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.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.