expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Benaifer D. Preziosi

Dentist

Dr. Benaifer Preziosi is a Dentist practicing in Linwood, NJ. Dr. Preziosi 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. Benaifer D. Preziosi
  • Linwood, NJ
  • DMD at Rutgers University
  • Accepting new patients

My molars are hurting. I already had my wisdom teeth all taken out. What can this be?

There may be a cavity or decay in your molar teeth. There could also be something in the jaw bone itself that may be causing pain. Sometimes sinus pain can cause your upper molar READ MORE
There may be a cavity or decay in your molar teeth. There could also be something in the jaw bone itself that may be causing pain. Sometimes sinus pain can cause your upper molar teeth to hurt. You should see a dentist to have him/her check your molar teeth and rule out all these possibilities. The dentist may need to take an x-ray to see if there is any infection in the bone or any problems with the sinuses.

I have some pain around the right side of my jawline. What could it be?

Pain in the jaw could be from a dental related issue, trauma to the jaw bone, cyst or pathology in the jaw bone, or infection. A visit to your dentist will help you know exactly READ MORE
Pain in the jaw could be from a dental related issue, trauma to the jaw bone, cyst or pathology in the jaw bone, or infection. A visit to your dentist will help you know exactly what is causing the pain as your dentist will perform a thorough exam and take any needed X-rays.

My gum is swollen but only in the back of my mouth. What could this be?

This could be a sign of an infection in a tooth or in your gum. I would make an appointment to see your dental professional who will do a thorough exam and possibly take an X-ray READ MORE
This could be a sign of an infection in a tooth or in your gum. I would make an appointment to see your dental professional who will do a thorough exam and possibly take an X-ray of the area to give you a diagnosis.

Does yellow teeth ever mean tooth decay?

Tooth decay can appear as many different colors. If your teeth are yellow it could be staining or it could indicate decay. You should see your dentist ASAP so if it is decay, READ MORE
Tooth decay can appear as many different colors. If your teeth are yellow it could be staining or it could indicate decay. You should see your dentist ASAP so if it is decay, it can be treated before it becomes worse.

What is the right age to get braces for my child?

A consultation with an orthodontist (braces specialist) will allow you to get an idea of when your son should start orthodontic treatment. It is never too early to get a consultation READ MORE
A consultation with an orthodontist (braces specialist) will allow you to get an idea of when your son should start orthodontic treatment. It is never too early to get a consultation and a thorough evaluation will be performed by the orthodontist who will be able to answer any questions you have about treatment and timing.

I am bleeding after 6 hours of my tooth extraction. What should I do?

Bleeding for the first few days after a dental extraction is normal as long as you can control it with simple measures. Start with placing a folded up piece of gauze in your mouth READ MORE
Bleeding for the first few days after a dental extraction is normal as long as you can control it with simple measures. Start with placing a folded up piece of gauze in your mouth over the site where the tooth was removed and place biting pressure on the gauze. You can change the gauze as needed for bleeding but try to keep the biting pressure on it for at least 20-30 min. If this does not help, contact your dentist or oral surgeon and they can evaluate the area and treat it accordingly.

I recently read an article that said poor dental health could cause respiratory problems. Is it true?

Yes, poor oral hygiene and dental disease can affect other areas of the body. You should talk to your dentist about a hygiene routine. Brushing twice a day is generally recommended. READ MORE
Yes, poor oral hygiene and dental disease can affect other areas of the body. You should talk to your dentist about a hygiene routine. Brushing twice a day is generally recommended. Flossing regularly (daily) and mouthwash are also recommended as part of a healthy routine.

What are natural ways to deal with tooth sensitivity?

The best way to handle sensitivity is to see the dentist and discuss possibly doing a fluoride treatment. An anti-sensitivity toothpaste would help also.

What is the possible cause of swelling and numbness on the right side of my tongue?

Swelling and numbness can be a sign that there is infection developing. You should make an appointment to see a dentist or oral surgeon to have the area evaluated.

I had my wisdom tooth removed yesterday. When can I start eating solid food again?

You can eat solid foods right away however eat whatever feels comfortable. Usually soft foods feel the most comfortable within the first few days. Having wisdom teeth removed READ MORE
You can eat solid foods right away however eat whatever feels comfortable. Usually soft foods feel the most comfortable within the first few days. Having wisdom teeth removed does not necessarily mean you have to be on a liquid diet but definitely avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods until the area has healed as those types of foods may be difficult and painful to chew right now. Remember to keep the mouth clean with gentle rinses no matter what you eat.

Can effects from TMJ ever be reversed?

Symptoms of pain from clenching and grinding can be reversed. First, you can have your dentist make you a nightguard which will take the stress of clenching off of your jaw joints READ MORE
Symptoms of pain from clenching and grinding can be reversed. First, you can have your dentist make you a nightguard which will take the stress of clenching off of your jaw joints and relieve pain. Muscle relaxants such as Flexeril can also be prescribed which will relax the muscles of the jaw responsible for opening and closing. If these conservative measures do not help, you can seek the advice of an oral surgeon who specializes in TMD and several surgical options are available as well.

I underwent a root canal treatment and it is paining again. What could be the reason?

Sometimes, teeth have small canals called accessory canals that may not be able to be filled, but can still transmit the sensation of pain to the tooth. Another cause of pain is READ MORE
Sometimes, teeth have small canals called accessory canals that may not be able to be filled, but can still transmit the sensation of pain to the tooth. Another cause of pain is that the tooth may have a fracture in it. A follow up appointment with your dentist or root canal specialist should be made to have the tooth evaluated.

Could wisdom tooth extraction cause an infection?

Yes, these are signs that there may be an infection. An appointment for evaluation by the dentist or oral surgeon who performed the procedure should be obtained. Antibiotic treatment READ MORE
Yes, these are signs that there may be an infection. An appointment for evaluation by the dentist or oral surgeon who performed the procedure should be obtained. Antibiotic treatment may be needed and the dental professional will advise you on how to keep the area clean.

I have white dots on both of my gums and tongue. What could these be?

The white spots may be Fordyce granules which are benign (not a cancer), sebaceous glands inside the mouth. The spots could also be irritation from something that came in contact READ MORE
The white spots may be Fordyce granules which are benign (not a cancer), sebaceous glands inside the mouth. The spots could also be irritation from something that came in contact with the gums or tongue. An appointment for evaluation by a dentist or oral surgeon should be made to have them do a possible biopsy, if needed.

What is gingivitis and its risk factors?

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. It is caused by plaque and tartar buildup and bacteria. It can lead to a more serious condition called periodontal disease where the bone READ MORE
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. It is caused by plaque and tartar buildup and bacteria. It can lead to a more serious condition called periodontal disease where the bone surrounding the teeth is also affected. Regular oral hygiene and check-ups to the dentist can help prevent both gingivitis and periodontal disease. Flossing daily will also help prevent these disease processes. Gingivitis causes the appearance of the gums to be bright red and often you will see it along the margins of the teeth where the teeth meet the gums.

How often will I have to replace my braces?

Your orthodontist will evaluate you periodically to see if any adjustments need to be made to your braces. You should call the orthodontist and find out when they would like to READ MORE
Your orthodontist will evaluate you periodically to see if any adjustments need to be made to your braces. You should call the orthodontist and find out when they would like to evaluate you next and they will be able to tell you what steps will be taken to straighten your teeth.

Can an infected tooth spread the infection to the other teeth as well?

Infection can spread and affect the bone surrounding other teeth causing them to become compromised. Infection can also spread to adjacent tissue. It is important to have the READ MORE
Infection can spread and affect the bone surrounding other teeth causing them to become compromised. Infection can also spread to adjacent tissue. It is important to have the infection and cause of the infection treated as soon as possible. A visit to your dentist or oral surgeon will allow them to diagnose and offer treatment solutions.

What does bone loss in the teeth mean?

Bone loss surrounding teeth can be due to periodontal disease which is deterioration of the bone due to plaque and bacteria under the gum line where it cannot be brushed away with READ MORE
Bone loss surrounding teeth can be due to periodontal disease which is deterioration of the bone due to plaque and bacteria under the gum line where it cannot be brushed away with regular oral hygiene and care. Treatment for periodontal disease is to see you dentist regularly or more often as prescribed by your dentist for deep cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup under the gum line. Your dentist may send you to a periodontist which is a dentist who specializes in the treatment of gum disease and bone loss. A periodontist can review further treatment options besides deep cleanings. Bone loss can also be due to osteoporosis or osteopenia which are treated by your physician with calcium and vitamin D supplementation or medication.

Did my dental x-rays harm my baby? (first trimester)

Hi! The standard cover has lead in it and does not allow xrays to penetrate. No additional shield is necessary. Also, the amount of radiation you get from a dental x-ray is so READ MORE
Hi! The standard cover has lead in it and does not allow xrays to penetrate. No additional shield is necessary. Also, the amount of radiation you get from a dental x-ray is so negligible and the beam is very concentrated which means it does not spread to any other areas except where it is aimed at. If you have further concerns, visit your ObGyn and discuss them with him/her.

Is water-flossing as effective as regular flossing?

Both are effective ways to cleanse in between the teeth. One way to find out if water flossing is effectively cleaning in between your teeth is to use regular floss afterward. READ MORE
Both are effective ways to cleanse in between the teeth. One way to find out if water flossing is effectively cleaning in between your teeth is to use regular floss afterward. If food particles and plaque are still coming off on the regular floss, then water flossing may not be effective enough. It depends on how tightly your teeth contact one another and if the water can penetrate between the teeth effectively enough to cleanse them properly.