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.
41 years Experience
Dr. Louis Paul Sterling, DDS
  • Staten Island, NY
  • NYU College of Dentistry
  • Accepting new patients

How can I strengthen my gums fast?

You really can't "strengthen" your gums like you can your muscles. But by maintaining excellent oral hygiene (flossing daily, very gentle brushing with proper technique, rinsing READ MORE
You really can't "strengthen" your gums like you can your muscles. But by maintaining excellent oral hygiene (flossing daily, very gentle brushing with proper technique, rinsing with a good oral rinse, frequent recare appointments with your dentist/hygienist), you can make them healthier and keep them healthy.

Can you drink water after using mouthwash?

Usually no problem. The exception is for fluoride rinses. You should not eat or drink for 30 minutes after using a fluoride rinse. For prescription rinses, check with your doctor READ MORE
Usually no problem. The exception is for fluoride rinses. You should not eat or drink for 30 minutes after using a fluoride rinse. For prescription rinses, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is a wire change needed on a monthly basis?

Not necessarily. Today's metalurgy allows wires to keep their activity and memory for a long time. The elastomeres need to be changed because they wear out and no longer engage READ MORE
Not necessarily. Today's metalurgy allows wires to keep their activity and memory for a long time. The elastomeres need to be changed because they wear out and no longer engage the wire tightly enough into the bracket to produce the desired effect.

Do braces correct overbites?

Yes. Orthodontics is the Dental specialty dealing with the correction/treatment of malocclusions (bad bite). Depending os the severity of your particular malocclusion, various READ MORE
Yes. Orthodontics is the Dental specialty dealing with the correction/treatment of malocclusions (bad bite). Depending os the severity of your particular malocclusion, various treatment recommendations will be made. Make sure to see a orthodontist (specialist), NOT a general dentist who has some training in orthodontics.

How long does it take for an infected tooth to heal?

Hard to give one answer. Just taking antibiotics for an infected tooth, or allowing pus to drain from an opening in the gum near the tooth will NOT cause the tooth infection to READ MORE
Hard to give one answer. Just taking antibiotics for an infected tooth, or allowing pus to drain from an opening in the gum near the tooth will NOT cause the tooth infection to go away. A tooth that is infected (meaning the pulp inside the tooth has died and an abscess has formed) can only be treated either by Root Canal Therapy or extraction. An extraction site can take from a couple of weeks to months for healing. After Root Canal Treatment, the tooth may feel sensitive for up to a couple of months as well. If neither procedure is done, an infection caused by a tooth (NOT a gum infection) will not resolve.

Can dentures last a lifetime?

While a good set of dentures are constructed from a high-impact resistant acrylic base and very strong resin teeth, they will ultimately lose their luster and pick up stain over READ MORE
While a good set of dentures are constructed from a high-impact resistant acrylic base and very strong resin teeth, they will ultimately lose their luster and pick up stain over time. In addition, eating hard items may cause chipping of the teeth. Weight gain or loss in excess of 15 pounds or so, will affect the way the dentures fit and feel. So, I guess if you are really happy with your dentures and you get 10-12 years of service from them, you should feel happy.

How long should I wait to eat after a dental cleaning?

No need to wait at all. Enjoy your meal or snack.

What foods should I avoid after dental implants?

After any type of dental surgery you will want to avoid hot and spicy foods, you will want to eat on the other side of your mouth. Not too much to worry about.

Can I use mouthwash after a filling?

Sure. No problem with using your usual commercial mouthwash like listerine, pro-health, etc.

Is teeth bleaching a permanent fix?

Depending on your habits & diet (smoking, red wine, cola soda all diminish the bleaching effect), your whitened teeth will stay brighter for upwards of 6 - 12 months. They can READ MORE
Depending on your habits & diet (smoking, red wine, cola soda all diminish the bleaching effect), your whitened teeth will stay brighter for upwards of 6 - 12 months. They can be retouched 1-2 nights per month to renew the whiter look you had at the conclusion of your bleaching treatment.

How long does swelling last after dental bone graft?

You won't reach your peak swelling for 48 hours when it begins to subside. Using ice on your face and perhaps even inside your mouth (30 minutes on/off) will help lessen the amount READ MORE
You won't reach your peak swelling for 48 hours when it begins to subside. Using ice on your face and perhaps even inside your mouth (30 minutes on/off) will help lessen the amount of swelling. Ice should be used for at least 3 days for best effect.

How long does it take for teeth to shift with braces?

The speed with which your teeth move is determined my various factors. The amount of crowding you have, the distance they need to move, the kind of movement needed (rotations, READ MORE
The speed with which your teeth move is determined my various factors. The amount of crowding you have, the distance they need to move, the kind of movement needed (rotations, tipping, bodily movement), the tightness of your bite, the amount of boney support the teeth have, the forces placed upon them by the dentist and how compliant you are with elastics you may need to wear.

Can a tooth crack under a crown?

Absolutely yes. This is a rare occurrence for a vital (live) tooth but if a tooth has had root canal treatment it can fracture under the stress of chewing. During root canal READ MORE
Absolutely yes. This is a rare occurrence for a vital (live) tooth but if a tooth has had root canal treatment it can fracture under the stress of chewing. During root canal treatment, the inside of the tooth is hollowed out to an extent that allows the dentist to reach and remove the pulp of the tooth. With time, after the the removal of the pulp, the tooth can become brittle due to the loss of its vitality. This happens despite the placement of any bonded material placed within the tooth to help hold it together and increase its strength. So, yes, the tooth can fracture under the crown.

How can I make my teeth move faster with braces?

There are studies showing that certain surgical procedures can accelerate tooth movement through the bone. These procedures are extremely uncomfortable and will add greatly to READ MORE
There are studies showing that certain surgical procedures can accelerate tooth movement through the bone. These procedures are extremely uncomfortable and will add greatly to the cost of your treatment. Your best bet is to follow the instructions of your orthodontist and wear all of your elastics as directed.

Can braces make teeth become loose?

Teeth must become looser as they move through the bone into their desired final position. They tighten up when your treatment is done and the braces are removed. Remember to READ MORE
Teeth must become looser as they move through the bone into their desired final position. They tighten up when your treatment is done and the braces are removed. Remember to wear your retainers FOREVER (when you sleep) or your teeth will revert to their original position over time.

How long do you have to wear braces after your teeth are straight?

Once your your teeth are in their desired position and your bite is stable, many orthodontists leave the braces on for an additional month to help the bite settle in. Then they READ MORE
Once your your teeth are in their desired position and your bite is stable, many orthodontists leave the braces on for an additional month to help the bite settle in. Then they are removed and retainers are worn. 24 hrs/day for one month. Followed by 12 hrs/day for 1-2 months. Then sleep time wear forever.

Can a tooth with internal resorption be saved?

While the long term prognosis for a tooth with internal resorption is questionable, this depends on how bad the resorption is. The tooth is treated with a regimen of medications READ MORE
While the long term prognosis for a tooth with internal resorption is questionable, this depends on how bad the resorption is. The tooth is treated with a regimen of medications over several weeks, then filled with a special root canal filling. Often times, this tooth can be saved for many years.

Can internal tooth resorption be reversed?

While the long term prognosis for a tooth with internal resorption is questionable, this depends on how bad the resorption is. The tooth is treated with a regimen of medications READ MORE
While the long term prognosis for a tooth with internal resorption is questionable, this depends on how bad the resorption is. The tooth is treated with a regimen of medications over several weeks, then filled with a special root canal filling. Often times, this tooth can be saved for many years.

Will my teeth shift without a retainer for a week?

Depending when you got your braces off. If you JUST got them off, you can expect some movement. When you return home, just wear your retainers 24/7 for a while until they are READ MORE
Depending when you got your braces off. If you JUST got them off, you can expect some movement. When you return home, just wear your retainers 24/7 for a while until they are straight again, then return to sleep time wear.

What do I do if my retainer doesn't fit anymore?

This means that either your retainer warped, or your teeth moved. Either way, see your orthodontist for follow up treatment.