Is crown lengthening painful?

During the procedure you should feel no pain at all. Local anesthesia ensures the surgical site is completely numb, and sedation is available if needed. After the procedure, you may experience some tenderness in the treated gums, bone, and teeth. Over-the-counter pain medication is typically sufficient to manage any post-operative discomfort.

Who performs crown lengthening?

Crown lengthening is performed by a periodontist. At Rockland Dental Specialists, Dr. Shalom Mintz, our board-certified periodontist and implantologist, performs crown lengthening for both cosmetic and restorative indications.

How long does crown lengthening recovery take?

The gums and bone require at least four to six weeks to heal fully before any further dental work can take place. Some cases may require a longer healing period depending on the extent of tissue removed.

What is a gummy smile and can crown lengthening fix it?

A gummy smile occurs when excess gum tissue is visible above the upper front teeth when smiling. Crown lengthening exposes the full anatomical crown of the teeth, creating a more balanced and proportionate smile.

Can crown lengthening be done on a single tooth?

Yes. When performed for restorative reasons it is typically done on a single tooth. Cosmetic crown lengthening often addresses multiple front teeth at once to create a balanced result.

When is crown lengthening necessary before a dental crown?

Crown lengthening is needed when decay or a fracture extends below the gumline, leaving insufficient tooth structure for a crown to grip securely. Removing gum and bone tissue creates the access needed to place a well-fitting, durable restoration.

What are the different types of dental implants?

Dental implants can replace a single tooth, support a multi-tooth bridge, or anchor a full-arch restoration using as few as four to six implants. They can also stabilize removable dentures and partials.

Why should I choose a periodontist for dental implants instead of a general dentist?

Periodontists complete three additional years of specialized training in bone, gum tissue, and implant placement. At Rockland Dental Specialists, Dr. Shalom Mintz and Dr. David Peto are board-certified periodontists and implantologists.

What happens during the dental implant procedure?

The process begins with 3D imaging and a consultation, followed by surgical implant placement into the jawbone under local anesthesia. After several months of osseointegration, a crown is attached to complete the restoration.

Do I need a bone graft before getting a dental implant?

Not every patient requires a bone graft. It is needed when there is insufficient jawbone volume to securely anchor the implant. Our team evaluates bone density using cone beam CT imaging during your consultation.

What is osseointegration, and why does it matter?

Osseointegration is the process by which the jawbone fuses to the titanium implant, creating a stable permanent anchor. This biological bond gives implants their strength and distinguishes them from bridges or dentures.

Can dental implants fail, and what causes failure?

Dental implants have a high success rate, but failure can occur due to insufficient bone, uncontrolled gum disease, smoking, or poor oral hygiene. Early intervention by a periodontist can often prevent full failure.

How do I care for a dental implant once it is placed?

Care for an implant like a natural tooth: brush twice daily, floss around the crown, and maintain regular periodontal cleanings. Monitoring for peri-implantitis is essential for long-term implant health.

Are dental implants in New City covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by plan. Some plans provide partial coverage, particularly for teeth lost due to injury or medical conditions. Rockland Dental Specialists offers complimentary insurance verifications and custom payment plans.

What are the signs of periodontal disease?

Common signs include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and deep pockets between the teeth and gums. In smokers, visible signs may be minimal even when disease is present.

Can periodontal disease be reversed?

Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) can be fully reversed with professional cleaning and improved home care. More advanced periodontal disease cannot be reversed, but it can be controlled and stabilized through periodontal treatment and ongoing maintenance.

Will a gum infection go away on its own?

No. Periodontal infections do not resolve without treatment. Without intervention, the infection progresses, destroying the bone and tissue that support the teeth, and can contribute to systemic health conditions.

How is periodontal disease connected to overall health?

Periodontal disease is associated with increased risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and has been linked to Alzheimer's disease. The bacteria and inflammation from untreated gum disease can enter the bloodstream and affect the rest of the body.

What are the stages of periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease progresses from gingivitis (reversible gum inflammation) through mild, moderate, and severe periodontitis, each involving increasing levels of bone and tissue loss around the teeth.

Can a periodontist place dental implants?

Yes. Periodontists are among the most qualified providers for dental implant placement because of their specialized training in the bone and gum tissue that support implants. At Rockland Dental Specialists, Dr. Shalom Mintz and Dr. David Peto are board-certified periodontists and implantologists.

Do I need a referral to see an oral surgery provider?

A referral is not always required. Many patients arrive after a recommendation from their general dentist, but you are welcome to contact our office directly if you have been told you need a complex extraction, wisdom tooth removal, or evaluation of an unusual growth in your mouth. Our team will review your situation and coordinate with your referring dentist as appropriate.

Does a tooth extraction remove the root?

Yes. A complete tooth extraction removes both the visible portion of the tooth and the root structure beneath the gum line. In surgical extractions, where a tooth is broken, impacted, or has curved roots, our team may need to section the tooth or carefully remove a small amount of surrounding bone to safely retrieve the entire root. Leaving root fragments behind can cause infection, so complete removal is always the goal.

What is wisdom teeth removal, and when is it necessary?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop, typically emerging in the late teens or early twenties. Many people do not have enough room in their jaw for these teeth to erupt properly, leading to impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth may cause pain, infection, pressure against neighboring teeth, or damage to adjacent roots. Removal is recommended when wisdom teeth are impacted, symptomatic, or at risk of causing problems down the line.

What is nitrous oxide sedation, and is it safe?

Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose. It produces a relaxed, comfortable state without putting you to sleep. It is commonly offered for extractions, wisdom tooth removal, and other oral surgery procedures. Effects wear off quickly after the mask is removed, and most patients are able to resume light activity shortly after their appointment.

What is an oral biopsy, and should I be concerned?

An oral biopsy is a procedure to evaluate an unusual growth, sore, or lesion in the mouth that has not resolved on its own. A small tissue sample is removed and analyzed by a pathologist. Most oral growths are benign. The biopsy is both a diagnostic tool and a treatment, since the growth is typically fully removed during the procedure. Early evaluation is always the safer approach.

What should I expect during recovery from oral surgery?

Most patients experience some degree of swelling and mild discomfort for the first few days following surgery. Your provider will give specific post-operative instructions, which typically cover diet, activity restrictions, and managing discomfort. Attending follow-up appointments and following your aftercare plan carefully are the most important steps for healing well and avoiding complications. Most patients return to normal activity within a few days, though more involved procedures may require a longer recovery window.

When should I see an oral surgery provider instead of my general dentist?

Your general dentist will usually refer you to a specialist when the need arises. Common indicators for oral surgery evaluation include impacted wisdom teeth, complex extractions, unusual growths or lesions, the need for bone grafting prior to implants, and cases involving patients with complex medical histories. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons notes that oral surgery providers have additional training for managing complex surgical cases and anesthesia in outpatient settings.

LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is an FDA-cleared laser treatment for periodontal disease that uses a specific wavelength of laser energy to target diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact.

How is LANAP different from traditional gum surgery?

Traditional gum surgery requires cutting the gums with a scalpel and suturing them back. LANAP uses laser energy instead, with no cutting, no sutures, and significantly less post-operative pain and recovery time.

Can LANAP treat advanced periodontal disease?

Yes. LANAP is specifically designed for moderate to advanced periodontal disease. It can address deep pockets and bone loss that have not responded adequately to scaling and root planing alone.

Who is a good candidate for LANAP?

Most adults with chronic periodontal disease are candidates for LANAP. It is particularly beneficial for patients who are medically compromised, on blood thinners, or who have anxiety about traditional surgery.

What should I expect during a LANAP procedure?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The laser fiber is inserted into the periodontal pocket to remove diseased tissue and bacteria. Most patients return to normal activity within a day or two.

Can LANAP regenerate lost bone?

Yes. LANAP is one of the few periodontal treatments with clinical evidence supporting bone regeneration around treated teeth, not just stabilization of existing bone.

How does LANAP compare to osseous surgery for treating gum disease?

Both treat periodontal disease but through different approaches. LANAP is minimally invasive with faster recovery. Osseous surgery involves cutting and reshaping bone. The right choice depends on disease severity, anatomy, and patient health.

How do I know if I need LANAP or scaling and root planing?

A periodontal evaluation including X-rays and pocket depth measurements determines the extent of disease. Scaling and root planing is the first-line treatment. LANAP is typically recommended when disease is moderate to advanced or has not fully responded to non-surgical care.

Blog - Page 10 of 17 - Rockland Dental Specialists

dentist looking at the mouth with tools and mirror

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Dental TreatmentBy rockland August 22, 2023

If you have been told you snore excessively, habitually breathe through your mouth, or have difficulty swallowing, the underlying cause may be rooted in how your tongue and facial muscles are functioning. These muscles work together to support breathing, speaking, and eating, and when they fall into improper resting patterns, the consequences can ripple into…

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What Are the Dangers of Uncontrolled Sleep Apnea?

Dental ProceduresBy rockland August 22, 2023

Sleep apnea is far more than a snoring problem. When left uncontrolled, this common sleep disorder causes breathing to stop and restart repeatedly throughout the night, depriving the body of the oxygen it needs to function. Over time, that repeated oxygen disruption puts serious stress on the cardiovascular system, raising the risk of high blood…

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Root Canals Explained

Dental ProceduresBy rockland July 24, 2023

If you have a cracked tooth or deep tooth decay, you may get a root canal to treat the issue. During this treatment, a dentist removes the infected pulp or center of the tooth, cleans and disinfects the inside, and fills it to seal the area and prevent future infection. These dental procedures can be…

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What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Dental DiseaseBy rockland June 30, 2023

With 10 to 30% of Americans suffering from sleep apnea, you may know someone with this sleep disorder, or you may even experience symptoms and not recognize them, leaving the issue untreated. Sleep apnea is a condition that stops your breathing while you sleep, causing disruptive sleep cycles that could leave you fatigued and unable…

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What Is the Surgical Removal of Dental Roots?

Dental ProceduresBy rockland June 6, 2023

If your teeth are overcrowded, decayed, or damaged from an accident, you may have to get them extracted. While this is a standard procedure, sometimes the tooth breaks off, leaving fragments lodged in the bone underneath. In these cases, patients may also need surgical removal of the dental root, a procedure that completely removes any…

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Man struggling with sleep apnea-related sleep deprivation.

Is Untreated Sleep Apnea Dangerous?

Dental ProceduresBy rockland May 18, 2023

Sleep apnea occurs when you stop breathing for short periods of time in your sleep. This can result from tissue blocking your airway or your brain not controlling your breathing. Regardless of which type of sleep apnea you have, if you leave the condition untreated, it could lead to serious health problems that could be…

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Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Gum Graft

Dental Hygiene, Dental TreatmentBy rockland May 2, 2023

If you had gum graft surgery, recovery plays a major role in the procedure’s success. Therefore, it’s essential to have a specialist that will support you through every step of the process to ensure it goes smoothly. At Rockland Dental Specialists, we understand the importance of recovery and strive to renew your confidence in your…

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Woman brushing teeth to prevent illness and tooth decay.

Can Poor Dental Hygiene Make You Sick?

Dental HygieneBy rockland April 28, 2023

While brushing your teeth can help prevent cavities and keep your teeth looking white and shiny, it can also prevent you from getting sick. People develop their dental hygiene habits at a young age, meaning both adults and children are at risk for health issues if they do not take proper care of their teeth.…

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6 Tips for Recovering From a Sinus Lift

Dental ProceduresBy rockland March 30, 2023

When getting sinus lift surgery, recovery is just as important as the preparation and procedure itself. It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s instructions and take every measure to ensure the area heals properly and successfully. At Rockland Dental Specialists in New York, we will support you every step of the way, including post-surgery, so you…

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Professional Dentist showing jaw and teeth the x-ray photograph and discussing during explaining the consultation treatment issues with patient and writing history list on report.

What Is the Difference Between a Periodontist and a Dentist?

Dental ProceduresBy rockland March 29, 2023

If you have been told you need to see a periodontist, you may be wondering how that differs from the dentist you already see. Both professionals play important roles in oral health, but their training, scope of practice, and the conditions they treat vary significantly. Knowing the difference can help you make more confident decisions…

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