Keep Your Teeth Healthy This Holiday Season

The holidays are a test of self-control for many of us. It’s hard to avoid snacks and sweets that are lurking around every dinner table. You don’t have to deprive yourself to protect your teeth enamel or dental health, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS just wants patients to be more aware of what they are consuming. If you’re struggling with what to eat during this holiday season, we are here to help.

Whatever you decide to eat, be sure to brush your teeth after your meal, especially if you are munching on something that is high in sugar. If there is a charcuterie, or cheese spread on the table, reach for these, as cheese contains calcium that assists in keeping tooth enamel strong. Making poor nutritional decisions can lead to painful and expensive damage. So when you’re reaching for the candy canes, popcorn balls, and cookies, chew carefully, so you don’t chip a tooth.

If you have questions or concerns about diet and dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Cosmetic Dentistry: Veneers

If you wish to enhance the color or shape of your teeth, veneers may be an option for you. Veneers are routinely used to fix teeth that are discolored due to excessive coffee, tea, and wine consumption, teeth that are worn down due to clenching or grinding, and teeth that are chipped or broken. Getting veneers is a simple process that is usually completed in three trips to the office. If you wish to discuss veneers to restore your smile, schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS.

A dental veneer is a shell or layer of tooth-colored porcelain or composite that is placed over the facial surfaces of teeth. To determine if you are a candidate for veneers, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro will discuss your oral health during a consultation. Because the process of placing veneers requires natural tooth structure to be removed, you will need to discuss your smile goals, as removal of any natural tooth structure is permanent. Although veneers fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry because they create bright smiles, they also protect the surface of damaged teeth and may eliminate the need for more extensive treatments.

If you have questions or concerns about veneers or cosmetic dental options, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Sedation Dentistry

If you have a fear of the dental chair or desire a little relaxation during your dental cleaning, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro has sedation options to meet your needs. Sedation dentistry is used to take a patient’s fears away while visiting the dentist and can be used for everything from invasive procedures like tooth extraction, or simple procedures such as a prophylaxis.

Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to help a patient relax during his or her dental appointment. There are different levels of sedation, which range from minimal, where a patient is awake but relaxed, to general anesthesia, where a patient is completely unconscious. The type of sedation used will depend on a person’s situation. Depending on the dose given, the patient may or may not need someone to drive him or her home.

If you have questions or concerns about sedation options, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Dental Implant Restoration

By choosing dental implants to restore your missing teeth, you are making an excellent decision to improve the status of your oral health. When teeth are missing, this can diminish a person’s self-esteem, make them appear older, and/or affect the way they eat and speak. Dental implants allow you to enjoy life without worry about your teeth and will have you smiling in photos in no time. If you are considering dental implant restoration, schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS so he can answer all of your questions.

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots that act as a natural tooth. Because dental implants don’t alter the teeth, more of your natural teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Dental implants stay in place and aren’t removable like some dentures, therefore they are durable and will last many years with proper oral hygiene.

If you have questions or concerns about restorative dentistry, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Nocturnal Bruxism

Nocturnal bruxism is a condition in which the patient clenches or grinds his or her teeth during sleep. Bruxism most often occurs during this time frame but can also happen unintentionally while the person is awake. Bruxism is often caused by stress or anxiety and is used as a coping mechanism for these emotions. Once bruxism is properly diagnosed, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS can discuss treatment options.

The act of clenching the teeth can be detrimental to a person’s smile. It leads to tooth damage such as weakened enamel, increased sensitivity, and chips or fractures. During sleep, the jaw is set in a certain position that may trigger the natural reflexes of the brain which are never turned off. Dr. Dallessandro may suggest a night guard to alleviate pressure that is put on the jaw and prevent further damage.

If you have questions or concerns about nocturnal bruxism, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Handling Halitosis

Bad breath is embarrassing, especially when you aren’t the first to notice. Also known as halitosis, bad breath isn’t typically a problem unless it becomes chronic. Chronic bad breath is usually caused by poor oral hygiene habits. It can also be a result of dry mouth, dental problems such as gum disease, or an underlying medical condition. If your bad breath has you feeling self-conscious, schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS to get the problem under control.

Certain foods such as garlic and onions can leave a person with bad breath but that can typically be cured by a breath mint. Proper brushing and flossing remove bacteria and food particles that become trapped between teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum can control the odor, but it’s best to visit Dr. Dallessandro for a more permanent solution. He can answer any questions you may have regarding treatment.  

If you have questions or concerns about halitosis, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Cavity Prevention

Many people think that only children get cavities, but that is a myth that Dr. Joseph Dallessandro, DDS is about to debunk. It doesn’t matter how old you are, the sugars that are consumed through food and beverages feed off the plaque that sits on teeth and causes decay. If not removed by proper brushing and flossing, the acids in plaque can dissolve tooth enamel, creating cavities, or tiny holes in the teeth.

Any person who eats a lot of sugary or high-carbohydrate foods is more likely to develop cavities. The best way to prevent cavities is to keep the mouth as clean as possible. It’s important to maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine that consists of brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day in addition to visiting our office twice a year for dental checkups.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth decay, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Why Sugar Is Bad For Teeth

Sugar has many labels – glucose, fructose, sucrose – but they all mean the same thing. It should be no secret that sugar is bad for your teeth, but Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS is here to explain why. Sugars are the main culprit when it comes to cavity development. This is because when sugars are ingested, acidity levels rise which can be too much for tooth enamel to handle, thus leading to the dissolution of enamel and dentin, causing cavities.  

Sugar takes on many forms and it can be found in almost anything. Without getting into too much detail, sugar is bad for teeth are because it creates acids that break down tooth enamel. Dr. Dallessandro doesn’t expect patients to give up sugar cold turkey, but there are replacement options. Take small steps by switching to sugar-free chewing gum and try to work your way up to reducing your sugary beverage intake.

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Water Benefits Teeth

Water keeps us hydrated and without it, we wouldn’t be able to survive. Saliva is the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay and water replenishes saliva with every sip. By drinking more water, especially if it contains nature’s natural cavity-fighter – fluoride – this will protect you from dry mouth and tooth decay. Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS is here to give you more reasons to drink water.

Saliva is made up of 99% water. When we are low on saliva, our mouths will begin to feel dry and uncomfortable. This condition can make it hard to swallow and chew because saliva washes away leftover food. Water also washes away acids that have been left behind on the teeth that may cause cavities. Water doesn’t wreak havoc on your teeth like sugary beverages do. Sugar provides no nutritional value for dental health, but water provides many.

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

Extrinsic Stains

Take a look at your teeth. Are you satisfied with their shade of color? Tooth discoloration develops from the food and beverages we consume, especially coffee, wine and cola. Smoking also causes discoloration because tobacco will turn the teeth yellow. These types of stains are usually extrinsic, which means they form on the outer layer of teeth. Regardless of the cause, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS is here to revive the brightness in your smile.

Extrinsic staining is easier to remove than stains that develop inside the teeth. Extrinsic stains can range from white streaks, to yellow tints, or brown spots. To prevent extrinsic staining, you should be brushing your teeth after every meal. Dr. Dallessandro recommends using a mouth rinse or rinsing with water after having wine, coffee, or other foods that stain your teeth. Teeth whitening or bleaching is an excellent way to reverse this type of discoloration. Talk to Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS about your whitening options, today.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth discoloration or whitening services, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in New York, NY, call 212-988-1089.

White Fillings

In the past, silver amalgam fillings did their job of restoring decayed teeth, but they did not look very good for a smile. These days, we have the technology available to provide white fillings that blend right in with the color of your natural tooth. Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS prides himself for being able to offer our patients restorative dentistry that improves teeth cosmetically at the same time. We offer white fillings here in our New York, NY dental practice.

White fillings work just the same as regular fillings. The decay is first removed from the tooth and any debris is cleared away. A composite resin that is color-matched to the shade of your tooth is then applied in layers. Each layer is hardened with a curing light. Afterwards, Dr. Dallessandro will shape the resin and make sure there isn’t any extra material. He will then polish the resin so that it shines like the rest of your tooth. Your tooth is now newly restored with a strong and good-looking white filling.

Fillings should be taken care of just like the rest of your teeth. You should continue to brush two to three times per day and floss once per day. Routine visits to your dentist for cleanings and examinations are also part of good oral hygiene.

If you suspect you have a cavity due to pain, sensitivity, or a dark spot on your tooth, come in for an examination. To schedule with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in our New York, NY office, give us a call at (212) 988-1089 or visit our website, www.josephdallessandrodds.com. 

What is a Tooth Abscess?

When a tooth persistently throbs and keeps you up at night with pain, it could be more worrisome than a simple tooth ache. An abscessed tooth is a painful infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth. It occurs when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, dies and becomes inflamed after being left untreated. If an abscessed tooth has you bothered, Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS can usually resolve the problem with endodontic therapy.

The abscess itself is a pocket of pus that’s caused by a bacterial infection. The most common symptom is an ache in the bone around the tooth, but you may also experience pain when chewing. Other causes of a tooth abscess are trauma to the tooth, such as when broken or chipped, and periodontal disease. The goals of treatment for an abscessed tooth include strategies to eliminate the infection, preserve the tooth, and prevent further complications.

If you are experiencing inflammation of your gums, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in our New York, NY office, give us a call at 212-988-1089 or visit our website, www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information about the services we provide. 

How Effective Is Your Brushing Routine?

Even though we’ve been brushing our teeth for our whole lives, many of us are surprised to learn that we’re not doing it properly. How many of you think it’s a race when you step in front of the sink? You may brush for less than a minute, leaving a layer of plaque behind. Plaque that isn’t removed can harden into tartar, making it harder to keep teeth clean. That’s why it is important to utilize these brushing tips in between professional cleanings and dental checkups with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS.

• Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.


• Move the brush back-and-forth gently in short strokes.


• Brush the outer surfaces, the inside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of all teeth.


• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.


• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

If you have further questions regarding your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in our New York, NY office, give us a call at 212-988-1089 or visit our website, www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information about the services we provide. 

The Proper Flossing Technique

Flossing should never be painful. If you floss too hard, you could damage the tissue between your teeth. However, if you’re too gentle, you might not be removing the food from your teeth. Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it has a chance to harden to plaque. Plaque buildup causes gingivitis, which can lead to a more serious form of periodontal disease. Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro can’t monitor how often you floss (once a day) but he can give you some flossing tips to utilize the next time you get the job done.

• Starting with about 18 inches of floss, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of floss to work with.


• Holding the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth.


• ·        Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gum line. Never force the floss, as this may cut or bruise delicate gum tissue.


• Use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.


• To remove the floss, use the same back-and-forth motion to bring the floss up and away from the teeth.

If you have further questions regarding your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in our New York, NY office, give us a call at 212-988-1089 or visit our website, www.josephdallessandrodds.com for more information about the services we provide. 

Dental Veneers for a Brand-New Smile

Having a radiant and beaming smile is, well, something to smile about! From minor imperfections to major aesthetic issues, dental veneers can offer that brilliant smile you desire! Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS offers dental veneers to his patients in our New York, NY dental practice!

Veneers are a great solution for patients with gaps, misaligned teeth, misshapen teeth, discolored teeth, cracks, and more. Without any major dental work, veneers are bonded to the front of your existing teeth. They create the look of a completely transformed smile.

To begin the process of creating your new smile, Dr. Dallessandro will prepare your teeth. He will take a very small amount of enamel from the front of your teeth. This amount of enamel equates the thickness of the veneer that will replace it. When the teeth are fully prepared, Dr. Dallessandro will take impressions of them to be sent to a laboratory. The laboratory will create completely customized veneers. During the creation process, you will wear a set of temporary veneers to protect your teeth. When the custom veneers are ready, they are bonded to the front of your teeth. With good care, veneers are able to last for up to ten years. Taking good care means brushing and flossing as you normally would, but it requires no special care. Also remember to visit your dentist for routine cleanings and examinations.

Veneers can take a smile you are insecure about and transform it so you have nothing but confidence! To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS in our New York, NY office, call us at (212) 988-1089 or visit our website, www.josephdallessandrodds.com. 

Dazzling Smiles with Custom Teeth Whitening Trays

It is no wonder why most people say a smile is the first thing they notice about someone. Whitening your teeth can unleash confidence you did not even know you have. Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro, DDS here in New York, NY offers our patients a customized take-home tray whitening system for dramatic whitening results.

When you choose a whitening system that is supervised by your dentist, it means that you are going to get professional results. When store-bought whitening kits do not work, it may be time to try a professional teeth whitening system.

Dr. Dallessandro begins the whitening process with taking impressions of your teeth. These impressions are used to construct retainer-like trays that fit perfectly over your teeth. A special whitening gel that breaks the carbon bonds responsible for holding in stains is placed into the trays. The trays are worn for a short time over a period of a few days. Whitening in the comfort of your own home is a definite plus over sitting in the dental chair for the duration of your treatment. Our custom take-home whitening trays have been known to produce results four to eight shades whiter!

If you are looking for a dazzling new smile, try our completely custom take-home whitening tray system. To schedule an appointment in our New York, NY dental office, call the office of Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro at (212) 988-1089 or visit our website, www.josephdallessandrodds.com.