The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

What is good, what is bad and what is ugly?  The good is a healthy mouth which gives you a radiant appearance and the ability to enjoy your food.  The bad is being in pain with your teeth and not making an effort to correct the situation.  The ugly is having not caring at all with people looking and smelling odors coming from your mouth and running for the hills.

 At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit, DDS we like correcting the bad and ugly to the good.   No matter what your situation, dentistry has progressed so we are able to offer you multiple paths to the good.

Sometimes, if you have had bad experiences at the dentist you become the ugly because your brain says dentistry, bad.  If this is you we need to break this association and show you that dentistry can be good.

In addition to restoring your teeth we now have the ability to cosmetically improve your smile.  If you have a dental problem we can help you to resolve that.  There are multiple paths for most dental problems.  Here at our office we will advise of your options and the costs involved thereby allowing you to make an intelligent decision.

Once your basic dental health is achieved we also have the ability to modify your smile if you are not happy with what nature has provided.  Through orthodontics with clear aligners, whitening, veneers or bonding we can create the smile of your dreams.

So even if you are in need of just a cleaning or more substantial treatment don’t delay call today.  You’ll 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.

Dental Implants

Implant as in placing.  You implant a seed into the ground and eventually a plant arrives.  We plant an implant into your jaw and eventually a new tooth arrives.  What is a dental implant?  Well, it is a piece of titanium which most people can tolerate that is placed into your jaw to simulate the root of a missing tooth. 

Life happens and sometimes a tooth needs to be removed.  Most people do not want the picket fence look in their mouth.  When a tooth is missing since there is no light inside your mouth from the outside you see a black hole.  For a very long time in dentistry the main way a missing tooth was replaced was by doing substantial work on the adjacent teeth so that the missing tooth could be replaced by attaching it to the adjacent teeth. 

The adjacent teeth generally do not want to participate in this procedure.  They are happy just being left alone.  But sometimes the needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many.  I sense Mr. Spock here.  Today we can place a single crown without disturbing the adjacent teeth.

So, we place a piece of titanium into your jaw after removing the broken or infected tooth and we let it sit there for some time.   After a period of four months the implant has taken up residence in your jaw and is ready to be restored.  At this point we can place a crown which resembles the missing tooth into your mouth and you’re good to go.

Give us a call at the dental practice of Glenn Reit, DDS and we can go more into depth of what is involved in placing and restoring a dental implant.   At our practice we will give you several alternatives to your situation and the costs involved so that you can make an intelligent decision on what is best for you.

We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in the 10028 zip code at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  Even if all you are interested in is a dental cleaning and check up, give us a call at 212 517 9000 and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Happy patients with healthy teeth are the goal of our practice.  So don’t delay call today.  You’ll 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.

Dental Crowns

How many kingdoms do you rule?  If you have many crowns you could be an emperor.  Teeth have a hard life.  Continually they are under pressure from chewing, grinding and clenching.  The outside of your tooth is covered with enamel, a very hard substance that gives strength to your teeth and helps prevent decay.  However, bacteria are tenacious and over time can make a small hole in the enamel and access the inner surface of your tooth.

The inside of your tooth is made up of dentin which is not as strong as enamel.  The decay that attacks your teeth is anaerobic meaning it likes areas without oxygen.  Once inside your tooth there is no oxygen present and it is warm and dark making the bacteria even happier.  If the bacteria take off and eat too much of your tooth you may need a crown to preserve the tooth in your head.

A crown is like a girdle.  It holds your tooth together.   Crowns are made of different materials.  A metal crown is quite strong but not too attractive.  The best crown is made of gold which has the same expansion and contraction as your own teeth.  A gold crown can have a very thin margin and have the best fit on your tooth.  However, the gold color may not be acceptable for most patients esthetically.

Today we have tooth colored crowns which will match the color of your own teeth.  Most patients prefer this type of restoration.  There are several types of porcelain crowns we can use based on the condition of your tooth.

A crown after being placed may not make you a queen or king for life but it will save your tooth. 

If you are in need of dental services give us a call at 212 517 9000.  At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit, DDS we are always looking to help people preserve their teeth.   We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue on the Upper East Side between 84th and 85th streets directly across from our very own Mickey Dees.  The 4, 5, 6 and Q subway lines are one block away and of course there are multiple bus lines in the area.

If you are experiencing tooth problems don’t delay call us today.  You’ll 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.

When your teeth come a knocking you won’t be rock in

Nobody wants the dreaded toothache but things happen. If you find yourself with an aching tooth you need to see someone. Getting you out of pain is one of our goals.

Most time pain occurs by not visiting the dentist on a regular basis. If you go to the dentist only when you are in pain this creates a negative cycle. If you are in pain we can help to relieve the situation and then move you in the right direction.

What causes dental pain; trauma from an accident or biting on a very hard substance or dental decay that has progressed into the nerve of your tooth.   Both decay and trauma can injure your tooth’s nerve.  Once injured the body is unable to repair the damage without intervention by a dental professional.

For you the patient the details may not be important rather get me out of pain.  Once comforted we can instruct you on how to keep your mouth and teeth healthy.

If you have just moved into the area or have resided on the Upper East Side for some time and are in need of a dentist we are here for you.  We have been doing dentistry for decades and have seen it all.

Your situation may be unique but your pain is universal.

So, if you need a dentist we are here for you. Located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th street directly across from our own Upper East Side McDonalds is where you’ll find us.  Conveniently located adjacent to the 4,5,6 and Q subway lines and the Third and Second Avenue bus lines.

So don’t delay, call today 212 517 9000 you’ll 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.

How To Make Brushing Your Teeth A Habit

For most people to establish a habit you have to perceive you will get some benefit from doing it.  Having healthy teeth which look and feel great is something most people would like to strive for.  If your mouth is in dire straits, first you need to remedy the situation.  Maybe you need some fillings.  Maybe you just need your teeth cleaned.  Maybe there are more serious problems that need to be addressed.

One of the advantages in getting your mouth in shape is after you have accomplished the task you will want to maintain it.  Someone who wants to lose weight and makes the effort to do so is not too quick to start overeating to gain back the weight.  If you pay off all your credit card debts you may think twice before making that purchase.

To establish a habit it is best to do it at the same time each day.  Your mind and body gets used to the routine.  A healthy and clean mouth is a happy mouth.  You should be trying to clean your mouth twice per day.  The most important times are when you wake up and before you go to sleep.

Think about it.  When you are sleeping bacteria have a grand time in your mouth.  They are looking for areas that are warm, dark with food present.  If you do not clean your teeth before you go to bed the food remains and the bacteria party leading to decay and dental treatment.

So before you jump into bed go to your bathroom, take out your toothbrush, put on some toothpaste and brush away.  Your mouth will feel cleaner.   Realize your toothbrush only gets the top, front and back of your tooth.  There are areas to clean in between your teeth.  This is where dental floss comes in since by flossing you can get in between your teeth and remove any food or bacteria still present.  I know flossing can be a pain but practice makes perfect and you’ll be surprised how quick you can get it down.  One of the benefits of flossing is that if you can do it for a week you’ll notice the difference when after brushing your teeth you will not feel fully clean until you complete the process by flossing.

No one wants a morning mouth and by brushing and flossing at night you decrease this from happening.  Upon waking any bacterial surge in your mouth from the previous night can be removed by brushing and flossing.

 You lead with your mouth and no one wants to have bad breath, bleeding gums or areas of decay. By regularly brushing and flossing you will keep this part of your body healthy and since your mouth is connected to the rest of you; a healthy oral environment helps to promote a healthy body.

 If you are looking for a dentist on the Upper East Side of Manhattan give us a call.  We are located on 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85thstreets in a five story brownstone on the second floor.  We are convenient to the 4 5 6 and Q subway lines and the MTA Bus system.  So if you reside in the 10028, 10128, 10075 or 10021 zip codes we’re in your area.  Give us a call at 212 517 9000.   You’ll 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.

Let's Get You Out of Tooth Pain

Eastside, Westside all around the town.  You could live anywhere in the Big Apple.  10021, 10075, 10028, 10128, 10023 and get a toothache.  And oh when your tooth aches you want relief.  So what can be done to treat an aching tooth?

If you have been reading my blogs you know a toothache can be caused by decay or trauma.  When you come into the office we will listen to what you have to say.  Most people have a pretty good idea of what is going on.  If they’re in pain they have been looking to determine the cause.

We will then examine the area and take some pictures to confirm the diagnosis.  Next we will advise you of the options to resolve the problem and the advantages, disadvantages, risks and alternatives to treatment.  Finally we will clearly explain the procedure and costs involved so you can make an educated decision.  Finally we will treat the situation or refer you to a specialist if that’s what your situation entails.

Nobody wants a toothache but if you experience one, we will be there to take action.  We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan on Third Avenue between 84th and 85th street directly across from our own Upper East Side’s McDonalds.   We pride on treating our patients on time with as little discomfort as possible.

No one really likes going to the dentist including me so we understand where you are coming from.

We have been performing dentistry for decades so we have a good idea of what may be happening in your mouth.  If you are in need of a dentist even if only for a cleaning give us a call at 212 517 9000. 

We will be happy to see and take care of you.

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 a Toothache strikes...

Eastside, Westside all around the town.  You could live anywhere in the Big Apple  10021, 10075, 10028, 10128, 10023 and get a toothache.  And oh when your tooth aches you want relief.  What causes a tooth to ache?  It could be that you fractured your tooth.

How can a tooth fracture?  Look at the ceramic tiles in your bathroom.  You may notice over time they develop cracks.  Your teeth are the same.  Over time due to use your teeth can develop cracks and sometimes one more bite can cause your tooth to break.  Broken teeth generally cause pain and can be sharp to your tongue.   Sometimes the crack occurs due to the pressure of previous dental work performed.  

Many individuals have large restorations or fillings previously placed to restore their teeth to health.  Over time these fillings can act as wedges eventually breaking your tooth.  When the tooth breaks it needs to be repaired to prevent an eventual toothache or an ongoing one.

Other times trauma can cause a toothache.  Biting on that olive or cherry pit or on a piece of bone.

Sometimes the force from your bite can not only break your tooth but injure the nerve inside.  The result is a broken tooth or traumatized nerve requiring dental intervention to relieve the pain.

We have been treating teeth for decades and when pain comes a knock in we’re here to get you back in tip top shape.  So if you’re howling and need relief give us a call.  We’ll get you right in and take care of your situation.

We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets. 

The Q, 4, 5, 6 subway lines have stops one block away from the office.  The M86, M79 and M101, M102, M103 and M15 bus lines also have stops very close to the practice.  Of course Uber and Taxi service will bring you right to our door.

We always run on time and will see you at the time of your appointment.  We like doing dentistry and meeting fellow New Yorkers.  If you are in need of a check up or have a dental emergency give us a call at 212 517 9000.  You’ll 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.

Do You Have a Tooth Ache?

Eastside, Westside all around the town.  You could live anywhere in the Big Apple.  10021, 10075, 10028, 10128, 10023 and get a toothache.  And oh when your tooth aches you want relief.  What causes a tooth to ache?  It could be that you have a hole in your tooth.  You have a holey tooth but what you feel will only inspire you to seek treatment.

If you do not brush or floss your teeth the outside of your tooth made of enamel can be compromised.  As food in your mouth breaks down acids are released.  If not removed these acids can leach and obtain access to the inside of your tooth.

The inside of your tooth is made of dentin which is not as strong as the enamel covering.  Once inside decay looks for areas that are warm, dark and have a continual source of food.  Your mouth is warm, dark and food is continually being consumed.

In the initial phase of decay you may not feel anything.  Over time you may become sensitive to cold.  If left untreated the decay will finally reach the nerve and then the infamous tooth ache will arrive.

We have been treating teeth for decades and when pain comes a knock in we’re here to get you back in tip top shape.  So if you’re howling and need relief give us a call.  We’ll get you right in and take care of your situation.

Over the next couple of blogs we will discuss other dental pain situations that can occur.  We are conveniently located in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.

The Q, 4, 5, 6 subway lines have stops one block away from the office.  The M86, M79 and M101, M102, M103 and M15 bus lines also have stops very close to the practice.  Of course Uber and Taxi service will bring you right to our door.

We always run on time and will see you at the time of your appointment.  We like doing dentistry and meeting fellow New Yorkers.  If you are in need of a check up or have a dental emergency give us a call at 212 517 9000.  You’ll 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.

When You’re Smiling the Whole World is Smiling At You

Most people realize you lead with your smile.  If your smile is pleasing you’ll be smiling.  If your smile is not quite up to par you’ll be smiling with your lips closed.  A well known cosmetic dentist I know in LA who has upgraded the smiles of many celebrities and does good work was showing me pictures of the famous he has transformed.  The funny part was no one was showing their teeth in the pictures.

But, seriously in a youth conscious and competitive world everyone is looking for an edge.  Having a great smile builds self confidence and believing in yourself is essential to long term success.  Today in dentistry we are able to manipulate what nature has given you to achieve a more pleasing appearance.

Crooked teeth can be moved into a more pleasing and functional position.  Stained teeth can be corrected to a more enlightened appearance.  Spaces and gaps can be closed.  Sometimes all a person needs is a good cleaning and maybe some teeth whitening.  Other times clear aligners can be used to move teeth into a better and more pleasing alignment.  Some people like to look like David Letterman’s teeth while others do not. Breakage and wear of your teeth can be rehabilitated through cosmetic bonding of a material which matches the shade of your teeth.

Here at the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we are happy to meet with you and discuss any cosmetic concerns you may have about your teeth.  In addition we are able to afford you most traditional dental services.  We will present you alternatives and price points for any services we provide before you begin treatment so you can make an educated decision on what to do.

Here’s a thought. At our practice we run on time. Meaning if you have a 1PM appointment you will be seen at 1PM. We pride ourselves on running on time all the time. So if you are in need of a dentist on the Upper East Side of Manhattan we are located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets directly across from our very own Upper East Side McDonalds. We’d love to see you soon.

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 Invisalign Can Resolve Crooked Teeth

There was a crooked man who had crooked teeth who walked a crooked mile to find some food to eat. Now most people are not crooked and do not want crooked teeth but they also do not want a metal mouth look.  So the dilemma is I want straight teeth but do not want to appear as JAWS in the James Bond movies.

There’s good news for you.  We can un-crook your teeth without anyone being the wiser.   How is this possible you ask; since I’ve seen people with the metal wires in their mouths?  Well, today there is clear aligner therapy where clear sequential plastic trays are placed in your mouth to move your teeth into a more pleasing appearance.

Crooked teeth may not be to your liking but in addition to being less than ideal esthetically they can also lead to gum disease and tooth fracture.  When your teeth are out of alignment it is harder to keep them clean due to the overlapping.  This can then lead to gum disease which can take a toll on the rest of your body.  Teeth out of position do not come together correctly leaving a greater chance of fracture or breaking requiring more dental treatment.

We believe patients should brush their teeth twice per day and floss once per day.   With traditional wire braces permanently attached to your teeth you are unable to floss daily.  With clear aligners you remove them when you eat and when you clean your teeth.

All of our patients have adapted to the clear retainers without any issues.  We take orthodontic models when we begin treatment since we find patients are amazed with the result at the end of treatment.  They see their new un-crooked teeth and find it hard to believe their teeth were previously so crooked.

A bonus we have found is that most of our aligner patients actually lose weight during treatment.  No one has ever complained at the end of treatment that now they are more svelte.

Time flies by and patients are amazed how quickly the time flies by and suddenly their treatment is completed.  So if crookedness is not in your vernacular come on in and we will set you on the straight path as far as your teeth are concerned.

We’re not far from you.  Conveniently located on the Upper East Side in the 10028 zip code of Manhattan in the area of Yorktown and even if you live in the 10021, 10075 or 10128 come on down we’re also close to you.  The 4,5,6, Q and third avenue bus lines come to us.  So step lively and watch the closing doors and I and your teeth will thank you.

Even if you only need a cleaning and check up – we’re here for you.

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 Fill or Not to Fill and With What Material

One of the sad parts of life is that your teeth can decay.  Tooth decay occurs when a person does not clean their teeth on a regular basis.  The tooth decay happens when a small hole occurs on any surface of a tooth.  The outside of your teeth are made of enamel which is a very hard substance.  The inside of your teeth are composed of dentin which is not as hard.  On the surface of your teeth there are grooves which if not kept clean can develop into a hole or cavity which leads to tooth decay.

All the bacteria in your mouth are anaerobic meaning they live without oxygen.  For decay to occur when you eat you leave residue of food on your teeth.  If not removed the remaining food breaks down and becomes acidic which attacks the surface of your teeth.  The bacteria in the decomposing food prefer warm, dark places without oxygen.  Your mouth is warm at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit and dark when you close your mouth and when the decay gets into your tooth there is no oxygen present.   

Once the decay is within your tooth even with brushing and flossing you cannot remove it.  The decay continues to expand and if left alone will eventually lead to a root canal of the tooth where the nerve of the tooth needs to be removed for you to retain your tooth.

Before that occurs, regular visits to the dentist can confirm visually or through x rays if any of your teeth is developing a cavity.  Once a cavity due to decay is observed it needs to be repaired with a filling.  Today there are several types of fillings we can place into your tooth to restore it to function.

The best material is gold.  However, gold is yellow in color so in today’s cosmetic culture for most individuals this is not an option.  Why is gold the best?   It wears the same amount as enamel which covers the surface of your teeth.  It also expands and contracts the same as enamel to hot and cold.

Gold can also form a very tight seal to your tooth and is strong since it is a metal.

A metal alternative to gold is silver.  Silver is strong and over time chemically bonds to your tooth; meaning an old silver filling is actually better than a new silver filling.  Once again the drawback to silver is that you can see it.  Gold fillings can last a life time while silver fillings can last decades.

We now have the ability to place a tooth colored or white filling into your tooth.  A white filling is made of composite.  Its advantage is you will not see it.  Its disadvantage is that it is not as strong as a metal filling but for most patients metal is no longer acceptable.

If a filling grows in size by not being addressed in a reasonable time a lab processed filling can be made.

These types of fillings are available in gold and tooth colored materials.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in the area of Yorkville we like meeting new people and to help them have a healthy, happy mouth.  We can tell you if you have any developing problems with your teeth and give options to restore these areas to health.

We have Saturday and evening appointments available to fit your busy schedule.  We participate with the major dental insurance companies.  Before any treatment we will tell you your options and the costs involved.

We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets and within reach of the Q, 4, 5 and 6 subway lines and the third avenue bus.   Even if you know it’s only time for a cleaning, give us a call today.  You’ll 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.

Are You Missing a Missing Tooth?

Life happens and teeth depart.  A failed root canal, an olive or cherry pit, a collision with your head.

Teeth come and sometimes they go.  For some a missing back tooth is not a big deal.  A trip to Disneyland might be more advantageous.  However, if it is a front tooth, it could be a problem.

In the past a missing tooth could be replaced by either connecting it to adjacent teeth like a bridge; think George Washington but this entails damaging the adjacent teeth by grinding them down to stubs for the bridge to work.  Not the greatest!

You could have a removable device called a flipper which you glue into your mouth.  Place in the morning, take out at night and place in a glass of water.  This is the 21st century.  Kind of shabby.

 Fortunately we can now place a replica of your original tooth without damaging the adjacent teeth.    We do this by placing a dental implant.  You may ask; what is a dental implant? Good question.  It is a small piece of titanium placed into your jaw which resembles the actual root of your previous tooth.  Titanium is very biocompatible and will not be rejected by your body.

Once the implant is placed elapsed time 30 minutes it remains there for several months during which time the bone of your jaw attaches to the implant.   An abutment and crown are then placed which restores your missing tooth to its original condition.  The new tooth looks natural and is fully functional.

No one likes going to the dentist and dentistry can be intimidating.  For the past 15 years we have been placing and restoring missing teeth with dental implants at the practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located on third avenue and 84Th street in Yorkville.

If you reside on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in the 10028, 10128, 10075 or 10021 zip codes we are in your neighborhood.  Stop on down and we can tell if you’re a candidate for a dental implant.  Replacing missing teeth can only improve your appearance and make you feel a whole lot better.

If you’re just in need of a cleaning we are still happy to see you.  Our practice participates with most PPO dental insurance carriers.  Give us a call and we can scope out your benefits before you come in.

A beautiful and healthy smile gives confidence and leads to longevity.

Give us a call today.  

You'll 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.

Your Little Friend – Maybe?

Everyone has to eat if you’re to survive.  For the food to be of value it must be broken down into its component parts in order for your body to inherit the nutrients within.  Digestion begins in your mouth as the food enters.  Your teeth through chewing reduce the bulk of the food into sizes that your body can more easily handle.

The food you ingest also contains bacteria and some organisms which are not conducive to your health. Bacteria thrive in areas that are dark, warm and without air.  This describes your mouth precisely.  It is warm close to 100 degrees; it is dark when you close your mouth and there are areas around the necks of your teeth if the food gets into where there is little oxygen present.

Brushing and flossing help to clear out any remaining pieces of food after eating.  If you do not clean out this detritus then bacterial colonies will form and grow eventually leading to gum disease.  So now you have an unwarranted city of little friends setting up residence within your mouth.

Not too shabby or maybe it is.  Gum disease takes a long time to hurt and that is why people can get it and live with it.  If you do not want that city developing within your mouth then you need to brush and floss your teeth twice per day.   Proper brushing and flossing will remove the remnants of your meals.

If you are experiencing bad breath, if your gums are bleeding when brushing or flossing, if the roots of your teeth are becoming sensitive and your gums look swollen and red; you may be in the process of building a bacterial colony within your mouth.

Your blood system or circulatory system carries things throughout your body.  It is your internal river system.  So, if you start to increase the supply of bacteria in your mouth some of them will soon decide to move elsewhere causing more mayhem.  Bacteria of your mouth can lead to inflammation of your circulatory system and possibly inflammation of your heart.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit located on the Upper East Side of New York City in the area of Yorkville we like to meet new people and help them in maintaining the health of their teeth and gums.

Come on in and we will look at what is or is not going on in your mouth.  We can evaluate your home hygiene routine and check to make sure all is well.

If we find anything we will help you correct the situation and give you options and the costs involved before proceeding with any treatment. We have evening and Saturday hours to fit with your busy schedule. We participate with most major dental insurance carriers and in many cases the cost for exams, x-rays and cleaning are covered at 100%.  We can check your insurance benefits before you arrive and tell you exactly what to expect.

 As it is often said Happy Mouth, Happy Life and let’s make sure that you choose who your little friends might be.

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 Wisdom of Wisdom Teeth

Well they are not actually wisdom teeth but third molars.  Why do we have third molars? Evolutionarily they were there to give us an additional tooth at 15 years of age to aid in chewing due to the wear and tear on our other teeth.  Back then the food supply was a lot grittier containing dirt, sand and rocks.  After all, it was the caveman age.

Today our food is much less coarse and our teeth generally last longer.  The problem is for many individuals there is not enough room in their mouth for the third molars to come in.  This could be caused by genetics like dad is six feet tall and mom is four feet.  The combo can produce big teeth in a small jaw or vice versa.

Back in the day dentists would tell patients to keep their wisdom teeth because later in life they might be needed to support dental restorations.  Today with the advent of dental implants this is not necessary.

Third molars generally cause problems.  They are so far back in your mouth it is hard to keep them clean which can lead to decay or gum disease. Sometimes they only partially come in leading to more problems where an infection can develop between the partially exposed tooth and your jaw.

If an individual is on blood thinners and needs to have the wisdom tooth removed their cardiologist will generally refuse to take them off their medication. The extraction could cause real problems as the area will not stop bleeding after the procedure.

The morale here is that wisdom teeth in the vast majority of cases should be removed when you are around 16 years of age.   At this point your skeleton is still forming and not fully hardened.  Also the wisdom teeth have not developed legs or roots and are therefore smaller in size.

If the extractions are difficult it is easier to take a few days off when you are still in high school.  Leaving the wisdom teeth in can cause major problems if as they grow they decide to reside next to your mandibular nerve in your lower jaw or go into your upper sinus.

If you feel a little pressure in the back of your mouth or your bite suddenly appears to be off, or there is a rotten smell in the back of your mouth come on in and we’ll tell you if your pesky wisdom teeth are about to cause you problems.

Here at the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit in Yorkville on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in the 10028 zip code we are always happy to meet with new patients and inform you what is going on in your mouth.   Give us a call today at 212 517 9000. You’ll be glad you did.

It's Not About Vanity

You lead with your smile.  Rightly or wrongly people make judgments about you based on your appearance.  When your teeth and smile look great they disappear and you just appear healthy.  When something is wrong either consciously or subconsciously this has an effect on the person you are interacting with.

It is a competitive world and most individuals care about their appearance.  If your smile looks good there is a strong chance that your mouth is healthy.  A healthy mouth helps to contribute to a healthy body.  Ongoing dental decay and inflamed gums can be painful but also allow toxins to travel through your body by using your circulatory system.

Most individuals do not like going to the dentist but everyone is happy with a healthy mouth.  Sometimes people avoid going to the dentist due to traumatic experiences earlier in their life.  This creates a relentless cycle.  The person does not go to the dentist due to previous trauma and thereby lets minor problems turn into serious ones.

When the pain finally comes they are forced to go to the dentist and they are terrified.  Tooth pain can be debilitating.  If this is you we want to break this cycle before it can reoccur.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit we are here to meet with you and tell you what is going on.

If nothing is going on great.  Maybe all you need is a cleaning.  If something is brewing although ignorance may be bliss eventually it will put the bite on you.

Give us a call today at 212 517 9000. We always like to meet new people.  Open Saturdays and evenings accommodating your busy schedule.  We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville on Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets. 

CALL NOW your teeth will thank you!

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.

Teeth Restoration in Upper East Side

You have a hole in your tooth

What will you do, what will you do?

Obviously you will want to get it filled with something.   Think of a pothole on the street.  If the pothole is not fixed and traffic continues to go over it, the hole will just get bigger.  But, if the hole is filled in then traffic will continue to move on without causing additional destruction.

This is the same situation in your mouth.  If you get a hole in your tooth and continue to eat which most of us need to do to survive, then the hole if unfixed will get bigger.  The bigger it gets the more it will cost to fix and the greater the chance of experiencing pain and nobody wants tooth pain.

Here at the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville, conveniently situated within 10028 zip code and in walking distance of 10128, 10075 and 10021 we have been fixing holes for decades.  That is holes in teeth not on the street.  We will take a look and confirm what you see is real.  Then we will give you alternatives to restore your tooth to health.

You may want to get a hole in one on the golf course but you do not want to have a hole in your tooth.  Call us today to make your tooth whole again and make that hole go away.

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.

Fun Floss Facts Worth Knowing

Floss is strong. You’d be hard pressed to break it with just your hands.  Waxed floss is easier to use since it remains in a single strand.  Unwaxed can fray apart.  Flossing can be frustrating since you need to coordinate your fingers with the floss.  If you have a small mouth and big fingers, flossing is more challenging.  Flossing is good for your teeth and good for your gums.  Hard to get a tooth brush between your teeth – it just won’t fit.

If you have braces or a fixed wire in your mouth after orthodontic treatment flossing will be problematic.  For those individuals two to three in office cleanings per year are required to keep your gums healthy.

Here at the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located conveniently on the Upper East Side in good old Yorktown we are flossing fanatics.   We can teach you how to floss and thereby how to keep your gums healthy and decrease the incidence of cavities in your teeth.  Happy mouth equals a happy life.Fun

We are easy to find.  Head up Third Avenue to 84th street.  You’ll see our Upper East Side McDonalds.

We’re right across the street at 1498 Third Avenue in the heart of the 10028-zip code.  New Yorker’s generally do not like to travel far but if you’re living in the 10128, 10075 or 10021 zip codes you’re our neighbors also.

The new Q subway line and the 4, 5, 6 lines have stations one block away.  Third avenue bus stop is also one block away and you can always walk right up to our door.  We look forward to meeting you and taking care of all your dental needs.

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.

Is Your Smile Camera Ready?

In the industry we like to say are you camera ready before the actor comes onto the set.  Generally this entails that make up and costume details are completed and of course the actor needs to be emotionally ready to go.  In real life when going out in public everyone wants to be camera ready.  You want to look your best and since your body is covered with clothes your real asset is your face.  One main component of your visage is your teeth.

When your teeth look good you look better.  Good looking teeth generally belie a healthy body.  In fact if your teeth are good most people do not actually concentrate on them.  Good looking teeth just look natural and give a radiant appearance.

However life happens and over time your teeth can appear dated.  Since you lead with your smile this can be a concern.  Do you notice that when pictures are taken you never give a big smile?  Is one of your hands covering your mouth when photos are taken?  These are signs that you may not be happy with your smile. 

For some there just comes a point when enough is enough and you want a smile rehab.

Here at the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we can help you achieve the smile you are looking for.

There is no perfect smile but just what you desire your smile to look like.  Having practiced in Los Angeles for twenty three years, the capital of good smiles we have seen the transformation when a so so smile becomes a beautiful smile.

Even if you only want to clean your teeth or possibly whiten them give us a call today at 212 517 9000 and come on up to Yorkville on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and we will be happy to meet with you and transform your look.  We are conveniently located adjacent to the 4 5 6 and Q subway lines.

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.

Fillings, Fillings, Fillings

You have a cavity and you need to restore your tooth to health.  What are your alternatives?

Your teeth are pretty tough.   Their outside is covered with a layer of enamel which is so hard that we need industrial diamonds on a high speed turbine to cut through it.  Think of a jet engine with a diamond attached to it and spinning around and that is what is needed to get into your tooth.

Bacteria are tenacious and they thrive in a dark, warm environment without air and a source of food.

Your mouth is dark and under the gums and between your teeth there is little air present.  Since you eat there is plenty of food and it is quite warm, approximately 100 degrees.

The bacteria look for little defects within your teeth to deposit themselves and then drill into the interior of your tooth.  Once inside you are unable to remove them with a toothbrush or floss.  At this point you need a dentist to get inside of your tooth and remove the decay.

Once removed the hole created needs to be filled.  There are several options.  The gold standard is gold.  Gold has the same expansion and contraction as your tooth and wears evenly with the opposing tooth.  However, today most people will not tolerate gold due to its yellow color.  On the other hand gold fillings last longer than any other procedure we can perform on you.

Back in the day when there was only gold or silver if you were in the limo you were choosing gold but if you were in the bus or subway then silver was for you.   The advantage of silver is it is also a metal and very strong.  Most people who have silver fillings have had them for decades.  The fillings rarely ever break but after decades the teeth holding them usually break.  At that point a crown is necessary.  Once again most people will not tolerate silver due to the silver color.

Today we now have white fillings made of a composite plastic type material.  The advantage is that after being placed no one will know that you have a filling.  The down side is since the filling is made of plastic it is not as strong as gold or silver but esthetically there is no comparison.  As time goes on this will be the standard of care since dental schools are no longer teaching dental students how to do gold or silver fillings.

If your filling is large and you want a white filling then as an alternative we can have a white lab processed filling.  This is made of porcelain and is stronger than a white composite filling but takes two appointments to fabricate and is more expensive.  The filling will also be invisible when you smile.

Sometimes there is no cavity but just a discoloration of your tooth.  If whitening cannot correct the situation then we can make a cosmetic veneer to cover the discoloration.  Since this is a cosmetic procedure your dental insurance will not cover it.  However the final result achieved can be dramatic making your smile much more attractive.

Here at the Dental Practice of Glenn Reit DDS conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan we have the ability to restore your teeth with the material of your choice.  If you find yourself in Yorkville or the adjoining zip codes of 10028, 10128, 10075 or 10021 come on down we will be happy to meet with you.   We are conveniently located within a three minute walk from the 4, 5, 6 and Q subway lines.

If you experience an emergency, as in breaking a tooth, give us a call at 212 517 9000 and we will see you and treat your emergency.  We have evening and Saturday hours available.  At our practice, making you smile again is our goal.

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.

We Can Fix That Gap Between Your Teeth

Most people don’t have gap between their teeth but David Letterman, Madonna, and Dan Blocker of Bonanza do. Today most individuals would rather eliminate space.

So what can be done?  The first choice is braces.

The good news is we can now move your teeth with clear plastic aligners- Invisalign meaning only you will know you are wearing braces.  Cosmetically this is a big improvement from the metal wires and brackets that were traditionally used to close spaces.  Some people want a quicker solution since orthodontics or tooth movements take more time to accomplish.

If this is you sometimes we can close the space with cosmetic bonding.  Here we are adding a composite type of material that matches the color of your teeth.  If the space is somewhat larger a lab processed bonding called a veneer can be placed on your front teeth. For back teeth we are able to make lab processed restorations which either covers or fits into the tooth to close the space.

The advantage of correcting the spaces is it makes it easier for you to clean your teeth and it is better for the health of your gums and bones which support the teeth in your mouth.

Here at the Dental Practice of Glenn Reit DDS located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville’s own zip code of 10028 we are here to service your dental needs.   Call us today at 212 517 9000 to schedule your routine dental exam and cleaning.   We are also here if you have a dental emergency.

So if you need a dentist near me or can travel on the 4,5,6 or Q subway lines we are still in your neighborhood.

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.