Local prosthodontist keeps smiles healthy at any age
A smile is universal. One of the first things people notice when others smile is their teeth. But keeping your chompers pearly white isn’t enough; it is most important to keep them healthy. Donna Gentile, DDS, knows all about oral hygiene and as a prosthodontist, she specializes in the replacement of missing or damaged teeth.
“Simply speaking, prosthodontics pertains to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues,” said Gentile, adding that to accomplish optimal care she utilizes many familiar facets of dentistry like crowns, bridges, implants, dentures. “It is utilized in a more comprehensive approach than regular general dentistry.”
After receiving her bachelor’s degree in science from Stony Brook University, Gentile spent another four years at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, earning her doctorate in dental surgery.
From there, she completed a general practice residency at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park and completed an additional three year post graduate education program specializing in prosthodontics at New York Hospital Queens.
“Upon graduation, I obtained an attending position at Peninsula Hospital Medical Center in Far Rockaway,” she said of the hospital, which has since closed, “I currently hold attending positions at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine and Interfaith Medical Center in Crown Heights Brooklyn.”
Gentile is associated with several private dental practices in Nassau and Suffolk County. A Massapequa native, Gentile decided to build her business close to home, opening her own private practice in her hometown community.
“I am lucky to be located in an area that is close to many other medical and professional offices and I enjoy the sense of community that exists amongst my neighbors,” said Gentile, who enjoys meeting residents and prospective new patients at town outings and festivals. “This year I have the great honor of sponsoring the Massapequa High School Varsity football team. I hope they have a great season.”
If a patient is seeking care from Gentile, chances are they have already suffered from periodontal disease, chronic tooth decay or have experienced some sort of dental trauma.
For healthy dental care, she recommends the basics such as brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding sugary drinks and not smoking to prevent tooth decay. Gentile also highly emphasizes that regular visits to the dentist for a checkup and professional cleanings are a must for good oral hygiene.
“Address harmful habits like tooth grinding and clenching early before extensive irreversible damage sets in. If you end up losing some or all of your teeth, replace them,” she said, noting that people who try to suffice with limited oral function has negative effects on their overall health. “The longer a person waits for tooth replacement, the more difficult the task becomes and less optimal the outcome becomes.”
Many patients prefer Gentile Dental Care not only because of the specialization to prosthodontics, but because the practice participates in many insurance plans, which is crucial for elder patients.
“People like the way they are treated here,” said Gentile of taking the best care of her patients. “My staff and I go above and beyond to make patients feel comfortable in what is typically an uncomfortable environment.”
Gentile Dental Care is located at 89 Grand Ave., Massapequa. For more information or to book an appointment, call 516-639-6975 or visit www.gentiledentalcare.com.
