Specialized Dental Treatments
Family Dentistry & Specialized Dental Treatments
Dr. Eric Spellman offers various techniques and treatments that are specifically designed to ensure that you have a comfortable, pleasant experience when you visit his dental office. He can help you with symptoms of TMJ, provide periodontal treatments, provide you with mouth guards to ensure your safety during athletic activities, and even create a night guard for you if you’re prone to grinding your teeth while you sleep.
Dr. Spellman and his team of dedicated professionals are committed to your dental health. Call us today at (914) 315-4446 to book a consultation, or use the link on our Contact Us page.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry
Are you nervous about dental treatment? Some patients are. In fact, some patients are so apprehensive that they put off having the necessary treatments done, and they end up with a mouth that needs a great deal of work. If this sounds like you, you need to know about nitrous oxide sedation dentistry. In this way, the patient and the dentist are comfortable providing and receiving the best possible dental care-safe, and free of stress and pain.
Periodontics
Periodontics involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of various diseases that can affect your teeth and gums. Dr. Eric Spellman has extensive training and experience in periodontics and can perform various treatments that improve the health of your teeth and gums as well as improving your smile.
Periodontal disease is any disease involving the gums, and the only way to have it diagnosed is through a periodontal exam. Periodontal health is important to everyone, but of much greater concern if you have underlying health issues like diabetes or heart disease, or if you are considering becoming pregnant. Good oral hygiene while pregnant will prevent pregnancy gingivitis which can lead to bone loss and inflammation.
Periodontics can also be important cosmetically. If you feel that your smile is a bit too “gummy,” or you think that your teeth are too short, periodontic treatments can improve your appearance. Dr. Spellman can advise you as to what treatments would be best for your overall dental health as well as your appearance.
Sleep Apnea
When you sleep, do you snore? Of course, you say that you don’t, but if the person you’re sleeping with claims otherwise, there is a possibility you may have sleep apnea. Of course, snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea, however, the majority of people who snore do not have sleep apnea. If you wake several times during the night, wake to find that you can’t breathe, or feel exhausted throughout the day, these can also be signs of sleep apnea.
Often, a dentist is the first professional to identify sleep apnea and the best option for treatment. Depending on the severity of the disorder, you might just need to make some behavioral changes, like quitting smoking, losing weight, or simply changing the position in which you sleep. More severe cases may require the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway) system. It’s a device that uses a small mask to open the sleeper’s airway, and to apply pressure in order to keep it open. Dr. Spellman can help you to determine if you have sleep apnea, and recommend a course of treatment.
TMJ
TMJ, or temporomandibular disorder, can manifest as headaches, facial pain, sensitive teeth, or an inability to open your mouth all the way. There are a variety of remedies, including physical therapy and massages, but often a night guard is the best method for relieving the symptoms of TMJ.
Night guards address problems like soreness, loss of mobility, and wear on the teeth that can result from TMJ. Night guards will not correct severe TMJ that’s caused by a misalignment in the jaw, but in many cases, they can be highly effective. If you are exhibiting TMJ symptoms, Dr. Spellman can fit you with a night guard that may alleviate the problem. In severe cases, he can refer you to a TMJ specialist.
Children’s Dentistry
Children should begin seeing a dentist as early as possible, usually no later than the age of 3. Regular dental visits in the early years set the foundation for good dental practices later on. Of course, many kids are afraid to see the dentist, and we have to say that most of the time that’s the fault of the parents.
So here is what we’d like you to do – bring your kids to see us when they are young. Don’t mention needles and drills. It is not even an issue, usually, with our laser dentistry techniques. Do not tell them that they don’t have to be afraid of the dentist. Do not make it a big deal. You’re probably more nervous about that first dental examination than your child is, but we will work with you. In the examining room, you can stay while we look after him or her. Dr. Spellman loves kids and has the experience to meet your child’s dental needs.
Protective Mouth Guards
Are you into sports? Are your kids? Either way, you probably need to know about mouth guards. Most athletic injuries occur in the head area, and teeth often take the brunt of the damage. Mouth guards can reduce the likelihood of injuries that could result in costly dental procedures. Dr. Spellman can provide athletes with protective mouth guards, and can even customize them to each individual client.
One popular type of mouth guard is created by using a standard mold that fits most types of teeth. The mold is softened in hot water, and the patient uses his or her tongue, lips, fingers and biting pressure to create a good seal over the teeth. This is an inexpensive type of mouth guard that works for most people. Custom guards can also be made for people who may have specific issues with their teeth or their bite. Dr. Spellman can advise you as to the best type of mouth guard for your individual requirement.
Night Guards
If you grind your teeth, you may be able to control the behavior during the day, when you’re awake. What happens at night, though, could be a whole different matter. A lot of people grind their teeth to the point where they destroy the tooth enamel, and even the basic structure of the tooth, without even realizing that they are doing it.
A night guard can be the perfect solution. It is less expensive than bridgework, crowns, veneers, dentures, root canals, implants and so on that, you could end up needing if the grinding does not stop.
Think about this – a night guard is going to cost you a few hundred dollars. A single crown could be much more. The night guard, quite simply, prevents you from needing far more costly dental work down the road. Do not waste your money on drugstore night guards. They are not custom-fitted, and they won’t correct the long term problem. See Dr. Eric Spellman to have a proper night guard created and fitted. He can make you a full night guard, or a less invasive mini night guard in order to help prevent the effects of teeth grinding.