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Andrew J. Spiridigloizzi, D.D.S.


New Hartford Office - 3995B Oneida Street New Hartford, NY 13413 315-737-8296
Herkimer Office - 10 North Park Place Herkimer, NY 13350 315-866-6250

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Posts for category: Dental Procedures

NBC Star Delivers a Message about the "Perfect" Smile

By Andrew J. Spiridigloizzi, D.D.S.
January 26, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   orthodontics  
NBCStarDeliversaMessageaboutthePerfectSmile

Sometimes it seems that appearances count for everything—especially in Hollywood. But just recently, Lonnie Chaviz, the 10-year-old actor who plays young Randall on the hit TV show This Is Us, delivered a powerful message about accepting differences in body image. And the whole issue was triggered by negative social media comments about his smile.

Lonnie has a noticeable diastema—that is, a gap between his two front teeth; this condition is commonly seen in children, but is less common in adults. There are plenty of celebrities who aren’t bothered by the excess space between their front teeth, such as Michael Strahan, Lauren Hutton and Vanessa Paradis. However, there are also many people who choose to close the gap for cosmetic or functional reasons.

Unfortunately, Lonnie had been on the receiving end of unkind comments about the appearance of his smile. But instead of getting angry, the young actor posted a thoughtful reply via Instagram video, in which he said: “I could get my gap fixed. Braces can fix this, but like, can you fix your heart, though?”

Lonnie is raising an important point: Making fun of how someone looks shows a terrible lack of compassion. Besides, each person’s smile is uniquely their own, and getting it “fixed” is a matter of personal choice. It’s true that in most circumstances, if the gap between the front teeth doesn’t shrink as you age and you decide you want to close it, orthodontic appliances like braces can do the job. Sometimes, a too-big gap can make it more difficult to eat and to pronounce some words. In other situations, it’s simply a question of aesthetics—some like it; others would prefer to live without it.

There’s a flip side to this issue as well. When teeth need to be replaced, many people opt to have their smile restored just the way it was, rather than in some “ideal” manner. That could mean that their dentures are specially fabricated with a space between the front teeth, or the crowns of their dental implants are spaced farther apart than they normally would be. For these folks, the “imperfection” is so much a part of their unique identity that changing it just seems wrong.

So if you’re satisfied with the way your smile looks, all you need to do is keep up with daily brushing and flossing, and come in for regular checkups and cleanings to keep it healthy and bright. If you’re unsatisfied, ask us how we could help make it better. And if you need tooth replacement, be sure to talk to us about all of your options—teeth that are regular and “Hollywood white;” teeth that are natural-looking, with minor variations in color and spacing; and teeth that look just like the smile you’ve always had.

Because when it comes to your smile, we couldn’t agree more with what Lonnie Chaviz said at the end of his video: “Be who you want to be. Do what you want to do. Do you. Be you. Believe in yourself.”

If you have questions about cosmetic dentistry, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can read more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Beautiful Smiles by Design” and “The Magic of Orthodontics.”

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Dental Implants Better than Ever thanks to Ongoing Tech Advances

By Andrew J. Spiridigloizzi, D.D.S.
January 16, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: dental implants  
DentalImplantsBetterthanEverthankstoOngoingTechAdvances

While many people still consider dental implants the "new kids on the block" in dental restoration, they're now in their fourth decade of use. And since their inception implant technology has continued to improve and revolutionize how we replace missing teeth.

Implants are a different "species" compared to other restoration methods. To be precise, an implant is a tooth root replacement—usually a titanium metal post imbedded directly into the jaw bone. Titanium is not only a biocompatible metal, but bone cells naturally grow on its surface to create a strong and durable hold. It's this secure hold that's most responsible for implants' high long-term success rate.

But we should also credit some of this success to the steady stream of advances over the years in implant construction and supporting technologies. For one thing, we're now more accurate and precise with implant placement thanks to advances in computer tomography (CT) and cone beam CT (CBCT) scanning.

These digital processes merge a series of images taken by a special camera to form a three-dimensional model of the jaw. We can manipulate this model on a computer monitor to view it from different vantage points. It can help us locate and avoid anatomical structures like nerves and sinuses when determining where to place a future implant. CT and CBCT are especially useful when there's a concern about adequate available bone, a necessity for stable implants.

Technology has also improved how we create surgical guides, often used during implant surgery to obtain the most accurate results. Surgical guides are custom-made devices that fit over the teeth with the drilling locations for the implants marked on them. Recent advances in 3-D printing have made these guides even more accurate so that they fit more securely in the mouth. This greater stability increases their accuracy during the drilling sequence during surgery.

These and other advances are helping ensure every implant is a success story. The end result is both a functional restoration and a beautiful smile.

If you would like more information on dental implants, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “How Technology Aids Dental Implant Therapy.”

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Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!

By Andrew J. Spiridigloizzi, D.D.S.
December 17, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   smile makeover  
JanetJacksonEvenpopstarsgetinsecureabouttheirsmiles

Multi-platinum recording artist Janet Jackson has long been known for her dazzling smile. And yet, Jackson admitted to InStyle Magazine that her trademark smile was once a major source of insecurity. The entertainer said, “To me, I looked like the Joker!” It was only after age 30 that the pop icon came to accept her unique look.

Jackson is not alone. A study commissioned by the American Association of Orthodontists found that more than one third of U.S. adults are dissatisfied with their smile. But there’s good news—modern dentistry can correct many flaws that can keep you from loving your smile, whether you’re unhappy with the color, size, or shape of your teeth. Here are some popular treatments:

Professional teeth whitening: Sometimes a professional teeth whitening will give you the boost you need. In-office whitening can dramatically brighten your smile in just one visit.

Tooth-colored fillings: If you have silver-colored fillings on teeth that show when you smile, consider replacing them with unnoticeable tooth-colored fillings.

Dental bonding: If you have chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth, cosmetic bonding may be the fix you’re looking for. In this procedure, tooth colored material is applied to the tooth’s surface, sculpted into the desired shape, hardened with a special light, and polished for a smooth finish.

Porcelain veneers: Dental veneers provide a natural-looking, long-lasting solution to many dental problems. These very thin shells fit over your teeth, essentially replacing your tooth enamel to give you the smile you desire.

Replacement teeth: Is a missing tooth affecting your self-confidence? There are several options for replacing missing teeth, from a removable partial denture to a traditional fixed bridge to a state-of-the-art implant-supported replacement tooth. Removable partial dentures are an inexpensive way to replace one or more missing teeth, but they are less stable than non-removable options. Dental bridges, as the name implies, span the gap where a tooth is missing by attaching an artificial tooth to the teeth on either side of the space. In this procedure, the teeth on both sides of the gap must be filed down in order to support the bridgework. Dental implants, considered the gold standard in tooth replacement technology, anchor long-lasting, lifelike replacements that function like natural teeth.

After coming to embrace her smile, Jackson asserted, “Beautiful comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors." If you don’t feel that your smile expresses the beauty you have inside, call our office to schedule a consultation. It’s possible to love your smile. We can help.

For more information, read Dear Doctor magazine article “How Your Dentist Can Help You Look Younger.”

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Avoid Implant Failure by Watching Out for These Mouth Problems

By Andrew J. Spiridigloizzi, D.D.S.
November 17, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: dental implants  
AvoidImplantFailurebyWatchingOutforTheseMouthProblems

There are several reasons why dental implants are so popular. Perhaps the most important, though, is their longevity: if maintained properly implants can last for decades. However, they’re not indestructible—certain mouth conditions could put them at risk for early failure. But if you address emerging problems early, you may be able to prevent that unfortunate outcome.

Your implants may be in danger, for example, if you have a teeth grinding or clenching habit. This occurs when a person involuntarily and repeatedly bites down on their teeth when not chewing or speaking. Usually triggered in adults by high stress, teeth grinding can subject both natural teeth and implants to damaging levels of force. Over time this can cause bone loss around an implant and weaken their support. It could also cause a direct break in an implant.

But there are ways to stop or at least reduce the effects of teeth grinding. One effective way is a custom-made bite guard you wear while you sleep. Made of hard plastic, the guard prevents the teeth from making solid contact with each other, reducing the amount of force generated.

A more prominent problem is periodontal (gum) disease, a bacterial infection caused by built-up dental plaque on tooth surfaces. This can trigger inflammation, a normal defensive response that when it persists for an extended period of time can damage tissues and supporting bone. It can also cause a specific form of gum disease related to implants called peri-implantitis, in which the tissues that support an implant become infected and weaken, leading eventually to possible implant failure.

If you have implants, then, you should brush and floss daily to prevent gum disease, as well as see your dentist at least every six months for cleanings and checkups. And if you notice anything like reddened, swollen or bleeding gums, see your dentist immediately. The sooner you undergo treatment, the better the outcome for your implants as well as your overall health.

Dental implants can give you years of great service and can prove to be well worth the cost. But you’ll have to stay on your guard against gum disease and other mouth conditions that could endanger them down the road.

If you would like more information on dental implants, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Dental Implants: A Tooth-Replacement Method that Rarely Fails.”

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What You Should Know About Antibiotic Therapy Before Implant Surgery

By Andrew J. Spiridigloizzi, D.D.S.
October 18, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: dental implants  
WhatYouShouldKnowAboutAntibioticTherapyBeforeImplantSurgery

Placing a dental implant within the jawbone requires a surgical procedure. For most people it’s a relatively minor affair, but for some with certain health conditions it might be otherwise. Because of their condition they might have an increased risk for a bacterial infection afterward that could interfere with the implant’s integration with the bone and lead to possible failure.

To lower this risk, dentists for many years have routinely prescribed an antibiotic for patients considered at high-risk for infection to take before their implant surgery. But there’s been a lively debate among health practitioners about the true necessity for this practice and whether it’s worth the possible side effects that can accompany taking antibiotics.

While the practice still continues, current guidelines now recommend it for fewer health conditions. The American Dental Association (ADA) together with the American Heart Association (AHA) now recommend antibiotics only for surgical patients who have prosthetic heart valves, a history of infective endocarditis, a heart transplant or certain congenital heart conditions.

But patients with prosthetic joint replacements, who were once included in the recommendation for pre-surgical antibiotics, are no longer in that category. Even so, some orthopedic surgeons continue to recommend it for their joint replacement patients out of concern that a post-surgical infection could adversely affect their replaced joints.

But while these areas of disagreement about pre-surgical antibiotics still continue, a consensus may be emerging about a possible “sweet spot” in administering the therapy. Evidence from recent studies indicates just a small dose of antibiotics administered an hour before surgery may be sufficient to reduce the risk of infection-related implant failure with only minimal risk of side effects from the drug.

Because pre-surgical antibiotic therapy can be a complicated matter, it’s best that you discuss with both the physician caring for your health condition and your dentist about whether you should undergo this option to reduce the infection risk with your own implant surgery. Still, if all the factors surrounding your health indicate it, this antibiotic therapy might help you avoid losing an implant to infection.

If you would like more information on antibiotics before implant surgery, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Implants & Antibiotics: Lowering Risk of Implant Failure.”

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Older Posts Dental Procedures (52)
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Archive:

  • 2019
      • February (2)
        • You May Need Your Dentist's Help Easing the Pain of Severe Canker Sores
        • How to Keep Tooth Wearing to a Minimum as you Age
      • January (3)
        • NBC Star Delivers a Message about the "Perfect" Smile
        • Dental Implants Better than Ever thanks to Ongoing Tech Advances
        • Moderate Fluoride Use Packs the Biggest Punch for Decay Prevention
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Practice the Dental Care Basics to Ensure a Healthy Smile
        • Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!
        • Don't give up on Flossing!
      • November (3)
        • Diabetes and Oral Health: True or False?
        • Avoid Implant Failure by Watching Out for These Mouth Problems
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
      • October (3)
        • How to Get the Most from Your Daily Brushing and Flossing
        • What You Should Know About Antibiotic Therapy Before Implant Surgery
        • Eat the Right Kind of Carbs to Protect Yourself from Gum Disease
      • September (3)
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • Proper Brushing and Flossing Removes Disease-Causing Plaque
        • 5 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Risk for Tooth Decay
      • August (3)
        • Dental Offices Uphold the Highest Standards for Infection Control
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
        • 4 Tips to Help you Quit the Smoking Habit
      • July (3)
        • Teenagers May Need a Temporary Tooth Replacement
        • Your Dental Care Efforts are Just as Important as Your Dentist's
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
      • June (3)
        • Having Trouble Flossing? Try Using an Oral Irrigator
        • Use These Techniques to Enjoy Healthy Foods Even with a Jaw Joint Disorder
        • June Is National Safety Month: Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies
      • May (4)
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
        • How to Clean Your Oral Appliance
        • Be on the Lookout for These Common Bite Problems in Children
        • Gum Disease Could Affect More than Your Teeth and Gums
      • April (2)
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
        • Dental Implants: a Durable, Life-Like Solution for your Tooth Loss
      • March (3)
        • 3 Ways to Reduce the Bacteria in Your Mouth that Cause Tooth Decay
        • Customized Temporary Crowns let you 'Rehearse' Your Future Smile
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
      • February (2)
        • 4 Reasons Why a Home Whitening Kit Might not be Right for You
        • The Health of Your Mouth Could Affect the Rest of Your Body
      • January (2)
        • Hidden Sugar Can Jeopardize Your Health
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Crowns Could be the 'Smile' Solution for Some Unattractive Teeth
        • Tooth Decay can be Less of a Problem with Minimally Invasive Dentistry
      • November (2)
        • Not Your Granddad's Dental Care: the New Approach to Tooth Decay Treatment
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
      • October (2)
        • Help Your Kids Have a Healthier Halloween
        • Timing is Everything When Replacing a Teenager's Missing Tooth
      • September (2)
        • A Mouthguard for NBA Star Isaiah Thomas
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
      • August (3)
        • Dental Implants and Smoking - Cause for Concern?
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • How to Handle 3 Common Injuries to Your Child's Mouth
      • July (2)
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • There's New Hope for a Better Understanding of Chronic Jaw Pain
      • June (2)
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
        • Besides Your Health, Shingles Could Affect Your Dental Care
      • May (2)
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • New Antiviral Drugs can Help you Break the Cold Sore Outbreak Cycle
      • April (2)
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Topical Fluoride Could Further Lower Tooth Decay Risk in Children
      • March (2)
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
        • Don't let Limited Finances Keep you From Needed Dental Care
      • February (3)
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
        • The 21st Century Promises Better Dental Diagnostics with Cone Beam Imaging
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
      • January (2)
        • Keep a Lookout for These Soft Tissue Conditions in the Mouth
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Even Though not in the "Smile Zone" You Should Replace that Back Tooth
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
      • November (3)
        • Determining the Right Whitening Approach is Key to Brightening a Dull Smile
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • Life-like Dental Porcelain Helps Restore Smiles Marred by Unattractive Teeth
      • October (2)
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • Help Your Child Develop Good Oral Habits and Avoid Bad Ones
      • September (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • What to Expect Before, During and After Implant Surgery
      • August (2)
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • Your Options for Restoring a Chipped Tooth
      • July (3)
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Teens Benefit Most from A Temporary Solution to Missing Teeth
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
      • June (2)
        • Getting the Full Picture of Your Decay Risk Leads to Better Prevention Strategies
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • May (2)
        • Put an End to Uncomfortable and Embarrassing Cracked Mouth Corners
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
      • April (2)
        • Regular Screenings Could Help With Early Oral Cancer Detection
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
      • March (2)
        • FAQs: Keeping Your Mouth Healthy After Gum Disease Treatment
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • February (2)
        • Put an End to Bad Oral Habits to Slow the Rate of Tooth Wear
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
      • January (2)
        • Take Steps to Ease That Burning Sensation in Your Mouth
        • A Toothless Tiger?
  • 2015
      • December (2)
        • Implant-Based Removable Dentures a Good Choice for Patients with Extensive Bone Loss
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
      • November (2)
        • Bitewing X-Rays Provide Early Detection of Tooth Decay in Back Teeth
        • A Royal Fix
      • October (3)
        • Keeping Fluoride to Just the Right Amount Protects Your Family's Smiles
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • Know the Risks and Benefits for Same-Day Tooth Replacement
      • September (2)
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
        • Difficult or Not, Plaque Removal is Necessary for Stopping Gum Disease
      • August (2)
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
        • Get Relief from Cracked Corners of the Mouth
      • July (2)
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Keep an Eye on These Four Things to Prevent Abnormal Tooth Wear
      • June (2)
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
        • Clicking Jaw: When Should You Be Concerned?
      • May (2)
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • The Many Advantages of Dental Implants
      • April (2)
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
        • Sleep Apnea and Behavioral Problems in Children: How Your Dentist Can Help
      • March (2)
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
        • Certain Factors May Raise Your Risk and the Intensity of Gum Disease
      • February (2)
        • Fitness Expert Jillian Michaels Helps Kick Sleep Apnea
        • Bonding with Composite Resins Ideal for Restoring Chipped Teeth
      • January (2)
        • George Washington's False Teeth
        • Three Things to Know About Crowns Before Your Restoration
  • 2014
      • December (3)
        • What Oral Appliance Does Oliva Newton-John Use to Protect Her teeth?
        • A Fixed Bridge Remains an Effective Option for Tooth Replacement
        • TV Designer Nate Berkus Is Thankful for Childhood Preventive Dental Treatments
      • November (2)
        • The Time Interval to Replant a Knocked Out Tooth Can Affect its Longevity
        • Learn About Living the Life You Love with Designer Nate Berkus
      • October (2)
        • Common Types of Tooth Injuries and How to Treat Them
        • How Dentistry Saved Kathy Ireland's Smile
      • September (2)
        • Encountering Positive Experiences the Key to Overcoming Dental Anxiety
        • Padma Lakshmi's Smile: A Recipe for Beauty
      • August (3)
        • Dental Health: Do You Make the Grade?
        • Cat Cora's 6 Ways to Keep Kids Off Junk Food
        • Plan to Keep Your New Hygiene Habit on Track
      • July (1)
        • Tooth-Colored Fillings Are the Restoration of Choice for Ballroom Dance Star Cheryl Burke
      • June (3)
        • More Than a Clean Feeling - Professional Cleaning Enhances Oral Health
        • Braces: A Rite of Passage Even for Hollywood Kids
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