Bernstein Dental Care: Blog

Oral cancer screenings are one of the services we offer our adult patients at Bernstein Dental Care in Bay Ridge as an important part of biannual check-ups. As scientists learn more about oral cancer, we’re getting better at identifying risk factors. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recently announced that one oral cancer risk factor is alcohol . We’ve long known that alcohol combined with tobacco presented a major risk. But tobacco is the biggest oral cancer risk factor, and separating its effect from that of alcohol alone proved difficult. Scientists have now concluded that alcohol alone, even in moderation, does increase a person’s risk of developing oral cancer by 5%. Why is unclear, but it is thought that alcohol damages the lining of the mouth and that the more times the soft tissue has to rebuild, the likelier it is that the DNA will be miscopied. Heavy drinking still presents a greater risk, but the type of alcohol consumed appears to be irrelevant. The ASCO did

Diabetic patients can be assured of having their specific needs cared for at Bernstein Dental Care in Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge neighborhood. We understand that diabetic patients are at increased risk for gum disease and we strive to provide them with education as well as preventive care. Part of that education includes teaching about their candidacy for implants. People who are at greater risk for oral health problems may well be in need of fixed prosthetic teeth, but whether diabetic patients can receive implants was subject to debate among dentists. One issue was that people with diabetes take longer to recover from wounds, including the surgical incisions necessary for implant placement. Dentists were also concerned that the chronic inflammation diabetic patients are prone to when their blood sugar is not under control could cause implant failure. After reviewing the scientific literature, the American Dental Association determined that people with controlled diabetes do not have higher

At Bernstein Dental Care in Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge neighborhood, our patients can count on us for their urgent dental needs. Make no mistake: if a permanent tooth has come loose, the need for repair is urgent, and the problem will only get worse without intervention. Loose teeth are the result of trauma to the gum and jaw bone structures. Primary occlusal trauma is the term used to describe damage from stress, such as night-time teeth grinding or violence. Secondary occlusal trauma occurs when a gum infection has eroded significant gum and bone tissue. Secondary occlusal trauma is more common, but primary occlusal trauma is a major reason why bruxism needs to be prevented. The teeth depend on each other to reinforce the jaw bone. The loss of one tooth root destabilizes the others, causing them to come loose, as well. This effect is even worse if the loose tooth is a molar and the patient attempts to compensate by chewing with their front teeth. The front teeth do not have the support to

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to protect it as well as restore its shape and size, strength and improves its appearance. If Dr. Paul Bernstein of Bernstein Dental Care suggests a crown, it is probably to restore a tooth from a large filling, root canal, or cracked tooth syndrome. Permanent crowns can be made from many materials and Dr. Bernstein will discuss them with you during your consultation. A crown can help strengthen a tooth with a large filling when there aren’t enough pieces of the tooth remaining to hold a filling. Crowns can also be used to attach dental bridges when those are needed. Additionally, a crown can protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that’s already broken. A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. There are several types of materials that can be used for dental crowns, which Dr. Paul Bernstein will discuss with you during your consultation. If you have questions or concerns regardin

If you have teeth that are missing or widely spaced, dental bridges are one of the most cost-effective ways to fix the problem. Dental bridges seal the gap that has been created by one or more missing teeth. Dr. Paul Bernstein of Bernstein Dental Care utilizes dental bridges to not only restore your smile but also restore the self-esteem that may have been lost. Bridges can help restore the ability to properly chew and speak as well as distribute the forces in your bite by replacing missing teeth. There are different types of dental bridges available, and during a consultation, Dr. Paul Bernstein will let you know what your options are. In addition to restoring the appearance of your smile, dental bridges can improve a tooth’s appearance, shape, and help a person maintain their shape of the face. If you have questions or concerns regarding dental bridges, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide, visit  www.bernsteindentalcare.com  for more information. To schedule