Countless root canal procedures are performed in metropolitan NY and worldwide every year in order to save patients from severe pain, losing teeth, and serious oral health consequences.  But you may be asking yourself: what exactly is a root canal?  Primarily, these procedures are performed to save teeth that are severely decayed or infected.  This occurs when the pulp, or the nerve and blood supply of a tooth, becomes infected.  The progression of this type of infection without treatment could lead to complete tooth loss or more serious decay.  In addition, infection of the pulp is tremendously painful as well as harmful to the body.  Needless to say, if a dentist recommends this treatment, it is not advice that should be taken lightly.

Root Canal Procedure Queens, NY

During a root canal procedure, inflamed or infected dental pulp supporting a tooth is removed.  Dental pulp is part of the tooth that includes nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue.  Basically, it is the structure that cements your teeth into the mouth.  Dental pulp can become infected in several ways, the most common being improper dental treatment and hygiene.  Bacteria can invest itself within dental pulp and spark infection.  Without removal, the infected dental pulp will worsen and spread to other areas of the oral cavity.  This progression can lead to complete bone, gum and nerve deterioration, and therefore loss of teeth altogether.

The performance of a root canal procedure may appear alarmingly frightening; after all, it has been touted as the “most painful procedure of modern dentistry”.  However, you do not need to be worried if a dentist recommends this treatment.  During the entire procedure, the patient is provided with anesthesia to virtually eliminate all pain.  Some patients can get through the procedure with just local anesthesia.  For those who experience severe anxiety, however, sleep sedation may also be an option.  Following treatment, the patient may experience mild discomfort as they go through the recovery process, but usually there is no severe pain.  Bottom line: a root canal procedure is no more painful than most other dental practices.

Another issue many have with this treatment is its reliability.  You may have heard of friends who have received root canals that have not worked or failed.  While this failure is a reality, root canal treatments can easily be re-performed and fixed with little to no hassle.  In addition, a dentist can easily prevent failures if they take necessary precautions, such as thoroughly checking for missed canals and following up on post-treatment leakage.

So, the next time you hear the term root canal, hopefully it won’t provoke feelings of anxiety or confusion.  These procedures are vital to saving your teeth and mouth from excruciating pain and total deterioration.  At Park Dental Care in Astoria, New York, we have professionals who have the experience and skills to perform these treatments and restore your mouth to perfect working condition.  Don’t dismiss pain or infection beneath your teeth.  Call Park Dental Care today to receive treatment that could save your smile.

For more information about root canal procedures in Queens, NY, contact Park Dental Care today at 718-Dentist. 

For metropolitan NY residents looking for a flawless smile, porcelain veneers are a great solution for improving the teeth’s appearance.  Veneers are thin shells that are used to conceal chipped, discolored, or misaligned teeth.  They are also able to eliminate gaps between teeth and are customized to match individual tooth size and color so that they will blend in with the rest of your teeth.  Porcelain veneers are more natural and stain-resistant than resin veneers, so they are the optimal option for covering damaged teeth.

Porcelain Veneers

The application of cosmetic veneers involves three steps.  First, your dentist will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of this procedure and determine whether or not this option is advantageous for you.  This may include examining which teeth are in need of enhancement, taking X-rays of your mouth, and making impressions of your teeth.  Once the preliminary oral assessment has been completed, a final decision will be made about which teeth will be covered by the veneers.  Subsequently, your dentist will shave a small amount (roughly .5 mm) of enamel from the tooth’s surface.  This trimming is necessary for the veneer to be placed on the tooth.  While an anesthetic is not required for this procedure, your dentist will offer one to limit any discomfort or anxiety.

Second, after the tooth has been trimmed down, your dentist will make an impression of the tooth in order to meet its exact size and shape specifications.  This model will be used to create a permanent porcelain veneer, which usually takes about 7-14 days.  During this time, a temporary veneer will cover the tooth for protection.  When the permanent covering is ready, your dentist will temporarily place it on your tooth in order to confirm its size, color, and shape.  If necessary, the veneer will be further trimmed for a better fit, and its color can be altered during the cementing process.

Finally, your tooth will be cleaned and etched to ensure a perfect bonding of the veneer to the tooth.  The binding process will be followed by an evaluation of the patient’s bite.  If there is a proper fit, there should be no issues with biting and chewing.  Minor issues with the patient’s bite can be fixed by further adjustments to the veneer.  Porcelain does not irritate gum tissue, so there should be no pain following the procedure.  Your dentist will still schedule a follow-up appointment to make sure that your mouth is successfully adapting to the veneer and to address any questions or concerns that you may have.

In the long-term, porcelain veneers are a great alternative to crowns or bondings for brightening your smile.  Diligent oral care is essential for the veneer’s maintenance, however.  Veneers typically last 5-10 years, at which point they will need to be replaced.  However, proper dental hygiene can extend their lifespan.  Overall, Park Dental Care of Astoria’s procedure to apply porcelain veneers is quick, painless, and effective.

For more information about porcelain veneers in Queens, contact Park Dental Care today at 718-Dentist.  At Park Dental Care of Astoria, we can enhance the aesthetic look of patients’ smiles with the addition of porcelain veneers.   Queens residents, as well as those located throughout metropolitan NYC, will find that we are conveniently located near the N & Q subway lines at the Astoria-Ditmars Blvd. station.  Let us show you how we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams!

Truly, nothing makes you feel more confident than a great smile.   That is why when you feel a cavity coming on, it is important to treat it immediately by visiting your dentist so you can have the tooth treated with a dental filling.  NY area residents with busy schedules often complain that it is a difficult task to find the time and funds to get dental fillings. But even if a cavity is not visible, when your smile starts to decay, fillings are the most simple and quick fix to get rid of the nagging pain in your mouth and to get you back to your daily routine.

Dental Fillings NY

Dental fillings will repair the parts of your teeth that are damaged by decay.  A dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and replaces it with a particular type of filling, adding strength to the tooth and preventing further deterioration.  The type of material that is used during this procedure, however, can vary – providing patients with a choice of aesthetic looks, as well as price ranges.

Tooth-colored fillings, an ideal choice for New Yorkers, are becoming increasingly popular because they are almost unrecognizable since dentists can now match your exact tooth color with a colored filling material.  This allows your smile to stay as white as you want it to be.  These filling types are the most popular type for new fillings, although they are also often used to replace old fillings as well, and are just as strong and durable as the silver or gold colored fillings that were popular in previous years.  However, tooth-colored fillings are more expensive than the more traditional types offered.

More traditional options include gold fillings, which are the most durable and can last up to 15 years or more, but are the most expensive, and silver amalgam, which do not last as long as gold, but are significantly less expensive.  For patients who want the look of a tooth colored filling, but do not want to pay the higher price, a composite is the way to go.  Composite fillings are offered in a similar shade to the tooth, which is optimal for the aesthetic look of the restoration, but they lack durability and are known to chip, so they may need to be replaced more often.

If you don’t take care of a simple cavity when it first occurs by having your dentist remove the decay and replace the damaged portion of the tooth with a filling, of if the damage to your tooth is more serious than that which a simple filling can repair, you may find yourself needing a root canal procedure.  During this procedure, a root canal filling restores decayed or cracked space in your tooth and fills the empty space where the dental pulp normally resides, which is the center of the tooth that is removed during a root canal procedure.

While root canals have the stereotype of being dramatically painful, sufficient pain medication or an anesthetic can be supplied by your dentist so that you do not feel any pain during the procedure.  Just one day after the procedure takes place, your tooth will already feel much better than it did before you went through the root canal and received the filling, since the pain from the cavity or damaged root will have been repaired.

Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of dental fillings, or at least a portion of the cost, since they are a necessary component of fixing decay in teeth and preventing further dental problems.  But for those lacking insurance, many dental offices in the NY area offer payment plans so that customers can have a great-looking and healthy smile without having to worry as much about the cost it takes to repair their damaged teeth.

For more information about dental fillings in Queens, contact Park Dental Care today at 718-Dentist.  Queens residents, as well as those located throughout metropolitan NYC, will find that we are conveniently located near the N & Q subway lines at the Astoria-Ditmars Blvd. station.  Let us help you keep your smile healthy and your teeth strong!

There is no denying it – a smile is absolutely contagious. So why not be fully prepared for the moment when your mouth curls up, exposing your, hopefully, pearly whites? Cosmetic dentistry procedures offer the opportunity to correct flaws and perfect your smile. In a place as crowded as New York City, you are bound to smile for any number of people, so you may want to consider improving your smile.

There are a number of useful, commonly performed and relatively simple cosmetic dental options available for those who are interested in improving their smile. Whether you want a brighter smile or straighter teeth, there is a procedure to help you. Some procedures allow patients to improve their smile by adding dental material through porcelain veneers or crowns, while other approaches utilize dental bonding that can shape a patient’s teeth. Or, perhaps, your smile lacks that extra shimmer and shine; tooth whitening could be the perfect solution.

Cosmetic dentistry procedures have a number of attractive benefits, including a healthier appearance and an overall more confident persona. However, one of the most appealing is the potential to reverse the signs of the aging process. A beautiful and vibrant smile offers a youthful glow that can shave years off a person’s appearance. The results from these procedures are typically difficult to achieve with alternatives, such as take-home whitening kits, that can be both time consuming and much less effective. Furthermore, the results of cosmetic dentistry procedures performed in a dentist’s office are often substantially more noticeable. With a wide variety of treatment options available, a great smile is conveniently available, right here in New York City.

The cost of cosmetic dentistry depends upon the procedure performed and the amount of work necessary to achieve ideal results. Still, the costs are typically fairly affordable and procedures are available for those with different budgets. An accurate price assessment can be made with a simple consultation visit with your dentist.  Furthermore, after the procedure is completed, it is important that patients maintain healthy habits and avoid damaging practices, such as staining beverages after a tooth whitening procedure, in order to ensure long-lasting results. Some procedures are more expensive than others. Still, the costs incurred are very well worth it. A vivacious smile can improve your confidence and may help you succeed in many facets of your life.

Lastly, it is important to be familiar with the potential risks and side effects involved with your chosen procedure.  The risks involved depend upon the procedure, and normally vary with complexity. The risks associated with a more involved procedure, such as a tooth replacement, consist of the potential for swelling or infection following the surgery. On the other hand, a more simple procedure, such as tooth whitening, can possibly lead to an increased sensitivity in a patient’s teeth and local tissue. However, do not be overly concerned, since the dentist will undoubtedly take many important precautionary safety measures to reduce side effects and minimize risks.

For more information about cosmetic dentistry procedures in New York City, contact Park Dental Care today at 718-Dentist. At Park Dental Care of Astoria, we can help perfect patients’ smiles with our various cosmetic dental treatment options. New York residents, as well as those located throughout metropolitan NYC, will find that we are conveniently located near the N & Q subway lines at the Astoria-Ditmars Blvd. station. Let us show you how a flawless smile can help you be more confident!

Contrary to common belief, dental hygiene is not just about brushing your teeth once in the morning and once before bed. It involves a variety of activities that contribute to your mental and physical well-being. Many people understand the importance of maintaining proper hygiene, but fail to actually take action. However, taking good care of the oral region allows us to eat, speak, smile, and laugh without any consequences. If you live in NYC, dental hygiene is especially important, since many metropolitan New Yorkers come into close contact with many people on an everyday basis.

It is a good idea to note what happens if you do not follow proper dental hygiene regimens.  Without taking care of your mouth, you carry the risk of inflammation of gums, cavities, tooth loss, bad breath and infection. If you are diagnosed with the aforementioned, there can be serious consequences, not to mention high costs. Dental cavities are the most common disorder affecting mouths when good hygiene is not practiced. Between tooth erosion and exposure to cariogenic foods, cavities are a profound dental issue throughout the world.

Additionally, periodontal disease can result when proper hygiene is not followed. More commonly known as gum disease, this is an infection and inflammation of the gum areas surrounding teeth that is caused by poor dental hygiene. This can cause tooth loss and has even been associated with type 2 diabetes.

Dental hygiene is crucial to preventing cavities, root canals and bad breath, as well as promoting a healthy smile and self-confidence. There are many routes to maintaining good oral care, but the approach should be all encompassing. To start, it’s important to brush your teeth at a minimum of two times a day and after every meal. Brushing teeth should not be a quick process, but rather it should take 2-3 minutes – where you reach every corner of the mouth. It is also important to replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months and after being sick. Uninvited bacteria can easily grow on your toothbrush when you are not feeling well.

In addition, flossing once a day contributes to good dental hygiene. In order to remove excess food that has been wedged in between your teeth, it is important to floss every tooth (even your molars). The more you do it, the better your hygiene becomes. Eating a low sugar and low acidic diet can also be helpful to keeping a healthy mouth. It is also important not to smoke as it irritates the gums and has a strong link to mouth and lunch cancer.

As you can see, no matter how busy life gets, maintaining good dental hygiene is feasible. If you don’t want to risk your well-being, get in touch with an expert who can consult you in how to fit proper dental hygiene into your life.

For more information about dental hygiene, contact Park Dental Care today at 718-Dentist. Queens residents, as well as those located throughout metropolitan NYC, will find that we are conveniently located near the N & Q subway lines at the Astoria-Ditmars Blvd. station.  Let us show you how proper dental hygiene can help you achieve great oral health!

Your smile is one of the first things people notice when they see you.  That’s why you want your smile to be as bright and white as possible – and laser teeth whitening can provide benefits that will help you to truly show off the beauty of your smile by making your teeth sparkle.  For those living in NYC, laser teeth whitening can provide that extra edge you need to truly stand out in a crowd.

There are some very impressive benefits offered by laser teeth whitening.  Also known as laser teeth bleaching, this elective cosmetic dental procedure uses a laser technology combined with an agent that is activated by the laser light to remove stains from teeth, leaving them clean, bright and white.  When you find you are not getting the results you want with your basic whitening toothpaste or other teeth whitening products, you can rely on laser teeth whitening for the dramatic results you seek.

Another major benefit of laser whitening is that it’s quick and painless.  It is done in the dentist’s office, in just a single visit, and takes only about one hour to complete.  In contrast, the whitening kits that you take home, even if they’re given to you by a dentist, have to be worn for hours at a time, repeatedly over a course of a certain amount of time, so they take much longer to achieve results.  And even though the results achieved through whitening kits provided by your dentist are more effective than those found with over the counter products, the results you can obtain through laser teeth whitening procedures are even more dramatic.

Laser teeth whitening costs can vary, depending on the type of treatment you select and the dentist that performs the treatment. The only way to figure out the exact is to have a consultation with the dentist before committing to the procedure. During the consultation, the dentist will examine your teeth, determine how many shades the whitening treatment can make your teeth, and you and your dentist will discuss any related factors.  Even though this cosmetic dental procedure is not inexpensive, it can be a cost effective method for achieving a winning smile, since once it’s done, the results can last for quite awhile.  Of course, to keep your teeth looking whiter longer, it is best to refrain from foods and beverages that can re-stain your teeth, such as coffee and red wine, as well as cigarettes.

Before you jump into having the procedure done, however, there are certain side effects you should be aware of. The side effects are not major, in most cases, with the most common undesired side effect being an increased sensitivity in the teeth or surrounding tissue. After the procedure, you may notice your teeth feel slightly irritated and extra sensitive, especially when you are drinking hot or cold beverages or food, but this feeling usually dissipates quickly.  To protect your gums during the procedure, the dentist will cover them so they do not come in contact with the whitening agent or the laser light, so there should be little to no ill effects to the surrounding gum tissue.

For more information about laser teeth whitening in Queens, contact Park Dental Care today at 718-Dentist.  At Park Dental Care of Astoria, we can considerably brighten patients’ smiles with our Brite-Smile® laser teeth whitening treatments.   Queens residents, as well as those located throughout metropolitan NYC, will find that we are conveniently located near the N & Q subway lines at the Astoria-Ditmars Blvd. station.  Let us show you how a brighter smile can help you achieve the smile of your dreams!

Are you self conscious about some aspect of your smile?  You may be wondering if a smile makeover will provide the boost in confidence you seek, allowing you to go out in the world and feel more comfortable without worrying about the look of your teeth, gums or overall smile.  Smile makeovers, in fact, can be tremendous confidence boosters due to the fact that they can address any or all issues that affect your smile in negative ways – issues that often diminish your overall confidence levels.

What exactly is a smile makeover?  Essentially, it is a personalized and comprehensive assessment by a dental professional that evaluates and addresses any aspects of your smile that may be “less than ideal”.  There is no specific set of procedures that comprises a true smile makeover – the procedures selected to makeover any individual patient’s smile will depend in part on what aspects of their smile are in need of enhancement, and ultimately, what procedures the patient wishes to have completed.

Makeovers to a patient’s smile can be affected through one single procedure, such as teeth whitening or porcelain veneers, or they can entail a full range of cosmetic dental procedures, including crowns, dental implants, veneers, teeth whitening and more.  In some cases, makeovers can include orthodontic treatments, including traditional metal braces or Invisalign, and can even include oral surgery procedures.  Basically, any procedure that is deemed necessary or desired by a patient in order to enhance the overall look of teeth, gums, lips and smile can be part of a smile makeover treatment protocol.

Getting back to the initial question – can a smile makeover boost confidence?  The answer in most cases is “yes”.  Smiles are one of the first things that people notice when they look at someone’s face, and can make a lasting impression, whether positive or negative, about a person’s overall look.  Even if a person’s teeth or their smile are aesthetically pleasing, if the person is self-conscious about a particular aspect or multiple aspects of their own smile, it can lower their confidence levels.  Something as simple as a laser teeth whitening procedure or cosmetic bonding to enhance the look of a chipped or discolored tooth can make a huge difference in a person’s overall self-confidence level.

So, if you are feeling a bit self conscious about any aspect of your smile, whether as a result of the color, alignment, shape or spacing of your teeth, the color of dental fillings, the health of your gums, or other aspects of your lips or jaw, consider having our NYC smile makeover specialists provide you with a comprehensive evaluation, as well as recommendations on dental treatments that can enhance the look of your smile and ultimately the way you present that smile to the world.

For more information about receiving a consultation for a smile makeover in Queens, contact Park Dental Care today at 718-Dentist.  At Park Dental Care of Astoria, we offer complete NY smile makeover assessments that are personalized based on the needs, desires and budgetary constraints of our patients.  We also offer a complete array of cosmetic and orthodontic treatment options to achieve enhanced smiles.  Queens residents, as well as those located throughout metropolitan NYC, will find that we are conveniently located near the N & Q subway lines at the Astoria-Ditmars Blvd. station.  Let us show you how a smile makeover can help you create the smile of your dreams!

One of the keys to a beautiful smile is a set of straight, well-aligned teeth.  Up until recently, however, the drawbacks associated with traditional braces kept many people from realizing their dream of straighter teeth.   Fortunately, Invisalign now offers options for straightening teeth that eliminate many of the features connected with traditional metal braces that kept people in the past from pursuing this orthodontic treatment.  With Invisalign, both adults and teens alike can enjoy straighter teeth with fewer drawbacks to contend with during the process.

Invisalign Clear Braces

Deciding whether Invisalign is a better option for you in comparison with traditional metal braces is a personal decision.  Many adults opt for Invisalign for aesthetic reasons alone.  The Invisalign system is comprised of a series of clear plastic aligners that fit snugly over teeth to gently move them into the desired position, but that are barely visible to others.  Metal braces, in contrast, perform the same function and have a similar end-result, but during the process, they are a very obvious “addition” to the mouth.  For teens, this may not be an issue, since so many of their friends are also wearing braces and the process can be like a “rite of passage”, but for adults, metal braces are less common and adults are typically more self conscious about wearing them.

Comfort is another consideration in deciding between Invisalign and metal braces.  Invisalign’s clear aligners are smooth and cause little to no irritation to surrounding gums or the inside of the mouth.  Metal braces, in contrast, can sometimes be irritating or even painful as edges of the metal rub against soft tissue and surfaces in the mouth.  Also, since traditional braces require more frequent trips to the orthodontist to have bands tightened, twisted and so on, there is more soreness and pain associated with the actual process of straightening the teeth than Invisalign.  The clear aligners can cause some minimal soreness when a new set is first put in the mouth as teeth shift to accommodate the new aligners, but that soreness dissipates quickly and is less uncomfortable than having a set of hands periodically adjusting things in your mouth.

Invisalign also provides patients with an orthodontic solution that requires less of a time commitment than metal braces.  There are fewer office visits required and less work to be done during the straightening process.  The Invisalign System system creates a set of aligners that bring your teeth from their current state to their desired state based on a computer generated program, and other than a few periodic visits to check how the process is going, you will receive your full set of aligners up front and will not need to keep running back to the dentist or orthodontist for additional treatments.

Easier oral hygiene is another benefit of Invisalign compared with metal braces.  Since the plastic aligners are removable, it is easier to keep to a regular oral hygiene regimen of brushing and flossing.  Also, since the aligners are removed before eating or drinking, less food gets stuck between teeth, avoiding potential dental issues.  And since the aligners are removed when eating, there are no restrictions as to what can be eaten as there are with metal braces (certain foods can cause damage to the metal components).

Of course, for some, price is the ultimate decision maker when it comes to how they will straighten their teeth.  In this category, metal braces usually win out slightly over Invisalign.  Nevertheless, the benefits of opting for Invisalign braces over traditional metal braces often offset the difference in cost for many people, making it an increasingly popular orthodontic treatment option for adults and teens alike.

For more information about the differences between traditional metal braces or Invisalign, or to find a dentist experienced in Invisalign in Queens, NY, contact Park Dental Care today at 718-Dentsit.  At Park Dental Care of Astoria, we offer many cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic dentistry options, including the increasingly popular Invisalign braces.  Queens residents, as well as those located throughout metropolitan NYC, will find that we are conveniently located near the N & Q subway lines at the Astoria-Ditmars Blvd. station.  Let us show you how Invisalign clear braces can help you create the smile of your dreams!

If you are wrestling with the decision about whether or not to get dental implants due to missing or decayed teeth, you may be wondering what the pros and cons are of the procedure so you can make the most informed decision about whether dental implants are right for you.  The fact is that advances in dental implant techniques and materials have made the decision easier than ever, with the benefits of dental implants outweighing the drawbacks to having the procedure.  Nevertheless, each situation is different, as is each patient’s individual circumstances, so a thorough evaluation is a wise choice before making the decision to go with dental implants.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

There are numerous benefits of dental implants, these include:

• Aesthetics – One of the biggest benefits of opting for dental implants, as compared to dentures or dental bridges, is the aesthetic benefits.  When dental implants are completed, they look and feel as natural as real teeth, creating beautiful smiles.
• Functionality – Dental implant procedures restore proper oral functioning.  By replacing missing or badly damaged teeth, normal chewing and bite can be re-established.  This keeps surrounding teeth, gums and jaw functioning in a healthy manner.
• Comfort – Since dental implants feel just like natural teeth, they are typically more comfortable in your mouth than other options, especially removable dentures.
• Options – There are many options to consider if you decide to have implants.  For one, you can decide what type of restoration is attached to the implants.  Dental crowns (single teeth) are the most common restoration to be attached to dental implants, but other options are bridges and dentures.  In the case of bridges and dentures, the implant is used to secure one or both sides of the restoration so it is permanently attached in the mouth.  You can also select between traditional dental implant procedures, which may require a number of office visits with time needed between visits for healing, or quicker implant options, such as the All-on-Four procedure.
• Permanence – Dental implant procedures result in permanent or semi-permanent restorations.  Once the procedure is completed, the tooth is affixed permanently to a post implanted in the jaw and does not typically get loose or have to be removed.

The Drawbacks of Dental Implants

As with any procedure, there are also a few drawbacks to consider.  These include:

• Cost – The biggest drawback for many patients is the cost.  Because dental implants are a surgical procedure, the cost is typically higher than most other dental options.   For this reason, some people will only consider implants as their last choice option.
• Lack of Bone – Not every patient is a candidate for dental implant procedures.  Before a dentist or oral surgeon agrees to perform the procedure, it is important to make sure that there is sufficient underlying bone structure to securely hold the implant.  For those with limited healthy bone, however, there are options for how the implants are secured that may still make this procedure a viable option.
• Time – Dental implant procedures typically require multiple visits and it can take a long time from the initial visit until the permanent restoration is secured to allow for the implant to securely attach to the bone and for the surrounding tissue and gums to heal.  During the healing process, a temporary restoration is attached to the implant.
• Discomfort – This procedure can result in some minor discomfort.  During the procedure, the patient should experience little to no pain if anesthesia or another pain blocking technique is used.  There will be minor pain and swelling as the implant initially heals, however.

For more information about dental implants in Queens, contact Park Dental Care today at 718-Dentist.  At Park Dental Care of Astoria, we offer many restorative and cosmetic dentistry options, including dental implants.  Queens residents, as well as those located throughout metropolitan NYC, will find that we are conveniently located near the N & Q subway lines at the Astoria-Ditmars Blvd. station.  Let us show you how dental implants can help restore your smile and can provide an attractive and secure solution for missing teeth.

If you are looking for a way to beautify your smile, consider cosmetic bonding.  Whether you need to make just a few minor modifications to the aesthetic look of your teeth or have more extensive imperfections you’d like to hide, cosmetic bonding can be the perfect dental treatment to provide you with the beautiful looking smile that you seek.

Cosmetic bonding may be a good option if you are looking to improve the appearance of cracks, chips, decay or discolorations on teeth.  Dental bonding can also change the shape of teeth and can close up spaces between teeth.  The cosmetic bonding procedure is painless and can be completed relatively simply and easily.  Patients of Park Dental Care of Astoria can enjoy the benefits of cosmetic bonding in Queens with just one simple visit to our office and can walk out of our office with a noticeably more attractive smile.   It takes about an hour or less per tooth to complete the cosmetic dental bonding procedure in our Queens, NY office.

During the cosmetic bonding procedure, the surface of the tooth or teeth to be bonded is etched or roughened, in order to create an appropriate surface for the bonding material to be adhered to.  Once etched, a bonding agent is applied to the tooth’s surface to hold the composite resin material in place that will form the new exterior tooth surface.  A high intensity, ultraviolet light or laser is used to harden and cure the composite resin material used to create the bond.  This resin material is naturally colored to match existing teeth and once hardened, can be trimmed, shaped and polished to look just like a natural tooth.

Cosmetic dental bonding is one option for enhancing the look of your teeth and is generally less expensive than other cosmetic dental treatments that require more extensive work and time to complete, such as dental crowns, porcelain veneers or dental implants.  Since cosmetic bonding can create the same aesthetic results as these more elaborate and expensive options, some of our patients opt for cosmetic bonding procedures to tackle more extensive tooth restorations.  One thing to note, however, is that although cosmetic bonding can produce the same aesthetic results as some of these other tooth restoration methods, the bonding material is not as durable and may chip or wear away over time.  If this occurs, the bonded area may need to be repaired or replaced.

Can Teeth That Have Cosmetic Bonding Be Whitened?
No, the composite resin material used to create a dental bond cannot be whitened.  Therefore, it is best to have your teeth professionally whitened prior to having the cosmetic bonding procedure performed.  The resin material used to create a dental bond will be matched to the exact color of existing teeth but cannot be changed once applied.

How To Care for Teeth After Cosmetic Bonding?
There are no special procedures required to care for teeth that have been bonded, other than following general dental hygiene procedures such as proper tooth brushing, flossing and routine dental visits.  It is important not to bite hard objects or the bonding material can chip or crack prematurely.  Although cosmetic dental bonding creates a fairly durable surface on the tooth, it may need to be repaired or replaced every 5 – 10 years, or sooner, depending on oral habits.

Are There Instances Where Cosmetic Bonding Is Not Recommended?
If tooth imperfections are too extensive, or areas between teeth to be bonded are too large, cosmetic bonding may not be a viable option.  Also, since cosmetic bonding only changes the exterior look of the tooth, it is not an option for those that have serious decay within the tooth or below the gumline.  Cosmetic dental bonding is a good option only when the exterior surface of the tooth requires enhancement.

Will Insurance Pay For Cosmetic Bonding?

The details of each individual insurance plan can vary but whether or not dental bonding is covered by insurance may depend in part on whether the purpose of the bonding is strictly for cosmetic purposes or whether it is being done to also correct structural problems.  If the bonding is only done for cosmetic purposes, it is not typically covered, but the procedure or a portion of the procedure may be covered if cosmetic bonding is done to correct structural problems, such as cracks, chips and areas of decay.  It is best, however, to check with your dental insurance provider prior to beginning treatment to review your insurance coverage.

For more information about cosmetic bonding in Queens, contact Park Dental Care today.  At Park Dental Care of Astoria, we offer a wide selection of cosmetic dentistry options, including cosmetic dental bonding.  Queens residents, as well as those located throughout metropolitan NYC, will find that we are conveniently located near the N & Q subway lines at the Astoria-Ditmars Blvd. station.  Let us show you how cosmetic dental bonding can help you achieve the smile of your dreams!