Dr. Louis Paul Sterling DDS

Dentist

87 Elmira Street Staten Island NY, 10306 Show map

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About

Dr. Louis Sterling is a Dentist practicing in Staten Island, NY. Dr. Sterling specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others. Dr. Sterling offers pet therapy, special care for apprehensive patients. Dr. Sterling also offers the services of Orthodontics for his patients. This service is provided by Dr. Sara Skurnick, widely recognized as one of the finest orthodontists on Staten Island. As a faculty member of UMDNJ (now Rutgers Dental College), she helped train several orthodontists on Staten Island and in the Tri-state area.

Education and Training

NYU College of Dentistry DDS 1984

Provider Details

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Dr. Louis Paul Sterling DDS

Dr. Louis Paul Sterling DDS's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Can I use salt water as mouthwash everyday?
While mild, warm salt water can be and is used as a mouth rinse (particularly after oral surgery), it shouldn't be used as a substitute for an antiseptic mouthrinse like listerine. Listerine provides different benefits that salt water does not. They both are useful when used properly. Listerine should be used for a 45 second "swish" twice daily. Warm salt water should be used when you have a sore or irritation in your mouth that needs a gentle, healing rinse. READ MORE
Why do my teeth feel sensitive after a crown?
The tooth may be sensitive under a new crown if the bite needs an adjustment (sometimes the adjustment is so minor that you aren't even aware that you need one). Sometimes this is a temporary reaction of the tooth to the cement used to bond the new crown in place. READ MORE
Do dental crowns change color over time?
Generally, crowns that are only 3 years old do not change color. They may have surface stain that changes your perception of their shade. Likewise, your own teeth, around the crowns, may have stains that affect your perception of the shade of the crowns. See your dentist for a thorough cleaning, then reevaluate the shade of the crowns. READ MORE
Is dental anesthesia safe for pregnancy?
I assume that you are referring to a local anesthetic injection, NOT general anesthesia or sedation. Local anesthesia is very safe for most pregnant patients. I would recommend an anesthetic without epinephrine. If you have any complications with your pregnancy or underlying medical issues, consult with your MD before you visit your dentist. READ MORE
Can dental anesthesia be used for a dental cleaning?
Absolutely yes. There are patients who need local anesthesia for their dental cleanings. This can be done in a typical dental office. If you need to be sleeping with general anesthesia or sedation for your cleaning, you will need to be in a special office that administers conscious sedation or general anesthesia for dental procedures. You would be wise to have a complete exam and xrays done first so that all your dentistry could be done in the fewest number of visits, if you require sedation for your dental care. READ MORE
Can a tooth that has had a root canal still hurt?
Yes. Even after root canal treatment a tooth can still hurt. The tooth is connected to your body by a ligament that joins it to the boney socket. If this ligament becomes irritated, inflamed or infected pain can result. The bite on the tooth must be balanced with the rest of your teeth. If you hit the tooth too hard while you are chewing or grinding your teeth together, the ligament will become inflamed and pain will result. The pressure of the root canal filling material may be putting pressure on the ligament, also causing inflammation and pain. Incomplete fill of the canals may allow bacteria to live around the tooth causing pain. Tenderness may linger for up to several months after root canal treatment has been completed. It is smart to see your dentist for a follow up visit if symptoms persist. READ MORE
Can a dental X-ray show nerve damage?
Dental X-rays distinguish differences in the density of the items seen on the image. This is generally limited to looking at solid objects like bone and teeth. X-rays cannot "see" nerves. The X-ray can see the canals that the nerves reside in and can determine if an object appears to be within the canal. But remember that the X-ray is a 2-dimensional (flat) picture of a 3-dimensional object (person). So, the simple answer is no. X-rays cannot definitively show nerve damage. You may see compression of a canal where the nerve is and possible/probable nerve effect. But that's the best you can do. READ MORE
How do you stop cavities from growing?
Not quite sure of your actual questions. Small cavities will get larger if they are left untreated. Ultimately these teeth that started with small cavities will develop cavities that either require root canal treatment or you may even need to have the tooth extracted. If your question is "how do you prevent cavities?" then the answer is good oral hygiene, a health diet, and frequent checkups and cleanings with your dental professional. READ MORE
How can I reduce the gap between my front teeth?
Depends on many things. If the gap is really large (and if your teeth are very short), orthodontics may be your best treatment choice. This moves your teeth closer together without changing the size or shape of your teeth. You can lessen or eliminate the gap this way. If the gap isn't too wide, you can increase the width of your teeth by having a tooth colored resin bonded to your teeth. This "bonding" is a reversible procedure in case you want your gap back at any time. The most drastic treatment option is to have veneers (or laminates) bonded onto the surface of your teeth. This process is not reversible as it is very difficult to remove the veneers without damaging your own enamel. See your dentist to determine which option is best for you. READ MORE
What is the difference between dental implants and mini implants?
Dental implants are a long term solution to replace missing teeth. They are stable, predictable and reliable to act as supporting anchors for crowns, bridges or dentures. Mini implants are, at best, a temporary, cheaper and less stable anchor for removable dentures. The two therapies are not interchangable or substitutable. If you have unstable(loose) dentures and you cannot afford implants, mini implants may provide a temporary way to stabilize your removable denture. READ MORE
Can you wear dentures while implants are healing?
The dentures will need to be adjusted so that they put no pressure on your gum/bone at the implant site, but yes, you can wear your dentures while your implants are healing. READ MORE
How wide can you open your mouth after jaw surgery?
This is highly variable depending on the kind of surgery you are having. If you are considering jaw surgery, discuss this with your surgeon in advance. READ MORE
How can I prevent infection after a dental implant?
Most post-operative dental implant sites do not become infected. As a precaution, your surgeon may prescribe an antibiotic and antiseptic oral rinse. You should also refrain from smoking, if you are a smoker. READ MORE
How long does a crown last on a front tooth?
This can depend on your health, oral hygiene, home care and habits. But for the average person with good oral hygiene and no destructive habits (opening bottles, cracking nuts, biting pens, etc.), crowns (or caps) can certainly last for upwards of 15 - 20 years. READ MORE
How safe is dental anesthesia?
Assuming that you are a healthy person with no systemic medical problems or allergies, local anesthesia to allow painless dental procedures is extremely safe. There is always an increased risk of complications when general anesthesia or sedation is used, but again in a generally healthy person the risk is minimal. If you have underlying medical complications, inform your dentist before they administer a dental anesthetic and the anesthesia used can be adjusted accordingly. READ MORE
How long do caps last on front teeth?
This can depend on your health, oral hygiene, home care and habits. But for the average person with good oral hygiene and no destructive habits (opening bottles, cracking nuts, biting pens, etc.), crowns (or caps) can certainly last for upwards of 15 - 20 years. READ MORE
Is a flipper the same as a partial denture?
A flipper is an abbreviated or mini-partial denture, replacing only one or two teeth. It is typically used as a temporary fix while waiting for healing of an extraction site or waiting for a child's growth to finish after orthodontics so that an implant or cemented in bridge can be placed. READ MORE
How can I make my gums stronger naturally?
Making your gums stronger just happens by living healthier, eating healthier and observing excellent oral hygiene. Obviously, your genes play a part in how healthy your gums stay, but brushing after each meal, flossing daily, eating healthy foods, avoiding processed sugars, avoiding sticky, chewy, hard candy (and other sweets), and definitely don't smoke or chew tobacco. These things will help your gums stay their healthiest. READ MORE
Is it ok to rinse with salt water while wearing dentures?
You should remove your dentures for cleaning purposes, brush them, soak them. Warm salt water rinses are soothing and beneficial. 1/2 tsp salt in 12 oz of warm water. READ MORE
Do all fillings need injections?
No. You don't need an injection (local anesthesia) to have a filling done. Local anesthetics are used so that you do not feel any discomfort during the procedure of cleaning out decay and placing the filling. Most people don't want to experience any discomfort during their dental visit but if you don't want an injection and you can sit still during the procedure, you don't need to have an injection. READ MORE