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.

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.