4 Signs Of Gum Disease

4 Signs of Gum Disease

Gum Disease Larchmont & Mamaroneck NY | Top Dentist MamaroneckGum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common dental condition affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. In severe cases, it can impact the jaw bone. Early detection and treatment are necessary for preventing further damage and maintaining oral health. You should be aware of four key signs of gum disease to help identify and treat this condition promptly. The sooner you treat gum disease, the better the outcome.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums is a common sign of gum disease that patient will notice first. Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed during routine activities such as brushing, flossing, or eating. If you notice blood in the sink or on your toothbrush, it may indicate gum inflammation or infection. This symptom, known as gingivitis, is the initial stage of gum disease and can be reversed with proper care and oral hygiene practices.

Swollen or Tender Gums

Inflamed and tender gums are another indication of gum disease. If your gums appear red, swollen or feel sensitive to touch, it could be a sign of underlying periodontal problems.

Gum inflammation occurs as a response to bacterial buildup along the gum line, leading to the development of pockets between the gums and teeth. If left untreated, this inflammation can progress to advanced stages of gum disease, causing further damage to the gums and jawbone supporting the teeth.

Receding Gums

Receding gums, where the gumline starts to pull away from the teeth, is a significant indicator of gum disease. As gum disease progresses, the bacteria and toxins attack the gum tissues and underlying bone, leading to gum recession. Unfortunately, this exposes the tooth roots and can result in many other issues, such as tooth sensitivity, aesthetic concerns, and an increased risk of tooth decay. If you have receding gums, see a dentist promptly to prevent further gum and tooth damage.

Persistent Bad Breath

Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, can also be an indicator of gum disease. The bacteria that cause gum disease release toxins that contribute to foul-smelling breath.

Even with regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use, persistent bad breath can be challenging to get rid of. If you notice that your breath remains unpleasant despite good oral hygiene practices, it’s best to consult with your dentist to investigate the possibility of gum disease.

Schedule A Gum Disease Treatment Appointment Today!

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so taking care of your teeth is essential. We highly recommend that you visit the dentist for regular cleanings and dental exams. Dr. Eric Spellman can help prevent gum disease and perform an oral cancer screening to identify potential cancer symptoms early when there is a higher chance of successful treatment. For over 30 years, our Larchmont dentist has treated gum disease for patients from Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Scarsdale, and throughout Westchester County.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Say that during your most recent visit to the dentist, your dentist told you that you need to remove your wisdom teeth. Though you may know people who have had them pulled before, you may have never considered that you may need to remove yours, too. Even if the eruption of your wisdom teeth hasn’t caused you any discomfort, there are other reasons why you need to have them extracted. Continue reading to learn the reasons for wisdom teeth removal and how the procedure works.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are also called third molars. We call them this because they are the third set of molars to come in. They generally start to erupt between 17 and 25, but some people don’t have them at all. The reason why we have wisdom teeth is because ancient humans used to use them to chew and gnaw on tough foods. But, since our diets have changed over time and human facial structure has become narrower, wisdom teeth no longer have enough space to fit in our mouths.

Do I Need to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Though wisdom teeth removals are standard, only some need to get them removed. If your wisdom teeth or 3rd molars are growing in straight and aren’t causing oral health problems, you probably won’t have to pull them. There are a few reasons why people need to undergo wisdom teeth removal, including: • Gum inflammation makes it difficult to clean partially erupted wisdom teeth properly • Jaw damage due to cysts forming around your teeth and harming the nerves • Damage to adjacent teeth due to third molars pushing against them • Alignment issues from wisdom teeth pushing on other teeth • Sinus issues, such as increased pressure and congestion • Cavities due to gum pockets

How Will My Wisdom Teeth Be Extracted?

Before your dentist removes wisdom teeth, they will administer a simple local anesthetic to numb the target area and prevent you from experiencing any discomfort. If part of the tooth is peeking through the gums, your dentist will wobble it back and forth until it detaches from the jawbone. But, if the tooth is stuck under the gum line, they may need to make a small incision to expose it. They will then remove the tooth in sections. If your dentist says you need to remove your wisdom teeth, scheduling the treatment as soon as possible is essential. Seeing Dr. Spellman as quickly as possible will help ease any pain that you may be experiencing. Also, it will prevent your third mowers from damaging your gorgeous grin!

My Dental Crown Fell Out

My Dental Crown Fell Out… What To Do If You Lost A Dental Crown

Dental crowns fall out for various reasons. Biting down on something hard or chewy or a sharp blow to the jaw could knock a crown loose. The gradual loosening of dental crowns can also happen if a crown gets chipped but does not fall out at that time. Even the most minor chip can lead to loss of crown integrity as the chip enlarges and weakens the adherence of the crown to the tooth.

Save Your Dental Crown and Call Eric Spellman, DMD

When possible, try to retrieve your lost dental crown and save it. Rinse it carefully, if you can, with mild soap and water and store it in a safe, clean place. Call our experienced cosmetic dentist in Larchmont, Eric Spellman, DMD, to determine if you can save your crown or need a same-day dental crown replacement.

Bring your dental crown with you when you go to your appointment. Your experienced Larchmont dentist, Eric Spellman, DMD, may be able to reattach it, saving you time and money. Sometimes, you may accidentally swallow your crown. Don’t worry, it will not hurt you. If you ate or lost your crown, Dr. Eric Spellman can replace it with a new same-day dental crown.

What If I Can Not Get An Appointment The Same Day?

Watch What You Eat

Teeth with crowns tend to be more vulnerable and sensitive than other teeth. Therefore, you should be cautious about how and what you eat while your dental crown is out of commission. It is best to avoid extremely hot or cold foods and crunchy foods that might irritate the exposed tooth. Remember to chew food on the opposite side of your mouth as the lost crown when you chew.

Monitor Your Missing Tooth

If you do not visit your dentist within a day or so after the crown falls off, it is essential that you keep a close watch on your tooth. Call your dentist immediately if you experience significant pain or notice that the tooth or tissue around it is suffering further damage.

Keep Up with Oral Hygiene

Careful oral hygiene can prevent harmful bacteria and food particles from causing further damage to the exposed tooth. Gently brush your teeth twice daily, flossing regularly. Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash for 30 – 60 seconds a few times daily may also be helpful.

Dental Treatments For A Missing Tooth

Dental Treatments For A Missing Tooth

Dental Treatments For A Missing Tooth Larchmont NY | Eric Spellman DMDAt Eric Spellman, DMD, we have several options to replace a missing tooth. If you have a tooth that has been knocked out in an accident or removed due to tooth decay, call our highly trained cosmetic and restorative dentist, Dr. Eric Spellman, to replace the problem so you can regain the complete functionality and appearance of your smile. If you live in the Larchmont, Scarsdale, and surrounding areas, call our dental team at (914) 315-4446 to schedule an appointment. After examining you, we will create a treatment plan to provide the best results for your appearance and lifestyle goals.

Treatment Options For A Missing Tooth

Dental Bridges

Dental labs design dental bridges to “bridge” the gap left by consecutive missing teeth. This sturdy prosthetic is anchored in place with dental crowns, which attach to your natural teeth on both sides of the opening. Dr. Spellman will take his time to ensure a proper, functional fit that looks and feels natural.

Full & Partial Denture

For individuals who have experienced extensive tooth loss, a full or partial denture can bring back their smile quickly and affordably. Complete dentures (as the name implies) are designed to simultaneously replace an entire row of teeth. At the same time, partials can fill openings between your natural teeth. Both are custom-designed to perfectly fit your mouth so your teeth can function naturally in everyday life.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the clear solution if you’re looking for a highly secure and durable tooth replacement option. Unlike traditional options, implants replace the tooth’s root and the visible dental crown. Implants help preserve jawbone health and establish a sturdy foundation for all-ceramic replacements. Patients undergoing dental implant treatment will visit a trusted oral surgeon for the surgical elements of their oral care before returning to Eric Spellman, DMD, for the finishing touches.

Schedule A Consultation Today!

Broken & Chipped Tooth Repair

Broken & Chipped Tooth Repair Larchmont | Eric Spellman, DMD | Larchmont DentistAccidentally chipping your tooth is an unfortunate situation. Chipping can happen simply by eating normally. The next thing you know, your tooth is chipped. Accidents happen, but who wants to appear less appealing or add another insecurity? Luckily, our Larchmont dentist, Eric Spellman, DMD, offers several treatments to remedy your chipped or broken tooth.

First, Dr. Eric Spellman will examine your chipped or broken tooth to determine the best treatment plan to restore your smile. Next, will discuss your treatment plan and begin the process to restoring your tooth and overall smile.

Treatments To Fix A Broken or Chipped Tooth

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are a “cap” that covers a tooth. A crown restores a tooth to its natural shape, size, and function. Crowns are ideal when the chipped or broken portion of the tooth is significant, causing tooth pain when chewing or drinking. A dental crown is an effective solution to quickly repair the shape and look of your tooth, preventing further tooth damage from decay or exposed nerves.

CEREC Same Day Dental Crowns

We recognize that most patients have busy lives, so our Larchmont dentist office offers specialized CEREC same day dental crowns in Larchmont. CEREC dental crowns are made possible by computer-aided design and manufacturing or CAD/CAM.

The CEREC system enables our dentist, Dr. Spellman to prepare the damaged tooth and design a fine-looking porcelain crown all in a single day. Dr. Spellman uses an intraoral camera and CEREC software to develop a digital impression and create your crown. The digital design ensures an accurate and comfortable fit with our precise chairside milling unit.

Dental Bonding

Tooth bonding is a fast and painless solution for most small cosmetic chips. In the bonding process, first, Dr. Spellman will roughen the remaining enamel on the tooth for the composite to adhere better to the tooth’s surface. The composite is then shaped to replace the chip before it’s hardened with a dental curing light. The curing light instantly solidifies the material. Typically, dental bonding can last about ten years with proper oral care.

Porcelain Veneers

If you completely cracked your tooth or there was significant damage to the tooth, we may recommend dental veneers. Also, porcelain veneers may be your best option if you have chipped a tooth multiple times or wish to repair a tooth’s color.

A dental veneer uses porcelain material that covers the front surface of your teeth. Veneers give your smile a natural look while also providing strength compared to natural tooth enamel. For our cosmetic dentist in Larchmont, Dr. Eric Spellman, to apply a veneer, he will remove a small amount of your existing tooth structure to make room around the target area. Then, we will take an impression of the tooth to make the permanent veneer and place a temporary one.

Once the permanent porcelain veneer arrives, Dr. Spellman will remove the temporary one and clean it around the tooth. We will then place the adhesive and set it in the new veneer for an exact fit. Finally, the dental veneer is light cured, giving you a natural, beautiful smile.

Skip to content