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.

 

Intrinsic Stains

The whitening treatments we offer at Dr. Dallessandro’s Midtown office are highly effective against extrinsic stains, but some stains are so deep bleach is unlikely to reach them. These are called intrinsic stains, and they affect the pulp of a tooth. While they may only be a cosmetic problem, in some cases, they represent a risk to the patient’s health.

The harmless intrinsic stains are those caused by the tooth being exposed to dark molecules during its formation. Common sources for these are tetracycline antibiotics and excessive amounts of fluoride. In these cases, the tooth can simply be covered with a veneer. The dangerous stains are caused by inflammation of the dental pulp in response to an infection. The body has a hard time fighting off dental infections on its own, and our doctors will recommend a root canal. Using the advanced imaging tools in our office, they will be able to determine whether the infected material has been eliminated. Once the patient is no longer at risk, the cosmetic restorations can proceed.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS, and Jiah Choi, DDS, operate at 360 E 72^nd St, Ste B, New York, New York, 10021. To set up an appointment, call 212-988-1089, or visit JosephDallessandroDDS.com, and fill out a contact sheet.