Different Type of Dental Specialties

In dentistry there are specialties but all general dentists perform all the procedures of specialists.

Dentistry is somewhat different from medicine.  In medicine Doctors generally deal with one part or treatment of the body.  While in dentistry even though there are specialists most dental treatments are performed by general dentists.  The specialists are for challenging cases.

With proper training general dentists can and do perform treatments of all the specialties.   So what and who are dental specialists.  First they are all general dentists who obtain additional training in one area of dentistry and then limit their practice to only performing specific treatments.

Here they are:  Endodontists who are concerned with root canals

                                Orthodontists who are concerned with movement of teeth

                                Periodontists who are concerned with providing dental treatment to children

                                Periodontists who are concerned with maintaining gum health

                                Oral Surgeons who are concerned with removing teeth

All dentists extract teeth.  This is the final treatment for hopeless teeth.  Today we are able to save teeth which in the past would be extracted.  Difficult extractions, third molar or wisdom tooth extractions and patients who want to be put to sleep for their tooth removal are generally referred to an oral surgeon.

Oral surgeons are also placing implants at this time.

Root canals are mainly done by general dentists.  An advantage to the patient is that the fee charged by a general dentist for a root canal is less than what an endodontist would charge for the same treatment.   Once again it is the degree of difficulty of the tooth involved which determines if the patient should be referred.  In the United States there are not enough endodontists available to perform all the root canals that are needed so general dentists are doing the vast majority of them.

All dentists can and do work on children.  It is a personal decision of the dentist if he or she wants to treat children.  Treating children requires a different mindset and the staff needs to be trained to handle the unique needs of working on adolescents.

Gum surgery and implant placement which is what periodontists perform can and are being performed by general dentists.  It comes down to the training and confidence of the general dentist to perform these treatments.

Finally in orthodontics general dentists are performing a substantial number of treatments.  With the advent of clear aligners such as Invisalign tooth movement is becoming the province of general dentists.  Again it is the parameters and the difficulty of the case that determines if an orthodontic referral is necessary.

In dentistry the general dentist as the name implies is the General.  The specialists are the subcontractors who the general dentist engages if he deems their services are needed.   The average patient generally first goes to their dentist for an evaluation before ever seeing a specialist.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we are always happy to meet with new patients and to diagnose their condition.   We like people and we like taking care of you and your teeth.  If you think you need to see a dentist give us a call today at 212 517 9000.

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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!

Gum Health and Diet

Riot Riot; What is in your Diet?

The adage you are what you eat is TRUE.

Eat it today wear it tomorrow is also accurate.

To maintain health you should limit the amount of carbohydrates and sugar you consume.  Yes, you do need carbohydrates and in reality all foods eaten are converted into sugars your body needs to function.

But too much bread, pasta, potatoes, cakes, cookies, candies and sodas will multiply your daily calorie consumption and lead to increased levels of body fat.

As for your teeth sugary foods are broken down into acids which can and will attack the enamel of your teeth.  Cavities or decay in teeth are formed by these acids breaking through the enamel layer which surrounds your teeth.  Once through this layer the major part of your tooth is made of dentin which is a lot more susceptible to decay.  In addition once inside your tooth you are no longer able to keep the area clean, so the decay grows and leads to problems.

You should be brushing your teeth twice per day, once in the morning upon waking and again in the evening before retiring.   This will help to reduce the bacterial count in your mouth.  Since your teeth are cube shaped you also need to floss at these times.   The floss gets in between your teeth and removes any food build up present.

Your teeth want to be cleaned professionally; a healthy smile will be appreciated by you and those you interact with.  At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we like people and we like helping people to maintain their dental health.

Conveniently located in Yorkville on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in the 10028 zip code at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets – we are easy to get to.  The 4, 5, 6 and Q subway lines are one block from our door.  We are located in a five story brownstone on the second floor directly across from our very own Upper East Side McDonald’s.

If you think you have a problem or just want a dental cleaning 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!

When Your Crown Falls Out... What do you do?

You’ve Lost Your Crown

Your Tooth Kingdom is challenged

What Will You Do?

For many of us at some time in our lives a tooth has deteriorated to a point where a dental filling can no longer be placed.  A more elaborate tooth restoration has been performed.   This is a dental crown sometimes considered a dental cap by the public.   The crown restores your tooth to function but it is cemented onto your tooth.

Life happens and cements do fail and your crown is suddenly off.  Your tooth has lost its head.  It needs to be reattached as soon as possible.  The exposed tooth is not as strong as other teeth since the protective enamel layer has been removed during the tooth preparation for the crown. 

Sometimes a crown comes off due to a new cavity that has formed at the margin of the crown.  If this occurs and the situation is not rectified quickly it can lead to the fabrication of a new crown.

Unencumbered teeth like to migrate like birds.  They like to move towards the front of your mouth.  In addition they like to move up or down depending on if they are on your upper or lower jaws.  This ability for teeth to move is why orthodontics or braces work.

When you crown is no longer attached to your tooth there is now a space both horizontally and vertically for the tooth to begin moving into.  So the quicker the crown is restored the less chance of movement of the opposing and/or adjacent teeth.

So, if your crown is off you need to take action now.  You need to see a dental professional who will evaluate your situation and provide a solution.

If you are in need of this service or just want a check up or dental cleaning give us a call at 212 517 9000. At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit we like people and we like resolving any dental challenges you may be facing.  We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets in Yorkville.  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!

Healthy Diet Healthy Teeth

You Are What You Eat

Eating correctly is good for your body including your teeth.  Teeth are good if you like eating and healthy teeth can only help your outlook on life when looking in the mirror.  The saying you lead with your smile is true.

To have healthy teeth you need to brush and floss daily and biyearly visits to the dentist is a great way to maintain your dental health and make sure nothing negative is happening.   Eating a healthy diet which helps your muscles and bones will also help you develop healthy gums and healthy teeth.   Foods rich in vitamin B such as breads and cereals, and vitamin C found in fruits and vegetables, and zinc and magnesium, and lean beef, fish and poultry are all good for you.

All foods increase the production of saliva which is important since it maintains the proper pH balance in your mouth which in turn keeps your teeth and gums healthy.  Foods high in fiber also encourage saliva production as does occasionally chewing sugarless gum.

The consumption of foods high In sugar content such as sugar laden sodas and coffee drinks can be detrimental to the health of your teeth.  Foods high in sugar are more likely to form acids which can attack your teeth and result in decay.  Limiting the consumption of sugars to mealtimes lessens the amount of time your healthy teeth are exposed.

Making good diet choices and limiting meal sugar consumption can improve the health of your gums and teeth.

If you would like to reassure yourself about the condition of your teeth and gums give us a call at 212 517 9000 to schedule a checkup appointment.  At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we like meeting new people and taking care of their teeth.  We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84thand 85th streets in Yorkville.  Call today 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!

Why You Should Not Avoid Going to the Dentist

Not going to the dentist can bite you.

Your brain due to experience will try to protect you from experiencing pain.  One of the unfortunate consequences of life is that when you are little you have very little say in what happens to you.  One of these circumstances is when going to the dentist you had a painful experience. This will haunt you for a very long time. 

As stated before if you experienced pain from earlier dental procedures your brain will tell you to stay away from the dentist.  This can boomerang.  As time goes by, not going to the dentist can allow a minor problem to become a big problem.  Now you’re in pain and your expectation is you’re going to have more pain.

Today dentistry has progressed where even the dreaded root canal can generally be treated painlessly. The time to come in for a dental checkup is when you are feeling fine.  Then any mysteries can be exposed before they can bite you.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS I realized going to the dentist is vastly different than being the dentist.  It’s a lot different being the patient under treatment.  So, I take it very seriously to ensure you have a pain free experience while in the office.

We will diagnose any situation you may have, give you alternatives to resolve the situation and give you local anesthetics to prevent you from feeling any pain during treatment.  I have taken the time to learn how to give painless dental injections which most patients appreciate.

So if you are in need of dental treatment or just a cleaning give us a call at 212 517 9000 and we’ll be happy to meet with 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!

Healthy Teeth During Pregnancy

Are You Pregnant?

Congratulations; you’re having a baby.  Now you have to consider your health and your baby’s.  The ideal situation is to come into the dentist for a checkup before you become pregnant.   In this way any dental treatments can be done now.   During your pregnancy if a dental emergency happens we can still treat you but it is much better if you only need a dental cleaning at that time.

In fact your MD doctor will recommend dental cleanings during your pregnancy since most women will experience gingival bleeding and inflammation during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.

While you are pregnant the taking of dental x-rays needs to be kept to the absolute minimum so knowing your dental condition before pregnancy and fixing any problems will generally take care of this issue.  Eating a healthy diet is good for you and your developing baby.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we like meeting people and taking care of your dental needs.  We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets right here in Yorktown.   So if you think you have something going on or it’s just been a while since your last cleaning give us a call at 212 571 9000 to schedule.  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 Concerns for Women

Throughout life women are challenged by changes in their hormones which can affect their dental health.  Starting from puberty to menstruation to pregnancy and finally menopause hormonal changes are a factor to be concerned about.

During puberty due to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to gingivitis. Menstruation can lead to gingival inflammation at the beginning of a woman’s period. Oral Contraceptives can lead to inflamed gums and discoloration of the soft tissue in the mouth. Pregnancy can make teeth more susceptible to accumulation of bacterial plaque within the mouth. Menopause can lead to inflamed gums, burning sensation, dry mouth and altered taste. Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become more fragile, less dense, leading to more fractures.

Problems with the temporomandibular joint system or TMJ affects more women than men. This dysfunction of the jaw joint leads to headaches, jaw popping, jaw locking and teeth grinding.

Saliva production generally is reduced during pregnancy.  Saliva is important to lubricate the mouth and keep the bacterial count lower thereby reducing the chance of tooth decay.

Here at the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS we are aware of the special conditions women face during their lives in relation to tooth health.  We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.   We are always looking forward to meeting new people.   If you are in need of dental services please 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!

How a Dental Night Guard Can Benefit You

The Daily Grind

We are not talking coffee here but instead the grinding of your teeth.  Human’s have a biological way to relieve stress.  It’s grinding your teeth – sometimes it's clenching while at other times it's grinding or maybe even both.  Clenching is when you bring your teeth together real hard.  Grinding is when you move your lower jaw back and forth.  Clenching generally does not show wear on your teeth but the muscles around your mouth are sore.  Grinding will show wear patterns on your teeth and may also exhibit sore mouth muscles.

The problem with these maladies is that they put pressure on your jaw joint named the temporomandibular joint or TMJ which is the only three way joint in your body.   All other joints move in one plane.   While your jaw opens and closes, moves forward and backwards and goes side to side.  This is one joint you do not want to have problems with.

So what to do if you’re clenching or grinding?  First you want to determine what is causing you stress.  Then maybe you can relieve the stress through exercise or meditation.  If the problem exists maybe a custom night guard is the solution for you.

Being a resident of the Big Apple and living in New York City you are under stress.  That's big city living.  Most clenching and grinding occurs at night while you are sleeping.  Most individuals know that they’re grinding.  If I ask a patient if you are grinder, if so, they go oh yes.   For some it’s a mystery but upon waking if you open your mouth and the muscles feel sore, like after carrying a heavy bag you’re grinding.

Another way to see if you’re grinding is are your teeth together when you are just sitting at your desk working? Sometimes it is unconscious until you actually notice by looking for it. 

For some standing in a shower under warm water and massaging your jaw muscles and TMJ joint works, for others taking Tylenol or Motrin gives relief.  However, if the problem persists you might be in need of a night guard.  This is a soft piece of acrylic that you wear at night.  You will still grind and clench but this will prevent damage to your teeth and relieve the stress on your TMJ joint.

Unfortunately, this is a band aid treatment to minimize the results of grinding.  Ultimately the best course is to determine what is causing the stress and rectify the situation.

Here at the dental practice of Dr. Glenn Reit on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville we see many patients that are experiencing this situation.  We are here for you and can implement treatments to help alleviate your situation.  Give us a call at 212 517 9000.  We are located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84thand 85th Streets directly across from McDonalds in a five story townhouse on the second floor.  Your teeth will thank 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!

Feel Young with a Youthful Smile

Tick Tock Tick Tock Goes the Clock.
Time waits for no one and as time goes.
We all are aging and changing.

 Sometimes if you are not happy with the personal changes which are happening there are alternatives to rejuvenate an earlier or younger appearance.  Your teeth are constantly being attacked.  Chewing takes a toll.  Foods can be abrasive and corrosive.  The shapes and color of your teeth are a changing.

There are dental materials available today to revitalize your teeth.  We can make them whiter, brighter and restore their shape to as they were.  If your teeth have started to migrate to areas you’d rather they didn’t we can bring them back to a more pleasing appearance.

Tooth whitening, cosmetic bonding and Invisalign are some of the treatments that are now available. 

If you are interested in learning more about what we can do to turn back time; give us a call at 212 517 9000.  At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville we like meeting people and we like keeping you and your teeth healthy.

We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets directly across from our very own McDonald’s restaurant in a five story brownstone on the second floor.  The 4,5,6 and Q subway lines are one block away and of course there is plenty of bus service available.

So if you’re in the 10021, 10075, 10028 or neighborhoods further away come on by; we’re always happy to meet new people, listen to you and give you alternatives to enhance your health and appearance.

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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!

Big Mistakes People Make When Brushing Their Teeth

Routines

A routine is something you do religiously.  Routines become habits.  Some habits are healthy while others like cigarette smoking can be detrimental.  A good routine is to brush your teeth twice a day; once in the morning upon waking followed by another round at night before going to sleep.

All the bacteria in your mouth are anaerobic meaning they like places without oxygen.   The bacteria also like warm, dark places with food available.  Guess what, this is exactly the condition in your mouth.  Ever experience morning mouth?  That’s the condition where upon waking you have a funky taste and smell inside your mouth.  It seems your bacterial colonies are growing which eventually if not removed lead to cavities and gum disease.

So your mission if you decide to accept it is to remove these colonies before they can do any harm.   If you do not your gums and teeth will disavow any responsibility for the damage you've caused.  So, what’s to do?

Upon waking get out your trusty toothbrush preferably with soft bristles and get in there and start cleaning.  Electric toothbrushes are fine if that’s your preference. The goal is to scrub the top, front and backs of all your teeth.  While brushing you are bringing air into your mouth which contains twenty percent oxygen which will help to annihilate the forming bacterial colonies.  In addition you are removing any build of food you have eaten.

Unfortunately,   brushing cannot get in between your teeth.  Here you need dental floss, that fine string which can get in between the teeth.  Once again you are bringing oxygen between your teeth and cleaning the surfaces and slightly below the gum line creating a clean and healthy environment.

Twice a year you should also be coming in to see us, so we can make sure you are succeeding in your cleaning mission.  If not, we will help you get back on track or begin a dental cleaning routine.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS, located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville we are here for you.  Conveniently located for the: 10028, 10075, or 10021 zip codes.   We’re at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets directly across from our very own Mickey Dee’s.

If you need a check up, cleaning or something more substantial give us a call at 212 517 9000 and we’ll be there for you.  We like people and we like teeth.  Call Today 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 Should Check Your Dental Bridge Before You Lose Teeth

London Bridges Falling Down

Here in New York we have the Whitestone, Verrazano Narrows, Brooklyn and on and on bridges.  What happens to those bridges is that over time they fall apart.  Some people also have bridges in their mouths.  Back in the day when someone lost a tooth and needed a replacement a dental bridge was constructed.  This entailed connecting the adjacent teeth to the missing tooth together.  Sort of like when the Beatles sang; All Together Now or maybe not?

The problem with bridges is that the adjacent teeth have to support themselves and the missing teeth.  Over time the supporting teeth can become tired, cracked or decayed.  It is more difficult for a patient to keep a bridge clean vs. cleaning individual teeth.  The patient may not even realize this is happening.  So if you have a bridge it’s a good idea to visit a dentist like us to make sure all is well.

Today, with the advent of implants dental bridges are becoming a thing of the past.  Still viable and sometimes necessary, the advantage of the implant is that the adjacent teeth next to the missing tooth are not involved.

It is also possible to convert a dental bridge into an implant situation if the supporting teeth are in trouble.  Once accomplished keeping the area clean is a whole lot easier.

Need a dentist and you’re located on the Upper East Side of New York City?  Give us a call today at 212 517 9000.  We’re conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  The 4,5,6 and Q subway lines are one block away and there is plenty of bus service on Third Avenue.

Even if you all need a cleaning and checkup we are here for you.  We like people and the teeth connected to them.  No one likes going to the dentist but we will make it a much better experience for you.  Call today 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 Bad Breath or Dry Mouth?

How Dry I Am

Dry mouth leads to bad breath.  Sometimes we just can’t help it.  If you sleep with your mouth open your mouth will dry out and you’ll lead with your breath.  If you have sinus problems and breathe more through your mouth instead of your nose you’ll dry out your mouth.  Sometimes due to medications you need to take you’ll have a dry mouth.

If so there are rinses, sugar free gum and suckers you can take to bring increased moisture into your mouth.  In addition to bad breath, dry mouth leads to an increased incidence of dental decay. If you have a continuous dry mouth syndrome in your life going to the dentist on a regular basis is a necessity.

We can examine your teeth to make sure no cavities are forming.  Sometimes a fluoride treatment or custom fluoride trays can be made for you to help keep your teeth healthy.

Give us a call at 212 517 9000 today.  We will be happy to meet with you and evaluate your situation.  We are located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  We are here if you need us.

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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!

What is BioFilm?

Did you know what BioFilm is and did you realize you probably have it?

Biofilm is a coating of bacteria that likes wet places just like what is happening in your mouth.

If you’ve ever picked up a rock in a stream or river you might have noticed a slimy film on the surface.

This is a form of biofilm which is similar to the film that builds up on your teeth.  If you do not remove this biofilm it can lead to gum disease and cavities.

This accumulation of bacteria begins to form within several hours after brushing your teeth.

Over time it appears as a hard substance that is either brown or yellow in color.  You’ve probably seen it on the backs of your lower anterior teeth.   It can cause dental decay by just sitting there for prolonged periods of time.  It is full of bacteria and acidic in nature leading to breakdown of the enamel layer covering your tooth.  Once through the enamel the bacteria enter the inner dentin of your tooth forming a cavity.

In addition, if the plaque buildup remains for extended periods on the outside of your teeth the acidity leads to gingival irritation and eventually gum disease.  Here your gums will become red and inflamed. Removing biofilm by regularly brushing and flossing is the key to the prevention of cavities and gum disease. 

 At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we can examine your mouth and see if biofilm is accumulating.  If so we will comfortably remove it and check to see if any cavities or gum disease is present and if so give you alternatives to treat it.

We are conveniently located in the Upper East Side in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue which is between 84th and 85th streets.  We like meeting people and we love taking care of you and your teeth.   Whether you are in need of a checkup, cleaning or something more substantial 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!

To Scale or Not

When one hears the word scale what comes to mind is scaling a mountain but in dentistry it’s cleaning a surface generally the surface of a tooth. When you eat food residue remains in your mouth.  When food is broken down it releases sugars. Bacteria need sugar to survive and especially like warm dark places without oxygen.

Guess what?  That’s exactly the situation in your mouth.  It’s dark, warm with limited oxygen.   Therefore to maintain your dental health you need to floss and brush daily.

Think of your teeth as cubes or squares.  When you brush your teeth you are cleaning the top, front and back of the tooth.  However, you are not cleaning in between your teeth.  This is where dental floss that little string comes in.  The floss can get in between your teeth to clean out whatever you have packed in.

If you’re not flossing and brushing you’re leaving food which will eventually lead to cavities and gum disease.  That’s where we come in.  We will be able to help you restore your mouth to a healthy condition painlessly and quickly.

If things are good a simple cleaning which includes scaling where we remove any hard deposits on your teeth followed by a cleaning with toothpaste.  You and your mouth will feel a whole lot better.

 If things are not so good meaning that your gums are inflamed and bleeding a more advanced cleaning will be needed.  In this situation we will get the area anesthetized and then be able to clean the inflamed areas more thoroughly with you remaining in comfort.   Once accomplished, your gums will begin to heal up and your mouth will feel a whole lot fresher.

For most individuals gum disease does not hurt and this allows it to progressively get worse without the patient realizing it.  If left untreated; it will eventually come back to bite you.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville we like people and we also like teeth.  So if you have or even if you don’t have any teeth come on by – we’d like to meet you and resolve any oral problems you may have.

We’re right across from our very own Mickey Dees on Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  So 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!

Gum Disease and Pregnancy

Congratulations; you’re pregnant and your life is going to change for the better.   When you’re pregnant you want to maintain optimum health for you and your developing baby.  One area that needs to be addressed is your oral health.  During pregnancy your hormone levels drastically shift.  This shifting can affect the health of your mouth.   During this time you are much more susceptible to gum disease even if you have never had this problem before.

Concentrated oral hygiene on a daily basis is needed to keep your gums and teeth healthy.  Daily brushing and flossing is a must.  Visiting your dentist for professional cleans will be recommended by your obstetrician to maintain your oral health.

Gingival inflammation during pregnancy has a special name:  Pregnancy Gingivitis where your gums become swollen, red and inflamed.    Bacteria formed within your mouth at this time can actually affect your baby by entering and living inside of the placenta.

We recommend additional cleanings during your pregnancy.  Some insurance plans even allow for additional cleanings during this special time in your life.

If you are pregnant extra precautions are taken. We will first contact your obstetrician for their concerns before beginning any treatment.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we are here for you during this special time.  We can easily be reached at 212 517 9000 located at 1498 Third Avenue on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

We’re excited for you as you progress towards that special day.

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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!

So You Want Straight Teeth and Don’t Want To Wait

In an ideal situation if your teeth are out of alignment you undergo orthodontic treatment to straighten them.  Today in addition to traditional metal braces which most patients will not accept due to esthetics there is clear orthodontic tray therapy.  However, some patients will not tolerate wearing trays while others want immediate results.

For those who will not or cannot wait, teeth can be straightened with the application of porcelain veneers.  Traditionally, veneers were used to improve the color and shape of anterior teeth.  Some individuals due to the ingestion of tetracycline by the mother during pregnancy developed darkly stained teeth which will not whiten.  For those people veneers restored the desired color they want.   Some patients have anterior teeth that are not esthetically pleasing due to the shape of their teeth.  With veneers we can alter the shape and color of non esthetic teeth very quickly.

Some patients do not like the look of their smile due to the misalignment of their teeth.  For these individuals cosmetic veneers can reposition their teeth to be more in alignment.   Veneers are small pieces of porcelain that are bonded onto the front of your teeth.  Consider them somewhat like Lee Press on Nails.

There are two ways veneers are done.  In one scenario the teeth are not modified and the veneers are just bonded onto the existing teeth.  These are called no prep veneer.   The problem is the appearance of the teeth being bulky since no room was created for the veneers which is somewhat like having a thimble on your thumb.

If the teeth are prepped then the veneers appear more natural.   A combination of the two treatments may be necessary to produce a pleasing smile in a patient whose teeth are misaligned.  To help a patient decide if this type of treatment will produce the desired result we have a cosmetic wax up done for the patient by the lab before proceeding.   This allows the patient to make an intelligent decision before beginning treatment.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan we like making people happy and if you are unhappy with your smile we may be able to help you.  Conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets directly across from our very own Mickey Dees we are easy to get to.   The 4,5,6 and Q subway lines are a block away as are multiple bus lines

If you need a cosmetic consult or just want a dental cleaning give us a call today.

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!

Steps for Healthy Teeth

Everyone Wants A Healthy Body and that for most include healthy teeth. Like good editing in a movie you do not want to see the cuts or movements. You want your teeth to just be there and available for chewing and eating. If you don’t notice your teeth then things are generally good. But, life happens and your teeth have to endure a lot.

The best things you can do to promote a healthy mouth is to daily brush and floss your teeth. Most will brush but many do not like to floss. Not flossing is good for my business because in general those who do not floss tend to have more cavities and eventual gum disease and if that’s you, I am here for you to get you and your teeth back to health.

All the bacteria in your mouth are anaerobic meaning they like environments without oxygen. When you brush your teeth you bring air into your mouth and air has 20% oxygen. When you brush if done correctly you clean the top, front and backs of your teeth. However, you cannot get in between the adjacent teeth. For this you need to floss. Yes that annoying little string. When used correctly it brings air in between your teeth which helps to kill the bacteria.

Your mouth is an ideal place for bacteria to grow. There is little air especially if you do not clean your teeth. It is warm around 100 degrees, it is dark when your mouth is closed and of course since you need to eat there is plenty of food around.

So, cleaning your teeth leads to decreased bacterial counts leading to a healthier environment. If you let things go too long gum disease and tooth decay are the outcomes leading to problems.

A healthy diet is also necessary for good health. Bad habits such as cigarette smoking can lead to problems. You lead with your smile and most want to make a first good impression. If you are or are unsure of your mouth situation come on down to the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS where we like teeth and the individuals connected to them.

We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84 th and 85 th streets in Yorkville. The 4,5,6 and Q subway lines are within one block of the practice. Multiple bus lines are found within a block of the practice. So if you are in the 10028, 10128, 10075 or 10021 zip codes you are out neighbors.

Evening and Saturday appointments available so, call today you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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!

Why it’s Critical to Replace Missing Teeth

When you lose a tooth, do you miss it?  For some they do while for others they do not.  Hopefully you are attached to your teeth and they remain attached to you.  But, sometimes things just happen.

You’re in an accident, a large filling fractures and then fractures your tooth, you bite down hard on a piece of bone or an olive or cherry pit and suddenly a tooth departs.  If it is a front tooth you will need to act.  Most people do not want to be a gap tooth person when they smile.  If it’s a back tooth some may ponder do I really need to replace it?

The first and most paramount question is do you miss that tooth?  If so, there are several ways to replace it.  If you don’t miss it here are some of the consequences if a tooth is not replaced.  Think of your teeth as the pylons supporting a pier going out into the ocean.  If some of the pylons collapse eventually the pier will also collapse.

Your back teeth have three roots, your side teeth have two roots and your front teeth have one root.  When you lose a back tooth you lose three roots or three pylons.  However, you lose more.  Without the tooth the opposing tooth is no longer in function.  So instead of three roots you have lost six roots.  One tooth loss is not going to kill your bite but as you lose or remove more teeth the remaining teeth are not strong enough to hold your bite. 

Also when you lose a tooth the supporting bone starts to disappear without the tooth present.  The bone is there when the tooth is.  No tooth leads eventually to no bone giving you that gaunt look.  Might be good for trick or treating on Halloween but probably not anywhere else.

Nobody loses all their teeth at once unless in a terrible accident.  It’s a slow progression like the domino effect.  In addition to losing support when you lose a tooth, the tooth behind it now has the ability to move forward.  Unfortunately, the tooth does not move horizontally but generally begins to tip, like the leaning Tower of Pisa.

When you have fewer teeth in your mouth the remaining teeth are under more pressure causing dental restorations in these teeth to have a better chance of fracturing and needing to be replaced.  Today we have the ability to replace a missing tooth without involving the adjacent teeth.  When replaced the new tooth will look and feel like your original tooth.

If you’re missing a tooth and want to learn what alternatives are available to replace it give us a call at 212 517 9000.  At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue in Yorkville between 84th and 85th streets right here on the Upper East Side of Manhattan – We like people and we like people who like their teeth.

So call today, you  and your teeth will be glad you did

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!

Be Wise About Your Wisdom Teeth

You may be wise like an owl when buying potato chips but are you wise about your wisdom teeth?

Many believe their teeth may have intelligence as in your wisdom teeth but they are really just third molars. Evolutionarily your third molars exist as a replacement for your anterior teeth being worn down. Back in the day the food humans ate was not processed as in rocks, stones, sand and dirt was included in your diet. A person’s teeth wore down more quickly and by the age of nineteen there was the room and need for additional teeth. The arrival of your third molars helped to relieve the situation and provided you with additional aid in mastication of food.

Today many individuals do not have the room for third molars to erupt and need to see an oral surgeon for their removal. If the wisdom tooth is fully encased in your jaw bone generally there is no problem. But, if they are partially exposed in your mouth or are growing diagonally or sideways they need to be removed.

Several decades ago wisdom teeth were retained by dentists as an additional tooth to be used if the individual lost some posterior teeth. The tooth was used as an anchor for a fixed bridge or as an abutment for a removable partial.

Today, with the advent of implants the retention of third molars is no longer necessary. Most individual should have their third molars removed when they are 15 years old meaning the determination of their removal is left up to your parents.

Patients who have undergone orthodontics to straighten their teeth as a child should have had their wisdom teeth removed prior to undergoing orthodontic treatment or definitely right after the completion of the orthodontics.

The advantage of removal at a young age is that the teeth have not yet developed their legs or roots so they are basically marbles and easier to remove. Also the bone of the jaw is more pliable and the patient generally heals much quicker.

The problem of retaining the wisdom teeth into adulthood is at a later age if they need to be removed the patient may have medical complications such as being on a blood thinners. It then becomes trickier to remove the tooth. Also once the person is into adulthood the teeth now have legs or roots and are much larger. Sometimes over time the teeth ankylose or cement to your jaw meaning they have to be cut out.

The good news is after removal of wisdom teeth patients do not report any lose of wisdom.

If you are having problems with your wisdom teeth or you are just in a need of a cleaning give us a call at 212 517 9000 and we’ll be happy to meet and greet. At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit we care about your teeth but more importantly we care about you.

We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84 th and 85 th streets in Yorkville. We are on the second floor of a five story brownstone directly across from our very own Mickey Dees. The Q, 4,5, and 6 subway lines are one block away and the third avenue bus stop is also a block from the practice.

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 want to be Crowned?

Prince Charles did and did.  He now has a crown and is King.  In dentistry we can also crown you.  However, you would rather avoid being crowned for it means your tooth is in trouble.  Sometimes a crown may be too aggressive and instead you need a veneer.  Does the King of England need a veneer, he might look a little better.

So to crown or to veneer that is the question.  Generally when you get a cavity or decay in a tooth due to lack of brushing or flossing the first step is to place a filling.  Think of this as a pothole in the road.  If the pothole is not fixed as cars continually drive over this hole becomes larger.

 In your mouth a hole if not repaired will also get bigger and if left long enough could become painful.

So initially a filling is placed.  If you get another cavity in the same tooth or if the filling breaks then it’s time for your tooth to be crowned.

Think of a crown as a girdle to hold your tooth together.  Today the crowns are made of esthetic materials that will match you adjacent teeth.  Your tooth is now whole and you’re ready for action.  Sometimes on anterior teeth a hole is bigger than a filling but not big enough for a crown.  In this case we can place a veneer to replace the missing or decayed portion of your tooth. 

Veneers can also be used esthetically to enhance the beauty of your smile even if there is no hole in your tooth.  Remember you lead with your smile and a beautiful smile enhances most people’s self esteem.  If you think you need to be crowned or veneered or just in need of a cleaning give us a call.  We’ll be glad to see you.  Even though we repair teeth we are more concerned with the person connected to the tooth.

We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue in Yorkville between 84th and 85th streets in a five story brownstone on the second floor directly across from our own Upper East Side McDonalds.

Easy to get to by; bus, subway or just walking around the block.  So call today 212 517 9000 you and your teeth will be glad  you did.

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