Plaque Attack

No, we’re not talking about an outer space invasion from Mars but an invasion of bacteria within you. There is good bacteria and bad bacteria, and this is the bad one. Anaerobic bacteria now reside within your oral cavity. They like to reproduce and they like to do it in your mouth, because that’s what they do and your mouth is an ideal environment for them to procreate. Inside your mouth it is warm and around one hundred degrees. It is also dark since there is no internal lighting and most important, there is a continual source of food. If you’re living, you’re eating. A warm, dark place with abundant food supplies is just what’s needed to get this show on the road. When you do not adequately clean your teeth, a thick sticky residue called plaque accumulates. Consider this plaque a city of bacteria that’s growing. Maybe you want to do some demolition work to remove these little buggers. It’s easy if you’re flossing and brushing twice per day. You’re ruining their day but making yours. Clean teeth are healthy teeth and with your regime of daily cleanings along with a healthy diet and regular professional cleanings will keep you out of trouble. If you are lazy about cleaning your teeth, then the plaque will build up and produce acids which damages the enamel or outside layer of your teeth, leading to tooth decay. Like an iceberg, most of the plaque is hidden and invades into the area under your gums leading to irritation and eventual gum disease. This is problematic since the gums hold your teeth into your jaws. A beautiful smile starts with healthy teeth and gums and if not kept up to snuff due to plaque build-up, it will eventually ruin your day. So, if you are experiencing a plaque attack, it’s time to schedule your teeth cleaning appointment. You and your teeth will be glad you did.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us today at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Nobody Wants Cavities

Everyone wants to be healthy. Luckily today concerning your teeth with fluoride in the drinking water the amount of tooth decay is way down, especially if you make the effort to brush and floss your teeth. How do cavities occur? Sometimes you can be predisposed to decay due to your genetics but most of the time it is due to eating sugary, sticky foods and not removing the remaining residue by not cleaning your teeth. The outside of your tooth is made up of enamel which is a very hard substance. The inner part of your tooth is made up of dentin which is technically millions of little straws pressed close together. For decay to inhabit your tooth it has to break through the enamel layer. Think of decay as looking like an upside down or right side up pyramid depending if you are on your upper or lower teeth. The top point is the entry point into your inner tooth. Most people have grooves and lines on the surface of their teeth so if food remains there it disintegrates giving off acids which attack the surface of your teeth. Once the decay forms that little hole into the interior of your tooth it now has an ideal environment to cause mayhem. For decay to grow it is looking for a dark, warm area without oxygen and a continual source of food. Inside your mouth it is dark, approximately 100 degrees and once the decay is inside your tooth there is no oxygen. As you continually eat there is a constant source of food. Since the decay is within your tooth you are unable to remove or clean it with your toothbrush and it continues to grow. The only way to remove it is to see your dentist who will excavate it out and replace the missing tooth structure to restore your tooth to health. You can also get decay between your teeth by not flossing to remove any impacted food remaining there after eating. Here at Dr Glenn Reit’s dental practice, we do not want you to have decay. If you do, we will remove it and restore your tooth to health.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us today at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

You Lead With Your Smile

So, having a pleasing smile can only help you navigate through life. When you look in the mirror are you smiling or not? If not, is it because there’s something you’d like to change? If it concerns your teeth there are multiple alternatives to rejuvenate your smile. Maybe your teeth are looking a little dark from too much coffee or wine. Maybe your teeth are a little chipped or worn down from just experiencing chewing? Or maybe like a stagecoach some of your teeth have decided to take a journey somewhere else. If you are experiencing any of these problems there are solutions. A little lighter color can be achieved through tooth whitening. Here after three or four home applications with tooth whitening trays for ten to fifteen minutes voila your teeth are whiter. Might make you feel a whole lot happier. If your teeth look worse for wear with the application of composite matched to the color of your teeth we can bring you a more pleasing look. For these procedures there is no dental drilling or giving of anesthesia so it’s painless. If your teeth have lost their way and need to be brought back to the ranch we can heard them into alignment. Wear clear plastic aligners over a period of time your teeth will move back into formation giving you a more pleasing smile. It’s not painful; it’s relatively quick and can make you feel a whole lot happier when smiling. Right or wrong people judge you. Your teeth are right out front. A pleasing smile often leads to a more pleasing response from those you meet. Some of this is unconscious but it does have a bearing on interactions with other humans. Sometimes all it takes is the standard dental cleaning to enhance your smile. Coming in twice per year to have your teeth examined and cleaned can catch most problems before they become a problem. Being proactive versus being reactive in the long run is always a better proposition.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us today at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

You’ve Lost A Tooth Now What

Sometimes things just happen. You bite a cherry pit one too many times. You think you’re an ice crusher. Your tooth gets tired and breaks in half and has to be removed. The adjacent teeth are happy and do not want to get involved. So what to do? In the past your choices were to just go without the tooth which is still a possibility today. However, most people want to replace the tooth. You could involve the adjacent teeth with a bridge, which is three teeth connected together but, with this option the adjacent teeth have to be cut down in order for crowns or caps to be placed. Then the three teeth are connected making it harder to clean the area. Another option is to make some plastic teeth that you place within your mouth in the morning and remove at night. Problem here is they move around and do not feel like real teeth. They're not wooden like George Washington’s but they are not real either. Today there’s a better option called a dental implant. Here the adjacent teeth are not involved. This is not a removable device but like a tooth stays in your jaw. Just like a regular tooth, it is easy to keep clean. No matter what we do in dentistry we cannot recreate nature but this is a close second. For an implant a piece of titanium is placed in your jaw resembling the root of your original tooth. Then a crown is made which resembles what your tooth looked like in your jaw. It’s not a real tooth but it functions and feels like the one you lost. Dental insurance companies will generally cover half the cost of this procedure if your employer likes you. It takes a little while to complete and it does cost you some money but in the end everyone feels happier to have the missing tooth replaced. We have been doing these procedures in office for more than a decade. So if you are missing a tooth or you’ve been missing a tooth give a thought and maybe a new tooth will come into your life.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us today at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Dental Implants- What To Do If You Lose a Tooth and You Miss It

Only a dentist can love a tooth but most individuals love their smile. Sometimes due to trauma or failure of a dental restoration a tooth will need to be removed. Unfortunately teeth are unable to repair themselves when injured. A minor incident can lead to a filling or if a filling fails to a crown. Now you’re royalty. I wonder how many crowns Queen Elizabeth has? Dental crowns, that is. Sometimes the nerve in your tooth decides to check out. In that case a root canal may be needed. But, even root canals can fail and if that happens and the tooth is lost you may want a replacement. Back in the day if you lost a tooth you had three options: Do nothing, replace it with a tooth permanently connected to your adjacent teeth or with a tooth you could take in and out of your mouth. Today, if you lose a tooth we can replace it with one that is most like your original tooth and not compromise any of your existing teeth. This is accomplished by placing a dental implant. A dental implant is a biocompatible piece of titanium which looks like you own dental tooth’s root. It is placed into your jaw basically right into the hole where your original tooth resided. Several months later the bone of your jaw will grow into the implant allowing the piece of titanium to become part of your jaw. At this point a crown can be placed on the implant which resembles your own original tooth. Since the implant mimics your own tooth in appearance and function you will believe it is your own. The implant surgery is done right here in the office. you will be able to function normally the next morning. Since the treatment is spread out over several months, so is the cost. Dental insurance companies will cover this procedure if the tooth involved was taken out while the insurance policy is in effect. For those with flexible spending plans this is a qualified expenditure. Even if you lost your tooth several years ago we may still be able to replace it with an implant with an additional procedure done at the time of implant placement. Realize when you lose a tooth you begin losing bone which supports the tooth. The loss of bone can lead to a dimple expression on your face. Most adults are not into the Shirley Temple look. If this situation sounds like you or if you have friends or loved ones who have that gap tooth look come on in for a consultation to see if this is a solution for them or you.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us today at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you 

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Looking and Feeling Good When Your Teeth and Gums Are Healthy

You lead with your smile.  People make subconscious decisions on the way you look.  May not be right but it is true especially when seeing your upper anterior teeth. 

Overtime teeth can discolor, wear down, break or move.  Dentistry today has many options to restore your teeth to a more pleasing position, color, and shape.  The least invasive is to just whiten your teeth using disposable trays that contain a bleaching gel. 

We offer trays that you wear for ten minutes per night for three to four nights and your teeth will lighten.  Not toilet bowl white but whiter than they were.   We find most patients are happy with the result and the cost at 125 dollars is not a stretch.

If your tooth has chips or missing pieces sometimes we can restore them with a simple bonding procedure.  Here composite or white filling material is applied to restore your teeth and matched to the color of your teeth.

If decay or trauma has broken your tooth we can do a porcelain crown to restore it.  With this procedure we can completely reshape your tooth and restore the color you desire.

If the tooth is healthy with no breakage and no decay but you’re just not happy with the look we can do porcelain veneers.   Here a sliver of porcelain is bonded to the front surface of your tooth giving you the shape and color you desire.

If your teeth are out of alignment we can move them into a more pleasing position through orthodontics.   Today using clear trays we can accomplish this treatment without others knowing you are actually undergoing it.  No longer do you need to show metal wires and brackets when you smile. 

Your smile is a reflection of your overall health.  At the dental practice of Dr. Glenn Reit we have been doing these procedures for decades.  In fact we have gone through all the iterations of these procedures as they have been released. 

We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets in Yorkville.  The 4,5,6 and Q subway lines are one block away.

So call today 212 517 9000

You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Missing a tooth?

This used to be the tagline for the Gap stores but it could pertain to your mouth if you are missing a tooth.  They say only a dentist loves a tooth but most people are happy to have teeth especially if they enjoy eating.  Hard to chew many types of food without teeth but patients have told me they can eat a well done steak without any teeth – not a pretty sight to be sure.

No one loses all their teeth at once unless involved in a traumatic accident.  People lose teeth one at a time generally due to support issues where their gums become infected and over time the patient loses bone which holds the tooth in their jaw.

Since teeth are generally lost one at a time what is one to do if they lose a tooth?  The most logical step would be to go to see a dentist to discover the cause of the loss and then to treat the underlying causes to prevent the situation from progressing or happening again.

But what are my options if I have a missing tooth?  The first question to answer is do you miss that tooth?. If not you’re done you just go without the tooth.  However, if you miss the tooth for cosmetic or functional reasons you have choices.

You could place an implant which is a small piece of titanium which is in the form of a tooth root that is surgically placed within your jaw and a short time later a crown made of porcelain is attached and bingo you have a new cosmetic looking and functional tooth.

Or you could attach the missing tooth to the two adjacent teeth and have a bridge.  Think of the George Washington Bridge spanning New York to New Jersey.  Your dental bridge will span the space of the missing tooth and presto you have replaced your missing tooth.

The downside to dental bridges is you are involving adjacent teeth which are not part of the problem.  Another alternative is to fabricate a removable prosthesis which will replace the missing tooth and is the most cost effective way to replace the missing tooth.  However this is a plastic tooth so it serves a purpose but is not a great alternative

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located on The Upper East Side in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we always like meeting new people and taking care of their dental needs.  If you are missing a tooth or just need a cleaning give us a call at 212 517 9000.

You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Guardian Dental PPO Insurance? Yes we accept it!

Are they guarding the bank or looking out for you?  At our dental practice if you have Guardian Dental Insurance your exam, x-rays and cleaning are covered at 100% if you have not used your benefits.

Healthy teeth are happy teeth and cleaned teeth are always good.  You lead with your smile and like it or not people make subconscious determinations based on your teeth.  At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS we care about you and your teeth.

In addition we value your time.  If your appointment is at 1pm You will be seen at 1PM.  No waiting room here.  In general people know what’s going on in their mouths. If all you need is an exam and cleaning let Guardian pay. You’re paying them so let them pay for you.

So don’t delay call today at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Do You Have CIGNA Dental Insurance?

Do you have Cigna Dental Insurance?  At the dental practice of Dr. Glenn Reit DDS at 1498 Third Avenue located between 84th and 85th streets here in Manhattan we accept your Cigna Dental Insurance for payment of dental services rendered to you.  At our practice your exam, x-rays and cleaning are covered at 100% meaning you have NO out of pocket payment as long as you have not used your benefits.

Dr Glenn Reit has decades of experience in providing dental services to patients of all ages.  If all you need is a cleaning we’re happy to provide it.  If your situation is slightly more challenging we will work with you to resolve your situation. Nobody likes going to the dentist so we will strive to make your appointment what we would want when going to the dentist.

We see patients on time all the time which is another plus.  Your time is valuable and we respect that.  Most people have a good idea of what’s going on in their mouths so there generally are no surprises when coming to see us.

We will always give you alternatives, price points and time commitments to complete any needed or optional dental treatments.  We also have Saturday hours so you will not have to take time off from work.

If it’s been awhile since you’ve seen the dentist and believe you should schedule a cleaning and check-up what are you waiting for?  With your active Guardian Dental Insurance it’s a no brainer.  You’re out of cost payment for preventive services are zero dollars.  Someone is paying for your Cigna policy and Cigna says their best patient is the one who pays and doesn’t use their dental insurance benefits.

Call today at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you did

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Your Healthy Mouth Contributes Towards A Healthy Body

Do you realize that your mouth and teeth are connected to the rest of you? Your mouth is a direct access point into your inner body. Healthy teeth and gums are important in maintaining a healthy mouth. A healthy body is now more important than ever. If your gums are bleeding the bacteria in your mouth have a direct highway into your body and can cause havoc. You may not be travelling but harmful bacteria are always on the move and love warm, dark places with little oxygen and plenty of food. Dental problems never go away, they just get bigger. Prevention is always preferable to restoration especially since going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list of things to do. So, if you have not been in for your cleaning and check up now would be a very good time. Your mouth and body will thank you and getting out and about is always beneficial.

Need a dentist – maybe we are the one.  We are located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  We are always looking to meet new people and take care of their dental needs.  You can reach us at 212 517 9000 to speak with us.  Even if all you are looking for is a dental cleaning – give us a call.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

The War on Teeth Remains

On the HBO show “Game of Thrones,” multiple houses are under attack, and their leaders must shore up foundations for the coming siege. Each house is different from the others, having certain advantages and disadvantages. Using intelligence, cunning, and a plan of action, each leader’s goal is to obtain the throne and be crowned the king or queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Your teeth are also under siege and need to be protected from the coming storm. Daily brushing and flossing will hold back the tide of tooth decay and gum disease. Grinding and clenching at night due to New York City stress also attacks your teeth and can fracture existing restorations. When a tooth fractures due to decay, stress, or a worn-out filling, you may need to be crowned. A crown holds your tooth together just like the chosen one holds the Seven Kingdoms together. Crowns help to prolong the longevity of your tooth by maintaining its structural integrity. Unlike the show, you are already a king or queen, but just as there are multiple houses competing for the throne, there are multiple crowns to choose from. The gold standard is a gold crown. Its advantages are that it is similar to the properties of your tooth and will generally last the longest. However, it’s yellow in color and to most is no longer acceptable. The porcelain-fused metal crown combines the strength of metal with a layer of porcelain to match the shade of your other teeth. Its advantages are strength and aesthetics. Today, many individuals don’t want metal restoration and are looking for more natural alternatives. Since metal allergies are increasing, dental manufacturers have now developed crowns without metal components. These crowns have porcelain on the outside and a ceramic core on the inside. These crowns also have adequate strength and superior aesthetics. Before we undertake the reconstruction of your tooth, we will develop a plan for what works best for you, how long it will take, the costs involved, and allay any of your fears.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit we are here for you and your teeth.  Give us a call at 212 517 9000 you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Dental Insurance?

Who is Taking Advantage of Who?

One must remember that insurance companies are in business to make a profit meaning they have to take in more than they pay out.  They may have many phrases such as; Like a Good Neighbor, You’re in Good Hands, They are on your side but they are there to make a profit.

When they say Medicare Advantage Plans the advantage is with the insurance carrier as many find out.  Recently there were two big hurricanes in Florida.  Guess who’ll by paying on renewals in 2025 – everybody.

In dentistry dental insurance is usually obtained from your employer where you are part of a group.  Since there are generally many employees and many only go to the dentist when they are in pain the insurance company makes money based on the numbers.  If you try to get dental insurance on your own from the insurance marketplace you’re in for a surprise.

Only a person who goes to the dentist without insurance and suddenly finds they need a lot of treatment will proceed to the marketplace.  The insurance companies realize this and when you apply your coverage will be very limited or delayed.  They want you cleaned up on your dime before they will cover anything major.

Dental insurance companies take the attitude that if you brush and floss daily you will probably only need checkups, x rays and cleaning and this they can handle.  Their best customer is one who pays and never visits the dentist.

Since most dental treatment is not life threatening and there are many with no teeth who can still function they believe any substantial dental treatment needed is the patient’s fault and you should pay.  Most dental plans offer limited coverage so substantial treatment will max out your plan quickly.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS here in Yorkville we have been dealing with dental insurance companies for decades.  We know how they work and will be able to get you maximum coverage for your dental needs.

So, even if it’s only cleaning, come on down.  We are always happy to meet new people and take care of their dental needs.  Conveniently located on the Upper East Side at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets on the second floor of a five story brownstone we are here for you.  Give us a call today at 212 517 9000 you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!