Dr. Phil Shay, D.D.S. M.S.
  • Tel: 212-808-0709

What services do you offer?

We specialize in General, Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry. We provide general dental care (exams, fillings, crowns, dentures, teeth whitening, implants, root canals, etc.).

Learn more about our Dental Services

Do you utilize an Electronic Dental Record System?

Electronic health records (EHR) are widely used among medical practices and hospitals to share patient clinical information in a quick, accurate, secure, and efficient manner. Electronic Dental Records are an integrated part of our practice management system.

Our paperless system delivers electronic charting, digital imaging and enhanced case presentation where it is needed most... at chair side.

What dental insurance companies and PPO Plans do you accept?

Please feel free to call the office if you any insurance coverage questions: 212-808-0709.

Dr. Phil Shay is in network with most dental insurance companies including the following PPO plans:

Aetna
Afora Care
Ameritas
ASO/SIDS
Assurant
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Careington
Cigna
CSEA
Delta Dental
Dentagra
DenteMax
Dental Network Of America
DentalSave
Emblem Preferred Plus
GEHA/Connection
Guardian

Humana
Lincoln
Local 3JIB
MetLife
Nippon Life
Oxford
Principal
Solstice
UMR
United Concordia
United Healthcare
Zelis

What is your payment policy?

Payment is due on the date of service, which keeps cost down and allows me to offer top of the line service for a very reasonable price. If your procedure is over more than one visit, you can space payment out over those visits. We accept all major credit cards including the CareCredit and Lending Club healthcare cards. Please see our Cosmetic Dentistry Financing page.

Does Dr. Shay take Workman’s Compensation Cases?

Dr. Shay does do Workman’s Compensation dental cases & takes most Workman’s Compensation insurance. Please feel free to call or email the office to set up a consultation.

How safe are Dental X-Rays?

I utilize digital X-ray machines that use up to 90 percent less radiation than film X-rays by limiting the radiation beam to the small area being X-rayed.

With so many toothpaste choices; how do I know which one to use?

First, when purchasing a toothpaste, select one that contains fluoride. Fluoride-containing toothpastes have been shown to prevent cavities. Then some degree of personal preference comes into play. Gel or paste, wintergreen or spearmint all work alike. Choose the toothpaste that tastes and feels best and doesn’t irate your mouth.

Why is flossing so important?

A toothbrush's bristles can't adequately clean between the teeth or under the gums . Flossing gets rid of plaque, the bacterial film that forms between teeth and along your gum line. Doing so daily prevents gum disease and tooth loss. Everyone gets plaque, and it can only be removed by flossing or a deep cleaning from your dentist. Advanced gum disease damages the bone that supports teeth and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. And a healthy mouth can also help prevent much more serious diseases.

What causes cavities?

Cavities are caused when the enamel of the tooth breaks down and decay sets in. The cause is a bacteria in the mouth that feeds on the sugar and starches that accumulate, creating an acid that depletes calcium and erodes tooth enamel. It also forms plaque which coats teeth in more acids and further contributes to decay. Brushing, flossing and regular dental visits are your best defense. If you still have issues, blame it on your genes! Your genes determine the hardness of your enamel and how susceptible you are to periodontal disease.

Do whitening toothpastes work?

Whitening toothpastes can lighten your tooth's color by about one shade. In contrast, the light-activated whitening I do in- office can make your teeth three to eight shades lighter.

Do you do in-office teeth whitening/bleaching for patients?

In-office bleaching is a good option for some patients but not for others. I will examine a patient’s teeth before recommending bleaching or not. Most of the time there are no side effects of bleaching your teeth. However, some patients have temporary sensitivity or tingling sensationin their teeth for a day or so. The light-activated whitening I do in-office can make your teeth three to eight shades lighter.

As for the results lasting, the more you drink coffee, red wine, etc. the sooner your teeth will discolor. Most people see the effects of laser whitening start to fade after a year.

Do you do braces?

I do Clear Aligners for my patients and am very happy with the results I get. The Clear Aligners System uses clear aligners that are smooth and comfortable, easily removable for eating and cleaning and nearly invisible. Most patients wear the aligners for approximately a year.

I want my smile to look better! What can you do for me?

There are many options available to enhance the beauty of your teeth. Once I have evaluated your teeth, we can decide together how to approach an improved appearance. Factors such as patient's health, age, oral habits and oral hygiene will influence treatment method and outcome.

One approach could be straightening with Clear Aligners and then perhaps bleaching to improve the color.

Another approach would be veneers. Veneers are thin shells of medical-grade ceramic that are attached to the front surfaces of teeth for an immediate change of the size, shape, color or spacing of the teeth. Individually crafted for each patient in the office, they are made from advanced material that closely resembles the appearance of natural dental enamel. Veneers can be used to fill gaps as well.

Why use white fillings and ceramic crowns for restorations?

The look and function of restorations are equally important. The dental establishment has gotten away from the use of amalgam “silver fillings”. Amalgam is composed of liquid mercury (about 50% by weight), and powdered alloy metals; silver, tin, and copper. The “white fillings”, or resin composites, I use are a better choice as they contain no metals, are strong, and match the color of the teeth.

For larger cavities, broken teeth and root canal restorations, I make my ceramic crowns in the office with my state of the art Cerec technology. My crowns are made from a translucent material which closely resembles the appearance of natural dental enamel to create a restoration that looks and feels like a natural tooth, is very strong and will last for many years. Crowns that use metal do not look natural in the mouth; even when faced with porcelain, the metal shows at the gum line.

What is Cerec Technology?

CEREC technology makes it possible to produce and integrate ceramic restorations in a single appointment. Unlike other materials such as amalgam or gold, ceramic is more biocompatible and boasts tooth-like physical and aesthetic qualities. In addition, digital impressions are more comfortable for patients than traditional impressions.

Learn more about Cerec Technology