Dental Patient Information

Central Park South Dentist

Drs. Curatola & Zagami and staff are dedicated to providing you with a pleasant visit and results that you’re proud to show off. Our administrative staff is ready to help you with questions about scheduling, financial policy and insurance, to make that part of the process as simple as possible. This section offers information from the administrative side of the practice, including:



Our Pledge To You

New York Dentists Doctors Curatola & Zagami

At our office, one thing never changes, our commitment to dental excellence.

Our commitment to you is long-standing and sincere. We will become your partners in good dental health and help you prevent dental problems. When dental problems do occur, we will provide you with leading-edge dental care in a comfortable, gentle fashion.

Just as we’ve done for thousands of other people, including dozens of dentists and their families.



First Visit To Midtown Manhattan Dentists Drs. Curatola & Zagami

Your initial appointment usually will consist of an examination and review of your treatment options. Usually, treatment can be done or started the same day as the consultation. However, a complex medical history or treatment plan will require an evaluation and a second appointment to provide treatment on another day.

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:

IMPORTANT: All patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to treatment (i.e., diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are currently taking any medication (i.e., heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.).

X-Rays

If your dentist or physician has taken x-rays, you may request that they forward them to our office. If there is not enough time, please pick them up and bring them to our office. If additional x-rays are necessary, they can be taken at our facility.



Ambassador Program

Dental Patient Referrals Midtown Manhattan

Are you our new Patient Ambassador? For over twenty years we’ve had the privilege of providing quality dental care to you, your family and friends. Your referrals are the heart of our practice! In appreciation, we’ve created our Ambassador Program. When your referrals come into our office, we will post credits to your account for future visits. If you refer 5 people to our office, you are eligible to receive a free in-office (Zoom!) teeth whitening!*

*This program was not retroactive. Patients who are not appropriate candidates for in-office teeth whitening will be awarded a dental service of equivalent value as determined by Drs. Curatola and Zagami.



Patient Registration Columbus Circle

Dental Patient Forms

Upon scheduling an appointment, our Office Manager will e-mail (or mail) a Patient Information/Health History form for you. It is important that you bring the completed form in with you to your initial appointment. Please call us at New York Office Phone Number 212-586-3585 or e-mail us to schedule an appointment.

Patient Registration Forms



Scheduling Dental Appointment

Midtown Manhattan Dentist

We will schedule your appointment as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you that day. We try our best to stay on schedule to minimize your waiting. Due to the fact Drs. Curatola & Zagami provide many types of dental services, various circumstances may lengthen the time allocated for a procedure. Emergency cases can also arise and cause delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

Please call us at New York Office Phone Number 212-586-3585 with any questions or to schedule an appointment. We can also be reached by e-mail at: curatola.zagami@gmail.com



Financial Policy

Patient Billing

We offer a wide range of financial options in order to finance your dental treatment.

In order to facilitate access to the very best health care possible, you may choose from any of the following: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Money Order, Personal Checks, and CareCredit.

Several in-office payment arrangements are available for account balances. All fees will be disclosed to you and financial arrangements discussed and confirmed prior to treatment.

Routine Treatment Plans:

Pay as you Go: You may choose to pay your obligation with cash, check, or credit card at the time of your visits. We accept many insurance plans towards payment (please see the Insurance tab for more information).

Extensive Treatment Plans:

  1. Prepayment in Full: A prepayment courtesy will be given for payment in full received before or at the first treatment visit. (not including CareCredit)
  2. Split Payment: One half or one third of the total treatment is due at the preparation visit, the second and third payments due in the middle of treatment, and final payment at the completion visit of dental treatment.
  3. CareCredit: With fast online approval CareCredit can help you get the healthy, radiant smile you’ve always wanted with the card designed specifically for your dental needs. CareCredit offers No Interest and low monthly payment options, no up-front costs, no prepayment penalties, and no annual fees. CareCredit is a medical/dental line of credit, and can be subject to interest fees as set forth by CareCredit. Pre-approval is required. Go to www.carecredit.com for complete information and pre-approval.


Dental Insurance Information Manhattan

At Drs. Curatola & Zagami we make every effort to provide you with the finest care and the most convenient financial options. To accomplish this we work hand-in-hand with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement for covered procedures. We can receive payment towards your account from any insurance plan in which you can choose your own dentist (PPO, PDO, Premier, etc.). If you have any questions, please ask our staff. They are well informed and up-to-date. They can be reached by phone at New York Office Phone Number 212-586-3585 or at curatola.zagami@gmail.com.

Please call if you have any questions or concerns regarding your initial visit.

It is important to bring your insurance information with you to your initial visit in order to expedite reimbursement. Your dental insurance is often different from your medical insurance, and should be verified with your human resource department prior to your visit.



Infection Control

Infection controls and universal precautions protect patients and staff alike. Everyone benefits from rigorous infection control — you, your dentist, and the dental team. The cornerstone in a good and safe dental practice is the element of trust. You should feel free to discuss this topic with Dr. Curatola and Dr. Zagami and receive a straightforward answer. Drs. Curatola & Zagami and our entire team follow procedures recommended by several federal agencies: the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These measures include:

We sterilize all reusable equipment, including dental hand pieces. We use an autoclave, a device that kills bacteria and viruses by steam, heat and pressure. The best defense against disease is information. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make wise decisions about your health care. The more you know about our daily procedures and policies, the more comfortable you will feel.



Advanced Dental Technology

Precision Dentistry

When you seek care at our office, you are assured that Drs. Curatola & Zagami and their staff utilize the latest in technology to enhance the quality and fit for your dental care.

Our practice uses high power microscopes to enhance the precision of patient care. Dentistry is micro-surgery. Using microscope that is similar to the one an ophthalmologist uses enables us to create dental restorations with incredibly precise fit and finish. You just can’t fulfill that level of care with the naked eye. In addition to allowing precise, close-up work, the microscope directs a beam of light directly on the teeth, minimizing glare for you.

Many dentists use air-driven “hand-pieces” (the dental term for “drills”). While acceptable for many procedures, these “whiney sounding” air-powered hand pieces all have a degree of non-concentricity; they do not rotate perfectly smoothly. For the most precise aspects of restorative procedures, we use electric hand-pieces. This results in extraordinarily precise interfaces between your tooth and your new restoration (crown, veneer, or filling). This will bring more comfort to you as well. With a more precise tool, there is less vibration and less noise.

Digital Imaging

Drs. Curatola & Zagami carefully choose which and when radiographs are taken. There are many guidelines that we follow. Radiographs allow us to see everything we cannot see with our own eyes. Radiographs enable us to detect cavities in between your teeth, determine bone level, and analyze the health of your bone. We can also examine the roots and nerves of teeth, diagnose lesions such as cysts or tumors, as well as assess damage when trauma occurs. Dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental health. Exposure time for dental radiographs is extremely minimal.

Drs. Curatola and Zagami utilize Digital Imaging Technologies within the office.With digital imaging, exposure time is about 50 percent less when compared to traditional radiographs. Digital imaging can also help us retrieve valuable diagnostic information. We may be able to see cavities better. Digital imaging allows us to store patient images, and enables us to quickly and easily transfer them to specialists or insurance companies.

Digital X-Rays:
Digital X-rays offer more precision since we view the image on a computer monitor, instead of holding up a 35mm film up to the light. Digital X-rays results in 1/6th the radiation exposure to you.

Intraoral Camera

Many patients, especially younger patients, are very familiar with the latest technology and are comfortable with the high tech practice. Computers and TV screens are their primary method of information processing. Drs. Curatola and Zagami utilize intraoral camera technology that helps enhance your understanding of your diagnosis.

An intraoral camera is a very small camera – in some cases, just a few millimeters long. An intraoral camera allows our practice to view clear, precise images of your mouth, teeth and gums, in order for us to accurately make a diagnosis. With clear, defined, enlarged images, you see details that may be missed by standard mirror examinations.

This can mean faster diagnosis with less chair-time for you! Intraoral cameras also enable our practice to save your images in our office computer to provide a permanent record of treatments. These images can be printed for you, other specialists, and your lab or insurance companies.



Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)

Sedation Dentistry Midtown Manhattan

Nitrous Oxide is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas which you can breathe.

Nitrous Oxide has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe, the patient receives 50-70% oxygen with no less than 30% nitrous oxide.

The patient is able to breathe on their own and remain in control of all bodily functions.

The patient may experience mild amnesia and may fall asleep, not remembering all of what happened during their appointment.

There are many advantages to using Nitrous Oxide

Reasons to not use Nitrous Oxide

You should not utilize Nitrous Oxide if you have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Though there are no other major contraindications to using nitrous oxide, you may not want to use it if you have emphysema, exotic chest problems, M.S., a cold or other difficulties with breathing.

You may want to ask your dentist for a “5 minute trial” to see how you feel with this type of sedation method before proceeding.



Home Care Instructions, Columbus Circle

After Cosmetic Reconstruction

Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office at New York Office Phone Number 212-586-3585 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.

It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (one tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3-4 hours) should ease any residual discomfort.

Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal in about a week.

Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments.

Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.

If you engage in sports let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard we have provided for you. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, please let us know. We always welcome your questions.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.

Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us at New York Office Phone Number 212-586-3585 if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.

To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary but pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.

It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at New York Office Phone Number 212-586-3585.

After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.

After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office at New York Office Phone Number 212-586-3585 if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at New York Office Phone Number 212-586-3585.

After Composite Fillings (white fillings)

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.

It is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office at New York Office Phone Number 212-586-3585.

You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at New York Office Phone Number 212-586-3585.