Thursday, November 21, 2013

Smoking and the Effects on Teeth and Your Overall Health

Most people are aware that smoking can cause lung cancer, emphysema and contribute to heart disease. Smoking can also have negative effects on your teeth and gums, which can impact your overall health.

Some of the effects smoking has on your mouth and health include:
  • Stained Teeth: Smoking can cause a discoloration of the teeth in a short time. The tar and nicotine can make teeth yellow.
  • Slower Healing After Oral Surgery: According to the American Dental Association, smoking can interfere with healing after oral surgery, such as an extraction.
  • Oral Cancer: One of the most serious health issues associated with smoking is oral cancer. Oral cancer can develop on various locations in the mouth, such as the cheek, gums, tongue and throat.
Smoking_Affects_Teeth.jpgIn addition to the effects listed above, smoking is also a risk factor for developing gum disease. Research has indicated that people who smoke often have more tartar and a higher risk of gum disease than non-smokers. Not only does smoking increase your chances of periodontal disease, it increases the progression of the disease. Smokers often have more bone loss than nonsmokers, which can lead to tooth loss.
 
Your best bet to improve your oral health and overall health is to quit smoking. In addition, correcting the damage smoking has done to your mouth and teeth is also essential. At Elite Dental Arts, we offer periodontal treatments that help improve oral health. If smoking has stained your teeth, we offer a variety of cosmetic options to brighten your smile.
 
For more information on our practice or to make an appointment, call Elite Dental Arts at (212)681-0939 or you may conveniently schedule online. Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments below.

Nick M. Mobilia, DDS
ELITE  DENTAL ARTS
9 East 45th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 681-0939
drmobilia@EliteDentalArts.com

BE SURE TO CONNECT WITH ELITE DENTAL ARTS


   
 

 



Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Sometimes it is obvious you have a cracked tooth. You may see the crack or recognize it when it happens. But in other cases, the crack is under the gum and you may not even notice it at first. When this occurs, the condition is known as cracked tooth syndrome. At Elite Dental Arts, we have experience treating various types of dental problems including cracked tooth syndrome.


Although it can affect any tooth, cracked tooth syndrome occurs more often in the molars. It can occur for a variety of reasons. For example, teeth which have had a root canal or have large fillings have a higher chance of cracking than those that do not. Symptoms include pain in the tooth, which may vary in intensity. In addition, some people also experience tooth sensitivity to the cold. If the crack becomes larger, the tooth may break.

Cracked_Tooth_with_fracture_line.jpg
Elite Dental Arts offers a variety of treatments for cracked tooth syndrome. The type of treatment recommended will depend on how large and deep the crack is along with which tooth is cracked. If the crack affects the pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be needed. In other instances, the cracked tooth may be fixed with a crown. Our experienced dentists will go over your treatment options and determine what treatment would work best for your individual circumstance.

For more information on cracked tooth syndrome or any other service, please call Elite Dental Arts at (212) 681-0939 or you may conveniently schedule online.  Please share your thoughts and comments below.
 
Nick M. Mobilia, DDS
ELITE  DENTAL ARTS
9 East 45th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 681-0939
drmobilia@EliteDentalArts.com

BE SURE TO CONNECT WITH ELITE DENTAL ARTS
   

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Obstructive Sleep Apnea


Obstructive sleep apnea can develop if the tongue or other muscles in the back of the throat become floppy and collapse. When the muscles relax or collapse it can cause an airway obstruction. That obstruction or blockage causes a cessation of breathing, known as apnea. People with obstructive sleep apnea may have many incidents of apnea an hour.

Sleep apnea can have several effects on overall health. Not only can it lead to poor sleep, but it can also cause headaches.  Sleep apnea can also increase your risk of high blood pressure, which may lead to heart disease. At Elite Dental Arts, we offer solutions for patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea.

We offer oral appliance therapy, which involves two different types of oral devices. Either type of device is custom made and worn while you sleep. One device is considered a tongue retaining device. It is worn in order to prevent the tongue from collapsing onto the back of the throat. The second oral appliance is called a mandibular advancement device. It works by pushing the jaw forward slightly, which keeps the airway open. Dental appliances for sleep apnea are usually covered by MEDICAL INSURANCE, which means no out of pocket expenses for you unless you have a deductible. At the end of the year, most deductibles have been usually satisfied.

For more information on oral appliance therapy or any other dental need, please call Elite Dental Arts at (212) 681-0939 or you may conveniently schedule online.  Please share your thoughts and comments below. 

Nick M. Mobilia, DDS
ELITE  DENTAL ARTS
9 East 45th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 681-0939
drmobilia@EliteDentalArts.com

BE SURE TO CONNECT WITH ELITE DENTAL ARTS