Post-Extraction Swelling

Dental extractions are generally simple affairs at the Midtown office of Dr. Joseph Dallessandro. When patients follow their instructions, they are likely to have easy recoveries, and we’re available to help if something goes wrong. But we want patients to be able to recognize if they need additional attention, so we thought we’d provide some instructions about post-extraction swelling.

The body recognizes the removal of a tooth as an injury and triggers its inflammatory response. The swelling is usually proportionate to the “injury,” so non-surgical extractions trigger less of it. Nonetheless, the patient will experience sensitivity and swelling for a few days. During the first forty-eight hours after an extraction, the patient should try to limit swelling by holding a cold pack against their face. They should be careful to use it for no more than fifteen minutes at a time and to take fifteen-minute breaks between applications.

Swelling should peak after three days. After seventy-two hours, patients can try to reduce it by applying heat packs, again for fifteen minutes at a time with fifteen-minute breaks. Patients should seek emergency care if they are in extreme pain or notice the surgical site turning black or white, but swelling should disappear within a week.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, 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 Joseph Dallessandro DDS and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Have You Had A Cleaning This Year?

Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro and his staff encourage all our patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for regular professional cleanings.  During the holidays, we want everyone looking forward to the New Year and maintaining great oral hygiene!  However much you brush and floss, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional. 

It’s important to see a professional regularly not just to clean your teeth, but also to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, a hygienist thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist. Come see us for a cleaning to make a great impression during the holidays, and start the year off with your best smile!

To learn more about dental health and all the services provided 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.

Gum Disease and Diabetes

We’ve helped a lot of people deal with complicated oral health situations at the Midtown dental office of Dr. Joseph Dallessandro. Diabetes is one of the most common conditions that make people particularly vulnerable to gum disease. We want to assure our patients that they will receive compassionate, comprehensive care here and that we want to help raise awareness about the implications diabetes and oral health have for each other.

People with uncontrolled diabetes have weakened immune systems. Gum disease is common in the general population, but it is even more common in people with diabetes, and therefore, so are inflammation symptoms such as bleeding gums. Inflammation is not a bad thing in itself—it is the immune system’s way of providing molecular resources to white blood cells and of isolating bacteria. But people with uncontrolled diabetes suffer chronic inflammation because their bodies struggle to defeat infections, and there is increasing evidence that gum disease bacteria contribute to rises in blood sugar.

Luckily, there is also evidence that gum disease treatment can help to bring blood sugar levels back under control. People with uncontrolled diabetes may need additional consideration for major procedures because they will take longer to recover from surgery, but they are usually eligible for simple gum cleanings. Regular brushing and flossing can also help them to prevent gum disease from returning.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, 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 Joseph Dallessandro DDS and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Periodontal Maintenance

In its most advanced stages, gum disease can lead to gum recession, and even tooth loss.  Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro and his staff want to make sure it never gets to that point for you and your family!  When plaque builds up on a tooth, the gum starts to pull away from the tooth and forms a pocket around the buildup, which only leads to more gum recession.  A scaling and root planing procedure is used to treat this buildup and prevent the later stages of gum disease.

Scaling and root planning are two parts of a deep cleaning procedure your dentist can perform to help reverse the progress of gum disease.  The procedure beings with scaling, which is the process of the dentist removing plaque from the surface of the teeth, all the way down to the gums. Root planing is the term for any minor contouring to smooth the surface of a tooth near the root.  When plaque has been removed and the tooth root has been smoothed, the gums that have pulled away will have a clean, smooth surface to reattach to as they heal.

To learn more about deep periodontal cleaning and the other services 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.

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.

Impact of Smoking on Oral Health

Bad breath, tooth discoloration, and increase build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth are only a few of the unpleasant characteristics that arise while smoking. At the dental practice of Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, we know you understand that smoking is bad for your overall health, so it should be no surprise that cigarettes and chewing tobacco are harmful to your oral health as well.

Not only does smoking increase the chance that you will develop gum disease, it makes treatment much more difficult because smoking hinders the healing in your mouth. Smoking and other tobacco products can lead to gum disease by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth. More specifically, it appears that smoking interferes with the normal function of gum tissue cells. This interference makes smokers more prone to infections, such as periodontal disease, and also seems to impair blood flow to the gums – which may affect wound healing.

If you have questions or concerns regarding smoking and dental health, 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.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges, like implants and partial dentures, are used to replace missing teeth. Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They can be supported in any of three ways - by natural teeth, by dental implants, and by a combination of teeth and implants. If you are looking for an efficient way to replace missing teeth, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro is here to assist you.

Dental bridges can restore a patient’s ability to speak because they are designed to bridge the gap that has been created by one or more missing teeth. Additionally, missing teeth can cause facial skin to sag and dental bridges can help a person maintain the shape of their face. There are several types of dental bridges that Dr. Dallessandro can discuss with you. A dental bridge is typically placed in two separate visits to the office.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental bridges or restorative dentistry, 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.

Reasons for Extractions

Tooth extractions at the Upper East Side office of Dr. Joseph Dallessandro are usually a simple affair. But because we work so hard to save teeth, if we’ve recommended an extraction, it means there’s a major issue. To help patients understand what they’re facing, we’re dedicating this week’s post to reasons for tooth extractions.

If a tooth’s pulp is infected, root canals are usually an effective means of treatment. Sometimes root canals can fail due to abnormalities in the tooth’s structure, but even then, a specialist would retreat it while replacing the tip of the tooth root. But if an infection has progressed too far, it poses a danger to the patient’s overall health. A tooth may also need to be extracted if it is badly cracked along the root or if the surrounding gum tissue is too compromised to support it.

What’s much more common is for teeth to be extracted due to overcrowding or difficulty erupting. The wisdom teeth, which are the largest teeth and the last to emerge, often get trapped, requiring them to be extracted. Premolars may also be removed to allow the remaining teeth to form an arch, and baby teeth may be removed if they do not fall out naturally while the adult tooth is pushing through.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, 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 Joseph Dallessandro DDS and fill out a contact sheet.

Back to School Check-Up

As kids go back to school, potential problems with their oral health become even more important. At Dr. Joseph Dallessandro’s Upper East Side dental practice, we believe nobody should have to endure a toothache, which is why if a child has missed a dental appointment, we want parents to know why now’s a good time for one.

While healthy teeth may be sensitive when they first erupt, children’s toothaches are still cause for concern. Children get dental infections at higher rates than adults, usually as a result of bad brushing. We can show them better brushing techniques and recommend slide-on handles for toothbrushes if they’re having trouble with motor control. It’s also possible that they’re brushing too hard, which could cause their gums to bleed. Children also have high rates of sinus infections, which could result in pain being deferred into the upper teeth.

Dental visits provide us with a chance to provide sealants to reinforce the teeth’s enamel and eliminate crevices in the molars where food gets stuck. They also allow us to plan for extractions or referrals to orthodontists if the adult teeth aren’t coming in straight. Toothaches cause children to miss meals and sleep and to have delayed speech development, so don’t let them disrupt your child’s education.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, 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 Joseph Dallessandro DDS and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Is an Electric Toothbrush Right for You?

We want patients at Dr. Joseph Dallessandro’s Midtown dental office to feel confident in their oral hygiene products. There is a vast array of toothbrushes out there, so we’ve provided this guide to help our patients with one of the most difficult decisions: whether or not to go electric.

A manual toothbrush must be used for two minutes during each session to be effective. Electric toothbrushes make tens of thousands of strokes per minute, which cuts down on time. While studies have not shown manual toothbrushes to be any less effective when used properly, people with problems moving their hands or maintaining focus benefit from saved labor.

An electric toothbrush still has to be used on every tooth surface, but many now come with apps and Bluetooth technology that make that easier. Besides alerting users of when they miss a spot, toothbrushes can also be programmed to send warnings if the user is brushing too hard and to provide feedback on improved technique. Some also come with games for mobile devices that encourage better brushing habits in children.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, 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 Joseph Dallessandro DDS and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Dental Instruments

The Midtown office of Dr. Joseph Dallessandro is fully equipped to meet all of our patients’ general dentistry needs. There are a number of specialized tools we use to conduct diagnostics and fight decay, and in order to get patients more comfortable with oral care, we wanted to explain how some of them work.

The explorer, or probe, is the tool the patient will see us use the most often, along with the mouth mirror. The explorer has a hook at the end and is used to scrape small amounts of tartar. We use it to determine whether spots with decay still have active infections and whether tartar has accumulated beneath the gum line. Scalers are also hooked instruments that are used to scrape tartar out of the gum pockets. Hooked instruments come in a variety of shapes for different kinds of teeth.

If a tooth has decay, a drill is used to remove the damaged part. A dentist may also mix material for the filling on a tiny spatula and shape it onto the tooth with a placement instrument, which is a metal hook that flattens out at the end. When a tooth needs to be replaced, dentists use a spoon-like instrument called an elevator to loosen it and forceps to pull it the rest of the way out. The socket is then scraped clean of debris.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, 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 Joseph Dallessandro DDS and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Risks Associated with Tartar Buildup

If you’re close to a mirror, when you get the chance, take a good look at your teeth. Are they clean? Or is there a layer of plaque on them? If plaque isn’t brushed or flossed away, it will turn into tartar. Tartar, also called dental calculus, is a yellow or brown colored deposit that forms when plaque hardens on the teeth. To remove this, you’ll need to schedule a visit with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro.

If you don’t visit the dentist twice a year, or maintain a daily oral care routine, tartar buildup may become excessive. Staying on top of your oral care routine is the best way to prevent tartar accumulation. Tartar bonds strongly to tooth enamel, therefore, it’s only able to be removed by a dental professional. Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro will use a dental scaler during your professional cleaning to eliminate tartar and make your gums healthy again.

If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth sensitivity or 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.

Different Types of Dentures

If you have teeth that are weak, or missing, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro may suggest dentures to restore your smile. Dentures come in different forms – full and partial – full dentures will replace the entire set of teeth, while partial dentures will only replace the teeth that are missing. Repairing a toothless smile with dentures will improve your appearance and help you eat and speak more comfortably.

Complete (full) dentures are used if you’re missing teeth in your upper (maxillary) or lower (mandibular) jaws. Partial dentures are used on patients who only have some teeth missing on either jaw. Complete dentures replace all of the teeth, while partial dentures fill in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from shifting position. It’s normal for dentures to feel awkward at first, but you will eventually get used to the way that they feel.  

If you have questions or concerns regarding dentures and/or restorative dentistry, 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.

 

Lumineers for a Smile Makeover

Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro is always being asked by patients about the latest cosmetic solutions available.  There are several methods for whitening or straightening teeth, but lumineers are the best way to give your smile a complete cosmetic makeover without undergoing a procedure.

Lumineers are thin shells made of high quality porcelain that bond directly to the surface of your teeth and look like your natural smile.  To outfit a patient with a full set of lumineers, we begin with taking an impression.  This impression will be used to ensure a perfect fit for your new smile.  Some patients won’t require preparation of the teeth, but depending on your individual case your dentist may want to contour or shave teeth in select places.  This is only done when your dentist sees an area they determine could be a problem to fit the shells on.   A new set of lumineers is fabricated outside the office, and on a final visit they are bonded directly to the surface of your teeth to wear forever!

If you’re ready to makeover your smile or have questions about lumineers, please give us a call!  To learn about all the services we provide at our 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 is TMD?

The temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw bone (mandible) to the temporal bones in your skull, in front of each ear.  A general term for any problem or issue with this joint is temporomandibular disorder, or TMD.  Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro can help his patients prevent and recover from negative effects of TMD.

Patients that grind or clench their teeth often end up with a sore jaw.  Other patients experience injuries with facial trauma that cause jaw pain, or result in the patient feeling their jaw gets stuck or ‘locks’ in either an open or closed position.  A custom night guard keeps the jaw in a neutral position during sleep, and this helps many patients find relief from TMD symptoms.  For any pain, your dentist may recommend an over-the-counter painkiller or warm and cold compresses.  To prevent further discomfort, you may be assigned stretches for your jaw. 

Whatever your symptoms, you don’t have to suffer with discomfort in your jaw.  To learn more about TMD and 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.

Chew Gum with Xylitol

Xylitol is added to some chewing gums and other oral care products to prevent tooth decay and dry mouth. Xylitol tastes sweet but, unlike sugar, it is not converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. If you’re going to chew gum, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro suggests reaching for gum that contains this ingredient to do your oral health a favor.

Benefits of replacing sugar with xylitol include increased absorption of calcium in the digestive system, which is good for your teeth and increased production of saliva. Saliva contains calcium and phosphate, which get picked up by the teeth and aid in remineralization. In addition, xylitol reduces the acidity of saliva, which helps to fight acid-driven degradation of tooth enamel.

If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth sensitivity or 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.

Gum Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis

When people are suffering from autoimmune disorders, their dentist becomes a much more important part of their care team. At Dr. Joseph Dallessandro’s Upper East Side practice, we want to help patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) understand why they are at risk for periodontal disease.

A recent study found that 70% of people with RA have gum disease, twice the rate of the general population. This could be partly due to people with RA having difficulty brushing and flossing their teeth, but gum disease is also common in people whose RA had not progressed that far. Instead, scientists think it is because of the structure of the gingival tissue. RA occurs when the body’s immune system attacks a joint lining called synovium, and gum tissue shares some crucial DNA markers with synovium.

RA is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Patients can reduce their risk for it and gum disease by not smoking. If they are having difficulty with their oral hygiene, they may want to consider an electric toothbrush and floss picks. They may also find themselves in need of throat moisturizers if RA affects their salivary glands.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, 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 Joseph Dallessandro DDS and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Cavity Development

A cavity is a form of tooth decay that develops over a course of time. In this time, the patient likely didn’t practice adequate oral care, visit a dentist, or has a diet that is high in acidity and added sugars. Cavities are permanently damaged areas on the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. The best form of prevention is to visit Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro twice a year for an oral exam and routine cleaning.

Though cavities are common in children and teens, they can develop in adults, too. Cavities are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in the mouth, frequent snacking on junk food, and not brushing and flossing on a daily basis. To prevent cavities, it’s important to pay attention to the teeth by brushing at least twice a day for two minutes and flossing at least once a day. If you experience a toothache, pain when you bite down, or tooth sensitivity, give us a call.

If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth decay, dental health, or cavity prevention, 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.

White Spot Lesions

We hope none of our patients at the Upper East Side dental practice of Dr. Joseph Dallessandro experience tooth decay, but if they do, we want them to recognize it. Contrary to what people might think, incipient lesions in tooth enamel don’t usually start off painful or dark-colored. They look chalky and white.

Decaying enamel’s unusual texture and whiteness are due to acid exposure. This is one of the ways in which a dentist can identify if a patient is suffering from acid reflux or if they aren’t brushing enough. As bacteria eat and multiply, they secrete acid, which gets stuck to the thin layer of plaque near the gum line. White spots also develop in other places that are hard to brush, such as around traditional braces.

It only takes about thirty days of acid exposure for a white spot to form. The good news is that if the infection’s progress is stopped, the body can remineralize enamel. The bad news is that if enamel material is lost outright, it cannot regrow and must be replaced artificially. Patients should think of white spots as an early warning system and come see us if they need help.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, 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 Joseph Dallessandro DDS and fill out a contact sheet.

 

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 Christine F. 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 could not find a better dental practice. Dr. Dallessandro is professional, thorough, and most of all painless and friendly. He listens to your concerns and only recommends work that is necessary. I have great confidence in him and his dental hygienist is the best. She is gentle, yet very precise and my teeth feel and look great after a cleaning. Because of the great care from Dr. Dallessandro and his hygienist over the last 15 years, I have maintained healthy teeth with no problems. The office staff is helpful and friendly and they will accommodate a convenient appointment time for their patients.” – Christine F. (Patient since 2001)

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.

Teeth Whitening

Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro knows that his patients always want to present their brightest and whitest smile.  Many ask the doctor and his staff about over the counter products, and have tried them with underwhelming results.  Instead of winging it with retail products, come see us for a consultation and get your own custom whitening system!

During a consultation, your dentist will examine the level of staining on your teeth and be able to tell you what kind of results you can expect from the whitening system. To whiten your teeth at home, you will be fit with custom whitening trays made from molds of your teeth.  For a treatment, apply the whitening gel directly onto the trays and fit them over your teeth.  Your dentist will advise how often you should treat at home and how long each treatment can last.  Following dentist’s instructions, patients have seen this system whiten their smiles 4-8 shades!

To learn more about teeth whitening 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.

The Importance of Regular Cleanings

It is recommended by the Academy of General Dentistry to have a dentist or hygienist perform a dental cleaning every six months.  Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro encourages all his patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for regular professional cleanings.  However much you brush and floss, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional.

It’s important to see a professional regularly to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, a hygienist thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist.

To learn more about teeth cleanings 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.

Bone Grafting for Dental Implants

A bone graft is the term for harvesting bone material from a healthy location and grafting it to a location that is broken or weakened. Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro uses this method to strengthen jaw bones in preparation for dental implants.

Missing a tooth for an extended period of time can leave the jaw bone vulnerable and compromise its structure.  When a patient needs an implant for a permanent replacement tooth, a bone graft reinforces the jaw bone so it is strong enough to handle the placement of an implant. 

In one procedure, bone material is harvested from a healthy location in the patient’s mouth and grafted to the compromised area of the jaw bone.  This strengthens the weakened bone, and encourages growth of new bone material as it heals.  After the procedure, the bone graft will be monitored over the course of months.  When the jaw bone has strengthened enough to handle the placement of an implant, our doctors can move forward with the patient’s plan of care.

To learn more about bone grafting 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.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is the term for removing excess gum tissue from the surfaces of teeth.  Dr. Joseph S. Dallessandro removes gum tissue from patient’s mouths for aesthetics and for function.  At our office we see many patients unhappy with their smiles, and even patients without any damage to their teeth feel like their gums keep them from enjoying their ideal smile.  When gum tissue is removed for function it is typically for making room to affix a restoration, like a crown, to a tooth.

Whether a crown lengthening procedure is done for function or aesthetics, it is a simple in-office procedure. Local anesthetic is used while your dentist removes excess gum tissue with either a scalpel or laser tools.  If tissue is being removed for a restoration to fit you may only require tissue to be removed from a couple of teeth.  Some people have more gum tissue than others and it results in a gummy smile, which can be corrected throughout the entire mouth.  The result is a visually pleasing ratio of teeth to gums that creates an even smile! 

To learn more about crown lengthening and all the services we offer 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.

Tooth Sensitivity

If you avoid eating ice cream and coffee because your teeth cringe when the food touches the surface, you may be a victim of sensitive teeth. Approximately 40 million adults in the United States experience tooth sensitivity and Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro does not want you to be one of these people. To avoid sensitive teeth it’s important to diligently visit us twice a year for oral exams and professional cleanings while maintaining a proper oral care routine at home.

Sensitive teeth can be caused by abrasive brushing which means you are brushing too hard, tooth erosion from acidic food and beverages, and gum recession that is likely caused by periodontal disease. To find relief from your discomfort, it’s important to be honest about your oral care habits with Dr. Dallessandro because he can tell you where you need improvement and encourage you to brush more often.

If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth sensitivity, 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.

Sectioning Teeth

Sometimes wisdom teeth have to be removed in order to prevent infection or preserve the alignment of the rest of the teeth. At the Upper East Side dental office of Dr. Joseph Dallessandro, we understand that patients may not be happy to hear this, but we strive to make the procedure as easy on them as we can. One way to make extractions easier is by sectioning teeth.

The molars have strong ligaments holding them in place and multiple roots. (Lower molars have two roots; upper ones may have three.) Extracting a tooth is done my rocking it back and forth in order to loosen it, but this may not be possible to do when a tooth is firmly secured into the jaw. It may also not be possible if the reason a tooth is being removed is that is not fully exposed. Furthermore, trying to yank out a tooth with an enormous amount of force could break it or hurt the patients.

As an alternative, we can use a drill to cut a large tooth into sections. The patient will be anesthetized and not feel this, but the tooth will be cleanly broken down into smaller pieces. The sections can then be lifted out individually through smaller paths without needing to be yanked or twisted as much.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, 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 Joseph Dallessandro DDS and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Research into Filling Failure

We work hard to stay up-to-date on new medical research at the Upper East Side dental office of Dr. Joseph Dallessandro. Recently, scientists examined data on people who had suffered from premature filling failures to look for common features, and they were surprised by what they found.

The bonding used to secure dental fillings has an expected lifespan of ten years, but the people in the study required replacements after five years, at most. The researchers found that they were likelier than people with successful fillings to be smokers or to use alcohol. They also found a strong correlation between filling failure and a particular DNA sequence. The possibility that people could be more predisposed toward filling failure because of their genetics merits further investigation, but in the meantime, people whose relatives have struggled with poor oral health should be especially vigilant about maintaining their regular check-ups.

Another major finding was that resin bonding is just as successful as amalgam fillings. This is significant because resin is the same color as natural teeth and lacks mercury, making it a more popular option. Knowing that it is not prone to higher failure rates will contribute to its increasing popularity.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, 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 Joseph Dallessandro DDS and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Oral Cancer and Alcohol

We provide oral cancer screenings at Dr. Joseph Dallessandro’s Upper East Side dental office and are a vital part of the care teams of oral cancer patients. As part of our prevention efforts, we want to publicize a new study by the American Society of Clinical Oncology which found alcohol to be one of the causes of oral cancer.

That may not sound like a new discovery since alcohol in combination with smoking was already known to be a risk factor, but the new study was unusual for looking at alcohol in isolation. It found that new cancer cases, including oral cancer, can be attributed to alcohol about 5% of the time. Although heavy drinking created a greater risk, the type of alcohol consumed was apparently irrelevant and drinking lightly or in moderation also presented a risk.

It is still unclear how alcohol causes mouth cancer, specifically. Scientists hypothesize that alcohol breaks down soft tissues in the mouth, which then have to rebuild, with a risk of forming cancerous material each time. But one thing which is clear from the research is that when people stop drinking, their risk of developing oral cancer decreases.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, 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 Joseph Dallessandro and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Cosmetic Dentistry: Veneers

If you wish to enhance the color or shape of your teeth, veneers may be an option for you. Veneers are routinely used to fix teeth that are discolored due to excessive coffee, tea, and wine consumption, teeth that are worn down due to clenching or grinding, and teeth that are chipped or broken. Getting veneers is a simple process that is usually completed in three trips to the office. If you wish to discuss veneers to restore your smile, schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS.

A dental veneer is a shell or layer of tooth-colored porcelain or composite that is placed over the facial surfaces of teeth. To determine if you are a candidate for veneers, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro will discuss your oral health during a consultation. Because the process of placing veneers requires natural tooth structure to be removed, you will need to discuss your smile goals, as removal of any natural tooth structure is permanent. Although veneers fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry because they create bright smiles, they also protect the surface of damaged teeth and may eliminate the need for more extensive treatments.

If you have questions or concerns about veneers or cosmetic dental options, 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.

Winter Lip Care

In the middle of this particularly frigid winter, we at Dr. Joseph Dallessandro’s Upper East Side dental office want to ensure that our patients understand how to protect their lips from chapping. Cold air is unable to retain much moisture, making this a dangerous time of year for soft oral tissues even indoors.

The use of humidifiers can help to increase the air’s moisture content. It is a good idea to keep them in any closed room where people spend long periods of time. However, it is not a good idea to take long, hot showers. Evaporation causes the lips and the rest of the skin to be left with less moisture than they had previously. For the same reason, it is unwise to lick the lips as a way of rehydrating them. Even worse would be tucking them under the teeth, which bruises them and could cause swelling.

People often ask about products, and it is a good idea to use lip balm to seal moisture. The downside is that fragrances and ingredients such as menthol can cause some people’s lips to become inflamed, so it is better to use fragrance-free balm and to switch immediately to a menthol-free stick if any irritation occurs.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, 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 Joseph Dallessandro and fill out a contact sheet.

Sedation Dentistry

If you have a fear of the dental chair or desire a little relaxation during your dental cleaning, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro has sedation options to meet your needs. Sedation dentistry is used to take a patient’s fears away while visiting the dentist and can be used for everything from invasive procedures like tooth extraction, or simple procedures such as a prophylaxis.

Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to help a patient relax during his or her dental appointment. There are different levels of sedation, which range from minimal, where a patient is awake but relaxed, to general anesthesia, where a patient is completely unconscious. The type of sedation used will depend on a person’s situation. Depending on the dose given, the patient may or may not need someone to drive him or her home.

If you have questions or concerns about sedation options, 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.