What Treatments are Involved in a Smile Makeover?
What Treatments are Involved in a Smile Makeover?
A smile is a simple gesture and something that comes naturally to us if we are happy or amused. Unfortunately, if you dislike the appearance of your teeth, smiling might be something that you try and avoid, perhaps by closing your mouth or covering it with your hand. You might also try to avoid drawing attention to your mouth in other situations, such as by not eating in public or engaging in close conversations. Our cosmetic dentist in Larchmont, Dr. Eric Spellman will give you the confidence to smile and will discuss what treatments are involved in a smile makeover once he examines your smile and creates a treatment plan.
There can be many different things that we perceive to be unattractive about our teeth, from their color to how they are positioned in our mouths. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry has made it possible to alter and improve virtually any aspect of our teeth, enabling us to achieve the smile that we have always dreamed of. In many cases, these cosmetic dentistry procedures can be combined into something known as a smile makeover.
What procedures can be included in a smile makeover?
There are a wide range of different treatments that can be included in a smile makeover. Our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Eric Spellman in Larchmont, NY will discuss the best course of treatment with you to fit your dental needs. Typical smile makeover treatments include the following:
Whitening
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment in the world and can totally transform the appearance of your smile. While you can buy many products that claim to whiten your smile, only professional-grade whitening services can produce a truly effective and consistent result across your teeth.
Your cosmetic dentist will apply the high-grade bleach to your teeth for you, ensuring that you get even coverage. A special light is then used to create the chemical reaction that will whiten your teeth.
Whitening usually takes place over several treatments. Exactly how many teeth whitening treatments you will need will depend on how many shades whiter you wish to go, and how well your teeth respond to treatment. At the end of the whitening treatment, you will enjoy a smile that looks younger, fresher and more attractive.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are a popular alternative to whitening and are often used when a patient is not a good candidate for whitening. Veneers are individually crafted specifically for each of your teeth, created from high grade porcelain. This means that they are thin, but strong and ultra-resistant to staining.
In order to apply your veneers, it is necessary for your dentist to first file down the existing enamel of your teeth. This enables a flush, natural fit. The porcelain veneers are then secured using special adhesive.
Dental crowns
Crowns may be one of the most common dental restorations for functional repair, but they can also be used to cover damaged and unsightly teeth. They sit over the top of the affected tooth, encasing it completely inside. Once in place, your dental crown, which can be created in a shade that matches your other teeth, will restore the appearance of your smile.
Dental bonding
Dental bonding involves pasting a special resin to the outside enamel of the teeth so that it covers any visible imperfections such as cracks, chips or stains. Once the resin is applied, it is cured with a special light, hardening it and reinforcing the strength of your teeth.
Orthodontic treatments
Whether it is conventional orthodontic braces or Invisalign, these treatments can alter the position of your teeth so that they sit straighter and are more uniform in appearance. They can also address bite problems, which refers to how your teeth come together.
Dental implants
Dental implants are a revolutionary treatment used to replace missing teeth. They feature a titanium post that is secured into the jawbone, and a crown, which forms the visible part of the tooth. Dental implants are the most secure, durable and natural of any type of dental restoration. However, they are also extremely discreet and a perfect cosmetic solution for teeth that have fallen out or require extraction.
Contact Us
If you are a patient in the Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Scarsdale, or the surrounding areas and would like to find out more about what treatments are involved in a smile makeover, call us today at 914-315-4446. Our dedicated dentistry team will be pleased to schedule you a consultation to discuss the requirements. Please do not hesitate to get in touch.
What to Expect During a Same Day Crowns Procedure
What to Expect During a Same Day Crowns Procedure
Dental crowns are one of the most common types of dental restorations, with countless patients receiving them every year. At Eric Spellman, DMD, we use revolutionary CEREC technology to restore and repair damaged teeth in a single day in Larchmont. CEREC same day crowns procedure in Larchmont can be used to address a variety of dental problems. These dental problems include:
– Badly decayed, beyond what can be repaired with a cavity filling.
– Severely eroded, usually due to grinding or GERD
– Cracked or broken
– Undersized or misshapen
They are also used to support dental bridgework as they are attached to teeth either side of the gap.
Crowns look just like teeth but are hollow inside so that they can be placed over the top of your damaged or decayed tooth, encasing it completely inside. Once in place, it restores the strength, shape and function of your tooth, and thanks to dental crowns now being available in color-matched porcelain, they also look so natural that it will be virtually impossible to tell that it is no longer an original tooth.
The process to receive a dental crown in Larchmont usually involves a series of different appointments, including your initial consultation, an appointment to take moulds of your teeth, another to prepare your tooth, and finally one to fit your dental crown. When you have a supremely busy schedule already, the thought of trying to find time to attend all of these appointments can be frustrating, not to mention the fact that you will need to live with your decayed or damaged tooth until the crown is ready.
Fortunately, there is an alternative to undergoing a lengthy dental crown process. Dentistry has continued to evolve and thanks to the use of progressive CEREC technology, it is now possible to have a high-quality dental crown created the very same day.
What to expect during your CEREC Same Day Crown procedure
The process to receive a CEREC same day dental crowns is very straightforward. To help you feel prepared, here is what to expect when you arrive for your appointment.
Firstly, your dentist in Larchmont, Dr. Eric Spellman, will perform a dental exam of your teeth to ensure that a dental crowns is the best solution for your dental problem. If your dentist agrees that a crown is the most suitable treatment for your affected tooth, the tooth will then be prepped for receiving the new crown. This will involve removing any areas of decay that have accumulated or infected soft tissue.
Once your tooth has been prepped, your dentist will take a digital image of your tooth to be crowned. This is then sent to the CEREC machine for it to work its magic! The software will create a 3D model of your tooth which will be used to design your same-day crown.
After the design has been finalized, it is sent to a machine that will mill your crown while you wait. Since porcelain is available in a variety of shades, your dental team will choose one which most closely resembles your natural teeth, helping to make your new crown incredible discreet.
Once the crown is ready, our restorative and cosmetic dentist, Dr. Spellman, will check the fit against your tooth before cementing is permanently in place, polishing it and making sure it looks natural and attractive. If any revisions to the crown are required, they can be carried out before the permanent fitting takes place.
Benefits of Same Day Crowns Procedure
Unsurprisingly, same day dental crowns are becoming increasingly popular thanks to the array of benefits that they offer patients when compared to conventional crowns. These include:
- Fewer dental appointments.
- Less injections needed since everything is carried out on one day.
- Cutting-edge technology enables greater precision when creating your custom-fit crown.
- No need to wear an ugly metal temporary crown while you are waiting for your permanent replacement.
- Crowns that are just as durable as those used in conventional procedures.
- Improved function and appearance of your smile in just one day.
If you are interested in finding out more about same day dental crowns, our knowledgeable and professional dental team are on hand to answer your queries. Alternatively, why not contact us and arrange an appointment with our our dentist, Dr. Eric Spellman to discuss your individual circumstances and to find out if a dental crown is the best solution for your needs.
Contact Us For A Dental Crown Consultation
With over 30 years of experience and advanced training, Dr. Eric Spellman offers Larchmont patients advanced restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments in Larchmont. In addition to traditional dental crowns, Dr. Spellman, offices the CEREC same day crowns procedure for patients looking for a quick, permanent solution to chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. Call our Larchmont, NY office today at 914-315-4446 to schedule a consultation. We also treat patients for CEREC Same Day Dental Crowns from Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Scarsdale, NY and many surrounding areas.
Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment
When it comes to fearsome dental treatments, root canal definitely has one of the worst reputations. While in the past it was considered to be one of the most painful of all dental treatments, fortunately, the tools and techniques used to perform root canal treatment have evolved significantly. Today, root canal treatment causes no more discomfort than any other type of fairly invasive dental procedure.
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal is the primary treatment used to resolve infections that occur in the root canal system, the deepest part of your tooth. Left untreated, these infections can cause the patient to experience serious pain, inflammation and eventually, tooth loss. If infection of the root canal system occurs, this procedure is the only viable way of saving your tooth.
Every tooth has at least one root, and molars can have several. These roots extend all the way from the crown to deep within the jaw bone. If an infection penetrates the root, it can compromise the flow of blood and nutrients between the body and the tooth, causing the tooth to die.
Unfortunately, antibiotics have been shown to be ineffective in treating root canal infections. Instead, patients must undergo root canal treatment.
What is involved in root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment can usually be performed in just two appointments with our dentist. Local anesthetic is provided for both appointments although it may be possible for you to have some degree of sedation if you are particularly nervous.
The first appointment is when the majority of the work on your root canal is carried out. Our Larchmont dentist, Dr. Eric Spellman, will drill through your tooth to expose the root canals beneath. Each root canal is then cleaned using special endodontics tools, and our dentist will remove all traces of bacteria and infected tissue. Once our dentist believes the root canal is clear of problems, the tooth will be sealed using a temporary cavity filling or dental crown. This will stop any further bacteria from entering the root canal and causing re-infection.
Around a week later you will need to return for a second appointment. During this, the temporary cover will be removed from your tooth and our dentist will check that the root canal is still free from infection. If Dr. Spellman is satisfied that all traces of infection have been removed, your tooth will be permanently sealed, and the treatment concluded. However, in the likelihood that some reinfection has occurred, the root canal process will be repeated, and you will again need to return in around a week to have the root canals checked.
Symptoms that you may have a root canal infection
Root canal infections often don’t become obvious until the problem has developed significantly, and early symptoms are easily overlooked. The following are the most common indicators of a root canal infection, with the symptoms worsening in severity as the infection progresses.
- Pain and sensitivity when eating/drinking
- Pain in a particular tooth when you bite/chew
- Swelling in the gum around the infected tooth
- Swelling in your jaw and face on the same side as the affected tooth
- Pus or other foul-smelling liquids around the tooth
- The affected tooth darkening in color as the blood supply is compromised and the tooth begins to die
If you suspect that you have a root canal infection, you should arrange an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Spellman as soon as possible. Early treatment is essential if your natural tooth is to be saved.
Contact Us in Larchmont
If you are concerned that you might have a root canal infection, or if you have further questions about root canal treatment, call our office 914-315-4446 to schedule an appointment. With over 30 years of experience, our dentist, Dr. Eric Spellman, performs root canal treatment for patients from Larchmont, Scarsdale, Mamaroneck, NY and many surrounding areas.
Will You Need Antibiotics After a Tooth Extraction?
Will You Need ?
Whether or not you need antibiotics after a tooth extraction will largely depend on why the tooth is being extracted. Tooth extractions in adulthood are sometimes a necessary measure to stop pain and save your dental health. Antibiotics are not always administered after an oral surgery, since your mouth does a good job at cleaning itself with good bacteria, and antibiotics often destroy good bacteria along with the bad bacteria. However, our Larchmont dentist, Dr. Eric Spellman might recommend antibiotics, if there is already an infection in the mouth, or if you have a medical condition. Today, we will discuss the ins-and-outs of tooth extractions, along with reasons we might need to prescribe antibiotics after a tooth extraction.
Reasons for a Tooth Extractions
While permanent teeth are supposed to stay intact your whole life, there are conditions that may require a tooth extraction. The most common reason why a tooth needs to be extracted is that it is badly decayed or damaged, due to trauma or decay. We also might recommend extraction if:
- Your mouth is overcrowded: We might recommend a dental extraction, if you are about to undergo an orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatments are meant to align your teeth, when your teeth are overcrowded or too large for your mouth. Extracting teeth that don’t fit in your mouth can help prepare for realignment. We also might recommend extraction for teeth that are stuck under the gumline, but can’t erupt due to there not being enough room.
- An infection is present. When tooth decay makes its way to the pulp of your tooth and infects the blood vessels in your tooth, it can lead to serious infections. Oftentimes, we will treat this kind of decay with root canal therapy. However, sometimes the infection can be so severe that nothing can cure it, in which case, we will need to extract the infected tooth to keep it from spreading.
- There is a risk of infection. Certain medical conditions, like chemotherapy or an organ transplant, can compromise your immune system, increasing the risk of infection in a tooth. If this occurs, we might recommend extracting the tooth beforehand.
- There is gum disease present. Your gum health serves an important role in your dental health. Your gums hold your teeth securely in your mouth. When an infection compromises the tissue and bone supporting your teeth, it can lead to loose teeth, which might need to be pulled to prevent further infection and dental pain.
What to Expect During Your Tooth Extraction
Our dental office in Larchmont is experienced in performing tooth extractions, and we will make it as pain-free and comfortable as possible. Before pulling your tooth, we will inject the area with an anesthetic to completely numb the extraction site. If you’re having more than one tooth removed or if your tooth is impacted, we might recommend a stronger anesthetic or sedation dentistry to improve your comfort.
In cases where the tooth is impacted, we will need to cut away the gum tissue covering the tooth, then remove the tooth from the jawbone. In situations where the tooth is stubborn, we might have to remove the tooth in smaller pieces. Once the tooth is pulled, a blood clot will form in the socket, and we will pack the site down with gauze pads to help with bleeding. In some cases, we might need to stitch the area with self-dissolving stitches to promote healing.
When You Might Need Antibiotics After a Tooth Extraction
Dental extractions are usually straightforward and safe treatments. However, there are certain conditions that might put you at a higher risk of developing an infection. If you have a medical condition that increases your risk of infection, we will recommend antibiotics before and after your extraction. If you have one of the following conditions or a history of medical conditions or medications, make sure you let our dentist know before having a tooth pulled:
- Damaged heart-valve or a heart-valve transplant
- Congenital heart defects
- An impaired immune system
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Artificial joints, like a hip replacement
- History of bacterial endocarditis
What to Expect After an Extraction
After your dental extraction, we will send you home to recover for a few days. During your recovery process, the following steps can help reduce your risk of infection and improve the recovery process:
- Take your painkillers as they are prescribed
- Bite down on gauze pads to reduce bleeding and allow clot to form in tooth socket, changing gauze pads before they become totally soaked with blood
- Use an ice bag or cold compress to reduce swelling
- Rest for about 24 hours after an extraction to promote healing
- Avoid rinsing and spitting forcefully to prevent dry socket
- Do not smoke, which can harm the healing process
- Brush and floss your teeth and tongue, while avoiding the extraction site to prevent infection
Contact Us
If you notice inflammation, signs of infection, or feel sick after your tooth extraction in Larchmont, you should contact our office at 914-315-4446 as soon as possible. If you have a medical condition that makes you predisposed to infection during a dental extraction, make sure you tell our dentist, Dr. Eric Spellman, so we can prescribe a preventative antibiotic and ensure your extraction goes as safe and painlessly as possible.