expert type icon EXPERT

Sheldon Kupferman

Dentist

Dr. Sheldon Kupferman is a Dentist practicing in Bronx, NY. Dr. Kupferman 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.
Sheldon Kupferman
  • Bronx, NY
  • Accepting new patients

Do I have a gum disease?

Without seeing you and having a set of radiographs it is difficult to diagnose. I would strongly suggest that you see a dentist for an exam and evaluation so that things do not READ MORE
Without seeing you and having a set of radiographs it is difficult to diagnose. I would strongly suggest that you see a dentist for an exam and evaluation so that things do not get worse. It could be a gum infection or it could be periodaontal disease where you may have lost bone.

How long does a dental crown last?

Good morning, The answer to this question is complicated by several contributing factors of which I do not know. The first factor is what type of crown or what type of material READ MORE
Good morning,

The answer to this question is complicated by several contributing factors of which I do not know. The first factor is what type of crown or what type of material is the crown made of. All metal crowns will last longer than porcelain fused to metal crowns which will last longer than Zirconia crowns, which will last longer than all porcelain crowns. Average should be 7-15 years. The next factor is where in the mouth has the crown been placed. The further back you go in the mouth, the greater the forces of your bite during chewing. Thus those crowns are subject to greater wear than teeth in the front. The condition of the tooth supporting the crown is probably the most important factor contributing to the longevity of the restoration. The weaker the tooth is, the greater the probability that the tooth will fracture under the weight of the person's bite. The last factor is aesthetics. Though most crowns change slightly over time, the patients gum tissues will continue to recede. In the back this space between the gum line that is created by the recession is usually not a factor from an aesthetic perspective since nobody really looks back there. This recession space can be a place where decay may result; so please make sure to adequately brush and floss to the gum line. On the front teeth, however, this recession can become unsightly and may reduce the longevity of the restoration. Finally, the diligence of a patient's oral daily hygiene and regular check-ups and cleanings will go very far in helping preserving the aesthetics, health, and strength or the crown and your ability to function.
I hope my answer will give you some guidelines as to help you understand the investment that you have made in your oral health.

Sheldon H. Kupferman, DDS