Farber Center for Periodontics & Dental Implants

A Message from Alan Farber, DDS and Farber Center for Periodontics & Dental Implants

At Farber Center, we’re closely following the developing public health concerns related to coronavirus (COVID-19).  We want our patients, guests, and staff to know that we are taking extra measures to keep all of our offices, exam and treatment rooms, and laboratories safe and clean.
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Do Your Teeth Look Too Long When You Smile?

Years ago, as people became older, they were said to look long in the tooth. It was because their teeth appeared longer when gums and supporting bone began to recede. For anyone noticing this condition today, there are simple treatments to correct it. For example, gum grafting is one of the many services performed by our holistic Long Island periodontists at Farber Center. It’s a relatively straightforward procedure to improve the appearance of long-in-the-tooth patients — it makes you appear younger.
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Dental implant-supported dentures that are permanent provide an excellent tooth replacement solution for anyone who has lost an entire arch of upper or lower teeth. They are a significant advance over traditional dentures that can be removed and are held in place by adhesives.  The stable, firm bite provided by the underlying implants is a total game-changer in terms of a better quality of life. One of the more popular and effective implant-supported denture systems is known as All-on-4® and its one we offer at Farber Center in Medford or Hauppauge, NY. We’re one of Long Island’s leading providers of dental implants, periodontics, and holistic dentistry. Read the rest of this entry »

Has a dental professional ever told you that you have receding gums? If yes, Farber Centers in Medford and Hauppauge, Long Island, NY, offer a new scalpel-free and suture-free treatment. Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation® is a minimally invasive surgical method that covers any root surfaces left exposed by receding gums. Sometimes areas of the teeth have exposed root surfaces, regardless of the amount of tissue that is present, or the thickness of that tissue. Our patients who have undergone the procedure with Dr. Chris Chondrogiannis have been pleased with the results and the comfortable method itself. Read the rest of this entry »

About 50,000 people a year are diagnosed with oral cancer in the United States each year, and about 10,000 will die from the disease.

Early detection and diagnosis are the most factors in successfully treating oral cancer, which may occur on the lip, inside the mouth, tonsils, salivary glands, esophagus, back of the throat, tongue, and soft tissues of the mouth. For most people, anything mentioning the word cancer is automatically intimidating, but it’s essential not to let that stop you from being examined frequently. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s well-known that good oral health (a healthy mouth) is one of the most definite signs of a healthy body overall. There are many good reasons to have regular dental or periodontal check-ups. But one of the most important is that health issues can show up first in the mouth. Here are some of the things your dentist or periodontist will check for during an oral health exam.

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If you’ve been thinking about getting a dental implant, chances are you’ve been wondering about the steps involved. No matter what the reason for your implant — replacing a tooth that has been missing for a while or one that was lost suddenly due to an accident — the dental implant procedure steps will be the same.

Frequently asked questions are:

– What Happens First?
– How Long Does It All Take?
– How Many Visits Are Involved?

All of these questions are answered in detail during your initial consultation visit at either of our Farber Center Long Island, NY dental offices, which are located in Medford and Hauppauge. Read the rest of this entry »

It might surprise you to learn about the increased belief that healthy teeth and gums can positively affect your entire body, including your heart.

It is yet another reason to brush frequently, floss daily, and see your dentist or periodontist for routine check-us and cleanings. At Farber Center, we want to help you dedicate the new year to become healthier and happier.  In this case, you don’t need to do anything additional such as signing up for a gym membership—though exercise is essential. But you do need to resolve to take the best care possible of your teeth and gums. The next time you visit us, ask a hygienist for a refresher about brushing and flossing techniques. Read the rest of this entry »

Everyone would prefer to have healthy gums. They look better and help you keep your teeth. Also, they support the health of other organs and systems in the body, including your heart. The leading cause of gingival recession (receding gums) is the presence of harmful bacteria that live at and below the gum line. Therefore, an excellent oral hygiene routine of twice-yearly professional cleanings, brushing twice a day, and flossing daily is your best defense.

Receding gums accompanied by inflammation or infection, known as gingivitis or periodontitis, also can lead to other problems. One of the most critical is the deterioration of the underlying jawbone that supports your teeth. If bone loss around tooth roots becomes advanced, deep cleaning with scaling and root planing may be necessary. During this cleaning, a dentist will pull back the gums and scale the pockets where bacteria are present until the tooth surface is smooth, and there are no pockets left for the bacteria to accumulate.

How to Tell if Your Gums are Healthy

Healthy gums are dark red, but when they recede, pink tissue at the roots of the teeth is exposed. The expression long in the tooth, meaning having reached old age, refers to the gingival recession. Many times, our teeth do appear longer as we age because of receding gums, often caused by bacteria and gum disease. Good oral hygiene is the key to slowing gum recession, but it is essential to do it correctly. For example, brushing teeth too hard can cause gums to recede further. As a result, it’s often a good idea to ask your dental hygienist for a refresher about best practices for brushing and flossing. Even adults can benefit from occasional reminders about what works best.

Whether You Have One Missing Tooth or Several Missing Teeth, Restore Your Smile Today!

It’s also important to know that it’s not normal to see blood when you brush. If your gums bleed when you brush, it’s likely you already may have some form of gingivitis or periodontitis. It’s wise to see your dentist — and also entirely appropriate to self refer to a periodontist. Periodontists are dental specialists with specialized skills in diagnosing and treating gum disease. At Farber Center, our periodontists not only have advanced training in treating gum disease but also have newer treatments. For example, new laser-assisted methods to treat and resolve gum disease are more effective, less invasive, and more comfortable for you.

Can Receding Gums Harm My Teeth?

Receding gums are an oral health concern when they get to the point where tooth roots are exposed. It leads to a higher risk of decay, infection, and loss. Therefore, if you suspect your gums are receding, or a dental professional has brought it up to you, it’s time to seek treatment. The good news is that starting treatment at an early stage can stop or reverse the process of gum recession. If your gum recession is already more advanced and causing symptoms, various options are available. The symptoms you may notice include tooth sensitivity, pain, or infection, often accompanied by swelling.

Receding gums is a common condition, but people often do not realize their gums are receding until a late stage in the process. As a result, it’s a wise idea to watch closely and ask your dentist or hygienist during routine cleanings and check-ups. Another cause of gum loss is tooth grinding. Grinding your teeth can misalign them and cause tiny spaces to form where plaque and tartar can build up and make harmful bacteria more difficult to remove. If you are grinding or clenching your teeth, which likely is caused unconsciously, asking to be fitted for a nightguard also can help. It will provide a cushion between teeth and lessen the damage caused by grinding.

For an Exam or More Information, See a Professional

Left untreated receding gums and associated periodontal diseases may lead to loose teeth and tooth loss. Because of the potential seriousness of the condition, don’t hesitate if you’re wondering about your gums. In addition to the recession, chronic gum disease also causes bad breath and painful inflammation. Receding gums are an issue everyone has to deal with. Practicing good oral hygiene is an essential factor in slowing and preventing gum loss, but there is always the possibility that you will develop gum loss only due to age. No matter what the symptoms or cause, if you’re wondering about your gum, make an appointment to see a periodontist for an exam.

The Long Island area is lucky to have many dental implant providers serving cities and towns all across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. But with so many providers and options to choose from, how do you select the best Long Island dental implants that are right for you?

Tips for Finding the “Best Long Island Dental Implants” Near You

There aren’t magic or simple answers to the question, but these helpful tips can help you narrow down your options and give you the information you need to make a wise decision.

1. Decide on Your Priorities

Before settling on a dental implant clinic, think through how you would like the experience to go and what things matter the most to you. For example, what are your must-haves?  Also, what might you be willing to compromise on?

Things to consider can include:

Location: How far can you travel for your implant surgery and follow-up appointments? Is the route you’ll follow convenient for you? Will you have more than the usual traffic to get to and from?

Office Type: Large and small providers each have their advantages. Smaller offices might mean that you will deal with fewer people, but it could take longer to schedule an appointment. Also, seeing fewer patients may mean less experience and expertise. Larger offices may involve getting to know more implant specialists and staff, but they have more services, expertise, and flexible scheduling.

Oral Health History: If you have, or suspect you may have, an oral health issue such as gum disease, look for an implant specialist such as a periodontist who also specializes in that area. If you have an uncomplicated dental history, your choices can be more open.

Scheduling: Do you have specific times that you need to visit the office? If yes, look for implant clinics that can fit into your schedule. Larger offices often can be more flexible about the times for your appointments.

2. Having a Choice of Dental Implants Matters

Implant dentistry continues to advance, and the range of choices and options increases over time. Also, for many people, holistic dental practices like our Farber Center dentist offices in Hauppauge and Medford NY, matter increasingly. Therefore, find out about both the implant options and type of practice.

For many years, titanium implants were state-of-the-art and the only available option. Their strength and ability to fuse to bone in the osseointegration process made them a universal choice. But today, newer options such as ceramic dental implants offer advantages and are increasing in popularity.

Utilize your initial consultation appointments to request complete information about all of the implant options. Even if you walk in the door thinking you know exactly what you want, you might change your mind after finding out more. No two people are alike, and decisions about what is “best” are unique and individual.

3. Find Out About Pricing and Payment Options

Compared to other tooth replacement options, implants are an excellent option — but they are a significant investment. Getting a reasonable price that’s fair is essential — and with something as important and long-lasting as implants, the cheapest might not be the best.

Your consultation appointment is an excellent opportunity to discuss pricing and payment options and to consider your budget and how much you can spend on what you need.

The discussion about payment options becomes even more essential if your need for implants has arisen suddenly. If it was not a cost you were expecting and planning for, you might need to inquire about payment plans or financing.

4. Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation for More Information

The ideal way to make the best decision is to gather as much information as you can, then weigh your options. Many implant providers offer complimentary consultations, so you have nothing to lose.

Also, the initial visit lets you meet the team to assess the doctors and the facility as a whole to be sure that you feel comfortable, and it meets all of your priorities. A good implant practice will respect your desire to take your time and make an informed decision. Be alert for any pressure or undue urgency.

The good news about the Long Island area is that we have plenty of dental implant options to choose from. Your oral and whole-body health crucially important — so make sure that you take your time and follow a systematic approach to find the implants that are right for you.