- Teeth CleaningDental hygienists traditionally perform scaling by hand. However, new and advanced technology has lead to more modern methods such as electric scalers. This sophisticated tool allows dental cleanings to be performed more efficiently and in less time. To achieve best results, both electric and manual scaling methods are combined for dental cleanings.
- Dental SealantsThis is used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn’t brush, but because they’re too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. These will develop cavities over time, and you don’t want that. So the dentist will brush on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.
- FillingsPorcelain fillings are called inlays or onlays and are custom created in a lab and then bonded to the tooth. They can be matched to the color of the tooth, resist staining, and are about the same cost as gold fillings. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable.
- Resin CompositeThe direct technique usually involves placing composite resin on the outside of the tooth using bonding. This method is usually referred to as bonding.
- VeneersVeneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.
- CrownsA root canal is then performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp, and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.
- BridgesCrowns and bridges are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged, or to take the place of missing teeth. A crown, also referred to as a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthen a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth’s appearance, shape and alignment. Crowns may be used to...
- Dental Bonding
- Root Canal TreatmentRoot canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is made necessary when a cavity is allowed, through neglect, to reach all the way to this pulp. (Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early) Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy, also. Once this occurs the pulp becomes infected, and can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous, not to mention very painful. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, however, no symptoms are apparent and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup.
- Deep CleaningRoot planning: This is the process of cleaning pockets in the gums to treat and prevent gum problems. Root planning is used to treat moderate to advanced gum diseases. When the gum is inflamed, gum pockets become deeper and they may lose connections to the bone inside. The deeper the pockets, the easier it is for plaque deposits to become trapped and worsen gum problems.
- DenturesA denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available, including partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to completely replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth so there should be no noticeable change to your appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile!
- Dental ImplantsA dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth as a result of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. A dental implant is a metal post that a general dentist, periodontist or oral surgeon surgically positions into the jaw. Once in place and bone surrounding the implant has had time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the post. While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. Implants are stronger than natural teeth and generally last 10-20 years. They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework since they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.
- Tooth ExtractionsFor a simple extraction, we will first apply a local anesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort. The tooth will be loosened with a tool called an elevator and then removed with dental forceps. Once the procedure is complete, the area may be closed with one or two stitches.
- OrthodonticsEach aligner moves your teeth little by little until you get to the end of treatment and a new beautiful smile. Since Invisalign® employs very gradual movement without brackets and wires, Invisalign® is a more comfortable and less painful way to move teeth than traditional orthodontics. Invisalign® gives you great results with less overall treatment time. With conventional braces, teeth are wired together, which can lead to inadvertent movement of adjoining teeth that must be corrected later in your treatment plan. Invisalign® aligners are carefully calibrated to move only the teeth you want to move. This precise, targeted correction means more efficient movement, which can result in less overall treatment time. According to current research, in many cases orthodontic treatment is actually faster with Invisalign as compared to traditional orthodontics. On average, treatment with Invisalign® takes about six months to a year for adults, and about a year for teens, depending on the complexity of the case.
- Invisalign OrthodonticsDr. Jinhee Kim received her D.D.S. degree from New York University. While at NYU, she was a member of the Omega Kappa Upsilon Honor Society. Upon graduation, she completed her residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Kim is a member of the American Dental Society, New York State Dental Association, and the Queens County Dental Society. She is also a certified Invisalign provider. Dr. Kim is a proud provider of functional and aesthetic dentistry to thousands of patients and their families in Queens.
- BracesInvisalign® The system offers one of the most advanced, precise and convenient options for adult and teen orthodontic treatment today, with clear aesthetic and health advantages over conventional metal braces. Invisalign® can give you great results, often with fewer dental appointments and less overall treatment time, at about the same cost as traditional braces.The Invisalign® system straightens your teeth with custom-made aligners made of a clear, thin, medical- grade polymer that is virtually invisible when worn. Since they are removable, you can eat, brush and floss normally. Our patients really love this!
- Teeth WhiteningTooth whitening is a popular procedure to make teeth whiter and brighter, and therefore more attractive. Bleaching can be used to whiten stained and discolored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile. Either way, tooth whitening is a safe and relatively painless procedure ideal for most patients.