Dr. Alex Shvartsman
631-361-3577
SmithtownSmiles.com
In the early 1800s, dentists were taught not only to drill away all the tooth decay, but also to drill out all non-decayed grooves and pits in teeth and fill them with amalgam of mercury and silver to prevent future cavities in a process called “extension for prevention.” This resulted in unnecessary weakening of teeth and a lot more mercury in people’s mouths. This outdated practice is still taught in every dental school in the U.S. in 2015!
Fortunately, new advancements in dental technology and materials allow modern dentists, like Dr. Alex Shvartsman, to conservatively treat tooth decay. Since nothing synthetic is ever as good as what nature has made, it is critical to identify tooth decay as early as possible. Every large filling, crown, root canal and most extractions began with a tiny cavity. Had it been identified in a timely manner, the former-mentioned therapies could have been avoided. This is why skipping dental checkups leads to more tooth destruction and expensive dental care.
Today, new instruments, such as lasers, heat detectors, specially designed lights and ultrasound, help to identify tooth decay without X-rays or dental picks. When cavities are identified when they are small, the tooth can be healed (remineralized) with a combination of modern and ancient techniques. Shvartsman has designed a decay reversal protocol based on the latest research and knowledge available on his website.
Deeper decay requires removal of the rotted tooth structure. The outdated method of poking around to feel the decay is too objective and usually inaccurate, leaving the door open for bacteria-filled decay left in teeth. Today, using a nontoxic dye that only stains the decayed part of the tooth allows Shvartsman to carefully remove tooth decay using new ceramic and resin burs to selectively remove decay while leaving healthy tooth structure unharmed.
When it comes to decay that is very close to the nerve, most dentists immediately recommend root canal therapy because, historically, the nerve “dies” after removal of extreme tooth decay. However, when the nerve tests vital, Shvartsman uses a new approach to avoid root canals in this situation.
Following removal of most decay, the deep decay is sterilized using medical grade ozone therapy. The disinfection is confirmed using a bacteria-detecting device. Then a revolutionary new material that re-hardens the softened part of the tooth is placed before the tooth is finally restored. Shvartsman has saved many teeth from root canal therapy using this new approach.
By following this thorough disinfection protocol, Shvartsman is confident that all the healthy tooth structure is preserved, while the bacteria inside the tooth is eliminated. Although this process takes a bit longer, and the instruments are very expensive, Shvartsman feels that it is worth it to help his patients keep their teeth for a lifetime.
Long Island Center for Healthier Dentistry offers the latest in modern dental technology, materials and techniques combined with naturopathic healing in a very successful integrative dentistry approach.
For more information, call Dr. Alex Shvartsman at the Long Island Center for Healthier Dentistry at 631-361-3577 or visit SmithtownSmiles.com.
