Dental insurance can be a complex maze, and many people are surprised to discover that not all dentists accept it. At Smile Shack, we believe accessing quality dental care should be straightforward and stress-free. That’s …
What Does Healing Gum Tissue Look Like?
At Smile Shack, we understand that your oral health is a vital component of your overall well-being. Taking care of your gums is just as important as maintaining healthy teeth, especially after procedures like tooth …
TMJ Disorder: 6 Powerful Exercises to Ease Your Jaw Pain
Living with TMJ disorder can feel overwhelming. TPersistent pain can turn everyday activities like eating, yawning, or speaking into uncomfortable challenges. This discomfort comes from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jawbone to your …
Complete Guide to Eating Safely After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Recovering quickly from wisdom teeth extraction requires following aftercare instructions closely, especially when it comes to food choices. Eating plays a crucial role in your body’s healing process. Opting for the right foods can soothe …
Navigating the Milestone of Losing Baby Teeth: A Parent’s Guide
Losing baby teeth is a significant rite of passage in a child’s life. It marks the transition from toddlerhood to becoming a “big kid,” a milestone often filled with excitement, curiosity, and, at times, a …
How Long Should a Tooth Hurt After a Filling
When we visit the dentist for a filling, we expect it to solve our discomfort—not create it. Fillings are an effective and common way to treat cavities and restore tooth function, preventing further decay and …
Bad Breath: Is It Coming From Your Gut?
Bad breath—or halitosis—is something many of us are self-conscious about, and for good reason. Often linked to oral health issues, bad breath can arise from cavities, gum disease, dry mouth, and even the foods we …
Announcing New Talent at Smile Shack: Introducing Dr. Nicole Francisco and Dr. Vanesza Robles Salas
[Port Jefferson Station, NY] – In a move that underscores its patient-centric and progressive ethos, Smile Shack in Port Jefferson Station, NY, is thrilled to announce the joining of two exceptional dental professionals, Dr. Nicole …
An Unforgettable Journey to Turks and Caicos with Smile Shack
When you think of the Turks and Caicos Islands, you probably picture a serene paradise tucked away in the Caribbean—a true retreat. Yet, beyond the beautiful beaches lies a reality many don’t see: deep-rooted poverty …
The Truth About Dental Implant Longevity
When it comes to dental restoration, dental implants have become the gold standard. Designed to replicate the look, feel, and function of natural teeth, they provide exceptional durability and aesthetics, setting them apart from other …
The Future of Dentistry: Smile Shack at the Greater New York Dental Meeting 2024
We have exciting news to share from Smile Shack! Dr. Shack and Dr. Francisco, along with our dedicated team, have set their sights on the Big Apple to attend the Greater New York Dental Meeting …
Understanding the Causes of Bad Breath and How to Fix It
Do you find yourself constantly reaching for mints or chewing gum to mask persistent bad breath? While occasional halitosis is common, chronic bad breath could be a sign that it’s time to see your dentist. …
How to Find the Best Cosmetic Dentist Near You
Deciding to move forward and explore your options for cosmetic dentistry is exciting. Maybe you want an entire smile makeover, or perhaps you have one or two issues you’d like to remedy with cosmetic dentistry. …
15th Annual Village Cup Regatta
The Village Cup Regatta will be held in Port Jefferson, NY, on September 7, 2024. Residents and visitors alike are excited to see this year’s field race in Port Jefferson Harbor. The Port Jefferson Yacht …
10th Annual Dragon Boat Race Fest Comes to Port Jefferson Harbor, NY
The Port Jefferson, NY, area welcomes the 10th Annual Dragon Boat Race Fest on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Our community is excited to celebrate the ancient Chinese tradition of dragon boat racing with a day …
Ways You Can Whiten Your Teeth Naturally?
Most Americans wish they had a whiter, brighter smile. Many have already experienced the benefits of professional teeth whitening, while others haven’t this option. They may be drawn to natural teeth whitening methods due to …
Annual Golf Outing in Port Jefferson Station, NY!
It’s tee time again for residents of Port Jefferson Station! We’re thrilled to once again participate in the Annual Golf Outing, hosted by Infant Jesus Roman Catholic Church Knights of Columbus Council, at the Port …
4 Common Signs of Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Gum disease not only impacts your overall oral health but it also can cause other serious health issues. Knowing the common signs of periodontal disease can help you catch a problem as it’s starting and …
What Is and Isn’t Considered a Dental Emergency?
There seem to be many resources if you are or think you might be experiencing a medical emergency. You can head to the nearest emergency room or urgent care, call a doctor, or call a …
How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?
You should go to the dentist every six months; whether you’re 5-years-old or 50, the recommendation is the same for everyone! Even toddlers with only a few teeth should visit the dentist twice a year …
How Long Does It Take For A Dental Bridge To Settle?
Dental bridges are an excellent option for both restorative and cosmetic dental issues. A bridge will improve your oral health and provide you with more confidence in your smile. If you are considering such a …
How Long Does It Take to Heal After a Tooth Extraction?
Sometimes, for various reasons, dental providers recommend treatment that involves the removal of a baby or permanent tooth. Suppose your dentist has suggested having one or more of your teeth extracted. In that case, you …
How Do You Clean Your Invisalign Retainers & Tray?
Invisalign is an innovative treatment to help improve your smile and your dental health. With these clear trays, called aligners, you can have a new smile that you are proud of without having to have …
Annual Charles Dickens Festival
‘Tis the season for merriment and cheer here in Port Jefferson! The annual Charles Dickens Festival is upon us, and our dental office is buzzing with excitement for the festivities. As longtime members of this …
How Long Does A Root Canal Take?
You don’t need to be worried if your dentist or endodontist recommends a root canal procedure to treat your damaged or diseased tooth. In fact, millions of teeth are treated and saved this way each …
How Often Do You Need Scaling And Root Planing?
Sensitive gums, bleeding, and chronic bad breath can diminish self-confidence and keep you from showing off your smile. Unfortunately, leaving these common symptoms of gum disease untreated can further increase the risk of future tooth …
Can TMJ Be Cured?
If you suffer frequent tension headaches, facial soreness, or jaw pain, you may have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Unfortunately, these consistent symptoms can negatively impact your quality of life and overall health. However, the good …
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Straighten Teeth?
Have you ever wished for a straighter smile, but the thought of traditional metal braces makes you cringe? Well, you’re not alone. Many people desire a straighter smile but hesitate to commit to braces due …
When a Child Should Start Going to the Dentist
In years past, dentists advised parents to make their child’s first appointment around the age of three or four. However, today, the recommendations have changed. Pediatric dentists today recommend that children visit the dentist for …
What Can I Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?
Dental implants are considered the best replacement for missing or damaged teeth. They can transform your smile and boost your oral health. While dental implants are good for your oral health, the aftermath of the …
How to Tell If You Need A Root Canal
If you’re experiencing pain in your tooth or gums, it may be a sign that you need a root canal. When a tooth becomes infected or if decay has crept into the nerve of a …
When Can I Eat After a Tooth Extraction?
If you find a tooth extraction is necessary for your dental health, you’re probably wondering just how long it will be until you can eat again after the extraction. While the answer usually depends on …
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in Suffolk County, NY?
If your teeth look yellow or stained, there’s an effective and simple way to make your smile shiny and new again – professional teeth whitening. But let’s start with a look at how teeth become …
What to Eat After a Root Canal
One of the key questions you may have after a root canal is what to eat. Planning your menu ahead of time and having some recommended foods on hand can help. Learn more here about …
What Are The Different Types Of Dental Implants?
Just like your own natural teeth, dental implants are both long-lasting and durable. They’re considered permanent with good oral care, because they’re fused directly to your jawbone. Implants replace the tooth root as well as …
Does the Scaling And Root Planing Procedure Hurt?
Scaling and root planing are two non-surgical procedures that are typically done together. The purpose of scaling and root planing is to treat and prevent gum disease. Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the …
How Porcelain Veneers Can Improve Your Smile
Porcelain veneers can completely makeover your smile in a short period of time. While veneers aren’t right for everyone, if your teeth and gums are in good condition but you’re unhappy with the way they …
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
No one wants to go to the dentist and learn that they need a root canal, but often they are the only way to save a natural tooth from needing to be extracted. Although root …
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are an investment, so it’s natural to have a number of questions before you make a commitment. One concern many patients have is, “how long do dental implants last?” They want to make …
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Long Island, NY?
Dental implants are the best solution available for missing teeth, but more than any other question about the procedure, the top concern for many of our patients is, “How much do dental implants cost?” We …
What to Expect After a Root Canal
Many patients who need a root canal treatment assume that the recovery will be similar to that of having a tooth extracted, requiring time off of work to rest, facial swelling, and general discomfort. The …
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Is it a dental emergency or can it wait? The best way to answer this question is to call us so we can determine if urgent care is needed and schedule an appointment for you …
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost on Long Island, NY?
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment because it’s a relatively simple procedure that produces dramatic results. A whiter smile can even make you look years younger! At Smile Shack, we offer two forms …
4 Signs You Have Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Periodontal disease starts slowly, with symptoms that seem relatively minor. You might bleed a bit when you floss or notice that your gums look redder than usual. Left untreated, though, gum disease can have serious …
How to Choose the Best Invisalign Provider on Long Island
Is Smile Shack the best Invisalign provider on Long Island? Well, we might be a bit biased, but we’d like to think the answer to that question is yes! We don’t want you to take …
Do Natural Teeth Whitening Methods Work?
Why pay for teeth whitening treatments at the dentist when you can rub charcoal all over your teeth for the same effect? If you’re on Instagram, you’ve probably seen ads for these charcoal powders and …
How Much Does Invisalign Cost on Long Island, NY?
If you’ve made the decision to get Invisalign treatment, congratulations! You’re on the road to straighter teeth and a beautiful smile—without the hassle of traditional metal braces. The next step is to figure out the …
Correlation Between Poor Oral Health & Medical Conditions
You may have seen stories in the news about how poor oral health is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other medical conditions. The headlines grab your attention, but read further and you’ll find out …
5 Benefits of Invisalign
A lot has changed in the field of orthodontics in the past few decades. One of the most significant changes is the increased popularity of clear aligners for straightening teeth. If you’re thinking about getting …
What You Should Know About Grinding Your Teeth
Do you grind your teeth? If so, you may not even be aware that you’re doing it. If you are aware of the habit, it’s probably because your dentist has noticed the effects, or your …
Chronic Bad Breath? You May Need to Visit the Dentist
Also known as halitosis, bad breath can be highly embarrassing. “Morning breath” and similar conditions are common, short-lived, and easy to fix. For some people, though, bad breath can become chronic. If you have stubborn …
Dental Implant vs Partial Denture
At one time, dentures were the only option to replace missing teeth. If you have some natural teeth remaining, your dentist might suggest a partial denture, which is anchored to the existing teeth. However, despite …
Dental Implant vs Bridge: Know Your Options
If you are missing a tooth, you might be able to decide between a dental implant and a dental bridge. There are benefits and drawbacks to both options, so it is important to fully understand both procedures. …
Invisalign vs Traditional Braces: Which is Right for You?
At Imperial Dental Associates, we know that traditional metal braces were long considered the treatment of choice for straightening teeth, and they are still a popular solution today. Increasingly, though, patients are asking us about Invisalign. …
How Your Teeth Can Predict Heart Disease and Diabetes
Recent research suggests that there’s a link between oral health and serious, chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. By taking care of your oral health through regular brushing, flossing, and proactive dental …
Financing Dental Work: What You Should Know
Dental care is essential to keeping both your mouth and your body healthy. Those who go without regular dental work are at risk for painful abscesses, tooth loss, systemic infections, and even heart disease. Yet …
Grinding Teeth? Here’s What You Should Know
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is quite common. Teeth grinding often happens while sleeping, concentrating, or performing heavy lifting. Some people are unaware that they grind their teeth, while others are acutely aware but …
Dental Implants Myths vs. Facts: What You Need to Know
Archeological evidence shows that prehistoric people may have used primitive dental implants. Confirmed records show their use since at least 600 AD. Yet modern dental implants date only to the 1970s, and they did not …
Welcome to Our New Site!
Welcome to our new website! Check back for updates to our blog to get the latest news and information for our office. We are delighted that you chose to visit our site today and look …