Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Extraction Site Prevention

Extraction site preservation is the term used for planning ahead and involves what will be done once a tooth has been extracted. If a front tooth or molar is removed, it leaves the teeth susceptible to shifting. This happens when the jawbone begins degenerating due to the loss of the tooth and root, where it changes shape during the healing process. As this happens, other nearby teeth begins to shift and can cause misalignment and bite problems. Dr. Binod Verma makes sure to prevent this complication through extraction site preservation.
 
Here is a brief overview of how extraction site preservation works:
 
1. Dr. Verma informs the patient of the problem with their extraction site.
2. He goes over their options, such as a bridge, partial denture or dental implant.
3. Planning begins for the replacement treatment even before the extraction is completed.
4. As soon as the tooth is removed and begins healing, the dentist prepares the preservation of the extraction site.
 
By following these simple steps, our patients preserve their extraction site so they avoid complications as a result of the missing tooth. This is not necessary when wisdom teeth are removed because they are located in the very back of the mouth.
 
Call Dr. Binod Verma at 718-699-8268 to schedule an appointment for an extraction site preservation procedure. 

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Nitrous Oxide

At Family Dental Rego Park, it is our mission to help our patients feel as comfortable as possible during their appointments. Among the sedation methods we provide, nitrous oxide is one of the most commonly used.
 
Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is given by placing a mask over their nose, which is how the patient inhales the non-flammable gas. It has very minimal odor and taste, but is not foul. There are no detrimental side effects or risks tied to nitrous oxide, as well as no known allergy responses. It is safe for patients of all ages, and helps the patient relax more during their procedures.
 
Another benefit to nitrous oxide is that it wears off almost immediately, so patients are free to drive after the appointment and return to their normal activities right away. Nitrous oxide is offered to patients for a variety of procedures, like root canals, extractions, deep cleaning or other periodontal procedures, fillings and even routine cleanings. Patients with dental anxiety find that it takes the edge off successfully.
 
Call Dr. Binod Verma at 718-699-8268 to discuss using nitrous oxide for your next appointment.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Dental Hygiene and Periodontal Health

Dental hygiene and periodontal health is important to us at Family Dental Rego Park, which is why we encourage proper dental hygiene to all of our patients. Good dental hygiene, brushing the teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting us every six months for a check-up and cleaning is a great start. It helps prevent cavities, infections and tooth decay, and lets us find problems early, in addition to giving the patient fresh-smelling breath and a beautiful smile.
 
Periodontal health is also important, which deals with the risk of gum disease. If a patient develops gum disease, it can advance to the more serious periodontal disease without proper treatment. One of the reasons we like to schedule dental visits for our patients twice a year is so we can perform an examination to look for signs of gum disease. Without treatment, it can lead to loss of bone, deep infections, necessary extractions, and loose teeth.
 
Aside from these recommendations, not consuming a high amount of sugar, and avoiding smoking cigarettes also make a positive impact on the dental hygiene and periodontal health of our patients.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Invisalign

Did you know that we provide our Family Dental Rego Park patients with the modern orthodontic option Invisalign?
 
Invisalign is a great way to cosmetically straighten your smile without having to commit to the appearance and lifestyle changes that are needed in the case of tradition braces or other form of conventional orthodontics. These clear plastic tooth aligners are discreet, comfortable and flexible.
Invisalign works by incrementally adjusting the alignment of your teeth while remaining inconspicuous.  You can easily remove the aligners for meals, brushing and flossing, as well as dental exams and cleaning. Once your treatment period is complete, you can enjoy a cosmetically straightened smile and the confidence that comes with it.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

TMJ

Most people have never heard of the temporomandibular joint, but they have heard of ‘TMJ’.  This acronym is associated with the hinge joint that connects the temporal bone of the skull to the lower jaw.  Some people have a condition known as TMD, or temporamandibular disorder, which relates to problems of the jaw, jaw joint, and/or surrounding muscles of the face.
 
If you hear a clicking or popping sound upon opening your mouth, grind your teeth at night, have headaches, experience ear pain, have chewing difficulties, or have a jaw that gets stuck shut or open, there's a good chance that you may be experiencing TMD. Some of these symptoms, like teeth grinding, for example, can be especially problematic because they can lead to tooth enamel erosion and exposed dentin. This means that your teeth will be sensitive to hot or cold foods and beverages.
 
Luckily, here at Family Dental Rego Park, we have treatment options for TMD. For instance, we can customize a night guard for you to use to prevent or reduce the detrimental effects of your teeth grinding at night. TMD treatment solutions include:
  • Night guards
  • Physical therapy and jaw exercises
  • Lifestyle and behavior counseling
  • Pain relievers and other medications
If you think Invisalign might be suffering from TMJ, call us at (718) 699-8268 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Bishod Verma or Dr. Supriya Verma.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Wisdom Tooth Extractions

At Family Dental Rego Park in Elmhurst, NY, wisdom teeth extractions are fairly common. As your third and final set of molars to come in, they usually emerge when you are between 17 and 21 years old. Since these teeth can often become impacted, which is when they come in at an angle rather than straight through the gums, it is often necessary to remove them before they cause pain or begin to push your other teeth.
 
If a wisdom tooth is impacted and can only emerge partially, it is possible for an operculum to develop over the tooth. This flap of skip can make the tooth hard to clean, which means it is more likely to become infected. This infection is called pericoronitis.
 
When a wisdom tooth is in danger of causing such problems, either Dr. Binod Verma or Dr. Supriya Verma will extract the tooth. Often it is necessary to remove all four wisdom teeth at once. This is done either by using a local anesthetic or a general anesthetic, based on the preferences of the doctor and patient. After the anesthetic is applied, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth is cut and the tooth is wiggled loose and pulled out. If necessary, the gums will be sutured for healing.
 
After the surgery, rest is required, and you will need to change the gauze that is applied to the incision. 

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Sleep Apnea

Not many people know that their local dentist might just be their best solution when it comes to the treatment of sleep apnea. Dentists play an important role in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Specific therapy for sleep apnea is tailored to the individual needs of each patient based on their medical history, physical examination and results from different testing. Our dentist, Dr. Binod Verma has trained extensively in the management and treatment of sleep apnea and offers innovative treatment options to his patients.
 
Sleep apnea is a very common condition that is treatable. Traditionally, sleep apnea affects men over the age of forty, but it can be diagnosed in almost anyone, including children. There are different types of sleep apnea, but obstructive sleep apnea is the most commonly diagnosed and treated by dentists. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat relaxes during sleep and blocks the airways. If left untreated, breathing becomes interrupted or very slow during sleep. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can lead to heart attack, stroke, mental confusion, rise in blood pressure and sleepiness during daytime.
 
Patients suffering from sleep apnea will often report the following symptoms:
  • Waking up with a sore or dry mouth
  • Loud snoring
  • Sleepiness
  • Morning headaches
  • Restless sleep
There are many different treatment options for those suffering from sleep apnea. Dr. Verma treats his patients using oral appliances and oral surgery. Through procedures like osseous surgery or osseous grafting, Dr. Verma is able to lessen the symptoms of sleep apnea. These procedures are done in order to prevent snoring and discontinue any sleep apnea side effects.
 
Call 718-699-8268 to set up an appointment with Dr. Verma in Elmhurst, NY.