditis or osteomyelitis.

While still under study, more and more research suggest significant links between poor oral health and such systemic conditions as cardiovascular disease, stroke,and diabetes, in additon to adverse affects on pregnancies.

Several studies have found that gum disease is associated with an increased risk for heart attack. It may be that oral bacteria enter the bloodstream, attach to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries, increases inflammation and plaque buildup, and cause clots to form.  A 2007 study showed that periodontal disease (associated with bleeding gums and bacteremias) increased the risk of heart disease in men by one third and doubled it in women, even after controlling for smoking.

To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene every day and utilize these tips: brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks, replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed and last but not least, schedule regular dental checkups.

 

 

If you wish to improve your dental hygiene routine, or you are due for a checkup, give us a call so we can assist you! To learn more about dental hygiene, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro or Dr. Thomas Chung, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Sedation Dentistry for Dental Phobia

The loud drills, the feeling of metal scraping your teeth, or the embarrassment of odor emitting from your mouth are only a few reasons to fear the dentist. However, there is such a thing as dental phobia and it is a more serious condition than anxiety that leaves people panic-stricken and terrified. People with dental phobia have an awareness that the fear is totally irrational, but are unable to do much about it. Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro and Dr. Thomas Chung are here to help and can administer nitrous oxide for patients with dental phobia who they see as eligible.

Nitrous Oxide, commonly refer to as "laughing gas" and "sweet air," is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry. After it is administered, you will fall into a euphoric state and feel completely relaxed. Feelings of fear and anxiety fade away, leaving you to sit back peacefully while your dental procedure is performed. In many cases all dental work can be completed in one visit while you are sedated.

Nitrous oxide sedation can also be administered during routine checkups and cleanings. It is very important for everyone, but especially for the fearful patient to visit the dentist regularly to help maintain a healthy dentition and prevent problems. Regular checkups also help to catch problems when they are small and more easily treated.

While there is a great benefit of nitrous oxide for the fearful patient it is of little help unless the administrating dentists are understanding and patient. Both Dr. Dallessandro and Dr. Chung will treat you with respect and compassion.

If you suffer from dental phobia, give us a call. Let us know you would like nitorus oxide for your checkup and cleaning. If you prefer, you may arrange a consultation to help ease your nerves. To learn more about nitrous oxide, visit

www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro or Dr. Chung, in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.