Preventive Dental Care in Manhattan

At Upper West Side Dental, your comfort is our top priority.  If you are looking to have a cleaning that is thorough and efficient but dislike traditional hand scalings, book your dental cleaning with our Upper West Side Dentist, Dr. Shirley.  We offer cleanings using the Cavitron, a new and quick alternative to hand tools. Cleaning teeth with the Cavitron is superior to hand scaling because the ultrasonic energy of the Cavitron actually kills the bacteria that causes periodontal disease.   We recommend you visit our Upper West Side Manhattan Dental office for dental cleanings every 6 months.  Having cleanings every 6 months ensures less plaque accumulates your teeth thus making your dental cleanings more comfortable. Those that stay away from the dentist may require a deep cleaning, which can be verified by having an exam by our Upper West Side Dentist, Dr. Benjamin Shirley.  Book your dental cleaning today!

Do you wake up in the morning with jaw pain?  You may be experiencing Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding. Bruxism is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth.  It typically occurs unconsciously, either while asleep or as a response to being nervous.  Some may clench or grind their teeth while they are working out. Bruxism can potentially lead to serious long term tooth damage if not treated. Our Upper West Side dentist, Dr. Shirley offers appliances that help the prevention of teeth grinding.  Our custom-fit mouth guards come in either soft or hard and can be fabricated in one visit.  The mouth guard fits over either the upper or lower teeth and acts like a shield to protect the teeth. Along with having a custom made mouth guard, Dr. Shirley encourages patients that have bruxism to take yoga or meditation classes.  This may lower stress levels and help with bruxism.  Dr. Shirley also fabricates athletic mouth guards for patients who want to protect their teeth from damage during sport activities.  Whether you grind your teeth or play sports, Our Upper West Side Manhattan office offers may options to protect your teeth.

At Upper West Side Dental we believe prevention is the best method of treatment.  We offer two preventive procedures, Sealant and Fluoride treatment.  A dental sealant is an extra-thin, plastic coating that is painted on the chewing surfaces on teeth. Fluoride prevents tooth decay in adults and children by strengthening the tooth enamel.  After your dental exam and cleaning, Dr. Shirley may recommend either a fluoride rinse or a topical application.

Snoring happens occasionally, but if it happens frequently it can affect the quality of not only your sleep but of others in your household.  Approximately one-third of the population snores.  Snoring can lead to poor sleep which causes fatigue, irritability and increased health problems. It can also cause a rift in your relationship. The common causes of snoring are age, sleep posture, nasal/sinus problems and being overweight.  Snoring could indicate Sleep Apnea, which can be life threatening. According to a UCLA School of Dentistry study: “The struggle for breath can result in soaring blood pressure, which can damage the wall of the carotid arteries and increase the risk of stroke”. Snoring is a serious condition that should not be ignored or overlooked.At Upper West Side Dental we provide devices such as the Silent Nite SL which will allow for a comfortable nights rest.