expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Heidi R. Finkelstein, D.M.D

Dentist

Dr. Heidi Finkelstein is a Dentist practicing in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Dr. Finkelstein specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Dr. Heidi R. Finkelstein, D.M.D
  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Accepting new patients

Is Invisalign treatment safe?

It is safe under the supervision of a practitioner who is trained well and knows how to use this product!

Does Invisalign work for molar teeth?

Invisalign cannot move back molars and is successful only for minor movements on the first molar.

Should I take my dentures out every night?

yes. absolutely! Leaving your dentures in for too long without giving your tissues a break will cause you to have fungal and bacterial infections and even sores. It is healthy READ MORE
yes. absolutely! Leaving your dentures in for too long without giving your tissues a break will cause you to have fungal and bacterial infections and even sores. It is healthy to remove them at night for cleaning and to give the tissues a break to "breath."

Is Invisalign treatment safe?

Absolutely, Invisalign is safe! BC you dont have wires and brackets, you are able to properly clean your teeth and gums and will not have the same food restrictions.

Can I get a bridge for my front teeth?

If the teeth surrounding that bridge are in good condition and strong enough to support the space of missing tooth a dental bridge may be a good option for missing tooth replacement. READ MORE
If the teeth surrounding that bridge are in good condition and strong enough to support the space of missing tooth a dental bridge may be a good option for missing tooth replacement. The downfall to having a bridge is that you will need to drill on the surrounding teeth- even if they are otherwise healthy. Flossing, caring and maintaining a bridge is more tedious than your natural tooth or a single tooth replacement such as an implant. If one of the teeth involved in the bridge becomes decayed or has other problems, you will need to replace the entire bridge.

Do invisible braces work faster?

There are many advantages of invisible braces such as Invisalign-no wires and brackets, ease of cleaning teeth, no food restrictions, and, of course, they are virtually invisible! READ MORE
There are many advantages of invisible braces such as Invisalign-no wires and brackets, ease of cleaning teeth, no food restrictions, and, of course, they are virtually invisible! However, they are not quicker than traditional braces but it’s actually comparable in time of the patient is compliant (wearing trays as frequently as recommended).

Is deep cleaning done under local anesthesia?

Some deep cleanings can be performed under heavy topical application(without a needle) placed below the gumline. Some more advanced cases may be completed with local anesthesia READ MORE
Some deep cleanings can be performed under heavy topical application(without a needle) placed below the gumline. Some more advanced cases may be completed with local anesthesia which is more profound and lasts longer.

How do you treat a gum infection under a dental bridge?

See your dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment…

When will my teeth stop hurting from Invisalign?

Tooth soreness is a good sign with Invisalign- it means your teeth are moving. The discomfort should dissipate after a few days but will likely happen with each change of your READ MORE
Tooth soreness is a good sign with Invisalign- it means your teeth are moving. The discomfort should dissipate after a few days but will likely happen with each change of your trays. Don't give up. The Invisalign process will be over before you know it. Good luck!

Can you straighten your teeth with periodontal disease?

It is advised that you have the periodontal disease controlled and in a maintenance phase that is watched very closely before you start any kind of orthodontic treatment.

Does bonding a chipped tooth hurt?

If the nerve layer of the tooth or the ligament surrounding the tooth has not be involved or bruised it should not hurt to have the tooth repaired. Your dentist should be able READ MORE
If the nerve layer of the tooth or the ligament surrounding the tooth has not be involved or bruised it should not hurt to have the tooth repaired. Your dentist should be able to determine that with a visual exam and an X-ray/ radiograph of the area/tooth.

Can you fix a broken filling?

In most situations it can be repaired but that also depends on the extent of the break and if you have new decay. That can best be evaluated by your dentist using a visual exam READ MORE
In most situations it can be repaired but that also depends on the extent of the break and if you have new decay. That can best be evaluated by your dentist using a visual exam and X-rays!

What can I eat after molar extraction?

Soft food diet is what is recommended. You should be careful about eating foods that have small seeds as they may get stuck in the socket and cause a problem. Also, it is advised READ MORE
Soft food diet is what is recommended. You should be careful about eating foods that have small seeds as they may get stuck in the socket and cause a problem. Also, it is advised that you avoid using a straw and avoid vigorous spitting. Hope this helps!

What is the fastest way to straighten teeth?

Invisalign can be a quick process if you are compliant. It is also easier to clean your teeth than traditional braces and does not have food restrictions.

How can I fix a cracked tooth?

Depends on the severity of the fracture. Is your nerve healthy from the fracture? Do you have pain? You will need a radiograph to confirm nerve health before a final diagnosis READ MORE
Depends on the severity of the fracture. Is your nerve healthy from the fracture? Do you have pain? You will need a radiograph to confirm nerve health before a final diagnosis for repair is given. If the tooth is restorable and there IS nerve involvement, you may need a root canal. Other options for repair: 1) Bonding (white filling material sculpted to look like your tooth. This is a good option for younger patients who may need more treatment in the future. The downside is bonding will stain over time). 2) Conservative veneer - 2-step process that replaces the missing tooth structure with porcelain (a more lifelike material made by a lab). 3) Full coverage crown - used if you broke the tooth enough to need a root canal or to the point where a bonding may not hold on well bc too much tooth structure is gone.
Good luck!

What leads to swollen gums?

Gum swelling can be from a number of reasons including, but not limited to: 1) inflammation 2) infection 3) poor oral hygiene 4) hormones (fluctuation with monthly cycle and/or READ MORE
Gum swelling can be from a number of reasons including, but not limited to: 1) inflammation 2) infection 3) poor oral hygiene 4) hormones (fluctuation with monthly cycle and/or pregnancy) 5) adverse effects of medications. You may have a specific or unique reason. Please contact your dentist for examination to determine.
Good luck.

Why does Invisalign hurt my teeth?

Invisalign is sore because we are moving teeth. Your tooth is surrounded by a ligament that acts like a trampoline for a tooth. When you move teeth, you put pressure and/or stretch READ MORE
Invisalign is sore because we are moving teeth. Your tooth is surrounded by a ligament that acts like a trampoline for a tooth. When you move teeth, you put pressure and/or stretch these ligaments to move the teeth. If your health history permits, tylenol will work well.

Does root planing cause gum recession?

When the gums tighten back up and heal after root planing you can experience some gum recession. However, the recession that you have is actually good (compared to having inflamed READ MORE
When the gums tighten back up and heal after root planing you can experience some gum recession. However, the recession that you have is actually good (compared to having inflamed and bleeding gums) because it will eliminate large pocket depths and make it easier for you to clean.

Can I swallow my saliva after tooth extraction?

Yes, absolutely. Vigorous Spitting could actually put you at risk of dislodging the clot and causing dry socket or for more bleeding!

Do you need dental anesthesia to remove a cavity?

You do not NEED to have anesthesia to remove a cavity, but it may be quite uncomfortable if you decide you don't want to be numb. You will also need to stay very still, even with READ MORE
You do not NEED to have anesthesia to remove a cavity, but it may be quite uncomfortable if you decide you don't want to be numb. You will also need to stay very still, even with discomfort, to allow your dentist to do their best job for you. I have had people who could tolerate it, but they are few and far between.