Details on Dental Abscesses

When the inside of your mouth gets hurt or irritated, bacteria may enter and cause an infection. Sometimes you will see a painful swelling with pus. This is called a dental abscess and it can form a deep cavity, periodontal disease, a cracked tooth, trauma, or sometimes even due to recent dental procedures such as extractions and implants. This condition can become painful, so if you notice one, you should visit Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. right away.

The cause of these infections is a direct growth of bacteria from within the pulp spaces of a tooth or on the deep root surfaces of a tooth into the supporting soft tissues and bones of the face and neck. Often one or more teeth will be very sensitive to pressure. With an advanced infection, one can experience discomfort from nausea, vomiting, and/or difficulty swallowing.

If you are experiencing inflammation in your teeth and gums, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. call our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888. 

Gum Grafting

Just like teeth, gums can become unhealthy to the point where they need repair. For instance, gum recession can occur when gum disease progresses. When the gums pull back, the teeth are not supported as they should be. Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD of Patchogue Family Dental in East Patchogue, NY and Hampton Family Dental in East Quogue, NY can perform gum grafts to repair the gums back to a normal and healthy state.

In a healthy mouth, the gums should fit around the teeth snugly. They should be in a position so that you can still get under them to floss, but also tight enough so that bacteria and other debris cannot fall down into them. Gum disease is a major contributor to gum recession, although it is not the only case where patients have recessed gums. Some patients just naturally have a smaller amount of gum tissue.

When the gums recess, the roots of the teeth are exposed which can result in pain and sensitivity. In order to add gum tissue and cover the exposed tooth roots, we take soft tissue from the palate or from another area of the gums and move it over to where extra tissue is needed. We stitch the gums down so that they can heal and promote further gum growth. The end result is a healthy gum line that supports teeth and keeps bacteria out.

If you suspect you have recessed gums or gum disease, be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD. A gum graft may put you back on track to oral health. To schedule at Patchogue Family Dental of East Patchogue, NY call (631) 475-1191. To schedule at Hampton Family Dental of East Quogue, NY call (631) 653-5888. Appointments may also be requested on our website, www.pfdentpc.com. 

The Extraction Process

It is always best to keep your natural teeth; however, when they are posing a risk to your oral health, it can sometimes be best to remove them. Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD of Patchogue Family Dental in East Patchogue, NY and Hampton Family Dental in East Quogue, NY performs dental extractions to restore his patients’ oral health.

When teeth are infected, impacted, poorly placed, or damaged, it can severely alter your oral health. Teeth in these conditions need to be removed to decrease risk of infection and further injury. To begin the process, Dr. Richter will numb the area of the tooth or he may use a general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the extraction and if multiple teeth are being removed. If the tooth is impacted, Dr. Richter will make an incision in the gums to reveal the tooth. Bone tissue may also need to be removed to access the tooth. The tooth will be rocked back and forth with forceps to loosen it. When it is loose enough, it is pulled free from the jaw bone. The area is then cleaned up and stitches are placed, if necessary.

After your extraction, you will want to rest and eat soft foods. Do not lie down flat, drink through a straw, or do any strenuous activity that may promote bleeding.

For more information about dental extractions, do not hesitate to ask. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD, call Patchogue Family Dental of East Patchogue, NY at (631) 475-1191 or call Hampton Family Dental of East Quogue, NY at (631) 653-5888. Appointments may also be requested on our website, www.pfdentpc.com. 

Sensitive Teeth Causes and Treatment

If your teeth have ever fallen victim to a painful tingling sensation when eating or drinking something hot or cold, then Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. is here to treat your sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can affect one or more teeth and is caused when your gums pull back and expose the surface beneath, called the dentin. This soft layer makes up the inner part and roots, which have thousands of tiny tubes that lead to the tooth’s nerve center (the pulp). These channels allow the trigger – the food or beverage – to reach the nerve in your tooth, resulting in the pain you feel.

The good news is that there are many ways to control sensitive teeth. You can begin by using proper brushing and flossing techniques to thoroughly clean all parts of your teeth and mouth. Additionally, you can incorporate American Dental Association (ADA) approved desensitizing toothpaste into your oral hygiene routine. If your sensitive teeth don’t let up with these techniques alone, Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD can perform an oral exam to look for decay and exposed root surfaces.

If you experience tooth sensitivity, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. call our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888. 

Characteristics of a Cavity

Cavities are just about as common as a cold and although they mostly occur in children, adults need to be aware of them too. It isn’t unusual for bacteria to be found in your mouth, however, when bacteria mixes with acid, food pieces and saliva in the mouth it creates a sticky substance called plaque. The acids in plaque damage the enamel covering your teeth and create holes in the tooth called cavities. Although Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. offers a variety of filling options for cavities, he would prefer you avoid them altogether.

Developing cavities is a process and they just don’t appear overnight. In the early stages, tooth decay can be stopped. The best way to prevent cavities is by reducing the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth and the best way to do this is by brushing and flossing daily. Cavities caught in the very early stages can be reversed, however, caries that have destroyed enamel cannot. It is important to schedule a professional cleaning with our doctors every six months to reduce your risk of tooth decay.

If you suspect you have a cavity, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. call our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888. 

Flossing with Traditional Braces

As Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. will tell you, flossing can be difficult when you have traditional metal braces, but it’s more important than ever to keep the gaps in your teeth clean when you have a mouth full of metal. Many folks who have braces don’t know how to floss with them or think that they can’t floss at all if they have braces and this is not true. Therefore, we thought we would share some tips with you for flossing effectively in addition to keeping those brackets and wires clean.

• Use waxed floss, because unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught and shred in your braces.


• Use about 18 inches of floss and thread it carefully.


• Take the floss and gently thread it under the main wire of the braces before passing it between two teeth. Then remove the floss and re-thread it under the main wire to pass between the next pair of teeth.


• Be sure not to snap the floss. Simply move the floss up and down carefully against the side of each tooth.

If you have questions about orthodontic oral care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. call our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888. 

Arestin for Successful Gum Disease Treatment

When it comes to gum disease, it is not fun to mess around. That is why at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, PC, we use around-the-clock fighting. We make this possible by using Arestin, an antibiotic that treats gum disease directly at the source.

When gum disease creates deep gum pockets, it can be tough to reach all of the bacteria, which can lead to the continuation of the infection. This is where Arestin comes in. Arestin is an antibiotic made of time-released microspheres. The microspheres release the antibiotic over time, so it keeps working to kill bacteria long after the application.

Arestin is usually administered to the gum pockets after a scaling and planing procedure has been performed. The microspheres are applied into the deep pockets of gums and are so small; they are invisible to the human eye. They also dissolve on their own, so they never need to be taken out.

Arestin makes gum disease treatment more successful. If you are showing signs of gum disease like red, swollen, painful gums, be sure to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. To schedule at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, PC, call our Patchogue, NY office at (631) 475-1191, call our Hampton, NY office at (631) 653-5888 or visit our website, www.pfdentpc.com. 

Juvederm Injectable Filler for a Youthful Smile

Smooth, young-looking skin complements your best feature, your smile! At Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, PC in Patchogue and Hampton, NY, we offer Juvederm to smooth away wrinkles and lines around the mouth.

Juvederm filler is an injectable gel that helps add lost volume to your skin. It is commonly used for lines and wrinkles that develop around the mouth and nose. Patients see improvement in lines including the parentheses lines, corner lines, marionette lines, and vertical lip lines. Results are seen almost instantly and can last up to one year. In addition, patients often will need less product during their next treatment.

Going to your dentist for injectable filler make sense because we are experts at the facial structure. We are also highly trained in injections since we frequently use them to administer local anesthesia.

If you are looking to bring a youthful look back to your smile, Juvederm may be just what you are looking for. To set up a consultation with Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, PC in Patchogue, NY, call us at (631) 475-1191. To set up an appointment at our Hampton, NY location, call us at (631) 653-5888. Appointments may also be made through our website, www.pfdentpc.com. 

Stages of Periodontal Disease

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth and there are three stages that you need to be aware of. To avoid these stages, it helps to develop a proper oral hygiene routine. Additionally, you should always schedule professional cleanings and oral exams twice a year with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. to avoid this condition.  

• Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.


• Periodontitis – This is the second stage of gum disease. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.


• Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are officially destroyed. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.

If your gums are inflamed, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. call our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888.

Tips for a Nice Smile

With selfies and instant photo sharing taking over the internet, Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. wants you to have a camera-ready smile at all times. With a variety of cosmetic services to choose from, we can enhance your smile anyway you’d like. However, if there is any reason you can’t go the cosmetic route at this moment, we will provide you with these tips that will give you a photogenic smile no matter what.

• Be natural – when it’s picture time, smile gently. That way, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.


• Check your teeth and gums – getting your smile camera-ready sometimes calls for a little behind the scenes prep work. If your pearly whites have yellowed with age, try an over-the-counter whitening product or pay us a visit! Also, don’t forget about taking care of your gums. They play a critical role in your nice smile. So keep them in good shape by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash every day.


• Practice – your perfect smile may not happen overnight, but if you have a big photo event like a wedding or a graduation coming up, it doesn’t hurt to try out your grin in front of the mirror!

If you wish to enhance the appearance of your smile, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. called our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888.

Break Those Tender Teeth Habits

If you avoid eating cold foods or drinking hot beverages because your teeth are a little tender, it may be time to get to the root of this problem. If you have sensitive teeth, Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C.  may recommend dental sealants or fluoride treatments to decrease sensitivity. Sometimes the solution is simply breaking bad habits. If you catch yourself performing any of the following habits, do your best to break them.

• You’re brushing too hard – over time, if you brush with too much force, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubules are exposed, tooth sensitivity is a result.


• You’re eating too many acidic foods – If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods will leave you in pain.


• You have tooth decay – If you have tooth decay, it’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown.


• You’re a tooth grinder – Grinding your teeth can wear down your enamel. This exposes the dentin and causes sensitive teeth.

If you experience tooth sensitivity, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. called our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888.

How to Handle a Dental Emergency

Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. understands that accidents happen. Knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If you or your child experience some sort of trauma to your mouth for whatever reason, please give us a call immediately. Meanwhile, in the midst of a dental emergency, utilize these tips to ensure a smooth recovery. 

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If you suffer a dental emergency, please give us a call immediately. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. called our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888.

Sleep Apnea and Treatment

Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that can increase the risks of health complications like heart failure, high blood pressure, and stroke. At Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, we treat patients for sleep apnea in both our Patchogue, NY and Hampton, NY offices.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue in the throat collapses during sleep and causes a full blockage of the airway. When this happens, loud snoring is usually present, followed by silence when the person is not breathing, and then a loud gasp as the body finally forces itself to breathe.

The lack of oxygen and constant waking that sleep apnea causes wreaks havoc on the body. Sleep apnea can increase the risks of dangerous conditions, as well as create daily fatigue. In addition, sleeping partners are also often affected by fatigue, as they are constantly being woken up, too.

Here at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, we use SomnoDent to treat patients who have obstructive sleep apnea. This is an oral appliance that keeps the soft palate open. It is custom made; so it is comfortable to wear.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, do not delay treatment. Schedule an appointment with us to get on the pathway to healthy sleeping. To schedule at our Patchogue, NY office, call us at (631) 475-1191. To schedule at our Hampton, NY office, call us at (631) 653-5888. Appointments may also be requested at our Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental website, www.pfdentpc.com. 

Botox for Wrinkle-Free Skin

What better way to complement a smile than youthful, smooth skin? At Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental in Patchogue, NY and Hampton, NY, we offer Botox to our patients who want to smooth out wrinkles between their eyebrows.

When we concentrate, frown, or even when we have headaches, the muscles in our face contract and eventually form wrinkles. For some, it comes with aging. However, you do not need to live life with those wrinkles if you do not want to! We offer Botox in our Patchogue, NY and Hampton, NY locations.

Botox is a medication that is injected into the muscles to relax them. Botox works by blocking nerve impulses so that the muscles reduce their activity. Within a few days after the injection, you will begin to notice a difference. Over the next thirty days, the results will improve. Botox has been shown to last for up to four months.

If you are tired of looking tired, older or just do not like the wrinkles between your eyebrows, consider coming into Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental for a Botox consultation. To schedule an appointment at our Patchogue, NY location, call us at (631) 475-1191. To schedule an appointment at our Hampton, NY location, call us at (631) 653-5888. For more information, visit our website, www.pfdentpc.com. 

Lumineers for a Beautiful Smile

Lumineers are a fantastic way to create a strong and beautiful smile almost instantly! If you are insecure about your smile, Lumineers can most likely fix your aesthetic issues! At Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental in Patchogue, NY and Hampton, NY, we offer Lumineers to our patients who want a perfect smile.

Lumineers are ultra-thin ceramic shells that are bonded to your teeth. They go over your existing teeth to cover up any imperfections and look like a perfect aligned, bright, white smile. They are great for fixing the look of gaps, cracks, discoloration, misshapen teeth, and more! Lumineers are permanent; however, they may be removed in the future, if desired. Lumineers are strong and durable, so you can continue to eat sticky and crunchy foods. Lumineers are also stain-resistant, so with a good oral care routine, you can keep them bright and white for a long time! Lumineers are built to last for over twenty years.

To apply Lumineers, we will take pictures of your smile, along with impressions to send to a dental laboratory. The laboratory will create the perfect set of custom Lumineers for you. When you arrive at our office, we will lightly etch your teeth to aid a strong bond and then we will place the Lumineers.

If you thought a perfect ten smile was not possible without surgery or braces, Lumineers will show you that isn’t true! To schedule an appointment in our Patchogue, NY office, give us a call at (631) 475-1191. To schedule an appointment at our Hampton, NY office, call us at (631) 653-5888. More information about Lumineers can be found on our Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental website, www.pfdentpc.com. 

Braces for a Beautiful and Healthy Smile

A straight smile is a beautiful and healthy smile! At Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental in Patchogue, NY and Hampton, NY, we offer braces to our patients. Braces are a traditional route of straitening teeth for both health and cosmetic reasons.

Not only do straight teeth look nice, but they also create a more healthy mouth. Crowded teeth create places for bacteria to hide. Spaced out teeth can create more injury-prone gum tissue. A smile with crowding, spacing, or both can also create abnormal wear-down of teeth.

These days, traditional braces are made of super strong metal alloys. This allows for smooth movement. Your doctor will bond brackets to the fronts of your teeth that will hold a wire. The wire applies continuous pressure on the teeth so that over time, they shift into the directed position. The wire is changed out about once per month. Every case is different, so the time braces are worn for will depend on the patient. The end result is a smile that is beautiful and healthy.

If you are thinking of straightening your teeth, come into Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental for a consultation. To schedule at our Patchogue, NY location, call us at (631) 475-1191. If you want to schedule at our Hampton, NY location, call us at (631) 653-5888. For more information about orthodontics, visit our website, www.pfdentpc.com. 

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a prosthetic replacement for a missing tooth. There are three common parts to an implant – the implant device itself (which is inserted directly into the bone); the abutment – the piece that connects the implant device to the third part – the overlying crown or denture. When strategically placed, implants can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. If you have missing teeth, wear dentures that are uncomfortable or don’t want to have good tooth structure removed to make a dental bridge, talk with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. to see if you are a dental implant candidate.

Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth and are designed to blend in with your natural teeth. They are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile. Dental implants are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. However, you must be in good health and have the proper bone structure and healthy gums for the implant to stay in place. The success rate for implants depends on the tooth's purpose and location in the mouth, as well as a patient's overall health.

If you have missing teeth and would like to discuss your restorative options, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. called our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888.

Oral Cancer Screenings with VELscope

Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in any of the parts that make up the mouth. These include the lips, gums, tongue, inside lining of the cheeks, throat, roof of the mouth, and/or the floor of the mouth. Oral cancer occurs when cells on these tissues develop mutations in their DNA. These mutations allow cancer cells to grow and divide when healthy cells would die. Fortunately, Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. provides patients with oral cancer screenings to diagnose the problem early when it is most treatable.

At Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. we utilize VELscope technology to visualize abnormalities that may spot oral cancer in the mucosal tissues of your lips, mouth, and upper throat. In just two minutes, with no rinses, stains, or discomfort, a VELscope examination lets Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD improve his assessment of your overall oral health to make sure your mouth is as healthy as it can be. It’s important to remember that if the doctor recommends an oral cancer screening it doesn’t mean you have oral cancer.

If you have further questions regarding oral cancer or oral cancer screenings, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. called our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888.

Advantages of Dental Sealants

Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. wants his patients to know that the most important reason for getting dental sealants is to avoid tooth decay. Tooth decay is damage that occurs when germs (bacteria) in your mouth make acids that eat away at a tooth. If not treated, tooth decay can not only cause cavities, but it can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss. Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities, so you may want to discuss them the next time you are in the office.

Because of the likelihood of developing decay in the depressions and grooves of the premolars and molars, children and teenagers are the top candidates for sealants. However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants. In some cases, dental sealants may also be appropriate for baby teeth. This is because baby teeth play such an important role in holding the correct spacing for permanent teeth, it’s important to keep them healthy from the very beginning.

If you are cavity prone and would like to discuss dental sealants, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. called our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888.

The Invisalign Straightening Process

If you are an adult looking to improve your smile for business or social reasons, at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. we can assist you by offering the Invisalign technique. Invisalign uses a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you to gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the movements Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD plans out for you.

During the consultation, you and Dr. Richter will discuss your case in detail to determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. He will then take x-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth, which the Invisalign lab will use to create a 3D image of them. From these images, Dr. Richter will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth, and tell you the approximate length of treatment. Once you receive your smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic aligners, you will swap them out every two weeks, each aligner advancing you to the next stage of your treatment. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place.

If you are searching to straighten your smile, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about Invisalign as well as the services we provide, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. call our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888. 

Benefits of Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay or injury, replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance as well as your health. At Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental P.C. we provide our patients with several denture options, but the two most common are complete or partial dentures. Complete dentures replace all the teeth while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position.

While dentures may take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as one’s natural teeth, today’s dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever. That’s because dentures make it easier to eat and speak better than you could without teeth.  When you lose all of your teeth, facial muscles can sag, making you look older. Dentures can help fill out the appearance of your face and profile as well as improve the look of your smile. Another added benefit is that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.

If you would like to inquire about replacing missing teeth, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about dentures as well as other services we provide at the practice, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. call our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888.

Prevent Tooth Decay

Dental decay is a worldwide epidemic, especially among young children. The disease begins early – tooth decay affects more than one-fourth of U.S. children ages 2 to 5 and half of those ages 12 to 15. Tooth decay is also a problem for U.S. adults, affecting more than ninety percent over age forty. At Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. we don’t want you or your child to be included in these numbers. This is why you need to how to prevent tooth decay before it gets severe. 

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. The process begins when you eat or drink foods containing sugars because this forms a layer of plaque on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel and the stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth. Over time, the enamel can break down and this is when cavities tend to form. Dr. Richard Richter may offer some additional steps to measure your risk of cavities, but in the meantime, you can prevent tooth decay by brushing twice a day for at least two minutes and flossing at least once a day. In addition, you should be scheduling professional cleanings and dental exams twice a year.

If you are experiencing signs of tooth decay, please give us a call. To learn more about tooth decay as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. call our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888.

The Root Canal Procedure

A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth. The procedure itself involves removing the damaged area of the tooth (the pulp), cleaning and disinfecting it and then filling and sealing it. Here at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. we understand that even the term “root canal” can scare you. This is why we’d like to explain how it’s done to put you more at ease.

During the first visit, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area. A rubber sheet may be placed around the tooth to isolate it. Next, access is drilled from the crown into the pulp chamber, which, along with any infected root canal, is cleaned of all diseased pulp and reshaped. Medication may be inserted into the area to kill bacteria and prevent additional infection. Depending on your tooth’s condition, the crown may be inserted into the area to kill bacteria and prevent additional infection. Depending on your tooth’s condition, the crown may then be sealed temporarily to guard against recontamination. However, in some cases, the canals may be filled right away. On your next visit, a temporary filling (if one was applied) is removed and the pulp chamber is filled to prevent recontamination. Once filled, the area is permanently sealed and a permanent crown is placed over the tooth to strengthen its structure and approve appearance.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, please give us a call. To learn more about root canals as well as the procedure, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. call our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888.