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 surgeon?

No referral is required in most cases. You can contact Rockland Dental Specialists directly to schedule an oral surgery consultation.

Does a tooth extraction remove the root?

Yes. A standard tooth extraction removes the entire tooth including the root. The root is not left behind in the jaw.

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

Wisdom teeth removal is the surgical extraction of the third molars. It is recommended when they are impacted, causing crowding, pain, infection, or damaging adjacent teeth.

What is IV sedation, and is it safe for dental procedures?

IV sedation delivers sedative medication through a vein, producing a deeply relaxed state during the procedure. It is safe when administered by trained oral surgeons and is commonly used for wisdom tooth removal and implant procedures.

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

An oral biopsy removes a small sample of abnormal tissue for laboratory analysis. Most oral growths are benign, but biopsy is the only definitive way to rule out cancer. Early evaluation is always recommended.

What should I expect during recovery from oral surgery?

Recovery varies by procedure. Most patients experience some swelling and discomfort for several days. Following post-operative instructions — including rest, soft foods, and prescribed medications — supports faster healing.

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

You should see an oral surgeon when a procedure requires advanced training, hospital privileges, IV sedation, or management of complex medical conditions. Impacted teeth, facial trauma, and atypical infections are examples.

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.

Myofunctional Therapy in New City, NY

If you experience issues with your nose, throat, tongue, or mouth — including sleep apnea, snoring, mouth breathing, or orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD) — it is important to find a provider who will consider every minimally invasive option before recommending surgery. One treatment that addresses a wide range of these concerns is orofacial myofunctional therapy, a targeted series of exercises that strengthen the muscles of your face, jaw, and throat to improve tongue placement, chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing. Our team at Rockland Dental Specialists in New City, NY can help determine whether this treatment is right for children and adults experiencing these disorders.

Table of Contents

We consider every possible treatment, including myofunctional therapy, before recommending surgery. Our compassionate team understands that seeking dental care can feel overwhelming, so we always prioritize your comfort and safety in our relaxing, high-end offices. Ultimately, we strive to give you a stress-free experience that leaves you satisfied with your smile and overall oral health.

What Is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy targets the orofacial muscles you use to chew and swallow to strengthen your tongue, mouth, cheeks, and throat. This therapy addresses myofunctional disorders that can affect sleep quality, speech development, and airway function. It involves tongue exercises that can be done by anyone over six years old, and you can do them at home between sessions.

These exercises typically include the following:

Tongue press: Place the tip of the tongue against the hard palate on the roof of your mouth and behind your teeth, and push upwards with controlled pressure
Tongue reach: Stick out your tongue and try to touch the tip of your nose and the bottom of your chin
Lateral stretch: Stick out your tongue and move it as far right and left as you can
Tongue roll: Roll your tongue so the edges fold towards the middle and stick it out as far as you can
Click drill: Make loud clicking sounds with your tongue against the roof of your mouth
Spoon resistance: Push the tip of your tongue against a spoon while keeping it straight
Lip balance: Hold the handle of a metal spoon between your lips, keeping it parallel to the floor, and add items to the spoon as you improve

A professional can help you determine what specific exercises you need to do and how long the therapy will last based on your condition and symptoms. Every patient is different, so some take longer to see results, while others see results in just a few sessions.

Common Symptoms and Disorders Treated

Myofunctional therapy effectively addresses various orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD) and symptoms that impact sleep, speech, and overall oral health. Common issues our team treats include:

Sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing: Strengthening airway muscles to reduce obstruction during sleep
Chronic snoring: Improving tongue posture to maintain open airways
Mouth breathing: Retraining nasal breathing patterns and correcting improper oral muscle function
Tongue thrust: Correcting abnormal swallowing patterns that can affect dental development
Speech problems: Addressing articulation difficulties caused by improper tongue placement and oral musculature
Open bite: Treating malocclusion related to tongue positioning
Difficulty with eating or swallowing: Improving coordination of oral muscles
Jaw pain and TMJ disorders: Relieving pressure through proper muscle function

If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or your child, an evaluation at Rockland Dental Specialists can help determine whether myofunctional therapy is the right course of action.

4 Goals of Myofunctional Therapy

When we suggest implementing myofunctional therapy exercises, we want to accomplish four primary goals for your mouth, tongue, and throat. Achieving the following objectives can improve your tongue and mouth’s overall functionality, enhance sleep quality, and relieve any pain in these areas:

Correct swallowing pattern: Prevent tongue thrust and establish a healthy swallow reflex
Lip seal: Promote proper jaw development by maintaining closed lips at rest
Proper tongue posture: Maintain airway openness by training the tongue to rest at the roof of the mouth
Nasal breathing: Improve sleep quality and reduce snoring by shifting from mouth breathing to nasal breathing

If you experience allergies, congestion, and other sinus issues, you may find it difficult to breathe through your nose. This may result in an open-mouth habit and cause your tongue to rest low in your mouth. These habits may change the shape of your face and weaken your facial muscles, preventing them from functioning properly. Myofunctional therapy works to correct these habits and meet the goals of the treatment.

Who May Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy in New City, NY?

This type of treatment can be helpful for those with certain medical conditions, as well as different habits that may have developed over time, which may cause low tongue placement and open-mouth breathing. Both children and adults can benefit from myofunctional therapy if they have any of the following conditions or practice the following habits:

Sleep apnea and sleep-related breathing disorders
Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use
Orthodontic issues, including an open bite
Headaches related to jaw pressure
Nail biting or chronic lip licking
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Neck pain
Enlarged tonsils affecting the airway
Breastfeeding difficulties in infants
Poor oral hygiene habits

Our team may suggest this treatment if they are concerned about the movement of your teeth when your tongue pushes against them. For children showing early signs of sleep apnea or speech problems, early intervention with tongue exercises can prevent more serious developmental issues. Depending on your health history and comfort level, you may not want to take medications that have potential side effects or undergo surgery. In this case, myofunctional therapy in New City, NY exercises may be the ideal solution that fixes your issue with minimal risk and maximum benefits.

What to Expect: Your Myofunctional Therapy Process

Our team follows a structured, patient-centered process designed to identify the root cause of your symptoms and build a therapy plan tailored to your needs.

Step 1 — Comprehensive Evaluation
We assess tongue placement, resting posture, swallowing patterns, breathing habits, and any related symptoms. This allows us to identify the specific muscle dysfunction contributing to your condition.

Step 2 — Personalized Therapy Plan
Based on your evaluation, we design a customized exercise program targeting your specific needs — whether that means addressing sleep apnea, tongue thrust, mouth breathing, or orthodontic concerns.

Step 3 — Build Muscle Strength
Targeted exercises retrain the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks, and throat. Many exercises can be practiced at home between appointments to accelerate progress.

Step 4 — Establish Healthy Patterns
We reinforce correct tongue posture, nasal breathing, and proper swallowing until these patterns become automatic and sustainable long-term.

Step 5 — Ongoing Monitoring
Regular follow-up appointments allow us to track your progress, adjust your program as needed, and coordinate with other providers such as orthodontists or ENT specialists when appropriate.

The Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Myofunctional Therapy

Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans, disrupting sleep quality and overall health. Myofunctional therapy offers a non-invasive approach to treating sleep-related breathing disorders by strengthening the muscles that maintain your airway during sleep. Research shows that regular practice of specific exercises can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of apnea events, improve oxygen levels during sleep, and support more restful nights. By improving muscle tone in the throat and promoting proper tongue posture, patients often experience meaningful improvement in sleep quality within weeks of starting therapy.

If you are experiencing neck pain, sleep apnea, snoring, or difficulty swallowing, your doctor may recommend myofunctional therapy treatment. At Rockland Dental Specialists in New City, NY, we may also suggest these tongue exercises to speed up the orthodontic treatment process and address the underlying myofunctional patterns that contribute to bite and alignment issues. Our team takes a personalized approach and creates a plan based on your unique needs and the severity of your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Myofunctional Therapy

Below are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask about myofunctional therapy at Rockland Dental Specialists.

How does myofunctional therapy help with sleep apnea?

Myofunctional therapy strengthens the muscles of the tongue, throat, and soft palate that tend to collapse during sleep, restricting the airway. By training these muscles to maintain proper tone and position, therapy can reduce the frequency and severity of apnea events. It is often recommended alongside other treatments or as a non-surgical first step for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.

What do myofunctional therapy exercises involve?

Exercises focus on retraining the tongue, lips, cheeks, and jaw through repetitive movements that build muscle strength and correct resting posture. Common exercises include tongue presses against the palate, lip closure drills, lateral tongue stretches, and resistance training using a spoon. Most can be done at home and take only minutes per day.

Is myofunctional therapy effective for children?

Yes. Children are often ideal candidates because their muscles and habits are still developing. Early intervention can address mouth breathing, tongue thrust, and speech issues before they cause more serious orthodontic or developmental problems. Our team welcomes children six years and older for myofunctional evaluations.

Can myofunctional therapy change the appearance of the face?

Over time, correcting oral muscle function and breathing patterns can positively influence facial development, particularly in younger patients whose bone is still developing. Mouth breathing is associated with a narrower jaw, longer facial structure, and dental crowding. Addressing these habits early through myofunctional therapy supports more balanced facial growth alongside orthodontic treatment.

How long does myofunctional therapy take to work?

Results vary depending on the condition, its severity, and how consistently a patient follows through with home exercises. Some patients notice improvements in breathing or sleep within a few weeks. A full course of therapy typically spans several months, with regular monitoring throughout to track progress and adjust the program as needed.

How is myofunctional therapy related to tongue tie or lip tie?

A tongue tie or lip tie can restrict movement and prevent the tongue from resting in the correct position. Myofunctional therapy is often recommended both before and after a frenectomy procedure to prepare the muscles and reinforce new movement patterns following release. Our team coordinates care with appropriate providers when a structural issue is identified.

How do I know if myofunctional therapy is right for me or my child?

An evaluation at Rockland Dental Specialists is the best way to determine whether myofunctional therapy is appropriate. Our team will assess your symptoms, review your health history, and discuss your goals before making any recommendations. We take a conservative approach and only suggest treatment when we believe it will provide clear benefit.

Schedule a Myofunctional Therapy Evaluation at Rockland Dental Specialists in New City, NY

Rockland Dental Specialists offers myofunctional therapy for patients of all ages in New City, NY and the surrounding Rockland County area. Our team works closely with each patient to identify the root cause of their symptoms and build a therapy plan that addresses their specific needs — whether that means improving sleep, correcting a swallow pattern, supporting orthodontic treatment, or helping a child develop healthy breathing habits from an early age. We offer complimentary insurance verifications and create custom payment plans that cater to each patient’s individual needs. Our high-end office is designed to optimize comfort, with large dental chairs, complimentary amenities, and a welcoming team that ensures a calm, stress-free experience.

To schedule your evaluation, fill out our contact form and a member of our team will be in touch.