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

What are the best ways to get rid of cankersores?
True canker sores are typically caused by a virus. Once they develop, they run their course and resolve in about 14 days. Over the counter treatments (Abreva) work well to make you feel better. Avoid acidic foods that will cause pain because of the open sore. READ MORE
When should I follow up with my dentist after my root canal?
Usually a three month follow up is good. READ MORE
Are soft or hard toothbrushes better?
Hard brushes are great! BUT only to scrub your bathroom tiles!!! Your gums are very soft and sensitive. Use of a hard toothbrush will cause gum recession and may also cause excessive wear of your tooth structure. Soft brushes are the rule. The only exception is when you are recommended to use an extra-soft brush! READ MORE
Should I stay away from certain foods after a root canal?
I advise my post-treatment patients NOT to eat on the Root Canal tooth for a couple of weeks. This is because the ligament around the tooth may be tender due to the newly filled root canal. Biting pressure may cause pain, even though the Root Canal Therapy is complete and well done. READ MORE
What should I do if my dentures feel loose?
Dentures should be reevaluated for proper fit every year when you go to your dentist for your oral cancer examination. With excessive gain or loss of weight, the fit will change. The material also wears and changes with time. Your dentures may need a reline or replacement. READ MORE
What medications are prescribed after a root canal?
Root Canal Treatment treats the INSIDE of the tooth by removing the source of the infection. If there is bacteria remaining OUTSIDE of the tooth, this needs to be treated with antibiotics. READ MORE
Do dental sealants need to be reapplied?
Dental sealants are a great way to prevent cavities on the chewing surface of teeth. The diet and hygiene of the patient will help determine how long they last. Nothing lasts forever! They can be reapplied when they wear or are lost. They are a worthwhile investment in your daughter's health. READ MORE
How long is the recovery for a wisdom tooth extraction?
Recovery time depends on how drastic the surgery is to remove your wisdom tooth, your age, and your habits (e.g., smoking). I would listen to the advice of your dentist. Schedule the extra day off. You will look like a hero at work if you don't need it! READ MORE
Are braces the only way to fix buck teeth?
Braces are the best, most effective way to correct tooth position. There might be different options for your treatment; invisible braces (like invisalign) or cemented braces. Your options depend on the amount of tooth movement needed. READ MORE
How do I know if I have an infection in my gums or teeth?
Soreness alone is not a sign of infection. You may have an issue due to a local irritation (hard brushing, sharp food). Warm, lightly salted water rinses (1/2 tsp salt in 12 oz water) every couple of hours may help with the irritation. If this doesn't resolve in a couple of days, you should see a dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. READ MORE
Experiencing some discomfort in teeth. What should I do?
Sounds like you should see a dentist for diagnosis and treatment. READ MORE
Three cavities at once. Will they all be filled in one session?
Depends on both you and your dentist. When patients want to, I put enough time aside to treat as many cavities as the patient wants me to. Each area may require you to be numb, so you may not want to numb 3 separate areas of your mouth at the same time, but that is up to you. READ MORE
Do I always need a crown with a root canal?
The amount of solid tooth structure remaining after root canal treatment determines the need for a crown. Teeth in the back of your mouth take a lot of stress when you chew, so they need to be crowned more frequently. Teeth also tend to become more brittle (with time) after root canal treatment, so if there is any question, you are better off crowning the tooth. READ MORE
Anything I can do for my tooth gap?
No simple answer. Solutions can range from braces (to close the space), to bonding or laminates (to alter the tooth size), to a removable tooth colored space filler that you just use for pictures. See a dentist for a cosmetic evaluation and your best solution. READ MORE
Why does a cracked tooth have to be pulled?
If a tooth cracks above the gum line, usually it can be saved. Teeth that crack down the root, into the bone, cannot be saved because the cracked tooth: (1) cannot support a crown or filling without the restoration continually coming off (2) will be a constant source of infection as the crack leaks bacteria. There is no treatment for seriously cracked teeth other than extraction READ MORE
A huge gap in dental treatment. What should I expect?
Depending on how long it's been, you will be pleasantly surprised at all of the new technology your dentist has and how painless dentistry is now, a true reality! READ MORE
Why is my tooth discolored after treatment?
You are seeing the remnants of the pulpal tissue inside of the tooth. I'd compare this to a bruise you see under your skin when you suffer trauma. The pulpal tissue has a blood vessel. When this tissue is removed during Root Canal Treatment, some of the pigments from the blood can penetrate the tooth structure resulting in discoloration inside of your tooth. This can be treated with internal bleaching of the tooth. READ MORE
How is acupuncture an alternative treatment in dentistry?
If your pain is truly from a problem tooth, acupuncture will NOT resolve your problem. Resolution can only be achieved by treating the tooth. READ MORE
What should I do with a crooked tooth?
The best long term treatment is to have some kind of orthodontics to straighten the tooth (and any other teeth that you might not be aware of). Any cosmetic alteration of the tooth (bonding, laminate, shaving away enamel) will change your tooth structure and may need future continued maintenance. READ MORE
Can drinking water prevent tooth decay?
For water to help you cut down on cavities, it must be flouridated (contain flouride). READ MORE