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Top Dentist Larchmont NY | Eric Spellman DMD
Top Dentist Larchmont NY | Eric Spellman DMD

Root Canal Treatment​​​​​​​

Root Canal Treatment​​​​​​​

Root Canal Larchmont | Eric Spellman, DMD | EndodonticsWhen 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 Will I Need Antibiotics After a Tooth Extraction Larchmont | Eric Spellman DMD?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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.

Best Dental Treatments to Whiten and Straighten Teeth​​​​​​​

Best Dental Treatments to Whiten and Straighten Teeth

Dental Treatments to Whiten and Straighten Teeth Larchmont NY | Eric Spellman DMD | Cosmetic DentistWith over 30 years of experience, our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Eric Spellman, has the knowledge to advise Larchmont patients on the best treatments to whiten and straighten teeth. When it comes to getting whiter and straighter teeth, there are many cosmetic dentistry treatments available. The right dental treatment for you, will depend on your dental goals, how quickly you want the process to take, and the current condition of your dental health.

Traditional orthodontics along with professional teeth whitening can help you achieve whiter and straighter teeth. However, this treatment plan will take some time to complete. On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry treatments, like porcelain veneers and cosmetic bonding, can provide you with instantly whiter and straighter teeth, but they can also have certain drawbacks.

Cosmetic Dentistry vs Orthodontics

If you’re trying to attain a perfect smile with aligned, white, and healthy teeth, orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry share similar goals. Orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry are both branches of dentistry that specialize in correcting imperfections in the smile to help patients achieve their smile goals.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics focuses on fixing misalignments in the teeth and jaws. Besides affecting the way your smile looks, misalignments can also cause facial pain, TMJ, speech impediments, headaches, and even throat and sinus disorders. Most orthodontic treatments can take months to years to complete, depending on your dental health condition and whether you choose clear aligners, like Invisalign, or traditional braces. While orthodontic treatments aren’t a quick solution to a crooked smile, they do offer long-term benefits, like preserving your natural teeth. Orthodontic treatments are a good solution for patients with healthy enamel, suffering from overcrowding, gapped teeth, or bite disorders.

Teeth Whitening After Orthodontics

Professional teeth whitening treatments can help you achieve a whiter, more healthy-looking smile after your orthodontic treatment. However, most patients can benefit from teeth whitening – especially patients who consume a lot of staining substances, like coffee, tea, cola, or tobacco. While orthodontics require patience for straighter teeth, teeth whitening can help you achieve whiter teeth in as little as one appointment for a smile transformation.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are the quickest way to get straight, white teeth. Veneers are a thin layer of porcelain that are custom-created to fit the shape of your smile, while taking the place of the natural tooth enamel. Porcelain veneers are a great cosmetic solution for patients already suffering from enamel erosion, chipped, or cracked teeth. They can be created in any shade the patient wants, and remain stain resistant afterwards. The one drawback for porcelain veneers is that the natural enamel of the tooth will need to be sanded down for the veneer to fit over the tooth, meaning that once a patient gets veneers, they will need to maintain this cosmetic treatment the rest of their life.

Tooth Reshaping and Bonding

Tooth reshaping and dental bonding is an easy way to straighten out small, misshapen teeth at a cheaper price point than porcelain veneers. Teeth reshaping is the most convenient and quickest option for fixing discolored or poorly aligned teeth. During the tooth reshaping process, we will gently remove enamel to improve uneven areas and bite alignment. Once the teeth are shaped down, we will use a composite bonding to fill in chips and gaps, strengthen the enamel, and improve the color of the teeth. If your teeth are already white, we will match the resin to your natural teeth.

After reshaping and tooth bonding your teeth, you will need to make sure you maintain your dental health to keep your smile attractive and healthy-looking. Like most dental restorations, bonded teeth are susceptible to chips and stains. Therefore, you should avoid chewing on hard foods, opening things with your teeth, chewing on fingernails, pens, ice, or other hard materials that could chip your teeth. You can also keep your teeth from staining by avoiding smoke, coffee, tea, and other staining foods.

There are many dental treatments that can help you get a straighter and whiter smile. Want to learn more about your orthodontic and cosmetic dental options? Call our office today.

Different Types of Dental Implants​​​​​​​

Different Types of Dental Implants​​​​​​​

Types of Dental Implants Larchmont | Eric Spellman DMD | Restorative Dentist LarchmontDespite advances in dental restorations, tooth loss remains a very real problem facing much of the U.S. population. In many cases, our adult teeth simply don’t have the strength and durability to withstand decades of intensive use. By the time we reach our senior years, the majority of us will have lost at least one tooth. Luckily, with advancements in dental technology, there are different types of dental implants in Larchmont to even replace missing teeth for patients who are allergic to metal.

Plenty of younger generations have also suffered extensive tooth decay or damage to their teeth that means that extraction or tooth loss was inevitable. Unfortunately, when you lose one or more teeth, it can have a profound effect not only on the appearance of your smile but also on your day to day life. This is because missing teeth can make it very difficult to bite, chew and even speak clearly, depending on where the gaps in your smile may be.

Fortunately, tooth loss isn’t a problem that you have to live with. Dental implants in Larchmont enable patients to have the appearance and function of their teeth restored.

 

What are Dental Implants and How do they work?

Dentists quickly recognized the limitations of some of the more conventional tooth-replacement solutions, such as dentures – which are removable and can be noticeable in your mouth, and bridges – which can damage existing teeth. Dental implants represent an innovative way of replacing single or multiple teeth without any of the compromises experienced by patients wearing bridges or dentures.

They have three components – a titanium post or screw, a connector, and a porcelain crown. The titanium post is inserted into the jaw bone via the gums, where the connector then joins it to the crown, which makes up the visible part of the tooth. When the titanium post is in place, it immediately begins to fuse to the live bone around it, and over the course of several months forms a virtually unbreakable bond that provides the ultimate stability for the dental implant.

Advantages of Dental Implants

There are a number of benefits to choosing dental implants. These include:

  • Strength and durability
  • Enabling the patient to retain a natural-looking smile
  • Permanent
  • Discreet
  • No compromises on what you can eat
  • Easy to clean
  • The highest success rate of any surgically-implanted device

The advantages of dental implants proved so popular that there are several different varieties available, designed so that the solution is available to as many different individuals as possible.

Endosteal Implants

This is the name given to the ‘standard’ design of implants. The location of the titanium posts is pre-determined using x-rays and other technology. In the case of single missing teeth, you will almost certainly need one implant post per prosthetic tooth. However, it is possible to mount an implant-supported bridge of prosthetics onto fewer posts.

Subperiosteal Implants

These are the main alternative to endosteal implants and are usually recommended for patients who have been found to have insufficient healthy bone in their jaw to support a dental implant. The design of these implants is slightly different, in that the implant posts are attached to a metal frame that is inserted under the gum. The gum then heals around the frame, forming a secure base for your restoration and the porcelain crowns can be attached to the implant posts as normal.

Zygomatic Implants

These are the most uncommonly used type of implant but are necessary for some patients for whom the other two varieties are not suitable. Zygomatic implants are used to replace missing teeth in the upper jaw, and the cheekbone is used as the basis for the implant posts. For this reason, the posts used in this type of implant are significantly longer and the procedure may be slightly more complex.

If you have gaps in your smile that are affecting the functionality of your teeth, and perhaps your confidence and self-esteem too, dental implants could be the solution that you have been waiting for. Our experienced team of dental implant specialists would be delighted to help you restore your smile. Get in touch with our team for more information.

 

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