Canker Sores

Canker sores are small, shallow ulcers that appear in your mouth and make it difficult for you to eat and talk. The exact cause of canker sores isn’t known but stress and foods that are high in citrus and are acidic are known triggers of canker sores.

Some symptoms that you may have a canker sore include pain on your tongue or the inside of your cheeks and if you feel a burning sensation. Canker sores are circular and are usually white or gray with a red edge.

Foods that are known to cause canker sores include lemons, oranges, apples, and tomatoes. At Miami Dental we encourage our patients with canker sores to avoid these foods.

If you do get a canker sore, the best way to treat them is to rinse your mouth out with hot salt water a couple times a couple of times a day to help with recovery. If you still have a canker sore after 1-2 weeks we advise you to make an appointment with us.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracostal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rd St, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

Crooked Teeth and Crowding

Many people have crooked teeth, at Miami Dental, we want you to understand how crooked teeth causes crowding and how you can fix crowding of your teeth. As your permanent teeth begin to develop, they can start to become crooked and overlap.

When there isn’t enough room in your mouth to fit, crowding can occur and lead to shifting. In some cases, overbites can form when your upper and lower jaws aren’t the same size, which extends your bottom teeth and jaw outward.

If you have difficulty chewing while eating, you may need a tooth extraction or braces. Crooked teeth can make it difficult to clean your teeth that can lead to cavities and gum disease. For most of our patients, braces are required to fix crowding and crooked teeth.

We encourage our patients with crooked teeth to get braces at a younger age when their mouth is still developing. Tis makes it easier for your teeth to grow in straight and naturally as your mouth is still expanding.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracostal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rd St, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

Dental Phobia

If you have a fear of going to the dentist or people working in your mouth, you likely suffer from dental phobia. Dental phobia is a serious condition that leaves patients with a fear of the dentist panic-stricken and terrified in the days leading up to their appointment. Our staff at Miami Dental advises patients with dental phobia to let us know prior to their visit with us about their fears.

Studies have shown that about 9% to 15% of people avoid going to the dentist every year due to dental phobia. We don’t want your fear of the dentist to deter you for getting your teeth cleaned and getting a checkup twice a year. People who suffer from dental phobia are more likely to develop cavities and gum disease.

Please give us a call a couple of days before your appointment with us so can accommodate you the best we can and make you feel comfortable.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracostal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rd St, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

Flossing to Prevent Cavities

At Miami Dental, we advise our patients to floss daily for good oral hygiene. Flossing removes all of the food and bacteria stuck in-between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach.  

Many people don’t floss because they think it is too time-consuming but the truth is flossing gets rid of 40% of the debris in your teeth.  When food gets stuck in between your teeth, it allows plaque to build up if you don't floss.

Flossing is easy, simply wrap the floss around each tooth while rubbing it up and down to scrape away any plaque. Don’t be concerned if your gums bleed when you start flossing, if they are not used to flossing they will likely be sensitive in the beginning.

We want all of our patients to floss daily to prevent cavities and have healthier teeth.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracostal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rd St, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

Porcelain Dental Veneers

Drs. Allen Ressler, Andrew Hirschl, and Ira Lelchuk of Miami Dental offer Porcelain Dental Veneers to our patients. Dental veneers are thin durable porcelain shells that are placed over your natural teeth. This gives you the chance to have the smile that you’ve always dreamed of. Dental veneers can correct issues such as stained, cracked, broken, and gapped teeth. They look completely natural, impossible to differentiate from natural teeth.

 

It takes 2-3 appointments for the veneer process to be complete. At your first appointment, you will meet with one of our dentists for a consultation. There are many different options that come with dental veneers. They are as versatile as you are, so it is recommended that you do some individual research beforehand. This will help you get a better idea of how you want your new smile to look. The major two aesthetic choices are the shape and color of the veneers. For shape, the two options come down to rounded and square. It is a common misbelief that rounded veneers are more feminine, while square veneers are more masculine. This is not true. We offer the best shape for your particular mouth regardless of gender. In terms of color, the shading of the veneers goes from natural all the way to Hollywood levels of brightness. Once all the decisions have been made, the next part of the process can begin.

 

Your teeth will be prepared for the laminates. During this process, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth. This impression is what will be used to create your custom veneers. It is sent to a dental laboratory to be made. It will take about 10-14 days. We will provide you with temporary veneers during this time. At your final appointment, your permanent veneers will be bonded to your teeth.

 

Miami Dental has offices in two locations. For our office located in North Miami Beach, call 305-949-2630. To reach our Miami Beach office, call 305-532-1444. Drs. Allen Ressler, Andrew Hirschl, and Ira Lelchuk are available for appointment over the phone or by visiting our website.

The Benefits of Chewing Sugarless Gum

Depending on the type of gum you’re chewing, it can have a positive or negative effect on your oral health. Chewing sugarless gum after meals has been proven to help rinse acids that attract bacteria, which destroy tooth enamel. Food particles can easily get stuck or lodged against your teeth. Chewing gum increases saliva, neutralizing acids and helping to wash away remaining food particles and debris. Miami Dental recommends patients chew gum, but only if they make sure it is sugar-free.

Gum filled with sugar may taste better but it is really harmful to your teeth. Sugars attract bacteria and cause tooth decay, which ultimately leads to cavities. This is why it’s extremely harmful to allow sugar to rest on the teeth. Sugary gum is inside your mouth and against your teeth for longer because of its function as a chewable apparatus. Instead of relieving breath odor, producing saliva, and dislodging food particles, sugary chewing gum is causing more harm than good by lacing your teeth with even more bacteria-attracting sugar. 

Chewing sugarless gum also should not be a substitute for proper oral hygiene as patients should still brush and floss daily. They should also visit us twice a year for professional cleanings.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirshl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rd St, Suite 310, North Miami, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. Visit our website at www.miami-dental.net or stop in and fill out a contact form.

Should you use an Electric Toothbrush?

There are a lot of options to choose from when deciding what toothbrush to buy. At Miami Dental, we encourage our patients to change toothbrushes every 3-4 months or after their bristles are worn down. If the bristles begin to get splayed and distorted, it means you are no longer brushing your teeth effectively.

With so many toothbrushes to choose from, your biggest decision is deciding between an electric or traditional toothbrush. We want our patients to feel comfortable with the brush they use so they can brush for a full two minutes effectively. If you are able to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly for a full two minutes, a traditional toothbrush works perfectly fine. Electric toothbrushes have bristles that rotate and help you to clean more areas on your teeth effectively by removing plaque

The most important thing to us is that you are brushing and flossing consistently. We advise our patients to visit us twice a year for cleaning to make sure your teeth are healthy.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracostal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rd St, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

Children's Dental Health Month

At Miami Dental, we advise our patients to practice good oral hygiene starting at a young age. Children's baby teeth act as placeholders for their permanent teeth as the jaws develop, which is why it is important to encourage good cleaning habits. Every February the American Dental Association promotes National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness for children.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children. To prevent tooth decay, we encourage parents to brush their babies' teeth. With just a dab of toothpaste, gently brush the surfaces of your children’s teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. When your children are old enough, teach them how to brush and floss (and spit toothpaste) on their own, and ask us if you are unsure of the proper technique. Inspect your children's mouths for signs of gingivitis, such as red gum tissue.

Don’t forget, good hygiene starts at a young age and lasts for a lifetime. Remember to schedule a cleaning with us twice a year to maintain healthy teeth.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracostal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rd St, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

Teeth Whitening

At Miami Dental we offer GLO chairside teeth whitening for patients who want teeth that are spotless and bright. It is recommended that patients come and see one of our dentists to learn which kind of whitening suits them best, since high-powered whitening works better for patients who don't suffer from sensitivity.

For patients for whom chairside whitening is not suggested, there are more natural ways to your teeth as white as possible. Brushing twice a day for two minutes with extra-fluoridated toothpaste, along with flossing, builds a good foundation for brighter teeth. It is important to avoid foods that stain such as red wine, coffee, and tea as well as to avoid tobacco use of any kind.

For patients that have an interest in teeth whitening, Miami Dental can assist you with any questions or concerns. But remember, whitening has to be maintained with at home care and a couple visits a year to Miami Dental.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirshl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rd St, Suite 310, North Miami, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website at miami-dental.com, Miami Dental through a contact form.

Advanced Periodontitis

Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk hope that patients never reach the first stage of periodontal disease let alone the final stage. If mild gingivitis is left untreated, it will advance to periodontitis. Periodontitis is typically treated first through a procedure called scaling and root planing. This involves a deep cleaning of the gums that can be avoided with proper oral hygiene habits. If you experience gum inflammation, schedule a professional cleaning to get the condition under control.

Healthy gums are firm and pink; therefore, if your gums are a dark red, or have a purple tint, you may be a victim of periodontal disease. With advanced periodontitis, the gum will pull away from the tooth, and the risk of losing permanent teeth is increased. Depending on the severity of periodontitis, scaling and root planing will be performed to remove the bacteria from below the gum line. To prevent periodontal disease in any form, you should adequately brush your teeth at least twice a day for a two-minute period. Follow this up with proper flossing and a quick mouth rinse, and your smile will benefit.  

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630. 

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Have you ever walked down the oral health aisle, just to find yourself overwhelmed by all of the decisions? Fear not, because Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk are here to help you pick the right instrument to clean those pearly (or not so pearly) whites. It’s important to know that it doesn’t matter if you use an electric or a manual toothbrush, as long as you are putting the time and effort into your oral hygiene routine.

Any toothbrush that you choose for yourself should have soft bristles. Hard bristles can cause abrasion to periodontal tissue and will only make the teeth more sensitive. Select a toothbrush head that will easily fit in your mouth. If you are shopping for a child, it’s important to select a toothbrush that has soft bristles for gentle cleaning, a small head to fit their tiny teeth and a large handle, because this is easier for a child to grip. You should replace your toothbrush once every three months or sooner if the bristles become worn out or frayed.

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630. 

Extrinsic Stains and Treatment

Stains on teeth are divided into two categories – extrinsic and intrinsic. While intrinsic stains refer to the discoloration of dentin (underneath the enamel) extrinsic are a little less complicated, as they occur on the outer surface of enamel. Because extrinsic stains are located on the surface, they can be removed through a few whitening sessions. Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk may suggest GLO Whitening treatment for extrinsic stains.

Extrinsic tooth stains are usually a result of poor oral hygiene habits. However, certain foods and beverages like coffee and wine can stain the enamel as well. Unlike intrinsic stains, extrinsic stains can be removed through whitening treatment. To prevent extrinsic stains from occurring, we encourage you to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Additionally, drink water whenever you can since water cleans your mouth with every sip and you don’t have to worry about it staining your teeth.

If you have questions or concerns about stains or teeth whitening, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630. 

GLO Whitening

A whiter smile can do wonders for your self-esteem, which is why Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk offer GLO Whitening at their dental practice. With the GLO Whitening system, there is no sensitivity, no trays, and no lab costs associated with treatment. In fact, GLO Whitening is so convenient for the patient, that they have the choice to enjoy a whitening session in the office, or in the comfort of their own home.  

Invented by oral health expert Dr. Jonathan B. Levine, GLO Whitening is safe to use on crowns, caps, bonding, and veneers. After an in-office whitening session, the patient will be given a mouthpiece for at-home maintenance. With GLO Whitening, patients can increase the brightness of their smile by up to five shades.  If you aren’t showing teeth in photographs because you’re too embarrassed by their discoloration, inquire about GLO Whitening, today.

If you have questions or concerns about teeth whitening, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630. 

Don’t Suffer From Dental Anxiety

Some people don’t look forward to dental appointments any more than they look forward to paying bills. In fact, 20% of patients experience enough anxiety that they will only go to the dentist when absolutely necessary. Fortunately, Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, are a team of health-centered professionals that are dedicated to making you feel most comfortable in the dentist’s chair.

People develop dental anxieties for many different reasons. Pain, feelings of helplessness and loss of control, embarrassment, and negative past experiences only name a few. Everyone has fears and concerns and copes with them in different ways. However, the prospect of dental work doesn’t need to fill you with fright. At the dental practice of Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, we want to help you greatly reduce your anxiety and provide you with dental treatment in a way that feels calm and safe. After all, in order to counteract past bad experiences, you need to have new positive experiences which lead to the development of improved feelings and attitudes.

If you have a case of dental anxiety, please inform us when scheduling your appointment. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.

Baby Tooth Care Tips

Baby teeth may be small, but they’re important. To help prevent the buildup of plaque bacteria that can lead to decay, Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, recommend regularly cleaning your newborn’s gums with a damp washcloth following feedings. It’s important to start cleaning your child’s teeth before they come in to jumpstart a healthy smile.

Wipe the gums off after each feeding with a warm, wet washcloth or a dampened piece of gauze wrapped around your finger. In addition, take measures to prevent baby bottle tooth decay, a disease that causes severe, swift decay of baby teeth. To help prevent it, do not put your baby to bed with a bottle of formula or a sugary drink, such as juice. The possibility of tooth decay is directly related to the number of times that sugar comes in contact with the teeth. Your child’s baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth. Without a healthy set of baby teeth, your child risks having trouble chewing and speaking clearly as they get older.

If you have questions about your child’s oral care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.

Thank You For Your Testimonials!

Here at Ressler, Hirschl & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, of Miami Beach, FL and North Miami Beach, FL, our staff appreciates feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Lisa for this five-star review, but we would like to thank her for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“As Dr. Hirschl's patient for over 30 years, I can truly say he is wonderful, patient, thoughtful, caring, professional and a bit entertaining. I joke that I intentionally damage my teeth just so I can visit him and his fantastic staff. We first met when I was 10. Since I have the worst / softest teeth (for a kid who grew up with Fluoride In the drinking water) according to the chief of oral surgery who took out my wisdom teeth, I have been privileged to spend many days in Dr. Hirschl's chair. Back in the days when novocaine lasted all day, I would chew up my tongue. So with the patience of a saint, Dr. Hirschl would fill my cavities as I would breathe through the pain. Finally, after years, he begged me to try a shorter acting novocaine and since then our relationship has been less painful. 

I highly recommend Dr. Hirschl's office. The staff is sweet and kind. The hygienist does her best to make you feel comfortable. Over the years, I had done a few emergency weekends and office visits with Dr. Lelchuk, who is always kind, professional and gentle.
As much as I do not like going to the dentist, I'm there quite often and they make a not fun experience as comfortable, friendly and entertaining as possible (Dr. H is very funny and he always has great recommendations for travel, TV shows, and other subjects).”

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.

Your Child’s First Dental Visit

If you are a new parent, you may find yourself asking, “When should my child first see a dentist?” The answer is that a child should have their first dental visit by their first birthday. The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. It is our goal here at the practice of Ressler, Hirschl & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, of Miami Beach, FL and North Miami Beach, FL, to make your child’s first dental visit as smooth and comfortable as possible.

The purpose of the child’s first dental visit is to learn about your child’s oral health and how to best care for your child’s unique needs before any problems occur. Many dental problems can be prevented or more easily treated in the early stages. At the visit, you should expect one of our dentists or hygienists to review your child’s history, respond to your questions and concerns and talk with you about your child’s overall oral health, including development, teething, and oral habits such as sucking.

We usually recommend bringing your child to one or more of your hygiene or treatment visits so the dental office environment is somewhere they have been before and even met some of the people at the office. This usually makes a much smoother transition from "observer" to "patient".

If you have questions about your child’s dental health, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.

Explaining the Root Canal Procedure

“Root Canal” has become a scary term for dental patients to hear, but the benefits of the procedure and advances in dental technology have made it much less frightening. When a tooth becomes infected it is usually related to the nerves in the root of the tooth. The infected nerves need to be removed and this is done with a root canal procedure. At Miami Dental, our staff will save your tooth after we’ve determined that you are a candidate for the procedure.

The root canal procedure requires one or more office visits and in most cases can be performed right here in the office. The first step in the procedure is to take an X-ray to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection in the surrounding bone. You will receive anesthesia as necessary, once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it needs to be sealed. If the root canal is not completed on the same day, a temporary filling will be placed in the exterior hole in the tooth to keep contaminants out between appointments. When all of the treatment is completed, the root canal procedure should relieve the discomfort you had been feeling.

If you have a tooth that is causing you trouble, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about as services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.

Bruxism Basics

Grinding of your teeth, also known as bruxism can have a variety of causes. Some experts view bruxism as nothing more than a habit. It can also be a result of the body’s reaction when the teeth do not line up or come together properly. If you experience signs and symptoms of bruxism, our doctors Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk, DDS, PA can provide you with an individualized treatment plan.

When diagnosing bruxism, one of our doctors may ask about your general dental health, what sources of stress you have in your life, and what medicines you take. Second, they examine you, paying special attention to the muscles in and around your jaw. Finally, they will look at your teeth for evidence of grinding. During this examination, the doctor may also check for tenderness in your jaw muscles and joint.

If you wake up with jaw pain, or catch yourself grinding your teeth, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Analgesia)

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a chemical compound with the formula N20. At room temperature, it is a colorless, non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet odor and taste. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax.  At Miami Dental, our doctors only administer this pain-relieving formula to patients who are eligible for sedation.  

Nitrous oxide is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry. It is administered by having the patient inhale the gas, which is carefully monitored by our doctors. You will fall into a euphoric state and feel completely relaxed. All feelings of fear and anxiety fade away, allowing you to sit back peacefully while your dental procedure is performed. In some cases, all dental treatment can be completed in one visit while you are sedated. Once the procedure is over, the nitrous oxide will wear off fairly quickly and you will  be able to drive yourself home and return to your daily activities.

To learn more about sedation options as well as services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.