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Dentistry/Questions Answered by Expert Joseph Zelig, DDS, D.ABP www.smileinthecity.com

Subject	Date Asked
bone loss	8/19/2008
Q: I have had periodontal problems all of my adult life and therefore have had deep root cleanings 3 - ... A: Studies have shown that people who have lost teeth due to periodontal disease, can have implants and ...
Implant	7/17/2008
Q: I have a crack in the base of one my bottom molars. I was told that I need the tooth removed and an ... A: In my opinion, you should get this taken care of now, before pregnancy. A cracked tooth can lead to ...
gum grafts	6/12/2008
Q: i am a 39 years perio patient having had perio surgery(osseous?)a few times and for the past 15years ... A: Recession isn't always a bad thing. When a person has a history of periodontal disease and bone ...
Adding Bone around Implants	5/23/2008
Q: If bone deterioration has occurred around the top of an implant due to a problem with an adjacent ... A: it is a great question! Bone grafting as well as gum grafts can be done around old implants. ...
Perio scale - Periodontal Disease	5/14/2008
Q: Is it general practice to charge per quad even though only 1 or 2 teeth are involved. Due to an ... A: There is a different billing code for quadrants with 1-3 teeth. Insurance fees are usually lower ...
implants	5/10/2008
Q: You said that for sinus lift procedure you use a bovine-derived bone. How long do you have to wait ... A: It depends how much natural bone is present beneath the sinus. If there is enough bone to stabilize ...
dental flippers	4/7/2008
Q: My front tooth was recently extracted to begin implant procedures. I am wearing a flipper for the ... A: There are many alternatives to a flipper. You should discuss them with your dentist. In my office, ...
Implants	3/18/2008
Q: Im 32.The root of my molar is fractured and there is loss of bone.The tooth needs to be pulled. My ... A: What is the condition of the adjacent teeth? What kind of experience does your dentist have with ...
pain after soft tissue graft	3/9/2008
Q: Six days ago, I had a soft tissue graft done. They took tissue from the roof of my mouth and put it ... A: I'm sorry to hear that you are having a rough time with this. It is uncommon for this to be hurting ...
need gum growth!!	2/21/2008
Q: I have recently got an implant tooth(3 weeks ago)on the top left lateral incisor. My tooth had been ... A: When a tooth is missing for many years, the bone and gums shrink. Unfortunately, some dentists don't ...
broken temporary crown/cost to replace	2/15/2008
Q: I just chewed up my temporary crown. ( I did not swallow it.) My exposed tooth is not bothering me ... A: In most cases, the dentist who is doing the crown should repair and replace the temporary. Usually, ...
bridge work	2/13/2008
Q: If you ask a general dentist, they will tell you that they can do everything. For permanent bridge ... A: There are some terrific general dentists who can do nice work. However, the specialty that is ...
periodontal therapy recommendation	12/30/2007
Q: I was recently diagnosed with 2 quadrants of early periodontitis. I went to a new dentist and I am ... A: In my opinion, the initial treatment that your dentist is recommending may be excessive. Scaling and ...
Extraction	12/22/2007
Q: I had a molar extracted this past Tuesday (bottom/left) I had injured this tooth a while back, and ... A: I am sorry to hear that you are having these problems after your tooth extraction. "Dry-Socket" ...
periodontal disease	12/17/2007
Q: I am a 50 yr old woman with periodontal disease. I know I never took that well care of my teeth. But ... A: It is possible that you have periodontal disease and that the disease is causing the discomfort. In ...
Implants	11/27/2007
Q: My cuspid, next to the 2 front teeth, upper right, just broke at the gum line. It was thinly ... A: I am sorry to hear that you are having problems with your tooth. I hope that I can answer some of ...
cracked molar	11/21/2007
Q: My dentist yesterday advised me that I have a vertical crack in molar 36. There is movement on the ... A: 1)Yes, if the bone allows, an implant can be done at the time of extraction. Many implant ...
what going on with the gums?!	11/18/2007
Q: I am a 20 yr old female I have alway had great teeth. When I got pregnant my teeth started to act ... A: First of all, congratulations on the baby! Regarding your gum recession, pregnancy can do strange ...
frenectomy	11/16/2007
Q: when my daughter was born, I was told that day she needed a frenectomy, I decided to wait and get ... A: Would you be able to email me a picture of your daughter's front teeth? If so, it would help me get ...
Wisdom Teeth	11/15/2007
Q: I have all of my wisdom in my mouth. They grew in just fine because I had some teeth pulled as a ... A: I agree with the Oral Surgeon. Even though it is not absolutely necessary to take the uppers out ...
Crowns after implants	11/14/2007
Q: My daughter has had four implants inserted for her missing four front teeth (auto accident) and is ... A: The price you were quoted is a bit high, but not entirely crazy. Find out if the fee includes the ...
pain from tooth implant in tooth 30	10/11/2007
Q: 2 weeks ago I received an implant in tooth 30 (actually 2 small posts were put in). Since that time ... A: A bruise would have healed by now. Ask the dentist or surgeon if they can email you an x-ray (if ...
pain from tooth implant in tooth 30	10/10/2007
Q: 2 weeks ago I received an implant in tooth 30 (actually 2 small posts were put in). Since that time ... A: Would it be possible for you to email a copy of the xray to jzelig@smileinthecity.com? That will ...
Deep Cleanings and Crowns	8/24/2007
Q: I have 10 dental implants due to a birth defect and try to take really good care of them. I recently ... A: You can't get cavities on implants since they are made from metal. I think your dentist may be ...
Gums	8/19/2007
Q: I have a question about the health of my gums. I was brushing my teeth and noticed that the depth ... A: It sounds to me that you may have gum recession. The recession maight have been there for some time, ...
Extraction then Implant	8/12/2007
Q: How soon after molar extraction can you place an implant? ANSWER: Hi, Usually 6-8 weeks after ... A: In most cases, yes. The bone that fills in is still immature, but very osteogenic and a great site ...
Extraction then Implant	8/11/2007
Q: How soon after molar extraction can you place an implant? A: Usually 6-8 weeks after extraction an implant can be placed in a molar site. Each situation is ...
#14 extraction what next	7/24/2007
Q: I need to have #14 extracted because of exposed root. I dred the cost of an implant. I am 67 years ... A: An implant is one option available to you, but it is not the only option. Once the tooth is ...
fix a calibrated bridge	7/22/2007
Q: I have a calibrated bridge on my upper right side. My middle tooth on this bridge had a root canal ... A: I would advise that you go to a dentist, have them remove the bridge, and make you a temporary ...
bone graft- cadaver or synthetic?	7/3/2007
Q: Im one week from getting an extraction of a molar that has had a root canal that was compromised by ... A: I use the cadaver bone in this situation. Based on the studies and my experience, the synthetic bone ...
Is the implant cost quote I got usual/typical?	6/16/2007
Q: I received the following quotes from an oral surgeon in Ft. Lauderdale Florida and would like your ... A: Those fees are not unreasonable considering that the work will be done by specialists. General ...
Permanent crown after implant	6/5/2007
Q: I read somewhere that an important step after implant placement and waiting 4 months, that only a ... A: Yes, this is standard protocol. There is a "getting-to-know-you" period between your bone and your ...
gum pimple	5/19/2007
Q: Dr. Zelig, I had porcelain veneers put on my two front teeth in October of 2006. Immediately after ... A: What you are describing sounds like it might be a root canal problem. Another possibility is that it ...
painful gums around old implant	5/14/2007
Q: I have two implants in the bottom front that are about five years old, plus gum grafting in the ... A: It sounds like the gum is inflammed around the implant. The most likely cuse is that some debris or ...
Crown Lengthening	5/5/2007
Q: I have had RC's on teeth 14, 15. Gen, dentist has said go for CL with periodontist, he put posts in ... A: Crown lengthening is usually done after the tooth has been prepared for a crown and a temporary is ...
Gums	5/2/2007
Q: All my teeths are in proper alignment now. Few years back I had put removable braces on my teeth for ... A: It sounds like your teeth might have been pushed out too far and now they are partially out of your ...
gum disease	4/21/2007
Q: 8 years ago I received 5 lower dental implants. I have a gum disease and not sure how to handle it. ... A: I would recommend that you go to get a second opinion from an implant specialist. If you have recent ...
gum recession	4/1/2007
Q: What can I do to stop gum recession from getting worse? I floss regularly and more careful how, and ... A: My advice to you would be to see a periodontist. Recession can be the result of underlying gum ...
cracked root?	3/7/2007
Q: I have a root canal done on one of my front teeth about 17 years ago. The crow on the tooth started ... A: Yes, it is possible that the root is fractured. Root fractures are very difficult to diagnose on ...
Guided Tissue Regeneration	3/6/2007
Q: My oral surgeon is going to do this in combo with a bone graft and implant. Is this a painful ... A: The procedure is usually not too bad post-op, but everyone heals differently. It depends on the ...
Cow Bone or Calcium (synthetic)	3/1/2007
Q: Which is better for grafting? A: It really depends on the indication. If it is for ridge augmentation, I have found cadaver bone to ...
Tooth Problem	2/24/2007
Q: As I currently do not have access to a proper dentist in my area, could i kindly seek your ... A: My only concern is that the tooth might be fractured. If it is fractured under the gum then it is ...
swollen and painful gum	2/8/2007
Q: I have this pain on my lower right side since yesterday. At first I thought it was just my TMJ but ... A: You should go see your dentist ASAP. You mentioned that your dentist said it might be a fracture. If ...
Crowns and Implants	2/6/2007
Q: What is the usual amount of communication between the implant surgeon and the dentist doing the ... A: There should be ALOT of communication between the implant surgeon and the restorative dentist. The ...
gum recession and braces	1/30/2007
Q: I have very healthy teeth, no fillings, but I have some recession. I am 44 and I am now considering ... A: Braces may or may not fix the problem.It all depends on the type of movement from the braces. if the ...
crowns	1/27/2007
Q: My previous dentist placed crowns with metal on my four front teeth. My current dentist is telling ... A: Yes it is certainly possible that poorly constructed crowns can cause gum problems. When crowns have ...
Implant, bone grafts, etc.	1/27/2007
Q: If a bone graft or implant fails within the first year, do dentists normally agree to redo the ... A: It depends, I would certainly redo the work for free in most situations. However, in certain ...
Implants	1/18/2007
Q: I have three missing teeth in the left upper part (no.4,5 and 6) and consulted a dental surgeon ... A: I agree 100% with everything you have been told. We generally don't connect natural teeth to ...
sinus lift	1/11/2007
Q: Zelig: You probably do not remember me because it's been about 3 weeks or so since we communicated. ... A: Of the many sinus lifts I have performed, I have never had this problem. I am very curious to hear ...
sinus lift	1/9/2007
Q: I had molars 14 and 15 removed last August after my periodondist concluded he couldn't save them. ... A: I'm not sure what procedure you are referring to. Is it the "osteotome technique" developed by ...
Root problem	1/8/2007
Q: I seem to have a rare problem with a back tooth ( the one adjacent to the back tooth in fact) on the ... A: I think it's time to throw in the towel and solve the problem once and for all by taking out the ...
Implants	1/4/2007
Q: I just had an implant done tooth #7 in the upper jaw. Its been about 1 week since the procedure but ... A: I wouldn't say it's the "norm" to have any discomfort after an implant. Most of my patients report ...
A bump on my gum.	1/3/2007
Q: Ok, back in October I had a large filling on one of my molars. Everything was fine but when I ... A: It sounds like you might have an infection in the tooth. The bump you are referring to is likely a ...
back tooth	1/2/2007
Q: i have a back tooth thats decayed more or less down to gum level due to my terrible fear of ... A: Yes, it is possible to extract the tooth at this stage. But, i would advise you to see an oral ...
Possible Periodontal Issue after Filling	12/31/2006
Q: I went to the dentist a little over three weeks ago to have a popcorn kernel removed out of my gums ... A: Periodontal disease usually doesn't hurt unless it's an abscess, which it doesn't sound like. I ...
Bone Grafts	12/30/2006
Q: I am a candidate for scaling, gum surgery, two extractions, bone grafting, and 2 implants. I go in ... A: You are asking excellent questions. First regarding the human bone grafts, I use them routinely and ...
Gold Crown for Implant	12/28/2006
Q: First off, are permanent crowns just cemented onto implants or is there a "build up" like when they ... A: Yes there is usually a build-up under the crown called an abutment. The crown which is usually made ...
just had implant and sinus lift	12/20/2006
Q: Dr. Zelig. About 3 weeks ago, I had a tooth implant and sinus lift on the left maxillary sinus. ... A: I have never encountered this problem after a sinus lift. However I will be happy to share my ...
my gum line ruined from attempted implant	12/17/2006
Q: I am desperate to find someone to help me. I begun implant procedure on UL1 in August this year and ... A: I am sorry to hear that you are having significant problems with you dental implant saga. Implants ...
antibiotic chips	12/12/2006
Q: My dentist wants to put antibiotic chips down by the roots of my teeth for my gum disease. I have ... A: The "chip" you might be referring to is called "periochip". If that is the product he wants to use, ...
Cracking Gums	12/10/2006
Q: I am 27 and have recently realized that the gums on both of my first premolar bicuspid teeth on top ... A: What you are describing might be a cleft in the gum that is actually caused by aggressive flossing ...
very very bad teeth	12/1/2006
Q: I have had ignorant parents and in turn have not been cared for my teeth in my early ages, when we ... A: Of course there is hope for you! But you need to make a commitment in your mind to take care of the ...
periodontal disease	11/13/2006
Q: how do you correct periodontal disease? what procedures do they use to do so A: Most periodontal diseases are caused by bacteria that thrive below your gum-line and cause further ...
do I need root canal; should I see periodontist or dentist	11/6/2006
Q: A while ago my tooth was hurting and eating on it or closing my mouth was extremely painful as was ... A: You mentioned that you have been diagnosed woth periodontal disease, so I would recommend you see a ...
gum ulcer	10/26/2006
Q: Throughout my life from time to time I have gotten minor ulcers on the inside of my mouth, probably ... A: The ulcer could be a few different things including trauma (as you suggested) or it could be a ...
gums receding	10/23/2006
Q: Is there any treatment to restore gums after they've started to recede? A: Yes, There are many options that are available to recover an exposed root. Periodontists are ...
abcesses and bone infections, plus dry socket infections	10/23/2006
Q: Each time l have had an abscess in recent years it has resulted in an extraction, dry socket ... A: I would advise you go see a good dentist on a regular basis for a full series of x-rays and a full ...
Implant	10/21/2006
Q: I am missing 2 molars and have an implant in one, which is doing well. There is a possibility I may ... A: Regarding the facial collapse, everyone is different. However, most studies show that people only ...
Implant questions	10/20/2006
Q: Currently, I am in Korea and about to get an implant after my brittle front tooth snapped in half. ... A: You are correct that just about every implant company's implants work. However, you have to be ...
Receeding gums	10/19/2006
Q: I was told there is a procedure to help prevent receding gums by taking grafts of skin from the roof ... A: The gum grafts you are speaking of are done to correct gum recession, not prevent it. 30 years ago, ...
IMPLANTS	10/19/2006
Q: i had a root canal done on my upper canine tooth 2years ago and on the tooth next to it i had a ... A: In answer to your question, yes. Having a previous root canal and/or apicos doesn't preclude the ...
Implant	10/10/2006
Q: I am 53 years old. I had my first root canal two months ago on tooth #13. It was done by an ... A: I don't know your particular situation, but if I were doing an implant consult, I definitely would ...
root planing	10/2/2006
Q: I'd like to know what is the difference between root planing at a general dentist and at a ... A: Yes, It is the same root planing, however it all depends on the skill and experience of the person ...
3-4 mm pockets	9/30/2006
Q: Zelig, I went to a dentist today for teeth cleaning and was told my pockets are 3-4 mm. I was ... A: Normal probing depths are under 3mm. If you have 4mm pockets you might need a deep scaling. ...
periodontal	9/30/2006
Q: The hygenist at my new dentist said that I have periodontal disease; I'm not sure that I do. I have ... A: Each case is different, but usually when there are pockets 5mm or more, a deep scaling is usually in ...
gum grafts	9/26/2006
Q: I was just informed by my perodontist that I would need a gum graft for one tooth. What is involved? ... A: There are MANY ways of doing a gum graft. Some methods involve using tissue from the roof of your ...
Losing teeth to aging gums	9/26/2006
Q: I am 68 years old. In the past few years I have been losing about one tooth a year to persistent ... A: Depending on the condition of the remaining teeth, a good periodontist might be able to save them. ...
Reabsorption	9/25/2006
Q: I'm going to consider that procedure. In your experience, have you seen patients with noticeable ... A: I agree with your dentist that losing 2-3 teeth usually doesn't result in facial collapse, but it's ...
Reabsorption	9/25/2006
Q: Would any, even minor, facial collapse be permanant? Or would implants correct it? My surgeon said I ... A: Yes, If there is facial collapse ("sunken cheecks") a good periodontist or oral surgeon can do a ...
Reabsorption	9/25/2006
Q: I have two extracted teeth, both the last molars on either side of my mouth. One has an implant (no ... A: I don't think there is going to be much facial collapse in this short period, especially in the ...
perio	9/25/2006
Q: Perio problems run in my family. It seems a constant battle. I like the little flosses, with ... A: I think that both proper brushing and interdental brushes and stimudents are equally important. The ...
receding gums	9/23/2006
Q: Ive been looking over this site and all the responses Ive seen dealing with gum recession have been ... A: there are many causes of recession, but the underlying cause is a lack of bone around the root of ...
tooth root resorption	9/21/2006
Q: I began orthodontic treatment approximately 16 months ago. This week, while seeing my dentist for a ... A: it helps alot for me to see them and saves alot of guesswork. You do have a considerable amount or ...
Dental Implants and Bone Reabsorption	9/8/2006
Q: Zelig, I just have one more question. I just had a second tooth (last molar)extracted (I got an ... A: I not to wait longer than 2-3 months after extraction to place an implant specifically because I ...
Dental Implants and Bone Reabsorption	9/8/2006
Q: I'm a twenty six year old woman who is missing a back tooth and may need to get up as many as two ... A: Actually, the opposite is true. Dental implants help preserve the bone and prevent future bone ...
scaling and root planing	9/7/2006
Q: I did read the article and will speak with the dentist about it. Wondering your feelings about ... A: Sonny, It's my pleasure to help. Your question on the frequency of SRP, etc... is difficult to ...
scaling and root planing	9/7/2006
Q: ^% yr old male with relatively healthy mouth but some deep gum pockets. Sees dentist regularly and ... A: I am not a fan of subgingival antibiotics as a first line of defense for treating periodontal ...
periodontal disease	8/31/2006
Q: I am a 62 year old female with periodontal disease. I haven't had a cavity since I was 25. The ... A: The most common causes of periodontal disease are: poor oral hygiene + genetic predisposition + type ...
implants	8/29/2006
Q: i have received implants about three years ago, 2 together on one side and 2 together ... A: Chances are that the post or the cown loosened up a bit. If that is the case it can be tightened or ...
implants	8/27/2006
Q: I have a TOP FRONT tooth that was broklen off at the gum line 55 years ago. A post was put in at ... A: Each situation is different. However, the way I see it, better safe than sorry. I agree with the ...
dentist	8/23/2006
Q: Is there any powder type of material that a person can use in the mouth while flossing to provide ... A: You are asking an excellent question. Aggressive flossing can actually cause more damage to the ...
partial plates	8/22/2006
Q: I have periodontal disease in the bone above my two upper front teeth. I have no cavities, and the ... A: Partial plates (aka: "removeable partial dentures")if made well can be both comfortable and can look ...
Tooth pain following crown lengthening	8/21/2006
Q: About 10 months ago, 12+ year old crown fell off badly decayed tooth, which had already had root ... A: It is difficult for me to give you a diagnosis without seeing you, but I suspect that the tooth ...
Deep Cleaning	8/20/2006
Q: Have just moved to Florida, when I was in Illinois, I went to the dentist every 3 to 4 months for ... A: You are asking an excellent question. Some dentists i have seen do not diagnose periodontal disease ...
perioscaling	8/19/2006
Q: What is a reasonable cost for four-quadrant perioscaling? What is reasonable cost for five doses of ... A: most periodontists charge a range of $100-300 per quadrant ($400-1200 for full mouth) for scaling ...
periodontist	8/15/2006
Q: I live in Gaithersburg, Maryland.Is there some way to find out who is the best periodontist in my ... A: Go see a periodontist by the name of: Ahmad Soolari 11616 Toulone Dr Potomac, MD 20854-3167 ...
8 wisdom teeth	8/15/2006
Q: My husband has 8 wisdom teeth. If he were your patient, would you recomend he remove 7 at once? A: The wisdom teeth are the ones in the very back corners of the mouth. There are only four of them. ...
periodontist	8/14/2006
Q: Is there some way to find out who is the best periodontist in my area? A: The best way to find a great periodontist is word of mouth. speak to friends who have had work done ...
Tooth destiny - out or ?	8/13/2006
Q: I just went to my dentist today to get a root canal treatment of my upper left most behind tooth. It ... A: You bring up a very good question. From what you are describing you might be a candidate for crown ...
Chipped Tooth.	8/12/2006
Q: Now, i recently chipped a tooth, it's i guess you could say near the gumline , the chip itself isn't ... A: Based on your description, it doesn't sound like a big deal. But, you should get it fixed before it ...
Strange question/orthodontics/implants	8/10/2006
Q: Zelig, here is myI lost need an implant in an empty space at the second-to-last bottom molar (#19) ... A: The tooth can be uprighted with orthodontics using a special orthodontic appliance. An orthodontist ...
sinus pain? something else?	8/7/2006
Q: Recently i have been having some strange symptoms, my upper back teeth hurt, but they are not ... A: The best person who can diagnose sinus problems is an ear-nose-throat doctor. They can look into ...
Tooth extracted when to fill	8/3/2006
Q: I have recent had my #19 extracted (the second to last left bottom). Can you tell me how long ... A: Dorothy, If you're thinking about an implant, depending on the condition of the bone, an implant ...
my gums hurt	8/3/2006
Q: I have really bad gums and it kinda feels like (and looks like) my gums are growing into my teeth. ... A: Your periodontist is not wrong, if you see bleeding when you brush, you SHOULD brush it harder and ...
root extraction	8/2/2006
Q: My periodontist x-rayed a tooth that has a deep pocket and has had occasional minor infections. He ... A: you are asking a very good question. what you are referring to is called "root resection". If the ...
pain after cleaning, filling and root canal for an year now	7/30/2006
Q: I started having dull pain in my lower left molar(no. 20)after filling(for the first time in my ... A: It is very common to have discomfort after a root canal, but it shouldn't be unbearable. There are ...
Swollen cheek & gums after crown	7/29/2006
Q: My dentist is a wonderful man, voted 'Best in the City' by a certain magazine. So I have every ... A: It is difficult to give you a definitive diagnosis without seeing you. It is unlikely that the pain ...
bump on the gum	7/28/2006
Q: please, give you a referral to a great endodontist i live in chicago, my zip code 60641 thank ... A: Unfortunately, I don't know any endodontists in chicago. However, you can check out www.aae.org and ...
bump on the gum	7/28/2006
Q: Couple months ago i had a root canal done and then i was supposed to have a crown done. Few days ... A: It sounds to me like you have an abscess. It could be caused from within the tooth (endodontic ...
Anesthesia problems	7/27/2006
Q: I had periodontal work done on the left side of my mouth yesterday. At 8:00am I was injected with a ... A: Bonnie, What you are describing is nothing to worry about. Everything will calm down soon. Your ...
Gum Grafting	7/23/2006
Q: I am a 33 yr old woman who recently underwent periodontal surgery. I deeply regret this is it left ... A: I am sorry to hear that you had a bad experience with periodontal surgery and how it has affected ...
dental implants to replace baby teeth	7/23/2006
Q: I am a 26 year old female. I still have all my baby teeth except the front two. They are the only ... A: My thoughts are that if your teeth are in good condition and you are happy with the way you look, ...
Permanent Cement	7/21/2006
Q: I just had 2 Captek crowns put on with "permanent cement." How "permanent" is it? When I had the ... A: There are many different types of permanent cements. Some have higher bond strengths than others. I ...
Teeth Whitening	7/14/2006
Q: I've recently been using generic brand whitening strips to whiten my teeth, and since I started ... A: It is not unusual for whitening agents to cause gum irritation. However, if you use the strips ...
Gun Recission	7/10/2006
Q: I am a 22 year old male with gum recision due to improper brushing, primarily during orthodontic ... A: Jesse, You ask a great question. Most gum recession is stable over time, meaning it usualy doesn't ...
What is the going rate for crowns after an implant?	7/8/2006
Q: I live in New York City (Manhattan). I need to klnow how much crows go for after you have ... A: There are two components that comprise a restoration (crown) on an implant. There's the abutment ...
periodontal gum disease help	7/8/2006
Q: I am a 27-year-old mother with periodontal gum disease. My teeth are in really bad shape, and the ... A: i am sorry to hear you are having such problems at such a young age. Unfortunately, there is no ...
Root canaled tooth - abcess	7/4/2006
Q: my dentist showed me I have an abcess in a root canaled 1st upper molar. He said we can re--treat ... A: Why won't you have it re-treated? If there's a way that it could be saved, you will save yourself ...
looks like a water filled thing on back gum	7/1/2006
Q: My 28 month old has what is blue/black soft thing on his left side back of the mouth and now he is ... A: Unfortunately, pediatric dentistry is not my specialty, however, this sounds like it may be an ...
bleeding gum	6/30/2006
Q: I have 2 molars that had root canals and crowns put on 6 years ago. There was a large space between ... A: Jennifer, My advice would be to see another dentist. This problem might be caused by many different ...
Implants	6/27/2006
Q: I am 75 years old.I had #32 extracted due to a cracked tooth. The oral surgeon recommends an implant ... A: It is an excellent question. Age should never be considered a factor when it comes to implant ...
Periodontal Procedures	6/27/2006
Q: My previous dentist in California had me on a 4 month cleaning schedule, and although I had a couple ... A: Larry, You ask a good question. As a periodontist, I believe that pockets should be treated. A ...
Pain in gum and occasional burning inside cheeks	6/25/2006
Q: The back ends of the lower part of my gum has been paining now for about 3 or 4 days. The pain has ... A: This pain you are having could be one of many problems. It could be gum disease, you might have an ...
Infection of extraction site	6/24/2006
Q: Zelig, I had a root canal on tooth #19 in November and shortly afterward developed an infection ... A: I am sorry to hear that you are having such problems with this area. As I am sure you can ...
tounge	6/19/2006
Q: I have a question about the tounge. Out of the blue Saturday night, the underside of my tounge ... A: Erin, It is difficult for me to diagnose this problem just by your description (sounds like it may ...
Implant	6/19/2006
Q: Zelig, I have intermediary gum disease. I am awaiting to hear from a scholarship in order to get it ... A: Noriya, Thanks for your question. If you are in good health and don't smoke you are very likely a ...
Tooth decay	6/19/2006
Q: Dr. Zelig, I have a tooth that lost its filling perhaps six months ago and I have been unable to ... A: Bryan, Thank you for your question. It of course is difficult for me to diagnose the blemish on your ...
black bone is gums	6/14/2006
Q: i had exploratory surgery 2 days ago and my oral surgeon found a sharp bone and a black bone in my ... A: Nancy, I had a patient on Thursday with black bone under her gums and I was thinking of you. After a ...
Implant Problems	6/13/2006
Q: I have Six implants in my top jaw also three in lower jaw.I had problems with a top denture that ... A: It will be my pleasure to try and help, but of course, i can not give you a definitive ...

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Joseph Zelig, DDS, D.ABP www.smileinthecity.com

Top Expert on this page

Expertise

Dr. Zelig is a board-certified Periodontist and an expert on dental implants. Dr. Zelig can answer any and all questions you have about complex dental problems, dental implants, gum disease, treatment of gum recession, and treatment of a "gummy smile".

Experience

Dr. Zelig has personally placed over a thousand implants with excellent success and has worked with many dental specialists and educated them on full mouth reconstruction, esthetic dentistry, and dental implantology.

Organizations
American Dental Associateion, American Academy of Periodontology, American Board of Periodontology, North-Eastern Society of Periodontitis, New York State Dental Association, New York County Dental Society

Education/Credentials
I received both my dental degree (DDS) and my certificate in the specialty of Periodontics from New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Zelig graduated among the top 10% of the graduating class. As a result of outstanding academic achievements, Dr. Z was elected into the membership of Omicron Kappa Upsilon- the national dental honor society. In addition, Dr. Zelig has lectured to general dentists and specialists on periodontal treatment and dental implants. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology which recognizes periodontists who have made significant achievements beyond the educational requirements of the specialty. Board-certified periodontists have been examined by a panel of internationally respected peers and has been awarded Diplomate status. By successfully completing this challenge, Dr. Zelig has demonstrated a robust knowledge of periodontics, Continued professional development, Critical review of results of therapy, and interest in providing the best, most up-to-date care.

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