Cosmetic dentistry is a generic term that covers a variety of treatments that are effective in improving the overall look of somebody’s smile. While many of these services are elective and predominantly carried out for esthetic reasons, this kind of dentistry can offer more than just a confidence boost.

Offering positives for your look but also a boost to your oral health, one of the easiest and most convenient ways to improve your teeth is with cosmetic dentistry. NYC is a city that boasts an excellent array of reputable and reliable professionals, which means you won’t have to search too long to find out more about this type of treatment.

Here are the most popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry (NYC and elsewhere).

Teeth Whitening
Whitening is the most popular and common procedure, thanks to its accessibility and relatively affordable price. Although it is possible to buy at-home brightening kits, for the best (and safest) results it’s always recommended that you book an appointment for an in-practice session with a professional.

During your first session, you will have the chance to discuss what sort of results you want to see – this means settling on a colour with your dentist – as well as talking through the range of methods available. They will be able to offer you expert advice in-person, and will ensure that the treatment is as effective and quick as can be.

Dental Implants
While it might seem unusual to some, this is also a common example of cosmetic dentistry. NYC dentists often see patients who have lost a tooth due to decay or trauma and this is where an implant might be useful. The appendage itself is usually made from titanium (or another material that works well within the human body) and it is implanted into the jaw bone. This is then used to hold a tooth or bridge in place and create the illusion of a full smile.

Porcelain Veneers
Sometimes whitening is not the right option to correct stains or other issues, such as cracks and chips, for example. In such cases, veneers may be suggested as a form of cosmetic dentistry. NYC residents (and Americans in general) are known for their beautiful teeth, and for many people, this is achieved with the help of porcelain veneers. This procedure involves prepping the natural teeth and adding a thin layer of ceramic to create a more attractive and even smile.

If you’re interested in exploring the options available within cosmetic dentistry, NYC has got you covered thanks to its stellar list of high-quality professionals in the industry. However, that doesn’t mean you should go into any kind of treatment without doing a bit of research first. Be sure to find out what kind of qualifications and experience your practice has before booking your appointment. When you do finally sit down with your dentist, it’s also important to discuss all your doubts and queries so that you feel confident about your decision. Perfect teeth are just a few steps away!

Author Plate
Ellen Smythe is a Practice Manager at Smile Arts of NY, a dental office that provides the best care (including emergency treatments) and advanced modern cosmetic dental procedures, including teeth whitening, porcelain crowns, veneers, Invisalign and dental implants. If you’re looking for the best cosmetic dentistry, NYC based Smile Arts have been helping New York City residents achieve the look they’ve always wanted with their state-of-the-art, affordable dental services since 2010.

Oral health emergencies are a common occurrence and require prompt attention, because any delay can lead to tooth loss or be life-threatening. One of those is an emergency root canal. NYC dental specialists, also known as endodontists, resort to this treatment to save your tooth from extraction, while also curing the infection.

A root canal is an endodontic treatment performed to cure infection from inside the tooth. To carry out this procedure, the doctor makes an opening in the crown, the exposed part, to gain access to the pulp, which extends from the crown to the root. The pulp is full of life, consisting of blood vessels, nerves, and tissues; hence, it is prone to bacterial infections. Bacterial infections can cause a series of issues, including inflamed pulp, inflamed ligaments, and pulp abscesses (pockets of pus).

When performed by a qualified and experienced specialist, this treatment has a high success rate, with patients reporting immediate pain relief. However, like any medical procedure, some patients do report side effects after an emergency root canal. NYC oral health practitioners advise patients to look out for these possible side effects:

1. Color Change
Discoloration of a treated tooth is a possibility; however, this is reported by a small percentage. As mentioned, the pulp is full of life, so a bacterial infection in this area leads to permanent removal of the pulp. This means the tooth could die due to a lack of nutrients, which nourished it and kept it a perfect white color. Discoloration can be fixed by visiting a cosmetic dentist, who might prescribe crowns or veneers.

2. Infections
Even though it seldom happens, the treated tooth may be infected, which also increases the chance of bacteria spreading to the surrounding area. There are various reasons this might happen, such as bacteria entering during treatment or a missed infected canal. You can experience swelling, pus, or fever if there is an infection after an emergency root canal. NYC dentists advise returning immediately for treatment if you suspect this may have occurred.

3. Tooth Cracking
The treated tooth can easily crack because of the absence of the pulp, which kept it strong, moisturized, and nourished before the procedure. A crack provides an entrance to bacteria, which can lead to more infections. To prevent this, crowns can be fitted after an emergency root canal. (NYC dentists often recommend crowns to provide additional strength.)

4. Root Fracture
In rare occurrences, a fracture may occur during or after the procedure. Sometimes the fracture may arise before the treatment due to tooth decay or pre-existing cracks that are invisible. If you suspect any fracture, you should visit the dentist immediately to discuss possible treatment options available.

5. Sinus Congestion
Another possible side effect is sinus congestion. The sinus cavity is close to or has some connection with the mouth and everything in it. Therefore, after the procedure, the liquid from the treated tooth can penetrate through the membranes of your nose, causing irritation. You might experience signs that include headaches, congestion, and a continuous salty taste in your mouth after an emergency root canal. NYC endodontists advise that these side effects may last a few weeks after the treatment; however, if they persist, you should visit the dentist to have an examination done.

Any medical procedure has possible side effects, and a root canal is no different. However, the success rate of this treatment is high, and patients report immediate pain relief, while relatively few experience possible side effects, especially if they’ve been treated by a highly qualified specialist. Therefore, it is important to visit a professional dentist with extensive experience in performing emergency root canals. NYC patients who undergo this treatment need to follow the advice of these doctors before and after the procedure to reduce the side effects that may follow.

Author Plate
Ellen Smythe is a Practice Manager at Smile Arts of NY, a dental office that provides the best care (including emergency treatments) and advanced modern cosmetic dental procedures like teeth whitening, porcelain crowns, veneers, Invisalign and dental implants. If you’re looking for the best services, including an emergency root canal. NYC based Smile Arts have been helping New York City residents achieve the look they’ve always wanted with their state-of-the-art, affordable dental services since 2010.