Are you considering dental implants or already have them?

Dental implants are popular solutions for tooth loss.

Have you ever wondered how long they last and what factors can affect their lifespan?

Generally speaking, dental implants are designed as a permanent solution to tooth loss and may last up to 25 years.

However, the average life span is more than likely between 10 and 20 years.

It is also possible for dental implants to fail in a shorter period for different reasons.

So let’s explore:

• The average lifespan of a dental implant
• What can affect their lifespan
• How to prolong their lifespan

The Average lifespan

Each implant has three components, so the life span is tricky to pin down.

This is because each component is made from different materials and has a different role. Another factor, which we’ll cover later, is implant placement.

The implant, or post, lasts the longest as it is inserted within the jawbone. Next comes the abutment. The last component is what you would recognize as the crown. The crown is the component with the most pressure from constant exposure to food and drink.

What can affect their lifespan?

As we’ve already discovered, the lifespan of dental implants can be between 10 and 20 years if properly maintained and cared for. As with any dental treatment, different factors can reduce how long a dental implant may last.

• Oral Health – How you take care of your teeth and mouth in general.
• Lifestyle choices – Your choices of food and drink as well as smoking.
• Injury or damage – Sports injuries or simply grinding your teeth.
• Medical conditions – Gum disease – Sleep disorders – Diabetes or Prediabetes.
• Which teeth are replaced – Different teeth have specific roles, such as chewing.

One or more of these elements can affect how long dental implants last and can also impact your overall oral health.

Don’t let tooth loss affect your confidence and quality of life. Contact us now to learn more about dental implant options.

How to prolong the life of your dental implants

How long your dental implants last depends on how well you look after your teeth and your overall oral health.

Dental implants can be cared for in the same way as your natural teeth. Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing will help keep your gums and teeth healthy.

Just because your teeth are artificial doesn’t mean you shouldn’t attend regular dental check-ups. Your mouth requires regular checkups to prevent additional damage to any natural teeth and your gums.

Even if you maintain high levels of oral hygiene, other factors can cause problems for your oral health.

The habit of smoking can affect recovery and the longer-term health of your implants, as well as your natural teeth and general health.

Alcohol can also affect any treatment recovery as it thins the blood. You should wait at least 72 hours after a procedure to consume alcohol.

Avoid hard or sticky foods immediately after a procedure. These can cause damage to newly placed implants and natural teeth.

Final word

In this article, we have explored the average lifespan of dental implants, factors that can impact their durability, and tips to prolong their lifespan.

We discovered that issues such as oral health, lifestyle choices, and injuries could impact their lifespan.

It’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene, attend regular check-ups, and avoid habits such as smoking and consuming alcohol immediately after a procedure.

By following these tips and taking care of your dental implants, you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile for many years.

Take the first step towards a healthier and more beautiful smile by booking your dental implant appointment with us today.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Or:

Call us at 212-751-1333
Email us at info@midtowndentalexcellence.com

Midtown Dental Excellence is proud to offer professional and caring dentistry for people in Manhattan, MidTown East, and Upper East Side New York, NY.

For many people, going to the dentist is an unpleasant but manageable experience.

For others, just the thought of going to the dentist causes severe anxiety, leading them to delay or avoid dental treatment.

We understand that many patients struggle with this, but please remember that you’re not alone. Here’s how we helped Peter overcome this barrier.

For years, Peter felt judged for not keeping up with his dental problems, preventing him from visiting his dentist.

Unfortunately, this behavior can spiral into a vicious cycle of dental pain, health problems, deeper anxiety, and potentially more complex and costly dental procedures.

“I was afraid of being judged and even opening my mouth.
I had been afraid to smile for years.”

Peter’s problems

Peter’s first meeting with Dr. Simon and the team was about helping him feel comfortable and at ease with his surroundings.

“When I first walked in for my initial appointment, I was greeted by a group of smiling faces. I felt like I was at home.”

Our first consultation included a full evaluation of Peter’s oral health.

Dr. Simon discovered that Peter was a grinder, and his front teeth had suffered over the years without treatment, in addition to his several missing teeth.

With these issues, his dental anxiety prevented Peter from asking for help.

Once the evaluation was completed, Dr.Simon explained in detail the procedures and possible timeline for what was required.

Peter was encouraged to ask as many questions as he felt comfortable with.

“I was presented with all the options available to me.
We discussed the clinical options as well as the financial options.”

Besides his dental anxiety, Peter was also worried about the costs.

This was the easier problem to fix as Peter was offered several finance options.

“I felt at ease and comfortable and let it all go from there.”

Peter’s personal dental plan

• Replace missing teeth
• Restore damaged front teeth
• Find suitable means to prevent further grinding
• Discover and use suitable methods for dealing with dental anxiety

Dr. Simon’s main concern was to address the cause of Peter’s anxiety, as this impacts all other treatments.

There are many reasons that you might fear the dentist.

Dental anxiety often stems from:

• Worry that your treatment will be painful and uncomfortable
• Fear of shots and the thought that they might not work
• Panic when you hear the sound of the drill
• The nervousness of having someone working in your mouth
• The embarrassment that you haven’t taken care of your teeth
• A painful experience in the dental chair when you were young

Regardless of the cause of your fear, your dental health is critical to your overall health.

What happens if you don’t see a dentist?

Visiting a dentist at least once every 6 months for routine cleaning and examination is incredibly important. Failing to keep up with dental hygiene and regular appointments can lead to:

• Bad breath
• Cavities
• Plaque and tartar
• Tooth loss
• Gum Disease
• Infected teeth
• Discolored teeth

However, even if you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, you shouldn’t let that get between you and the treatment you need.

We’re here to help, and we’ll never judge you, no matter what condition your teeth are in.

Symptoms of dental anxiety

How do you know if you have dental anxiety?

Some people living with dental anxiety can experience distressing symptoms before appointments. For example:

• Heart palpitations
• Panic attacks
• Low blood pressure
• Aggressive behavior
• Extreme sweating
• Crying
• Feeling faint
• Constant avoidance

Peter had a lot to deal with, and he was incredibly brave to come in and have a full discussion with our dentist.

Discussing his fears with Dr. Simon was key to Peter’s coping with dental anxiety.

Peter is now happy with his new smile and renewed confidence.

Your dentist will be able to work with you to determine the best ways to make you less anxious and more comfortable.

Our tips for dealing with dental anxiety

Don’t hesitate to communicate your concerns to your dentist.

They can take steps to make the process easier, prioritize your comfort, and answer any questions you may have.

Ask about amenities to help you relax and feel more comfortable at  your appointment:

• Television
• Music
• Warm blanket

Remember, your dentist just wants to help; there’s nothing wrong with asking!

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Ask the dentist to explain what they’re doing throughout the procedure. Your dentist will be more than happy to discuss the components of your treatment.

If you understand the procedure, you may feel less anxiety. We tend to fear what we don’t know or understand, after all.

Ask for appropriate sedation options.

Many patients appreciate the calming quality of nitrous oxide and oral sedatives. Snoozing your way through a complicated dental procedure might even be possible, which can often leave you with little to no memory of your treatment.

Arrive on time, but not too soon.

The last thing you need is a lengthy waiting-room experience to let your anxiety stew. Try to arrive five or so minutes before your appointment, and consider bringing distractions (whether it be a magazine or phone).

Take breaks

Ask to stop whenever you feel you need a break. A sensitive dental team will give you time to relax when necessary; you don’t need to do your treatment all at once.

Book your appointment before you leave the office

It’s much easier to stick to a follow-up appointment if you don’t have to contact the office to schedule it.

Takeaway

Dental anxiety is common, but there are ways to help you manage it.

Midtown Dental Excellence is intended as a welcoming place that painlessly keeps your smile bright and healthy.

Use our dental anxiety tips as a safety blanket to guide you through your next dental experience. You’ll enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile in return.

If anxiety prevents you from coming to Midtown Dental Excellence, there are always methods to help you cope.

Talk to our team at Midtown Dental Excellence about which options are right for you today.

• Call or Text: 212-751-1333
• Email: info@midtowndentalexcellence.com

Midtown Dental Excellence is proud to offer professional and caring dentistry for patients in Manhattan, MidTown East, and Upper East side New York, NY.

Cosmetic dental treatment is a great way to restore your confidence and the beauty of your smile – but finances are a pressing concern for many.

Will your dental insurance cover your smile makeover, or will you have to pay out of pocket?

We’re here to teach you about common cosmetic treatments, their costs, and if insurance covers them.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the esthetics of your smile. Since this type of treatment is typically optional, it’s’ referred to as “elective” treatment, which focuses on a patient’s smile and image.

What is the Difference between Cosmetic and General Dentistry?

As mentioned, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth and gums.

General dentistry, conversely, refers to preventative and restorative care like teeth cleanings, dental fillings, crowns, and bridges.

To learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services, click here.

Types of Cosmetic Dental Treatments and Their Cost

Teeth Whitening – Professional teeth whitening can dramatically and safely lighten the shade of your teeth and brighten your smile. Costs typically range between $600 for traditional in-office whitening to around $1,000 for laser treatment.

Dental Bonding – Dental bonding involves the application of a suitably colored composite resin. This material covers up and conceals cracks, discolorations, and other cosmetic imperfections. The typical cost is between $100 and $400 per tooth but can vary by case.

Porcelain Veneers – Made of medical-grade ceramic or composite porcelain, veneers are thin, strong shells that adhere to the front surfaces of your teeth, completely altering their shape, length, and appearance. Prices start from $250 for composite and $900 for full porcelain (per tooth).

Tooth Contouring – This procedure removes small amounts of enamel to change the shape of your teeth, and will typically run you between $50 and $300 per tooth.

Gum Contouring – During gum contouring, your dentist removes excess gum tissue and reshapes your gum line for a more symmetrical, balanced appearance. Prices range between $50 and $350 per tooth.

Contact us today for more accurate prices and a full list of our cosmetic dentistry treatments.

Does Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dentistry?

Usually, dental insurance will not cover cosmetic dentistry procedures that have absolutely no medical necessity.

However, insurance will cover a variety of treatments that improve the appearance of your smile, as long as they’re tied to a clear medical benefit.

A procedure is considered cosmetic or elective if:

• Its primary purpose is to improve the aesthetics of the patient’s smile
• The intended treatment area is not injured, impaired, or decayed
• There is no medically necessary reason for performing the procedure

Dental insurance considers a procedure restorative if:

• It aims to treat severe decay or disease
• It is necessary because of an accident or injury (fixing severely chipped teeth, for example)
• It replaces missing teeth or alters the patient’s bite

How Much Will Insurance Cover for Cosmetic Dentistry?

Providers often cover up to 50% of the total cost of a cosmetic procedure, but this varies widely by plan and provider. However, there must be an identifiable medical benefit for the procedure supporting the aesthetic benefit.

Midtown Dental Excellence can help you keep down the cost of your procedures, no matter if you use insurance or pay out of pocket. Speak to us to work out your best options.

• Call or Text: 212-751-1333
• Email: info@midtowndentalexcellence.com

Midtown Dental Excellence is proud to offer professional and caring dentistry for patients in Manhattan, MidTown East, and Upper East side New York, NY.

Brushing your teeth with charcoal isn’t a new fad. According to Opens new tab to Colgate website
Colgate, ancient Romans used it, and it was listed as an ingredient in a 19th-century toothpaste recipe.

But does that make charcoal toothpaste safe?

After all, smoking nicotine has been around forever, but we all know now, it is not safe.

Our Manhattan dentists want to help you uncover the truth about charcoal toothpaste and break down myths, such as if it is safe or whitens teeth.

What is charcoal toothpaste?

First, let’s understand what activated charcoal is – the key ingredient.

Activated charcoal is typically made from wood, bone char, coconut shells, or other natural substances that are oxidized under extreme heat. This turns your generic cooking charcoal into activated charcoal – a more porous charcoal used for cosmetic and medical treatments.

This black powder is known for absorbing dirt and impurities – kind of like a magnet attracting toxins. It is often used in water filtration systems and to treat poisonings or drug overdoses.

Charcoal toothpaste contains this activated ingredient and is said to be antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and oral detoxification.

Does charcoal toothpaste whiten teeth?

Charcoal toothpaste claims to be an alternative to peroxide-based whitening products. But is that true?

Our trusted cosmetic dentists in Midtown Manhattan want to set the record straight:

Charcoal toothpaste does NOT whiten your teeth.

What it can do is remove surface stains that live on your enamel. These surface-level stains are typically the result of coffee, wine, tea, dark-colored foods, and tobacco. ADA-approved whitening toothpaste can also remove these surface-level stains.

But what charcoal toothpaste cannot do is penetrate and remove deep stains and discoloration beneath the surface level of your enamel.

Under your enamel lies your dentin layer. This is where a majority of your tooth’s color comes from and why charcoal toothpaste cannot whiten your teeth.

So, to whiten your teeth – not just remove surface stains – you need to penetrate below the surface of your teeth’s enamel. By doing so, you will achieve a whiter smile that lasts significantly longer.

At Midtown Dental Excellence, we recommend professional teeth whitening to achieve your desired shade of white safely and effectively.

We even have three different teeth whitening options to choose from, including in-office and take-home treatments. You can find a solution that works for you.

Is it safe for your teeth?

Now, the bigger concern with charcoal toothpaste isn’t whether or not it whitens your teeth, but is it safe?

Here’s what our Midtown Manhattan dentists know:

Charcoal toothpaste is abrasive.

If you use it too often or brush too hard with it, you will permanently damage your teeth’s enamel.

By damaging your enamel, you not only expose your teeth’s inner layers to harmful bacteria, but you reveal more of the dentin layer. The dentin layer is darker and can make your smile look more yellow – the reverse effects of teeth whitening.

One sure way of knowing if a dental product is safe or not is to see if it’s Opens new tab to ADA websiteADA approved with a Seal of Acceptance. As of today, charcoal toothpaste is not ADA approved.

According to the Opens new tab to JADA websiteJournal of the American Dental Association, there is “insufficient clinical and laboratory data to substantiate the safety and efficacy claims of charcoal and charcoal-based dentifrices.” It also stated there would need to be more studies to prove whether or not charcoal toothpaste is safe and beneficial.

The best way to whiten your teeth

Even though charcoal toothpaste can remove surface stains, the abrasive consistency of it can end up doing more damage than good. Without enough research and the ADA’s approval, we recommend against using it. Your smile is not worth the risk!

But if you want to whiten your smile with safe, proven methods, then we recommend professional teeth whitening.

At our Midtown Manhattan dental office, you can whiten your smile up to eight shades lighter in about one hour!

Plus, we offer take-home whitening trays so you can maintain your white smile year-round.

We are conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan and serve our surrounding communities, including the Upper East Side, Midtown East, Central Park, and others.

To schedule an appointment for teeth whitening at our New York office, contact us by:

• Call or Text: 212-751-1333
• Email: info@midtowndentalexcellence.com

Finally! There’s a way to replace missing teeth, or loose dentures, with teeth that look and feel just like your natural teeth.

But what’s the fine print? And more importantly, can anyone get dental implants?

To find out if you meet the requirements for dental implants, we’ll outline everything you need to know about dental implants in this article.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that support one or more artificial teeth. Dental implants can be used to support fixed (permanent) teeth, or support removable teeth like dentures. This restorative dental option is the closest you can get to healthy, natural teeth.

In addition to replacing missing teeth, dental implants can help the health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. How?

When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth tend to shift out of place, and the bone of the missing tooth begins to deteriorate. Dental implants are the only dental restoration option that preserves natural bone and helps stimulate bone growth.

If you’re already noticing signs of shifting teeth or bone deterioration due to a missing tooth, don’t worry. There are different dental implant options, which you and your cosmetic dentist can discuss.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

With advantages like these, it’s no wonder why many people choose dental implants over other dental replacement options:

• Natural smile: Dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth. You’ll care for them just the same too: brush, floss, and get regular cleanings and checkups. Only you will know you have them.
• Look younger: Dental implants are the only dental restoration option that preserves natural bone, helps stimulate bone growth, and prevent bone loss. Having jawbone helps retain your natural face shape and smile for years to come.
• Build confidence again: Unlike other replacement options, dental implants won’t slip or click when you talk, eat, laugh, or kiss. You’ll also find your speech is more natural than with dentures.
• Eat whatever: Dentures can slide and cause discomfort when eating. But dental implants function like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat virtually anything you want.
• Proven success: Modern dental implants have been used successfully for over 30 years with a general success rate of 98 percent. When performed by an experienced dental implant doctor, the procedure is one of the safest and most predictable in dentistry.
• Save money: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Other dental replacement options may appear cheaper up front, but you will continue to pay that cost over and over, making them expensive in comparison.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

If you have one or more missing teeth – whether you were born without a tooth or had a tooth removed due to injury, infection or decay – then the answer is:

Yes, you are likely a candidate for dental implants.

However, many factors that go into how, when, and if you meet the requirements for dental implants, including:

• Age: Children or adolescents may need to wait until their facial growth and development have been completed to ensure long term success. This stage is typically around age 16 for girls and age 18 for boys.
• Health: If you are a heavy smoker, suffer from uncontrolled chronic disorders like diabetes, or have had radiation therapy to your head or neck area then you will need to be evaluated on an individual basis by your dental provider.
• Enough bone: If you are missing the necessary amount of supportive bone for a dental implant, then you may need a bone augmentation or alternative dental implant.

But for the best answer, based on your situation, you need to consult with your dental provider.

Are there different types of dental implants?

Just like teeth, dental implants come in different heights, sizes, and types. You and your dental provider will create an individualized treatment plan, which may include one of the following types of dental implants:

• Endosteal: These dental implants are placed in the jawbone using a small screw, typically made of titanium. Endosteal is the most common type of dental implant.
• Subperiosteal: These dental implants are placed on or above the jawbone (not in it). This type of implant may be used in patients who don’t have enough supportive bone or are unable to undergo a bone augmentation.

If you don’t have enough jawbone to support a dental implant, there are a few options:

• Bone augmentation: This procedure uses bone additives and growth factors to restore or regenerate bone in your jaw, so that it can support an implant.
• Sinus lift: This procedure adds bone below a sinus, where the bone has deteriorated due to missing upper teeth. A sinus lift is also called a sinus augmentation or sinus elevation.
• Ridge expansion: If your jaw isn’t wide enough to support dental implants, this procedure adds bone graft material to a small ridge, created along the top of your jaw.

What is the dental implant procedure?

The following dental implant procedure is based on an endosteal dental implant. But do remember, based on all the factors above, no two treatment plans will be alike.

1. Consultation: Consult with your dentist in Midtown Manhattan on an individualized treatment plan. This consultation may include associated costs, insurance coverage, and a timeline.
2. Dental implant placement: A small titanium post is placed in your jawbone. Most people find this procedure less painful than a tooth extraction and return to work the next day. Anesthesia or sedation may be used to keep you comfortable.
3. Healing process: Formally referred to as osseointegration, your jawbone will heal around the implant, forming a strong foundation. This process can take anywhere between six weeks to a few months.
4. Abutment placement: Once healed, a small connector is placed on the dental implant, just above the gumline, to hold your new tooth or support your denture securely.
5. Crown attachment: Based on the impression your dentist will have made, your new tooth will look and feel just like a natural tooth. This tooth formally referred to as a crown, is then attached to the abutment. Dentures attach to the abutment for support and can either be removable or permanently placed by your dentist.

Are dental implants worth it?

Take this quick quiz to find out for yourself:

1. Do you want to replace one or more missing teeth?
2. Do you want to retain your facial structure?
3. Do you want to be able to eat whatever you want?
4. Do you want to be confident about your smile and teeth?
5. Do you want to save money in the long term?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then contact your dental provider today to discuss if dental implants are your best option.

• Contact us to schedule your appointment
• Questions? Call us at 212-751-1333
• Learn more about our dental services

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Re-posted with permission: source.

If you’ve been told you’ll need a tooth extracted, you may feel there’s no “convenient” time to have it done. We all lead busy lives, and fitting a dental procedure into your busy schedule may be a challenge. For those who have a vacation or business trip coming up on the calendar, it could raise the question: Is flying after tooth extraction safe?

It normally takes a couple of days to recover after tooth extraction, so most dentists would recommend resting for at least 48 hours before flying. This enables you to get the rest you need to have a smooth recovery. While it’s technically safe to fly after most dental procedures, it may be especially uncomfortable to do so within the first 24-48 hours.

Dangers of flying after tooth extraction

It’s important to remember that flying can even cause minor pain and discomfort in healthy individuals who haven’t recently had dental work completed. Sinus pressure, headaches, and even toothaches can result from changes in altitude or cabin pressure. Any of these issues could be intensified for a person who has recently undergone tooth extraction.

If your tooth extraction appointment is within 24-48 hours of your dental appointment, be sure to chat with your dentist about the risks involved and what he or she recommends to minimize discomfort.

Be prepared!

If you will be flying soon after tooth extraction, there are a few things you can pack to be prepared:

• Pain medication: Pack your prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication recommended by your dentist. You may want to take it prior to boarding the plane to lessen discomfort.
• Extra gauze: If you choose to fly very soon after a procedure, you may still be in the window of time where you need to change your gauze periodically.
• A refillable water bottle: You’ll want to avoid hot, cold, and acidic beverages (like coffee or soda) after tooth extraction, so it’s a good idea to pack a refillable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated throughout your flight.
• An empty resealable bag for an ice pack: If you experience pain or swelling mid-flight, a resealable baggie can be turned into a handy ice pack – simply ask the flight attendant for some ice and hold against your cheek for ten-minute intervals.
• Your dental office’s phone number: Be sure to save your dentist’s phone number before traveling in case of unexpected pain, swelling, or other symptoms.

Tips to ease dental discomfort while traveling

In addition to packing the necessities listed above, there are a few other things you can do to lessen discomfort if you’re flying after tooth extraction.

The first is to try your best to have a stress-free flight. This can be a challenge since flying is stressful for most travelers! To help, bring along entertainment that will allow you to relax, whether it’s soothing music on your phone or your favorite movie on your tablet. Pack a light blanket and a travel pillow to help you get comfy in your seat.

Depending on how soon you fly after your dental procedure, you may still need to stick to soft foods (no crunchy airplane snacks allowed!). At the airport, grab some soft, easy-to-eat options like yogurt, a smoothie, or soup.

Happy traveling!

If possible, try to make sure a tooth extraction and a scheduled flight aren’t too close together on your schedule. As mentioned before, it’s generally safe to fly after most dental procedures, but it could be especially uncomfortable to do so too soon. After all, who wants to start a vacation out with a painful flying experience?

Most importantly, talk to your Midtown NYC dentist about your vacation plans so he or she can help you know what to expect and to be prepared!

• Contact us to schedule your appointment
• Questions? Call us at 212-751-1333
• Learn more about our dental experts

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Re-posted with permission: source.

Life is busy.

Between work, kids, chores, and fighting the downtown traffic, it’s hard to find the time to get everything done.

We get it!

At Midtown Dental Excellence, we are all about making our patients’ lives easier by making their dental visits more convenient.

How do we do it?

Here are just a few of the ways we make your dental care fuss-free.

1.Time-saving technology

We use the latest in cutting-edge technology to provide fabulous results and save you time and money. By using the most advanced techniques and technology available, we can provide the benefits we know you want, such as:

• Less invasive treatments
• More streamlined visits
• Efficient, painless treatment
• More accurate diagnoses for more effective treatment

For example:

We now can use computer-aided technology to examine you, create a crown, and place it all in just two visits.

If you’re a busy New Yorker, what could be more convenient than that?

Come in, get your new dental crown, and leave with a beautiful smile – all in just two visits.

Another innovation that benefits you:

An intraoral camera.

How does this help you and your busy schedule?

Using a lens that resembles an electric toothbrush in size and shape, this highly-magnified camera gives us incredibly detailed photos of your teeth in real time. That means you can see what we see!

This makes it much easier for us to explain, and for you to understand, what is going on in your mouth.

This photographic evidence also makes it simpler for us to get your dental insurance to agree to cover necessary treatment, saving you a lot of hassle!

It also helps us to get a comparison on each of your visits of dental issues that need to be addressed.

We also use an iTero scanner which provides highly advanced 3D imaging to get incredibly accurate recreations of your teeth and gums. It tells us what is going on with your teeth – which teeth are under stress, occlusion issues, bite corrections, tooth grinding, and real-time movement of teeth.

Here is a short video that shows our iTero scanner in action!

Some of the other technological advances that will make your dental visit a breeze include:

• Dental Cone Beam CT – For highly precise digital x-rays
• Panoramic X-Rays – Can reveal hard-to-see dental problems
• iTero Scanner – For digital, highly accurate impressions. No more mess!

Besides the latest in dental innovations, we also offer you another unique advantage:

Dental care all under one roof!

2. Our dental team has you covered!

Usually, when the need for specialty dentistry arises, a dental office will need to refer their patients out to another office or dentist.

That’s not the case at Midtown Dental Excellence!

Our team of professional NYC dentists can cover all of your dental needs right here in our own office. You can feel secure in knowing your dental care is in the hands of a team you already know and trust!

What do our team of dentists have to offer to make your treatment faster, easier, and more effective?

• Over 100 years of combined experience
• 1000+ hours of additional training and education
• 23 areas of specialist study

Add all that to a practice philosophy of patient-driven dentistry.

What does that mean?

You are in the driver’s seat when it comes to your dental treatment.

End of story!

Now:

We’ve helped you save time. What about money?

We have some great money-saving patient specials you won’t want to miss!

3.Take advantage of these special offers!

Because we truly care about our patients and want them to have great dental care, you can take advantage of some extraordinary money-saving offers.

• For our established patients: When you find a good thing, you want to share it, right? You and your friends and family can benefit from our Care to Share program. Get $50 credit added to the account of both the referring patient and the new patient referred for future dental services. Plus, if you refer three patients to s, you’ll receive a FREE Sonicare electric toothbrush!
• For new patients: With your paid dental exam, you can have FREE teeth whitening for a year ($175).
• For patients without insurance: We offer an in-house dental plan. Which includes two professional cleanings (six months apart), two professional exams with digital cavity detector, x-rays, periodontal bone loss measurement at each visit, oral cancer screening at each visit and 15% off of all other procedures.

We are always willing to work with you to make sure you can have the dental care you need and stay within your budget with payment plans and special discounts. Just ask us!

Now, that we’ve helped you save time and money, what about helping to make booking an appointment easier?

You got it!

4. Need an appointment? We’ve made it a snap!

Our office is conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan, NYC on Madison Avenue and 53rd. If you live or work in Midtown Manhattan, the Upper East Side, Midtown East, or Central Park areas, it’s so easy for you to drop by, get your dental work done, and get on with the rest of your day.

Want to schedule an appointment? Book one right from our website. Simply click the button and choose the most convenient time for you.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Would you rather talk to someone? No problem. You can reach us by phone or just text us at 212-751-1333. We’ll be happy to help you with whatever you need!

Making your dental visits convenient is the top priority in our practice. We want it to be as easy as possible for you to get the dental care you need – no stress, no waiting.

Leave the hassle to us!

Thanks to our combination of same-day dental procedures, cutting-edge technology, a highly-trained team of experts, and easy scheduling, there isn’t another dentist in Midtown Manhattan that offers you more convenience when it comes to your dental care.

Whether you need general dentistry, cosmetic and comprehensive dentistry, or one of our expert services, we have convenient treatment options available for you and your family.

So what are you waiting for?

• • Call or text us at  212-751-1333
  • Book your appointment online
  • Email us at info@midtowndentalexcellence.com
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Whether you are an adolescent, parent, or grown adult, you’ve probably heard someone tell you about getting wisdom teeth removed.

And, we get it… hearing about a dental procedure is never fun or exciting.

Well…except to us. But that’s beside the point.

If you haven’t had your wisdom teeth removed yet, you’re probably wondering:

Do I really need my wisdom teeth removed?

Getting your wisdom teeth removed has become a sort of rite of passage – but not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed.

Let’s find out if you need this procedure and what can happen if you keep your wisdom teeth.

What are wisdom teeth?

Not to disappoint you, but…

No, wisdom teeth do not you smarter.

Wisdom teeth get their name because they usually come in when you are older – and one would hope, wiser.

You can expect these teeth around the ages of 17 to 21.

These teeth are located behind all your other teeth, in the very back of your mouth. You can expect two on the top and two on the bottom. Although, this isn’t the case for everyone, but more to come on that.

Wisdom teeth are molars and complete your set of 32 adult teeth. These molars are the toughest of them all, used to grind food, which is why they are wide…

And also cause a lot of problems.

These wisdom teeth problems are why, more often than not, they need to be removed.

Why do I need my wisdom teeth removed?

Here are the four main reasons why your New York dentist may say you need your wisdom teeth removed:

1. They are impacted: This means your wisdom teeth cannot come in properly. Most often they lie horizontally, instead of upright, and remain below the gumline. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a lot of pain.
2. They come in at the wrong angle: By not coming in straight and upright, they can push against and damage your surrounding teeth.
3. Your mouth isn’t big enough: Simply put, your jaw does not have enough room for an extra set of molars. Some people theorize that this is because our jaws have changed over time from our diets.
4. You can’t maintain optimal oral health: If you can’t reach your wisdom teeth with your toothbrush and floss, then you are going to be more susceptible to cavities and gum disease.

If you ignore your dentist’s advice and keep your wisdom teeth, then you will be putting your smile and health at risk.

Here’s how…

Common wisdom teeth problems

Before you read our list of wisdom teeth problems, you should know that:

Each year, 10 million wisdom teeth are removed in the United States.

This is a very common procedure and for good reason.

If you ignore your dentist’s recommendation to have your wisdom teeth removed, then watch out for these common wisdom teeth problems:

• Ruin your smile: If your extra set of molars do not grow in properly, they can push your other teeth, causing mouth pain and bite problems. Have you had orthodontics? This could throw it all out the window and may require more orthodontic work to straighten everything out.
• Jaw damage: Cysts can form around unsuitable wisdom teeth. If left untreated, they can destroy bones, roots, and nerves. If a cyst turns into a tumor, you may require surgery.
• Sinus pain: Wisdom teeth in your upper jaw can push against your sinuses, leading to pain, pressure, headaches, and congestion.
• Cavities and gum disease: Inflamed gums can be hard to clean. As pockets between the teeth and gums form, bacteria can grow, which can cause cavities and gum disease – the number one cause of unintentional adult tooth loss.

When should I get my wisdom teeth removed?

There isn’t an exact age for wisdom tooth removal.

However, the general rule of thumb is:

The younger the better.

As you get older, your bones become harder, which can make the removal and recovery process more difficult.

So:

If you or your teenage child have never had a wisdom tooth evaluation, then we recommend you schedule one with your dentist.

Your dentist will use x-rays to determine:

• If you have wisdom teeth – you may not even know if they are hidden
• If you need to have wisdom teeth removed
• How many wisdom teeth need to be removed
• When you should have your wisdom teeth removed

If you need wisdom teeth removed, you and your dentist will outline a treatment plan. To save time, you may be able to have multiple wisdom teeth removed in one appointment.

So, do I need my wisdom teeth removed?

This is honestly a question for your dentist.

Just because you have wisdom teeth doesn’t necessarily mean you need them removed.

You might be lucky and have your wisdom teeth will grow in perfectly straight and healthy.

Or you might be missing one or more wisdom teeth. After all, wisdom teeth are the most commonly missing teeth in adults.

However:

Many people with wisdom teeth get theirs removed to ensure their oral health, comfort, and beautiful smile.

To answer the question, “Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?” contact your dentist today to schedule an appointment or bring it up at your next six-month cleaning.

• • Questions? Call us at 212-751-1333
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The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Re-posted with permission: source.

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis or periodontal disease, is a very common illness among adults. You may wonder, “What is it? What are its causes? And is it preventable?”

When plaque isn’t removed by brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, it can become a problem. Bacteria in plaque produce toxins that can infect gum tissue, causing redness, irritation, and bleeding.

As gum disease progresses, gums pull away from teeth, creating pockets. Over time, these pockets can become deeper, and as they fill with bacteria and toxins, gum tissue and bone are destroyed. This could ultimately result in tooth loss.

Initial stages of gum disease can be painless, so it’s important to see your Midtown NYC dentist regularly so you can spot the signs and symptoms early!

Early periodontitis can be treated by your dental hygienist. A deep cleaning procedure called scaling, and root planing removes the buildup and bacteria from below the gum line or in areas your toothbrush cannot reach, thus allowing your gums to begin the healing process. After this treatment, the disease can be kept in check with brushing, flossing, and regular maintenance cleanings by your dental team.

Learn more about gum disease in the following infographic.

Gum disease causes, symptoms, and prevention

Regular cleanings and checkups by your dental team are vitally important to keep your gums healthy! If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, be sure to express your concerns during your next dental visit.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Re-posted with permission: source.