Recent Posts

How to fight and treat tooth decay

Aug. 15 2020

One of the most common dental problems is that of tooth decay. Also known as cavities, tooth decay can impact the smile in a dramatic way. When tooth decay occurs, it eats at the natural enamel of the tooth. When the decay gets deeper, it can become even more problematic and result in infection of the dental pulp within the tooth. While most small areas of decay can be treated with fillings, some patients may have extensive damage that requires the removal of the tooth altogether. With proper care and attention, patients in the Melville, NY area can combat tooth decay and prevent it altogether with proper oral health habits.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is the formation of holes in the natural tooth enamel due to bacteria, acids, and plaque buildup. Bacteria feeds on sugars and creates acids that eat away at enamel. The formation of decay occurs over time, and if it is not detected early enough for successful treatment, it can become extremely large and impact your overall oral health.

How can I protect my smile from tooth decay?

Preventive dentistry is key to keeping the smile healthy. Patients should eat a healthy diet, brush and floss after every meal, and visit Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island every six months for a cleaning and evaluation. Patients are also urged to treat cavities with the use of fillings as soon as possible to prevent the progression of decay. While protecting the smile from cavities, patients will also be protecting their smile from the development of periodontal disease, another condition that can dramatically impact one’s oral health.

Learn more about tooth decay

If you live in the Melville, NY area and are interested in learning more about ways of fighting and treating tooth decay, we welcome you to call our office at (631) 423-6767. Dr. Dean Glasser and his team at Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island are here to provide a wide range of services to assist individuals in achieving beautiful, healthy smiles for life—and smiles free from cavities and disease! Our office is conveniently located at 458 Old Country Road and is accepting new patients.

Dr. Dean Glasser is a respected Cosmetic and General Dentist, serving Melville, NY and the greater Long Island area. A Professor at Columbia University Dental School, Dr. Glasser is recognized as a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and as a Fellow of the following organizations: the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Association of Hospital Dentistry and the Misch Implant Institute.

Welcome Dr. Renee Glasser to Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island!

May. 15 2020

At Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island, we have some exciting news to share with our dental family! Dr. Renee Glasser, Dr. Dean Glasser’s daughter, is now a part of our team! Dr. Renee Glasser grew up here in Melville, NY with her family and graduated from Half Hollow Hills High School East. After graduating high school, she moved on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Biology from SUNY Stony Brook University.

Dr. Renee Glasser then received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine and also served as the Vice President of the American Student Dental Association Stony Brook Chapter. During this time, she provided dental care to local and abroad communities that were heavily underserved. Her energy spent in this endeavor led her to receive the International College of Dentists Student Leadership Award. Dr. Renee Glasser was then trained in all aspects of the dental field during her residency in General Practice Dentistry at North Shore University Hospital, receiving additional education and training in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services and techniques.

Dr. Renee Glasser has become a part of the team at the Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island, and is excited to work alongside her father to become an experienced and respected dental professional in her community. She looks forward to meeting you and your family and providing the best possible care available to all who enter our doors!

Ready to work with our team of professionals at Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island?

Now is the time to connect with the father and daughter team of Drs. Dean and Renee Glasser at our facility located at 458 Old Country Road in Melville, NY. Call (631) 423-6767 to schedule a consultation appointment and learn more about all we have to offer in our state-of-the-art dental facility!

I Chipped a Tooth! Now What Do I Do?

Oct. 15 2019

Various conditions can result in a tooth becoming damaged. In most situations, injuries to the mouth can cause a tooth to become cracked or chipped. As soon as this happens, it is essential that patients in the Melville, NY area seek dental assistance as soon as possible.

What should I do if I chip a tooth?

Regardless of how the tooth became chipped, patients need to schedule an appointment as soon as possible with their dentist. Dr. Dean Glasser of Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island is pleased to offer restorative care for patients in the community. Patients undergo an evaluation, and the options for restoring their tooth are explored.

How can a dentist fix a chipped tooth?

Chipped teeth can occur to anyone. Fortunately, there are several ways in which a dentist can repair this concern. Below are just a few options that a patient may consider for restoration of their natural tooth:

Composite resin bonding – dental bonding is a fast and popular choice for patients who want to quickly address their chipped tooth. The material works best near the front of the smile on the anterior teeth. This clay-like material is administered onto the tooth, hardened with a curing light, and polished to look just like natural tooth enamel.
Porcelain veneers – as an alternative to composite resin bonding on the front teeth, patients may choose porcelain veneers instead. Veneers are thin, ceramic facings that are fabricated to cover the front of a tooth to change its overall appearance. This restoration also covers imperfections such as breakage.
Dental crown – teeth near the back of the mouth are better suited for the placement of a dental crown. This porcelain restoration covers the entire visible portion of the tooth. The dentist fabricates the crown to match the existing teeth to ensure the restoration provides seamless integration.

Visit Melville, NY area practice for assistance with chipped teeth

If you are in a situation where you need to repair one or more teeth, Dr. Dean Glasser encourages you to book an appointment with him at his practice, Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island. New and existing patients can call (631) 423-6767 today and visit at 458 Old Country Road.

3 Tips to Keep Your Mouth Bacteria-Free

Jul. 15 2019

Whether you like it or not, bacteria and germs are all around us. Even though you can’t prevent yourself from breathing in airborne germs and bacteria every day, there are a few other ways that you can avoid having extra bacteria in your mouth. And because of a cold or other illness is the last thing that you want to get during the summer, we have a few tips to help you out.

Don’t Share Toothpaste

One of the quickest ways to spread germs and bacteria is to share toothpaste with people. If you think about it, when you touch the tip of the toothpaste tube against your toothbrush, and then you use that same tube on other people in your family, it will just spread germs from one person to the next. If you have it in your budget, try to get everyone their own tube of toothpaste; that way, germs only stay with the carrier and don’t spread to everyone else.

Watch Where You Put Your Toothbrush

Where do you keep your toothbrush? Are You the type of person who leaves it on the countertop after you brush? Do you have little kids who leave their toothbrush on the floor next to their toys? All of these places have dirt, germs, and bacteria that can hop on your toothbrush and make you sick or cause oral bacteria. Try to get into the habit of putting your toothbrush in a spot like a toothbrush holder after you use it every time. If you share a folder with other members of your family, make sure that your bristles don't touch.

Boil Your Toothbrush

We encourage patients to get a new toothbrush every three months on average or if your bristles start to wear down before then. To help you combat germs that are on your toothbrush, try soaking your toothbrush in boiling water. Or, you can even dip it in a pot of boiling water and boil it for a few minutes.

Use these basic tips to help avoid spreading bacteria and germs among your family members. Are you ready to schedule your next dental cleaning? Contact our Melville office today and call us at (631) 423-6767.

The Importance of Starting Dental Care at Home

May. 15 2019

When you have young kids or babies you may think that their oral health starts after their first dental visit with Dr. Dean Glasser, but it actually should start far before that. We believe that dental care should start at home, but why? Let’s take a closer look.

You Can Start Early

On average, we don't need to see your child until they start sprouting teeth but you should start taking care of their oral health well before then. For instance, after your baby has milk, you should take a clean, warm, wet washcloth and gently rub their gums; this will help to get rid of any harmful bacteria and keep their mouth clean. By getting started early, you can instill good oral hygiene habits with your children right away.

They Are Less Likely to Get Cavities

The biggest benefit of instilling good oral hygiene habits in your kids at home is that they are less likely to get cavities. By incorporating toothbrushing into both the morning and nighttime routines, you can drastically cut down on the chances that they will get cavities anytime soon. Just make sure that you are using the right kind of toothpaste and the right amount of toothpaste depending on their age.

They Can Learn From Example

One of the best ways that little kids learn is by example. When you show your kids that you should brush your teeth multiple times a day, they are less likely to pitch a fit because they will see it’s just something that has to be done.

All good habits start at home. If you want to learn a little bit more about pediatric dental care, contact Dr. Glasser at our Melville office and call (631) 423-6767.

Snore No More: 3 Surgeries for Sleep Apnea

Mar. 15 2019

If you have sleep apnea, you have more than likely been nudged or shoved awake by your spouse because of how loud your breathing is. As a condition that causes your airways to collapse while you sleep, resulting in a lack of oxygen to your heart and brain, sleep apnea isn’t something to mess with.

The most common form of treatment for sleep apnea is with a breathing machine called a continuous positive airway pressure therapy machine (CPAP). A CPAP helps to increase air pressure in your throat so that your airways do not collapse when you breathe; that way your body gets all of the oxygen it needs (and your spouse gets more sleep). While sleep apnea treatment usually starts with conservative therapy like a CPAP machine or even weight loss, many patients end up having to have surgery performed. But what kinds of surgeries are available? Let’s take a closer look and see.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

This surgery is performed under general anesthesia. During this surgery, the tonsils, adenoids, and tissue from the rear of the mouth are removed to stop vibration and snoring.

Maxillomandibular Advancement

This procedure is done to help move the jaw forward to help create more space behind the tongue and the soft palate which reduces the risk of obstruction during sleep.

Tracheostomy

Usually, this procedure is only performed when other treatments have failed and is reserved for life-threatening cases of sleep apnea. During this surgery, a metal or plastic tube is inserted into the throat to help you breathe while you sleep. The opening will stay covered during the day but it will help pass air in and out of the lungs at night.

If you live with chronic sleep apnea, then it may be time to look into other options like surgery. During your consultation with Dr. Glasser, he will do a brief examination and then discuss all of these options with you. Are you ready to learn more about how you can sleep better at night? If so, contact us at our Melville office today and call us at (631) 423-6767

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Dec. 15 2018

If you are a cigarette smoker or tobacco user you know that you are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer, throat cancer, and heart disease. But did you know that you are also at a higher risk of developing oral cancer as well? Whether you smoke or not during one of your regular dental examinations, Dr. Glasser will check for any signs of oral cancer. But what are the signs and symptoms that you as a patient should be on the lookout for? Let’s take a closer look.

White Patches

Have you ever had strep throat? If so then you may have noticed white patches on the back of your throat. Similarly, one sign of oral cancer to look out for are white patches on the inside of your cheeks or on the roof of your mouth. If you notice any of these patches and they aren’t going away, then make sure to contact Dr. Glasser

Persistent Pain

The tricky thing about persistent mouth pain is that it could be attributed to a variety of things including an oral infection, a cavity, or yes, even oral cancer. If you are experiencing any sort of persistent oral pain, schedule an appointment with Dr. Glasser so that he can get down to the root cause of it.

Sore Throat

Having a sore throat that’s accompanied by a cold and then goes away after a week is something that’s normal during this time of year. But having a persistent sore throat that you just can’t get rid of may be a sign of oral or throat cancer.

If at any point you are worried that you may have signs of oral cancer, don’t hesitate to give Dr. Glasser a call. To learn more about oral cancer screenings or to schedule your next examination, contact our Melville office at (631) 423-6767.

How Technology Is Changing the Dentistry World

Apr. 15 2018

In this day and age, if you were to tell somebody that technology matters they would probably look you dead in the eye and say, “Obviously.” But when it comes to just about every part of your life, you may not be quite as aware of how important of a role technology plays— including dentistry. Here at Dr. Dean Glasser's office, we love the latest smartphones just as much as anyone else, and we also make sure that we use the latest technology to serve you better.

Our CamX Triton helps us better treat and diagnose all of our patients so that you have a better experience overall. But what else can the CamX Triton do and why is it so important? Let’s take a closer look.

Eliminates the Need to Use X-Rays In Most Instances

Even though only small amounts of radiation are used during dental x-rays, they can still be harmful to young patients and expecting mother’s. With the CamX Triton Proxi interchangeable head, we can take clear images of your teeth and gums without the need of x-rays in most instances.

Better Image Quality

What is worse than having your dentist show you an x-ray or image that they themselves can hardly read? Just about nothing. With the CamX Triton, Dr. Dean Glasser can not only take clearer more precise images of your teeth and gums, but he can also show you better images that you can visualize.

It Can Diagnose Caries

Another unique benefit to the CamX Triton imaging system is that it can identify caries and plaque without the need for radiation.

Better imaging, no need for x-rays, and easier detection are just three of the unique benefits of the CamX Triton HD system that Dr. Dean Glasser uses. If you want to schedule your next dental appointment and experience this unique imaging system firsthand, contact our Melville office today at (631) 423-6767.

3 Family Goals to Set in 2018 for a Healthier Smile

Jan. 15 2018

Now that the new year is here you likely fit into one of two categories: you are already working on your new year's resolutions, or you still have yet to decide on what you’re going to focus on this year. Whatever category you’re in, there’s one thing for certain: nothing will make your goals more attainable than having the support of your family. So, to help you make your goals that much more in reach, why not set goals together as a family? To help you ensure that your family stays cavity free all year long, we have created a list of three new year's resolutions you and your family can try together to make 2018 your best year yet.

Avoid Sugar

This may be the hardest goal you will set as a family, but it may also be the most rewarding. You may not realize it, but sugar is in just about everything we eat. Yes, it’s in candy and baked goods, but sugar is also in things like pasta sauce, bbq sauce, and even peanut butter. And although a little sugar isn’t going to hurt you, too much sugar can wreak havoc on your blood sugar, waistline, and, you guessed it, even your teeth. Set a goal as a family to try to cut down on your sugar intake this year.

Brush More Often

The American Dental Association recommends that people brush their teeth at least twice a day which most people translate into just twice a day— ignoring the “at least” portion of the recommendation. As a family, try to set a goal to brush more than twice a day. For instance, try encouraging your kids to brush their teeth when they get home from school each day— the extra tooth brushing session will help them cut down on cavities.

Switch Out Your Toothbrushes Regularly

The American Dental Association also recommends that patients switch out their toothbrush every three to four months. If, however, your family isn’t into a habit of switching out their toothbrushes on a regular basis, you may be contributing to cavities and bacteria. Old toothbrushes not only have worn down bristles that don’t clean teeth as well but they also harbor germs and bacteria. Make an alert on your phone to change out your family’s toothbrushes every three months.

By incorporating these three tips into your dental routine, you and your family can have a healthier smile all year long. To learn more about your family’s dental health, schedule an appointment with Dr. Dean Glasser at our Melville office today!

When Less Is More: Discovering the Benefits of Cam X Spectra

May. 15 2017

More money, more vacation days, a square footage in your house, and more time spent on the beach are all just a few of the things that you likely want more of in your life. However, sometimes there are certain scenarios where less is simply more; including the new Cam X Spectra. As a handheld device that allows Dr. Dean Glasser to take a closer look at your teeth, the Cam X Spectra uses fluorescent light technology to catch dental problems early on. Once the light is used, the images will be transmitted onto a TV screen for both you and Dr. Glasser to analyze. This process will let both Dr. Glasser and you see what areas of your teeth need to be fixed and create a plan. With less invasive procedures, less time spent in the dentist chair, and less discomfort, the Cam X Spectra shows that less, is in fact, more.

Less Invasive Procedures

With Cam X Spectra, Dr. Dean Glasser will be able to catch any oral problems early and start treating them right away. Because dental issues are caught before they get worse with the Cam X Spectra, you won’t have to deal with as many—if any at all—invasive procedures.

Less Time Spent In the Dentist Chair

The more dental problems you have, the more time you have to spend in our office. And although we love seeing all of our patients, you likely have other stuff you want to do with your time. By catching any dental problems early on with the Cam X Spectra, Dr. Dean Glasser will be able to treat it right away and hopefully fix the problem so that you can spend less time in the dentist chair.

Less Discomfort

Both infection and extreme dental procedures can leave you in a whole lot of pain and discomfort. Luckily, by detecting the problem early on with the Cam X Spectra, you can get rid of infections and reduce the likelihood of having to undergo extreme dental procedures—a win, win for you and your mouth.

If you would like to learn more about the Cam X Spectra and how it can make your whole dental experience easier and more efficient, contact Dr. Dean Glasser’s office today to schedule an appointment.

1 2 Next »