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.