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.