Root Canals (Endodontics)

A root canal treatment involves cleaning out the dead or dying nerve inside a tooth as well as any cavity or damage to that tooth. Then sterilizing and completely disinfecting the inside of that tooth so there's no more bacterial infection left. And then filling it back and sealing it properly so it doesn't get reinfected.

Common symptoms that someone may need a root canal include: pain on biting, sensitivity or pain to hot and cold foods or drinks, and sometimes, no sensitivity or symptoms at all. However, the absence of symptoms doesn't mean that you don't need a root canal. It's important to get regular dental check-ups to identify potential issues early.

Teeth that have cracks can often be saved with a root canal treatment, provided the crack isn't too large or extends below the bone supporting the tooth.

There are instances where a tooth is too damaged for a root canal to be effective. This can be due to excessive cavities or cracking, a large infection, or lack of gum and bone support.

The process of a root canal involves testing to confirm the need for treatment, numbing the tooth, cleaning out the bacteria and decay, disinfecting the tooth, smoothing out the tooth's interior, and sealing the tooth using a stable and natural material.

With good oral hygiene, a root canal can last for decades.

Yes, dental crowns are highly recommended after a root canal as they significantly increase the success rate of the treatment.

Local anesthesia is used for root canal treatments, numbing the tooth and a few surrounding teeth.

Root canal procedures are safe and effective in removing harmful infections from the body.

No special preparation is required for a root canal. However, it's recommended that you come well-rested, fed, and hydrated.

Most patients experience no discomfort after a root canal. Some may have mild sensitivity, which can be addressed with over-the-counter pain medication.

After a root canal, the tooth should no longer be sensitive to hot or cold. There may be some discomfort due to inflammation, but this usually subsides with time.

Most patients experience no recovery period after a root canal. Some may have mild discomfort, which can be alleviated with over-the-counter medication.

Root canals are often preferred as they allow you to keep your natural tooth. Dental implants are a great option when a tooth cannot be saved with a root canal.

Dental crowns are recommended after a root canal as they significantly increase the success rate of the treatment and protect the tooth from future damage.

The cost of a root canal treatment varies depending on the type of treatment and the tooth in question. It can range from $1,000 to $2,500.

A root canal is a dental procedure aimed at saving your tooth. This process involves cleaning out all the damaged, infected, dead, and decaying parts of the tooth, especially the nerve that goes all the way down into the roots, into the bone, and connects to the rest of your body. This helps protect, clean out, and maintain your natural teeth in your mouth for a long time.

Signs that a tooth may need a root canal include pain when biting down, discomfort with hot liquids or foods, and severe sensitivity to cold. In some cases, a patient may need a root canal and not experience any symptoms at all.

An endodontist is a specialist dentist who has undergone additional years of specialized training on root canals after attending the same dental schools as a general dentist.

It is not advisable to delay a root canal treatment that's been recommended. Waiting can often lead to a higher risk of complications.

A root canal treatment is not painful as we ensure that the teeth are completely numb before we start the root canal procedure.

Local anesthesia is used during root canal treatments.

The process for a root canal involves confirming the need for a root canal, numbing the tooth, making a small hole in the top of the tooth to clean out the dead or dying nerve, infection, decay, and bacteria. After thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the tooth, we seal it and close off the small hole.

The majority of root canals can be completed in just one visit.

If a crown has been recommended after a root canal, it's crucial to get it done as soon as possible.

The only alternative to getting a root canal done is to extract the tooth.

If the tooth can be saved with a root canal, it is generally better to opt for the root canal treatment.

Gum boils can occur in some patients after a root canal due to the infection trying to find a way out, but this is quite rare.

A root canal infection may occur when bacteria invade the living part of the tooth, which is unable to fight off these bacteria. As a result, the bacteria start to grow and spread, causing the living part of the tooth to die off.

Teeth that have undergone a root canal may be weaker than natural teeth, as the process often involves treating a tooth that has already been cracked or has a large cavity.

If the infection inside the tooth is successfully cleaned out, the bone around the tooth will regrow as there's no infection present.

Coverage for root canals by dental insurance varies from one insurance company to another. Some insurance companies cover it, some don't, while others may cover it for some teeth and not others. Coverage may also vary depending on the doctor and the patient.

A root canal treatment is the process of removing the dead or dying and infected nerve from inside your tooth. When the nerve inside the tooth becomes infected by bacteria due to a big cavity, crack, or any other damage, we want to clean out that dead or dying nerve and completely disinfect the inside of the tooth so that you can keep that tooth in your mouth for a long time.

Common symptoms include pain on biting, discomfort or sensitivity to hot foods or drinks, and severe cold sensitivity. However, it's important to understand that you may need a root canal even if you don't feel any pain at all, as the nerve can die quickly without noticeable symptoms and an infection can grow without you realizing.

If a root canal isn't performed when needed, the damage and infection can worsen, potentially leading to the tooth needing to be extracted. The infection can spread to the bone around the tooth and even to adjacent teeth.

Both general dentists and specialist dentists can perform root canals. The decision depends on the type of root canal and what is best for each individual patient.

If a root canal is a viable option for your tooth, it is almost always the best choice. It's better to save your natural teeth whenever possible. Implants are a great option if your teeth are already missing or cannot be saved by a root canal.

Root canal treatments are designed to save teeth. If the damage or infection hasn't spread too far, a root canal is often the last chance to save a tooth from being extracted.

The stages include identifying and confirming that a tooth needs a root canal, numbing the patient, making a small hole in the top of the tooth, cleaning out all the bacteria, germs, and infection from inside the tooth, disinfecting the tooth, smoothing out the inside of the tooth, sealing it, and covering up the little hole.

In our office, we have found that the risks associated with sedation are not worth it. We are confident in our ability to comfortably numb patients with just local anesthetic.

Root canals are safe. The materials used in a root canal are safe and strong, and leaving an infection untreated is much more dangerous than the root canal process itself.

Most patients won't have any side effects. A few may feel a little bit of sensitivity, tenderness, or discomfort, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

The majority of root canal teeth need crowns afterwards. Teeth that get root canals and crowns have a much higher success rate and last longer in the mouth than those that don't get crowns.

While you're still numb, avoid eating solid foods to prevent accidentally biting yourself. Once the numbness wears off, avoid eating anything hard on the side of the root canal and try to eat more on the other side to help the root canal tooth heal and be properly protected until a crown is placed on the tooth.

While not common, you may experience some discomfort, sensitivity, or tenderness. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

Coverage varies by insurance policy and company. Our insurance department will check for you. However, insurance approval or denial does not determine the need for a root canal. That decision is made by the dentist based on the health of the tooth.

Endodontics (root canals) (removes bacteria from inside ieeth) comes from the Greek words for inside (endo) and tooth (dontics). Our Flushing Queens NY endodontist performs comfortable root canal therapy to remove bacteria from inside the tooth, alleviating pain and preventing the need for extraction. Modern technology and comfort amenities allow our endodontist to complete root canal therapy in a single visit to our Flushing dental office.

The inside of the tooth can become infected due to injury (crack or break) or a large cavity or faulty filling. Although a root canal may not sound like fun, it will actually relieve the pain caused by the disease-ridden tooth. During a root canal, the endodontists cleans out the inside of the tooth and fills it with a biologically inert substance. If necessary, we may recommend topping the tooth with a crown for maximum strength and beauty.

Some people think that extraction is a viable alternative to root canal treatment. If the tooth is extracted, it will have to be replaced with a prosthetic. Although we provide lifelike solutions to missing teeth, nothing compares to the real thing. Saving your natural tooth is always the best option. Ninety-five percent of root canalsare performed successfully, so there’s nothing to fear!

Call today to reserve your appointment and learn more about endodontics (root canals) (removes bacteria from inside teeth) and root canals.

Contact Preferred Dental Care today at (718) 445-7600 to hear more about Root Canals (Endodontics) and experience the difference a well-trained, caring dentist can make in your life. New Patients are always welcome and we work with many insurance plans. You'll never regret choosing us! Preferred Dental Care serves General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Emergency Dental Care in the following locations of Queens NY: Bayside, Little Neck, Fresh Meadows, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Woodhaven, College Point, and Whitestone with state-of-the-art amenities and top-quality dental treatments.

Tooth Extractions (Oral Surgery)

Tooth Extractions Extractions Remove Unsalvageable Teeth

Pulling teeth, as the saying goes, does not have to be a drawn-out, negative experience. We at our Flushing Queens NY Dental Office can perform tooth extractions (removes teeth) quickly and with minimal discomfort to treat a host of dental conditions, including advanced gum disease. Patients suffering from broken, cracked, and/or excessively decayed or damaged teeth (that aren't good candidates for the alternative treatment--root canal) will benefit from this often simple and straightforward procedure. We may recommend extractions, also called exodontias, in these situations:

Whatever brings you to us for an extraction, expect to have a thorough examination, including X-rays, before we determine a course of action. You may feel apprehensive, so we dedicate ourselves to answering all of your questions before we proceed. Plan to discuss with us your medical history, any past extractions and associated problems with excessive bleeding, and any medications you take. In all but simple cases where the tooth is visible above the gum line, we may refer you to an oral surgeon.

The day of your extraction, we anesthetize the area and carefully rock the tooth back and forth to expand the socket and loosen the ligaments. You will feel pressure, but should be "numb" to any real discomfort. For post-extraction care and to protect the blood clot that will form in the empty tooth socket, we advise patients to avoid rinsing, spitting, sucking through straws, hot foods, cigarettes or alcohol during the first 24 hours. If alveolar osteitis, dry socket, occurs, we will recommend an immediate course of action. You should also adhere to a liquid diet during the first day and use clean gauze, or even tea bags, to pack the wound. Remember, a small amount of bleeding is normal and ice and acetaminophen will help with the swelling and discomfort.

After 24 hours, you’ll begin a regimen of gentle, salt water rinses and resume your normal oral hygiene routine, taking care to avoid the empty socket and the adjacent teeth. Within two weeks, you can expect to feel significantly better.

We partner with you before, during, and after the dental procedures we recommend. If you have an extraction scheduled, you can feel confident that we will fully explain what to expect and will provide thorough and compassionate care. Finally, many patients who have extractions performed benefit from dental implants (protects teeth from cavities) or mini dental implants (protects teeth from cavities) paired with crowns (adds strong top to teeth) to rebuild the tooth, so ask us about this prosthetic option.

Contact Preferred Dental Care today at (718) 445-7600 to hear more about tooth extractions and experience the difference a well-trained, caring dentist can make in your life. New Patients are always welcome and we work with many insurance plans. You'll never regret choosing us! Preferred Dental Care serves General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Emergency Dental Care in the following locations of Queens NY: Bayside, Little Neck, Fresh Meadows, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Woodhaven, College Point, and Whitestone with state-of-the-art amenities and top-quality dental treatments.

Invisalign

I'm here to answer the most common Invisalign questions to help guide you on your Invisalign journey. Invisalign is a modern technique that we use to fix crowding, to fix gaps between your teeth and align your teeth, moving them into their proper positions. So you can bite well, you can chew well, and very importantly, you can smile happily and proudly.

Invisalign and traditional braces are similar for us in two ways. They both often treat the same conditions, whether it's crowding, gaps in your teeth, misaligned teeth, or a misaligned bite, and they both result in your teeth being properly aligned and your bite being healthy and functional, as well as having a smile that you're proud of. But while braces use brackets that are glued onto the teeth and then wires and rubber bands to move the teeth to their proper position, Invisalign actually uses clear plastic trays that just snap onto your teeth. They're almost invisible. Therefore, Invisalign and these trays gradually, yet quickly and efficiently, move your teeth into their final and proper position. Invisalign can often be faster than braces.

Invisalign is a very high-tech digital technique. What happens is we send Invisalign the company a mold of your teeth currently, then Invisalign will actually create and design your final smile. So when we start Invisalign, we actually have the end product ready to go and in mind so we can get from start to finish often very efficiently and many times faster than braces.

Invisalign can be more comfortable than braces because there's no brackets, metal brackets glued to your teeth. There's no wires, there's no rubber bands. Invisalign is very smooth; it snaps right onto your teeth, and you can actually take it off if needed when you're eating and things like that. So it doesn't get in the way of yourself eating, drinking, and things like that. So Invisalign is really much more comfortable than braces.

Invisalign can take anywhere from three to four months to about 12 to 18 months to straighten your teeth. The length of Invisalign depends on how much teeth we're moving, how much changes need to be done, as well as how much you wear the Invisalign.

The Invisalign process is very smooth and easy. First, we'll take a scan or mold of your teeth, we'll send that to the company Invisalign, and they will then turn that into a digital computerized version of your smile. We will then, with Invisalign, design what we want the smile to look like at the end. Then what Invisalign does is they say, all right, let's look at the smile as it is today. Let's look at the smile as it is at the end. How many individual trays will it take us to get there? Each tray moves your teeth a little more and more. And then Invisalign will manufacture however number of trays that you need; they'll send it to us. Then, in the first appointment, we'll prepare your teeth to be properly moved with the Invisalign. We'll give you the first few Invisalign trays. Then you come in every month or so to get your next set of Invisalign trays. When you're on your last tray, we smooth your teeth out and get them ready to be done with Invisalign. At which point we take another scan or impression or mold of your teeth to make what's called a retainer so your teeth don't move any further once we've got them in their perfect position.

Invisalign trays are clear, almost invisible plastic trays. They look kind of like a retainer, but very thin, very clear, and very strong. They snap onto your teeth. Each tray moves your teeth a little more towards our final result. The amount of trays that someone needs depends on how their teeth look like in the beginning and what our end goal for the teeth is. So if we have to move the teeth a lot, if we're moving a lot of teeth such as all the teeth in the mouth, then we may need more trays. And if we're just fixing one or two minor gaps or crowdings and we're only working on, let's say, the front teeth, we may only need a few trays. So the amount of trays actually depends on how much the teeth are moving.

Invisalign needs to be worn to work perfectly 22 hours a day, which means you would wear Invisalign during the day and, very importantly, sleep with it. But you do take your Invisalign out to eat or if you're drinking anything, except water.

Invisalign does have some requirements in order for you to be a good candidate and to qualify for Invisalign. If your gums are not healthy, if you've got loose teeth, or the bone around your gums is not strong, or if your teeth have cavities or infections or they're broken, or sometimes if you've got wisdom teeth that are coming in sideways, all of those things may be reasons you're not qualified for Invisalign. But the really good news here is the majority of the problems that might stop you from getting Invisalign we can treat and fix for you in our office. So even if you're not qualified for Invisalign immediately, we can get you to a point where your mouth is healthy and happy and you can qualify for Invisalign.

Invisalign can often fix crossbite. You'd have to see our dentist or orthodontist, which is a braces and Invisalign specialist in the office, to evaluate that. A crossbite is when your teeth are the opposite of where they're supposed to be. So usually, our top arch of the teeth are supposed to be on the outside of our bottom arch of the teeth; they should be overlapping on the outside. But let's say your top tooth, instead of being outside, is on the other side of your teeth; we can usually flip that with Invisalign.

People often ask if Invisalign is painful. Invisalign overall is a very comfortable procedure. What can happen is the first time you put in an Invisalign tray for a day or two, your teeth might be just a little tender to eating hard foods such as very hard breads and things of that sort, biting into things like an apple. But overall, Invisalign is considered very comfortable and often maybe more comfortable and less painful than braces.

Many insurances will cover the cost of Invisalign for their patients. It varies from insurance company to insurance company, but you can rest assured that our highly qualified and skilled insurance department will get that information for you. And if your insurance may cover Invisalign, we'll try our hardest to get them to cover it for you.

A lot of patients may ask if Medicaid covers Invisalign. Unfortunately, Medicaid will not cover Invisalign. The good news is we do have a lot of plans for our patients for them to get Invisalign and to work it out financially even if they don't have coverage for it.

Invisalign can range anywhere from $4,500 to about $7,500. The differences in price for Invisalign depend on how many teeth we're moving, how complicated the case is, and also whether you have the general dentist doing Invisalign or the orthodontist who's a braces and Invisalign specialist. So really, the complexity of the case and how long it's going to take will vary the price, but anywhere from $4,500 for if you're just shifting your front teeth and closing up some gaps or straightening out some crowded teeth all the way to $7,500 if you're doing essentially what we would have to do with metal braces but doing Invisalign.

Scheduling an appointment to see if you're a good candidate and if you're qualified for Invisalign is very easy. Our dentists are very highly trained in Invisalign. We have multiple dentists and specialists who are Invisalign certified, so we can get you in pretty much on weekdays, weekends, evenings, early in the day. We've made ourselves available for you to help you on this smile journey to getting Invisalign and getting the smile of your dream.

Have you always wanted straight teeth, but dread the thought of wearing traditional metal braces? Now, there's a modern alternative to wire-and-bracket braces. Our Flushing dental office offers Invisalign Clear Braces (Invisible Braces) to move teeth into their optimal position.

When you come in for your appointment, our Invisalign dentist will take digital images of your teeth, and use the Invisalign software to determine the potential outcome of your smile. With Invisalign, our doctors can correct a variety of orthodontic problems, including:

Patients who receive orthodontic treatment with Invisalign enjoy the option of removing the clear aligners to eat, brush, or for special occasions. In addition, Invisalign treatment is generally completed in a shorter time frame than traditional braces, and patients avoid the discomfort caused by metal wires and brackets. We only provide Invisalign for adults; children should see our specialty orthodontist to discuss teeth-straightening options for them.

Contact Preferred Dental Care today at (718) 445-7600 to hear more about The Invisalign Clear Braces alternative and experience the difference a well-trained, caring dentist can make in your life. New Patients are always welcome and we work with many insurance plans. You'll never regret choosing us! Preferred Dental Care serves General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Emergency Dental Care in the following locations of Queens NY: Bayside, Little Neck, Fresh Meadows, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Woodhaven, College Point, and Whitestone with state-of-the-art amenities and top-quality dental treatments.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are meant as a permanent tooth replacement. Essentially, when someone has a tooth that's damaged beyond repair or is already missing, we often elect to do a dental implant procedure for the patient so that they can regain the use of their tooth or multiple teeth right away. The dental implant surgery is actually quite simple. It's a funny story. I've actually had a couple of staff members get the dental implant surgery done. They'll go upstairs to the upstairs floor of the office, get the implant procedure done, and come back down to work because that's often how easy and straightforward it can be.

You must be healthy and have a good volume of bone, but the good news is we can monitor and help with those factors. We've had a lot of patients who might have a health condition, and we're able to assist them by referring them to the right doctor. If they're lacking enough bone, we can definitely add bone through grafts to make them good candidates for dental implants. If you're concerned about qualifying for dental implants, just come in and get it checked out. You'd be surprised; your age and health often are not significant factors since we've done implants on people up to the age of 100 and those with certain health conditions. In the end, we try our best to work with you and do what's best for your health and mouth.

The mini implants are only used in areas where the space is very limited, like the smallest teeth in your mouth, such as your lower front teeth. Everywhere else, you want to use a full-size dental implant because the bigger the implant, the more stability and long-term success it has. The only other time we use mini implants is as a temporary measure while the full-size implants are healing. The pros of mini implants are that they fit in really tight spots, but beyond that, we prefer full-size implants as they're much more predictable and long-lasting.

The process of getting a dental implant is quite straightforward. First, you'll come in and get checked out by one of our dentists to ensure you're a good candidate for dental implants. If you're not, we'll work with you to turn you into a candidate by rebuilding the bone or managing your health in coordination with your medical doctor. Once you're a good candidate, and if you need a tooth taken out, that tooth would be removed. Sometimes we can put the implant in right away; other times, we wait a few months for healing. After the implant is placed, we wait a few months for it to fully heal. If the implant is in the front, we might place a tooth on it sooner for aesthetic reasons. For implants in the back, we usually wait two to three months to ensure long-term success. After healing, we'll take a mold of your mouth to create a custom permanent vinyl crown for the implant, and you'll return a week or two later to have it placed.

Dental implants can last a lifetime as long as you maintain them properly. Like natural teeth, they need to be cleaned, brushed, and flossed. The good news is that dental implants can't get cavities, but if you don't keep the gums clean, issues can arise. With proper care and regular dental checkups, a dental implant can last you a lifetime.

If you're interested in dental implants, have missing teeth, or very broken-down teeth, come visit us at Preferred Dental Care. We have experts in dental implants and all other fields of dentistry. Come check us out!

Your smile and ability to use your teeth for eating and talking is important. At Preferred Dental Care, we have an expert specialist on board that can give you a quality, long-lasting dental implant that can keep you smiling for decades and our friendly, gentle dental team will guide you along the way. Want to know more about dental implants? Read on below or give us a call today at (718) 445-7600!

We're located conveniently in Flushing, right across from Flushing Hospital and near many MTA bus routes including the Q17, Q25, Q26, Q27, Q34, and Q65. You can get directions here.

Dental Implants, whether a single tooth implant or full mouth denture implants, are the absolute best alternative to natural teeth. They are the closest relatives to natural teeth and are just as strong and look just as good (if not better). Because of the strength, appearance and function of dental implants you can eat, speak, and socialize with ease (just as you would with natural teeth).

Implants are not loose like dentures, and it is very rare that an implant needs to be redone. Additionally, implants help preserve the bone in your jaw, which would otherwise be lost over time if you have missing teeth or dentures.

Implants are very safe, with a 98% success rate in a large number of long-term (20 years) studies!

Millions of patients worldwide have received dental implants over the past 35 years!

Implants require no special care, just treat them like normal teeth! Implants and the teeth that they support don't get cavities!

Between single-tooth implants and full mouth denture implants, dental implants can be used to replace any number of missing teeth and can also be used to hold in a denture to make it much more comfortable and functional to use.

Dental implants are the closest relatives to natural teeth. In a survey, implants were rated 9 on 10, second only to natural teeth. They are permanent replacement teeth anchored right into your jawbone, just like your natural teeth. So, you can eat, speak, and socialize with ease.

Definitely. Implants have been used for about 35 years, and patients can expect a 98% success rate.

No. They require the same home care and regular dental visits as natural teeth.

If you're worrying about your age don't! The oldest known implant patient is 88; the youngest is 15. Most people in good overall and oral health are excellent candidates.

Implants are designed to be permanent, and more than 98% last for twenty years or more.

A missing tooth in your mouth can cause a large variety of problems:

Studies show that people with missing teeth tend live a shorter life than people with a full set of teeth. 

When you have even one missing tooth, you are in the active process of losing at least three other teeth. The teeth next to and opposing the missing space will shift into the gap as there is nothing to prevent them from moving. This shifting of the teeth leads to the loss of occlusal stability. Occlusal stability means a good and solid bite, which allows you to easily chew and eat food. As the teeth shift into the empty space, the stability of your natural bite is lost and this creates an unstable and dysfunctional bite, which in may lead to damage to healthy and to the jaw joints, leading to pain and difficulty in eating. Comfortable eating becomes an issue and this can result in malnutrition and health problems. Apart from the obvious esthetic/visual downside of shifted and missing teeth, this can also lead to jaw pain, jaw problems, joint issues and headache.

Replacing the missing teeth/spaces in your mouth leads to:

Missing teeth lead to bone loss, which can be very severe. Normally, the bone in the area of a tooth is maintained by your body. But if a tooth is absent anywhere in the jaw, the bone will slowly atrophy (disappear). This can progress to the extent that the nerves in your mouth, which are usually covered up by the bone, can become unprotected, leading to increased sensitivity and burning sensations in the gums.

By placing an implant in your mouth, the implant stimulates the bone so that your body will continue to maintain the bone in the area, much like a natural tooth.

The loss of bone can contribute to a weakened jaw as well as an older-looking appearance. Your face can appear compressed and squished, and the area around the mouth can sag as the bone is lost.

Implants can provide the same biting force as a natural tooth, making eating an easy and comfortable expe-rience. Patients with dentures often cannot bite hard foods without causing pain in the gums, either because the dentures move or the gums are so sensitive they can't withstand pressure from the denture. Studies have shown that people with natural teeth bite with an average force of 50-75 psi. People with dentures typically bite with a force of less than 20 psi! Its no wonder that studies show that people with dentures often swallow large pieces of inadequately chewed food.

Dental implants and implant-supported dentures do not decay, so you don't need to worry about changes or a loss of function to your implants, or cavities.

Prior to dental implants, the best and most comfortable type of replacement teeth were bridges. However, bridges require preparing or shaping the adjacent teeth into a stump to allow a crown or bridge abutment (support) to fit overtop of the tooth. In some cases this required cutting down a perfectly intact and healthy tooth. Also, if a problem occurs with one of the abutment teeth supporting your bridge, not only may that tooth be compromised or lost but the entire bridge may be lost as well. By placing an implant, no support is required of the adjacent teeth, and hence your natural teeth do not need to be prepared or changed in any way.

Implants can be less prone to gum problems than natural teeth. In cases where people have lost some or all of their teeth due to gum (periodontal) disease, implants can be used to replace the missing teeth. Because the offending tooth or teeth are removed, the environment in the area improves and you have a second chance at healthy gums. Proper home and professional cleaning is still very important for long term health. However, since implant surfaces exposed in the mouth are very smooth, there is typically less plaque and tartar buildup with implants.

Implants are designed to blend perfectly with your mouth, creating a healthy and attractive smile. Unlike dentures, implants are not loose nor do they wiggle, so there is no need to have any embarrassment from ill-fitting teeth.

our dental implant is placed by surgically inserting it into your jawbone. The implant is usually a titanium cylinder that is threaded on one end to allow it to get a good attachment with the bone. Titanium metal is used because of its compatibility with bone and oral tissues. The bone will naturally fuse with the implant over time.

Once the implant has fused appropriately with a bone, a small stub called a healing abutment will be placed on top of the implant. The abutment will keep the gums from falling into the implant. After complete fusion between the implant and bone has occurred, a permanent abutment will be placed on the implant and an im-pression will be taken to send to the lab. The lab will then create a permanent crown which is matched to the color of your other teeth and looks 100% natural and this crown is placed on the abutment and your procedure is complete.

The process of your jawbone growing into and uniting with the surface of the implant is called osseointegra-tion. This takes anywhere from two to six months to be completed and is an integral part of your implant procedure. Once the bone has fused with the implant, it has formed a solid base to support your new artifi-cial tooth. This functions in the same way as roots do for natural teeth.

Dental Implants were developed in 1952, in a laboratory in the university town of Lund, Sweden by Professor Per-Ingvar Branemark, who had a lucky accident during bone grafting research. Much to his dismay, Dr. Branemark discovered that it was impossible to recover any of the bone-anchored titanium microscopes he was using. The titanium plate had apparently bonded irreversibly to living bone tissue, an observation which contradicted all scientific theory at the time.

Dr. Branemark went on to demonstrate that under carefully controlled conditions, titanium could be structu-rally integrated into living bone with a very high degree of predictability, and without long-term soft tissue inflammation or rejection. Branemark coined the name osseointegration, meaning the attachment of healthy bone to a titanium implant.

Thus dental implants were born and the first application of dental osseointegration was the implantation of new titanium roots in an edentulous (toothless) patient in 1965. Dental implants have shown a 98 percent success rate and long-term studies continue to show improving success.

"I started coming here at Preferred Dental Care five years ago due to complicated dental problems. I always had somewhat fear of having any dental procedure done, but everyone here at Preferred Dental Care eased my fears. Since then, I had root canals, change of upper bridge, eight dental implants and recently changed my lower bridge. Thanks to all the caring dentists, dental assistants, and all other personnel, my smile was restored." - Eufemia A.

"My experience with Dr Iyer and the staff at Preferred Dental was all positive. His level of professionalism was astounding and the expeditious manner in which he conducted each procedure was phenomenal. Hopefully, I may never have to undergo this procedure (extraction/implant) again. But if I do, I would seek out Dr. Iyer based on his expertise and the positive experience I had under his care." - Patrick D.;

Contact Preferred Dental Care today at (718) 445-7600 to hear more about Dental Implants and experience the difference a well-trained, caring dentist can make in your life. New Patients are always welcome and we work with many insurance plans. You'll never regret choosing us! Preferred Dental Care serves General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Emergency Dental Care in the following locations of Queens NY: Bayside, Little Neck, Fresh Meadows, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Woodhaven, College Point, and Whitestone with state-of-the-art amenities and top-quality dental treatments.

Cleanings

There are four different types of dental cleanings. The first one is the regular dental cleaning that most people are used to and get every six months. The second type of cleaning is a deep cleaning, which is done when someone has a lot more buildup of bacteria and debris in their gums. After a deep cleaning comes the third type of cleaning, a periodontal maintenance, which is necessary for people who've had a deep cleaning in the past. The fourth and last type of cleaning is a debridement, which we use when there's a lot of buildup around the teeth that needs to be removed for a comprehensive examination.

Dental cleanings are extremely important for the health of your teeth, gums, bone, and overall body health. Regular cleanings can prevent gums from shrinking away and bone from receding, which can lead to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss. Regular appointments also allow us to catch dental problems before they become severe.

The average person needs a dental cleaning every six months. If you've got a history of gum issues or infection, we may recommend that you get a cleaning done three or four times a year.

No, dental cleanings are not painful. Hygienists use very precise tools to remove bacteria and debris without affecting your comfort. If needed, we can apply numbing cream to ease any sensitivity.

A usual dental cleaning takes about 30 minutes. If you also need a checkup and x-rays, you should schedule 45 minutes to an hour for the appointment.

During a dental cleaning, the dental assistants will review your chart and medical history, take necessary x-rays, and then the hygienist will clean your teeth, removing bacteria, plaque, and tartar, and polish your teeth.

Yes, our dental hygienists are highly trained and able to remove all the tartar and plaque from your teeth during a routine cleaning.

No, dental cleaning does not damage your teeth. Our tools are designed to clean your teeth and gums without causing any harm.

If your teeth are sensitive after a cleaning, we can apply a special desensitizing material to your teeth at the appointment and recommend a special toothpaste that will help ease the sensitivity.

Scheduling a dental cleaning is easy. We have availability on weekdays, weekends, during the day, and even late into the evening. You can call us or reach out to us online to schedule your appointment.

If you're ready to schedule a cleaning and want healthy teeth and gums for life, please come in, get your cleaning done. Call us here at Preferred Dental Care. We'd love to see you soon.

There are four types of dental cleanings in total. The first type of dental cleaning is the routine dental cleaning, which is usually done every six months or two times a year. The second type is the deep cleaning, which is performed when there's a lot of tartar or plaque. The third type is the periodontal maintenance, which is done after a deep cleaning. The fourth and last type is the debridement, which is reserved for special cases.

If the teeth are not cleaned regularly, the gums get damaged, and bacteria and food debris penetrate deeper into the gum. This leads to the bone around the teeth being damaged, causing the teeth, which are very solid, to become very loose.

Regular dental cleanings are one of the most simple, cost-effective, pain-free ways to improve and maintain your dental health.

Most people need their teeth cleaned every six months. However, if you have a history of gum issues, you may need to get your teeth cleaned three to four times a year.

A deep cleaning is done differently than a regular cleaning. It is usually done in two appointments where one half of the mouth is cleaned at a time. The area is numbed, often with a gel, sometimes with anesthetic. Then the dentist removes all the hard and soft bacterial attachments and food debris that's stuck to the teeth below the gum line.

Dental cleanings are performed to remove both plaque, which is the fuzzy, soft bacteria and food on your teeth, and tartar, which is what happens when the plaque is not removed.

Dental cleanings can often make teeth whiter, even though they're not the main part of teeth whitening.

Some patients may be concerned about pain or sensitivity during a tooth cleaning, but our cleanings don't hurt. If you have a history of having some discomfort or sensitivity during cleanings, we also have specialized numbing gels that we can apply.

Scheduling a teeth cleaning appointment at Preferred Dental Care is very simple. We offer appointments on weekdays, weeknights, and weekends. You can give us a call at any of our offices or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

A routine cleaning, which is done every six months, is typically for people who have been regularly visiting the dentist and have relatively healthy gums. The buildup of bacteria and food debris is mostly above the gums and can be cleaned in about 30 minutes. On the other hand, a deep cleaning is done when someone has a history of gum disease or hasn't had a routine cleaning for a long time. The gums may have become damaged and a deeper pocket may have formed between the gums and tooth where food and bacteria get stuck. The deep cleaning process involves going deeper into the gums to clean out the bacteria and food, and often takes two appointments of about 45 minutes each.

A dental deep cleaning is required when someone has gone a long time between cleanings or has a history of gum disease. It's necessary to clean out the deep part of the pockets formed by the detachment of gums from teeth due to food and bacteria buildup. This process helps keep the gums and bone healthy and allows them to reattach to the tooth.

You should not go any longer than six months without a dental cleaning. Waiting too long between dental cleanings can damage your gums and bone, which can lead to tooth loss. If you have a history of gum disease, you may need cleanings every three or four months instead of every six months.

In a routine teeth cleaning appointment, the assistant will bring you in, sit you down, and check if there's anything going on with your teeth. They'll review your medical history and take a routine set of x-rays. The hygienist will then evaluate your mouth and use specialized tools to clean all areas of buildup. After flossing and polishing your teeth, the dentist will check your teeth for any potential issues. You will be sent home with a little goodie bag and your next cleaning appointment will be booked.

Dental cleanings are generally comfortable. Our hygienists and staff are trained to be gentle yet thorough with their cleaning. If you have a history of sensitivity or pain during dental cleaning, we have specialized gels that can numb your gums during the cleaning appointment to ensure your comfort.

If you're used to having a lot of buildup on your teeth, after a cleaning, you might feel like there are spaces between the teeth. This is normal and nothing to worry about as it will fill in with healthy gum tissue.

Teeth cleanings don't treat cavities but they are a crucial step in identifying cavities when they're small and easy to treat, preventing them from becoming major problems.

A dental cleaning can cost anywhere from $100 to $150. This is a worthy investment to prevent dental pain or issues that can cost much more in the future.

After cleaning, to keep your teeth clean, brush twice a day, floss daily, and make sure you don't miss your routine cleaning appointments. Your hygienist or dentist may also recommend special toothpaste or mouthwash.

Scheduling a dental cleaning appointment with us at Preferred Dental Care is easy. We have availability on weekdays, weekends, and evening hours. Simply call us or reach out to us online to book your appointment.

Veneers

Dental Veneers Porcelain Veneers Make Teeth Longer

Are you tired of wishing you loved your smile and ready to start living with renewed confidence and self-esteem? In just two visits to our Flushing Queens NY dental office, our cosmetic dentists can drastically improve your smile with custom porcelain veneers or Lumineers.

Porcelain veneers, sometimes called "front teeth crowns" are thin porcelain coverings that are handcrafted by skilled artisans in a dental laboratory. Our cosmetic dentistscarefully consider each tooth and its impact on your overall smile and appearance. With porcelain veneers, we can alter tooth size, shape, and color. front teeth veneers are ideal for patients with:

At your first visit, the dentist will ask you about your preferences and concerns. Then he or she will examine your oral health and get to work designing your new smile. With wax-up models, you can see the potential of your smile before the porcelain veneers are placed. Once you're happy with the design, the dentist will prepare your teeth and provide temporary veneers for you to wear while your restorations are handcrafted in our dental lab.

At the second visit, the dentist bonds your dental veneers to the front of your teeth. After the dentist makes any final adjustments, you can begin enjoying a perfectly even, natural-looking, stain-resistant smile and all the personal and professional benefits that follow!

You may have seen Lumineers veneers on television commercials. These popular, no-preparation veneers require no tooth preparation prior to placement. To you, this means less potential for sensitivity and the option to reverse the procedure at any time. Lumineers aren’t right for every patient. As experienced cosmetic dentists, Our Flushing Dentists will review your case and consult with you on the best, most natural and lasting option for your unique smile.

Contact Preferred Dental Care today at (718) 445-7600 to hear more about Porcelain Veneers and other Cosmetic Dental solutions and experience the difference a well-trained, caring dentist can make in your life. New Patients are always welcome and we work with many insurance plans. You'll never regret choosing us! Preferred Dental Care serves General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Emergency Dental Care in the following locations of Queens NY: Bayside, Little Neck, Fresh Meadows, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Woodhaven, College Point, and Whitestone with state-of-the-art amenities and top-quality dental treatments.

Crown and Bridge

Crowns/Tooth Restoration Crowns add strength to teeth

If you're self-conscious about cracked, broken, decayed, or worn teeth, we can bring back your healthy, natural-looking smile with dental crowns (adds strong top to teeth), also called caps. A crown can return structure, strength, and function to a tooth with extensive decay or damage. Designed to fit snugly and function as a healthy tooth, a crown will protect your tooth from further damage and preserve the jaw's correct natural alignment, and you can get it done right here in our Flushing Queens NY Office!

We use precious metal, porcelain pressed (or fused) to metal, or all-porcelain crowns. To maintain a fully white smile, we recommend all-ceramic crowns. Our precise color-matching system allows us to find the right shade of porcelain to blend with your natural tooth color. Porcelain crowns are also extremely durable and long lasting, and these benefits make them popular with dentists as well as patients.

Typically, we can design, fit, and place your crowns in just a couple of short appointments. Once a crown is placed, you can care for it as you do your natural teeth. Conscientious brushing twice a day and daily flossing will protect the base of your crown from bacterial growth. Be sure to see us at least two times each year for professional cleanings and a preventive exam, too.

A Stable Solution that Renews Your Smile If you've lost teeth due to accident, injury, or gum disease, we can create a permanent bridge to restore your solid smile. A bridge for a missing tooth not only fills the gap, but it also prevents repositioning of remaining teeth. It can also correct a misaligned bite, improve chewing function and speech articulation, and provide internal structure for the face to give you a more youthful appearance.

First of all, a dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth (or teeth) that attaches on one or both sides to teeth prepared with dental crowns. A fixed bridge is permanently joined onto the neighboring abutment teeth (crowned teeth) and consists of three basic units: the false tooth (called a pontic), and two abutment crowns. A 3-unit bridge consists of one pontic between two crowns, but sometimes a dental bridge can consist of two or more false teeth, such as a 4-unit bridge. It is also possible to create a dental bridge for front teeth as well!

The type of dental bridge we suggest will depend upon the strength and health of the abutment teeth, as well as the location of the gap in relation to the rest of your dentition. If healthy adjacent abutment teeth aren't available, a surgically-implanted metal post, known as a dental implant, may offer a solid alternative. For a bridge that replaces many teeth, we may recommend a removable partial denture or implant-supported prosthesis. With proper care, a dental bridge may last at least 8 to 10 years.

If you have questions about crowns and bridgework or any other dental prosthetic, call our Flushing NY dental office at (718) 445-7600. We will be happy to discuss the options and schedule your evaluation.

Contact Preferred Dental Care today at (718) 445-7600 to hear more about Crowns and Dental Bridges and experience the difference a well-trained, caring dentist can make in your life. New Patients are always welcome and we work with many insurance plans. You'll never regret choosing us! Preferred Dental Care serves General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Emergency Dental Care in the following locations of Queens NY: Bayside, Little Neck, Fresh Meadows, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Woodhaven, College Point, and Whitestone with state-of-the-art amenities and top-quality dental treatments.

Dentures

Dentures to Replace Some or All of your Teeth

Dentures (false removable teeth) are prosthetic teeth supported by a gum-colored base. Typically, dentures are removable and secured with adhesives or natural suction. Our Flushing Queens NY dental office offers a variety of options for patients who want to restore their smiles with dentures (false removable teeth).

Complete, or full dentures are for patients who have lost all of their teeth or whose remaining teeth are unhealthy. Our denture dentist designs the best fitting dentures that look natural and feel comfortable. With an on-site denture laboratory, we can fabricate complete dentures in a single day! We can also make adjustments as well. Unhealthy remaining teeth may have to be extracted prior to making the denture.

Like full dentures, partial dentures are removable, and contain prosthetic teeth on an acrylic, gum-colored base. Partial dentures only replace some missing teeth are perfect for patients who still have some healthy teeth remaining. Secured with inconspicuous clasps, partial dentures ;will blend seamlessly with your natural smile. Even a set if partial dentures for front teeth will look completely natural!

While traditional partial dentures are held in place with metal clasps and a stiff acrylic base, flexible partial dentures are a thinner and lighter alternative. As the name implies, the prosthetic teeth are supported by a thin layer of nylon-based material and need no adhesives or metal clasps to latch onto your mouth. While these are sometimes preferrable to people new to dentures or do not like the bulkiness of traditional acrylic dentures, flexible dentures may be the only option available to patients with acrylic or metal allergies or are unable to open their mouth very wide.

Just because you lose your teeth, doesn't mean you have to jeopardize your quality of life. Implant-supported dentures offer unrivaled support and function, eliminating the need for adhesives. Dental implants are small, titanium posts anchored in the jawbone that support complete dentures. The dentist will examine your unique case to determine if implant-supported dentures are right for you.

Contact Preferred Dental Care today at (718) 445-7600 to hear more about Full and Partial Dentures and experience the difference a well-trained, caring dentist can make in your life. New Patients are always welcome and we work with many insurance plans. You'll never regret choosing us! Preferred Dental Care serves General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Emergency Dental Care in the following locations of Queens NY: Bayside, Little Neck, Fresh Meadows, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Woodhaven, College Point, and Whitestone with state-of-the-art amenities and top-quality dental treatments.

Braces (Orthodontics)

Orthodontics Braces, Invisalign, and other treatments to make your teeth straighter

Do you need braces? Straight teeth will not only improve your smile and self-confidence, they will contribute to better oral hygiene as well. Crooked teeth make brushing and flossing difficult and can cause an unstable bite. With orthodontics (makes teeth straight), our dentist can adults, teenagers, and children that well-deserved healthy, beautiful smile.

At Preferred Dental Care in Queens NY, we have an orthodontist with an in-depth knowledge of teeth straightening on our team. She will evaluate your unique case and determine the best method for your smile. Our orthodontic options include:

Braces are often the most effective method for repositioning teeth. Though braces work best during childhood and adolescence, adults benefit from braces as well. In fact, a recent study states that over one million adults wear braces—some for the first time and some who have chosen to wear them again after wearing them as kids.

For adults who want to straighten their teeth without compromising their professional image, we may recommend orthodontic treatment with Invisalign Braces (Invisible Braces). Invisalign aligners are made from clear acrylic, so no one can tell that you’re wearing them.

Porcelain Veneers, also called instant orthodontics, provide adult patients with an instant smile makeover. Porcelain Veneers (Makes Teeth Longer) work best with minor imperfections, and in some cases, our cosmetic dentist may recommend combining traditional braces with veneers for optimal results.

Call today to reserve your or your child's orthodontics (makes teeth straight) consultation.

Contact Preferred Dental Care today at (718) 445-7600 to hear more about braces for adults or braces for children and experience the difference a well-trained, caring dentist can make in your life. New Patients are always welcome and we work with many insurance plans. You'll never regret choosing us! Preferred Dental Care serves General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Emergency Dental Care in the following locations of Queens NY: Bayside, Little Neck, Fresh Meadows, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Woodhaven, College Point, and Whitestone with state-of-the-art amenities and top-quality dental treatments.

Full Mouth Reconstruction

Full Mouth Reconstuction Dentistry Restorative Dentistry & Replacement Teeth (Make New or Better Teeth) Full-Mouth Reconstruction (Makes Mouth Better)

When disease, decay, or damage wreck a smile, a patient may feel embarrassed about seeking professional help. Our office welcomes patients with broken-down smiles. We applaud you for taking a step toward reclaiming a strong and healthy smile for a healthier life! You'll feel better emotionally and physically when you have a comfortable, beautiful smile to share with the world.

Sometimes a few crowns (adds strong top to teeth), fillings, or replacement teeth aren't enough to completely restore dental health. When you visit, the dentist will evaluate your teeth, gums, and soft tissues, as well as your occlusion (how your teeth fit together when you shut your mouth). We will take X-rays, intra- and extra-oral images, and possibly a Panorex image to provide us with detailed information to create your full-mouth reconstruction (makes mouth better) plan.

We will also talk with you about your concerns. Do you have pain? Does dental work make you nervous? What do you want to achieve from your dental work? The dentist will address your concerns and present a plan to restore your optimal oral health. We will explain our suggestions, your options, and the time and financial commitment involved. With creative scheduling and financing, as well as options for anesthesia and sedation, you can enjoy the healthy, comfortable, beautiful smile you deserve.

We may recommend fillings, crowns (Adds Strong Top to Teeth), inlays, or onlays to restore teeth. Crown and bridgework, partials, dentures (false removable teeth), and dental implants (protects teeth from cavities) offer exciting, lifelike solutions to replace missing teeth. Orthodontics (makes teeth straight), oral appliances, and other treatments may help your unique situation, as well. We sometimes work with specialists in an interdisciplinary approach to ensure that patients receive the treatment they need. Our goal is to deliver the smile you want, then help you maintain it for life. Call our dental office in Flushing, NY today to reserve your full-mouth reconstruction (makes mouth better) appointment.

Contact Preferred Dental Care today at (718) 445-7600 to hear more about full mouth reconstruction and experience the difference a well-trained, caring dentist can make in your life. New Patients are always welcome and we work with many insurance plans. You'll never regret choosing us! Preferred Dental Care serves General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Emergency Dental Care in the following locations of Queens NY Bayside, Little Neck, Fresh Meadows, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Woodhaven, College Point, and Whitestone with state-of-the-art amenities and top-quality dental treatments.

Preventative

That's a very good question. The most common answer is at least every six months. That's what our guidelines suggest is good for most patients, but the key word there is "most." A lot of patients can benefit from coming in every four months or even every three months, depending on their gum health. When you visit us, we'll let you know whether you should be on a three-month, four-month, or six-month checkup program. Additionally, if you have any concerns about your dental health, even slight discomfort or sensitivity, it's always a good idea to come in for a checkup, regardless of the schedule. Catching a problem early makes it easier and simpler to fix.

Fluoride is a great topic. It bonds to the surface of your teeth, making them more resistant to acids. Why are there acids in our mouth? Bacteria eat sugar and produce acid, which can melt your teeth away. Therefore, sugar causes cavities because bacteria consume the sugar and excrete acid that melts the outer layer of your teeth. Fluoride strengthens this outer layer, making it more acid-resistant. We also have other options for cavity protection besides fluoride.

First, brush and floss your teeth twice a day. This is probably the biggest prevention tip. Using a mouth rinse, especially one with fluoride, helps a lot. Fluoride makes your teeth resistant to acids created by bacteria. Brushing and flossing remove bacteria and food particles on your teeth. Also, try to avoid as much sugar and carbs as possible. If you consume them, rinse your mouth or brush and floss afterward.

The frequency of x-rays depends on the condition of your mouth and any cavities or tooth issues you might have. If you've had cavities recently, we may take x-rays every six months. The exposure from a dental x-ray is very insignificant. You get more exposure from sun exposure or an airplane flight than from dental x-rays. Modern digital x-ray technology is extremely safe. We take x-rays as necessary to catch problems early, making them easier to fix. If your teeth are in great shape with no cavities, we might go longer between x-rays.

Gum disease is caused by the buildup of bacteria and food debris under your gums, which solidifies over time. If you're not brushing and flossing twice a day, this plaque becomes rock solid and cannot be removed without professional help. It starts as gingivitis, which causes gum irritation and bleeding. Gingivitis is caused by plaque, a combination of bacteria and food debris stuck to your teeth. If not cleaned off, plaque turns into calculus or tartar, causing gum irritation, bleeding, and bone loss. This leads to loose teeth, gum recession, sensitivity, and other health problems. To prevent gum disease, brush and floss twice a day and come in for regular checkups. If you have gum bleeding, see a dentist as soon as possible to reverse and stop it.

Teeth Whitening

Hi. I'm Dr. Saahil Trivedi from Preferred Dental Care. I want to answer any questions you might have about professional teeth whitening, also known as in-office teeth whitening, which is whitening done by dental professionals.

Professional teeth whitening is the teeth whitening procedure that we deliver in a dental office under the supervision of trained professionals such as dentists or hygienists.

The way it works is we apply a very special gel to your teeth, and then using specific lights and different tools, we can actually make that gel work much better than it would work at home to get your teeth much brighter, much faster than if you were to do it by yourself at home.

The results from professional teeth whitening are significantly better than at-home teeth whitening. Your teeth will get significantly more white, and it'll be much faster and easier if you do it professionally versus at home. So, I definitely think that professional teeth whitening is worth it.

Professional teeth whitening can solve many problems related to the color of your teeth. Whether your teeth are yellowed or becoming dark or they're really just not as bright as you'd like them, maybe you have spots on your teeth. A lot of these issues can be solved by professional teeth whitening because we're able to get your teeth much whiter than just doing it at home.

Staining or tooth discoloration can happen due to many reasons. It can be due to habits such as smoking, consuming certain beverages, and eating foods like coffees, teas, and red wines. There are many different reasons that someone's teeth can stain or discolor.

The good news is a lot of the causes that create tooth staining and discoloration, that tooth staining and discoloration can be reversed and covered up with professional teeth whitening.

Patients often wonder whether professional teeth whitening is safe. And the good news is that it's completely safe. It's what we call a noninvasive procedure, so we don't do anything that permanently affects the tooth. What happens is the hygienist or the dentist, who are both trained professionals, will prepare the area. They're gonna protect your gums to make sure your gums are safe from the tooth whitening materials, the gels. We then cover the teeth with gels, in a very exact manner. And then we have very specific ways we do it in terms of how long we use the whitening lights and tools like that to make sure that we get the best possible result while also keeping you very safe.

The option that we use here at Preferred Dental Care professional teeth whitening is called Zoom whitening. We've tried many options for professional teeth whitening. We found that Zoom teeth whitening, which is one of the most popular teeth whitening options in the United States, seems to be the most efficient with the best results while also being fast and causing minimal to no discomfort for our patients.

The procedure for Zoom teeth whitening, which is what we use in our office, is very simple. You will come in, and we will make sure your teeth are clean. We want to know if you’ve had a cleaning recently. If you haven’t, we will do a teeth cleaning first.

After that, we will make sure your teeth are in good shape. You do need healthy teeth to get teeth whitening. After that, we will get you ready in the chair, and we will get all our materials ready. We have very special tooth whitening gels and special lights that work with those gels to give you the best possible results. The hygienist or the dentist, who are both trained professionals, will put a gel on top of your gums to make sure your gums are very protected during the process. We'll then paint the teeth with the gel, which is done very exactly and carefully.

After that, the light will be placed close to your mouth, and the light will be turned on. You sit back and relax while the light and the gel work together to get your teeth much lighter. Patients are often very surprised by how much brighter their teeth get by professional teeth whitening. We measure teeth whitening in terms of shades, and we get many, many shades brighter with professional teeth whitening. And it's many times more whitening power than at-home whitening!

A teeth whitening visit with Zoom teeth whitening usually takes anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours. Because usually, we do multiple rounds of the process to get you the best possible whitening result.

Patients often want to know how long their professional whitening treatment lasts. That's a really good question. We can get your teeth many shades whiter, much, much whiter with professional teeth whitening. But there are certain habits, such as drinking black coffee, black teas, red wine, and things like that that can, over time, again, make your teeth dark.

What we do at Preferred Dental Care is when you come for your Zoom whitening included in that cost, we give you at-home whitening trays. These are custom-made just for your teeth. It includes an at-home whitening gel. This whitening gel is not as powerful as what we use in the office because the ones we use in the office are powerful, and they need to be used by professionals.

But the beauty of it is, let's say your teeth are here in terms of whiteness. Well, then we can get the whitening of the teeth all the way up here with professional versus at home, they'd just be here. Then, you can maintain them at this level by doing at-home teeth whitening using the customized whitening trays and the whitening gel that we provide you.

Patients are often concerned if whitening treatments will damage their teeth, and that's a very good question. The most common issue I see from teeth whitening is really one or two days of sensitivity, and we can actually provide you with a special gel that you can use in the customized trays we'll also provide for you after the whitening to make sure your teeth aren't sensitive. Apart from that, there's really no damage caused to teeth during whitening because it's a procedure that works on the outer layer of the teeth only, and that's really it.

Patients with sensitive teeth often wonder, “Can I get teeth whitening?” They may want whiter teeth, but they might be worried that if my teeth are already sensitive, will they be even more sensitive? And that's a great question.

Teeth whitening can sometimes cause teeth sensitivity for a day or two after the whitening procedure. But the good news is that sensitivity can usually be reduced by taking any over-the-counter pain medication that you would usually take for something like a headache or tooth pain. But also, as part of Zoom whitening, which is the model of whitening we use in our office, we give you customized trays, which are essentially plastic retainers for the teeth that you pop on. These retainers or trays serve two purposes. One, we'll give you a whitening gel to make sure that you can maintain your professionally whitened smile for a long time, but we can also give you an anti-sensitivity gel that you can put in the trays to use for the first day or two to help reduce the sensitivity significantly.

Whitening costs can vary depending on the extent of the teeth that need to be whitened and the type of teeth whitening coming in. What I can say is come into the office, and we'll let you know what the best tooth whitening solution for you is.

Patients might often wonder what the difference is between teeth whitening and teeth bleaching. Is there a difference? And if yes, which one's better? Those two terms are really used interchangeably.

Teeth bleaching is an older term that was used for tooth whitening. Now we call it tooth whitening because we have specific gels that we use, and we use specific lights, and it's not really that we're bleaching the teeth. It's just that the term teeth bleaching came about because bleach tends to make things white, and so people viewed it as the same.

Patients often want to know what they can do to prevent stains on their teeth in the first place. And that's a great way to think. It's a great question to ask. We found that there are certain factors that really cause teeth staining more than others. Smoking is definitely one of them and also causes other health issues. We also found that very dark beverages, such as black coffee with no milk, black tea, green tea, and red wine, can stain the teeth. So, what we recommend is if you're drinking tea or coffee, as much as possible, try to drink it through a straw or try to limit the amount of time it spends around your teeth because all those things can cause teeth staining. Also, very strongly colored foods if you eat it over and over again. Certain herbs and spices can also cause teeth staining, so it's just something to be aware of.

Patients are so happy with the results after they get their teeth whitened that they want to know how they can maintain the results for a long time. That's a very good question. So, when you come in for whitening with our office, we will educate you on the steps to take after the whitening to keep that result for as long as possible. We'll educate you on what foods and drinks to avoid. And, also, the best part is we'll give you a customized retainer or a cover for your teeth, essentially, that you can pop on. This is used every few weeks overnight, and we give you an at-home whitening gel for maintenance to help make sure you're maintaining your new bright white smile.

So if you're interested in getting your teeth professionally whitened here with us at Preferred Dental Care, we've done this hundreds, if not thousands of times. We have amazing results. We'd love to help you get the smile of your dreams. Just give our office a call, and we'd love to get you in.

The hard surface of a tooth is composed of two layers. The outermost layer is the enamel and the layer underneath is the dentin. The enamel is made up of calcium (the same thing which makes up our bones) and is naturally white in color. This is the primary reason that teeth are white.

Years of habits (cigarette smoking, tobacco use) and certain beverages (soda, juice, coffee, tea) can stain a person's teeth. In addition, some medications, past dental work, heredity and simply growing older can leave those once pearly whites looking not quite so appealing. 

In addition, the dentin (which is the layer under the enamel), is darker and more yellow in color than the enamel. Enamel is somewhat translucent and therefore the color of the dentin (dark and yellow) can appear through the enamel. As the enamel gets worn down (this occurs over time or due to drinking and eating acidic foods), the dentin color shines through the enamel more and the tooth looks both darker and yellower.

A person's smile can have a very large impact on their life.

Recently a celebrity doctor recommended a simple at-home whitening formula. The recipe? Coat your teeth with a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice before brushing.

Does this really work? Well, it certainly may remove some stains. But unfortunately it can also be a recipe for disaster.

Lemon juice is an acid, so even though fruits are generally healthy, large concentrations of the juice can actually wear away enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. Once that erodes, not only are teeth quite unattractive, they are incredibly prone to cavities and difficult to repair. 

Baking soda is an abrasive material, kind of like sandpaper. So even though in very small amounts it can polish your teeth nicely, use the wrong amount and you may as well be sanding your teeth away!

Our suggestion? Put the lemon in your tea and use baking soda in the kitchen! When it comes to whitening your teeth, your best bet is to ask a dental professional.

Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes and whitening products from the drug store can do a decent job on lightly stained teeth, especially for those in their late teens and early twenties. But we find that most people who express the desire for whiter teeth need what only a dental office can offer.

It is like when you have a headache you can go to pharmacy and buy a pain killer drug without a prescription from your doctor. But if your pain is severe or the problem continues to happen, you need a medication with more power and that can only be prescribed by your medical doctor.

Similarly, the stain that you would like to remove cannot be removed with mild over-the-counter solutions. You need professional-grade whitening gel, applied under the supervision of a trained dental professional.

When it comes to dental advice, please ask a member of the dental profession!

We wish you a beautiful smile!

"Almost three years ago, my teeth looked very bad. Everyone can see my teeth and I didn't feel comfortable. After I came to Preferred Dental Care, it helped a lot. My smile looked better than ever. The dentists working here were very helpful and hard-working." -Nikkita K

"Zoom whitening treatment took about an hour but it was great! The PDC staff are always so helpful and professional. I highly recommend them. Keep up the good work!" -Doris.

"I have been a patient at Preferred Dental Care for over ten yrs. Through the years I have always received professional and courteous service at Preferred Dental. Today I had the opportunity to do the zoom treatment which was absolutely amazing! I felt very little discomfort and I achieved incredible results. My smile is beautiful and bright! I am extremely satisfied. Thank You Irene and Preferred Dental." -Mayra C. 

Use the Google Map here to plan your route via driving or public transportation. We're easilly accessible in Flushing, College Point, Whitestone, Floral Park, Fresh Meadows, Murray Hill, Little Neck, Great Neck, and Kew Gardens. We even provide free parking in our driveway.

Contact Preferred Dental Care today at (718) 445-7600 to hear more about Professional Teeth Bleaching and our other Cosmetic Dental services and experience the difference a well-trained, caring dentist can make in your life. New Patients are always welcome and we work with many insurance plans. You'll never regret choosing us! Preferred Dental Care serves General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Emergency Dental Care in the following locations of Queens NY: Bayside, Little Neck, Fresh Meadows, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Woodhaven, College Point, and Whitestone with state-of-the-art amenities and top-quality dental treatments.

Children's Dentistry

Children's Dentistry When Should Your Child Start Seeing the Dentist?

Our office regularly cares for the dental needs of kids as young as three years old. However, if you notice that your child has a problem with his or her teeth or gums prior to this age, please schedule an appointment. You may also want to bring your child to your dental checkup when he or she is about two so that your child can become familiar with the sights, sounds, and friendly helpers in our dental office. We call this a Happy Visit. Your child's independent checkup at age three will involve a tooth-by-tooth inspection and periodontal exam. The dentist will check for proper development, as well as tooth decay and other areas of concern.

As your child grows, he or she will need regular checkups and hygiene visits to ensure optimal oral health. Our team will also teach oral homecare techniques so that your child can learn how to effectively brush and floss, with your help at first, then on his or her own. The dentist may recommend dental sealants (protects teeth from cavities) or fluoride (makes teeth stronger) supplements. Sealants are thin, clear coatings that protect hard-to-clean back teeth from the sugars that cause tooth decay. Fluoride (makes teeth stronger) attracts other minerals to strengthen tooth enamel and ward off cavities. Because most bottled water does not contain fluoride, your child may be deficient in this essential mineral. Sealants and fluoride (makes teeth stronger) supplements are quick and easy protective measures that can save your little one from cavities.

Let us help your children learn the importance of optimal oral health from a young age. Call to schedule a Happy Visit or checkup today! In some cases, we refer children to pedodontists, who are specialists in dentistry for children. We will help you make the best choices for your child's unique and precious personality.

Contact Preferred Dental Care today at (718) 445-7600 to hear more about Pediatric Dentistry and experience the difference a well-trained, caring dentist can make in your life. New Patients are always welcome and we work with many insurance plans. You'll never regret choosing us! Preferred Dental Care serves General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Emergency Dental Care in the following locations of Queens NY: Bayside, Little Neck, Fresh Meadows, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Woodhaven, College Point, and Whitestone with state-of-the-art amenities and top-quality dental treatments.

Gum Treatment (Periodontics)

Dentistry in Flushing, NY Periodontics (Makes Gums Healthy)

The health of your gums relates to your overall health. Recent studies have linked gum disease with cardiovascular disease, stroke, pregnancy complications, and type 2 diabetes. Our periodontist specializes in healing diseased gums, so that you can enjoy an all-around better quality of life.

Periodontics (makes gums healthy) is the study of the soft tissues, namely the gums, in the oral cavity. A periodontist is someone who has received two additional years of specialized training after dental school. Our periodontist continues to take courses in the latest technology and methods for effective, comfortable periodontal treatment.

If we find any signs of gum disease, we will recommend periodontal therapies that suit your unique needs. Some patients only require more frequent professional cleanings, while others may need more intensive therapy. Our periodontics (makes gums healthy) services include:

To learn more about the harmful effects of gum disease, click here.

Contact Preferred Dental Care today at (718) 445-7600 to hear more about Gum Disease and Periodontic treatments and experience the difference a well-trained, caring dentist can make in your life. New Patients are always welcome and we work with many insurance plans. You'll never regret choosing us! Preferred Dental Care serves General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Emergency Dental Care in the following locations of Queens NY: Bayside, Little Neck, Fresh Meadows, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Woodhaven, College Point, and& Whitestone with state-of-the-art amenities and top-quality dental treatments.

Sleep Apnea/Snoring

Content coming soon.

Night Guards

Nightguards for Bruxism The Crux of Bruxism

Some patients react to stress by grinding their teeth unconsciously during the day or, more commonly, while sleeping. The constant pressure and motion can harm teeth, as well as muscles and tissues in and around the jaw. The condition, known as bruxism, can be remedied with a nightguard.

Common symptoms of bruxism include a sore jaw, headaches, or earaches. Causes vary, but may include stress, anxiety, tension, misaligned teeth, posture, diet, sleeping habits, and other factors. Bruxism is most prevalent in women and generally found in about one-third of the population.

Individuals who react to stress with anger, pain, frustration, aggression, or competition are most commonly affected. People with bruxism may have other biting habits, such as biting fingernails, pencils, lips, or the insides of their cheeks. In some cases, Children can show signs of bruxism.

Constant clenching and grinding of the teeth can cause not only the aforementioned symptoms, but it may also contribute to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction, which has a long list of side effects associated with pain in the head and neck. Teeth rubbing together consistently will result in surface wear over time, which will cause dental problems. Insomnia, eating disorders, and depression can result from bruxism if left untreated.

How can you stop an unconscious habit? A thorough evaluation will allow us to check your teeth, tissues, and muscles. If we determine that you suffer from bruxism, we'll create an orthodontic appliance, also called a nightguard or splint, to prevent grinding and clenching. Many types of nightguards exist, and patients react differently to the various styles. If one appliance does not work, another may. In many cases, simply wearing a nightguard will eliminate the problem. However, if the condition persists, we can prescribe alternative therapies to correct the issue.

Some practices that can relieve symptoms of bruxism include stress and anxiety management, focused facial relaxation, massage and stretching of face and neck muscles, applying ice or wet heat, proper rest, eating soft foods, and hydrating the body. If your teeth were damaged because of bruxism, or if we find TMJ to be a factor, our Queens NY Dental team will repair and treat you to provide complete relief.

Contact Preferred Dental Care today at (718) 445-7600 to hear more about Nightguards and Bruxism Treatment and experience the difference a well-trained, caring dentist can make in your life. New Patients are always welcome and we work with many insurance plans. You'll never regret choosing us! Preferred Dental Care serves General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Emergency Dental Care in the following locations of Queens NY: Bayside, Little Neck, Fresh Meadows, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Woodhaven, College Point, and Whitestone with state-of-the-art amenities and top-quality dental treatments.

Fillings

Cavity Fillings Cavity Filling Procedure

If you've noticed any tooth sensitivity in your mouth, chances are, you may have a cavity that needs to be filled. At Preferred Dental Care, we offer two cavity filling types that can preserve your tooth and have you eating again in no time! Whether it's a large or small cavity, getting it filled can prevent further decay on the tooth, which can lead to the need for a root canal. One type is the low-cost but super-effective metal Amalgam filling, and the other is the Composite Resin filling which is also very durable these days and can match the color of your natural teeth. Regardless of your choice in tooth-filling material, you would be making a wise decision for your oral health.

If you're embarrassed about your smile because of decay or dark fillings in your teeth, you may be a good candidate for composite resins. A silicon dioxide-filled, tooth-colored plastic mixture, composite resins can restore teeth to an attractive, healthy state. Composite resins represent several advantages over traditional silver or amalgam fillings. We offer Tooth-Colored composite resin Fillings right here at our Flushing NY Dental Office!

Because composite resins are not made of metal, we can blend and mix shades to find the perfect color to match your natural teeth. This means only you and your dentist will know you have fillings. Another pro is that the tooth/composite bond actually supports the remaining tooth structure, deterring breakage and insulating against temperature changes. Medium and small composites can last seven to ten years – that’s as long as the tried and true amalgams. Best of all, composite resins allow us to keep more of your natural tooth structure intact than amalgams. We believe in conservative dentistry – the more natural tooth structure you keep, the better teeth you’ll likely have in the future.

We do our best to make sure you are comfortable during your visit, and make sure you are numbed before proceeding with your cavity filling treatment. You may feel soreness as the anesthetic wears off and advise not to eat hard, crunchy foods for about 24 hours. Some patients experience mild and temporary post-placement sensitivity, especially from composite resin fillings. The only caution we usually mention is that coffee, tea, and other staining foods and beverages may discolor your composites unless you ask to have them coated with a clear plastic sealant.

Contact Preferred Dental Care today at (718) 445-7600 to hear more about White/Tooth-colored Fillings and other Cavity Treatment options and experience the difference a well-trained, caring dentist can make in your life. New Patients are always welcome and we work with many insurance plans. You'll never regret choosing us! Preferred Dental Care serves General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Emergency Dental Care in the following locations of Queens NY: Bayside, Little Neck, Fresh Meadows, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Woodhaven, College Point, and Whitestone with state-of-the-art amenities and top-quality dental treatments.

Cosmetic

Are veneers right for me?

That's a great question. What makes someone a good candidate for dental veneers, right? If you're looking to improve your smile, if you want the smile of your dreams, if you want that bright, straight, white teeth, then veneers might be the best solution for you. Porcelain veneers are what we do here at Preferred Dental Care. Porcelain is chosen as a material because it's strong, it lasts a long time, and most importantly, it looks very natural and lifelike, and that's really what you want for veneers. You want veneers that people can't tell are veneers, right? That they can just tell that these are really good-looking teeth. And so if you're interested and want to know if veneers are right for me, come in, get a checkup. We'd be happy to show you what your smile could look like with veneers.

The difference, honestly, is that the at-home teeth whitening solutions are great for maintenance. The issue is that they're not very strong, and they can't be very strong because they're not being supervised by a licensed professional, like a dentist. And so they'll get your teeth maybe a little bit whiter, slightly, but what you really want is a lot of whitening. And so you need to come in and get the professional teeth whitening solutions. We use a solution in the office which uses a special gel, which actually is activated by a light. And the light and the gel combined can whiten your teeth multiple shades, while at-home whitening would maybe whiten your teeth maybe one shade. So the best teeth whitening methods are definitely the professional ones. And also when you come in to get the professional teeth whitening in our office, we'll make you custom retainers so that you can do proper at-home whitening to continue to maintain your brand new white smile.

There's many different options in a smile makeover. We can do what's called a porcelain veneer, which is kind of like a covering for the front of your teeth. If your front teeth are very broken down, we do what's called a crown, which covers the full tooth, which not only makes the tooth look really good, but also gives it a lot of strength. So really, to get this complete smile transformation, the key is to actually come into the office, come to Preferred Dental Care. We'll do a full evaluation of your smile and your health, and we'll make sure to give you that smile of your dreams.

Choosing the right cosmetic dentist is a very important decision that a patient makes. You want to go to a dental office that has great experience in doing, you know, cosmetic dental treatments. You also want to go to a dental office that has all their services in the same place because then you don't have to go from place to place to get different dental treatments done. Another important, you know, thing to look for is what kind of dental lab are they using? Is this dental office using a high-quality lab, or are they using a lab that's inexpensive or that's not located in the country? So it's very important to look at many different factors before choosing the right cosmetic dentist for you. If you're interested in getting your cosmetic dentistry done at Preferred Dental Care, you're welcome to come in for a consultation. We'll show you photos of cosmetic cases we've done. You can actually even see videos of patients who are very satisfied with the cosmetic work at Preferred Dental Care.

That's a great question. Veneers are coverings, essentially, for the front of the teeth, and they don't completely go all the way around the teeth. They're more cosmetic in their purpose. So if you've got broken teeth, slightly chipped teeth more like, you've got some gaps, if you've got discoloration, but the teeth underneath are quite healthy, we often choose to do veneers, which kind of just cover the front of the tooth, and they wrap around the end maybe a little bit. Now, when someone's tooth is broken down, or there's cavity, or they've had more other treatment done on that tooth in the past, we often choose to do crowns, which look just as good as veneers and just as natural. The only difference being the crown completely covers the tooth 360 degrees, and actually gives the tooth a lot of strength.

Great. So if you're looking to get cosmetic work done, if you're looking for a smile makeover, come to Preferred Dental Care, and we'd love to get you the smile of your dreams.

If you want a beautiful smile, our Queens NY dental office can provide all phases of Cosmetic Dentistry (Makes Teeth Look Beautiful). We can brighten your smile, repair chips and breaks, and straighten your teeth. Our highly-trained cosmetic dentists will ensure that your smile looks and functions like a million dollars, without costing a fortune.

Whether you need simple treatments like bonding and teeth whitening or advanced care with orthodontics (makes teeth straight) and porcelain veneers (makes teeth longer), our cosmetic dentists will exceed your expectations. Adult patients that want straighter teeth without wearing metal braces benefit from Invisalign—clear aligners that comfortably and inconspicuously reposition teeth.

Contact Preferred Dental Care today at (718) 445-7600 to hear more about how Cosmetic Dentistry can give you a beautiful smile and experience the difference a well-trained, caring dentist can make in your life. New Patients are always welcome and we work with many insurance plans. You'll never regret choosing us! Preferred Dental Care serves General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Emergency Dental Care in the following locations of Queens NY: Bayside, Little Neck, Fresh Meadows, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Woodhaven, College Point, and Whitestone with state-of-the-art amenities and top-quality dental treatments.