Oral Hygiene Basics

Bacteria can live in your mouth in the form of plaque, causing cavities and gingivitis, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. In order to keep your mouth clean, you must practice good oral hygiene every day. Dr. Lloyd Becker at Maiden Lane Dental is here to help you understand the basics of oral hygiene and establish a proper dental routine.

Good oral hygiene results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy. This means your teeth are free of debris; gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you floss and bad breath is not a constant problem. In between regular visits to our office, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include: brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily, eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks between meals, using dental products that contain fluoride, rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash.                                                              

If you need assistance maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine, give us a call today! To learn about other services offered at Maiden Lane Dental, visit www.maidenlanedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Lloyd Becker in New York, NY, call 212-509-4585.

Video Glasses at Maiden Lane Dental

Video glasses have become a great distraction for the fearful dental patient. Many dentists use sedation and nitrous oxide for helping nervous patients get through their dental appointments, but sometimes a patient cannot give up a whole day to be sedated and some patients don’t want to resort to nitrous oxide. Here at Maiden Lane Dental Care, Dr. Lloyd Becker wants patients to sit back and relax and uses video glasses to distract them from their dental procedure.

With these video glasses, patients can watch an assortment of 2D or 3D video content that may include movies, TV shows, video games, or informational programs given by the dentist -- or the patient can select their own favorites from an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch simply by plugging their own device into the Cinemizer OLED. It can also be easily connected to a PC, Mac, handheld touch device, Blu-ray player or standard DVD player.

If you want to learn more about our video glasses give us a call today! To learn about other services offered at Maiden Lane Dental, visit www.maidenlanedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Lloyd Becker in New York, NY, call 212-509-4585.

VELscope Technology

Oral cancer is often deemed the “forgotten disease” because it kills more people than testicular cancer, cervical cancer, and cancer of the brain each year and receives little publicity in return. Many people believe that if they abstain from tobacco and alcohol use, oral cancer will not affect them, however, sometimes it’s too late. Here at Maiden Lane Dental, Dr. Lloyd Becker utilizes VELscope technology to visualize oral tissue abnormalities, including cancer and pre-cancer.

The VELscope system is an adjunctive device which means it must be used together with and as a supplement to the traditional intra and extraoral head and neck exam. The VELscope handheld device emits a harmless, bright blue light which is used to inspect the mouth and tongue. The device is extremely sensitive to abnormal tissue changes and the distinctive blue-spectrum light causes the soft tissue of the mouth to naturally fluoresce. Healthy tissues fluoresce in distinct patterns that are visibly disrupted by trauma or disease, such as neoplastic lesions, and fungal, viral or bacterial infections.

To learn more about VELscope and other services offered at Maiden Lane Dental, visit www.maidenlanedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Lloyd Becker in New York, NY, call 212-509-4585.

Eliminate Bad Breath

It’s easy to spot bad breath in others but you can never be quite sure about your own. The bad breath odor is usually caused by a group of anaerobic, sulfur-producing bacteria that breed beneath the surface of the tongue and often in the throat and tonsil area. These bacteria occur naturally in your oral environment and are supposed to be there because they assist your digestion by breaking down proteins into amino acids. Here at Maiden Lane Dental, Dr. Lloyd Becker can help you eliminate bad breath by helping you develop a proper oral hygiene routine.

By developing the right habits, you can be effective at preventing bad breath. Some of these habits include, but are not limited to: brush your teeth twice a day, brush or scraping your tongue, floss your teeth, use an antibacterial mouthwash, chew sugar-free gum, quit smoking, and have a dental checkup at least once a year.  If you have persistent bad breath, try keeping a diary of all the foods you eat, and list any medicines you're taking. Take this diary to your Dr. Lloyd Becker – he may be able to suggest ways to solve the problem.

If you are embarrassed by your bad breath, give us a call to discuss your options. To learn more about services offered at Maiden Lane Dental, visit www.maidenlanedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Lloyd Becker in New York, NY, call 212-509-4585.

Metal-free Fillings from Dr. Lloyd Becker

At Maiden Lane Dental, Dr. Lloyd Becker offers metal-free fillings to restore teeth to normal function without taking away the beauty of the patient’s smile. Unlike amalgam fillings, metal-free fillings match the color of the patient’s teeth and contain no mercury, making them a safe and attractive way to achieve optimum oral health.

The majority of patients and dentists prefer these fillings to mercury amalgam fillings, for both their look and function. Not only are metal fillings dark and noticeable, the can also contract with cold and expand with heat to cause cracks that will let bacteria into the tooth and eventually require further dental work down the line. Tooth-colored, composite fillings, on the other hand, both look natural and feel natural. You won’t even be able to tell that you have a filling!

Metal-free fillings are made of a strong resin composite material that the dentist bonds directly to the surface of the tooth, allowing Dr. Becker to increase its durability and stability. At our practice, we strive to keep as much of the natural tooth structure as possible to prevent fracture, and metal-free, composite fillings help us do that.

To achieve the healthy and natural smile you desire in New York, NY, contact our office by calling 212-509-4585. For more information about the practice, please visit www.maidenlanedental.com.   

Wisdom Teeth Extractions in New York, NY

Your third and final molars to emerge are your wisdom teeth, which usually come in when you are between 17 and 25 years old. While many people do not experience problems with these new teeth, many others find that theirs must be removed. If your mouth does not have enough room for these molars to come in, a wisdom tooth extraction is necessary, and at our office in New York, NY, Dr. Lloyd Becker can determine whether a wisdom tooth extraction is the best course of action for you.

Wisdom teeth are usually removed because they become impacted, which means that the tooth does not have enough room to come in straight through the gums and instead emerges at an angle. This can cause pain, damage to the jaw and a more crooked smile. Additionally, the site of impaction can become a bacterial hotspot since impacted wisdom teeth are hard to clean.

Wisdom teeth extractions can range from removing a single tooth to removing all four teeth at once. Dr. Becker will let you know what he thinks is best for you. For the procedure, he will use either a local anesthetic to numb the area or a general anesthetic to sedate you while the teeth are extracted. The tooth will then be accessed through an incision in the gums and wiggled until it is loose enough to be lifted out. If the tooth is too deeply embedded to be removed this way, it will be broken up into pieces before being removed.

Whether you are already feeling pain due to impacted wisdom teeth or have not yet felt them come in, we can determine if your wisdom teeth will cause problems for you. To schedule an appointment at Maiden Lane Dental, call 212-509-4585. For more information, visit www.maidenlanedental.com. 

Why Water is Your Teeth’s Best Friend

If you’re one of those people who don’t drink enough water, then you should know that the clear, tasteless liquid is actually essential for achieving good health. This is because your body is between 60 to 65 percent water, and the liquid is used for a variety of bodily functions. Your body uses water to maintain its temperature, remove waste and lubricate your joints, and staying hydrated helps it function better as a whole. In addition to these benefits, water is also an important player in your oral health. Many dentists even consider water to be teeth’s best friend.

One of the many benefits that drinking water can provide our mouths is that it can help prevent bad breath. In fact, one of the most common causes of bad breath is dehydration. When there is not enough saliva in your mouth, bacteria is provided a suitable environment in which to thrive, and this can cause bad odors. By drinking water, you can cut down on these smelly bacteria. 

However, bacteria in the mouth do more than smell. The bacteria that cause bad breath are also the cause of cavities and gum disease, so drinking water can help keep your mouth healthy in addition to less smelly. Water provides a great way to keep your teeth clean between brushings since it is able to wash away foods and liquids that can damage your teeth. While it is not a replacement for brushing and flossing altogether, drinking water with your meal or afterward can help wash away the acid and particles that erode your enamel and attract bacteria.

Seeing a dentist is also a vital part of a good oral hygiene routine, and in New York, NY, Dr. Lloyd Becker has the skill and experience to provide the care you need for optimal oral health. Call 212-509-4585 to schedule an appointment. For more information about Maiden Lane Dental, visit www.maidenlanedental.com. 

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. 

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.”

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!

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.”

TMJ Treatment with Your Financial District Dentist

TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome), also referred to as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) or MPD (myofascial pain dysfunction), refers to a chronic, degenerative condition of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the skull to the mandible, or jaw.  This painful condition can easily be treated by Dr. Lloyd Becker at Maiden Lane Dental.

Common Symptoms of TMJ:

Clicking is common, but pain in the jaw joint or chewing muscle is the most common indicator.  Earaches, headaches, migraines, hearing loss and neck pain are also common symptoms.

Causes of TMJ:

Repetitive, unconscious clenching or grinding teeth, trauma, malalignment of teeth due to crowns, jaw thrusting, excessive gum chewing or nail biting, lack of an overbite and degenerative joint disease such as osteoarthritis can cause TMJ.  Disorders of the teeth can also contribute to TMJ.  The most common cause is the way the teeth meet together, which may be altered after the wisdom teeth are extracted.

Treatment:

It is best to treat TMJ when it is in early stages.  See Dr. Becker if you are in severe pain or if the pain does not go away.  First, he will determine the optimal position of the jaw by measuring the relaxed position of the head and neck muscles, and then reposition the jaw to achieve exact measurements.  Treatment options include adjusting the bite, orthotics, orthodontics, or restoring the teeth to their correct positions.  The point is to correct the bite and realign the jaw, which relieves the pain associated with TMJ.

Financial District Invisalign

Invisalign is a great choice for adults that would like to straighten their teeth without the “metal-mouth” look of traditional braces.  Invisalign aligners are completely transparent and removable, so they offer the results of orthodontics while offering freedom from treatment when you need it.  Besides this cosmetic advantage, your teeth will be easier to clean. Traditional braces cannot be removed, so food particles can remain lodged between the metal brackets and your tooth enamel, which can be impossible for a toothbrush to reach.  This is the cause of demineralization, which leaves a permanent discoloration on the tooth. Invisalign eliminates this orthodontic risk.  Another advantage of Invisalign not being a fixed appliance is that it permits a diet that is not limited to certain types of food.  Simply remove the aligners at meal time and enjoy. 

The Invisalign process involves computerized treatment planning, which allows you to learn your estimated treatment time.  After receiving you first set of aligners you will return to Dr. Lloyd Becker’s Financial District Dental Office every two weeks for the next aligner in your series.  Traditional braces are adjusted every six to eight weeks with greater force, which causes more pain than Invisalign.  The average treatment time is one year depending on the cases complexity.  Simple treatments such as relapse from childhood braces, minor crowding or spacing may be as short as five months.  Call Dr. Becker today to schedule your Invisalign consultation at Maiden Lane Dental in the Financial District.

Financial District Endodontist

The dental specialty of Endodontics deals with the tissue surrounding the root of the tooth as well as the tooth pulp and requires two to three additional years of training beyond dental school.  The most common Endodontic procedure is a root canal.  The purpose of a root canal is to save a tooth that is badly decayed, broken or infected.  During the procedure, the Endodontist will clean the center chamber, or the root canal of the tooth that contains the infected roots and pulp.  In order for the tooth not to form a painful abscess, all of the decaying tissue must be removed, which will not affect the primary function of the tooth. However, the ability to sense hot and cold with the tooth after a root canal procedure will not be possible.  The tooth is then cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection. 

In recent years the occurrence of tooth decay has significantly diminished due to the availability of fluoride as well as patient awareness.  Even with the better oral hygiene of the last thirty years, teeth are still susceptible to infection and breakage.  Dr. Lloyd Becker at Maiden Lane Dental provides excellent Endodontic services in the Financial District.   

ViziLite Plus, Oral Cancer Detection at your Financial District Dentist

ViziLite Plus is an important device in the fight against oral cancer.

Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases, but early detection is key to survival. ViziLite Plus is a tool used by Dr. Lloyd Becker at Maiden Lane Dental that identifies soft tissue abnormalities with light detection.  These absolutely painless, yearly exams are particularly important for those at increased risk for developing oral cancer.

The American Cancer Society recognizes tobacco (cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff) as the most common causes of oral cancer.  Those who combinetobacco use with heavy drinking are at increased risk.  Extensive exposure to the sun is also recognized as a cause of the disease on the lips.  If you or someone you know develops a lump or sore on the lips, throat or mouth that does not heal, call Maiden Lane Dental for a ViziLite exam. 

In this exam, Dr. Becker will begin by examining your mouth for any surface abnormalities.  Next, he will have you rinse with a solution, before scanning your mouth with ViziLite Plus.  The device will emit a light which will detect abnormalities and mark them with a blue dye.  This important appointment can save your life.

NYC Dentist for Cosmetic Dentistry

It's no surprise that the number one feature people notice most it your smile.  It says a lot about who you are, the level to which you care for yourself, and above all else, the amount of confidence you have.   Our smile is key to expressing our feelings to those around us.  If we walk into a room with a big grin on our face, others are immediately relaxed and happy to hear what’s on our mind.  Alternatively, if we walk into a room keeping our pearly whites hidden, then we become either a source of negative interest or are unnoticed altogether.  So, how do you enter a room?

If you shy away from showing your smile, then you may consider cosmetic dentistry with your NYC dentist.  Cosmetic Dentistry has come a long way in the last twenty years, and is more affordable than you think.  Whether you are interested in teeth whitening, vaneers, natural tooth colored filling, or dental implants, your Financial District dentist, Dr. Lloyd Becker can give you the smile you have always dreamed of at Maiden Lane Dental.

Dental Cleanings with your NYC Financial District Dentist.

One of the best feelings in the world is a fresh-from-the-dentist clean mouth.  Cleanings are general maintenance that we all get to do twice a year to ensure that our teeth will stay in the best possible shape for our future.  In a cleaning, or prophylaxis appointment, you will enjoy a comfortable and thorough examination of your oral health.  This simple, but important procedure is your best ally to guard against cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.  By being proactive with preventative treatment, you can save time and money by catching any oral problems early.  This early-detection can knock-out costly dental procedures like root canals and gum disease treatment, not to mention the the time out of our lives that these dental visits will demand.

Dental Cleanings are quick and easy at Dr. Lloyd Becker's office.  Convieniently located in the Financial District in downtown New York, Maiden Lane Dental offers the most comfortable, spa-like dental services around.  Your cleaning will not only freshen your mouth, but will leave you feeling relaxed rejuvenated to take on the rest of your day.  You will look forward to your sixth month cleaning like never before.