Recent Posts

Consider Your Breath

Oct. 15 2016

If your co-worker slips you a mint or if a good-night kiss is but a memory, you may be suffering from bad breath - the very common, embarrassing condition also known as halitosis - and even your best friends may fail to tell you.

The main source of bad breath is a sulfur gas produced by accumulated bacteria in your mouth - which collects on your teeth, gums and tongue. However, there may be other bad breath culprits at work:

It could be what you are eating. Garlic and onions, especially, contain compounds which are taken into your blood cells and expelled through your lungs. That means your breath actually smells, not just your mouth.
It could be your nose or nasal passages. Bacteria in your nose and sinus cavities or a sinus infection can cause foul smelling secretions to exit your nasal passages. This is commonly a cause of bad breath. A saline nasal wash may help, but if the problem persists, you should see an ear, nose and throat specialist.
It could be tonsil stones. Tonsil stones, also called tonsiloliths, are made of lymph tissue and bacteria which form lumps in the back of your throat, near your tonsils. They contain crevices where bacteria accumulates. If enough bacteria get caught, tonsil stones can contribute to bad breath.
It could be your tongue. It’s a good idea to brush your tongue when you brush your teeth. Also try using a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from the back of your tongue.
It could be your stomach. If none of the above is causing your bad breath, or if it persists in spite of your best efforts, you may want to see a doctor. In some cases, stomach problems, such as acid reflux, can cause bad breath.

As a final reminder, have you had a dental check-up and cleaning lately? A dental check-up may reveal halitosis-causing plaque, gingivitis and tooth decay. Stay current with your twice-yearly check-ups and cleanings and don’t forget to brush and floss daily. Call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Glasser, today: (631) 423-6767.

Bonding - It’s Not Just For BFF’s

Sep. 15 2016

If you have a dark-colored or chipped tooth, or a gap between your front teeth, bonding may be the perfect solution. Bonding is less expensive than veneers, and is designed to improve a tooth’s appearance or shape or fill a cavity using a tooth-colored, composite resin.

Bonding is also often used as a cosmetic alternative to amalgam (silver) fillings because of its ability to protect an exposed tooth root resulting from periodontal disease or receding gums. Their light color makes bonded fillings preferable - they are much less noticeable than silver.

•The first step in the bonding procedure is the preparation of the surface of your tooth. It will be slightly etched and lightly coated with a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material adhere.
•Next, a soft, tooth-colored resin material will be applied, and will be molded and smoothed until it is the desired shape.
•The resin material is then hardened with an ultraviolet or laser light.
•After the resin material hardens, it will be shaped, trimmed and polished it until it matches the rest of your tooth’s surface.
•Bonding can be done in a single dental visit. If you're having more than one tooth done, you may need to schedule more time or additional visits.
•Bonding resin can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments. Avoid drinking coffee, tea, wine or other staining foods and drinks for the first 48 hours after a bonding procedure. To maintain the look of your new bonded teeth, remember to brush and floss twice a day and visit Dr. Glasser every six months for a professional exam and cleaning.

We invite you to call to schedule an appointment. Fall is here, the holidays will soon be upon us, and it’s the best time of year to get the smile you deserve.

The Cosmetic Procedure Known As Dental Bonding

Aug. 15 2016

Dental bonding may be exactly what you are looking for you would like a less expensive cosmetic dental procedure. Bonding can improve the appearance of a dark or chipped tooth, close gaps between teeth, or change the shape of a tooth by using a tooth-colored composite resin. Bonding is also often used as a cosmetic filling alternative to silver, or amalgam, because it can protect the tooth root if it has been exposed due to periodontal disease. Bonded fillings are also preferable because their light color is much less noticeable than silver.

Here are a few additional bits of information about dental bonding:

Prior to applying the bonding material, the surface of your tooth will be slightly etched and lightly coated with a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material adhere to your tooth.
Dr. Glasser will then apply a soft, tooth-colored resin material, molding and smoothing it until it is the desired shape. The resin material is then hardened with an ultraviolet light or laser.
Once the resin material hardens, it will be trimmed, shaped and polished it until it matches the rest of your tooth’s surface.
The good news is bonding can be done in a single dental visit. However, if you're having more than one tooth done, you may need to schedule more time or additional visits.
A word of caution: The bonding resin can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments, such as veneers. To prevent or minimize stains, avoid drinking coffee, tea, wine or other staining foods and drinks for the first 48 hours after a bonding procedure. To maintain the look of your new bonded procedure, remember to brush and floss twice a day and visit your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning.

Give us a call to learn more about dental bonding or any of the cosmetic dental procedures we offer. We are committed to dental excellence! Beautify your smile for fall: (631) 423-6767.

Bid Adieu To Your Dental Fears

Jul. 15 2016

If the thought of a visit to the dentist sets your stomach a-flutter, fear not and breathe deeply. There is a solution. Dr. Glasser commonly uses conscious sedation as a way to help his patients relax during their dental procedures. This type of sedation uses a gas called Nitrous Oxide and is also called “inhaled minimal sedation.” You may have heard of nitrous oxide because it’s common name is “laughing gas.”

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is an effective, yet safe, colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. It is prepared for use by heating ammonium nitrate and then mixing it with oxygen. When used in conscious sedation dentistry, it produces exhilaration or light anesthesia when inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose. It does not put you to sleep.

How does it work?

During your procedure, you will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions Dr. Glasser may have. You breathe normally through your nose, and within a few minutes you will begin to feel nitrous oxide’s calm, soothing effects. You may feel a tingling in your legs and arms or they may feel heavy. You may also feel light-headed. But the important thing to remember is that you will feel calm and comfortable.
Nitrous oxide wears off soon after the mask is removed and your dental procedure is complete. For most procedures, you will require a local anesthetic, a numbing medication at the site of the procedure, as well.
Nitrous oxide can make procedures that take hours seem like minutes, even though you are completely awake and conscious. When its effects wear off, you will not recall the smells, sights or sounds of your visit.

Before your dental procedure, Dr. Glasser will go over your medical history, including any medications you are taking. This is an important step that ensures you are a good candidate for conscious sedation.

If it’s been too long since your last dental visit, don’t wait another day. Call to schedule an appointment, today: (631) 423-6767.

Consider These Aging Dental Concerns

Jun. 15 2016

As you age, your teeth age, and taking care of your teeth is as important as taking care of your body. Read on to learn more about a few of the conditions that can affect the aging mouth.

Dry Mouth

You may wonder why you’re getting cavities when you haven’t had them in years. Aging means entering a second round of cavity prone years. Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging, but it is a side-effect of more than 500 medications, including those for allergies, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pain, anxiety, and Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. What to do?

Drink more water.
Use over-the-counter oral moisturizers.
Use sugar-free gum or lozenges to stimulate saliva production.
Get a humidifier to help keep moisture in the air.
Avoid beverages that irritate dry mouths, like coffee, alcohol, carbonated soft drinks, and acidic fruit juices.
Tell your dentist about any medications that you’re taking.

Oral Cancer

The American Cancer Society, estimates that each year there are 35,000 diagnosed cases of mouth, throat and tongue cancer. The average age of those diagnosed with these cancers is 62. Regular dental visits are vital because oral cancer is not usually painful in the early stages and early detection saves lives. Some visible symptoms include open sores, white or reddish patches, and any changes in the lips, tongue and lining of the mouth that last for more than two weeks.

Periodontal or Gum Disease

The risks of gum disease increase with age. Periodontal or gum disease is caused by the bacteria in plaque. Little pockets form at the gum line where bacteria can grow. If left untreated, bacterial infections can cause damage to connective tissue and bone, leading to tooth loss. Gum disease is often a painless condition until the advanced stage, when it eventually destroys the gums, bone and ligaments supporting the teeth, leading to tooth loss. Regular dental visits can ensure that gum disease is treated or prevented entirely.

Dr. Glasser specializes in geriatric dentistry and wants to help you have the best-looking smile every day of your life. Call to schedule an appointment, today: (631) 423-6767.

Are Porcelain Veneers Right for Me?

Mar. 21 2013

When patients are living with a less-than-perfect smile, they will often assume that cosmetic crowns are their only real treatment option. While this may have been the case in years past, understand that modern dentistry now affords us a simple, effective, minimally-invasive alternative: porcelain veneers. A treatment growing more popular year after year, many patients still aren’t sure what veneers are really all about. To help paint a clearer picture, let’s take a quick look at a few of the treatment’s most important patient-side benefits.

Porcelain Veneers Are…

An effective solution. As one of today’s top dental restorations, porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are custom-made and bonded to the fronts of the teeth. A simple procedure with dramatic results, veneers can restore a patient’s smile in as few as two short office visits.
A versatile procedure. Porcelain veneers are one of today’s most versatile dental restorations, working to correct the appearance of several common cosmetic concerns. These include chips, gaps and permanent discoloration. While not an orthodontic solution, veneers can also be used to improve the appearance of slight misalignments.
A minimally-invasive approach. Compared to dental crowns, porcelain veneers represent a remarkably minimally-invasive alternative. During the procedure only a small amount of natural tooth material is removed, to compensate for any added thickness of the veneer.
A natural-looking restoration. Designed to look exactly like the patient’s natural teeth, porcelain veneers are custom-made and expertly color-matched for each and every patient. Veneers are translucent – just like teeth – which help them blend seamlessly with a patient’s natural smile.
A confidence-booster. A less-than-perfect smile can take a toll on a patient’s confidence and self-esteem. As one of today’s most popular “dental makeover” procedures, veneers work to restore a healthy, youthful smile – a smile you can be proud of!

Porcelain Veneers on Long Island

To learn more about porcelain veneers or any of the services we offer, contact us today. Our offices are located in Melville, and you can reach us directly at 631-423-6767. We look forward to meeting you.

Dental Implants: Understanding Your Options

Feb. 21 2013

Did you know: “Statistics show that 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay.” A statement that comes directly from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the AAOMS goes on to explain that “… by age 74, 26% of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth.”

Clearly, tooth loss is something that can ultimately affect any one of us. Taking its toll on patients’ confidence and self-esteem, those with missing teeth need to understand all their restoration options. In an attempt to help patients make an informed decision, we wanted to take a moment to explain one of the most important modern advances in restorative dentistry: dental implants.

Here is our list of Today’s Top 5 Questions About Dental Implants:

How do dental implants work? A dental implant is essentially a replacement tooth root, the part of the tooth that lies under the gum. Resembling a small screw, implants fuse directly with the jaw bone and serve as a sturdy foundation for one of several types of implant restorations – a single crown, a dental bridge or a partial or complete denture.
What does a dental implant procedure entail?Placing dental implants requires a series of office visits, generally spanning three to six months. The implant surgery, itself, is an outpatient procedure, performed under local or general anesthesia. Once the implant has completely fused with the jaw bone, it receives a small post and can then be restored with a crown, bridge or other prosthesis.
What are some advantages of dental implants? When a tooth is lost, replacing it with a dental implant is often the healthiest option. Widely considered today’s most successful restoration option, dental implants result in remarkably natural-looking results, better bone preservation and less insult to surrounding teeth.
How long do dental implants last? Dental implants are regarded as today’s most permanent restoration solution. While each patient is unique, dental implants can often last a lifetime with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
Are dental implants a good option for me? The best way to find out if you are a candidate for dental implant surgery is to schedule a consultation with a qualified implantologist in your area. Patients in the Long Island area are encouraged to contact our offices at 631-423-6767.

Dental Implants on Long Island

To learn more about dental implants or any of the services we offer, contact us today. Our offices are located in Melville, and you can reach us directly at 631-423-6767. We look forward to meeting you.

Welcome to my Blog!

Jan. 31 2003

Within this regularly updated feature of my website, I will provide visitors with practice news and specials, as well as information regarding the most recent technological advances and new treatments in dentistry.

I believe that patient education and open communication with your doctor are the keys to achieving healthy, fully functional results and patient satisfaction, which is why I strive to provide the highest quality of dental care for patients of all ages. This is done by combining technical skill and broad experience with cutting-edge technology for impeccable medical results.

I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to visit my new blog. Please check back often to learn about the latest news, updates and additions to the practice and within the field of dentistry, and feel free to post comments and/or suggestions on any posts that you find of interest.

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