Are Dental Sealants Safe?

One of the best ways to reduce cavities and enjoy a healthy smile is the application of dental sealants. This is a plastic coating that guards the biting surface of molar teeth. Dental sealants stop particles from collecting in the small fissures and cracks within molar teeth. Yet there is some question as to whether dental sealants are safe.

Dental Sealants' Alleged Risk

Dental sealants have bisphenol-A, commonly referred to as BPA. Excessive exposure to BPA has the potential to harm human health. Thankfully, a 2016 study conducted by the American Dental Association Product Review puts concerns regarding the BPA content of dental sealants to rest. This group was formed in 2006 under the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs' direction.

It is an unbiased and scientifically credible source of information relating to dentistry and oral health. The group's report on dental sealants shows the amount of BPA in this oral health solution is minimal. In fact, there is so little BPA in dental sealants that prospective patients should have absolutely no concern about its safety.

The bottom line is BPA is a buzzword that is meant to strike fear into those who are considering a prospective product or treatment.

About the Study

The American Dental Association Product Review study analyzed a dozen dental sealants commonly used by dentists in the United States. The purpose of this study was to determine how much BPA was released when dental sealants were in use. The study also gauged whether the level released puts children in danger.

The findings show dental sealants have the potential to expose a child to a mere 0.09 nanograms of BPA in a day's time. This is below the limit of a million nanograms suggested by the Environmental Protection Agency. In fact, the average child is subjected to exponentially more BPA in drinks, foods and paper than dental sealants.

You Should Have no Concern Over Dental Sealant Safety

It is clear the level of BPA in dental sealants is so small that parents should not be concerned about the safety of this oral health solution. The benefits of dental sealants greatly outweigh the nearly non-existent risk.

As an example, a 10-year-old who has dental sealants in place for half a decade will be 50 percent less likely to suffer tooth decay on the molar biting surfaces compared to children who brush their teeth on a regular basis. Such a decreased level of decay prevents the formation of cavities and the need for fillings and/or crowns later in life.

Strategies to Alleviate Concerns

If you are still concerned about the potential exposure from dental sealants, it is better to be proactive and move forward with this oral health solution rather than bypassing it altogether. BPA exposure from sealants can be reduced with specific strategies. Most of the BPA exposure occurs in the hours after treatment.

The US National Library of medicine advises rinsing for 20 seconds with water following the placement of the dental sealants. This simple strategy can reduce BPA exposure by nearly 70 percent. Rubbing the treated site with a cotton swab, cotton ball or soft-grit pumice will also significantly reduce BPA exposure.

Routine Dental Exam to Check for Tooth Decay Risk

A routine dental exam is the best way to identify tooth decay. This exam gives your dentist and/or his staff the opportunity to examine your mouth for signs of tooth decay and other issues or abnormalities. The purpose of identifying tooth decay during routine dental exams is to catch it as early as possible and provide subsequent treatment.

The Frequency of Routine Dental Exams

Routine dental exams should occur at least once every six months. Some dentists and patients prefer to have these check-ups once every three or four months just to be on the safe side. When in doubt, reach out to your dentist to determine the frequency of dental exams that is most appropriate for your unique oral health.

If you smoke, have cavities or have a genetic predisposition for gum disease and/or tooth/root decay, a routine dental exam every three months might be ideal.

What Happens During the Dental Exam?

The dentist and his or her staff will perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums. The exam will provide a comprehensive summary of your unique oral health. You will be asked questions about your dental history, medical history and oral hygiene. The dentist will look closely at each tooth for signs of tooth decay.

The dentist will examine your diagnostic X-rays, known as radiographs. This is essential to detect tooth decay as well as tumors, bone loss and cysts. All tooth surfaces are examined with specialized dental instruments for signs of decay.

What Happens if Tooth Decay is Identified?

If there are signs of tooth decay, the dentist will likely ask detailed questions about your brushing and flossing habits. The frequency of brushing and flossing matters a great deal in the context of tooth decay. Even the products one uses for oral hygiene and the cleaning techniques play important roles in preventing tooth decay.

Furthermore, the dentist will likely ask questions about whether the patient uses toothpaste with fluoride and if one consumes water containing fluoride. This information is necessary for the dentist to provide suggestions as to how the patient can improve oral hygiene habits to prevent additional tooth decay.

Why Routine Dental Exams are an Absolute-Must

Take a moment to consider the pain and annoyance involved in your last cavity. Wouldn't it be nice to minimize those feelings or completely prevent them?  Visit the dentist for routine dental exams and your tooth decay will be identified as soon as possible.

Early diagnosis reduces the need for deep drilling and other possible invasive procedures that might prove somewhat painful and undoubtedly cost additional money. So do not delay check-ups at the dentist. The early identification of tooth decay will dramatically increase the potential for successful treatment.

Tips for Preventing Gum Disease from Art of Dental Care: Ellen Rado DDS

As your dentist in Green Brook, one of our most critical functions is to provide you with knowledge and information that helps prevent gum disease. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), a large number of Americans find that they have bleeding when they brush their teeth, have frequent bad breath, or have a bad taste in their mouth.

When you combine the symptoms with gums that are red, swollen, or tender, there is a possibility that you have the early symptoms of gingivitis, which is an early stage of periodontal disease. The good news is that we can identify and offer treatment before the condition worsens with regular visits to our dental office.

Even more importantly, when you make it a habit of visiting our dental office at least once every six months, we are able to remove the plaque and bacteria that accumulates around the gum line. Therefore reducing, if not completely eliminating, the potential of gingivitis.

Preventing the risk of gum disease

Patients often want to know if there are specific things they can do in order to reduce the risk of gum disease. We know that preventing gum disease begins with oral health habits. The most important habit an individual can have in the fight against any kind of gum disease is brushing his or her teeth on a regular basis.

While most patients have been brushing their teeth since they were one or two years old, there is still room for improvement for many patients. Here are a few tips to properly brushing teeth that an individual may not have thought of, which will help the individual remove more plaque and reduce the risk of gingivitis or periodontal disease.

The type of toothbrush an individual uses is almost as important as how regularly one brushes his or her teeth. From our perspective, the best option is to use a soft bristle toothbrush, which is small enough to get into all the hard-to-reach places on the teeth. One of the ways bacterial plaque can accumulate around the gum line is if the toothbrush is too large and cannot reach into the recesses of the teeth to reduce the amount of plaque and tartar found there.

Follow the proper steps

Similarly, when you are brushing your teeth, it is important to take at least two minutes for the complete brushing. We recommend that you use short, back-and-forth strokes on each tooth and take sufficient amount of time to remove any plaque that may have accumulated. We recommend that you brush your teeth in a consistent pattern that you follow every time you brush your teeth.

We suggest that you brush the outer surfaces of your upper teeth and then move to the outer surfaces of your lower teeth. Next, you should move to the upper inner teeth and then finish up with the lower inner teeth. Complete the brushing by brushing your tongue, which can be a storehouse for oral bacteria that can lead to gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Finding a Dentist Near Me to Provide Ongoing Dental Care

If you are searching for a "dentist near me" online, then chances are that you have not been to a dentist in a while. In other cases, you may be moving into a new area and searching for the best available dentist. In either case, is important for you to find the right family dentist to care for you and the needs of your family, making sure that you remain in the best oral health possible. If you are looking for a "dentist near me," pick up the phone, call our office, and schedule your first appointment.

Over the course of your visit, we will complete a full diagnosis of your teeth, determine if you have any pressing needs, and schedule the next appointment. This visit will allow you to make sure that your teeth remain healthy for as long as possible.

Invest in proper oral health care

Few people realize that looking for a "dentist near me" is more than just finding one who is in a convenient location. It is important for one's oral health that the individual visits a dentist at least a minimum of two times each year. If an individual has a dentist that practices very far away, then the individual can feel less inclined to seek treatment on a regular basis.

Bi-annual appointments are in keeping with the American Dental Association's recommendation that people visit the dentist at least once every six months. This regular checkup includes a cleaning, maintenance visit, and an examination to examine the teeth for any potential problems.

Regular dental checkups

We will complete a full diagnostic of the patient's mouth during the checkup. On the first visit, we will take panoramic X-rays and X-rays of the teeth to keep on file. We will examine the teeth and gums very closely. We will identify any potential problems, look for soft spots within the enamel, issues with the jawbone, irritation in the gums, complete an oral cancer screening and more. If there are any problems that require our immediate attention, we will schedule an appointment to deal with them quickly. We can also schedule the next appointment ahead of time and send a reminder to you a few weeks before the appointment.

If an individual has excellent teeth that are in great condition, we will still provide a full cleaning of the teeth so that the teeth continue to maintain their excellent health. We will then schedule the individual to come back to our office six months from the day of the visit to continue the routine of care and cleaning. Give us a call today.

What You Can Expect From our Family Dentistry Office

In our family dentistry office, our goal is to keep you, our patient, in the best possible oral health. We do this by examining and cleaning your teeth on a regular basis. We would prefer to do so twice a year but at a minimum, once a year. This way we can identify small health issues like cavities before they can spread and create an uncomfortable situation. This ongoing care is your best defense against early tooth loss or even the occasional toothache.

What we do in our family dentistry office.

When looking for a family dentist, it is important to select someone that is passionate about oral health and an expert in their trade. We are exactly that. We realize that dentistry is a combination of both science and art. Through both education and experience, we have honed our craft to ensure that each patient we treat receives the best possible dental care and beautiful results.

When visiting our office, patients can expect to receive comprehensive dental care. We focus on preventing oral health issues and are more than capable of treating a health issue that is already in the advanced stages. but if a health problem arises, we are more than capable of treating it and restoring the mouth to perfect health. Many of the solutions we use to do so can serve a dual purpose of improving a patient's oral health and appearance. Take, for example, dental bonding, which can help to decrease the sensitivity one is feeling in the teeth while also covering up stains.

Simultaneously, a dental crown can be used to restore a cracked tooth but it can also improve the overall size and shape of it. By addressing both the form and function of teeth during our procedures, we can help a patient to love his or her smile again. In fact, when a patient schedules a dental exam to discuss sensitivity or a toothache, the patient needs to let us know what he or she does not like about his or her smile. We might be able to correct both at the same time.

Tips for selecting a family dentistry office.

When a patient is looking for a family dentistry office, there are several things that he or she needs to be aware of. First, they need to be centrally located to where the patient lives, works or goes to school. This way, it is easy to schedule an appointment for a professional teeth cleaning procedure or for emergency dental work. We are conveniently located and would be happy to treat the patient and his or her entire family.

We also recommend that you read patient reviews. We are pleased that our patients have taken the time to review our practice and would be happy to share those reviews with you. The best way to learn what a dental office is really like is to hear what other patients have to say and to visit the office for yourself. We invite you to stop by Art of Dental Care: Ellen Rado DDS, meet our staff, and have a consultation so that you can learn more about our philosophy of care and the approach that we take to keeping you and your family healthy - both now and as you age.

The Scoop About Fluoride From a Dentist

As a dentist office in Green Brook, we use fluoride to help strengthen teeth. You may even see ads for toothpaste containing fluoride and wonder if it even works; let alone, how it works. Fluorine is a naturally occurring substance that is most commonly found in the air, food, and dirt. Now, fluoride is also found in public water throughout the country. Fluoride is easily absorbed by the body and the enamel (outer layer of the teeth). When your enamel absorbs the fluoride, it will strengthen your teeth and decrease your risk for cavities.

Why it works

In our dentist office, we also recommend using toothpaste that contains fluoride as a method of strengthening teeth in between dental visits. While this is not as effective as drinking it or having a professional treatment, it can be helpful in reducing the occurrence of cavities.

When absorbed by the enamel, fluoride helps to remineralize teeth. This is important because over time demineralization naturally occurs due to diet, oral hygiene, and age. As this happens, the hard enamel on the outside of the teeth becomes weaker, and the teeth can feel more sensitive. They can also become more susceptible to cavities.

By remineralizing and strengthening teeth, fluoride can reduce the risk for cavities. In fact, research has found that fluoride can reduce the effect of tooth decay and even reverse the damage before it reaches the point of becoming a traditional cavity. We find that this treatment is incredibly effective.

The application of fluoride

We typically recommend an annual fluoride treatment for children and teens. The fluoride comes in a simple varnish that is mostly odor and taste-free, making it an easy treatment option for children. We simply apply it to the teeth and leave it there for around four minutes. Once complete, the treatment will strengthen the teeth and reduce the risk of cavities.

Adults typically do not receive in-office fluoride treatments, and this is why drinking tap water and using a fluoride toothpaste is so important. In our dentist office, we have had many patients express that their teeth feel less sensitive after starting a regimen of brushing with this type of paste. Given how easy this is to do, there is no reason not to brush with a fluoride toothpaste. Additionally, there are mouth rinses that children can use at home.

In rare cases, if teeth are prone to cavities we may recommend a more aggressive at-home treatment. We can provide special trays so that you can apply a fluoride gel at home in order to help prevent cavities. Again, the trays are only in rare cases but we can discuss it with you during your dental exam. To find out how fluoride can help you, visit our Green Brookoffice for a teeth cleaning and exam today.

Surgical and Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatments

If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, it is important to consider the various treatment options and to make a decision about whether to have surgical or non-surgical gum disease treatments to restore your gum health. The decision you make is going to directly impact the recovery outcome. There are several things to keep in mind when making this decision.

How bad is the gum disease?

Gum disease can range from being minor to severe. If we can catch the gum disease at an early stage, non-invasive methods are typically all that is necessary to treat the condition. Having a deep dental cleaning, for example, can restore the health of the gum tissue. Some dental offices do this using metal dental tools to scrape off the plaque while others use dental lasers.

We will remove the plaque and tartar from underneath the gum tissue so that the gums can begin returning to good health. If effective, there will be no need for more intensive treatments such as oral surgery.

Have all non-invasive measures been tried yet?

Since a deep cleaning can help to improve gum health, it is wise to start with this treatment option. If the non-invasive measures are effective enough for restoring the health of the gums, there will be no need to try more invasive measures. Non-invasive options can result in saving cost and time, so it is important to exhaust these non-invasive methods first.

Have pockets formed in the gum tissue?

If there are pockets in the gum tissue, it is a clear sign that gum disease has progressed to the point of a surgical option becoming necessary. A gum graft is likely to be the best treatment option at this point. By suturing new tissue to the natural gums, we can secure the gums around the teeth. This way, the lower areas of the teeth and roots are no longer exposed.

Preventing root exposure is a critical step in the restoration process and important for protecting the teeth and preventing tooth loss. Typically, surgery is part of this process. However, some dentists are using alternative therapies to restore gum tissue that does not require a scalpel.

Are teeth wiggly or feeling loose?

If teeth are already loose, gum disease has probably progressed to the point where immediate treatments are going to be necessary and surgery required. Additionally, the teeth themselves may need to be restored, root canals completed, etc. in order to eliminate an infection.

What does the dentist recommend?

Asking a dentist if they recommend surgery or non-surgical treatment is important when making a decision on how to treat gum disease. They are going to make the recommendation that they feel will best resolve the issue so it is important to carefully consider any advice that they give.

Consider the recovery process

When debating between surgery and non-surgical alternatives, it is important to consider the recovery process. Anytime a patient undergoes surgery it is going to take longer to recover, there could be complications and there will be a level of discomfort for several days.

Gum surgery is no different. Before it is scheduled, it is necessary to prepare by taking time off work and planning to take it easy for a few days.

Learn more about your options

Get help deciding between surgical and non-surgical gum disease treatment options by discussing them with our dentist. Schedule a consultation today in order to do so.

A Family Dentist in Green Brook Debunks Common Oral Health Myths

As a family dentist in Green Brook, we are asked many questions about oral health. Often, these questions arise from common myths that circulate from time to time. The problem with myths is that many of them are born out of convenience or from popular ideas that are not particularly healthy.

Do not hesitate to ask us any questions

It is important for patients to visit us and bring up any questions they have to ensure they have the facts straight. For example, many parents will send their children to bed with a bottle or cup of milk. Since milk is full of calcium, they assume that milk is safe for the teeth.

However, milk is also full of sugar, so if a child takes it to bed, the sugar will remain on the teeth and increase the risk of getting cavities. This popular myth is widespread and partially to blame for why baby bottle tooth decay is so prevalent. With that in mind, we have listed a few common myths we hear and our answers to them.

Myth: Fillings have to be replaced, no matter what.

As a family dentist, we do not put a set expiration date on fillings. How long the fillings last depends on several factors, including one's general oral hygiene. If one brushes and flosses his or her teeth, eats a healthy diet, and avoids activities that can damage the teeth, then the fillings can last for a long time. Some people never have to replace their fillings.

However, simply filling a cavity, does not mean the decay will stop. There are times where the decay continues to spread and we need to replace a filling because it is no longer big enough. When a patient visits our office for regular dental exams, we will inspect the fillings and let the patient know how the fillings are holding up.

Myth: Cavities are painful.

If cavities grow untreated, they will eventually cause discomfort and even pain. However, in their early stages, cavities can go undetected. As a family dentist office, we encourage patients to visit us twice a year so we can both prevent and catch cavities. If we treat them immediately, the patient will never experience cavity-related discomfort.

Myth: Only cavities and infections create the need for a root canal.

In our dental office, we perform root canals for a variety of reasons. While they are typically necessary due to a cavity, root canals can also treat damage from an accident or due to grinding and clenching teeth. Regardless of why a patient needs a root canal, we can complete the procedure while keeping the patient entirely comfortable.

Myth: Children are the only ones really at risk of getting cavities.

This is simply not the case. Anyone can get a cavity, regardless of age. In fact, we have seen more seniors getting cavities due to dry mouth caused by medications. Regardless of how old you are, it is important to have your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year.

A Smile Makeover Can Fix Your Smile After an Accident

If you have been in an accident that has damaged your teeth, a smile makeover can restore your smile. Whether you have cracked your tooth or lost your tooth, a smile makeover could be just what you need to correct the damage. We offer many techniques that will greatly improve your smile including, but not limited to, bonding, crowns, veneers, bridges, and even implants.

Smile Makeover Treatments

Tooth Bonding

Bonding involves the use of a tooth-colored composite resin that is applied to the chipped, cracked or discolored area of your tooth and then hardened to a smooth, natural looking surface. This process will repair minor damages and give your teeth a perfect finish that makes any imperfection unnoticeable to the naked eye.

Crowns

Our attractive, durable crowns can improve the look of a tooth that sustains too much damage for bonding to cover the imperfections. Crowns are a permanent, protective solution to harmful damages that could encourage decay if left untreated. Our crowns will completely encapsulate your tooth so no damage will be visible and your tooth will have the ultimate defense against further harm.

They come in silver amalgam or tooth colored porcelain or ceramic material. For a smile makeover, our patients tend to prefer natural looking crowns since they can correct both physical damage and any aesthetic imperfections.

Veneers

For a large scale smile makeover, veneers are a good solution since they can close gaps, cover stains, and change the overall appearance of your teeth. Veneers are a porcelain type shell that covers the front of your teeth, shielding any chips, discoloration, or other noticeable damage. They can also improve shaping if your teeth have been misshapen from an accident. Veneers are tooth-colored and will be bonded to your teeth to create a lasting repair.

Dental Bridge

If you have lost your teeth in an accident or you have suffered from irreparable damage, a dental bridge may be the best option for your smile. A dental bridge is created by placing crowns on existing teeth, anchoring the bridge to them, and securing a permanent tooth to that bridge. Dental bridges are natural-looking and feel secure in your mouth. Most people will not even notice you have a bridge, and you will be able to eat the food you like. This is an attractive solution for your smile.

Dental Implant

For the most permanent solution, a dental implant is the best choice. During the procedure, we will insert a dental implant into your dental cavity on your jawbone where the root of your former tooth was. The secure, titanium metal post is a permanent replacement to your original tooth root. A manufactured tooth that looks similar to your other teeth will be created and attached to the titanium rod. A dental implant will be one of your most attractive routes to a great smile after an accident. It will look very natural and blend in with your other teeth.

No matter which of the smile makeover procedures you may need, our services will help you attain a smile like you originally had or better. You will be pleased with our natural looking, durable solutions and the attractive smile they produce.

We Offer Implant Supported Dentistry to Expand Your Options

Implant supported dentistry has changed the face of how we deal with tooth loss and continues to revolutionize the role that dental prosthetics play in supporting tooth replacement. Given that tooth loss is as old as man, and quite common due to age, diseases, or accidents, this meant that a large segment of the population was using wires, dental cement, and adhesives to help hold their new false teeth in place.

With the help of implant supported dentistry, this is slowly changing. Today we can replace not only the upper, visible tooth, which is more commonly known as the crown but also the lost root, through dental implants.

Dental Implant FAQ's

Dental implants, being a new technology, raises a lot of questions among patients that are considering implant supported dentistry to replace their lost teeth. Some patients have questions about the longevity of the implants while others just want to know if they are eligible to get implant supported dentistry. This second question is more complex than a simple yes or no answer because from a technical perspective virtually anyone can have the benefit of implant supported dentistry.

However, it is important to remember that with everything there are usually caveats. In the case of implants, the caveat is that this kind of dentistry requires oral surgery to place the implants. As such, patients need to be healthy enough to receive an oral surgery. In addition to this, there are a few conditions that may prevent patients from getting dental implants or may delay the process. These include diseases like uncontrolled diabetes, periodontal diseases, and treatment for cancer that includes radiation.

Restore your smile with functional teeth

Implant supported dentistry is one of the most successful forms of replacing lost teeth, partly due to the fact that we are able to replace the root with an implant that holds the crown of the tooth in place securely. This kind of success does not happen by accident. We will take X-rays to determine if the patient's jawbone has sufficient density to support and sustain a dental implant. Since implant supported dentistry depends most heavily on the quality of the implant, the first step is to secure the implant itself.

In many patients, we will find that the loss of teeth has led to a deterioration of the jawbone itself. In situations like this, we will need to perform an alveolar bone graft to make sure that there is a sufficiently dense block of bone into which we can place the implant. This kind of an onlay bone graft typically requires that the patient recovers for around three to six months before we can proceed to the next steps of the implant supported dentistry.

Teeth Whitening Dentist in Green Brook Township: Your Solution for Stained Teeth

People come to a teeth whitening dentist because they are tired of dealing with stained or discolored teeth and want a real solution. Often, patients who come through our doors have gone through various thought processes on how they want to handle their teeth whitening. Given how many products are out there, it is no wonder people are often confused by what the best option really is.
The teeth whitening industry started out small, despite the fact that humans have always sought to have whiter teeth. However, the ease of the ability to have whiter teeth soon caught on and became a household practice, spurring a multi-billion dollar industry of products that promise to give you the beautiful white teeth you desire.

Many Teeth Whitening Options

As a teeth whitening dentist, we have seen all kinds of products, promising all kinds of wonderful results. The reality is that when one is considering whitening his or her teeth, it is best to consult with a teeth whitening dentist first to see what exactly the needs are. For our patients, there is no hassle or worry about selecting the right kind of product.
They come in and let us do all the work, so they can leave with perfectly whitened teeth that are even, well-matched and look great. We train our dentist office in ensuring that we handle the science of whitening the right way. Teeth whitening, whether it is at the hand of a teeth whitening dentist or elsewhere, is a scientific process based on chemistry. The oxide-based solution releases free radicals into the enamel, which then act to make the enamel more transparent and appear whiter. It is quite an amazing process that requires knowing what level of whitening the patient wants, how much of the formula to use, and how to get it all evenly on the teeth.
An uneven bleaching is the largest challenge do-it-yourselfers have. Typically, without speaking to their teeth whitening dentist, patients will attempt to correct these mistakes by reattempting the whitening too soon, leading to sensitivity in the teeth and a need to see a dentist anyway. Overuse is one of the biggest problems when it comes to over-the-counter whitening products.

Teeth Whitening Application

Getting the whitening solution onto the teeth evenly is another challenge. When a patient gets a whitening treatment by a teeth whitening dentist, we custom-fabricate the trays that hold the whitening solution for the patient's teeth. We will capture every nuance and bump in the individual's teeth. This allows the tray to be a perfect fit, keeping the solution from leaking out and providing full coverage to the teeth in an even fashion.
On the other hand, store-bought solutions have a one-size-fits-all tray, which very often allows the solution to come in contact with sensitive gum tissue. These trays also do not provide an even coverage of the solution for even whitening across the spectrum of the teeth.

A Children's Dentist Can Help Prevent Cavities

At our Green Brook Township childrens dentist office, we know how important it is to prevent cavities. Most children will suffer from them, and it has become such a significant issue that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that this is the most commonly occurring infectious disease among children. It has reached the point that it is impacting the number of days that children miss from school. Tooth decay can even impact young toddlers. Therefore, we focus on preventing it.

Childrens Dentist Office Exams and Cleanings

In our dental office, we recommend that children come in for a teeth cleaning and exam as young as one year of age. This way we can inspect their teeth and make sure that they are growing in properly. When they get professional teeth cleaning it goes a long way in helping to prevent cavities. No matter how good one is at brushing his or her teeth, there are some places in the mouth that are difficult to reach without a trip to the dentist. We can remove the plaque and bacteria from these areas to reduce the risk of cavities. The best routine involves brushing and flossing twice a day and visiting our office for a professional cleaning twice a year.

Fluoride Treatment

Upon visiting our childrens dentist office, there are additional steps that we can take to prevent cavities such as completing a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a mineral that we can brush directly onto the teeth. It serves to strengthen teeth, which is significant, considering how many children get cavities. Simultaneously, a fluoride treatment only takes a couple of minutes to complete, and it is entirely non-invasive, so children do not experience any discomfort.

Dental Sealants

Another way that we can help is to place sealant on their teeth. If your child has deep ridges on the chewing surface of their teeth, it will be difficult to clean them all the way. Food particles, plaque, and bacteria can gather here and increase the likelihood that they will develop cavities in these spaces. At our childrens dentist office, we can brush a clear liquid onto their teeth. This sealant will harden and provide a protective barrier so that nothing can get into these deep ridges. As a result, we can significantly reduce the chance of your child developing cavities. Like fluoride, this is a non-invasive solution that only takes a few minutes per tooth.
Regardless of how old your child is or what their oral health has been, it is never too early or too late to focus on improving it. When you visit our dental office, we can take the steps necessary to improve the oral health of our patients. Our goal is to ensure that your child remains healthy as they age and that they will grow with a full set of natural teeth that have not been hindered by decay or gum disease. To schedule your appointment, give us a call.

Visit a Cosmetic Dentist for a Teeth Whitening in Green Brook Township

If you do not like the appearance of your teeth, come to our Green Brook Township dentist office for a teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is perhaps the easiest way to improve the appearance of your smile. As a cosmetic dentist, it is one of the most frequent procedures that we perform. Nearly all adults suffer from some form of discoloration or staining. For some, it is a minor yellowing that they need to address. While for many patients, the staining and discoloration are so severe that it significantly impacts their appearance. In any case, our professional grade whitening solution can positively transform your smile.

Why you should schedule an appointment for a teeth whitening

As a cosmetic dentist, we can whiten a patient's teeth in a way that will produce beautiful results. Our whitening solution can penetrate the enamel of one's teeth to begin the process of oxidization where the molecules inside of the teeth reflect less light and appear colorless. The solutions that one buys in the store typically only remove the surface stains so they are not nearly as effective. In fact, this can lead to further problems.

Since the results are not as dramatic as most people would hope for, it is common for people to apply the solution again. Unfortunately, repeated exposure can cause irritation and even erosion. Erosion is when the enamel on the teeth wears away and they become sensitive, sometimes permanently. Patients can avoid this potential complication by scheduling an appointment with our dental office for a teeth whitening.

The process

Upon visiting our office, we will first examine the patient's teeth to make sure there are no cavities or infections that we need to address. We cannot place the whitening solution onto teeth since it can cause irritation by the peroxide. Plus, treating a cavity is important for the patient's oral health in the long run. We will also look for signs of damage. If the patient has any cracked or chipped teeth, it is important to restore them prior to whitening the teeth.

Leaving a damaged tooth alone can cause the damage to spread and even create a risk of an infection developing. This initial examination and our ability to treat whatever issues we find will make it so that the patient does not experience any unnecessary sensitivity when coming in for a teeth whitening.

As a cosmetic dentist, we also have other solutions that we can provide you with should the teeth whitening treatment not work as well as you would like. We can cover any remaining stains with dental bonding, dental veneers, or dental crowns. All of these are effective solutions for improving the appearance of your teeth and can be completed fairly quickly.

Call us today at (732) 424-8483.

Our Cosmetic Dentistry Office Can Give You a Bright Smile for Summer

When you think of cosmetic dentistry, we know that summer is not the first thing that comes to mind. Equally, when people think about summer they do not automatically associate it with their teeth unless of course, you happen to be a cosmetic dentist who understands that summer is an excellent time for a dental appointment.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures for a bright smile this summer

Summer is all about memories. Summer is the time when we pack up our bags and head out on vacation. Whether it is visiting friends and family, heading out to explore destinations unknown or just going back to a favorite spot, we will be traveling in greater numbers this time of year than any other. Naturally, people are smiling more and taking pictures when on vacation. Then consider the home front, where every day there will be barbecuing, pool parties, and company sponsored picnic events. All off these are the way we celebrate summer, casting off our cold weather gear and switching to swimsuits for the season. For some people, however, summer can be stressful.
Millions of Americans are ashamed or shy to show their teeth. This is because they have yet to take advantage of cosmetic dentistry, and still suffer from conditions like malocclusion, teeth that have extensive staining, or a smile that they are just not confident showing off. Our Green Brook Township dental office can help correct this and give you a picture-worthy smile for the most memorable summer ever.
For cosmetic dentistry, a beautiful smile is always inclusive of a set of flawlessly white teeth. Upon visiting our office, one of the things that we will be working on is getting the patient those flawless white teeth to flash all summer long. One of the ways to achieve that is teeth whitening. Over the last several years, teeth whitening has gotten very popular. People all over the country are visiting a cosmetic dentist to whiten their teeth. For anyone who wants to take advantage of one of cosmetic dentistry’s simplest tools, come see us for a teeth whitening appointment. This may be a simple process, but it works on a well-defined scientific principle.

How the process works

What most people do not realize is that natural light is white. How we perceive an object to be a certain color is dependent on the angle at which they reflect this white light. Since we want teeth to be whiter, the teeth need to be more translucent which allows the light to pass through easily and reflect as white. Stains and other discolorations block this from happening.
To correct stained or discolored teeth, our Green Brook Township cosmetic dentistry office uses a peroxide-based solution. This solution is designed to be quickly absorbed by the tooth’s enamel and go to work releasing free radicals inside of the tooth. The free radicals cause a small chemical change to the makeup of the tooth’s chemical structure, causing them to be more translucent. This translucence reflects as a brighter whiter tooth. From your point of view, this means that you will have a big, confident white smile all summer long.

Visit Our Cosmetic Dentist Office for Dental Laminates

If you want to improve your smile, visit our Green Brook Township cosmetic dentist office for dental laminates. This is an easy way to transform the appearance of your smile from drab to spectacular.  Whether you have misshapen teeth, damaged teeth or teeth that no longer look youthful, laminates are diverse enough to correct the problem.  In fact, there are very few things that cannot be fixed with this procedure.  That is why we use them to complete both full smile makeovers and dental restorations.

What you should know about dental laminates:

Dental laminates are also known as dental veneers. Upon visiting our cosmetic dentist office, we will examine the patient's teeth and take X-rays to determine if the patient is a strong candidate for dental laminates. While most people are strong candidates, others may not be. If a patient's tooth is severely damaged, we may suggest restoring it with a dental crown instead. We will also discuss what a patient does not like about his or her smile in detail so that we can create a plan for addressing those issues.
To prepare the patient's teeth for dental laminates, we will need to remove a small portion of the enamel. Laminates or veneers are incredibly thin shells made of porcelain. While laminates are only .5 to .6 mm thick, we need to remove a portion of the enamel so that the laminates do not stand out or make the teeth appear overly large. Once we finish preparing the teeth, we will secure temporary laminates while we create the permanent ones in the dental lab. Patients may need to wear the temporary laminates for a week or two. During that time, the patient will want to avoid biting into anything directly and stick with soft foods that will not dislodge the temporary laminates. When the final set of laminates is ready, the patient will need to return to our cosmetic dentist office. We will remove the temporaries and bind the permanent ones into place using dental cement. Once secure, the patient will be able to return to a normal diet.
Note: there are some types of laminates that are so thin that your enamel will not be removed.  The decision to do so is based on the type of laminate and your natural teeth so we will discuss these options with you during your consultation.

How dental laminates are used:

There are several ways to use them to improve your smile.  The most common is to brighten dull teeth that have become stained.  It is common for teeth to lose their luster over time and to become stained. While teeth whitening can help, there are some stains that are difficult to remove and laminates can cover those teeth to complete your smile transformation.
Since laminates cover your natural teeth, we can also use them to close gaps between your teeth, change the shape of your teeth, make your teeth appear straight and much more. This can all be done in our Green Brook Township dental office in far less time than it would take to use other solutions like orthodontics.

What You Should Know About Tooth Fillings

When patients come into our Green Brook Township dentist office with decay, they may not know that they are going to be getting a filling. For most of our patient's, fillings are not a new thing. However, we sometimes get a younger patient in or someone who has been lucky with great teeth, who has no idea about the process of getting a filling.
Since nobody actually starts out coming in for a tooth filling, we know that most visits usually begin with a regularly-scheduled examination that finds any decay. A filling is exactly what it sounds like: material that replaces damaged enamel to prevent infection. The filling closes off spaces in the teeth that may otherwise attract bacterial infections. In order to do a filling, there are a number of necessary steps to take.

What is involved with tooth fillings?

A tooth filling typically starts with a regular examination, which leads to the discovery of soft spots or places where decay creates a cavity. To prevent cavities from forming, we strongly encourage all of our patients to come in at least twice a year for an examination. Catching cavities early on will mean fewer fillings and a better chance at preventing decay. If we discover a cavity, we can go to work filling it.
The first step is to make sure that the patient is completely comfortable. If necessary, we will administer a local anesthesia in the gums around the affected tooth. The anesthesia will completely numb the tooth so the patient does not feel any discomfort while we go through the rest of the process. One thing we do tell patients getting a tooth filling is that they may still feel a mild pressure. After we properly numb the tooth, we will remove the decay by shaving away any infected enamel.
The dentist will also use this opportunity to create a shape in the tooth that is easier to fill since decay can go in all directions. For some kinds of fillings, there are a few extra steps. For example, some fillings, such as bonded fillings, also require us to etch the tooth, which will happen during the shaving process. Other kinds of fillings require the application of a resin. When we apply resin, we use that blue light next to the chair to harden and make it the resin strong.

What materials are used in tooth fillings?

There are numerous materials that can be used depending on what look you want and what the budget will withstand. We can use gold fillings, amalgam (silver) fillings, composite (plastic) resin filling, or even porcelain fillings.

The New Ways a Family Dental Office Can Teach a Child to Brush Their Teeth

In our Green Brook Township family dentist office, we are always looking for new ways to get children to be excited about oral health. Creating an oral hygiene routine early in life is beneficial since it influences the children throughout their lifetime. If they do not establish good habits now, there is a greater chance that they will have cavities and gum disease as they age. With that in mind, we recommend that you bring them in for teeth cleanings twice a year and set a good health routine at home. This is sometimes harder than it sounds, but we have ways to help.

Dental Health Videos

We are using media and specifically short videos to teach kids how to brush the right way and how to brush long enough. This works a lot better than charts and timers. Videos are more fun and kids are used to getting information this way. Whether through things they watch at home or even videos in school, this is now commonplace. When you visit our dental office, we will show your kids how to brush properly and remind them to brush for two minutes at a time. At home, you can use videos to reinforce these concepts until the next appointment.

American Dental Association Website

The American Dental Association has a website that provides resources for parents and children. On the website, they have brushing tutorials and a rewards chart that you can use to help motivate your children about brushing teeth. There are a series of two-minute videos that we recommend playing while your child brushes. The videos are not boring instructional videos with a guy in a lab coat but popular cartoons like Adventure Time and sing-alongs for the younger kids. With these videos, the child can actually watch something they are interested in for a full two minutes while benefitting their health. As a family dental office, our hope is that these videos will help children fall into a healthy routine of regular brushing. Children will also become familiar with brushing for the proper two minutes thanks to the length of the video. Once they are older and the videos are gone, they will hopefully continue with this habit.

Dental Hygiene Songs

For parents that are not too fond of videos, the children can dance along to their favorite music instead. Take turns picking songs and play something for two minutes at a time. This can be a fun game where you can even pick a song and make them guess where it is from or what band sings it. The goal is to do something that is fun with your children and incorporate oral hygiene into it. This creates positive associations that will encourage them to keep brushing as they get older. If you need help, visit our family dental office in Green Brook Township so that we can confirm what you are doing at home and remind your kids of the benefits of brushing regularly.

Visiting the Dentist is More Important Than Most Men Realize

As a dentist in Green Brook Township, we know that women are more likely to visit us for preventative care than men. This is in line with the common perception that men are less likely to visit the doctor in general. The Academy of General Dentistry conducted a poll to find out why a lot of men skip out on their appointments. Results for the survey come from dental professionals and patients.

Reasons Men Skip Dental Appointments

Only 5 percent of men do not receive teeth cleanings since they do not have a dentist. Another reason that men may not seek dental care is due to a lack of insurance.
Around 18 percent of men did not see a dentist because they felt like they did not have time to go in. This is a contradiction in perception and reality because not going to the dentist, exposes a person to having a future dental emergency that will typically require a more intensive and time-consuming procedure to correct. On the other hand, regular teeth cleanings only take around an hour, so this is a wiser course of action.
Another 30 percent of men had a dental phobia preventing them from visiting the dentist. We understand that millions of adults suffer from some form of dental anxiety due to a previous bad experience, very often a fear starting in one's childhood. Common or not, dentistry has improved significantly to the point that we can help our patients to relax prior to their procedure and ensure complete comfort during it. With that in mind, there is no need to fear a visit to the dentist.
The largest group, at 45 percent, said that they did not come in because they did not feel like it was necessary. As a dental professional, that is a fairly alarming statistic and shows how important it is to educate people as to why oral health matters. If you fall into this category, this is what you should know. –

Preventative Dental Care Is Important To Men's Health

Your digestion starts in the mouth so if you have an infection or a lot of plaque, you will eventually be swallowing it and sending it throughout your body. This may be what is causing the connection between heart health and gum health. Researchers find that the plaque on your teeth is the same substance that forms in your arteries, making it clear that it is important to prevent a lot of plaque from building up in your mouth. Simultaneously, they have found that 70 percent of those treated for heart disease also have gum disease, so the connection is a critical one.
We suggest that people also receive teeth cleanings at least twice a year due to how uncomfortable and inconvenient a toothache can be. By simply going to regularly scheduled dentist appointments, both men and women can remain in better oral health.

Tips from A Kids Dentist in Green Brook Township for Staying Healthy this Easter

As Easter approaches, so does the Easter Bunny, egg hunts and plenty of chocolate and jelly beans. Tis the season for lots of candy. It is also a risky holiday for your children’s teeth. Naturally, candy is not good for them and while most parents understand this, keeping children away from it can be incredibly difficult. You cannot walk through the grocery store without seeing plenty of holiday candy and everyone from Grandma to the school will be giving them treats. This is why you need an anti-candy action plan. It may not be easy, but reducing their sugar intake will certainly help your children to stay healthier now and as they grow older. Here are our ideas for helping you to do so.

#1. Boil eggs instead of using plastic ones

Historically, people would boil eggs and then paint or decorate them. This can be a fun activity to do with the kids as they get to select their favorite colors, add glitter, stickers, and become incredibly creative with it. Truly, this can be a fun weekend activity for you to do with them. It is important to note that the FDA finds that no one should eat a hardboiled egg that remains outside for more than two hours.

#2. Hide your boiled eggs

Instead of hiding candy-filled eggs, hide the ones that you decorated with your kids. They will have just as much fun finding them and their baskets will be sugar-free.

#3. Designate a special egg

Since you will not be hiding candy, make one or two of your eggs special. If your child finds them, give a prize that is not related to sweets. Perhaps you can give them a new book or a small toy that they have been wanting. As a kids dentist, we know that prizes are something kids of all ages get excited about.

#4. Buy sugar-free candy

If you do not want your child to go completely without candy, buy the sugar-free variety. They can taste great and help to make your child feel included without actually harming their teeth or the rest of their body.

#5. Trade candy for prizes

If you take your child to an egg hunt in town or at church, you can always incentivize them to give up their candy. If they have been wanting something, trade them for the candy. If they want to have a sleepover or get to stay up late, trade them for the candy. It is actually fairly easy to find something that your children like more than candy. It only seems that they love it the most because of how exciting it is to find the candy in the first place.
As a kids dentist in Green Brook Township, we encourage you to try some of these tips so that you can help your child to avoid eating too much sugar. This is important for the health of their teeth since candy can lead to cavities. It is also important for their health overall. Eating too much sugar can weaken their immune system and increase their risk of developing diabetes. Learning healthy habits now can set your children up for a lifetime of good health overall.

Dental Sealants Are Always a Good Preventative Measure

Dental sealants are always a good preventative choice for you or your children to act as protection against decay for teeth. If your teeth are susceptible to decay or your children are still learning proper oral hygiene practices, we encourage you to explore dental sealants as an extra preventative measure. Continue reading to learn more as our Green Brook Township dental office answers questions concerning dental sealants.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are plastic-like coatings that we place on the chewing surface of the molars the patient uses the most. Dental sealants form a hardened shield over teeth and act as extra protection against cavities.

Is the process of applying dental sealants complicated?

No, the process is actually very simple. First, we clean and dry the teeth and then apply cotton around them so they stay dry. We will then apply a chemical solution that will gently roughen the surface of the teeth for an easier and more secure dental sealant application. Once the solution has done its job, we will apply the dental sealant in a liquid form that allows it to seep into every crevice of the patient's teeth. We will then allow the sealant to harden before the patient leaves. After this quick process, the dental sealant will be securely in place for up to 10 years. When it wears off, we can easily reapply a dental sealant.

Who needs dental sealants?

It is best for children to get dental sealants when their first permanent molars come in. This normally occurs between ages five and seven. You can receive more dental sealants as more molars come in around 11 or 12 years of age. Adults and teens can also opt for dental sealants as a preventative measure if their teeth are prone to getting cavities.

Can dental sealants also be applied to baby teeth?

In some cases, it is a good idea to apply dental sealants to baby teeth. Baby teeth often have deeper crevices that are more prone to decay. Baby teeth hold space for future permanent teeth, so it is important to protect these teeth as well.

Can I use anything else in addition to dental sealants as extra protection for teeth?

Patients should brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day. Most water has fluoride in it, which is important to drink. If water is not fluoridated, we can provide you and your children with a fluoride treatment to help protect their teeth. Fluoride will still work even if dental sealants are present. Fluoride is a great preventative measure because it helps your teeth rebuild and remineralize more quickly. It can also repair small cavities before they turn into bigger cavities that need fillings.
If you are interested in receiving dental sealants for you or your child’s teeth, or you would just be interested in learning about the process and how it can help you, call our Green Brook Township office at (732) 424-8483. We will provide you with a variety of necessary preventative dental services to help you maintain healthier teeth and gums for life.

Comprehensive Dentistry in Green Brook Township Can Help You After an Accident

We provide comprehensive dentistry in Green Brook Township and can restore your teeth to good health after an accident.  Many of our patients never consider that their teeth could become cracked or chipped.  Most people do not plan for the eventuality of needing to address a dental problem and if you receive regular teeth cleanings and preventative care, you may never have to.  As a result, most people do not know who they will call in the event of an accident.  We encourage you to consider the possibility and add us to your emergency contact list.  

There are approximately 5.4 million car wrecks every year that result in millions of people being injured, some of which have mouth or face injuries. 

Playing sports is more dangerous than you think considering that over 5 million children are injured every year while playing.  The numbers go up exponentially when considering adults.  If you play basketball after work without a mouth guard, you could very easily damage your teeth and need a restoration. 

Seniors are at the highest risk of being injured in a slip and fall accident, with one out of every three falling annually.  There are over 9 million emergency room visits each year due to slip and fall accidents, many of which happen at the workplace, impacting people of all ages.  As a provider of comprehensive dentistry in Green Brook Township, we regularly treat people that have damaged a tooth during a fall. 

When you evaluate the statistics, it becomes highly likely that you or someone in your family will eventually be in an accident and damage a tooth. When it happens, we encourage you to visit our office instead of the emergency room.  General physicians are highly trained and will do an excellent job of treating any physical injuries that you have.  If, however, you have damaged a tooth, you must visit a dentist because we are the only ones trained in how to diagnose and treat your teeth.  When you come in for your appointment, we will examine your teeth and take x-rays to ascertain the full extent of your injuries and then make a treatment recommendation. 

As a provider of comprehensive dentistry in Green Brook Township, we can provide you with a wide variety of restorative solutions.  If you have lost a tooth in an accident, we can replace it using a dental bridge or a dental implant.  A bridge is a non-surgical solution that relies on your surrounding teeth to hold the bridge in place using dental crowns.  An implant is a surgical solution that is permanent.  In this procedure, we place a metal post under your gums and secure it to your jawbone so that a new root system can be created and a new tooth attached to it.  If, however, your tooth was only cracked or chipped, we can restore it using a dental veneer or a dental crown.  Regardless of what solutions you need, we can help.

Dental Cleaning and Examinations: What We Look For

Our Green Brook Township dental office can provide your child with a dental cleaning and examinations twice a year as a way to help them maintain good oral health. This is highly recommended no matter how old they are, their gender, or the condition their teeth are in. Some high-risk patients like diabetics and those with weak enamel may want to visit our office more often, but generally speaking, twice a year is enough to remain in good oral health. Our team is friendly and gentle, so we are certain they will have a positive experience when they come in. 

The first part of their appointment will be for the dental cleaning. We will use an abrasive paste and dental tools to remove the plaque and tartar that has built up on their teeth since their last cleaning. This will improve the appearance of their teeth and remove many of the surface stains. Health-wise, this is an important step because it allows us to reduce the risk of them developing tooth decay, infections, and gum disease. All these problems can be caused by built-up plaque, so a teeth cleaning is necessary no matter how often they brush and floss their teeth, especially considering that there is bound to be some places in their mouth too difficult to clean with brushing and flossing alone. 

The examination portion of their appointment is equally important. In dental care, it is best to identify any issues early so treatment can begin before the problem gets worse and causes discomfort. During their exam, we will look for any signs of tooth decay. If they have a small cavity forming, we can often remove the decay before it causes them any discomfort. Afterward, we can restore the tooth using a tooth-colored dental filling, crown, etc. The earlier we do this, the less likely they will be uncomfortable as they eat and go about their daily activities. A regular dental cleaning and examinations make this possible. 

Infections are also important to catch early. We typically take x-rays during an exam, and this allows us to see the inside of their teeth. If they have infected dental pulp, they could need a root canal and the faster one is performed, the better it will be for their comfort and health. 

We will also look for signs of gum disease. This is a condition that often leads to tooth loss, so it is critical that gum disease is not left untreated. If their gums appear to be red, swollen, or receding, we may suggest scheduling a deep cleaning appointment so the plaque can be removed and their gums restored to good health. This is a far more intensive treatment than a standard dental cleaning and examinations, so it will require a follow-up visit. 

The final thing our Green Brook Township dentist office will look for is signs of damage. It is important that they have their teeth restored if they are cracked or chipped. We can do so using a variety of procedures that include dental bonding, dental veneers, or dental crowns.