expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Louis Paul Sterling, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Louis Paul Sterling DDS is a top Dentist in Staten Island, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Louis Paul Sterling DDS is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Louis Paul Sterling DDS is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Louis Paul Sterling DDS is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Staten Island, NY, Dr. Louis Paul Sterling DDS is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
40 years Experience
Dr. Louis Paul Sterling, DDS
  • Staten Island, NY
  • NYU College of Dentistry
  • Accepting new patients

How many teeth can be implanted at once?

Depending on their location and the quality and amount of bone you have in these areas, all implants can be placed in the same day. Similarly, depending on the same things, some READ MORE
Depending on their location and the quality and amount of bone you have in these areas, all implants can be placed in the same day. Similarly, depending on the same things, some of these implants can be "loaded" or have teeth placed on them the day of the surgery, while others must be buried in the bone, under the gum and allowed to heal for several months before they can be used to support teeth.

Do they put you to sleep for gum graft surgery?

No. I have had no patients receive general anesthesia for this surgery. Check with your doctor.

Do I need to rest after tooth extraction?

While everyone is different, having a tooth extraction is literally an amputation of a body part. You will have some bleeding, swelling and discomfort. While you will not be READ MORE
While everyone is different, having a tooth extraction is literally an amputation of a body part. You will have some bleeding, swelling and discomfort. While you will not be debilitated for a prolonged time (unless you develop an infection), you should rest and follow the post surgical instructions of your dentist. Don't plan on partying the night of your extraction.

Which toothpaste is best for cavity protection?

Most any commercially made toothpaste that contain fluoride will suit your purposes to help your oral health and prevent cavities. You also need to floss so that you can clean READ MORE
Most any commercially made toothpaste that contain fluoride will suit your purposes to help your oral health and prevent cavities. You also need to floss so that you can clean between your teeth with your brush cannot reach. If you are very cavity prone you may also want to use a fluoride containing mouthwash.

Why is my partial denture loose?

If your partial dentures have a metal framework then they can be adjusted by your dentist. He has the proper instruments to adjust (tighten) the clasps. Do not attempt this on READ MORE
If your partial dentures have a metal framework then they can be adjusted by your dentist. He has the proper instruments to adjust (tighten) the clasps. Do not attempt this on your own as the clasps are fragile and you can easily break them off of the frame. If the partial is completely plastic then the dentist may need to return it to the lab for an adjustment.

How can you remove a cyst from your gum?

If you have something growing on your gum it needs to be removed by a dentist (general, periodontist or oral surgeon). It should be biopsied to confirm your assumed diagnosis READ MORE
If you have something growing on your gum it needs to be removed by a dentist (general, periodontist or oral surgeon). It should be biopsied to confirm your assumed diagnosis of cyst. This is NOT something you should attempt yourself. It is removed either with a scalpel, electrosurgery or a laser.

What can I use to fix my partial dentures?

I don't know what you mean by this. If your partial denture is loose, then return to your dentist for an adjustment of the clasps. If you have broken the partial denture, then READ MORE
I don't know what you mean by this. If your partial denture is loose, then return to your dentist for an adjustment of the clasps. If you have broken the partial denture, then return to your dentist to see if it can be repaired either by them or a lab.

Is Invisalign supposed to smell?

Definitely NOT. Be sure that your mouth is clean when you insert and wear your Invisalign trays. Do not eat or drink anything while wearing your trays (except for plain water). READ MORE
Definitely NOT. Be sure that your mouth is clean when you insert and wear your Invisalign trays. Do not eat or drink anything while wearing your trays (except for plain water). Clean your trays by soaking them in a solution of denture/retainer cleaner (Polident or Efferdent) and lukewarm water, while you are eating. Trays are usually changed every 2-3 weeks and should not have time to discolor, stain or acquire s bad odor if they are worn and maintained in this way.

How long does tooth extraction anesthesia last?

If you have a local anesthetic you will be numb from 2 - 6 hours depending upon the exact local anesthetic being used. If you are going to sleep with a general anesthetic or conscious READ MORE
If you have a local anesthetic you will be numb from 2 - 6 hours depending upon the exact local anesthetic being used. If you are going to sleep with a general anesthetic or conscious sedation you should be prepared to have a driver with you to take you home because you will be groggy for a few hours after you wake up.

Is there a sealant for sensitive teeth?

There are various successful ways to treat tooth sensitivity. Firstly, the sensitive area of the tooth most be located. Often times there is some root exposure near the gums that READ MORE
There are various successful ways to treat tooth sensitivity. Firstly, the sensitive area of the tooth most be located. Often times there is some root exposure near the gums that results in sensitivity. Other times there is wear of the enamel on the chewing surface that exposes the dentin underneath. Either way, treatments range from applying a desensitizing medication to the tooth (like Gluma or SDF), placing a bonding agent onto the tooth surface or simply prescribing a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne, Prevident or MI Paste. See your dentist for the solution to your problem.

How can I know if I need antibiotics after tooth extraction?

The best way to deal with any infection is to eliminate the source. If the tooth is the root cause of the localized infection then its removal is usually enough If the infection READ MORE
The best way to deal with any infection is to eliminate the source. If the tooth is the root cause of the localized infection then its removal is usually enough
If the infection has spread into the surrounding bone and/or soft tissue then an antibiotic is indicated. Your dentist will decide based on their clinical findings.

What antibiotic is used for tooth extraction?

Amoxicillin is the first antibiotic of choice for dental infections. Azithromycin is used for patients with allergies to Amoxicillin or penicillin. Just because you are having READ MORE
Amoxicillin is the first antibiotic of choice for dental infections. Azithromycin is used for patients with allergies to Amoxicillin or penicillin. Just because you are having an extraction that doesn't mean you need an antibiotic.

How long does it take to cure gingivitis?

After a proper dental hygiene appointment to remove any tartar and plaque that you may have, the rest is up to you. With great oral hygiene (daily flossing, gentle brushing 3 READ MORE
After a proper dental hygiene appointment to remove any tartar and plaque that you may have, the rest is up to you. With great oral hygiene (daily flossing, gentle brushing 3 times daily and rinsing with a non irritating mouthrinse (like Healthy Gums)) your issue can resolve in as little time as 7-10 days. Good luck!

How long after a bone graft can I get implant?

Speak with your surgeon, they will have the proper answer based on the type of bone you have and the size of the graft. Generally my patients heal at least 4 months before having READ MORE
Speak with your surgeon, they will have the proper answer based on the type of bone you have and the size of the graft. Generally my patients heal at least 4 months before having an implant placed. I myself waited seven months after my graft, before having an implant placed.

What helps the pain after tightening braces?

You can take whatever you take for a headache or body ache. If you have no allergies to any of the following, you can take aspirin, tylenol, advil, alieve or if you have lots READ MORE
You can take whatever you take for a headache or body ache. If you have no allergies to any of the following, you can take aspirin, tylenol, advil, alieve or if you have lots of discomfort, you can take one extra strength tylenol with one advil.

Do permanent dentures fit better than immediate dentures?

Yes. Immediate dentures are created from a mold of your mouth that still has your teeth. The lab cuts off the teeth and places the gum/bone in the location it thinks will be left READ MORE
Yes. Immediate dentures are created from a mold of your mouth that still has your teeth. The lab cuts off the teeth and places the gum/bone in the location it thinks will be left behind after your teeth are extracted. So, it is an approximation. They can be relined to fit better after a couple of months of healing. Final dentures are made when you already have no teeth and your mouth has healed. There is no guess work involved.

How effective is gum surgery for gum recession?

That is a very complicated question to answer completely. The success of the surgery depends upon the kind of surgery you have, the skill of the surgeon performing the surgery, READ MORE
That is a very complicated question to answer completely. The success of the surgery depends upon the kind of surgery you have, the skill of the surgeon performing the surgery, and how well you follow the post-surgical instructions. There is a procedure called pinhole surgery that is very successful for treating areas of gum recession. There are also various grafting procedures that can be used to reverse gum recession. Above all you must follow the instructions of your surgeon very carefully or even the best surgical technique will not be successful.

How long does it take for gums to heal after a bone graft?

Generally, a bone graft takes about six to eight weeks to heal. If you are planning on having an implant at the site, you generally need to wait at least three to four months before READ MORE
Generally, a bone graft takes about six to eight weeks to heal. If you are planning on having an implant at the site, you generally need to wait at least three to four months before an implant is placed into a grafted site.