expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. John Toumanios

Dentist

Dr. John Toumanios is a top Dentist in Fairfield, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. John Toumanios is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. John Toumanios is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. John Toumanios is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Fairfield, New Jersey, Dr. John Toumanios is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Dr. John Toumanios
  • Fairfield, New Jersey
  • Columbia University Dental School
  • Accepting new patients

Can a tooth infection affect your whole body?

Yes, in rare occasions an infection starting from a tooth can seed itself in your heart or brain and the consequences can be very severe. Don't ignore an infected tooth, especially READ MORE
Yes, in rare occasions an infection starting from a tooth can seed itself in your heart or brain and the consequences can be very severe. Don't ignore an infected tooth, especially if there is swelling.

Is baking soda safe for whitening teeth?

Baking soda can be abrasive to your enamel. There are over the counter bleaching methods but to get the desired result schedule a consult with a dental professional. It is always READ MORE
Baking soda can be abrasive to your enamel. There are over the counter bleaching methods but to get the desired result schedule a consult with a dental professional. It is always desired to get a professional teeth cleaning [hygiene appointment] before you start whitening your teeth.

Is teeth whitening safe for your mouth?

If done gradually there is no contraindication to teeth whitening. Unfortunately you may not be a good candidate for whitening and you may be dissatisfied with the result. Get READ MORE
If done gradually there is no contraindication to teeth whitening. Unfortunately you may not be a good candidate for whitening and you may be dissatisfied with the result. Get a dental evaluation to best get the desired result.

Can you live with wisdom teeth?

Yes you can. Don't remove your wisdom teeth unless there is a medically necessary reason.

Do dental implants last forever?

No. Forever is a long time. Ask your dentist for possible complication which include implantitis and possible rejection of the implant. The esthetics of the implant restoration READ MORE
No. Forever is a long time. Ask your dentist for possible complication which include implantitis and possible rejection of the implant. The esthetics of the implant restoration may change necessitating a remake. Also oral hygiene, if you smoke or if your diabetic are some examples of factors that will determine your long term success of your implant.

How can dry socket be prevented?

Dry socket is very painful. The best thing you can do is return to the dentist that extracted the tooth. There is a simple procedure where dry socket paste is placed in the extracted READ MORE
Dry socket is very painful. The best thing you can do is return to the dentist that extracted the tooth. There is a simple procedure where dry socket paste is placed in the extracted site with iodoform gauze. Instant relief! You will need a follow up to remove the gauze. I am not sure if there is a way to avoid dry socket. It just happens sometimes.

Is it okay to take ibuprofen before oral surgery?

If you are properly numb you should not feel any pain during an extraction. You will feel pressure but this is not pain. If you want to reduce your pain after the anesthetic READ MORE
If you are properly numb you should not feel any pain during an extraction. You will feel pressure but this is not pain. If you want to reduce your pain after the anesthetic wears off, taking 3 ibuprofen 1 hour prior your procedure will reduce pain and inflammation. You can repeat this dosage 6 hours after your initial dosage. You should not take medication without consulting the dentist doing the extraction. There may be something in your medical history that would be a contraindication for this medication. You also need to disclose all medications you are taking [including supplements] as they may lead to complication during and/or after your oral surgery.

What does oil pulling do for teeth?

There is no medical literature that supports the benefit of oil pulling. If you do this rather than seek conventional dentistry you will be putting your oral health at risk and READ MORE
There is no medical literature that supports the benefit of oil pulling. If you do this rather than seek conventional dentistry you will be putting your oral health at risk and may also affect your overall health.

How can I make my teeth healthier?

Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss, visit your dentist every 6 months. Diet is also very important. Try to stay away from sports drinks (high in sugar), soda (sugar READ MORE
Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss, visit your dentist every 6 months. Diet is also very important. Try to stay away from sports drinks (high in sugar), soda (sugar and acid), and sticky foods.

How should I choose an oral or maxillofacial surgeon?

I don't understand why you need an oral surgeon at this time. When the teeth were knocked out were there root fragments left behind? Who is the restorative dentist responsible READ MORE
I don't understand why you need an oral surgeon at this time. When the teeth were knocked out were there root fragments left behind? Who is the restorative dentist responsible for the replacement of these teeth? Has anyone given you treatment options? You will need a flipper [removable appliance] so you'll have teeth in place as the gum heals. Are you looking to get a fixed bridge or implants. If you decide on implants then you will need a relationship with either an oral surgeon or periodontist for the placement of the implants. The titanium posts will need to be crowned by a general dentist or prosthodontist. Find a general dentist to coordinate your treatment and review your options. A friend or family can recommend someone or call your dental insurance company [if relevant] to see who participates in your plan. You need to be treated by someone you feel comfortable with and you trust.

Tooth damage from teeth whitening?

Prolonged bleaching can lead to tooth sensitivity. Take a break from bleaching your teeth. Your dentist can give you a prescription for a more concentrated fluoride toothpaste READ MORE
Prolonged bleaching can lead to tooth sensitivity. Take a break from bleaching your teeth. Your dentist can give you a prescription for a more concentrated fluoride toothpaste or you can brush with Sensodyne. Do you have gum recession? If the roots of your teeth are exposed your teeth will be sensitive. Bonding may be needed in these areas. Also grinding at night might lead to tooth sensitivity and you may need a mouthguard.

Do wisdom tooth abscesses take a long time to heal?

In dentistry an abscess is an infection with swelling and possibly pus. If caused by a tooth, this can lead to the tooth being extracted or in some instances a root canal. If READ MORE
In dentistry an abscess is an infection with swelling and possibly pus. If caused by a tooth, this can lead to the tooth being extracted or in some instances a root canal. If you are swollen after wisdom teeth extraction it may be trauma or lingering infection. You should follow up with the surgeon who removed the teeth. Are you on an antibiotic? If the area throbs like a toothache you may have a dry socket and this means you'll need an additional procedure. Things should feel pretty normal 2 weeks after the procedure.

How often can I use a mouthwash in a day?

Two to three times a day is plenty. My concern is that your bad breath has an underlying condition. Do you have acid reflux? Do you suffer from periodontal disease? Are you READ MORE
Two to three times a day is plenty. My concern is that your bad breath has an underlying condition. Do you have acid reflux? Do you suffer from periodontal disease? Are you diabetic? Do you have thrush? Your breath may be telling you something else is going on.

My son grinds his teeth. What can you do to help him?

The treatment depends on your son's age. If he is in his teens a mouthguard or bite plate would be the treatment of choice. If he still has his primary teeth or has a mixed dentition READ MORE
The treatment depends on your son's age. If he is in his teens a mouthguard or bite plate would be the treatment of choice. If he still has his primary teeth or has a mixed dentition you'll have to wait it out. Ask if there is something bothering your son to give him such a restless sleep.

How often do you need your teeth cleaned?

Minimum of every 6 months. Once tartar [calculus] is formed in the mouth it cannot be brushed away. it needs to be scaled off by a hygienist or dentist. if this is not removed READ MORE
Minimum of every 6 months. Once tartar [calculus] is formed in the mouth it cannot be brushed away. it needs to be scaled off by a hygienist or dentist. if this is not removed it leads to gum disease [periodontal disease], bone loss and loose teeth. Please follow up with regular cleanings and checkups to avoid future problems.

Will being on a liquid diet affect my teeth in any way?

If this is a short-term diet, it shouldn't have a long range effect on your teeth. My assumption is that you are not dealing with high sugar drinks or high acid drinks (soda). READ MORE
If this is a short-term diet, it shouldn't have a long range effect on your teeth. My assumption is that you are not dealing with high sugar drinks or high acid drinks (soda). You still must continue practicing your regular oral hygiene program (brushing, flossing and regular cleaning).

Does a root canal take longer to heal for a diabetic?

Unfortunately as you know, most things take longer to heal with diabetes. If this was just the very beginnings of an infection in this tooth you may get lucky and not have complications. READ MORE
Unfortunately as you know, most things take longer to heal with diabetes. If this was just the very beginnings of an infection in this tooth you may get lucky and not have complications. Living with diabetes is very difficult as it affects every part of your life. I feel the possible complications to many dental and medical procedures is underappreciated.

How should I prepare for my root canal?

If your dentist prescribed antibiotic, take them the way they were prescribed. Make sure you eat breakfast the morning of your appointment. You don't want to have low blood sugar READ MORE
If your dentist prescribed antibiotic, take them the way they were prescribed. Make sure you eat breakfast the morning of your appointment. You don't want to have low blood sugar and you'll be numb for a couple of hours after the procedure. You don't want to eat hard foods on the side of the compromised tooth as this tooth is more susceptible to fracture.

Is it possible to brush my teeth way too much?

Aren't mom's great? Mine is the same way. So, basically, you are doing what dentists have been advising their patients to do for forever, but no one ever does it. Make sure you READ MORE
Aren't mom's great? Mine is the same way. So, basically, you are doing what dentists have been advising their patients to do for forever, but no one ever does it. Make sure you are using a soft or extra soft toothbrush and also floss. You still need to visit the hygienist every 6 months to scrape away any calculus (tarter) that may have accumulated because that cannot be brushed away. You sound like an ideal patient.

Can teeth grinding cause headaches?

Yes, it is possible to wake up with a headache if you grind your teeth at night. Look into getting a mouthguard professionally made by your dentist. I recommend the hard/soft READ MORE
Yes, it is possible to wake up with a headache if you grind your teeth at night. Look into getting a mouthguard professionally made by your dentist. I recommend the hard/soft combo mouthguard for your lower teeth. I have gotten very good results with this appliance, and I have patients who swear by it! It may also improve the quality of your sleep.