Long Island Team Implantology and Oral Surgery

05/22/2026

Researchers in Texas have reported a possible connection between periodontal disease (gum disease) and a wide range of eye conditions, raising new questions about how oral inflammation may affect overall eye health.

In this large retrospective study, researchers analyzed anonymized medical records to investigate whether people with periodontal disease were more likely to develop eye diseases over time. The study included patients who had visited both a dentist and an eye specialist. One group included patients diagnosed with periodontal disease, while the control group included patients without gum disease. After matching both groups for factors such as age, medical conditions, smoking history, medications, and eye injuries, each group included 12,507 patients.

The researchers then evaluated the 10-year risk of multiple ophthalmic conditions. Patients with periodontal disease showed significantly higher rates of several eye problems, including conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, inflammation inside the eye (iridocyclitis), retinal and chorioretinal inflammation, retinal hemorrhage, retinal artery occlusion, dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, cataracts, optic atrophy, and both open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma. Increased rates of certain retinal degenerative conditions were also observed.

Because periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition influenced by oral bacteria and the immune system, the researchers believe inflammation may play an important role in these associations. However, the study does not prove that gum disease directly causes eye disease. The authors noted that further research is needed to better understand the relationship and whether additional eye screening may benefit patients with periodontal disease.

📄 Source: Nanduri RS, Govindaraju P, Golovko G, Banaee T. The Effect of Periodontal Disease on Ophthalmic Conditions: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study. Presented at: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting; 2026. Abstract 3068-0406.

05/21/2026

A new survey from the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) found that many people still do not know a completely knocked-out tooth can often be saved if treated quickly.

Only 46% of people knew a knocked-out tooth may be saved, and just 27% correctly identified that the first 30 minutes are critical for improving the chances of success.

Every year, millions of teeth are knocked out during sports injuries, falls, accidents, and trauma — especially in children. The problem is that many people do not know what to do in those first few minutes.

What to do immediately if a permanent tooth gets knocked out:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white chewing part)
• Do NOT touch or scrub the root
• If dirty, gently rinse with saline or milk for a few seconds
• Try to place the tooth back into the socket immediately
• Ask the person to bite gently on gauze or cloth to hold it in place
• If reinsertion is not possible, keep the tooth in cold milk, saline, or a tooth preservation kit
• Go to a dentist or endodontist immediately

Avoid storing the tooth dry in tissue, cloth, or plain water for long periods, as this can damage the delicate root surface cells needed for healing.

In many cases, fast action can help the tooth reattach successfully and function for years. Dentists emphasize that saving a natural tooth is usually the best option whenever possible.

Important: Baby teeth should NOT usually be pushed back into the socket because of the risk of damaging the developing permanent tooth underneath. Immediate dental evaluation is still important.

Reference: American Association of Endodontists (AAE), published via PR Newswire, 2026.

05/15/2026

Most parents think baby teeth “don’t matter” because they eventually fall out.
But dentists have known for years that severe decay in baby teeth can sometimes affect the permanent teeth developing underneath.

When cavities in primary teeth become deep or infected, the bacteria and inflammation may interfere with the enamel formation of the adult tooth below.

Research has linked severe decay in baby teeth with developmental enamel defects, discoloration, delayed eruption, and structural changes in some permanent teeth. Early loss of baby teeth can also contribute to crowding and alignment problems later in life.

Primary teeth help guide jaw growth, maintain space for incoming adult teeth, and support normal chewing and speech during childhood. Keeping them healthy is an important part of protecting long-term oral development.

📄 References:
1. Lo ECM et al. SAGE Journals — Does Caries in Primary Teeth Predict Enamel Defects in Permanent Successors?

2. Carvalho JC et al. NIH/PMC — Dental caries in deciduous teeth associated with delayed permanent tooth development

05/14/2026

Wisdom teeth can sometimes silently damage the healthy tooth beside them — even before any pain develops.

Many impacted wisdom teeth grow in a tilted position toward the second molar, creating a deep area that is very difficult to clean properly. Food particles, plaque, and bacteria can become trapped there for years without obvious symptoms.

Over time, this hidden space may lead to cavities, gum inflammation, bone loss, and damage to the neighboring molar — an important tooth for long-term chewing function. In many cases, the problem is only discovered on dental X-rays after significant damage has already occurred.

By the time symptoms appear, the nearby tooth may already require a filling, root canal treatment, crown, or even extraction in severe cases. Impacted wisdom teeth may also increase the risk of recurrent swelling, bad breath, gum infection, and repeated food trapping.

Not all wisdom teeth need removal. However, when a wisdom tooth is pressing against the adjacent tooth or increasing the risk of decay and periodontal damage, early removal may help prevent more serious complications later on. Pain is not always the first sign of dental disease.

▪️Disclaimer: This content is for educational and awareness purposes only.

05/13/2026

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems. If left untreated, these hidden teeth may lead to:

A. Periodontal disease
B. Gum infections
C. Damage to adjacent teeth
D. Cysts or tumors
E. All of the above

The answer is E, All of the above.

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will assess a patient’s individual situation and create a plan. Visit MyOMS.org to find a surgeon in your area.

https://myoms.org/what-we-do/wisdom-teeth-management/impacted-wisdom-teeth/

05/12/2026

There is a type of pain so intense that many patients describe it as worse than childbirth, fractures, or even major surgery.

It’s called trigeminal neuralgia — a neurological condition involving the trigeminal nerve, the main nerve responsible for sensation in the face. When this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, it can trigger sudden attacks of intense facial pain often described as electric shocks, stabbing pain, or burning sensations.

What makes this condition especially devastating is that simple daily activities can trigger the pain: talking, eating, brushing teeth, smiling, washing the face, or even feeling wind against the skin.

Because the pain often affects the jaw and teeth, some people initially think it’s a dental problem. In many cases, the actual cause is a blood vessel pressing against the nerve, although neurological diseases or nerve injury can also be involved.

Trigeminal neuralgia is not “just facial pain.” It is considered one of the most painful neurological conditions in medicine. Fortunately, treatments are available that can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

▪️Educational content only. This post is not medical advice and should not replace professional medical evaluation.

05/11/2026

A growing body of research, including a large clinical study from Osaka University Hospital, shows that oral hygiene is closely linked to cardiovascular outcomes.

In this study of over 1,600 hospitalized adults, patients who did not brush their teeth at night had significantly poorer cardiovascular outcomes, including higher risk of complications and mortality.
Interestingly, those who maintained nighttime brushing—even without consistent morning brushing—showed better survival patterns.

When brushing is skipped—especially before sleep—oral bacteria multiply more rapidly due to reduced saliva flow. This can lead to gum inflammation, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream through inflamed or bleeding tissues.

Over time, this process may contribute to systemic inflammation, a key mechanism involved in cardiovascular disease.

This doesn’t prove direct cause-and-effect—but it reinforces a critical message:
oral hygiene is not just local care, it’s part of whole-body health.

📄 Source:
Isomura, E.T., Suna, S., Kurakami, H. et al. Not brushing teeth at night may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Sci Rep 13, 10467 (2023).

05/09/2026

Many people fear dental X-rays because of “radiation” — but modern dental X-rays actually use extremely low radiation levels.

In fact, a full-mouth series of modern digital dental X-rays may expose you to less radiation than a short airplane flight. Modern digital systems also use up to 80% less radiation compared to older film-based X-rays, while helping dentists detect problems much earlier and more accurately.

Dentists also follow strict safety guidelines called the ALARA principle, which stands for “As Low As Reasonably Achievable.” This means X-rays are only taken when truly necessary and with the lowest radiation dose possible. Additional protective measures may include lead aprons, thyroid collars, digital sensors, and very fast exposure times.

For pregnant patients, dental X-rays are generally considered safe when needed and properly shielded, but it’s always important to let your dentist know if you are pregnant or think you may be.

The small amount of radiation from dental X-rays is usually far outweighed by the benefit of finding infections and disease early — before they become painful, dangerous, or expensive to treat.

05/07/2026

One decayed molar removed from Beatles legend John Lennon became one of the most expensive teeth ever sold.

In 2011, the tooth was auctioned for $36,857 and purchased by Canadian dentist Dr. Michael Zuk after being kept for decades by the family of Lennon’s former housekeeper.

According to the story, Lennon had the tooth removed because of a large cavity. He reportedly gave the tooth to his housekeeper, Dot Jarlett, wrapped in paper and initially told her to throw it away. He then changed his mind and suggested she give it to her daughter, who was a huge Beatles fan. The family preserved the tooth for years before it eventually went to auction.

05/06/2026

Ignoring a missing tooth can set off a chain reaction that compromises your entire oral health.

When a tooth is lost, the effects go far beyond the visible gap. Nearby teeth begin to shift into the empty space, altering your bite and creating uneven forces during chewing. Over time, the opposite tooth may start to over-erupt because it no longer has contact to keep it in position. What starts as a small space can quickly turn into a breakdown of your bite stability.

But the most serious change happens beneath the surface. Without the stimulation from a tooth root, the surrounding jawbone begins to shrink. This bone loss can gradually affect facial structure, leading to a more sunken appearance and making future treatment more complex.

Replacing a missing tooth early — with options like implants or bridges — helps preserve bone, maintain alignment, and protect the long-term health of your mouth.

📄 Source: American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)

05/03/2026