Dental Check Up
When is the last time you had a dental checkup? Most people in the Staten Island area between the ages of 18 and 85 need a dental checkup every six months. If you live in Staten Island and are at higher risk for oral diseases, you should have your teeth checked every four months, or at least three times a year.
Come into our office, located at 1520 Richmond Avenue in Staten Island, or give us a call to make a dental appointment. You can visit our website at http://www.AfraidOfTheDentist.com for more information.
Most people in our Staten Island community are in a medium to low risk category. However if you use tobacco or alcohol, eat a lot of sugar in your diet (including lots of soda), or have poor oral hygiene habits, you are likely in a higher risk category and should have your teeth checked right away.
I look at a lot of factors to determine your personal dental hygiene, and your dental outlook for your future. I want you to have the healthiest smile possible so that you can enjoy your teeth for many years without significant problems. If you live in the Staten Island area and are ready to have your teeth checked, please give Staten Island Dental Care a call.
Our comfortable staff will be ready to get you started with a dental checkup.
Talk to you soon.
Local Dentistry
Fred Hecht DMD specializes in local dentistry to provide that special dental care
to our Staten Island, NY dental patients.
Our most popular local dentistry procedure is cosmetic dentistry, however we also perform sedation dentistry.
You can contact Fred Hecht DMD about cosmetic dentistry or sedation dentistry, or any other local dentistry service by calling us at (718) 761-5757.
If you live in the 10314 zip code area, and are looking for a ‘home town dentist’ who provides dentistry to the Staten Island, NY area, click on any of the links on this page, give us a call at (718) 761-5757, or stop by and visit. You can find us at 1520 Richmond Ave., in Staten Island, NY.
We’re your lifelong dental health partner
Choosing A Dentist In Staten Island
The American Dental Association offers some welcome advice for choosing a dentist 
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
Staten Island, New York Residents Visit the Dentist
Whether you have lived in New York for a long time, or just moving in
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
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.
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’
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.
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!
Dental Specialties Available In Staten Island
General dentists in the Staten Island area are trained in a wide variety of dental procedures. However, sometimes, yo
ur general dentist will refer you to a local specialist, or include a specialist as part of your treatment team.
Following are some of the most common dental specialties found in the Staten Island area:
Endodontists
Endodontists specialize in root canal therapy and other procedures involving the root and surrounding parts of the tooth.Periodontists
Periodontists treat the conditions affecting gum tissue and the bone surrounding the teeth. If you have gingivitis or more advanced periodontal disease, you may be referred to a periodontist in Staten Island.Prosthodontists
Repairing damaged teeth and replacing lost teeth for Staten Island patients is called ‘restorative dentistry’. Prosthodontists have advanced training in procedures involving crowns, dental implants, bridges, veneers, inlays, and partial or complete dentures.Pediatric Dentists
Infants, young children and teenagers have different dental needs than adults. Pediatric Dentists undergo additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases affecting the youngest population in Staten Island.Oral Surgeons
Oral Surgeons perform surgical procedures involving the teeth, mouth and jaw. These include dental implants, surgery to repair damage due to injury, tumor surgery, and cleft lip and palate reconstruction.
If you are interested in learning more about these specialties, or have a concern regarding your oral health, please visit us at Fred Hecht DDS. You will find us at 1520 Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314. Please give us a call at (718) 761-5757.
-Dr. Fred Hecht, DDS
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