Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Veneers

If you think movie star smiles come from teeth whitening or straightening alone, you’d be wrong.  The real secret to a white, bright, flawless smile is porcelain veneers. At our Lower Manhattan dental practice, we utilize dental veneers to completely change your smile.  The results have added up to some dramatically beautified smiles.  Many of us would love a close-up-ready, celebrity smile, but how can you be sure if porcelain veneers are the right option for you?
 
Determining whether or not veneers are a sensible cosmetic option for you begins with understanding just what they are, which Dr. Lloyd Becker details during your first appointment.  Veneers are a thin ceramic shell that fits over the tooth and creates a new, customized smile surface. Each veneer is custom crafted according to an overall desired smile appearance.  We will take a mold of your teeth and have the veneers created at a third-party dental lab. Dr. Garrison uses this restorative treatment for patients who have significant tooth staining, cracked, gapped, misaligned or chipped teeth.
 
New York residents who visit the cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice are given comprehensive, one-on-one attention in determining which options are best for restoring and improving their smiles-- whether they’re seeking porcelain veneers or another one of Dr. Becker’s services.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Dental Implants

There are many options to fill the space left behind from a missing tooth. Dental implants are the only permanent solution available for replacing missing teeth. Implants are widely considered the modern-day solution to missing teeth as they provide an aesthetically pleasing, permanent answer to a serious problem. We provide dental implant procedures to help our patients restore their smile and fix their bite after implant surgery.
 
When you lose a tooth, it is important to act quickly to fill the space. Apart from the cosmetic issues, patients who have missing teeth will often suffer from compromised chewing efficiency and tooth drifting. The space left behind from a missing tooth causes the other teeth to drift into that space which can lead to misaligned teeth. When teeth become misaligned, they become more difficult to clean, leaving unreachable pockets in the teeth that will collect bacteria. This will almost certainly lead to periodontal issues that will eventually lead to additional tooth loss if left untreated.
 
Receiving a dental implant is a surgical procedure and patients are put under a general anesthetic. A dental surgeon will make an incision into the patients gum line where they will insert the implant. The implant will be secured into the jawbone where it will need to sit for three to six months so the bone can grow around it, this process is called osseointegration. After the surgery, patients will visit us to receive a crown over the implant. This is done so the patient’s teeth do not drift and they can eat normally. Once the implant is secured, Dr. Lloyd Becker will place an abutment on top of the exposed implant that will support a permanent crown.  Dental implants are the only completely permanent solution to missing teeth.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that often goes unnoticed because it has very few signs and symptoms that patients notice. This is why the team at Maiden Lane Dental performs oral cancer screenings during each routine visit here in our New York, NY office.
 
Patients who use tobacco and drink alcohol regularly are at a greatly increased risk for oral cancer. While drinking and tobacco use are most often associated with oral cancer, there is a new demographic developing in the field, oral cancer is now being connected to human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. Oral cancer can appear anywhere in the oral cavity. It is most often found:
  • On the lips
  • On or under the tongue
  • On the roof of the mouth
  • Back of the throat
  • The inside of the cheek
It is very important for everyone to have an oral cancer screening at least once a year, especially those who use tobacco or drink regularly. Dr. Lloyd Becker is able to incorporate oral cancer screenings into regular check-ups and cleanings. During this quick procedure, Dr. Becker will inspect your nose, mouth and throat. He will also examine the skin on the head and neck regions, feeling for lumps in the neck area as well.
 
The ability to detect oral cancer early is a great tool for Dr. Becker. He is able to identify and pinpoint the start of a potential problem much earlier in its evolution thanks to advances in modern technology. Individuals who have regular cleanings at least twice a year, are much more likely to have problems detected early as their oral condition is documented with each visit. 

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

People are Talking: NYC Financial District Dentist

Here's what people are saying about Dr. Becker at Maiden Lane Dental:

“I moved to New York and was worried who was going to take care of my dental work. No more, Dr. Becker is the best dentist I have dealt with. The in room movies are great, and his staff is always a joy to be around. He makes going to the dentist just a little bit less of a thorn in your side.”
“Dr. Becker is by far the best dentist you will ever encounter. He not only knows what he's doing he's also entertaining. You can watch a movie of your choice while he's working on your teeth or listen to his silly jokes. Either way I wouldn't go anywhere else. He has saved my teeth along with families. Choose dr. Becker & enjoy having your teeth worked on.”
“He does a terrific job with kids and adults. He has a wonderful approach and makes the visit really enjoyable.  I would recommend it to anyone that needs a really good dentist.”
“The service I have received at Dr Becker's office was excellent. The Hygienist they are excellent. Dr Becker is one of the best dentist. I have visited other dentist and no comparison yet. Traveling from Long Island to Manhattan is not easy but it worth the trip.”

Monday, August 22, 2011

Custom Mouthguards by a NYC Financial District Dentist

It’s officially back-to-school season, and you know what that means:
Fall Sports!  Many youth sports teams require a mouthguard in order to
participate.  Drug stores and athletic stores sell ill-fitting
versions, but the best protection against oral or facial injury is a
custom-fit athletic guard from Maiden Lane Dental, Dr. Lloyd Becker.

A custom mouth guard offers your child the most comfort, stability and
protection.  Unlike generic mouth guards, the customization allows for
almost no speech or breathing complications.  Because each is
tailored, it is the best defense against chipping, fracturing and
tooth loss.

Store-bought mouthguards are known for ineffectiveness.  Due to being
unstable in the mouth, they tend to slip and fall out during the most
inopportune times, like in the last seconds of a close game.  Plus if
worn incorrectly they can misalign your child’s teeth.   Boil-and-Bite
mouth guards don’t provide the same protection as a custom fit
mouthguard.

Dr. Becker offers mouthguards that are easy to wear and don’t slip
during competition.  Impact is less severe when the teeth are properly
protected.  In fact, custom mouthguards protect against concussions.
Maiden Lane Dental helps give your child the best protection against
injury, while offering the most comfortable fit available.  Because
Dr. Becker’s mouthguards are molded from the dimensions of your
child’s jaw and facial structure, it will protect more than just their
teeth.

Call today to schedule your child’s mouthguard appointment today!

Monday, August 15, 2011

My NYC Dentist is the Best!


There’s nothing better than visiting your Financial District Dentist.  Here’s what a few have said:
“I love absolutely everything about visiting Dr. Lloyd Becker's office.   Nice office, zero waiting time, amazing equipment, and a cherry on the top - special TV glasses that give you ability to watch your favorite movies and   I very much appreciate all terrific personnel, careful, kind and supportive, who really love their job and their patients.  And I am utterly impressed by magic work of Dr. Becker. His charming personality and the highest level of professionalism make all this magic. It was the first time in my live when I enjoyed visiting dentist and I did not feel any discomfort or pain after dental treatment.   I do not see or feel my new fillings. All I can see is beautiful and healthy teeth. And I am absolutely happy.   Thank you, Dr. Becker and your great team!”
"I have been going to Dr. Becker for over 10 years for all of my dental needs. Even when I changed my insurance, I had to be certain that his office accepted my coverage because seeing a different dentist was not an option for me. His work is outstanding and his personality is one you will definitely appreciate. Overall, I STRONGLY recommend Dr. Becker”
Maiden Lane Dental Lloyd Becker DDS
“I’ve been coming here for 2 years after switching over from my past dentist I had been with for over 10 years. They are great and I wouldn’t go anywhere else. They are extremely professional, have the latest technology, and are people you can call your friends when entering and leaving the office. Try them out and I couldn’t see any reason for using another Dental practice.”

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Treat Gum Disease with Your NYC Financial District Dentist



Periodontal disease is infection or inflammation that destroys the supportive tissues of the teeth.  These include the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets.  Gingivitis, or commonly called gum disease, is a form of periodontal disease.
Gum disease is due to plaque deposits that remain on the base of the teeth for prolonged periods of time.  Plaque buildup is a major cause of tooth decay.  If not removed properly, it turns into a hard deposit called tartar.  Tartar can irritate and inflame the gum due to the bacteria and toxins present in the tartar, which cause the gums to become infected, swollen and tender.  Another cause is any sort of injury to the gums.  This includes overly harsh brushing and flossing.  Those more prone to Gingivitis include those with an illness, pregnant women due to hormonal changes, individuals with poor oral hygiene and untreated diabetics.
Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, bright red or purple gum tissue, painful gums, mouth sores, gums that appear swollen or gums that have a shiny appearance.
The goal of treating Gingivitis is to reduce the gum inflammation.  Dr. Becker will thoroughly clean your teeth to loosen and remove tartar deposits from your teeth.  Dr. Becker will then show you how to maximize your brushing and flossing.  Severe cases may require more frequent professional cleanings until inflammation can be controlled with good oral hygiene at home.  Antibacterial mouth wash is also recommended.
Good oral hygiene is, of course, the best prevention against gum disease.  Regular brushing and flossing gently removes plaque that causes gingivitis.  Teeth should be flossed once each day and brushed at least twice a day.  For those that are prone to the disorder, Dr. Becker recommends brushing after every meal. 
Call Maiden Lane Dental Associates if you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, especially if you have not had you routine professional cleaning in the last six months.