Patient Education

Dental care and treatment can improve your smile and boost your self-confidence. Our highly experienced, board-certified dental professionals and compassionate staff make keeping healthy, attractive teeth for your lifetime a reality.

Pediatric Dentists of Long Island provides a full range of dental services including the following:

Cavities

Cavities are small holes in the teeth that form as a result of decay. During the decay process, the outer layers of the teeth, known as enamel and dentin, are worn away, leaving eroded areas called cavities.

Causes of Cavities

Cavities are caused by a buildup of bacteria, food particles and saliva which combine to form dental plaque, a film that coats the teeth. Since plaque is acidic, it can attack the tooth enamel, and then the dentin, causing decay which results in cavities. Regular tooth cleaning helps keep plaque away, but decay often occurs in the back teeth which are harder to clean. ...

Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry is an area of dentistry that specializes in treating the oral healthcare needs of children. Pediatric dentists provide regular checkups, cleanings and fluoride treatments, and overall oral treatment and care for children's teeth. Pediatric dentists also commonly apply sealants to children's teeth to prevent cavities. ...

Congenitally Missing Teeth

While many people lose teeth as a result of an injury or dental condition, some patients never develop certain teeth as a result of a congenital defect.

Reasons for Congenitally Missing Teeth

These defects most often occur as a result of hereditary factors and run in families, but congenitally missing teeth may also occur as a result of the following: ...

Conscious Sedation

Dental anxiety is a common phobia, which may affect individuals of any age. It manifests as fear of undergoing dental treatment or even visiting the dentist for a cleaning. Many people actually avoid going to the dentist because of this fear and as a result compromise their dental health. ...

Dental Fillings

Dental tooth fillings are a restorative treatment, used to improve the appearance and functionality of teeth affected by damage or decay. The filling materials, which can be made from several different substances, help to even out tooth surfaces for more efficient biting and chewing. Dental fillings can last for many years and help keep the tooth looking and functioning at its best. ...

Dental Trauma

Dental trauma involves any kind of injury to the face, teeth, gums or jaw line. Patients may experience trauma as a result of a sports injury, motor vehicle accident, or other type of incident. Dental trauma can also occur from eating foods that are too hard or drinking liquids that are too hot. These injuries can range from facial cuts and lacerations to more serious problems such as broken teeth and fractures. Trauma is most common among children, and the most common type of injury is a fracture of the tooth crown. ...

Malocclusion

Malocclusion is a term that refers to any abnormal alignment of the teeth. Nearly 90 percent of children have some degree of malocclusion, although, typically, only a small percentage of these cases is severe enough to require treatment. Types of malocclusion include the following: ...

Mouth Guards

A mouth guard is a customized device worn over the teeth to protect them from injury. Unlike a dental splint, which is an orthodontic device used to treat conditions such as teeth-grinding, snoring or sleep apnea, a mouth guard is primarily used to protect the teeth during athletic or recreational activities. ...

Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is essential for healthy teeth and gums. People older than 35 lose more teeth from gum disease than from cavities. Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a broad term that encompasses several different gum conditions, including gingivitis and periodontitis. Many adults are affected at some point in their lives. The best way to prevent periodontal disease, as well as cavities, is through a regimen of thorough daily brushing and flossing. ...

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a very effective tool in the prevention of cavities. Dental sealants are a thin plastic film or coating that is applied to the surface of teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier between the tooth and food, bacteria and plaque; all of which can cause cavities. Sealants successfully prevent bacterial formation that causes tooth decay and other damage. ...

Sedation Dentistry

Patients who are uncomfortable with needles and drills, have sensitive teeth or gums, or have a strong gag reflex can be helped by dental sedation. After one pill or injection, many patients feel no anxiety or discomfort during treatment. They often have little-or-no memory of the visit. ...

Sirona 3-D Scanning

One of the leading manufacturers of dental technology, Sirona offers advanced 3-D scanning through its GALILEOS Comfort imaging system. The GALILEOS Comfort system captures three-dimensional images of the entire jaw, including the jaw joints and other important anatomical structures of the craniofacial region. ...

Teething

Teething is a milestone in a child's development, but a troubling time for both babies and parents. As the first teeth emerge, babies may experience pain and swelling of the gums. The first set of teeth, the central incisors, either upper or lower, usually appear between the ages of 4 and 7 months. The teething process can last until the child reaches 3 years of age. ...

Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction, also known as exodontia, is one of the most common procedures performed at a dentist's office. The procedure involves removing or pulling a tooth. An extraction may be necessary if there is disease, trauma or overcrowding.

Causes for Tooth Extraction

Tooth extractions may be performed for the following reasons and/or to remove the following conditions: ...

Toothprints® Bite Impression System

The Toothprints® bite impression system offers a fast and painless way to record a child's bite for future use if that child should ever go missing.

The Toothprints dental-identification procedure is simple. The child is asked to bite down on a heated thermoplastic wafer. Within a few minutes, the bite is permanently recorded in the wafer. The wafer and a swab of saliva from the child's mouth are then placed in a plastic bag and given to the parent or guardian for safekeeping. A dental imprint is as unique as a fingerprint, and the swab contains traces of the child's DNA, giving the authorities invaluable forensic information if it is ever needed to assist in locating or identifying a missing child. ...