The Staten Island Dentist Blog

So you’ve lost some teeth and now are unwilling to smile because of the gaps. If only you could go back in time and recover that full-toothed smile you once had. Guess what? With dental implants, you can!

For most patients, a tooth implant is the perfect replacement for both the root and crown of a tooth. They feel so genuine that implant recipients forget that they ever lost a tooth in the first place.

A tooth implant is anchored into the jawbone with a strong metal post. It doesn’t wiggle around like dentures, and unlike a dental bridge, it protects healthy jawbone and prohibits bone recession. After the post is completely enmeshed with the jawbone, the supporting device (called an abutment) and beautiful crown are solidly attached to the post. Some patients are able to undergo all three parts of the treatment at once.

If you’ve lost multiple teeth, you may be a good candidate for implant-anchored dentures. Talk to Dr. Hecht to learn more.

Another way to go back in time is to whiten your teeth to the sparkling color they were when you were a teenager. There are several different types of tooth whitening systems, from same-day procedures to at-home treatments. Again, communicate with Dr. Hecht about your goals and budget.

Have you ever wished your smile looked like it did before you had any tooth decay? (Many of us can’t remember that far back!) Talk to us about tooth-colored fillings. White fillings match your teeth, and dramatically improve your smile without crowns.

Perhaps you have chipped a tooth. We have numerous solutions to repair that trouble as well. Talk to us about your goals for your smile. We look forward to formulating a custom treatment plan to beautify your smile. Call today!

Contact Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht: 347-695-4380

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1520 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, New York
10314

How are Americans doing when it comes to the dental health of the 65+ population?

The Good News:

The rate of dental caries in the elderly has decreased in the past thirty years.¹

The Bad News:
25% of persons age 65+ have no remaining teeth²
Nearly 20% have untreated tooth decay³
10% of adults 65 and over have moderate to severe periodontal disease.
There is evidence to suggest that advanced gum disease is linked to diabetes, heart disease, stroke and respiratory disease
Most older Americans don’t have dental insurance

Clearly, there is room for improvement. What essential circumstances will improve the oral health of age 65+ Americans? The National Institutes of Health cite three required components:

• Improved oral health education for the elderly
• Seniors practicing effective daily oral hygiene
• Increased access to dental care¹

At Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht in Staten Island, we are devoted to providing our elderly patients with comprehensive oral health education and attentive care that addresses the special challenges that impact seniors. These challenges include difficulty brushing and flossing due to arthritis, dry mouth caused by prescription medications, tooth sensitivity, bone recession, and complications due to diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

We want our elderly patients to not only have a healthy smile, but a beautiful one as well. Many of our senior patients have elected to improve their smiles with care such as crowns, inlays/onlays, dental bonding, porcelain veneers, dental implants, sedation dentistry and tooth whitening. The majority of our smile makeover patients are thrilled with their new smile and report that it has improved their life immensely. They feel happier, more attractive, and more confident in social settings.

The comfortable team at Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht on Staten Island provides the full spectrum of general and cosmetic dental services for Staten Island area patients of all ages including porcelain veneers, cosmetic dentistry and porcelain crowns.

¹“Periodontal Disease in Seniors (Age 65 and Over),” National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/GumDisease/PeriodontaldiseaseSeniors65over.htm, accessed on November 24, 2015

²“Oral Health for Older Americans,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/factsheets/adult_oral_health/adult_older.htm, accessed on November 24, 2015

³“Dental Caries and Tooth Loss in Adults in the United States, 2011–2012,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db197.htm, accessed on November 24, 2015

Contact Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht: 347-695-4380

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1520 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, New York
10314

In a perfect world, each of your prized teeth would stay healthy, strong, and brilliantly white throughout your life. The truth is, however, that most people will need to restore a tooth at some point.

A tooth can be compromised by tooth decay, enamel erosion, a chip or crack, gum disease, or injury. Sometimes old restorations break and need to be replaced or root canals performed decades ago develop an abscess.

Here are 7 different options for repairing a damaged tooth:

Dental Bonding
Bonding, officially called direct composite veneers, is used to repair minor cosmetic troubles – small chips, cracks, discoloration, and spaces between teeth. A skilled cosmetic dentist applies moldable tooth-colored composite resin and shapes as desired. The resin is then cured with a special light to harden and adhere tightly to the tooth. Composite bonding is ordinarily the most reasonably priced option for improving healthy teeth with minor cosmetic issues.

Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin tooth-shaped fronts that are permanently bonded to your natural teeth. They are used when the underlying tooth is structurally sound and free of cavities. A beautiful veneer can cover a chip or crack or repair the alignment of a tooth that appears slightly off kilter as compared to surrounding teeth.

Fillings
Modern white fillings are strong and inconspicuous. A minimally invasive filling at Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht leaves you with more of nature’s optimal dental material — your own enamel and dentin. We can also replace old amalgam fillings with white fillings. This makes your teeth look a lot better every time you open your mouth. Get rid of all that metal!

Inlays and Onlays
A traditional filling is shaped and molded after it is applied to the tooth. Because inlays and onlays are fabricated in a dental lab, they are generally called indirect fillings. A less invasive inlay or onlay may be used instead of a traditional filling or, in some cases, a crown. Inlays are applied to just the center of the biting surface of a tooth (not to a cusp or point) and are ordinarily smaller than onlays. An onlay restores one or more cusps of a tooth.

Crowns
A crown replaces the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring appearance, stability, and function. A crown is usually necessary for a tooth that has had a root canal, a tooth with severe decay, or as the replacement tooth in a dental bridge. Attaching a crown to the abutment is the final step of a tooth implant procedure. Crowns can be made of all metal (such as gold), porcelain-fused-to-metal, all ceramic, or all resin.

Soft Tissue Grafts
Gum recession puts teeth and underlying bone at risk. Soft tissue grafting can cover the exposed root of a tooth to prevent further damage. Gum surgery is also handled for cosmetic reasons such reshaping a gumline to eliminate a “gummy” smile.

Dental Implants
What if a tooth has to be extracted because it is beyond saving? For many Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht patients, a dental implant anchored into the bone is the ideal solution. A tooth implant consist of a strong metal post (artificial root), abutment (connecting piece), and beautiful crown. A dental implant had many advantages over a dental bridge. They are stronger, provide virtually natural function, prohibit bone recession, and do not impact the surrounding teeth. For patients with several missing teeth, customized implant-anchored dentures can be established in any configuration necessary.

For more specifics about any of these procedures, call Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht at 347-695-4380. Thanks for visiting the Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht blog. We appreciate your interest in our Staten Island dental practice.

Contact Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht: 347-695-4380

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1520 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, New York
10314

Too-small teeth. Misshapen teeth. Cracked teeth. Chipped teeth. Spacing irregularities. These problems are all-too-common. But you don’t have to live with them! Staten Island Dental Care offers the following solutions:

1. Veneers. (Also called dental laminates or porcelain veneers). These extremely thin shells are custom-made so the size, shape, and color are perfectly matched to your surrounding teeth. The veneers are securely cemented to the front of the teeth to dramatically upgrade your smile.

2. Bonding. This procedure uses a strong tooth-colored resin to close spaces, repair chips and cracks, or change the shape. The resin is molded into place and then a light is applied to harden the material for secure adherence to the tooth.

3. Recontouring. Minimally-invasive reshaping of a tooth by removing tiny bits of enamel to improve the shape or length. This cosmetic dentistry procedure is sometimes called odontoplasty or slenderizing.

4. Crowns. Most people are familiar with this durable multi-purpose restoration. Natural-looking dental crowns are fabricated in the shape and color of the tooth and cemented into place to fully cover the part of the tooth visible above the gumline.

5. Braces. Patients of all ages are transforming their smiles with cutting-edge orthodontia. Before you dismiss this option as too time-consuming or costly, learn about the new braces now available. Braces are more convenient and discrete than ever before.

Countless NYC dental patients have achieved unforgettable smiles with a smile transformation from Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht!

My name is Dr. Frederick Hecht. I am devoted to to helping my patients have optimum oral health and beautiful smiles. If you have any questions about veneers, bonding, recontouring, or crowns, I invite you call us at 347-695-4380 to make an appointment today.

“Comfortable Care For the High-Fear Patient.”

Contact Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht:

347-695-4380

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1520 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, New York
10314

Hello friends of Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht!  Today’s post looks at six restoration procedures that are used routinely to repair damaged teeth:

A Porcelain Veneer
These wafer-thin covers can hide a chip or crack or fix the alignment of a tooth that is slightly crooked.

A Filling, Inlay, or Onlay
This procedure has been used to restore teeth for over a century though the materials and techniques have advanced. One fairly new option is white filling replacement for metal fillings. A traditional filling is shaped and molded after it is applied to the tooth. Because inlays and onlays are created in a dental lab, they are generally called indirect fillings. Inlays are applied to just the center of the biting surface of a tooth (not to a cusp or point) and are often smaller than onlays. An onlay restores one or more cusps of a tooth.

Dental Bonding
Bonding, officially called direct composite veneers, is used to repair chips, cracks, stains, and make teeth longer. It is also sometimes used to fill cavities. A skilled cosmetic dentist applies pliable composite resin and molds it to the precise shape needed. The resin is then hardenend with a special curing light.

A Dental Crown
A crown replaces the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring appearance, stability, and function. Crowns are used for teeth that have had a root canal, teeth with acute decay, the replacement tooth in a dental bridge, and the visible portion of a dental implant. Crowns can be made of all metal (such as gold), porcelain-fused-to-metal, all ceramic, or all resin.

Dental Implants
Many dentists consider a tooth implant to be the ultimate restoration because it restores the entire tooth – both root and crown. Most dental implant recipients report that the implant is indistinguishable from a natural tooth. Another advantage is the fact that an implant can prohibit bone recession which is common at an extraction site. Dental implants are used in a variety of applications such as anchoring dentures and dental bridges.

For more information about any of these procedures, call Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht at 347-695-4380.

Contact Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht: 347-695-4380

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1520 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, New York
10314

Since 1976, Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht has been providing confidence and dignity to our patients through sedation dentistry and restorative dentistry.

Many  people seem to have it all together with bright eyes and great smiles. We want you to be on the same footing as your friends, colleagues and customers. Wanting to look your best and feel your best is not about vanity. It’s about reality in the NYC professional community. A stunning smile creates a favorable first impression and demonstrates polish and attention to detail. These are advantages for patients in every field of work.

Popular ways to achieve such a worthy goal might be found in the services we offer at Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht. We offer porcelain veneers, cosmetic dentistry, and porcelain crowns as ways to improve your confidence and security. Don’t hesitate to ask us about teeth whitening, veneers, sedation, dental implants or any other questions that might be gnawing at you. We’ve got the answers and Dr. Frederick Hecht can set you up with a dental treatment plan that will make your jaw drop!

No matter your age, 18 to 85 – no matter your location from Brooklyn to Manhattan to Bayonne – we invite you to see our comfortable staff and take the step toward that impressive smile you deserve.

A phone call away at: 347-695-4380. Book a consultation today!

Contact Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht: 347-695-4380

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1520 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, New York
10314

Periodontal disease, typically called gum disease, is inflammation or infection of the gums. For the most part, periodontal disease is preventable. This condition is so pervasive in the US that it has been called a ‘health crisis’ by the ADA. Fortunately, periodontal disease can be treated.

1. If left untreated, it can cause permanent damage such as tooth loss.
2. Practicing daily dental hygiene and having 6-month dental exams are the best way to prevent periodontal disease.
3. Periodontal disease can be present where there is no tooth decay.
4. Almost half of all 30+ adults in the US have periodontal disease.¹
5. In some cases, periodontal disease produces no noticeable symptoms.

Even if you don’t feel any pain in your mouth, it is critical to see your dentist regularly. To schedule a periodontal disease exam, call Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht today at 347-695-4380 .

¹“Periodontal Disease Affects Nearly Half of the U.S. Population,” American Dental Association, June 15, 2015, http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/science-in-the-news/periodontal-disease-affects-nearly-half-us-population, accessed June 6, 2017

Contact Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht: 347-695-4380

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1520 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, New York
10314

We all know that cosmetic, restorative and orthodontic dentistry procedures improve your teeth. There are treatments to reshape teeth, straighten teeth, fix damaged teeth, whiten teeth, and replace missing teeth. But what about your gums? Do you realize how integral your soft tissues are to the overall appearance of your smile?

The shape and size of your gum line can make your teeth appear too large or too small or otherwise out of proportion. Gum contouring can correct gums that appear too low or too high in relation to the teeth and customize them for the perfect smile.

This procedure is also called gingival sculpting, gingival contouring or gum graft surgery, but don’t let the term surgery frighten you. It is performed with a precision laser and is minimally invasive. The procedure usually involves little pain and requires no recovery time.

Gum reshaping is not always done for purely cosmetic reasons, it is also used to treat gum recession, a common condition that can lead to decay and tooth loss. In gum graft surgery, soft tissue is typically taken either from the roof of the mouth, the area surrounding the site of the grafting, or a tissue bank. Gum grafts applied to exposed tooth roots protect teeth from continuing gum recession and decay and reduce tooth sensitivity. Of course, gum grafts often increase the attractiveness of the smile in the process.

If you are seeking more information about gum contouring, gum recession, or any other dental procedure, call Staten Island Dental Care today at 347-695-4380 to schedule a smile transformation consultation.

Contact Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht: 347-695-4380

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1520 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, New York
10314

Dr. Hecht is dedicated to the prevention of tooth decay, the foundation for a healthy and beautiful smile. Preventative dentistry – brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings with a dental hygienist – are vital for keeping your smile bright and free of tooth decay. There are some places, however, where enamel degeneration can occur even with dedicated oral hygiene.

The very back of the mouth, where the premolars and molars are, is the most problematic area to brush and floss. Deep pits in molars and spaces between teeth are the perfect environment for dental caries to flourish. Food and bacteria that is lodged in pits of molars and spaces between teeth create acid that has direct contact with tooth enamel and immediately goes to work.

While brushing frequently is essential, an additional safeguard against tooth decay is the application of dental sealants. Dental sealants are a plastic barrier placed over the top of each tooth. This prohibits bacteria and plaque from having direct contact with the tooth. After sealants are applied, they will be examined at each visit and reapplied if necessary.

Are they cost-effective? Sealants are relatively inexpensive initially and downright cheap when you consider the cost of filling cavities and restorative care. Sealants may be the best investment you ever make in your child’s smile.

To maintain a healthy smile, follow these critical steps:

• Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush that is replaced every few months
• Brush with ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste after each meal
• Eat a diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and low fat protein sources.
• Limit or avoid sugary foods and drinks, especially soda and hard or chewy candy
• Visit Dr. Hecht at least once a year and have your teeth cleaned and examined
• Consider having sealants to help protect the enamel in the hard-to-clean places

People all over the NYC area trust Staten Island Dental Care. We specialize in porcelain veneers, cosmetic dentistry and porcelain crowns. Questions? Give us a call at 347-695-4380 to schedule a consultation. We’ll help keep you smiling.

Contact Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht: 347-695-4380

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1520 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, New York
10314

If you decide to brighten your smile with a professional teeth whitening treatment, you want the results to last as long as possible. Unfortunately, the same things that stained your teeth prior to the treatment can stain them after the treatment. Over time, common staining will occur. To help slow down that process, Staten Island Dental Care offers useful recommendations to make your dazzling smile last.

Do’s

First, rinse daily with anti-cavity rinse. This boosts dental hygiene, reduces bacteria, slows the build up of plaque, and also helps whiten your teeth. Additionally, there are many over-the-counter rinses with an extra whitening agent which will help extend the results of the whitening treatment.

Don’ts

There are some daily practices to skip because they will stain your teeth over time. These include drinking coffee, tea, soft drinks, red wine, smoking, and even some medications. If you cannot entirely cut these out of your life, rinse your mouth out after you use them.

Avoid acidic foods and beverages. These can weaken or wear away the enamel on your teeth, and worn-away enamel allows the yellow dentin to show through.

Artificial coloring in any foods and condiments can stain your newly whitened teeth. Candy, popsicles, and fruit punch are examples.

Remember the Basics

We probably don’t need to remind you, but brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day will help you keep your white smile. You may choose a toothpaste with extra whitening or baking soda to help the process. Proper brushing should take you at least two minutes using short brush strokes, paying close attention to the gum line and hard-to-reach areas. Clean the outer surfaces of your upper, then lower teeth, as well as the inner surfaces. Finally, don’t forget the chewing surfaces and your tongue. Using good brushing techniques for 120 seconds will support oral hygiene, and permanent stains will not build up as fast.

It doesn’t take too much effort or money to make your whitened smile last. If you have any questions or would like additional tips on how to retain your fresh, white smile, call us to schedule a consultation today.

Contact Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht: 347-695-4380

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1520 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, New York
10314