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.
41 years Experience
Dr. Louis Paul Sterling, DDS
  • Staten Island, NY
  • NYU College of Dentistry
  • Accepting new patients

How can I strengthen my teeth?

The best way to prevent enamel loss is a program of proper hygiene that might include a fluoride rinse and an enamel supporting toothpaste like Pronamel by Sensodyne. I have had READ MORE
The best way to prevent enamel loss is a program of proper hygiene that might include a fluoride rinse and an enamel supporting toothpaste like Pronamel by Sensodyne. I have had patients that enjoy sucking on lemons. Do NOT do this. The acid will demineralize and weaken your enamel.

If I have mild tooth pain, should I be going to the dentist?

Absolutely yes! You are lucky enough to be receiving a warning (from your teeth), before you have major pain. Don't ignore this warning!!

What questions should I ask my surgeon about jaw corrective surgery?

Before corrective jaw surgery, you should consult with an orthodontist. All orthognathic surgery is a team event. The orthodontist and oral surgeon work hand in hand. The Orthodontist READ MORE
Before corrective jaw surgery, you should consult with an orthodontist. All orthognathic surgery is a team event. The orthodontist and oral surgeon work hand in hand. The Orthodontist is seen first!

How often should I mouthwash?

Normally, I recommend that my patients use mouthwash in the morning and evening. Twice per day. Regardless of the product, swish around for 45-60 seconds before spitting out READ MORE
Normally, I recommend that my patients use mouthwash in the morning and evening. Twice per day. Regardless of the product, swish around for 45-60 seconds before spitting out to get the full benefit of the product.

Are there any warning signs of gingivitis?

Gingivitis is simply inflamation of the gums. Like any other kind of inflamation it can range from mild to severe. Therefore symptoms can range from none to red, swollen, bleeding READ MORE
Gingivitis is simply inflamation of the gums. Like any other kind of inflamation it can range from mild to severe. Therefore symptoms can range from none to red, swollen, bleeding gums. Gingivitis can be easily remedied by a dental cleaning followed by good home care (daily flossing and brushing several times each day). If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease and result in pain, bad breath, gum recession, shifting of teeth or the loss of teeth.

Is root canal the only way to treat a tooth cavity?

Teeth are normally hard structures. Because they are hard, they enable you to chew your food. A cavity is a soft and sticky area in the tooth structure. The cavity is caused READ MORE
Teeth are normally hard structures. Because they are hard, they enable you to chew your food. A cavity is a soft and sticky area in the tooth structure. The cavity is caused by bacteria that invade a defect in the enamel surface of the tooth. The bacteria "eats away" at the healthy tooth structure leaving decay (soft tooth) around it. When the decay and the bacteria reach the pulp of the tooth, you usually (but not always) feel pain. The only way to treat the bacterial invasion into the pulp is with Root Canal Therapy. During this treatment , the pulp is removed from the inside of the tooth, the pulp canals are cleaned out, enlarged, sterilized and filled. This is all done from the inside of the tooth. it would be nice if the bacteria could be killed with antibiotics like anyplace else in your body, but the limited blood supply to the tooth, makes this treatment unsuccessful as a long term fix.

My tongue is white. Is this really bad?

Depends. You may just need to brush your tongue better (but not hard enough to make it bleed), or you may have a fungal infection that requires medication. Check with your dentist READ MORE
Depends. You may just need to brush your tongue better (but not hard enough to make it bleed), or you may have a fungal infection that requires medication. Check with your dentist for a diagnosis.

Is gum disease hereditary?

A family history of gum disease can increase your chances to develop a similar problem depending on the cause of your family's disease.  If both your father and grandfather practiced READ MORE
A family history of gum disease can increase your chances to develop a similar problem depending on the cause of your family's disease.  If both your father and grandfather practiced poor oral hygiene in addition to chewing tobacco, the cause might have been more due to their personal habits than genetics.  

What foods should I avoid with braces?

In addition to hard foods and snacks like pretzels and chips, sticky, chewy, gummy foods (caramel, gum, licorice, jelly beans) will damage or break your braces.

Would anesthesia be used during my root canal?

Usually a local anesthetic is very sufficient for root canal treatment.

Should I get Invisalign?

Invisalign is a good option if you have a smile that you are not happy with and you don't want to wear braces. Invisalign may not be an appropriate option depending on the extent READ MORE
Invisalign is a good option if you have a smile that you are not happy with and you don't want to wear braces. Invisalign may not be an appropriate option depending on the extent of your malocclusion (bad bite) and the amount of correction you need. You may have to be happy with a compromised result if you insist on invisalign treatment an your orthodontist recommends braces.

My son cracked his tooth and won't get if fixed. Are there any risks?

Absolutely. He may ultimately experience pain in this tooth. He may end up needing root canal treatment and a porcelain crown. Continued neglect may cause this tooth to require READ MORE
Absolutely. He may ultimately experience pain in this tooth. He may end up needing root canal treatment and a porcelain crown. Continued neglect may cause this tooth to require extraction.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Seems like you are already answering your own question. Severe pain whether a reaction to cold, biting or pressure; especially with no stimulus (cause), means you probably need READ MORE
Seems like you are already answering your own question. Severe pain whether a reaction to cold, biting or pressure; especially with no stimulus (cause), means you probably need root canal treatment. If your mouth or face becomes swollen you probably also need an antibiotic.

Do cavities ever need to be refilled?

Yes. Seems like you should revisit the dentist for a revaluation of this tooth.

Will asprin help my tooth pain?

Take whatever pain reliever you take for a headache: aspirin, tylenol, advil or alieve. See your dentist ASAP. Pain is relieved by these medications, but will return unless the READ MORE
Take whatever pain reliever you take for a headache: aspirin, tylenol, advil or alieve. See your dentist ASAP. Pain is relieved by these medications, but will return unless the cause for the pain is treated.

I never grew out of my buck teeth. What should I do?

You are never too old for orthodontic treatment (as long as you are willing to undergo treatment).

How can I help my child's fear of the dentist?

Pediatric dentists (Pedodontists) treat only children. They are experts in this area. Speak to friends and get a referral to a trusted pedodontist in your area.

What can I do to maintain my dental implants?

Great oral hygiene, frequent vists to your dentist for maintenance (cleanings) and avoiding abuse of the implants (teeth) will increase their life expectancy. Abusing implants READ MORE
Great oral hygiene, frequent vists to your dentist for maintenance (cleanings) and avoiding abuse of the implants (teeth) will increase their life expectancy. Abusing implants include things like chewing ice cubes, bones, rock candy, etc...

How long will I have to be on painkillers after a root canal?

Root canal treatment can cause temporary discomfort for several days after the procedure. Do not chew on this tooth, use ice and take over the counter pain relievers as needed. READ MORE
Root canal treatment can cause temporary discomfort for several days after the procedure. Do not chew on this tooth, use ice and take over the counter pain relievers as needed.

I wear dentures. My gums are aching! What can I do?

Your dentures probably need to be adjusted, relined or replaced. Daily use of an over the counter rinse like "Healthy Gums" will sooth your gums. If your dentures move around, READ MORE
Your dentures probably need to be adjusted, relined or replaced. Daily use of an over the counter rinse like "Healthy Gums" will sooth your gums. If your dentures move around, a thin layer of adhesive paste will help keep them in place. If they don't, a very thin layer of vasoline inside your dentures will help sooth your gums during use.