Stuart Feurstein, DMD

Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth-Colored Fillings

For many years, receiving a filling meant that you were stuck with a noticeable metal coating in your mouth—but it is now possible to leave the dentist’s office with tooth-colored fillings that are nearly invisible as well as far more durable than their metal predecessors. Read on to learn more about this filling option:

How Is a Metal Filling Different from a Tooth-Colored Filling?
Besides the obvious visual differences, a metal filling does not actually bond to the tooth enamel. To remain in place, metal fillings must be wedged within teeth, which can weaken the tooth structure over time. This puts teeth at risk for cracking or fracturing, situations that may lead to the need for more extensive treatment down the road.

What Are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings are made of composite resin material that physically bonds to the tooth, effectively reinforcing it. This type of filling lasts just as long as a metal filling, but doesn’t weaken the healthy parts of the tooth it’s attached to. A tooth-colored filling is also more aesthetically pleasing than a metal filling and is the most inconspicuous way to treat a decayed tooth.

Can You Replace Your Metal Fillings With Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Many patients request that their old metal fillings be removed and replaced with tooth-colored fillings. This may be due to either cosmetic reasons or health concerns over the integrity of the filled teeth or the mercury used in metal fillings.  However it should be noted that even though silver fillings contain mercury, the form that it is in within the filling has been found to be safe.

At the offices of Stuart Feurstein, DMD in Mount Kisco, NY, our knowledgeable and skilled staff puts our patients first. We offer exceptional service in general, cosmetic, children’s, and family dentistry. Call us today at (914) 752-4239 for more information.

How to Care for Children's Teeth

Good dental hygiene should start from a child’s very first tooth. There are lots of simple things you can do with your child every day to promote healthy teeth and prevent cavities.

In this video from ColgateOralCare.com, you’ll get tooth brushing tips for young kids of various ages. Try brushing along to a song to ensure that your child brushes long enough, and make sure that both the inner and outer surfaces of your child’s teeth are cleaned. Learn more about protecting your child’s smile through oral hygiene with the information in this web clip.

To schedule a dental checkup for your son or daughter, call Stuart Feurstein, DMD today at (914) 752-4239.

Fussy Child? How You Can Help a Dentist Appointment Go Smoothly

If your child is anxious about going to the dentist, it’s important to show him or her that there’s nothing to be worried about. This may seem easier said than done, but with a little preparation, your child may even look forward to his or her next appointment.

Role Play Going to the Dentist
Kids love to pretend, so invent a game where you play the dentist. You can count your child’s teeth and have him or her practice opening wide. Use a toothbrush or spoon as pretend dental tools. When the play checkup is over, switch roles with your child. This will help your child understand what occurs during a dental visit and allow him or her to feel more in control of the situation.

Speak Positively About the Dentist
If your child’s siblings or relatives have jokingly told scary stories about going to the dentist, it can have a large effect on your child’s perception of dental visits. You are your child’s greatest hero, so be a good influence—speak positively about your experiences with the dentist when you were a child, and explain that clean teeth are important for good health.

Visit the Dentist’s Office Before the Appointment
Introducing your child to the office and staff a day or two before the actual appointment can be beneficial. It may take away some of the mystery and allow your son or daughter to meet the friendly people that work at the dentist’s office.

To set up a dental appointment for your child, yourself, or anyone else in your family, contact Stuart Feurstein, DMD. Dr. Feurstein has four children of his own, and many of the professionals on our staff are also parents, so we understand how to make kids feel at ease in the dentist’s office. Call us today at (914) 752-4239 for more information about general, cosmetic, and family dentistry in Mount Kisco, NY. 

Learn More About Maintaining Oral Health

Caring for your family’s teeth and gums should be one of your top priorities. With these helpful links, you can learn more about preventing gum disease as well as the importance of bringing your child to the dentist early in life: 

• In this article, the University of Maryland Medical Center offers excellent information about preventing periodontal disease.
• For helpful tips on maintaining healthy gums, check out this article from WebMD.
• To read up on ways to improve and maintain periodontal health, explore this article from OptumHealth.
• This article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains how your child can be affected by oral health problems.
• KidsHealth.org offers this article discussing several ways to care for your child’s teeth as well as how early dental visits can benefit your child’s oral health.

Turn to the dental expertise of Stuart Feurstein, DMD for your family’s oral health needs. To schedule an appointment, call (914) 752-4239.

The Importance of Getting Your Child to the Dentist Early in Life

Tooth decay affects children more than any other chronic disease. Early dental care can help you ensure good oral hygiene and health for your child. Here is why you should see a children’s dentist as soon as the first tooth is visible:

Receiving Parental Education
When you bring your child to the dentist early in life, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with a professional who can educate you on the do’s and don’ts of caring for young teeth. Your child’s dentist will teach you how to properly brush and floss your child’s teeth, and can evaluate and treat any problems early on before they become more involved procedures.

Exposing Children to Proper Oral Care
From your child’s first routine exam and cleaning, visits to your family dentist build your child’s relationship with oral health care practitioners. As children grow up, they’ll become accustomed to dental exams and feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair, which reduces the risk of their developing dental anxiety.

Providing Preventative Treatments
Early dental care will also benefit your child’s oral health through the professional application of topical fluoride. This substance helps to harden tooth enamel, preventing the formation of cavities. This is important, as untreated tooth decay can result in pain and infection that may cause problems eating, create difficulty speaking, impact learning, and affect play.

Although as a parent you might worry about your child’s oral health, regular visits to a family dentist can help you learn to care for your child’s teeth. Stuart Feurstein, DMD is a family dentist who practices in Mount Kisco, NY. Our family dental practice has 20 years of experience serving patients of all ages. Schedule your appointment today by calling (914) 752-4239.