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’

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 explained 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.

Multi-Procedure Dental Visits in Staten Island

If you are planning extensive cosmetic dental work, you may be wondering whether 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/

Use Flex Account Funds for Staten Island Dentistry

If you have money in your Staten Island flexible spending account you may 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?

Correcting Severe Dental Problems in Staten Island

Each separate restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedure performed in Staten Island can address a specific dental problem. For example, a porcelain veneer can perfect the surface of a tooth that is discolored or slightly misshapen. Dental bonding can fill a small chip in an otherwise healthy tooth.

Some Staten Island dental problems are more extensive and require a combination of procedures. Crown restoration combined with soft tissue grafts can restore a severely decayed tooth with the root exposed. A bone graft and dental implant can restore a missing tooth in an area where the jaw bone has receded. Orthodontia followed by tooth bleaching totally transforms a smile by straightening and whitening.

What is the difference between tooth bleaching and whitening? Whitening is the term for procedures which remove surface stains to restore the degree of natural lightness. Bleaching goes even further by lightening teeth beyond their natural shade. That’s right: you don’t have to resign yourself to yellow teeth even if they have been that way your whole life! The natural shade of your teeth, by the way, like your skin and hair color, is determined by genetics.

Some New York smiles have been gleaming for years by regular whitening. You can maintain the whiteness of your teeth just as you maintain your fitness level. (Of course it is a lot easier to make a quick visit to your Staten Island dentist once a year for whitening touch-ups than sweating in a gym several times a week!)

We live in an age where severe dental problems can be permanently corrected. You don’t have to participate in a TV makeover show in Hollywood to access these premium cosmetic dental procedures. They are available right here in Staten Island. Dr. Fred Hecht DMD has the same advanced training and extensive experience as the dentists who keep the smiles of famous actors and musicians camera-ready.

Schedule a consultation at Staten Island Dental Care to discover the perfect combination of procedures to achieve your ultimate smile. Our phone number is (718) 761-5757.

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/