Arestin to Fight Gum Disease

During a scaling and root planing, often times an antibiotic will be added to the area to continue the fight against gum disease. Dr. Brandon Huang of New York Dental Studio in New York, NY chooses to use Arestin, a self-dissolving antibiotic.

When gum plaque builds up and causes a bacterial infection, the irritated gums begin to pull away from the tooth and create deep pockets. These pockets allow bacteria to reach deep down by the tooth’s root. In order to clear up the gum disease, the bacteria must be removed. Scaling removes bacteria from the tooth and its root. Planing smooths the surface of the tooth so that bacteria cannot harbor in rough patches. Though scaling and planing removes a lot of the bacteria, often it cannot reach the deepest part of the pocket. This is where an antibiotic comes in.

In the past, antibiotic fibers would be placed into the gums and would have to be removed at a later date. These days, Arestin is around. Dr. Huang places Arestin into the gums and it dissolves on its own, so there is no need to take it out. Arestin also is time-released, so it continues to kill bacteria long after it is applied.

If you have irritated gums, the time is now to come in to see Dr. Brandon Huang, DDS of New York Dental Studio in New York, NY. To schedule, call us at (212) 588-1809 or visit our website, www.newyorkdentalstudio.com. 

Choosing a Toothbrush

With all of the commercials and other advertisements for different toothbrushes, who is to know which one to pick? Dr. Brandon Huang, DDS of New York Dental Studio in New York, NY wants to inform his patients of what to look for in a toothbrush.

When it comes to choosing between an electric toothbrush and a manual one, studies show that there isn’t much of a difference. Manual toothbrushes can do just as good of a job at cleaning your teeth as electric ones. One difference to keep in mind though, is that electric toothbrushes are a lot easier on those who have difficulty using their hands. The electric toothbrush does most of the work, so those with say, arthritis, may get a better cleaning out of it. A non-slip grip will also make all the difference when maneuvering the brush around the mouth.

Some may think that a bigger brush head with more bristles would be the best option. However, smaller heads are actually better. They allow the toothbrush to access more areas of the mouth, making sure you are able to scrub every surface.

Soft bristles are best for plaque removal. Bristles that are too stiff may harm gums and enamel. However, do not choose a toothbrush that says soft unless directed by your dentist. Choose one that says medium instead.

To schedule your regular cleaning with Dr. Huang, DDS of New York Dental Studio in New York, NY, call us at (212) 588-1809 or visit our website, www.newyorkdentalstudio.com. 

What is the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar?

Plaque is a clear, sticky film of bacteria that forms on our teeth caused by foods, drinks, and saliva. Plaque forms on all surfaces of the teeth and in between them several hours after brushing.

Tartar is a hard mineral deposit that is formed when plaque is not removed. When calcium and phosphate bind, they form crystals that will eventually harden within the plaque. The hardened crystals inside the plaque are now called tartar. Tartar forms such a strong bond that only dentists can remove it.

When plaque and tartar are not removed, they irritate the gum tissue around the tooth. The gums will actually recede from the teeth and form deep pockets. These pockets allow bacteria to reach deep down into the gums. Gum disease can cause pain and irritation and if not treated, will eventually lead to the loss of a tooth.

Brushing two to three times daily and flossing once per day will keep away plaque away and make it difficult for tartar to form. Along with home dental care, regular cleanings by your dentist are also part of keeping healthy teeth and gums.

To schedule your cleaning with Dr. Brandon Huang, DDS here at New York Dental Studio in New York, NY, call us at (212) 588-1809 or visit our website, www.newyorkdentalstudio.com. 

Post-Extraction Care

Keeping your teeth and gums clean every day is important for keeping a heathy mouth. When an extraction is performed, keeping the mouth clean and in the best condition to heal is even more important. Dr. Brandon Huang, DDS here at New York Dental Studio in New York, NY wants to inform his patients of the best ways to prevent infection and allow a proper healing after an extraction.

Right after the extraction has been performed, Dr. Huang will likely place gauze over the extraction site. This is to slow down bleeding and to promote the clotting of the blood. Controlling bleeding is an important factor in allowing the space to heal. To aid the clotting, do not lie flat or drink from a straw until healing has progressed.

You should eat soft foods like pudding and mashed potatoes for the first day. Afterwards, you can try harder foods as it is comfortable. Make sure to drink plenty of water.

Cleaning your mouth should be a top priority. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once, but avoid the extraction site for a couple of days. Do not rinse your mouth vigorously, as this could loosen the blood clot. Avoid all strenuous activity for the first day, for the same reason.

For more information about post-extraction and post-op care, visit our website, www.newyorkdentalstudio.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Brandon Huang, DDS of New York Dental Studio here in New York, NY, call us at (212) 588-1809 or visit our website.

Smooth Skin to Complement a Beautiful Smile

Nothing complements a new smile more than fresh, young looking skin. Here at New York Dental Studio, we do more for our patients than dentistry. To pair with a beautiful smile, Dr. Brandon Huang, DDS offers his patients facial fillers for smooth, wrinkle-free skin.

Dr. Huang has several skin fillers to choose from, depending on what will work best for your skin. Juvéderm™ is injectable gel filler made of a modified form of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is what our skin loses as we age, causing wrinkles. This can help with the “smile lines” or “parentheses” from the bottom of your nose to the corner of your mouth. The effects of Juvéderm can last up to one year.

Restylane® is another facial filler that also works by using hyaluronic acid. It is most commonly used for the corners of a mouth, lips, “smile lines”, “lipstick lines”, and “marionette lines”. It works by binding to water molecules to maintain volume for up to six months.

Perlane® works best for the wrinkles that need a deeper injection. More severe wrinkles around the mouth benefit well with Perlane®. It is also a hyaluronic acid filler that binds with water molecules and can last up to six months.

Smoothing out deep wrinkles and fine lines is the best thing to complement a fresh, new smile. Contact us today to set up a consultation with Dr. Brandon Huang, DDS of New York Dental Studio in New York, NY. Call us at (212) 588-1809 or visit our website, www.newyorkdentalstudio.com. 

Dental Implants

If you have severely damaged, extracted, or lost teeth, the best smile restoration option available is a dental implant. Dental implants are a permanent way to restore your smile with a prosthetic that matches the look and feel of your natural teeth. Dr. Brandon Huang wants to make sure that all of his New York, NY patients are confident with their restorative choice. Dr. Huang is happy to clear up any misconceptions and explain all of the benefits that dental implants have to offer.

The most common thing that patients want to know about dental implants is the process by which they are installed. Dental implants provide patients with a permanent and stable solution that is placed directly into the jaw bone. As the jaw heals, it surrounds the implant cylinder, creating the real-feel of a naturally rooted tooth. The result is a secure and long-lasting solution that also provides patients with a restoration that matches the shade and texture of the rest of their smile. On the surface, the custom created tooth is nearly indistinguishable from your other teeth. The entire dental implant process is completed over several months, as the implant needs time to fully heal, but the result is smile restorative that can last a lifetime.

Patients also want to know how dental implants are going to benefit their smile. While dental implants are an investment, proper care can make sure they stay secure and beautiful throughout your life. They don’t cause pain or discomfort, nor do they require a change in your diet or oral cleaning habits. As dental implants replace gaps or damaged teeth, they also reduce a patient’s risk of periodontal disease, jaw misalignment and other associated health issues that are often linked with damaged, extracted, or lost teeth. If you are in need of a tooth prosthetic and you want to improve your smile and confidence--while reducing your risk of periodontal disease, visit Dr. Brandon Huang to find out more about how dental implants can benefit you.

Dr. Brandon Huang Transforms Smiles with Veneers

If you’re unhappy with the way your teeth look, veneers are an effective method for reshaping and redesigning your smile. Whether your teeth have stains, gaps, misalignments, cracks, chips or other issues, you can get the smile you’ve always wanted with veneers. Veneers are thin, ceramic shells that cover the existing tooth structure in your mouth, and Dr. Brandon Huang can use them to transform your smile at New York Dental Studio.

Getting veneers usually only takes two to three visits to our New York, NY office. During the first visit, you and Dr. Huang will discuss the shape and look of the smile you would like to achieve with veneers. Then he will prepare your teeth for the veneers and take an impression of your mouth. This impression is sent to the laboratory, and the veneers are fabricated, a process that takes between 10 to 14 days. While you wait, you will be provided with a beautiful set of temporary veneers. Once the final veneers are ready, they will be bonded to your teeth, giving you an attractive smile that feels natural.

If there are certain aspects of your smile that you don't like, you don’t have to live with them. Veneers will give you a smile that you can be proud of. So start smiling again and schedule an appointment with Dr. Brandon Huang in New York, NY to see if veneers are right for you. Just call (212) 588-1809 or visit www.newyorkdentalstudio.com for more information about Dr. Brandon Huang and his services.