What Type of Dentistry Do Immigrants Usually Need?
By Richard Lyons | Published on October 15, 2010 | 0 Comments
Chances are that if you walk down any block in the downtown Manhattan area, you will see people from multiple countries celebrating their heritages and sharing their cultures with others. From shops to restaurants, a day in New York City could easily be filled with experiences from almost every continent on the globe. In fact, it is reported that as many as 800 different languages are spoken in New York City, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world (NYT).
While there are millions of people already settled comfortably in Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs, there are thousands of people arriving on the island each year. As an orthodontist in Tribeca, Richard M. Lyons says that many times, the people arriving to start their new lives in Manhattan are from countries that have inadequate dental care. So many times, not only are these individuals able to start new jobs and share in the experiences of America, but they can also improve their oral health and achieve great smiles in the process.
The first thing that must always be done when dealing with immigrant patients, says Dr. Lyons, is have the patient come in for a comprehensive oral exam. This includes a thorough cleaning, and dental x-rays are a must.It’s important to make sure that there are no cavities present, no tooth decay, and that the gums are in a healthy state.
If there are any hygiene problems, then those must be addressed first, Dr. Lyons says, before any cosmetic treatments can even be considered. If a patient has gum disease, it should be treated right away before the problem progresses, because it could later lead to bone loss if untreated. In addition to bringing the gums to an ideal state, any problems with individual teeth are corrected as well. Often times, Dr. Lyons says, this could mean filling a cavity, performing a root canal, or placing crowns on teeth to protect sensitive or damaged areas.
Once a healthy mouth is achieved, Dr. Lyons says that the conversation can turn more towards what the patient would like to improve about his or her smile. First, he explains, any missing teeth should be replaced using either implants that are inserted into the jaw or bridges which are anchored to surrounding teeth. From there, he says, any orthodontics can be performed. For many immigrant patients, this generally means being fitted for braces or Invisalign to solve any problems with overcrowding of the teeth or too much space in the month.
Once Dr. Lyons has completed all of the necessary dental and orthodontic procedures, he says it simply becomes a matter of maintaining oral health. At the very least, he suggests coming in for routine check-ups and cleanings every six months to prevent decay and to keep teeth looking great.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.