Necessary Tooth Extractions

Although permanent teeth were meant to last a lifetime, having a tooth pulled is sometimes necessary. At the dental practice of Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, our staff would like you to know that before the doctor considers tooth extraction, every effort will be made to try to repair and restore it.  You’re probably most familiar with wisdom teeth extractions, but other necessary reasons for the removal procedure may include:

• Severe tooth damage/trauma – some teeth have such extensive decay and damage (broken or cracked) that repair is not possible.


• Orthodontic treatment – people getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for teeth that are being moved into place.


• Some teeth may need to be extracted if they have the potential of becoming infected.


• Extra teeth – extra teeth may block other teeth from erupting, therefore, will require extraction.

If you have a tooth that is causing you pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. 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 Levels of Gum Disease

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth and there are three stages that you should be aware of. The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If caught early enough, it can be reversed. However, if your gum disease gets out of control it can turn into periodontitis which may eventually lead to tooth loss. It is important to schedule professional cleanings and oral exams with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro twice a year to avoid this condition. 

• Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.


• Periodontitis – This is the second stage of gum disease. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.


• Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are officially destroyed. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.

If you experience gum inflammation, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. 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.

Diet for TMJ Disorder

TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is a pain or malfunction at the point where the jawbone is attached. TMJ can have many symptoms, from clicking, to locking of the jaw, to a headache, earache, or even a feeling of tiredness in the face. Because TMJ affects the chewing muscles, the condition may worsen when eating certain foods. This is why at the dental practice of Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in New York, NY the doctor suggests incorporating softer foods into your diet to alleviate symptoms.

We know that giving up certain foods is easier said than done, but you may need to try eliminating certain culprits from your diet if this decreases your problems with TMJ. To lessen pain and other symptoms associated with this condition, avoid eating hard foods, crunchy foods, and thick or large foods that involve opening your mouth wide when you chew them. You may also want to eliminate fatty foods that require a lot of chewing. Some good foods to eat include cooked vegetables and fruits, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs. By incorporating soft foods into your diet you are giving your jaw and temporomandibular joints the opportunity to rest and heal.

If you experience pain in your jaw or hear a clicking noise when you chew, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. 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 Fillings

In the past, silver amalgam fillings did their job of restoring decayed teeth, but they did not look very good for a smile. These days, we have the technology available to provide white fillings that blend right in with the color of your natural tooth. Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS prides himself for being able to offer our patients restorative dentistry that improves teeth cosmetically at the same time. We offer white fillings here in our New York, NY dental practice.

White fillings work just the same as regular fillings. The decay is first removed from the tooth and any debris is cleared away. A composite resin that is color-matched to the shade of your tooth is then applied in layers. Each layer is hardened with a curing light. Afterwards, Dr. Dallessandro will shape the resin and make sure there isn’t any extra material. He will then polish the resin so that it shines like the rest of your tooth. Your tooth is now newly restored with a strong and good-looking white filling.

Fillings should be taken care of just like the rest of your teeth. You should continue to brush two to three times per day and floss once per day. Routine visits to your dentist for cleanings and examinations are also part of good oral hygiene.

If you suspect you have a cavity due to pain, sensitivity, or a dark spot on your tooth, come in for an examination. To schedule with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in our New York, NY office, give us a call at (212) 988-1089 or visit our website, www.josephdallessandrodds.com. 

Tips for a Charming Smile

With the popularity of selfies and instant photo sharing on the rise, having a camera-ready smile is a nice thing to have. However, with all of the coffee, wine, smoking and other foods that have the ability to stain our teeth on a daily basis, keeping our teeth their whitest is a lot harder than it sounds. Fortunately, at the dental practice of Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, we can provide our patients with cosmetic options to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Whether you decide to go the cosmetic route or not, we’d like to share some tips on how to flash your pearly whites once your dream smile is achieved!

• Be natural – when it’s picture time, smile gently. That way, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.


• Check your teeth and gums – getting your smile camera-ready sometimes calls for a little behind the scenes prep work. If your pearly whites have yellowed with age, try an over-the-counter whitening product or pay us a visit! Also, don’t forget about taking care of your gums. They play a critical role in your nice smile. So keep them in good shape by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash every day.


• Practice – your perfect smile may not happen overnight, but if you have a big photo event like a wedding or a graduation coming up, it doesn’t hurt to try out your grin in front of the mirror!

If you wish to enhance the appearance of your smile, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. 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.

Handling Common Dental Emergencies

Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro understands that accidents happen, and being informed about what to do in case one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If you or your child experience some sort of trauma to your mouth for whatever reason, please give us a call immediately. Meanwhile, in the midst of a dental emergency, utilize these tips to ensure a smooth recovery. 

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If you suffer a dental emergency, please contact our office immediately. 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.

Teeth Types and Their Functions

Can you imagine what life would be like if you didn’t have any teeth? Performing tasks such as eating and speaking would be very difficult. While the mouth is a small part of our overall anatomy, it’s filled with a team of parts, all of which work together to help you eat, drink, speak, and have a radiant smile. Here at the office of Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, it is the job of our staff to take care of that smile, and if you’ve ever wondered what purpose each tooth serves in your mouth we are here to tell you all about it.

The types of teeth we have and their functions are:

• Incisors – located at the front of the mouth, these teeth have a sharp biting surface and are used for cutting or shearing food into small chewable pieces.


• Canines – located at the ‘corners’ of the dental arches, these teeth have a sharp pointed biting surface. Their function is to grip and tear food.


• Premolars – Unlike incisors and canines, these teeth have a flat biting surface. Their function is to tear and crush food.


• Molars – The molars are the largest teeth in the mouth and they too have a large flat biting surface. The function of these is perhaps the strongest of all as they chew, crush, and grind food.

If you have questions about your teeth, please give us a call. To learn about 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.