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.

Why You Should Go to The Dentist Every 6 Months

At Family Dental Rego Park in Elmhurst, NY, we ask that patients visit us every six months for a check-up. This ensures you have proper dental care and are maintaining your oral health. By coming in to our office every six months, Dr. Binod Verma is able to examine your teeth and gums.  You also receive a thorough cleaning from one of our dental hygienists and reduce your risk of gum disease.

 

Every time you visit our practice, our dentist will perform the following:

1. Examination of your teeth, gums and inside your mouth.
2. Give you advice on keeping your teeth clean, including reducing cigarette smoke and unhealthy dietary habits.
3. Ask about your teeth and if you have had any problems.
4. Address concerns you have, whether it is due to possible signs of gum disease or pain in a tooth.
5. Provide x-rays of teeth giving you problems.
6. Provide you with treatment options if needed.

Not only do visits every six months ensure you get regular professional cleanings, but can prevent more serious dental procedures by finding cavities and other issues early. This reduces the time you spend in the dentist chair.

 

Call us today at (718) 699-8268 to schedule your next dental checkup.

Crowns

Dental crowns are one of many restorative dentistry procedures we offer here at Family Dental Rego Park. Crowns have multiple purposes for our patients, including covering imperfections of the tooth, protecting a tooth weakened from tooth decay, and preventing cracking or breaking after a root canal. Crowns cover the tooth like a cap, and are made to look and function just like a regular tooth.

 

The procedure for dental crowns takes about 2-3 visits and includes the following:

 

1. Shade matching - We match the shade of the crown to your existing teeth so they look perfectly natural

2. Reshaping the enamel of the broken tooth so the crown can be placed over the affected area properly

3. After the tooth is reshaped, we will create a mold of the area that the crown will be placed

4. The mold is sent to a dental lab where it will be created, this usually takes about a week. We will place a temporary crown until the permanent crown is ready

5. Once the crown is completed, we will bond it to your existing teeth with cement

 

Whether you have staining, need to save your natural tooth, or have other imperfections, crowns can be incredibly beneficial. If you live in the Elmhurst, NY area and are in need of a dental crown, schedule a consultation with Dr. Binod Verma today. We are welcoming new patients.

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.

Root Canal Therapy

Endodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the nerves of the teeth, and root canal therapy is the most common procedure within endodontics. Dr. Binod Verma offers root canal therapy to patients with a deep infection in the nerves of their teeth, as an alternative to tooth extraction. During a root canal, the nerves of the teeth are removed, as well as any other infected tissue. Here is a breakdown of the procedure:

 

1. The patient receives local anesthesia so they don’t experience any pain.

2. We drill a small hole into the tooth to reach the canal.

3. Infected tissue and nerves are removed using a special tool.

4. Once the infection is gone, the hole is filled with gutta percha.

5. The patient returns to our office in two weeks to be fitted with a crown.

 

It is important that patients not skip the process of getting a crown, because without nerves, the tooth becomes dead. This makes it susceptible to breaking off, and requiring a bridge or dental implant to replace it. Visit Family Dental Rego Park in Elmhurst, NY to schedule your root canal therapy appointment.

Bone Regenerating Procedures

Here at Family Dental Rego Park, we want our patients to look and feel their best. Unfortunately, many patients are struggling with periodontal gum disease that causes lack of bone density. This can cause them to miss out on essential treatment options, like implant or implant-supported dentures for missing teeth.

 

Bone loss can occur from many different things, such as having a missing tooth or severe periodontal disease. We offer bone regenerating procedures, such as bone grafting, to help with bone loss in our patients.

 

The bone graft is the most common bone regenerating procedure performed by Dr. Binod Verma. It utilizes healthy tissue and bone from other parts of the patient’s body, as well as some synthetic materials. This is inserted into the gums and attached to a nearby tooth, where hopefully it encourages the regeneration of bone.

 

We also stress the importance of preventing bone loss by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, visiting us twice a year for check-ups and cleanings, and replacing missing teeth as soon as possible. Call our dental office at 718-699-8268 to learn more.

TMJ Treatment

If you are experiencing pain in your jaw, ears or head, locking of your jaw, or a popping sound when opening your mouth, it may be due to a condition called TMJ disorder. This disorder occurs as a result of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is the joint connecting the jaw to the skull.

Because it is responsible for so many functions, including talking and chewing, having this disorder causes frustration to our patients. This is why Family Dental Rego Park provides patients with TMJ treatment.

Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

• ·         Difficulty chewing


• ·         Pain or discomfort when opening and closing the mouth


• ·         Locking of the jaw in an open or closed position


• ·         Headaches and ear pain


• ·         Pain when waking up


• ·         Teeth grinding


• ·         Clicking or popping sounds from the jaw

We provide effective treatments for TMJ to help reduce teeth grinding and help our patients find relief. With treatments like oral appliances and mouth guards, our patients find that they no longer wake up with severe pain, and find that their jaws lock or pop much less often.

If you have any of the above symptoms of TMJ, contact Dr. Binod Verma in Elmhurst, NY to get started on TMJ treatment.

Laser Treatment Loose Tooth Options

Laser treatments loose tooth options is one of many services Dr. Binod Verma offers for patients with periodontal disease. When there are loose teeth, it can be indicative of a type of gum disease that is advanced and causes the loss of bone and healthy tissue. The teeth eventually lose their density and strength, causing them to become loose and eventually fall out or need to be extracted. If a tooth needs to be pulled, we offer options for missing teeth in fixed bridges, implants, and full dentures.

For patients who want to try and save their teeth, laser treatment is available for loose teeth. The gum laser, also called LANAP, helps treat the gums and getting rid of only infected tissue, while saving the healthy gum tissue. It is a great option for patients with advanced gum disease who want a healthy mouth and to save as many of their teeth as possible before moving on to teeth replacements. Gum pockets are cleaned out thoroughly with the laser, and it provides a gentler process for the patient.

If you suspect you might have a problem with loose teeth, contact us here at Family Dental Rego Park at 718-699-8268 for more information about the laser treatment.

 

Importance of Lifelong Dental Care and Periodontal Treatment

Dr. Binod Verma wants his patients to be healthy and take good care of their teeth. This is why he stresses the importance of lifelong dental care and periodontal treatment offered here at Family Dental Rego Park. We provide a variety of procedures for gum disease and to help patients maintain proper periodontal health. This includes preventative measures and oral health education, as well as periodontal treatments for gum disease.

Unfortunately, without proper dental care and periodontal treatment, patients can experience a wide range of problems. These may include:

• High risk of heart disease


• Frequent mouth and gum infections


• Mouth ulcers and gum problems


• Bad breath (halitosis)


• Teeth and jaw pain


• Digestion issues


• Infertility and pregnancy complications

Proper dental care starts at home with teeth brushing and flossing twice a day and eating a healthy diet. Here in our Elmhurst, NY office, we like to see patients twice a year for examinations, x-rays and professional cleanings. By seeing us on a regular basis, Dr. Verma is able to recognize early signs of gum disease and provide proper periodontal treatment. Call us directly at 718-699-8268 to schedule an appointment for an examination.

Lumineers

We offer Lumineers, which are a thinner version of dental veneers, as part of our comprehensive array of cosmetic services here at Family Dental Rego Park. Lumineers are made of the same quality porcelain sheets, though they are much thinner, therefore making the process faster and easier for our patients. We often have patients coming to us for multiple Lumineers and find they are very happy with their new smile.

Because Lumineers are so thin, less of the natural tooth needs reshaping or contouring. This is generally done to make room for the veneer, but with Lumineers, less tooth is lost for this process.

After preparing the tooth, the Lumineer is bonded to the tooth, where Dr. Binod Verma makes sure it looks flawless. He then polishes the surface of the Lumineer before sending the patient home.

On average, our Lumineers last about 15-20 years with the right care and maintenance. Patients are urged to take very good care of their oral health and reduce the risk of decay that might wear down their new Lumineers. Visit us in Elmhurst, NY for your new set of Lumineers.

Crowns

Dental crowns are one of many restorative dentistry procedures we offer here at Family Dental Rego Park. Crowns have multiple purposes for our patients, including covering imperfections of the tooth, protecting a tooth weakened from tooth decay, and preventing cracking or breaking after a root canal. Crowns cover the tooth like a cap, and are made to look and function just like a regular tooth.

The procedure for dental crowns takes about 2-3 visits and includes the following:

Whether you have staining, need to save your natural tooth, or have other imperfections, crowns can be incredibly beneficial. If you live in the Elmhurst, NY area and are in need of a dental crown, schedule a consultation with Dr. Binod Verma today. We are welcoming new patients.

ZOOM! Whitening

Teeth often become stained or discolored from drinking dark beverages like red wine and coffee, as well as from smoking and eating certain foods. Here at Family Dental Rego Park, we offer multiple options for whitening the teeth, including ZOOM! whitening. ZOOM! helps brighten our patients teeth by up to 10 shades, giving them more confidence in their smile. ZOOM! whitening is a simple procedure that is done in about an hour. It uses a whitening gel and low intensity light to activate the gel, whitening the enamel of the teeth.

Patients who choose ZOOM! whitening do so for the many benefits, including the following:

• Whitening is done in an hour or less right here in our dental office


• There is minimal sensitivity after the whitening is complete


• The whitening gel and lamp are safe and effective


• ZOOM! whitening lasts a long time with good oral hygiene

Many of our patients can get their teeth whitened during their lunch hour and get back to work after their ZOOM! teeth whitening appointment. It is a great option for whitening several shades, or for minor touch-ups. Dr. Binod Verma recommends that patients take very good care of their teeth to get maximum results and make the new, whiter teeth last longer. Call our office today at 718-699-8268 to find out more about ZOOM! teeth whitening.

Scaling and Root Planing

Periodontal disease is something many of our patients struggle with. Fortunately, our patients are helped by the variety of treatments we provide here at Family Dental Rego Park to take care of periodontal disease and protect their teeth. One of these procedures is called scaling and root planing, which removes tartar from the tooth’s surface.

Periodontal disease is a severe form of gum disease that allows bacteria to attack the teeth, roots and nerves. If it goes untreated, it can lead to the loss of teeth and gums, as well as affect the bones and roots of the teeth. If there is excessive tartar and plaque on the teeth or below the gumline, it can cause the bacteria to multiply and make the gums bleed. This leads to gum disease, or gingivitis, which can then lead to periodontal disease.

With root planing, Dr. Binod Verma removes tartar from the teeth with dental tools (scraping instruments or an ultrasonic tool), usually without anesthesia. Some patients have tooth or gum sensitivity, and will need some local anesthesia. After the planing is complete, scaling is done, which simply smoothes out the tooth surfaces to prevent bacteria from forming. Some of our patients have this done in a single visit, though others return for multiple visits. Scaling and root planing is an important weapon against periodontal disease. Visit our website to learn more about non-surgical scaling and root planing.

Dental Implants

Missing, extracted or damaged teeth can be bothersome.  They can cause oral health problems and affect your self-esteem.  Fortunately, we offer several restorative options at our dentistry.  Dental implants are one of the best ways to replace a missing tooth and restore your smile.  Dental implants are prosthetic teeth that are rooted to your jawbone for a secure fit.  They are custom designed to blend in with the natural appearance of your smile and offer several benefits over other dental restoratives:

• ·         Security – there is no need to worry about your implant slipping or sliding out of place.


• ·         Natural feel – since they are rooted directly to your jawbone, they feel just like the rest of your natural teeth.


• ·         Ease of maintenance – you care for your new implant just as you would your natural teeth.


• ·         Cosmetically appealing – each implant is custom designed to match the shade and texture of your smile and is nearly indistinguishable from the rest of your smile.


• ·         Improved oral health – when you replace missing or damaged teeth, you prevent a number of periodontal health problems from affecting your smile.

If you are interested in restoring your smile with dental implants, we encourage you to contact our office.  We look forward to helping you find confidence and health in your smile.

Bone Grafting

We are committed to providing our patients with expert care for all of their dental needs.  That is why we maintain bone grafting capabilities at our dental practice.  Bone grafting is an excellent option for patients who need to build and strengthen their jawbones to fully support dental implants or other tooth prosthetics.  Since bone grafting is a surgical process, our Family Dental Rego Park patients gain peace of mind in knowing they can complete this procedure in a comfortable and trusting environment.

The bone grafting process begins by collecting a bone sample from another part of the jaw or body.  In some cases, cadaver bone fragments that are donated to bone banks can also be used for grafting purposes.  The bone sample is then used to patch and strengthen the future site of the prosthetic.  The bone graft will naturally heal and become part of your jaw, providing you with a strong and stable base for an implant or other restorative.

If you have been seeking dental implants in the Rego Park, NY area, but have been told your jaw may not be able to support the implant, contact us here at Family Dental Rego Park.  We are happy to provide patients with consultations and to discuss our bone grafting capabilities.

Periodontal Disease and Systemic Health

We are told from a young age the importance of brushing and flossing our teeth on a daily basis.  When we care for our teeth, we can prevent serious health problems and periodontal disease.  While most of us are familiar with the positive effects this can have for our smile, many don’t know that our oral health has a big effect on our overall health, too. 

Oral systemic health is the connection between your periodontal health and your overall health.  When you suffer from periodontal diseases like gum disease and periodontitis, your cardiovascular and neurological health may also be at risk.  Gum disease is increasingly linked to stroke, heart disease, increased blood pressure, diabetes, and even the presence of certain cancers.  With twice daily brushing and flossing, in addition to biannual dental cleanings, you can prevent plaque buildup and keep your smile free of tooth decay.  When your teeth are healthy, you can avoid oral problems like tooth loss, infection, jaw misalignment, in addition to various life threatening conditions.

We want to make sure that all of our patients remain happy and healthy.  If you are due for your six month dental cleaning, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our practice.  With good oral care habits you can maintain your smile and your health.

Dry Mouth

Many of us probably take salvia for granted.  However, salvia is responsible for moistening and cleansing our mouths, digesting food, and preventing infection.  When we don’t produce enough salvia, we experience an uncomfortable condition known as dry mouth.  This may develop as a side effect to a medication or medical treatment, nerve damage, dehydration, smoking or chewing tobacco, or open mouth breathing.  If you are experiencing dry mouth, there are a few things that you can do to improve saliva flow:

• ·         Try sucking on sugar-free candy or chewing sugar-free gum


• ·         Drink plenty of water


• ·         Brush your teeth, use fluoride rinse, and visit our practice regularly


• ·         Breath through your nose as often as possible


• ·         Use a humidifier


• ·         Use an over-the-counter artificial saliva substitute

If you are having trouble determining the reason behind your dry mouth, or you can’t find suitable relief, contact our practice.  We are happy to help find a solution that works for you.