Dr. John Toumanios D.D.S.
Dentist
271 Route 46 West Suite C105 Fairfield New Jersey, 07004About
John Toumanios, DDS, works at a private practice in Fairfield, New Jersey. He has a special interest in cosmetics, crowns and bridges, and family dentistry. A guest lecturer at Columbia University, Dr. Toumanios is also on staff at Columbia University.
Education and Training
Columbia University Dental School
Provider Details
Dr. John Toumanios D.D.S.'s Expert Contributions
Can you live with wisdom teeth?
Yes you can. Don't remove your wisdom teeth unless there is a medically necessary reason. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 may also affect your overall health. READ MORE
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 and acid), and sticky foods. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 diabetic? Do you have thrush? Your breath may be telling you something else is going on. READ MORE
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 you'll have to wait it out. Ask if there is something bothering your son to give him such a restless sleep. READ MORE
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 it leads to gum disease [periodontal disease], bone loss and loose teeth. Please follow up with regular cleanings and checkups to avoid future problems. READ MORE
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). You still must continue practicing your regular oral hygiene program (brushing, flossing and regular cleaning). READ MORE
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. 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
Can tooth grinding be a serious issue for kids?
I don't think your daughter is a candidate for a nightguard. Children's dentition constantly change and compliance is poor. I would take a wait and see approach. If your daughter is complaining she is waking up with pain or suddenly breaking teeth then I would get a dental evaluation. READ MORE
Why does a cracked tooth have to be pulled?
The only times a tooth needs to be pulled if there is a vertical fracture [the tooth is split down the middle] or severe periodontal disease. The priority is always to save your tooth. This should be your priority and the treating dentist's priority. If the tooth broke and missed the nerve you may need a crown. If it broke into the nerve you would need a root canal first and possibly a post before the crown. Whatever you do seek options in order to save your tooth! READ MORE
What is the best whitening toothpaste?
As soon as I find one I'll let you know. I am currently trying a toothpaste with activated charcoal. The jury is still out. Regular dental cleanings with the hygienist using a prophy jet helps. A gradual bleaching treatment with custom trays that fit your mouth works. Whatever you do, always use a soft or extra soft toothbrush. Anything harder will actually thin out your enamel, allowing your dentine to shine through and making your teeth more yellow! Let's face it, what we put in our mouth matters. If your favorite beverages are coffee and red wine (like me) or tea, it's going to stain your teeth. And smoking is a definite non starter..... READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Guest Lecturer, Columbia University -
Awards
- Pierre Fouchard Award
Professional Society Memberships
- Academy of General Dentistry
What do you attribute your success to?
- Treating Each Patient as if he was the Person Being Treated
Hobbies / Sports
- Wine, Gardening, Personal Fitness, Travel
Dr. John Toumanios D.D.S.'s Practice location
Fairfield, New Jersey 07004Get Direction
Dr. John Toumanios D.D.S.'s reviews
Write ReviewRecommended Articles
- Severe Stress and Depression May Cause Gum Disease
According to a review published in the Journal of Periodontology, studies show a strong link between stress and gum disease. About 57% of the studies conducted displayed an accurate association between gum disease and stress-related symptoms, including distress, anxiety, depression, and...
- Oral Hygiene and Overall Health
Maintaining oral hygiene is very important for overall health; it does far more just keeping a bright smile. Good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of serious conditions like heart diseases, and may also preserve memory as people age. Dental health may affect overall health in six different ways,...
- Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants
Dental implants are devices that are used to replace natural teeth. These implants are placed into the jawbone, which over the time, fuse with the natural bone and gain stability.Dental implants are recommended for patients who do not have their natural teeth. This will allow the individual to have...
- How Can I Reduce the Pain of Sensitive Teeth?
If you can’t enjoy a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold juice without getting that stinging pain in your teeth, those are symptoms of sensitive teeth. Moreover, eating, brushing and flossing may also lead to the sharp pain. Sensitivity to the cold and heat may be caused by a number of reasons...
- Dental Sealants May Present BPA in Saliva
Dental fillings for children were worrisome because of the presence of mercury in the amalgam. The latest addition to this fear is the chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) in dental sealants and white fillings. BPA is a resin used in plastics, including water bottles and metal food can liners. Many studies...
- What Is Myrrh Used For?
What is myrrh?The word myrrh will probably not be a stranger to your ears. If you were raised in the Christian faith, it may be familiar to you since childhood. It was mentioned over 150 times in the Holy Bible. But what is it exactly?Myrrh is a resin or natural gum that is yellow to reddish-brown...
Nearby Providers
- Dr. Laurie Bovino DMD345 Kinderkamack Rd Westwood NJ 07675
- Dr. Dennis Walker D.M.D.1640 Anderson Ave Fort Lee NJ 07024
- Ronald Kurlan D.M.D.45 Prospect St South Orange NJ 07079
- Joseph Salim DMD433 East 56th Street New York NY 10022
- Dr. Elizabeth Jean Herko M.P.H., D.D.S.571 Central Ave, Suite 100 New Providence NJ 07974
- Dr. Jay Sher DDS154 S Livingston Ave Livingston NJ 07039