Sedation Dentistry in New York

Picture the following scenario: You are stretched out in a chair at your dentist office holding a remote as you try to tune into your favorite New York radio station. A woman clips a paper bib around your neck. Someone switches on a bright overhead light and you see latex-gloved hands moving toward your open mouth. You close your eyes.

As you read this, does your heart start to race? Are your palms sweaty?

If so, you may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Oral sedation benefits nervous dental patients in Staten Island every day. Moderate sedation is used for all types of dental procedures such as root canals, dental implants, and wisdom teeth removal. If you are considering extensive restorative or cosmetic dental work, conscious sedation may allow your Staten Island dentist to complete multiple procedures in a single visit.

Don’t let fear prevent you from getting the dental treatment you need. Schedule a visit with Dr. Fred Hecht to learn about conscious sedation dentistry.

Dr. Fred Hecht DMD

Common Medical Conditions Affect Dental Health in Staten Island

Hi, I’m Dentist Dr. Fred Hecht, DMD. Most every day, I can be found at my Staten Island area dental office treating dental patients with tooth and gum problems or helping patients prevent them. There are many common medical conditions that pose a risk to oral health.

1) Staten Island diabetes patients with high blood glucose often have a higher risk of dental issues. If you have diabetes, let’s talk. My number is (718) 761-5757.

2) A persistent dry mouth due to an inadequate amount of saliva can accelerate tooth decay, cause or contribute to gum disease, and trigger chronic bad breath. Many medications used by thousands of New York folks, including those for high-blood pressure and depression, cause dry mouth. This side effect is not only unpleasant, it is dangerous. Anti-depressants (especially SSRI’s) and anti-psychotic drugs can also trigger tooth-grinding (bruxism).

3) Acid reflux in children and adults is associated with a host of dental problems such as decay and periodontal disease.

I help many dental patients prevent problems associated with medical conditions that sometimes seem unrelated to dental health. Regular professional dental care is essential for oral health, and an important part of your overall physical health.

http://www.afraidofthedentist.com/

Bone Health & Dental Health in Staten Island

There is a tooth connection that links osteoporosis and oral health. If you are a woman, you have probably heard about the high rate of osteoporosis in America. The state of New York is no exception. Osteoporosis can often progress without any outward symptoms. However, there may be clues in a person’s mouth that indicate compromised bones in the rest of the body.

The following dental and periodontal issues could indicate the presence of osteoporosis:

• Gum detachment
• Ill-fitting dentures
• Jaw bone recession and erosion
• Difficulty with ordinary mouth function such as eating or speaking

There are many Staten Island dental professionals that can determine the presence of bone deterioration with x-rays and other diagnostic tools. If we suspect the possibility of osteoporosis, we can refer you to a local medical professional.

At Staten Island Cosmetic Dental Care, we are trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the oral health problems sometimes associated with osteoporosis. Schedule a consultation  by calling (718) 761-5757 and we can discuss your dental concerns. While you are here, we can also tell you about the cosmetic dental services we provide. Aesthetic dentistry continues to improve smiles for our friends and neighbors in the Staten Island area.

If you suspect you may be suffering from osteoporosis, please see your physician right away. While your dentist can help identify some of the symptoms associated with osteoporosis, you should not rely on your dentist to provide a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Saving Teeth in Staten Island

When a tooth is threatened by severe decay, periodontal disease, or damage from an injury, a skilled New York dentist or endodontist must make a judgment call concerning the course of treatment. If the pulp of the tooth is infected or inflamed, a root canal is often the only way to save the tooth.

Staten Island Dental Care: (718) 761-5757

During a root canal procedure (or endodontic treatment) the soft tissue in the root of the tooth is removed. This tissue contains veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Once the roots are cleaned out and widened, they are filled with a special rubber material. The root canal is only the first step in the complete tooth restoration. After the root canal, without a crown, the tooth will become dry and brittle. The final steps are the core build up and crown.

At Staten Island Dental Care, we fabricate strong, natural-looking crowns that blend perfectly with the surrounding teeth. With proper oral hygiene and regular visits to a Staten Island dentist, a tooth with a filled root can often function problem-free for the rest of a patient’s life.

I am Dr. Fred Hecht. I have been practicing dentistry since 1983. During that time I have seen hundreds of teeth saved by this effective dental procedure. Root canal therapy at Staten Island Dental Care has a very high success rate.

Because teeth with infected pulp tissue often cause no symptoms, it is important to have regular dental examinations. I can determine which (if any) teeth have infected roots. If the infection in the soft pulp tissue is left untreated, it can progress to a point where the tooth cannot be saved. Is it time for a thorough dental exam? Call our office at (718) 761-5757.

Call Staten Island Dental Care immediately if one of your teeth is screaming for attention!