How Long After a Tooth Extraction Can I Eat?
Eating the right foods after a tooth extraction is an essential part of the healing process. It not only ensures you get the nourishment you need to stay healthy, but it also reduces your risk of inflammation and infection.
Below is everything you need to know when it comes to eating after a tooth extraction.
Healing From a Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction, the healing process begins. You will still be numb from the local anesthetic, but this will soon dissipate. Once you are out of the dental chair, it is up to you to follow your dentist’s instructions and take steps to protect the vulnerable area.
You will start feeling better from your tooth extraction and be back to normal in about a week or two. However, it can take a month or more for full healing of the area to take place.
Can You Eat Immediately Following an Extraction?
It is best to avoid eating anything immediately following an extraction. Again, your mouth is going to be numb and it is difficult to know what you are biting – and whether you are steering clear of the extraction area.
As the numbness wears off, you can consider soft or liquid foods ok to consume. This should not include anything you have to use your teeth to chew. A few good options include:
- Yogurt – without any fruit, nuts, or granola in it
- Smoothies
- Broth
- Jello
- Pudding
- Ice cream
- Eggs
To protect the area and the empty socket, do not drink through a straw. Also, avoid foods that are too hot. Make sure it has cooled to a lukewarm before putting it in your mouth.
This should become your diet for the 24 hours following your procedure.
Eating After Your Extraction: Day 2 and Beyond
Once you get through the first initial healing period, you can start to add foods that are slightly more solid. You still want to avoid anything that requires you to do heavy chewing.
A few ideas of foods to choose from include:
- Yogurt with fruit
- Pasta
- Tofu
- Cheese
- Chicken
- Ground beef
- Soups
- Soft vegetables
- Bread
Below are the foods you should avoid:
- Chewy foods, including everything from candies to steak
- Spicy foods
- Crunchy or hard foods
- Alcohol
You may start consuming hot foods. As time passes over the next two weeks, you can slowly start eating more and more solid foods.
To give yourself the best chance of healing, be sure to chew on the side opposite of the extraction area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t replace an extracted tooth?
Teeth rely on those around them for support. If they are extracted, the teeth may begin to shift and this can lead to many oral health issues down the road.
How soon after an extraction can you get a dental implant?
If you are replacing the tooth with a dental implant, you will want to make sure the extraction area is fully healed — usually 2 to 3 months. Sometimes, however, you will not need to wait at all.
Need a Tooth Extraction?
Are you in need of a tooth extraction? Our team at Kalmar Family Dentistry will perform the procedure, setting you up for success when healing at home.
Contact us today at 631-673-0670 to schedule an appointment.
When there’s a baby on the way, staying in the best health possible is of utmost importance for the expectant mom. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ACOG), optimal health during pregnancy includes caring for the teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and preventative care from a qualified dentist. But what if a patient wants to have a cosmetic procedure, like dental implants, done during their pregnancy?
Hold Off on the Implants Until the Pregnancy is Over
It may not be what the expectant mom wants to hear, especially if she has already started the dental implant process prior to finding out about the pregnancy, but we don’t recommend that any pregnant woman receive elective dental procedures until their pregnancy has ended.
There are a few reasons why waiting until the pregnancy is over before receiving dental implants is the best option for both mom and baby.
Higher Risk of Implant Failure During Pregnancy
Anyone who has ever been pregnant will probably have a story about how the pregnancy affected their teeth. From vomit-induced erosion to softening teeth to growths caused by fluctuating hormones, pregnancy is hard on the dental structures. These unpredictable changes can make it harder for dental implants to stay put, increasing the risk that the implants will fail and need to be redone. Since implants aren’t cheap and implant failure can be painful, waiting until this increased risk subsides is your best bet for your wallet and your mouth.
Difficult to Treat Pain & Complications During Pregnancy
Treating pain and other complications after dental implant surgery is very difficult in patients who are pregnant. Many traditional antibiotics and painkillers are off the table during pregnancy due to the risk to the fetus. If a complication arises after implant surgery, or the patient has an unusually painful recovery, their options for treatment are very limited while pregnant. This could lead to uncontrolled pain, anxiety, and stress-related illness, all of which are bad news for the expecting mom and the unborn baby.
Dental Procedures You Can Safely Receive During Pregnancy
So what dental care and procedures can pregnant patients safely receive? As mentioned above, the ADA and ACOG encourage all pregnant women to receive preventative dental care during pregnancy, as well as addressing any dental issues that may cause more harm if not dealt with promptly. This includes filling cavities, root canals, extracting infected teeth, and even scaling and root planing to treat periodontitis. However, the dentist should always weigh the medical necessity of the proposed dental treatment against the potential for harm when deciding which procedures to complete on a pregnant patient. Collaboration between the dentist and the patient’s obstetrician can help clarify which dental procedures are safe and necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Does dental insurance pay for implants?
Yes, many dental insurance plans offer coverage for dental implants. Check your policy coverages for more information on what your specific plan offers. You can also speak with your insurance agent or employee benefits representative, who should be able to help you understand your coverages.
What happens if you have a tooth pulled and don’t replace it?
When you have a tooth removed and don’t immediately replace it, several issues may arise. Having an empty space where the tooth was removed can make it difficult to eat certain foods. Some people report speech problems due to missing teeth and it is also common for the teeth neighboring the empty space to move out of their original alignment, causing gaps and potential further problems.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
If you’d like to discuss dental implant treatments and if implants are right for you, contact the dental team at Kalmar Family Dentistry. Contact us today at 631-673-0670 to learn more.
Dental implants have been around for years, but they continue to grow in popularity due to their likeness to real, natural teeth.
Unfortunately, as more people seek information about them online, they come face-to-face with incorrect information. To help you understand the truth, we have decided to debunk four of the biggest myths about dental implants.
Myth #1: Dental Implants Don’t Require Special Care
One of the things most people love about dental implants is that they look and function like real teeth. Though they do not require as much maintenance as other tooth alternatives, they still do require proper oral hygiene and regular checkups.
Routine brushing and flossing every day is an important step in keeping your dental implants strong and healthy. Visiting the dentist every four to six months for cleanings and checkups can allow your dentist to examine your teeth and gums, addressing any issue that may impact your dental implant before it worsens.
Myth #2: Getting Dental Implants is Painful
Dental pain is subjective, as each patient has a different tolerance level. However, it is important to know that local anesthesia is used to stop you from feeling any pain during your actual procedure. This may leave you numb and pain-free for an hour or two after you head home to heal.
As it begins to wear off, you will likely start to feel a little discomfort. This is normal and should dissipate over the next couple of days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually all that is needed to get relief.
Myth #3: Dental Implants Only Last a Few Years
Dental implants do not need to be replaced every few years. They are designed to be a long term solution for replacing your missing teeth. They are strong, durable, and long-lasting because of the material they are made from — and the fact that they are fused with your jawbone.
They can last for many decades before they would ever need to be replaced. And, for most patients, this means that they are a lifelong solution.
The dental crown that is held in place by the implant and abutment will need to be replaced as time goes by. With proper care, crowns can last 10 to 15 years or even longer.
Myth #4: Dental Implants Are Too Expensive
There is no denying the fact that dental implants are quite costly. This reason, however, is because they are intended to last a very long time. They are long-term tooth replacements that you won’t have to worry about replacing repeatedly. Compared to less expensive options that must be replaced more frequently, dental implants can often cost less in the long run.
Today, many dental insurance providers often pay a percentage of this treatment for patients, though coverage benefits will vary based on the provider and policy. What’s more, it is easy to find financing options available to help cover the cost, making them more accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get dental implants?
On average, it can take a few months to get dental implants. For those who require bone grafting or additional procedures, the time frame can be extended.
What happens if you lose a tooth and don’t replace it?
Teeth rely on the other teeth around them for support. When one goes missing, the others have nothing holding them in place. Over time, they may begin to shift. This can lead to overcrowding, misaligned bites, a greater risk of decay, and more.
Learn More Facts About Dental Implants
Interested in learning more about dental implants or finding out whether you are a good candidate for them? The dental team at Kalmar Family Dentistry of Huntington, NY has the experience and precision to successfully place dental implants. And, of course, we can answer any questions you have, too.
Contact us today at 631-673-0670.
Tooth extractions are routine dental procedures that are done regularly in your dentist’s office. Having a tooth removed can be very beneficial to one’s overall oral health — especially if the patient has opted for additional treatment, such as an implant or bridge.
Can you drive after getting a tooth extraction? It all depends on whether you received local anesthesia or if you opted for sedation, too.
What You Can Expect
The tooth extraction process is rather quick and routine. Local anesthesia is administered so that no pain is felt throughout the process, though it is not uncommon to feel some pressure during the procedure.
Once treatment is complete, you can drive yourself home from your dental appointment.
Although the anesthesia keeps you from feeling pain, some patients elect to have sedation. This is a great idea for those who have a bit of apprehension or who are nervous about their procedure. It is important to note, however, that various types of sedation can require you to have a ride home from your appointment as you will not be able to drive.
Different types of sedation impact the body in different ways. This means it matters which type you choose when it comes to driving afterward. For instance, nitrous oxide (known as laughing gas) is a gas breathed in through a mask that covers the nose. Its impact is felt almost instantly — and it will stop moments after the mask is removed.
You can drive home after nitrous oxide.
When it comes to any other type of sedation, including oral sedation, it will be necessary for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Advantage of Having a Tooth Extracted
If you are on the fence about whether or not you should move forward with your tooth extraction, keep in mind that there are quite a few advantages of doing so, including:
- Reduce the chance of more complex dental work later if the tooth is left to fall out on its own
- Relief from pain and irritation caused by the tooth, especially if infected or broken
- Minimize the risk of infection spreading from an infected tooth
What’s more, when you have a tooth extracted, the area is ready for additional dental work — whether from the oral surgeon or restorative dentist, such as a dental implant or dental bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to wait after an extraction before I can replace a tooth?
Generally, you will want to wait a few weeks after the extraction so that the area has time to heal before replacing the tooth. If implants are the treatment of choice sometime it could be 4 to 6 months before a tooth is placed. However, if you are a candidate, certain procedures will allow you to proceed without waiting at all.
How long does a tooth extraction take?
While it will vary from patient to patient, the average tooth extraction process can be done in about 20 to 30 minutes. More than one extraction will extend this time.
Need a Tooth Extraction?
If you need a tooth extraction, the dental team at Kalmar Family Dentistry can help. Not only do we have what it takes to save a natural tooth, but we can extract it, as well or refer you if necessary to the proper specialist. We also offer you many different options for replacement.
Contact us today at 631-673-0670 to learn more.
If you are in or around the Huntington, NY area this holiday season, why not join us for an unforgettable celebration?
Sponsored by Northwell Health and Huntington Hospital and supported by Kalmar Family Dentistry, the Huntington Holiday Spectacular kicks off a season of joy and wonder for kids of all ages. Adults, that includes you, too!
A Community Tradition
What started the Huntington Holiday Spectacular tradition?
A challenge. Or, should we say, a pandemic?
Back in 2020, the holidays were looking a bit different than any other year – unlike anything we could have ever imagined. We were isolated and divided, longing for our sense of community to return.
As everyone struggled to find their way in this new situation, Huntington Village decided to bring everyone out of their homes and together in the heart of our town. How did they do it? With a 75-foot Holiday Tree of Hope. It renewed our spirit and rekindled our love for our neighbors and friends. And, life.
Each year that followed, the Huntington Village Business Improvement District (BID) has brought it back to us – and this year is no exception. It has quickly become a much-anticipated community tradition.
This year, the tree and celebration are in honor of frontline workers. After all, their hard work and dedication to the safety and health of our community is how this Holiday Spectacular was born in the first place.
Coming Together Under the Holiday Lights
Ask anyone who has previously been to this holiday event and they will be able to highlight some of their most memorable moments. You will likely hear stories about singing and dancing performances, an incredible ice carver, and the mesmerizing light show that all top the list and make the experience so magical.
And who can forget the delicious treats of donuts, pastries, and hot chocolate that spark smiles throughout the crowd?
If this year will be your first year celebrating the holidays in Huntington, you won’t want to miss all of the events that the BID has lined up for the joyous occasion. A few of the highlights include:
- November 25, 2023: Huntington Village Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
- November 26, 2023: Holiday Market — and Santa!
- November 30, 2023: Live music
- December 2, 2023: Dancing on Wall Street
- December 5, 2023: Huntington Library Pop Up
- December 9, 2023: Santa Paws
- December 11, 2023: Menorah Lighting
All throughout the season, you can expect to see Santa, the holiday market, live music, dancing, and, of course, a lot of fun. There is truly something remarkable that happens when the residents of Huntington come together under the twinkling lights — you will not want to miss it.
Huntington Holiday Spectacular: The Details
This year’s Huntington Holiday Spectacular will take place from Saturday, November 25, 2023, to New Year’s Day, Monday, January 1, 2024.
Events are scattered throughout the duration of the festivities with something for everyone. So, be sure to check the events calendar and plan accordingly.
As for the light show times, you can find this 20-minute must-see at peak times — Monday through Friday on the hour, beginning at 5:00 pm with the last show at 9:00 pm (or 10:00 pm on Fridays). On Saturdays and Sundays, the light show happens on the hour, beginning at 12:00 noon, with the last show at 9:00 pm (or 10:00 pm on Saturdays).
Join Us For the Fun
As a proud supporter of the Huntington Holiday Spectacular, all of us at Kalmar Family Dentistry will make our way to Wall Street to enjoy the music, dancing, lights, shopping at the holiday market, and more. And, we hope to see you there, too.
Don’t worry — we will still be here for our patients. Whether you are looking for routine dental care or pediatric dental care, want to address TMJ issues, or have been dreaming of a whiter smile, we offer the residents in and around Huntington, NY a comprehensive list of dental services.
Contact us today at 631-673-0670 to schedule an appointment.
By most standards, straight teeth are one of the biggest requirements for a perfect smile. And Invisalign can make it happen without being noticeable.
Different from traditional metal braces with brackets, Invisalign offers patients a discreet way to straighten teeth, align bites, and address many orthodontic needs. However, while many patients find that they are a good fit, not everyone can benefit from Invisalign.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign uses soft, clear plastic aligners that are custom-designed just for you. Your dentist will capture 3D imaging of what your teeth look like today and create what they should look like when treatment is complete. From this, your set of aligners will be created.
Each aligner is worn for about two weeks or so as it encourages your teeth to move in the direction of your future smile. It is then replaced with the next aligner in line through the progression.
The aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours every single day for treatment to be effective. And, with proper patient compliance, it can be completed at about the same time as traditional braces – if not sooner.
Are you a candidate for Invisalign? This can be an ideal choice for those patients who need orthodontic treatment for issues, such as:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps
- Crooked teeth
There are other factors, too, that play a role in determining whether someone is a good candidate for Invisalign. Let’s take a look.
Good Oral Health
Having good oral health is so important when it comes to Invisalign. The aligners need to be on the teeth nearly all day. And this can create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria if proper care isn’t given.
Any oral health issues, such as decay, infections, gum disease, etc. will need to be addressed before treatment can proceed. This will give you the best chance of reaching a successful outcome.
An ideal candidate will have good oral health and will have an oral hygiene routine that will further benefit it.
Mild or Moderate Orthodontic Treatment
Invisalign is a great solution for mild to moderate orthodontic needs. It can handle any of the issues above and yield fantastic results. Unfortunately, more complex treatment may require a different type of treatment —- usually traditional braces.
If your orthodontic needs aren’t severe, then you may very well be a candidate for Invisalign. Your dentist will be able to advise you accordingly.
Compliance with Treatment
With traditional braces, you don’t have a choice about wearing them as the brackets are bonded to your teeth and the wires are connected to the brackets. This means they are always working to correct your orthodontic issues, 24/7.
Invisalign, on the other hand, allows you the opportunity to remove them whenever you want to. In fact, this flexibility is one of the reasons so many patients seek this type of treatment. But, just because you can remove the aligners doesn’t mean you should.
The aligners can only do their job while they are in your mouth. It is necessary for them to be removed while eating and, of course, while brushing your teeth. They should be worn the rest of the time.
The best candidates for Invisalign treatment will be willing to comply with wearing the aligners at least 20 to 22 hours a day.
Find Out If You Are a Candidate For Invisalign
If you are interested in Invisalign and the smile transformation it can create, then see if you are an ideal candidate for the treatment. The dental team at Kalmar Family Dentistry will evaluate your orthodontic needs to determine whether you are an ideal candidate for Invisalign or if another treatment option may be better suited to your needs.
Contact us today at 631-673-0670 to schedule your appointment.
Your teeth play a major role in your health. However, they also influence your appearance.
Are you unhappy with your smile? If so, consider scheduling treatment with a cosmetic dentist. The potential benefits of doing so include the following:
You’ll Enjoy Greater Mental and Emotional Health
Do you notice you tend to feel happier in general on days when what you see in the mirror pleases you? You’re likely not imagining this.
Research consistently shows that the way a person feels about their appearance can play a major role in their mental and emotional wellness. For example, in one recent study from the Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society, when an individual feels comfortable and happy with the look of their teeth, they may experience greater overall confidence throughout a given day.
A boost in confidence you might enjoy as a result of undergoing cosmetic dentistry treatment may yield improvements in other areas of your life. For example, if you’re more confident, you may make a better impression on your superiors at work.
Your Oral Health May Improve
The purpose of cosmetic dentistry may technically be to improve the appearance of your teeth. However, there’s reason to believe that undergoing cosmetic dentistry treatment could also benefit your dental and oral health.
First of all, cleaning crooked or misshapen teeth can be difficult. If a cosmetic dentist is able to address these issues, cleaning your teeth may be much easier.
Eating certain foods when your teeth are crooked or misshapen may also prove more challenging than it needs to be. Correct these problems, and you could be better able to eat a variety of foods, resulting in a more nutritious diet.
In addition, if the appearance of your smile pleases you, it’s possible you’ll be more inclined to maintain it by staying on top of oral hygiene. Once a cosmetic dentist gives you the smile of your dreams, you may feel greater motivation to keep your smile looking its best.
You May Come Across as More Likable
People who are unhappy with the way their teeth look aren’t usually inclined to smile all that much. When you don’t like the look of your smile, you may want to hide it.
The reverse is also true. You’ll likely feel more inclined to share your smile with the world if you’re proud of its appearance.
Doing so could have a positive impact on your personal relationships. According to a study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, when a person smiles more often, they tend to come across as more likable to others.
Ask a Professional About Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is a general term covering a wide range of services and treatments. Common examples include:
The right treatment for you will depend on the condition of your teeth. A cosmetic dentist can evaluate your teeth, recommend a treatment option, and give you the smile you’ve always wanted.
Learn More About Cosmetic Dentistry in Huntington, NY
At Kalmar Family Dentistry, in Huntington, NY, our team would be happy to answer your questions about cosmetic dentistry services. Get started today by contacting us online or calling us at 631-673-0670 to request an appointment.
For half a century, the Kalmar name has been synonymous with excellence in dental care for patients from Huntington, Centerport, Northport, Greenlawn, and surrounding communities. The timing coincides with Dr. Kelly L. Kalmar’s 25th year in practice at the family-owned, all-age dental practice.
History of Kalmar Family Dentistry
Kalmar Family Dentistry opened its doors in 1974 on Main Street in Huntington, NY. In 1981, the full-service dental practice moved to its present location at 62 Green Street and has remained there ever since. Dr. Gregory Kalmar’s daughter, Dr. Kelly L. Kalmar joined the practice in 1998. When her father retired, Dr. Kelly took over the practice
25 years after joining forces with her father, Dr. Kelly Kalmar continues to serve her patients, her community, and the dental industry at large.
A graduate of Harbor Fields High School, Dr. Kelly was born and raised here, making her a familiar face in the community. After leaving to pursue her dreams of becoming a dentist, she returned to her hometown after earning her degree in Biology from Ithaca College, her D.M.D from Boston University School of Dental Medicine, and completing her residency at Nassau University Medical Center, where she ultimately became Director of Dentistry.
Upon returning to Huntington, Dr. Kelly immersed herself in her profession, both locally and nationally. She is a founding member of the Long Island Female Dental Association. She co-founded and serves as an officer of the charitable organization, Dentists for a Better Huntington. She is also a Board Member and active in Dentists of Huntington.
Outside of Huntington, Dr. Kelly Kalmar is a member of numerous professional organizations dedicated to raising the bar of excellence in dentistry, including the American Dental Association, the New York State Dental Association, the Suffolk County Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
As the family-owned dental practice looks to celebrate 50 years in Huntington, Dr. Kelly Kalmar continues to emphasize personalized, family-style patient care, supported by the latest in technological advances. The practice is outfitted with state-of-the-art digital tools and technologies designed to provide the most accurate diagnostic capabilities and enhanced patient comfort from the warm, welcoming interior of the practice on Green Street.
What’s Next for Kalmar Family Dentistry?
With a nearly impeccable 5-star rating on Google, Dr. Kalmar plans to continue to provide the same patient-centric service that has proven successful for nearly 50 years. As an all-age practice, Kalmar Family Dentistry provides pediatric dentistry, general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative dentistry.
To celebrate 50 years of serving friends, families, and neighbors from Huntington and surrounding communities, an anniversary celebration is planned.
Book an Appointment at Kalmar Family Dentistry
Kalmar Family Dentistry is accepting new patients of all ages. From your child’s very first dental appointment, through Invisalign for teens, and ongoing preventative and restorative care, Kalmar Family Dentistry provides exceptional results and personalized care for your whole family, To book an appointment, call 631-673-0670, or send us a message.
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