Our very own, Dr. Lewis Gross well-known for his Holistic approach to Dentistry, has been invited to speak at the Rally today on the negative side affects highly fluoridated water has on the human body.

The Rally starts at 11 a.m. Feel free to stop by if you are in the area! Any questions or concerns you have regarding Fluoride, give us a call at (212) 732-2200 or contact us online at holistic-dentists.com

  ]]> http://drlewisgross.com/2012/05/15/dr-lewis-gross-to-speak-today-at-nyc-rally-against-fluoridating-water-on-city-hall-steps/feed/ 0 http://drlewisgross.com/2012/04/05/tribeca-gross-advances-in-implant-dentistry/ http://drlewisgross.com/2012/04/05/tribeca-gross-advances-in-implant-dentistry/#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:24:49 +0000 dr lewis gross http://drlewisgross.com/?p=509 Read more →]]> Tribeca holistic dentist Dr. Lewis Gross works with a team of specialists to ensure expert care for his patients in every area of holistic dentistry. Dr. E. A. Demirdjan, who performs Implant Surgery & Prosthetic Services for Holistic Dentists, has written an article detailing new advances in implant dentistry. To read the article, click on the link below.

Dental Implants: What’s New?

What Makes Holistic Dentistry “Green?”

Holistic dentistry—also called green dentistry, biologic dentistry, organic dentistry, and integrative dentistry—is a minimally invasive approach to dental care that considers the patient’s total health and wellbeing rather than just an isolated problem or condition. This, along with the use of natural, safe, and gentle methods and materials is what makes holistic dentistry so “green.”

Good for Your Health, Good for the Environment

As a New York holistic dentist, it’s Dr. Lewis Gross’ primary goal to help you achieve optimal dental and oral—and, therefore, bodily—health and wellbeing. He does, however, recognize that there is another aspect to his green dentistry approach, and that is protecting the environment.

By using biocompatible, mercury-free, and BPA-free materials for your dental work, Dr. Gross is doing his part to maintain your bodily health and sustain the planet for future generations. By using endodontic alternatives to root canals, non-surgical periodontal treatments, Zap-laser decontamination treatments, and other holistic dental measures, Dr. Gross truly has your best interests at heart.

To find out more about green dentistry, or to experience this innovative approach to dental care first hand, contact New York holistic dentist Dr. Lewis Gross at Holistic Dentists, located in Tribeca, at (212) 732-2200 or online at holistic-dentists.com.

Caring for Your Teeth at Home

In addition to attending professional dental cleanings and exams every six months, practicing proper at-home dental hygiene is the best thing you can do for your teeth and gums. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand how to care for their dental health properly.

Your personal at-home dental care is two-fold. One part involves eating healthy, well-balanced meals and limiting the number of snacks you eat. What your mother told you when you were younger still holds true; sugar can be detrimental to your dental health, so it’s important to make healthy choices—lots crunchy fruits and vegetables, little-to-no sugar and acid, foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids—to keep your teeth, gums, and smile healthy and sparkling for years to come.

The other part of your personal at-home dental care involves correctly using various dental hygiene tools to help control dental plaque and oral bacteria and maintain a healthy oral environment. Dr. Gross explains how to brush and floss your teeth and rinse your mouth properly.

How to Brush, Floss, and Rinse Properly

To brush your teeth properly, follow these steps at least twice a day (in the morning and before bed) with a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste:

1. Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, and gently brush using a small, circular motion. You should always feel the brush bristles gently on your gums.
2. Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
3. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front top and bottom teeth.
4. Brush your tongue to remove oral bacteria and freshen your breath.

To floss your teeth properly, follow these steps at least once a day (before bed) to remove hard to reach plaque and bacteria at your gum line:

1. Take 12 to 16 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle finger on each hand. Leave about 2 inches of floss between your hands.
2. Using your thumbs and forefingers for guidance, gently insert the floss between the teeth using a careful back-and-forth motion.
3. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gum line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the sides of each tooth. Stop when you feel resistance.

To rinse your mouth properly, rinse with water after brushing and after meals if you are unable to brush. Talk to Dr. Lewis Gross at your next appointment about various mouthwashes and oral rinses that may benefit your dental health as well.

To reserve an appointment, call Holistic Dentists, located Tribeca, New York, at (212) 732-2200.

What is a Traditional Dental X-ray?

Dr. Lewis Gross uses dental X-rays—or dental radiographs—as essential tools to obtain a beneath-the-surface-look at what’s going on under your teeth and gums. Because they’re not visible during a regular dental exam, dental X-rays can reveal abscesses, cysts, bone loss, cancerous and non-cancerous tumors, decay between the teeth, developmental abnormalities, poor tooth and root positions, and problems inside of a tooth or below the gum line.

Despite their diagnostic power, many patients resist dental X-rays for fear of radiation exposure. The truth is, however, a full set of dental X-rays is equal to only about 1 percent of your yearly radiation exposure, so Dr. Lewis Gross encourages you to have dental X-rays done as often as your dentist calls for them, which mostly depends on your individual health needs.

What is a Digital X-ray?

Digital radiography is the latest technology used to take dental X-rays, and Dr. Lewis Gross is proud to offer this service to his Tribeca dental patients. Using an electronic sensor rather than the X-ray film used with traditional radiography, digital X-rays quickly capture images of your teeth and gums and stores them on a computer, which contributes to faster production time and added ease when transferring X-rays between your various healthcare providers.

Like traditional dental X-rays, digital X-rays give Dr. Lewis Gross a beneath-the-surface look at your teeth and gums, but with a radiation level that is 80 to 90 percent less than that of already-low dental X-rays. Additionally, digital X-rays are safer for the environment because they require no disposal of harmful waste and chemicals since the images are captured electronically.

Ask about digital radiography at your next appointment with Dr. Lewis Gross. To reserve your appointment, call Holistic Dentists, located in Tribeca, New York, at  (212) 732-2200.

What is Endodontic Treatment?

Before we can explain the holistic approach Dr. Lewis Gross takes as a Lower Manhattan endodontist, we first need to explain the nature of endodontics. As a specialized branch of dentistry, endodontics deals with the complex inner structures of the teeth, specifically the tooth pulp, tissue, nerves, and arterioles.

What Problems are Treated with Holistic Endodontic Treatment?

The way Dr. Lewis Gross treats your endodontic condition holistically depends on your specific needs. Cracked tooth syndrome is one condition that can be treated with holistic dentistry.

A cracked tooth can occur for many reasons, like biting on hard objects, experiencing a trauma, grinding and clenching the teeth, and more. Once the tooth cracks—especially if you continue to use the tooth normally despite the pain that occurs—the crack in the enamel expands, and over time, the pulp and inner workings of the tooth become exposed, and infection can set in. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the jawbone and the surrounding teeth.

Root amputation is another holistic endodontic procedure. With the purpose of saving an injured or diseased tooth from extraction, Dr. Lewis Gross will precisely and gently remove the root of the tooth to protect the rest of your mouth and body from infection. Although your tooth will no longer be alive, your newly crowned tooth can remain intact and attractive for years to come.

For more information about holistic dentistry, call Tribeca endodontist Dr. Lewis Gross at Holistic Dentists at (212) 732-2200.

What is Endodontic Treatment?

Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that directly deals with the complex inner structures of the teeth, specifically the tooth pulp, tissue, nerves, and arterioles.

When is Endodontic Treatment Needed?

Inflammation and tenderness of the gums, sensitive teeth, tenderness when chewing and biting, discolored teeth, and unexplained pain in the lymph nodes are common symptoms of endodontic problems. Other causes of inner-tooth damage that require endodontic treatment include:

• Bacterial infections: As the most common cause of endodontic problems, bacterial infections occur when bacteria invade the tooth pulp through tiny fissures in the teeth that are caused by tooth decay or injury. The resulting inflammation and infection can jeopardize the tooth and cause an abscess to form.
• Fractures and chips: When a large portion of a tooth’s surface has been damaged or lost, the pulp can become exposed, which causes very painful problems. Tooth injuries can also put the tooth in jeopardy, often causing the tooth to be dislodged from its socket.
• Removals: In the event that a tooth has been completely removed from its socket, it is important to thoroughly rinse the tooth and place it back into the socket as quickly as possible. If this isn’t an option, place the tooth in a dental solution or milk until Dr. Lewis Gross can examine your mouth. In most cases, the tooth will need root canal therapy to be saved.

What Does Endodontic Treatment Involve?

To begin your treatment, Dr. Lewis Gross will take dental X-rays and perform a full examination of your teeth to accurately diagnose your dental condition and needs. If you need a root canal, the procedure will be performed over a period of one to three visits to our Tribeca dentist office.

During your procedure, Dr. Lewis Gross will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area and will then take precautionary measures to ensure that the infection in your tooth doesn’t spread to surrounding teeth during the procedure. Using small, handheld instruments, Dr. Lewis Gross will carefully and gently remove the infected pulp from the tooth.

Once the damaged part of the tooth is removed, Dr. Lewis Gross will clean, shape and fill the remaining tooth structure to restore strength, function, and appearance to the tooth.

Stay tuned for information about holistic endodontic treatment. To reserve an appointment with Dr. Lewis Gross, contact Holistic Dentists, located in Tribeca, New York, at (212) 732-2200.

What is Air Abrasion?

As one of the newest and most advanced forms of micro-dentistry, air abrasion is used to treat tooth decay and prepare teeth for restorations. To put it simply, air abrasion replaces the traditional dental drill that was once used by dentists to remove damaged dental tissue and prepare teeth for dental work. In compliance with Dr. Lewis Gross’ minimally invasive holistic dental approach, air abrasion removes the noise, heat, vibration, and smells associated with the traditional dental drill, making the procedure a much more comfortable experience overall.

What are the Benefits of Air Abrasion?

In addition to added comfort, air abrasion does the following:

• Removes the need for local anesthetic or sedation in most cases
• Leaves more of the natural tooth intact
• Allows for the treatment of more teeth or the completion of more restorative dental work in one appointment
• Removes the vibrations, noises, and pressure associated with the traditional dental drill
• Reduces the risk of further damage (chipping and fracture) to the surrounding tooth structure
• Leaves teeth dry and clean, which is necessary for placing fillings and other restorative dental work

Like many other dental procedures, air abrasion is not appropriate for everyone. Dr. Lewis Gross suggests air abrasion for patients who experience dental fear and anxiety, children, and those with minimal tooth decay. Patients who wish to have existing dental fillings—amalgam or composite resin—removed, patients receiving dental sealants, and patients who wish to have surface stains removed from their teeth are also good candidates for air abrasion.

To reserve an appointment with Dr. Lewis Gross and to find out if you’re a candidate for air abrasion and other holistic dental procedures, call Holistic Dentists, located in Tribeca, New York, at (212) 732-2200 or visit us online at holistic-dentists.com.

Dental Fear and Anxiety

If you ask a group of patients with dental phobia why they fear the dentist or dental work, you’ll probably receive a variety of answers.

Some of the most common dental fears include:

• Fear of embarrassment about the current condition of the teeth
• Fear of gagging
• Fear of injections
• Fear of loss of control
• Fear of not being numb during dental work
• Fear of pain
• Fear of the dentist as a person
• Fear of the “dental drill”

For most dentists, their main concern is the health of your teeth and gums, but most dentists also have their patients’ best interests at heart, and that includes addressing any fear or anxiety that is brought on by the thought of scheduling dental work or a routine dental appointment.

To ensure your comfort, confidence, and relaxation in the dental chair, Dr. Lewis Gross offers several patient comfort measures, as well as suggestions for how to make your experience in the dental chair a positive one.

Overcoming Dental Fear and Anxiety

The first step to overcoming dental fear and anxiety is knowing that you’re not alone. An estimated 35 million people do not see the dentist regularly because they’re too afraid. If you avoid the dentist, however, you’re not receiving the dental care you need and deserve, and you’re laying the foundation of some very serious oral and overall health problems, including gum disease, tooth loss, jawbone degeneration, oral cancer, and an increased risk of certain cancers, stroke, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and more.

To help you relax in the dental chair and receive the dental care you need and deserve, Dr. Lewis Gross suggests the following:

• Talk openly with Dr. Gross: As a dentist, Dr. Gross understands how real and debilitating dental fear is. Sometimes just scheduling and showing up for an appointment is a victory in and of itself. Open up to Dr. Lewis Gross so that he can take the necessary measures to meet all of your needs.
• Bring a portable music player: Music acts as a relaxant and can drown out any fear-inducing noises.
• Agree on a signal: To help Dr. Lewis Gross monitor your comfort level during your dental procedure, agree on a hand signal that you’ll show when the pain becomes too great. This will alert Dr. Lewis Gross to alter his treatment method or increase your level of sedation.
• Be informed: If you’d like, Dr. Gross can tell you what he’s doing during each step of the procedure so that you’re informed about what’s going on inside of your mouth. If you’d like, bring a mirror to watch what Dr. Lewis Gross does during your treatment.

Dr. Gross also offers sedation and laser dentistry to ensure the comfort of his patients throughout their dental procedures. Depending on your comfort and dental needs, Dr. Gross will suggest possible laser and sedation treatments that you might benefit from.

To reserve an appointment with Dr. Lewis Gross, call Holistic Dentists, located in Tribeca, New York, at (212) 732-2200.

What’s Involved with Minimally Invasive Dentistry?

Focusing on prevention, remineralization, and the conservation of healthy tooth structure, minimally invasive dentistry is a highly technical and scientific course of treatment that allows the dentist to perform the least amount of dentistry needed while never removing more of the tooth structure than is required to restore the teeth to their normal condition. Additionally, Dr. Lewis Gross uses long-lasting and safe dental materials to reduce the need for future maintenance, maintain an attractive all-white appearance in your mouth, and promote total-body health.

Minimally invasive dentistry techniques include:

• Remineralization: As the process of restoring minerals to the teeth, remineralization can help to repair tooth enamel. In most cases, fluoride treatment plays a large role in the remineralization process.
• Air abrasion: When a tooth is past the point of remineralization and decay is present, Dr. Lewis Gross can use air abrasion to remove the decay. Air abrasion replaces the need for the traditional dental drill and often eliminates the need for anesthesia.
• Sealants: Usually made of clear plastic resin, dental sealants form a barrier between hard-to-clean teeth (molars, wisdom teeth, etc.) and decay-causing bacteria. Sealants do not require any alteration to the natural tooth structure, so Dr. Lewis Gross can place them on teeth that might be susceptible to decay at any time.
• Inlays and Onlays: Dental crowns are traditionally used to restore strength, durability, and appearance to a tooth that has been damaged, but crowns tend to require a good portion of the natural tooth be altered or removed. To avoid this, Dr. Lewis Gross places inlays and onlays to provide substantial reconstruction conservatively.
• Bite splints: Bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding, can cause serious damage to your teeth and contribute to TMJ (temporomandibular) dysfunction. Dr. Lewis Gross can provide you with a bite splint to wear at night or during times of high stress to limit your teeth grinding.

What are the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Dentistry?

In addition to keeping the maximum amount of your natural tooth structure intact, minimally invasive dentistry by Dr. Lewis Gross can allow for the following:

• More dental work completed in a single dental appointment, limiting the amount of time you take off from work and spend in the dental chair
• Less healing time post-procedure
• Less future dental work to maintain restorative dental measures
• More attention paid to total-body health and a working relationship between your dentist and other healthcare providers
• A new level of comfort during your procedure, decreasing the need for sedation and local anesthesia

To reserve an appointment with Dr. Lewis Gross, call Holistic Dentists, located in Tribeca, New York, at (212) 732-2200.