Some Dental Problems Are Easy to See!

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

One of the easiest dental problems to spot is a buildup of plaque. Plaque is the soft, sticky layer of bacteria that is constantly forming on the teeth. It is usually invisible to the naked eye. However, when a person is not brushing adequately, enough plaque can build up to appear as a thick, whitish coating on the teeth at the gum line. If not removed, it can lead to gum disease.

Another dental problem that is easy to spot is missing teeth. Many patients assume that if they are still able to eat, their teeth are fine. But often losing just one tooth can have a cascading effect on a patient's dental health. Losing one tooth can cause a loss of support; teeth may begin to drift into the empty space, causing a change in the bite. It also forces the remaining teeth to carry an additional load, sometimes past their ability to adapt. In most cases, when even one tooth is lost, the remaining teeth suffer and are more likely to be lost as well.

Our focus is in the treatment of problems such as these. For the care you need, please call our office at (212)689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com today.


Best Regards,

Herald Square Dental
& The Denture Center



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.

Your Dental Insurance in Our Practice!

Today we would like to provide a little bit more information on how our office works with your dental insurance. We have been working with the majority of the PPO insurances for more than a decade now in an effort to help you meet your financial responsibity. We are happy to work with any plan which approves benefits towards your treatment in our practice.

Provided for your referances are the insurance plans and discounted fee schedule plans which we participate with: AARP/Delta Dental, Access Dental, Aetna, Ameritas, Ameriplan, Anthem BC/BS, Assurant, Benecare, Cigna Dental PPO, CignaPlus Savings, Conection Dental, Delta Dental, Dental Direct, Dental Wellness, Dentegra, Dentemax, DentSave, DentalSave, Empire BC/BS, HIP, Horizon, Humana, Guardian, Lincoln Financial, Metlife, Oxford- Premium/ Enhanced, NYS Medicaid (straight, no HMO plans attached), Principal, Signature Dental, Sunlife Financial, United Concordia, United Healthcare.

We do not participate with DC37, UFT, Local 1180, Local 1199, ASO SIDS, CSEA, PBA, 32BJ or any other union or local plans, however we will work with them to apply any benefit they approve towards your treatment to help you reduce your out of pocket expense.

If you have further questions regarding our participation with your dental plan, please call us at 212-689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com and our insurance coordinator Gladi, or our office manager, Nina, will be more than glad to help you.


Best regards,

Herald Square Dental
& The Denture Center

Bad Dental Habits to Break

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


Here are a few tips for "dental dont's" that you should stop doing right now.

Brushing too hard. Brushing your teeth too hard can wear down enamel, irritate your gums, make your teeth sensitive to cold, and even cause cavities. To avoid these problems, use a soft bristled toothbrush. To be sure that you are choosing the right type of brush look for the "ADA Accepted" seal on the package. That way you can be sure that the bristles are firm enough to remove plaque, but soft enough not to cause damage.

Clenching of the jaw or grinding of the teeth. These are great forces and amount of pressure originally not ment for teeth to bear. They result in micro fractures and greater risk of more serious damage to the natural tooth structures.

Stop chewing on ice.The cold temperature and the hardness of ice cubes can cause serious damage to your teeth.

Your Teeth Are Not a Tool. Your teeth are not pliers or hooks. Using your teeth as a tool is a threat to your dental health and can damage your existing dental restorations or cause your teeth to crack. Thing twice before ripping open that potato-chip bag next time or loosening knots with your teeth!

Stop biting your nails.  Regularly biting your nails can cause your teeth to move out of place and could potentially cause teeth to break or tooth enamel to splinter.

Ditch the soda. The effects of soda on teeth are even worse if you slowly sip it over a long period of time. The acidity in soda can lead to dental health problems such as decay around your gum line and loss of enamel.

Frequent snacking. Every time you eat something, especially if it's a sugary or starchy food, the bacteria that normally live in your mouth create acids to break down the food. But these acids can also attack teeth, leading to decay.

If you have any questions  or concerns pertaining to your dental health please call us at 212-689-0024  or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com and we will be sure to take good care of you!

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References: http://www.shape.com; http://www.everydayhealth.com

Could Cosmetic Dentistry Change Your Life?

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

What's in a smile? More than you realize! Your pearly whites (or not-so-pearly whites) allow you to express your emotions, whether revealed in a smile or flashed in a laugh. Your teeth are an important element of your appearance, and of your self-image too. If you find yourself, subconsciously or otherwise, covering your mouth when you laugh or returning a big warm grin with a close-lipped smile, chances are you're a candidate for cosmetic dentistry and smile make over.

The latest techniques in cosmetic dentistry could give you a brand new movie star smile (Julia Roberts, eat your heart out). Cosmetic dentistry also allows you to correct minor imperfections. So, whether you're going for a complete overhaul or a little touch-up, there's a cosmetic solution for you. Here are a few of the services we provide:

Whitening – Whether through home bleaching or chair-side, whitening can remove years of stains, giving you a brighter and more youthful smile.

Crowns – Crowns are artificial teeth that fit over your natural teeth, correcting chips, cracks or discoloration.

Veneers – Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain or a composite that go over your natural teeth. Often providing the most dramatic change of all these cosmetic options, veneers can correct discolored, misplaced, irregular, chipped or cracked teeth easily.

Invisalign – The days of clunky metal braces are over. These removable clear trays fit over your teeth, moving them into proper position.

Implants – Missing teeth should be replaced to keep other teeth in their normal position. This can be done by means of a fixed bridge or a dental implant. Both of these treatments offer a good functional and cosmetic result.


If you're interested in learning how cosmetic dentistry can give you a new, natural-looking smile, call our office at 212-689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com for a consultation! We'd love nothing more than to help you discover a confidence in your smile that you've never known before.


Best Regards,



Herald Square Dental
& The Denture Center


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!

Dental Implants in Manhattan!

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

Despite improvements in dental care, millions of Americans suffer tooth loss - mostly due to tooth decay, gingivitis (gum disease), or injury. For many years, the only treatment options available for people with missing teeth were bridges and dentures. But, today, dental implants are available and have become increasingly popular.

At Herald Square Dental, we have been closely following the newest trends in dental implants and complete oral  rehabilitation. Our doctors have undergone extensive training and are one of the best implantologist available in Manhattan. Our office is now completely equipped with the most advanced technology to allow effective, quick and affordable treatment completion under one roof! If you are considering having dental implants done in Manhattan, we invite you for a free consultation to have all of your questions answered!

What Is Involved in Getting a Dental Implant?
The first step in the dental implant process is the development of an individualized treatment plan. The plan addresses your specific needs and is prepared by our team of professionals, who are specially trained and experienced in oral surgery and restorative dentistry. This team approach provides coordinated care based on the implant option that is best for you.

Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction procedure and with healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant can be considered for a dental implant. Patients also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders - such as diabetes or heart disease - or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?
More and more dental insurances are including dental implants in their "Covered Procedures" list. Coverage depends on the type of benefits available to you, selected by your employer. Detailed questions about your individual needs and insurance benefit will be discussed with your dentist and our insurance coordinator.

If you have decided to have your dental implants done in Manhattan, experience is of greatest importance! At Herald Square Dental, we have been restoring dental function since 1977! Call us at 212-689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com and schedule your free consultation visit today!

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References: http://www.webmd.com

Five Tips to Help Whiten Teeth Naturally!

Maintaining a white smile is a great way to show that you take pride in your appearance and wish to keep your body in as good of shape as possible! Here are five very good and practical tips to help you maintain healty and shiny white teeth!

Crunchy fruits and vegetables

Crunchy, crispy fruits have an abrasiveness that can help to lift stains from the teeth and give the illusion that they are whiter. Yes, it is true that strawberries can make your teeth white because of their acid content. Try munching on apples, celery and carrots, which have enough abrasiveness to clean tooth surface without posing any harm to the enamel. The crunchier the food, the more abrasive it is and the cleaner it will get your teeth.

Mashed Strawberries
To brighten teeth you can mash up a ripe strawberry and dip your toothbrush in it - but be sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards, using warm water to which a pinch of bicarbonate of soda has been added, to reduce acidity in the mouth.

Cheese
Another way you can protect your teeth (though not whiten) is to chew a small cube of cheese after a meal. Casein - a milk protein - and whey protein in cheese have been shown to reduce the loss of minerals from tooth enamel.There's a growing body of evidence indicating that eating a small amount of cheese after a meal can potentially help to prevent tooth decay and promote enamel re-mineralization. Chewing cheese also stimulates saliva flow which neutralises the harmful acids that decay or erode teeth.

Sugar-free gum with xylitol

Xyoltol is a natural sweetener that can actually help to prevent plaque. While plaque feeds on regular sugar, it can't digest xylitol. Xylitol also neutralizes pH levels in the mouth and increases saliva production.

Drink with a Straw
Even if you follow a natural diet, the beverages that you drink have the tendency to stain teeth. To avoid as many stains as possible, use a straw to draw beverages into your mouth, instead of having them slide over your teeth. The less contact your teeth have with damaging substances, the whiter they will be.

And  in case you are not completely satisfied with the shade of your teeth, you should cerrtainly contact us  at 212-689-0024 or appts@newyorkdenturedental.com for a consultation on teeth whitening in our office!

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References: http://www.dailymail.co.uk; http://www.huffingtonpost.com

Ten Great Reasons Not to Dodge Your Dental Cleaning Appointment!

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

Sure, regular cleanings with our office promote good oral hygiene, especially with having the procedure done by either of our great registered hygienists on staff, ( Paola and Alicia) , but did you know they can also prevent a multitude of diseases? That two o'clock chair-side rendezvous may not seem nearly as exciting as a late lunch with a friend, but it will be well worth it in the end. Here are 10 really great reasons to stick with your regular cleaning schedule!

It  Can Help Prevent Oral Cancer. You may or may not realize that you're screened for oral cancer during your regular dental cleaning. If during the examination of the oral cavity a suspicious lesion is detected we will immediately address it as protocol requires. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, an American dies of oral cancer every hour of every day. It's a sad proposition, especially when you consider that it is highly curable with early diagnosis.

It Wards Off Gum Disease. Gum disease (an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place) is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. It can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. Unfortunately, not receiving treatment will lead to a more serious and advanced state of gum disease. Regular cleanings and check-ups and daily brushing and flossing are key weapons in the fight against these conditions.

It's About More Than Your Mouth. Sure, not getting regular check-ups may make you less kissable, but did you know that studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease associated with poor oral hygiene? A trip to our office every six months could reduce your risk of serious health problems.

You Want To Preserve Your Smile. As mentioned, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. To keep your pearly whites intact, stick with your cleaning schedule.

It's Best To Detect Dental Problems Early. We've already touched upon early detection of gum disease and oral cancer, but don't overlook more basic dental problems. Cavities and broken fillings are easy to treat. Without regular trips to the dentist, these problems can lead to root canals, gum surgery and tooth extraction. Which sounds worse: a 30-minute cleaning or an hour under the knife?

You Want To Know You're Doing It Right. Maybe you bought a fancy new electric toothbrush, or aren't keeping up with what current research has to say about caring for your teeth. Either way, check-ups allow us to examine your mouth and keep you on the right path.

You Have Dental Insurance. Consider how much money you put into your insurance plan. Take advantage of it and save a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly procedures that result from poor dental habits.

You Want To Upgrade Your Smile. If you're already suffering from tooth decay or gum problems, regular appointments will allow our office to create a personalized treatment plan that will give you the best smile possible.

You Want To Dazzle. Regular cleanings remove most tobacco, coffee and tea stains, polishing your teeth to a beautiful shine!

You Need Some Time Alone. Okay, maybe not completely alone, but the time you spend in our waiting room and in our chair is really your time. You can forget about the office or the stresses of family life. Read a magazine or work through a crossword if you want. Take advantage of the time you're given, rather than worrying about how to fit it in your tight schedule. Your health and well-being should never take a back seat to your daily planner.

If it's been more than six months since your last check up and cleaning, call our office to schedule an appointment today! We promise to take good care of you (and your smile)!

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

 

Best Regards,


Herald Square Dental &
The Denture Center

Periodontal Disease: Silent and Deadly

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

We wanted to bring your attention to a very important problem and talk briefly about it: Periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. The early stages of periodontal disease are often asymptomatic; many adults may have the disease and not know it.

A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that nearly one out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has gum disease, also known as periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease can go on for years without pain and without detection unless specific examination procedures are performed. Visual oral examination by itself will not reliably detect periodontal disease until it has reached an advanced stage.

Early detection and adequate diagnosis require measurement of pockets (the crevice between the tooth and gum) with a periodontal probe. Early detection and treatment is critical to prevent tooth loss and disfigurement. Although the procedure is simple, painless and requires only a few minutes, millions of American adults have never had it done.

Signs of periodontal disease include bleeding gums, redness of gum tissue, swelling of gums around the teeth, breath odor, receding gums, mobility of teeth.

If you have questions regarding periodontal disease or any other dentally related concern, please call our office at 212-689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com  today.


Best Regards,


Herald Square Dental &
The Denture Center

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References:ADA, AAP, www.perio.org

Now, You Can Have Your Entire Dental Treatment Under One Roof, literally!

Greetings from Herald Square Dental and The Denture Center!

We are proud to announce that our office is now equipped with the newest technology for 3-D imaging available. The office staff  has also undergone special training to allow fast and effective diagnostics of various treatment needs, and specifically implants, orthodontics, TMJ procedures.

When it comes to experience - the more, the better! Herald Square Dental was established in 1977 and is equipped with all the technology and comfort to optimally restore your beautiful smile successfully, affordably, quickly and conveniently!

Don’t put up with the long waiting period typically involved with extensive restorations! At Herald Square Dental & the Denture Center we are dedicated to providing the highest quality dental care, while saving you time and money!  

We are conveniently located to all major transportation hubs in Midtown Manhattan.  Call for your Free Consultation @ 212-689-0024  or email us appts@newyorkdenturedental.com  and let us help you smile with confidence!  

ADA Launches Online Dental Symptom Checker

American Dental Association has just introduced a newly developed feature on their online portal MouthHealthy.org.  The so called "Dental Symptom Checker" is a tool that has been designed to "provide patients with accurate information about their symptoms and help them make better-informed decisions about their oral health".   It is not meant to diagnose or replace the role of the dentist, however with its help  patients can "identify the location of the symptom they’re having and other factors, such as pain or discharge, and read about various conditions that fit that description".  Apparently this was a top requested feature by consumers, therefore it is now available as an interactive Web platform on MouthHealthy.org, as well as a downloadable app on iTunes and Google Play.

If you have any dental complaint or symptom you would like to learn more about, you could try this new tool, or, even better, call us to schedule an appointment for a free consultation! We are here to help you and to give you a reason to smile!
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References: ADA.org,  Karen Fox, ADA News staff