January 28, 2010

Common Myths about Staten Island Family Cosmetic Dentistry

Myth #1: Cosmetic Dentistry is Never Necessary for a Healthy Smile

Many so-called Staten Island cosmetic dental procedures are not solely cosmetic.  Dental procedures such as tooth replacement are smile-enhancing and, more importantly, prevent many potential problems such as tooth movement, bone loss and difficulty chewing and speaking.

Myth #2: A Staten Island Dental Bridge is the Only Way to Replace a Missing Tooth

Dental bridges are an Staten Island dental cosmetic procedure that have been used for many years with success. However, dental implants are often a better choice for replacing one or more missing teeth. Dental implants have many advantages for  dental patients. They feel like natural teeth, they are stronger, and they are easier to clean than dental bridges. New York tooth implants can also be used to anchor dentures or partial dentures.

Myth #3: At-Home Kits are as Effective for Staten Island Tooth Whitening Than a Professional Dental Solution

At Fred Hecht DDS, we offer our dental patients teeth whitening treatments that provide a much greater level of whiteness than at-home kits. At-home kits may remove surface stains, but they do not provide optimum results and can often lead to uneven coloring.

Myth #4: Dental Bonding is the Best Way to Fix a Chipped Tooth.

Dental bonding can restore the shape of a tooth, but may not be the best long-term solution. If you have a damaged tooth, you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Call us at (718) 761-5757 to set up an appointment so we can determine the best solution for you.

Myth #5: Staten Island Braces are the Only Way to Straighten Teeth

Braces are often part of a transforming dental makeover for our teens and adults alike. However, if your teeth are only slightly crooked, porcelain veneers can reshape your teeth and dramatically improve your smile. And the best thing about veneers? They offer instant results!

Dr. Fred Hecht
patient comfort
Staten Island Dental Care
1520 Richmond Ave.
Staten Island, New York 10314
http://www.afraidofthedentist.com
(718) 761-5757

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Crowns, Dental Implants, Porcelain Veneers — Tags: , , , — admin @ 11:50 am

January 20, 2010

How Dental Implants are Changing Dentures in Staten Island

If you are one of the many Staten Island denture wearers, you know that they are How Dental Implants are Changing Dentures in Fremontnot the ideal solution for missing teeth.

The problems with dentures include slipping, gum irritation, trouble eating and talking, bone loss, and inability to taste food due to a covered palate. Clearly, dentures do not feel and function like natural teeth.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups can help you avoid the need for dentures later in your life, but other factors can make dental replacements an inevitability.

The good news? Modern dental implant technology is making dentures a thing of the past.

At Fred Hecht DDS we have information and expertise that can help bring hope to denture wearers through dental implant technology. There are a variety of effective denture/implant tooth configurations.

Call Fred Hecht DDS at (718) 761-5757 to book an implant over-denture consultation. We can help you understand your options and can recommend options.

If you currently wear traditional dentures and are not happy with them, implant anchored dentures may dramatically change your life. Your chewing ability will be similar to that of natural teeth and you will be able to eat hard foods again. How about a thick T-bone at your favorite New York steakhouse? In addition to being able to enjoy your meal, you will avoid the embarrassment of having your dentures rattle around in your mouth in public.

http://www.afraidofthedentist.com/pages/services/restorative/implants.htm

Attention Staten Island denture wearers: there is life after dentures with tooth implants!

Come see us at Fred Hecht DDS at 1520 Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10314 for more information about dental implants.

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , — admin @ 11:38 am

January 12, 2010

Choosing A Dentist In Staten Island

The American Dental Association offers some welcome advice for choosing a dentist Choosing A Dentist In Fremont

in Staten Island. We have already talked about how word of mouth is an important factor in how many people find a dentist. Here are some things you should look for in an Staten Island dentist:

Location is always a factor when choosing a dentist. If you live in the Staten Island, New York area, there are many options. While location plays an important role in convenience, many people are willing to drive a little farther for a better experience with their New York dentist.

Relationship is a strong factor. Your Staten Island dentist should be approachable, and should make you feel comfortable when you are in the dentist chair. After all, your dentist will be working very close with you to help you achieve a high level of oral hygiene; you most certainly will want to have a good, professional, comfortable relationship with your Staten Island dentist and the dental office staff.

Specialty is another important factor in choosing a dentist in Staten Island. Some dentists specialize in cosmetic dentistry. Others specialize in corrective dentistry such as braces. Depending on your need, you may select a local Staten Island dentist who can solve your immediate concern. Bare in mind, however, that it is good to have a general dentist who can maintain your dental history and work with you to through the years.

If you are looking for a dentist in Staten Island, please come by and speak with me. I can address your interest in any of these critical areas, and will be happy to introduce you to Fred Hecht DDS.

I look forward to meeting you.

-Dr. Fred Hecht, DDS

(718) 761-5757

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , — admin @ 11:30 am

January 3, 2010

Staten Island, New York Residents Visit the Dentist

Whether you have lived in New York for a long time, or just moving inFremont, California Residents Visit the Dentist

to the Staten Island area; taking care of your teeth eventually involves a visit to the dentist. We are Fred Hecht DDS located at 1520 Richmond Ave., in Staten Island, New York and our specialty is restorative dentistry.

You can reach Fred Hecht DDS by calling (718) 761-5757.

Going to the dentist for the first time in Staten Island, or if you have not been for while, can be an unsettling experience for both kids and adults. The very idea of a ‘dentist’ seems to hold negative connotation for many people. If you are an adult who is moving to the Staten Island area, or your child is preparing to visit the dentist for the first time, here are a few tips that may help ease you into regular dental checkups and put you on the path toward increased oral health and wellness.

Choose an Staten Island dentist who is appropriate for your needs. When you meet your new dentist for the first time, make an effort to ask questions about the care you will receive. Ask questions that are relevant to your situation including questions about experience, age range of patients, and recommended procedures for any conditions you may have. Get to know your New York dentist so you feel comfortable with the care you will receive.

Introduce yourself to your Staten Island dentist and get to know the office staff. Visiting the dentist will seem less of a chore when you feel you have trusted friends who are there to help.

Be prepared to provide your dentist with information. Whether you are experiencing specific pain at that moment, or anticipating a problem, be sure to discuss everything with your dentist. Many patients become intimidated in the office environment and avoid expressing pain or discussing issues. As your dentist, I need to know everything you are experiencing and will be better prepared to help as you ask questions and express your concerns.

I understand that everyone is unique; what works for one person may not work for another. You know what works best for you, and the best way to have a good experience with a Staten Island dentist is to communicate. Let me know what you are experiencing so that I can make adjustments and help you feel more comfortable and secure.

At Fred Hecht DDS our leading edge treatment in a warm and friendly atmosphere staff will work to make your dental experience a pleasant one. We know it can be frightening to visit the dentist for the first time, or after a long while. We’ll do what we can to make you feel comfortable, secure, and among caring friends.

If you are in Staten Island, New York and are ready to visit the dentist again, give us a call at (718) 761-5757, or stop by to meet us; we’re excited to meet you.

-We’re your lifelong dental health partner

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , — admin @ 11:16 am

December 28, 2009

Staten Island Dentists And Your Mouth Sores

As your local Staten Island dentist, one of my roles is to help you take care of your mouth. Sometimes mouth sores can be an issue, and while dentists often defer to an oral surgeon for extreme cases, we can help you make an assessment.

If you live in the Staten Island area and have a mouth sore that lasts more than a week or two; come and see me. Mouth sores can be an indicator of disease, and an early assessment is the best bet. A better understanding of your mouth sores can lead quickly to comfort and a resolution. If necessary, treatment and pain relief can be offered.

There are two types of mouth sores that are common; canker sores and cold sores.

Canker sores are small ulcer-like sores with a white or gray base and a red border. They are found on the inside of the mouth and while they are not contagious, they can be painful. Typically a canker sore heals in a week or two. Antimicrobal mouth-rinses, over-the-counter topical anesthetics, and avoiding spicy and acidic foods may offer you temporary relief while your sore is healing.

The cause of a canker sores is not certain. Possible explanations range from a cut on the inside the mouth, and reactions to extreme temperatures or acids from food or drink, to fatigue, stress, and allergies. Some studies point to bacteria or viruses, or combinations of all these factors.

Cold sores, also called fever blisters or Herpes Simplex, are groups of fluid-filled blisters that often appear around the lips, sometimes appearing under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are contagious and painful, but usually heal in about a week. Some over-the-counter anesthetics may provide relief. There are some antiviral drugs on the market that have shown promise in reducing outbreaks, but there is currently no known cure. The initial infection, known as primary herpes, often occurs before adulthood. Once the virus infects you, it may stay in your body and remain inactive or cause occasional cold sore outbreaks. Outbreaks may be triggered by a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions, stress, or exposure to extremes in temperature.

As your Staten Island dentist, I can’t do much to stop canker sores or cold sores in your mouth. I can discuss the health of your mouth, and examine any causes that make your mouth sore. In some cases a change in the way you care for your mouth can reduce the chances of getting mouth sores. If you are in the Staten Island area, and would like to speak with a dental professional about mouth sores, area give us a call at Fred Hecht DMD.

Our number is (718) 761-5757.

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry — Tags: , , , — admin @ 8:54 am

December 20, 2009

Wisdom Teeth Checkup

Wisdom teeth usually come in between ages 16 and 24 for people in the Staten Island

community. While not always troublesome, it is important to learn as early as possible whether your wisdom teeth are coming in sideways, or otherwise impacting your other teeth.

Checking your wisdom teeth in Staten Island is a simple and painless process, and can save you trouble down the road.

Our practice, ‘Fred Hecht DMD‘, works with patients from ages 20 to 80, and our leading edge treatment in a warm and friendly atmosphere staff can help you determine whether your wisdom teeth will need to be extracted. We can also help you determine whether your wisdom teeth will require advanced care, or if a simple procedure can solve the problem.

Wisdom teeth can be painful, and we don’t like pain at Fred Hecht DMD, It’s our goal to give you the best care and attention when checking your wisdom teeth.

If you are in the Staten Island area and need to have your wisdom teeth checked, please stop by our office at 1520 Richmond Ave., in Staten Island, New York.

We specialize in restorative dentistry, and often perform cosmetic dentistry. We can take a look at your wisdom teeth and help you make a healthy decision for your future.

‘We’re your lifelong dental health partner’

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health — Tags: , , — admin @ 8:46 am

December 12, 2009

How Mini Dental Implants Can Help Your Smile

I’m Dr. Fred Hecht, DMD, a dental implant dentist in the 10314 area. In a recent post, I How Mini Dental Implants Can Help Your Smile in 94538explained how traditional dental implants are used to dramatically improve the lives of my Staten Island denture and cosmetic dentistry clients. Today’s topic is mini dental implants, sometimes called ‘immediate implants’.

Though they are not as well known as traditional tooth implants, mini implants are also being used successfully to improve smiles. Like their larger diameter counterparts, mini implants can support a restoration for one or more missing teeth or replace a bridge or fixed denture. Tooth restoration clients and denture wearers benefit greatly from these slip free dental implants that are anchored securely in the jaw bone.

In some cases, a patient is unable to receive traditional full-size dental implants due to insufficient bone thickness. There are also mini implant patients who are not able to undergo dental implant surgery due to health issues. These Staten Island over-denture patients are often excellent candidates for the mini version.

The placement of toothpick-size mini dental implants can usually be done in one dental visit. The placement usually requires no incisions or stitches. Recovery time, if necessary, is usually very short. Most patients are able to eat dinner that evening.

Many New York aesthetic dentistry clients are happy to learn that mini implants are a lower cost dental implants option. Don’t let the word ‘mini’ fool you; Your smile can receive a maximum upgrade with mini dental implants.

Call Fred Hecht DMD at (718) 761-5757 to schedule a consultation.

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants — Tags: , , — admin @ 9:17 am

December 4, 2009

Afraid of the Dentist? Your Staten Island Sedation Dentist Can Help

If you live in Staten Island and experience severe anxiety when undergoing Afraid of the Dentist? Your Fremont Sedation Dentist Can Help(or even thinking about!) dental treatment, oral sedation is for you.

Conscious sedation dentistry is available in Staten Island at Fred Hecht DMD. We have been providing sedation dentistry for several years with excellent outcomes. Whether it is called relaxation dentistry, oral conscious sedation or anxiety-free dentistry, it is completely safe and very popular for our nervous cosmetic and restorative dental clients.

Though it may sound impossible, with oral conscious sedation, dentistry patients can actually relax during dental visits. In addition, healing times for oral surgery and extensive cosmetic dentistry procedures are often shorter if the patient is sedated during treatment.

Sedation dentistry is great for alleviating anxiety for our Staten Island patients, and oral conscious sedation can be effective for treating or working with the following:

  • Teeth sensitivita;
  • Fear of needles;
  • A powerful gag reflex;
  • Difficulty controlling body movement;
  • Lengthy multi-procedure visits;
  • Difficulty becoming numb with traditional injections.

If you need dental work more extensive than a filling; such as a root canal, tooth implant, crown replacement or wisdom tooth extraction; call Fred Hecht DMD at (718) 761-5757. When you come to our office at 1520 Richmond Ave., Staten Island, New York, we can give you more information about sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry is only one of the services we offer at Staten Island Dental Care, where your smile is our top priority!

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry — Tags: , , , — admin @ 9:07 am

November 20, 2009

Multi-Procedure Dental Visits in Staten Island

If you are planning extensive cosmetic dental work, you may be wondering whetherMulti-Procedure Dental Visits in Fremont to do it all at once or one procedure at a time over an extended period. Here are some factors to consider:

Cost
In the long run, it is less expensive to do it all at once. At Fred Hecht DMD in Staten Island, we are able to complete several procedures in one visit. We know that complete smile transformations are a significant investment for most New York residents. We would be happy to discuss affordable dentistry financing options. Call us at (718) 761-5757 to schedule a no-pressure consultation.

Time
With the latest materials and cosmetic dental techniques, healing times are shorter than ever before. However, some procedures such as bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, root canals, and dental implants often require a short healing period.

It is easier physically and psychologically to have the fewest possible visits to your Staten Island dentist. You should also consider how your dental visits and necessary healing periods will impact your employment and family life. You will have less down time if you receive several procedures at once.

Aesthetic Results
While we routinely achieve great outcomes when doing a smile makeover in steps, porcelain restorations are best fabricated in the same “batch” for the most precise color matching.

Sedation Dentistry

When you come in for a smile analysis, we can discuss oral sedation dentistry. Many New York cosmetic dental patients benefit from this safe and effective solution for pain and anxiety management. Conscious sedation is especially helpful for procedures such as multiple wisdom teeth extractions and dental implant placement.
Dr. Fred Hecht, DMD
1520 Richmond Ave.
Staten Island, New York
(718) 761-5757
http://www.afraidofthedentist.com/

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry, Smile Makeover — Tags: , , , — admin @ 8:57 am

November 15, 2009

Use Flex Account Funds for Staten Island Dentistry

If you have money in your Staten Island flexible spending account you mayUse Flex Account Funds for Fremont Dentistry want to schedule some cosmetic dentistry before the deadline. Remember, you lose any funds left over after the plan year ends. Why not improve your smile with tax-free dollars?

Even a small change can make a big difference in the appearance of your teeth. You might consider getting a veneer for a chipped tooth or replacing a broken crown. Maybe you want to straighten your teeth with braces or replace amalgam fillings with clear ones that blend with your natural teeth. Tooth whitening is quick and easy and benefits even the most attractive smiles.

Perhaps aesthetic dentistry is not your first priority. Maybe you have a more pressing dental need such as a cavity that is bothering you or swollen gums. Don’t let these problems get worse and possibly more expensive to treat.

Call (718) 761-5757 to book a consultation at Staten Island Dental Care in Staten Island. We are located at 1520 Richmond Ave., Staten Island, New York .

Dr. Fred Hecht DMD is one of the most sought-after Staten Island dentists and stays at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry techniques and technology. A radiant smile is possible for anyone, regardless of issues such as tetracycline stains, periodontal disease, or missing teeth.

If you are planning to use flex account funds for dental needs, make sure you check your employer’s guidelines for eligible cosmetic or restorative dental procedures.

With a smile makeover at Staten Island Dental Care, what will your ‘after’ photo look like?

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Crowns, Dental Implants, Porcelain Veneers, Smile Makeover, Teeth Whitening — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 3:42 am
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