Periodontal disease affects millions of American adults every year. What begins as a reversible condition can turn into a destructive disease that eats away at the soft and hard tissues of the mouth and affect other aspects of a person’s health.

Good oral hygiene, visiting the dentist regularly, drinking plenty of water, and eating healthy are four key components to avoiding periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). To add another layer of protection to your teeth, gums, and jawbone, here are seven supplements to improve gum health and reduce the risk of periodontal disease:

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C has recently become very popular for skincare because it aids in the production of collagen, which keeps skin from sagging. For the same reason, vitamin C benefits gum health. A vitamin C deficiency may make the gums weaker and more vulnerable to disease-causing bacteria.

By taking a vitamin C supplement, patients with gum disease may also experience reduced symptoms.

2. B Vitamins

Folate, B12, and other complex B vitamins are associated with healthier gums. One study in Japan concluded that increased intake of folic acid improved gingival health. Another study found that B12 deficiencies in children increase the risk of cavities and poor gum health.

Rather than taking a supplement, some people opt to improve their diets by eating foods that contain high levels of B vitamins, such as:

•         Liver
•         Seafood
•         Poultry
•         Eggs
•         Legumes
•         Leafy greens
•         Seeds

3. CoQ10

Our bodies naturally produce Coenzyme Q10 in the cells. It is stored in the mitochondria for energy. CoQ10 protects cells from disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Unfortunately, this production decreases with age, making people more vulnerable to disease and sickness.

Taking CoQ10 supplements will reduce gum inflammation and help the body fight off periodontal disease bacteria.

4. Zinc

Zinc, which is found in protein-rich foods, grains, and spinach, has an antioxidant effect on the gums. In fact, low levels of zinc can worsen periodontal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.

5. Green Tea

Another simple way to improve gum health is to sip on green tea throughout the day. Green tea in any form fights against inflammation and bacterial growth. Some scientists believe that green tea could eventually be a first treatment for periodontal disease, though there isn’t enough evidence to support that just yet.

6. Melatonin

That supplement that so many people take to make them fall asleep? It actually does so much more! Melatonin is a hormone that affects your immune system function, blood pressure regulation, and oral health. Some studies show that people with severe periodontal disease often have low levels of melatonin.

7. Curcumin

Found in turmeric, curcumin has incredible anti-inflammatory effects that benefit gum health. By diminishing bacterial growth, curcumin reduces bleeding and inflamed gums. A study by Clinical and Experimental Dental Research concluded that people who took 80mg of curcumin a day for 4 weeks experienced decreased periodontal inflammation and bleeding.

Periodontal Disease Treatment in Manhattan

If you’re already suffering from gum disease, you aren’t alone. The key to healing is immediate dental care. At Modern Dental of Manhattan, our team uses conservative and effective treatments to eradicate periodontal disease. For severe cases, we offer professional intervention to keep it from progressing and restorative treatments to undo the damage caused by periodontitis.

To learn more about our practice and periodontal disease treatments, contact us today at (212) 758-1000.

How might a more beautiful smile affect your life? Well, for starters, a more attractive smile could improve your oral and overall health by aligning crooked, gapped, or crowded teeth. People with beautiful smiles also tend to have higher confidence and self-esteem and others view them as more attractive, smarter, and more accomplished. How’s that for life-changing?

A smile makeover is one of the best ways to achieve a dramatically enhanced smile. The goal of a smile makeover is to improve the appearance of the teeth and gums through the combination of multiple cosmetic and restorative dental procedures.

Smile Makeover Treatments

A smile makeover includes a combination of treatments and procedures, such as:

Porcelain veneers

These are thin, porcelain shells that sit on the front surface of teeth in the “smile zone.” Veneers can be used for just one tooth or several teeth. Each veneer is specially made for each patient.

Tooth-colored fillings:

Have silver fillings that you’d like to get rid of? Dentists can safely remove the silver amalgam and replace it with tooth-colored resin that looks natural and works just as effectively.

Teeth whitening treatment

A bright, white smile is one of the most desirable and attractive traits a person can have. With professional teeth whitening, patients can achieve a smile that’s up to eight shades brighter in just one appointment.

Dental implants

For patients with missing teeth, dental implants are an incredible option. These can be attached to a dental crown, bridge, or denture, and provide numerous benefits, such as:

•         Durability
•         Jawbone regeneration
•         Stability
•         Longevity

Full or partial dentures

Dentures are another tooth replacement option that is more affordable and life-like.

Crowns and bridges

Dental crowns and bridges can be used in a traditional way or in conjunction with dental implants. Either way, your smile will be more functional, healthier, and more beautiful than before.

Invisalign

Have crooked, gapped, or crowded teeth? Invisalign can fix that! These nearly invisible braces help patients with all types of orthodontic needs, as long as they are willing to commit to the process. Talk to a dentist about whether or not you are a candidate for this innovative orthodontic option.

These treatments are both restorative and cosmetic. Implants, dentures, crowns, and bridges focus on restoring the health and function of your smile while veneers, Invisalign, and whitening treatments focus on the appearance of your smile. However, the restorative treatments improve the appearance of the teeth, so they can double as cosmetic improvements as well!

How to Know Which Treatments You Need

To determine the best treatment options for your smile, visit an experienced cosmetic dentist near you for a consultation. During this appointment, the dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and jaw and listen to your concerns and hopes for your smile. Then, he will begin the process of putting together a customized treatment plan. Using 3D imaging, the dentist can show you the outcome of the smile makeover.

Once you are satisfied with the plan and results, the dentist will schedule your next appointment.

Get Started Today

A beautiful smile is just one phone call away. At Modern Dental of Manhattan, we value each and every one of our patients and desire to see them live happy and fulfilling lives—that’s why we offer smile makeovers! We know how life-changing they can be.

Contact our friendly team today at (212) 758-1000 to schedule an initial consultation. 

A broken arm, chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe vomiting, and changes in vision are some of the most common reasons to visit the emergency room. Most people don’t hesitate to go when they need to, and they rarely question whether a visit to the emergency room is necessary. Unfortunately, the same isn’t always true when it comes to emergency dentistry.

Dental emergencies sometimes don’t seem like emergencies. While that may be true in some cases, it’s best to let a dental professional decide what is an emergency and what isn’t.

Here are the five most common reasons a person requires emergency dentistry:

1. Lost tooth

Emergency tooth loss is extremely common, especially for children and adults who play sports. Almost any time a tooth falls out because of trauma, emergency dentistry is necessary.

While someone else is calling the dentist, follow these steps to salvage the tooth:

•         Pick the tooth up by the crown
•         Rinse it off with water
•         Place it in a cup of milk (preferably) or water
•         Bring it with you to the dentist’s office

Once there, the dentist may be able to reattach the tooth into the socket. If not possible, he or she will discuss other tooth-replacement options with you.

2. Cracked tooth

Popcorn kernels, ice, and hard non-food items have been known to crack teeth—that’s why we tell our patients not to chew them! However, we know it will still happen, so we continue to offer emergency care in these circumstances.

Like windshield cracks, tooth cracks and expand over time. If the crack spreads to the tooth root, bacteria can get inside the tooth and cause extreme pain. It’s best to have the crack covered or filled in before this occurs.

3. Chipped tooth

Like a cracked tooth, chipped teeth may pose a larger risk than they seem. This injury is usually a result of a sports injury, falling, or car accident. Thankfully, chips can be easily restored with a dental crown, bonding, or dental veneer.

To save a chipped tooth, follow the same procedure as in the tooth loss scenario and contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

4. Severe dental pain

A person with unexplained severe dental pain might not be able to wait until the next day to receive treatment. Pain medication and time usually soothe mild to moderate toothaches.  However, severe toothaches can last for hours without relief. In these cases, immediate diagnosis and treatment are usually necessary.

5. Loose teeth

It’s normal for children to have loose teeth but not for adults. A loose tooth could result from an injury, cavities, or gum disease. Early intervention may help save the tooth, so it’s best to contact your dentist right away. In these cases, the dentist may say that emergency dentistry isn’t necessary but will schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Emergency Dentistry in Manhattan

There’s no better time to prepare for a dental emergency than right now. 

At Modern Dental of Manhattan, our compassionate and experienced team is dedicated to providing excellent dental care whenever our patients need it. Contact our office today at (212) 758-1000 to schedule an appointment or to ask questions about our services. Don’t forget to save our number so you know who to call when a dental emergency arises!  

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a treatable condition that can turn into a chronic one when not treated in time. Unfortunately, this inflammatory disease affects millions of American adults. In fact, it is the leading cause of tooth loss, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Visiting an experienced and trusted dentist is one of the quickest and most sure ways to determine if you have gum disease. Many times, the symptoms of gum disease are extremely discreet. However, in some cases, patients can easily spot the signs.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of gum disease:

1. Red, swollen gums

Inflammation along the gum line is one of the first signs of gum disease. Patients usually notice this symptom while brushing and flossing as the gums will feel more tender than usual. Red, swollen gums can also be a sign of irritation due to brushing too hard or eating certain foods—be sure to rule those out before diagnosing yourself with gum disease!

2. Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing is one of the most noticeable symptoms of gum disease. Anytime a person sees blood in the sink after brushing or on their floss, it’s a good idea to contact a dentist to schedule an appointment. At this point, the disease may be reversible.

3. Persistent bad breath

Bad breath occurs for several reasons. Fortunately, it usually goes away after brushing and flossing. When bad breath persists even after a thorough at-home cleaning, it may indicate a serious oral health problem. Periodontal disease is just one possible explanation—the bacteria in the mouth release toxins that cause irritation and produce a foul odor.

Covering up persistent bad breath with gum and mints is never a good idea or a sufficient treatment. Contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule a dental cleaning and exam appointment to get to the root cause of the problem.

4. Shrinking gums

Are your gums getting shorter? Does it look like your teeth are getting longer? You aren’t going crazy. The disease-causing bacteria in a mouth affected by gum disease eat away at the gingiva (gum tissue), making it pull away from the teeth and creating pockets where the bacteria accumulate.

As the gums pull away from the teeth and expose the tooth roots, patients may also experience dental sensitivity.

5. Shifting teeth

During advanced periodontitis, the last stage of gum disease, patients may notice that their teeth are moving. Without the support of the gum tissue, and with the disease attacking the bone that holds the teeth in place, teeth become unstable and will begin to drift out of their sockets. Eventually, the teeth will fall out if the patient doesn’t seek treatment.

Most patients notice a difference in the way their teeth fit together when they bite rather than just by looking at their teeth in the mirror. If you suspect that gum disease has shifted your teeth, contact your dentist immediately.

Gum Disease Treatment in Manhattan

Our goal at Modern Dental of Manhattan is to help patients achieve and maintain optimal gum health. when gum disease does attack, we’re prepared to offer gentle and effective treatment.

Don’t wait to visit the dentist until you experience these symptoms—at that point, it may be too late to reverse the gum disease!

Contact our friendly dental team today at (212) 758-1000 to get the help you need to maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.

Missing teeth are an issue for patients of all ages. Thankfully, modern dentistry offers several restorative options, so no one has to live with an incomplete and poorly functioning smile. Among many patients, dental implants are the number one choice. Most dentists prefer them as well!

A dental implant is a small, screw-like device that dentists carefully insert into the patient’s jawbone. It takes the place of the tooth root, which is so important for maintaining a healthy smile! Once the implant has healed, a dental crown is attached to the top, and the entire tooth is fully restored.

So, what makes this restorative option so special? Continue reading to learn the top four reasons patients choose dental implants.

1. Permanency

Dentures and dental bridges often need to be replaced at least once in a person’s lifetime. Dentists expect dental implants to last at least 25 years, but most last a lifetime.

The implants are made from biocompatible materials so the patient never has to worry about their body reacting negatively to the device. The strong bond between the jawbone and implant creates a permanent and stable foundation for the crown.

The crown is the only part of this restoration that may need to be replaced. However, when patients follow their dentist’s instructions, their crowns should last just as long as their implant.

2. Jawbone regrowth

Without the support of the implant, patients experience facial atrophy. This is the resorption of the jawbone that causes the face to sag, making them appear older than they actually are.

To combat this issue, the implant and jawbone join together through a process called osseointegration. Just like a natural tooth root, an implant supports and stimulates the jawbone so that it grows back and strengthens as if the tooth was never missing!

3. Versatility

Dental implants aren’t just for those with one missing tooth. They can also be attached to dentures and dental bridges. In each scenario, the dentist uses his expertise to place the implants carefully and properly.

When dental implants are used to replace more than two teeth in a row, dentists will use fewer implants than teeth. For example, if a patient is missing an entire arch of teeth, the dentist can place four implants to hold the entire denture in place. Another example would be if a patient is missing three teeth in a row, the dentist would only use two implants on the outside teeth. The greatest benefit to this option is that none of the patient’s healthy, remaining natural teeth need to be altered.

4. High success rates

If you’re looking for the safest and most successful restorative option, dental implants are it! Choosing an experienced dentist, like ours, is a key component to the success of an implant.

A major reason that implants are so successful is that dentists can easily identify who is a suitable candidate and who isn’t. Once it has been determined that a person is a good candidate, the process can begin!

In cases where the dentist is experienced, the patient is healthy, and there are no complications during healing, dental implants are 98 percent successful, meaning patients don’t experience complications later on and the implants never have to be replaced.

Dental Implants in Manhattan

Ready to experience all the benefits of dental implants? Our experienced and compassionate dental team at Modern Dental of Manhattan is prepared to help! Contact us today at (212) 758-1000 to schedule your initial consultation. 

 

Porcelain veneers have long been an option for creating a perfect smile. In the past, veneers were more like removable dentures. Modern porcelain veneers are a permanent, realistic-looking solution. 

Life-Changing Cosmetic Dentistry

There’s no shame in not having a perfect smile. Most people aren’t born with perfectly shaped or aligned teeth, and it’s nearly impossible to avoid chips, cracks, and stains throughout the years. Every set of teeth is unique– and that’s how they should be! However, some aspects of our smiles can cause us to feel self-conscious, affecting every area of our lives. 

For instance, a person with yellow-stained teeth may not feel comfortable giving a work presentation that could lead to a promotion. Or someone with a chipped front tooth may hesitate to ask their crush on a date that could lead to a lifetime of love! While we certainly don’t believe these things should drastically affect a person’s life, it does happen. 

Thankfully, cosmetic dentistry offers a solution: porcelain veneers. These thin shells permanently cover up dental imperfections so you can live a more confident life. 

Here are 5 problems that dental veneers correct: 

1. Intrinsic stains

Unlike extrinsic dental stains, intrinsic ones cannot be remedied by whitening toothpaste or professional whitening. Intrinsic stains occur below the surface, usually because of fluoride overexposure, medication, trauma, or aging. Dental veneers effectively conceal these dental stains while looking and feeling completely natural. 

2. Cracks and chips

Veneers restore the function and appearance of a cracked or chipped tooth. Fractured teeth may pose a health risk and should be addressed as soon as possible. As long as the crack hasn’t damaged the inner part of the tooth, a dental veneer can be placed. In this case, the veneers actually help protect against disease, decay, and further damage. 

3. Gaps between teeth

Braces tend to be the most common solution for gapped teeth. Unfortunately, most adults don’t want to endure months or years of orthodontic treatment to obtain a perfectly spaced smile. Dentists can design as many perfectly-shaped porcelain veneers as it takes to fill in the gaps, providing patients with a beautiful smile in just a couple of appointments. 

4. Short or misshapen teeth

Most patients desire that all of their teeth look uniform. Just one short or misshapen tooth can stick out like a sore thumb, making it the only thing you see when you look in the mirror. Porcelain veneers hide these imperfections so you no longer feel self-conscious about your smile. 

5. Overcrowding

Veneers can give the appearance of a more aligned smile without the hassle of bulky, metal braces. Dentists may suggest this treatment for minor cases of misalignment that don’t affect a person’s bite or put their oral health at risk. 

For more severe cases of dental misalignment, we may recommend traditional braces or Invisalign clear aligners. 

Porcelain Veneers in Manhattan

Ready to transform your smile? At Modern Dental of Manhattan, our first goal is to help patients gain a healthy smile; then, a beautiful one. 

Our team of experts includes a cosmetic dentist with the experience and skill to create the smile of your dreams. Dr. Dan Vogel specializes in cosmetic dentistry, along with dental extractions, and wisdom tooth problems. 

 Contact our friendly Manhattan Dental team today at (212) 758-1000 to schedule an initial consultation and learn if porcelain veneers are right for you.