Thursday, December 27, 2012

On Guard Against Oral Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death. Cancer is caused by both external factors (tobacco, chemicals, radiation, and infectious organisms) and internal factors (inherited mutations, hormones, immune conditions, and mutations that occur from metabolism).

Oral Cancer is now the fifth most common cancer in the world, it kills about one-third of those diagnosed with it. Close to 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. And over 25% of oral cancers occur in people who don't smoke or have other lifestyle risk factors.

Now that we've got your attention — there's hope.


Trouble Spots—Oral Lesions

Are there any red or white spots you haven't noticed before? Maybe you've taken a wait-and-see approach to a small sore you found last week. Any unexplained swelling? Discoloration that doesn't hurt a lick?

Most oral lesions, as we call them, are harmless. A piece of crusty French bread with dinner can scratch delicate tissues. But if you use tobacco and alcohol, have or have had HPV, or are being treated for any number of systemic diseases — diabetes, autoimmune disorders among them — that harmless irritation is a red flag. During your dental appointment, we'll take a closer look. When we find a lesion, suspicious or not, we intend to err on the cautious side.

In our office we use Velscope for early detection of oral cancer. Here is how it works:  We use a special light to examine the inside of your mouth for abnormalities that could lead to cancer. Healthy tissue in the oral cavity will be greenish in color, while abnormal sites will be dark, usually in the black shade. If we find a suspicious area we will have you follow up witha a specialist to confirm the nature of the formation and the diagnosis. 

Early detection can lead to life-saving treatment. Please take care of yourself and don't forget to request an oral cancer screenign at your next visit in our office!

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References: Internet Dental Alliance, http://oralcancerfoundation.org, http://www.cancer.org


Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Implant Dentist New York


At Herald Square Dental and The Denture Center we have been restoring patients' dental functions with implants for more than a decade, and want to advise our patients that dental implants are becoming more popular and more frequently covered through dental insurance plans with certain restricions. Almost any major Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) insurance company offers a policy with coverage for implants, however the premiums for these plans are much more expensive and therefore less employers are willing to offer them to their employees. We are here to help! Kindly contact our office  at 212-689-0024 and we will be more than glad to obtain a detailed benefit breakdown from your insurance carrier and will explain the implant benefits to you if they are available.

If you wonder whether your dental plan will cover dental implant treatment for you or if you are interested in finding out how dental implant treatment could help restore your smile, please call us! Dr. Yam and Dr. Shirzadnia and our staff are here to help! We offer a complimentary consultation to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Our implantologists have been performing dental implant surgeries in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and restoring dental function, self esteem, self confidence, beautiful smiles for more than a decade! You can trust us with your smile!

Friday, December 21, 2012

Do your dentures fit?

Greetings from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia, Dr. Song

 

Age brings wisdom and the benefit of a unique perspective that can only be achieved through your life experiences. It can be a beautiful thing. Unfortunately, it also brings with it dental problems that may only be resolved with dentures. Okay, you have false teeth. That should be the end of it, right? Wrong. Your dentures will never change (assuming you don't play hockey or plan on running over them any time soon), but your mouth will.
 
The gum ridges in our mouths can shrink with age, which causes dentures to become loose. Bone can also shrink, causing jaws not to line up properly. Ill fitting dentures can cause sore spots in your mouth and stomach problems, the result of not being able to chew food properly. A loose denture could also cause changes in your facial features, not to mention become a nuisance the next time you go sky diving.

If your dentures are loose, painful or just don't feel right, call our office for a consultation. They may need to be adjusted, relined or completely remade (if they are completely worn out). You may have noticed some products that claim to fix unsavvy dentures. When we make repairs in our own on site dental lab right here in the heart of New York, we use quality materials that are only available to dentists. Over the counter product often contain harsh chemicals that only make matters worse.

If you're not satisfied with the look or feel of your dentures, please don't hesitate to call our office at 212-689-0024 conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan for an evaluation! It's important to keep future dental appointments as well so that your fit can be continually evaluated and you can be screened for oral cancer and gum disease. Your health and comfort are important to us; we ensure you we will give you a reason to smile!
 

If you have questions regarding dentures, please call our office at 212-689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com today!


Best Regards,

Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia, Dr. Song


P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Dry Mouth: More Than Just a Nuisance

Greetings from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia, Dr. Song!

It should be easy to seal an envelope, but those who suffer from a condition called xerostomia, or "dry mouth," usually have to reach for some tape instead. It may not sound traumatic, but it's a bigger nuisance than you might realize. Dry mouth can not only hinder your enjoyment of food, but affect the health of your teeth.

Heavy plaque and food accumulations tend to occur with this condition, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva is the body's self-cleansing mechanism. It helps remove food, debris, and plaque from the tooth surfaces, protecting you from oral diseases. It cleans your teeth and neutralizes acids, which prevents tooth decay. People who have dry mouth are very susceptible to cavities, especially on the roots of their teeth.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

There are a number of known causes of dry mouth. It can be part of the normal aging process, caused by medication or the result of cancer therapy, nerve damage or other health conditions. Smoking and chewing tobacco can contribute as well. Symptoms include: difficulty speaking or swallowing, a burning sensation on your tongue, an altered sense of taste, sores or split skin at the corners of your mouth, bad breath and increased plaque or tooth decay.

What Can I Do about It?

If you feel you're suffering from dry mouth, see a doctor for diagnosis. If a physician believes medication is to blame, he or she may adjust your dosage. You might also be prescribed something to stimulate saliva production. If the cause of the problem can't be resolved, there are a few things you can do to make life easier. Try to get your saliva flowing by sucking on sugar-free hard candy or chewing sugar-free gum. To protect your teeth, brush with a fluoride toothpaste. It's a good idea to schedule an appointment with our staff at 212-689-0024. You can also email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com  any time. A prescription toothpaste or brush-on fluoride gel may be in order.


Additional self-care includes:

  • Sipping plenty of water throughout the day
  • Over-the-counter saliva substitutes
  • Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth
  • Using a humidifier at night
  • If you use tobacco, kick the habit

Best Regards,


Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia, Dr. Song


P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

A Berry Good Proposition: Black Raspberries May Fight Oral Cancer

Greetings from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia and Dr. Song!

In the mood for something sweet? Consider a handful of black raspberries. Researchers at Ohio State's James Cancer Hospital have shown that black raspberries may not only help prevent colon and esophageal cancer, but help battle oral cancer as well. Lab tests show that this delicious fruit reduced tumors in the mouth by up to 44%. Unfortunately, there are a couple of problems...

First off, black raspberries are very difficult to come by in your regular grocery story, even when in season. Having access to them year-round could be quite a task. Second, studies show you would have to eat about 4 whole cups a day to enjoy the full health benefits. Very few of us actually eat the recommended 5 servings a day of fruit. Finding the time, and stomach, to eat 4 cups of raspberries could be difficult, no matter how delicious they are.

Fortunately, scientists are working on a solution: lozenges. They hope that concentrating the cancer-fighting chemicals in black raspberries into more manageable lozenges will prove to be as successful in the fight against oral cancer as eating the whole fruit (though nutritionists will tell you the whole fruit is always better for you). If researchers find that certain genes respond to the berry extract in them, it could someday mean a simple new way to fight cancer. They would also be available year-round.

It should be noted that fruit is part of a healthy diet, and therefore good for your teeth. Highly acidic fruits, like lemons, can actually harm tooth enamel, however, so try to rinse your mouth out with warm water or brush your teeth after you eat them. Also, stay away from high-sugar snacks, like candy and soda (and yes, even black raspberry cobbler).

If you have any questions about dental health, please don't hesitate to call our office at 212-689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com today.

Best Regards,


Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia and Dr. Song


P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Bad breath?

Greetings from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia, Dr. Song!


Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.

While bad breath might be a symptom of some other disorder, it most likely stems from dental decay and periodontitis. It's more than just socially awkward - it's a serious threat to your oral health.

Periodontitis is a disease affecting gums and bone that support the teeth, and it is caused by inadequate brushing and flossing. In this disease, the irritated gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets between the teeth and the gums. These pockets fill with bacteria and pus which give off a foul odor.

Patients with bad breath should be referred for a complete dental evaluation. If gum disease and/or dental decay is diagnosed, it can be treated readily. The patient will no longer have an infection in his or her mouth, and will no longer have the embarrassment of bad breath.

If you don't brush and floss teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth, which promotes bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. This causes bad breath.  Antibacterial mouth rinses can also help reduce bacteria. In addition, odor-causing bacteria and food particles can cause bad breath if dentures are not properly cleaned.

There's no need to live with bad breath, and no reason to neglect your dental health. If you have questions regarding halitosis, please call our office at 212-689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com today.
 
Best Regards,


Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia, Dr. Song

P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them.
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References: http://www.webmd.com

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Partial Dentures

Greetings from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia, Dr. Song!


Looking for more information on partial dentures? Here are answers to some of the questions you might have.


- What are partial dentures?

Partial dentures are dentures that replace only a few missing teeth.


- How do you wear a removable partial denture?

Removable partial dentures are attached to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments.


- How long will it take to get used to wearing a partial denture?

Your partial denture may feel awkward or bulky for the first few weeks, but your mouth will eventually get used to it.


- How long should you wear a partial denture?

Initially, you may want to wear your partial denture all the time. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how long it should be worn and when it should be removed. Generally, your mouth tissues need to rest so it is advisable that you take out your partial denture at least 15 minutes per day.


- Will the partial denture change the way you speak?

Your partial denture may help your speech. It can be difficult to speak clearly when you are missing teeth. However, it also will take time to get used to it.


If you have questions regarding dentures, please call our office at 212-689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com today.


Best Regards,


Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia, Dr. Song



P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them.

Monday, December 10, 2012

The Stress and Gum Disease Connection

You've seen the headlines. It seems like each day people in white lab coats discover some new health anomaly is linked to stress. Now you can add one more to the list: stress is bad for your teeth. (Just one more reason to go on that vacation you've put off!)

According to a study printed in the Journal of Periodontology, short term psychological stress can lead to elevated plaque levels, while physical stress is linked to gingivitis (gum disease). What's more, caregivers helping people under these physical and emotional stresses are also at increased risk for gum disease.

So, how does stress lead to elevated plaque levels and gum disease?

Experts believe chronic stress may lead to a malfunction of some biological functions. Also, those who are struggling with stress and those who care for them often become depressed and slide on oral hygiene, if not giving up on themselves altogether.

Enough of the scientific jargon. How does this affect me?

Virtually all of us find ourselves dealing with excessive stress now and again, and some must deal with it day in and day out for years. It is important that you are aware of the risks associated with this stress so that you can prevent them from wrecking havoc on your teeth (not to mention the rest of you!)

What can I do to prevent gum disease?

Gum disease leads to more than bleeding gums. It can affect the integrity of your teeth and the bone that supports them. If unchecked, gingivitis can lead to loose and missing teeth. When this happens, teeth can often shift. It can be uncomfortable and painful for your bite (not to mention your smile). Brushing at least twice a day and flossing each night are the first step toward protecting yourself from gum disease. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also crucial. If you've missed an appointment or would like us to create a care schedule for you, call our office at (212)689-0024.

While these steps can help reduce the risk of stress-related periodontal disease, they don't resolve the key problem – stress! Exercising and eating right can help, and developing a hobby can be a fantastic release. Talking about it can help as well.

As always, your health is our primary concern. Do not hesitate to call us at (212)689-0024 or email us atappts@newyorkdenturedental.com if you have any questions about periodontal disease or would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your oral health!


Best Regards,

Dr. Pasch & Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia, Dr. Song


P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them!





Friday, December 7, 2012

Use 'Em or Lose 'Em: Top 5 Reasons to Take Advantage of Your Dental Insurance Benefits

Greetings from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia and Dr. Song!

Ever feel like you funnel money into a dental insurance plan that you'll never see again? Don't let your dental policy become a black hole! Take advantage of all the benefits they offer – benefits you're already paying for. Need a little motivation? Here are 5 very good reasons to use your benefits to the fullest!

Yearly Maximums. Dental insurance plans put a maximum on the amount of money they're willing to pay for your dental care. Maximums vary from one company or policy to the next, but typically fall around $1000. Sounds like a lot of money, doesn't it? Insurance companies consider this amount to be a good investment. Allowing you to get regular dental care, your carrier can prevent the need for more serious (and more expensive) dental procedures down the road. Why not do you both a favor and use it, ensuring your mouth is in tip-top shape when next year rolls around?

Premiums. You're probably paying a monthly premium to keep your insurance. Even if you don't need extensive treatment, you should use that money for regular check ups and cleanings to prevent costly procedures in the future. Don't throw your money away!

Deductibles. Insurance companies typically expect you to pay a certain amount of money for your dental care each year – usually about $500. If your smile isn't in good shape, our office can create a treatment plan to put you back on track. Deductibles begin anew each year, so spreading out this care over more than 1 year will mean you have to pay more out-of-pocket.

Inflation. It seems everything becomes more expensive from one year to the next, and dental materials and equipment are no exception. Putting off necessary dental care could mean that you'll have to pay more down the road.

Dental Problems Escalate. If your pearly whites are anything but, they're only going to get worse. That is, of course, unless you take advantage of your insurance benefits and tend to your teeth and gums. A little cavity that isn't bothering you one year may become a major headache (or toothache!) the next.

If you haven't yet taken advantage of your dental insurance benefits and would like to schedule an exam to verify everything is in order, call our office at (212)689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com today. We'll help you find which treatments are and are not covered by your policy!


Best Regards,

Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia, Dr. Song



P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them!







Thursday, December 6, 2012

Denture Repair NYC

Why you should not do a denture repair at home?

Many patients believe super glue is the same type of material used by their dentist, but  we assure you this is not the case!  Please do not try to glue back missing teeth or fix cracked or damaged dentures at home.  Glue and denture repair kits sold over-the-counter often contain harmful chemicals and should not be used on dentures. When a patient attempts to repair their broken denture at home, they can not assure proper alignment. Home remedies are typically short term, will not hold and when you bring it to The Denture Center, it may no longer be repairable.  Most dentists, without a fully staffed denture laboratory with dental technicians, can only do a chair side office repair with cold cured acrylic.  Our lab, at The Denture Center, offers laboratory processed acrylic repairs that are heat  cured in a approximately two hours-this is a much stronger, more definitive repair.
If you find yourself with broken dentures, please call us! Our professional dentist and dental technicians will fix the dentures using high quality dental materials to ensure satisfaction and proper fit and comfort. Our denture lab is on the premises and this allows us to complete the repairs in just a couple of hours. In the meantime you could enjoy our cozy reception area and refreshments, or take advantage of the great shopping area which surrounds Herald Square. Let us help you, this is what we have been doing since 1977!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

The Benefits of Implants!

Implants are popular and effective way to replace missing teeth.

Implants can be used to replace single missing teeth or to support a bridge when several teeth are missing.

If  you are missing all of your teeth, an implant supported denture can replace the missing teeth.  Implants are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as sturdy anchor for replacement teeth.  Because the dental implants integrate with the jawbone, an implant supported denture tends to be comfortable and stable, allowing you to bite and chew naturally!

With careful treatment planning and good oral care, dental implants can provide a healthy, stable smile and you can obtain the look and feel of having your own natural teeth! You will be able to smile, bite and chew as naturally as you did before the loss of teeth.  





The development and use of implants has been one of the biggest advances in dental health care in the past 40 years.  ADA reports that US dentists place more than 5.5 million implants annually. 

If you are interested to find out if you are a candidate for such treatment please contact us at 212-689-0024 to schedule a consultation with our experienced implantologists Dr. Yam  and Dr. Shirzadnia.



 


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References: ADA 2011  DAB023, Zest Anchors, Imtec Corporation