FAQs

Bleeding or swollen gums are not normal. In fact, this problem is a sign of gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The early stages of gum disease can be reversed, but advanced gum disease is not curable.

To help patients minimize the dangers of gum disease, we use state-of-the-art laser therapy to remove the infection from the gums. The laser is gentle and works fast, even increasing overall recovery times.

The large majority of people can benefit from today’s modern dental implants to replace missing teeth. However, there are some considerations; the thickness and strength of the bone that will support the implants are the most important. Dr. Gary Bram can perform a thorough examination and take detailed images to determine whether dental implants are right for you.

Implant placement is much more precise with the help of our Navident dynamic navigation system. We can plan your implant procedure and deliver incredibly reliable results for our patients. Ask us how Navident will ensure the excellent results you are looking for.

Yes, we certainly do. Invisalign is an innovative teeth straightening treatment that uses smooth, plastic aligners. They are metal-free and very comfortable. And since they’re crafted out of clear material, they’re nearly invisible – other people will probably not notice them unless you point them out. Best of all, you could complete Invisalign treatment by this time next year!

Our team works hard each day to provide a relaxing dental experience to each patient. When you set foot in our cozy, historic building, you’ll feel the difference right away. Compassionate staff members will greet you warmly and make you feel at home. During your treatment you can take advantage of warming massage chairs and soft blankets to help you relax. Plus, Dr. Bram and our staff are always available to answer questions or to help however possible.

Dr. Bram wants to make it easy for our patients to receive comprehensive smile care in one location. We accept a variety of payment methods to make that happen. Choose cash, checks, major credit cards, in-house financing, and third-party financing through CareCredit and Lending Club. If you have any questions about payment or financing, call us at 718-395-5331 and our staff will be glad to get you answers.

Start by visiting the dentist for routine check-up and cleanings every 6 months to maintain ideal gum health and prevent small issues from becoming big problems. Brush and floss daily. Brushing and flossing target different surfaces of your teeth, so they are equally important. Prevention is truly key and the earlier a problem is detected, the better the prognosis. Not to mention, less money to allocate to dental work.

• Red, puffy, swollen gums
• Light pink coloring left on toothbrush after brushing
• Gums tender to touch
• Gums that bleed very easily when brushing and/or flossing
• Bad breath
• Pus

Foods high in calcium will promote strong bones and teeth. Low fat milk, cheese, almonds and dark leafy greens are examples of calcium-rich foods. Fruits like apples and pears may help clean your teeth due to their texture and high fiber. Acidic and sugary foods and drinks (including fruit juice), refined starches (such as breads), sticky or very hard foods should all be a limited part of your diet. Carbohydrates break down into sugar, so it is important to drink lots of water during and after meals to help wash away food particles.

Of course! Our goal is to make our patients comfortable and maybe even have a laugh or two before we get to the serious stuff. We love for our patients to know that we’re committed to their oral health and that we are here to help them with the best course of treatment. A friendly face is sometimes all a person needs.

Everyone is unique and needs special attention to different things, so the best way to fix your smile is to let your dentist know what you would like to change or wish were different, so that they can provide you with options.

Dental exams allow both you and your dentist to stay on top of your oral health, monitor existing problems, and diagnose anything developing.

Sensitivity to hot/cold temperatures, sensitivity to sweets, foul mouth odor.

A dental implant is a post that replaces the root of a tooth. It is typically made of titanium and sits in the patient’s bone to eventually hold the future crown. You can think of it as an anchor or a “glorified screw.” Implants are for those who want a permanent solution rather than a removable prosthesis. In some cases, implants help preserve healthy teeth by allowing the patient to replace one tooth as opposed to filing down healthy ones and filling the empty space using a bridge. Implants typically have a longer lifespan than removable dentures or bridges, so they tend to be a better investment.

The gum is cut open and then bone is exposed. A pathway for the implant will, then, be made deep into the bone in order for the implant to sit securely in the bone. A cover screw will be attached to the implant, the site will be sutured and, then, we will wait for integration and healing to take place.

A scaling and root planing is a deep therapeutic scaling that involves the removal of calculus from the roots of the teeth. It is performed on teeth whose supporting bone has begun to be destroyed by accumulation of deposits and bacterial infection.

Laser technology is sometimes recommended

It will not be enough to remove the calculus that has accumulated subgingivally (underneath the gums).

Preventive Cleaning (Prophylaxis) is a cleaning performed on teeth that are supported by healthy bone and healthy gum tissue

It is recommended by the ADA that a cleaning be done every 6 months to support healthy bones and gums

Periodontal Maintenance is a scaling, irrigation and cleaning done when the patient has a history a periodontal scaling or periodontal surgery.

It is recommended by the ADA that a Periodontal Maintenance be done every three months to maintain gingival and bone health