General Dentistry Tuckahoe, NY

General dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving your oral health and preventing common dental problems. With this process, we can prevent, diagnose, and treat a wide range of dental conditions that affect the teeth, gums, and mouth.

Your oral health is a vital part of your overall well-being. One of the best ways to keep yourself and your mouth healthy is by preventing dental issues before they start. Dr. Gorsky takes a personalized approach to your oral health and works with patients of all ages to help prevent common dental problems between routine dental care visits. 

General Dentistry in Tuckahoe, NY

Comprehensive Evaluation/Oral Examination

An oral examination is a visual inspection of the mouth, head, and neck performed to detect abnormalities.  Radiographs allow for a complete examination, helping the doctor to detect cavities, problems in existing dental restorations, gum, and bone recession, or other abnormal conditions within the mouth, head, and neck area.

Dental Cleaning

A dental cleaning, also known as an oral prophylaxis, is the removal of dental plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. Specialized instruments are used to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth. First, an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations and is cooled by water is used to loosen larger pieces of tartar. Next, hand tools are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. Once all the tooth surfaces have been cleaned of tartar and plaque, the teeth are polished.

Custom Mouthguards

If you are anything like we are, you like to play hard. That’s why we offer sports mouthguards. Mouthguards protect smiles from all kinds of injuries – because no matter how good you are at your chosen game, accidents happen!

We also really encourage parents to choose dentist-made mouthguards for their children. Over-the-counter, boil-and-bite mouthguards don’t fit as well or protect as thoroughly as a mouthguard created by your dentist from dental impressions.

Teeth Grinding

Bruxism comes from the Greek word brygmós, which means “gnashing of teeth.” If you have ever slept near someone who suffers from bruxism, you know this is an apt description. Many people grind their teeth and never realize it. Often, patients discover that they grind their teeth when serious pain or damage results.

The primary symptoms of bruxism are:

  • Grinding or clenching of teeth
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Jaw pain
  • Headache and facial pain
  • Worn, chipped, breaking teeth
  • Flattened tooth surfaces
  • Exposure of tooth layers and loss of enamel
  • Earache from jaw muscle tension and contraction
  • A scalloped tongue or irregular tongue edges
  • Damaged mouth tissue

If you notice any of these symptoms, please call our office. He can help you find relief and protect your teeth!

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth roots after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canals are most often necessary when decay has reached the nerve of the tooth, or the tooth has become infected.  When root canal therapy is performed, the infected or inflamed pulp is removed from the tooth chamber. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned and disinfected before being filled and sealed to limit the possibility of future infection.  Soon after the root canal is performed, the tooth is restored with a dental crown or filling to protect the tooth and restore normal tooth function.

Fluoride Treatments

There are many common lifestyle habits that can potentially damage your teeth – for example, eating sugary foods and drinking acidic drinks. Even if you never touch a soda, juice, and red wine can take a toll on your enamel.

One way to help strengthen your teeth and reverse this damage is through re-mineralizing Fluoride treatments.

While you may have always thought of Fluoride treatments as something for children, adults can also benefit from Fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral known for its benefits in fighting tooth decay, stopping the progress of newly formed cavities, and making the tooth more resistant to attacks from plaque bacteria, acids, and sugars. We don’t push Fluoride for our adult patients, but if you are decay or cavity-prone or drink un-fluoridated water, we will suggest Fluoride treatments.

Dr. Gorsky also likes to use fluoride to treat anyone who has had major restorative work.

Tooth Extractions

A tooth that can not be saved with restorative procedures may need to be removed. Before removal of the tooth, the area will be numbed with anesthesia. The tooth is loosened from the jawbone and surrounding ligaments and tissues with a gentle rocking motion. Once it is loose, it is gently removed. Stitches may be necessary after the removal of a tooth.

Why Focus on Oral Health?

We believe that excellent oral health has a significant impact on our patients’ lives and provide services to help our patients maintain or improve their oral health. Keeping the mouth free of harmful bacteria, infection, and inflammation helps to prevent the entry and spread of germs or illnesses.

Having strong, healthy teeth, gums, and proper bite are also critical to a beautiful and healthy smile. For patients who have already experienced tooth loss, implants can help repair and maintain oral and overall health by replacing natural teeth and minimizing bone loss.

What are the Effects of Good Oral Health?

  • Eat and chew healthy, nourishing foods
  • Defend your body against infection and illness
  • Get a good night’s sleep
  • Enjoy a feeling of well-being
  • Have the confidence to smile

Recognizing the important connection between the mouth and the body, we routinely watch for signs of problems that may affect your overall health, such as:

  • Signs of oral cancer
  • Ability to chew and eat without unnecessary sensitivity
  • Quality of sleep by checking for evidence of bruxism (or teeth grinding) and also watching for signs of snoring and sleep apnea

Although scientific research is just beginning to provide us with more conclusive information, it appears that gum disease may have links to some of the following health problems:

Diabetes

Research has indicated that people with diabetes are more at risk for developing gum disease and that diabetics who have advanced periodontal disease may experience some additional challenges in managing their blood sugar.

Systemic Diseases

Although the scientific research at this point remains inconclusive, these diseases appear to have a link to periodontal conditions:

Osteoporosis – Bone loss not only affects the bones that support healthy posture and movement, but can affect the jaw bone and lead to tooth loss due to the loss of a solid foundation to support the teeth.

Respiratory Disease – The aspiration of bacteria growing in the oral cavity can contribute to the development of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.

Cancer – According to the American Academy of Periodontology, men with gum disease are more likely to develop specific types of cancer, such as kidney, pancreatic, and blood cancers.

Scientists are also currently researching to determine if there is a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, memory, and pre-term or low birth weight babies.

By visiting our office for regular cleanings and exams, you increase your ability to achieve and maintain optimal oral health and prevent gum disease and associated health risks.