oral health brief

Manhasset Dental Practice Maintains Enhanced Covid Protocols

As the Delta variant continues to be a public health concern, Golden Dental Wellness, in Manhasset, is maintaining a variety of safety precautions to protect patients, says Dr. Linda Golden. In addition to the enhanced use of personal protective equipment, the practice has implemented Molekule and Vitashield air purification systems, state-of-theart Dentavac equipment and negative-ion generators. “Since it’s been shown that Covid-19 and the Delta variant can spread through the air and remains active and contagious, air purification and the elimination of aerosols are paramount in controlling the spread of the virus,” Golden says. “During routine cleanings as well as more involved dental procedures, aerosols can form and become airborne, which are a perfect environment for coronavirus to thrive. Both Molekule—a system designed to eliminate viruses and bacteria—and Vitashield air purification can eliminate airborne Covid-19 and the Delta variant and keep unsanitary aerosols under control. In addition, we have installed negative-ion generators to clean the air around patients during procedures.” The stepped-up PPE protocols include the use of surgical-grade equipment during routine procedures, shields at the front desk, and N95 and levelthree masks at all times. The office further limits patients’ potential exposure by allowing them to wait in the car before appointments if they request it as a preference. “We have always followed universal precautions and continue to follow CDC protocols, including taking patients’ temperature before their appointments, and continuing our typical aerosol decontainment protocol,” Golden says. “We respect all personal choices, and we are currently encouraging that all patients, to feel safe, please inform us of any concerns they may have.” Location: 444 Community Dr., Manhasset, NY. For appointments or more information, call 516-627-8400 or visit GoldenSmile.com. See ad, page 2.

Age Increases Vulnerability to Gumline Cavities

As we get older, we’re more susceptible to cavities near the gumline—and controlling them often requires more than just standard fillings, according to a recent article in Healthline.com: “When a cavity develops on the chewing surface of your teeth, a filling often takes care of the problem. But a gumline cavity is a little more complicated. If the decay has gone down beyond the gumline and reached the root of the tooth, you may need more extensive treatment. When decay reaches the pulp, or the center, of the tooth, your dentist may need to perform a root canal. This involves cleaning out the pulp, including all the pathways, then disinfecting the whole area and sealing it up. Some people may also need a crown afterward to shore up a fragile tooth. The teeth in the back of your mouth that are used for chewing are more likely to require a crown after a root canal.” Dry mouth and receding gums often leave older people vulnerable to gumline cavities, the article states. Symptoms of a cavity include tooth pain; sensitivity to temperature and sweets; and visible stains, pits or holes. The best preventive oral regimen includes twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and twice-yearly dental checkups. Information sourced by Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD, owner of Cariodontal, located at 310 E. Shore Rd., Ste. 101, Great Neck, NY (516-2820310 / Cariodontal.com), and Manhattan Oasis Dentistry, 525 West End Ave., Ste. 1G, New York, NY (212-8742880 / ManhattanOasisDentistry.com). See ads, pages 21 and back cover.