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

Should dentures stay in without adhesive?

The need for adhesives depends on the amount of bone you have under your gums and the shape of your mouth. The more bone and the deeper your palate vault, the better your chances READ MORE
The need for adhesives depends on the amount of bone you have under your gums and the shape of your mouth. The more bone and the deeper your palate vault, the better your chances to avoid adhesives. Lower dentures are more difficult to wear and function with.

Is it bad to drink water after brushing your teeth?

It is absolutely fine to drink any unflavored, unsweetened water (bottled or tap) after brushing your teeth.

How long can a partial denture last?

If properly maintained, if you don't gain or lose an excessive amount of weight, and if you keep your remaining teeth, your removable partial denture can last many years. By this, READ MORE
If properly maintained, if you don't gain or lose an excessive amount of weight, and if you keep your remaining teeth, your removable partial denture can last many years. By this, I mean, at least ten or more years.

Do you need adhesive for dental veneers?

Dental (porcelain) veneers are bonded to your enamel with resin cement. This must be done by your dentist. You cannot do this yourself.

How can I tighten my retainer at home?

I would urge you NOT to attempt tightening your retainers at home. There is a specific instrument needed in addition to proper knowledge of how and where to adjust the retainer READ MORE
I would urge you NOT to attempt tightening your retainers at home. There is a specific instrument needed in addition to proper knowledge of how and where to adjust the retainer for maximum benefit.

Can you sleep in partial dentures?

Sure. You can sleep with your partial dentures in your mouth. However, like with anything not part of your body naturally, your mouth needs a rest from them for several hours READ MORE
Sure. You can sleep with your partial dentures in your mouth. However, like with anything not part of your body naturally, your mouth needs a rest from them for several hours each day. You should brush and floss with your partials OUT of your mouth and leave them out of your mouth several hours each day to allow your oral tissues to rest and breathe.

How can I make my bottom dentures fit better?

The fit of a well made, lower complete denture depends on the anatomy inside your mouth. If you have enough bone to form a solid residual ridge upon which the denture rests, you READ MORE
The fit of a well made, lower complete denture depends on the anatomy inside your mouth. If you have enough bone to form a solid residual ridge upon which the denture rests, you will have a great result. If you don't have enough bone for the denture to rest on, it may move when you eat or talk. This issue can be resolved by having several implants placed into the bone. Attachments are placed into the implants that allow your denture to snap into place and stay put.

What is the average age to get dentures?

I have patients who are in their nineties and have all of their own teeth. I have patients in their thirties who need dentures. There is no hard and fast rule.

Are braces uncomfortable?

Everyone has a different responses to braces. I myself had braces as a forty year old adult. I had some soreness the day after my braces were adjusted. Generally though, there READ MORE
Everyone has a different responses to braces. I myself had braces as a forty year old adult. I had some soreness the day after my braces were adjusted. Generally though, there was no discomfort associated with orthodontic treatment. The major issue is one of oral hygiene. It's very important to brush and floss after meals and keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy.

Can you use toothpaste on crowns?

Yes. Crowns are brushed and flossed like natural teeth.

Do you need braces to fix a few teeth?

This is a hard question to answer without actually seeing your problem, but Invisalign (invisible braces) provides orthodontic correction for many dental misalignments without READ MORE
This is a hard question to answer without actually seeing your problem, but Invisalign (invisible braces) provides orthodontic correction for many dental misalignments without the use of actual braces. Invisalign utilizes a series of resilient, clear plastic shells that are computer generated, to gradually move teeth to their desired position. So, braces are not always needed to move teeth.

Can a bottom tooth make a top tooth hurt?

What you are referring to is the phenomenon known as "referred pain". With referred pain, you are sometimes unable to localize the actual source of a toothache. You can distinguish READ MORE
What you are referring to is the phenomenon known as "referred pain". With referred pain, you are sometimes unable to localize the actual source of a toothache. You can distinguish left from right side, but you are unable to pinpoint the origin of pain, whether it is upper or lower. In reality, only one tooth actually hurts, but you "feel" the pain in multiple sites. Only when the correct tooth is treated does the pain in all sites disappear.

Can I put rubber bands on my teeth?

I really don't know what you mean, but if you have no braces on your teeth to attach the rubber bands to, please NEVER put anything around your teeth. You may cause infections READ MORE
I really don't know what you mean, but if you have no braces on your teeth to attach the rubber bands to, please NEVER put anything around your teeth. You may cause infections that may lead to the loss of these teeth!

How can I make my loose tooth strong again?

See your dentist to determine the cause of your weakened teeth, Have the issue/problem treated. Hopefully your teeth will become stronger.

Is polishing necessary after scaling?

Polishing is that last step in a full dental prophylaxis (cleaning). It removes the residual plaque and pellicle layer from the surfaces of the teeth. That said, if you are having READ MORE
Polishing is that last step in a full dental prophylaxis (cleaning). It removes the residual plaque and pellicle layer from the surfaces of the teeth. That said, if you are having a periodontal scaling (deep sub-gingival removal of calculus from the root surfaces) or a gross removal of calculus from all of your teeth, a polishing may NOT be part of the service provided to you.

Can dental bonding fix gaps?

The short answer is yes. Obviously large gaps need a lot of bonding to be closed. Smaller gaps can be fixed with a much better cosmetic result.

Can you get teeth cleaned while wearing braces?

Absolutely. When you have braces you should get your teeth cleaned and examined on a very regular basis by your general dentist. Your orthodontist will not be cleaning your teeth. READ MORE
Absolutely. When you have braces you should get your teeth cleaned and examined on a very regular basis by your general dentist. Your orthodontist will not be cleaning your teeth.

Can I use normal toothbrush for braces?

Yes. Even though you have braces, you can use a regular toothbrush for your hygiene. There are special brushes that are made for patients with braces. If you have trouble using READ MORE
Yes. Even though you have braces, you can use a regular toothbrush for your hygiene. There are special brushes that are made for patients with braces. If you have trouble using a regular toothbrush speak with your orthodontist about your choices to enhance your hygiene.

How often should I clean my teeth with braces?

If you are referring to a professional cleaning, adults with braces should be seen for a professional cleaning at least three times each year. Your orthodontist may suggest that READ MORE
If you are referring to a professional cleaning, adults with braces should be seen for a professional cleaning at least three times each year. Your orthodontist may suggest that you have a cleaning more frequently. This depends upon your own home care.

How do you prepare your teeth for braces?

There is nothing you need to do to prepare your teeth for braces just continue your normal oral hygiene, including flossing and brushing.