How Wisdom Teeth Extraction Works

When patients need a wisdom teeth extraction, it can be intimidating. According to the University of Washington's Dental Fears Research Clinic, 75 percent of adults harbor some level of fear over having a dental procedure completed. Fortunately, we are very experienced at removing teeth and can make sure that the entire process goes smoothly with as little pain as possible.
All dentists can remove teeth, but only certain dentists are experienced enough to go by the title of an oral surgeon. When a wisdom tooth breaks through the surface, there is a chance that a normal dentist can pull it out. If it is impacted or still below the surface, patients need to see an oral surgeon instead of a traditional dentist.

We understand how to make the process of a wisdom teeth extraction as painless as possible. An inexperienced dentist can take longer to remove the impacted tooth and cause the patient unnecessary swelling and pain.

If your tooth is impacted, the wisdom teeth extraction will typically have the following process:

• We will thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. It is important to remove any lingering bacteria and plaque from the mouth prior to undergoing oral surgery or any cosmetic procedures. Following a cleaning, we will put the patient under sedation, so that he or she does not feel any pain.
• We then cut open the gum. The gum tissue above the wisdom tooth will be cut open and lifted so that we can access the area.
• We will remove any small parts of bone in the way. At times when the gum tissue is opened up, there will be bone above part of the tooth. We may need to remove the piece of bone in order to extract the tooth.
• We may wiggle the tooth to ease it out of the socket. Using a dental tool, we will grasp the tooth and gently move it back and forth to see if it will easily come loose from the bone and ligaments that are holding it in place.
• We may need to break up the tooth. When a tooth is not responding, it may need to be broken or cut up into smaller pieces and removed one piece at a time.
• Removal and cleaning. After completely removing the tooth, we will thoroughly clean the area and the area in order to prevent any sort of infection.
• We will replace the gum tissue. We will lay the gum tissue back down and use stitches, if necessary, to hold everything in place and promote healing.
• We will use gauze to stop the bleeding. We will hold gauze in place to help and stop the bleeding. Eventually, the body will form a blood clot so that this is no longer necessary.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Green Brook Township

After a wisdom teeth extraction takes place, there is a necessary  recovery process. It can take a couple of weeks to feel completely normal. During the timeframe of the recovery process, most patients experience some level of swelling. Ice packs and pain medication can assist and make patients feel more comfortable. Patients need to consume foods that are soft and cool during this time frame. Things with extreme temperatures may cause pain, so it is safe to stick with Jello, applesauce, pudding, yogurt and other soft foods. To learn more or to schedule an appointment call today.
Live in Green Brook Township, NJ and have questions about wisdom teeth extraction? Give us a call at (732) 424-8483.

Family Dentist  >  Dentist

A Dentist Answers Frequently Asked Dentistry Questions

As a dentist in Green Brook Township , there are certain questions that people ask on a regular basis. We want to inform our patients and will answer any questions that you may have so that you can make an educated decision about your oral health care. By discussing procedures in detail, we are confident that you will feel better about any upcoming procedure. Since many of our patients have similar questions and concerns, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Does dental work hurt?

With millions of people suffering from dental anxiety, this question is often on the top of our patient's list. The good news is that dental care does not hurt when you visit our office. We have a variety of ways to help calm your nerves. One way is to provide pain medication so that you can relax and feel comfortable, regardless of whether your teeth are being cleaned or you are having major dental work done.

How quickly will I recover?

Most dental procedures have a short recovery time. For example, after treating your cavity, you will most likely feel better later that day. If you are having something major, like oral surgery, the recovery time can be several days. We will go over specifics of the recovery process during your consultation. As a local dentist, we do remind patients that regardless of what procedure is being performed, you can speed up the recovery by not touching the site, rinsing your mouth regularly, and preventing anything from touching that area until it is fully recovered. Avoiding strenuous activity is also important.

Why do I need to have my crown replaced?

Many people are under the impression that once a crown or another restoration is placed, it will remain there forever. While this would be nice, it is simply not the case. A restoration can wear out just like anything can. It is easy for a restoration to become chipped, for example, if you grind your teeth at night. Simultaneously, if you are repeatedly getting infections, this will put your restoration at risk. The best thing, you can do, is to keep your teeth and gums in good health and have regular teeth cleanings in order to prolong the lifespan of your restoration. If it does become worn out, you need to replace it so that your damaged tooth can continue to be protected.

Dentist in Green Brook Township

Which dentist's opinion is right?

When patients visit more than one dentist it can lead to confusion. Dentistry, like many things, gives a provider several options for how to proceed. For example, if your tooth has fallen out you can replace it using dentures, a dental bridge, or a dental implant. All are correct options, and the one that you select is really up to your lifestyle and goals. Each dentist may have a preferred procedure based on their skill set but what you select is entirely up to you. As a local dentist, we believe that it is important to present the facts and let our patients evaluate which solution is right for them.
Live in Green Brook Township, NJ and have questions for a dentist? Give us a call at (732) 424-8483.

Cosmetic Dentist  >  Dental Office

Why Our Patients in Green Brook Township Love Mini-Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are an excellent way to replace missing teeth. At our Green Brook Township dentist office, we regularly provide them to patients who have lost several of their teeth or are experiencing complete tooth loss. The benefit to mini implants is that you are able to have a secure prosthetic that will remain in place and not need removal on a nightly basis, as dentures require.

Mini dental implants are an incredibly popular treatment with our patients and below are a few reasons why:

#1 Mini dental implants look natural

When you replace missing teeth with dental implants, you get the benefit of a new tooth that looks exactly like your natural tooth. Dental implants are a standalone solution that does not use your surrounding teeth for security. Dental implants do not require wires or clasps, as other products do. As a result, the tooth stands independently and looks incredibly natural.
When creating the dental crown or tooth portion of your implant, we take measurements and an impression of your mouth as well as matching the existing shade of your natural teeth. This way, once we place the implant, you will not be able to tell the difference between your natural tooth and the mini dental implant.

#2  Mini dental implants are secure

One of the biggest complaints we hear from people who have lost a tooth or several teeth is that they do not feel secure with their dental reconstruction. This may seem like a small nuance, however, it is actually an incredibly big deal because it influences what you think about when you go out to eat with your friends or exercise.
If you are thinking about your teeth all the time, then they become a hindrance. One of the biggest benefits of replacing teeth with implants is that we surgically place and secure them to your jawbone. Mini dental implants are as secure as your natural teeth. As a result, you do not have to struggle with extra worry about your teeth.

#3 Mini-dental implants are convenient

When comparing the solution to traditional and dental implants, many people prefer the mini dental implants over other options.  Mini dental implants will frequently work for patients that have lost a portion of their bone density due to tooth loss and resorption. Traditional implants are longer and thinner, so they require your jawbone to be denser.
The problem is that after tooth loss you will begin to go through resorption where the body leaches calcium away from your jawbone for use elsewhere. The result is a jawbone that is weak and in need of a bone grafting procedure prior to placing implants. Mini-dental implants are shorter and wider so they very often do not require this initial step. As a result, the process can be completed much faster.
If you would like to discuss mini-dental implants further or find out if a procedure is right for you, call and schedule a consultation with our Green Brook Township dental office today.

Cosmetic Dentist  >  Teeth Whitening Service

Modern Dentures Are More Comfortable and Convenient

If you need to replace your teeth, consider the benefits of modern dentures. While they have been around for centuries, they used to be ill-fitting and uncomfortable. If you imagine dentures and picture someone with loose and overly large teeth, thing again. They are now more natural-looking, comfortable, and easier to wear than ever before. The key is to see a Green Brook Township dentist who can fit you for the perfect set.

Why We Recommend Dentures

#1 - As a temporary solution

Very often, we provide patients with a temporary set to wear while they determine how they want to replace their teeth in the long term. Also, since cosmetic restorations can take time, many patients will wear a denture throughout the process. For example, if you were to replace missing teeth with dental implants, we would need to implant a titanium post under the gums and secure it to the jawbone in each place you are missing a tooth.
While this is sturdiest and most dependable solution long-term, it still takes some time to complete the process and for the patient to heal. This makes it necessary to wear a temporary solution for up to several months. Fortunately, we can provide you one that will make your smile appear intact.

#2 - For partial tooth loss

If you have lost one or several teeth, we can fit you for a set of partial dentures that will restore your smile. We will secure your replacement teeth to a gum base that is molded to leave room for all your remaining teeth. These can either be flexible or they can be secured using wires and hooks.

#3 - For complete tooth loss

We can also create a full set of dentures to replace all of your teeth. If you have lost them earlier and now have a set of dentures that does not fit you properly, we can create a new set for you as well. This is done by making an impression of your mouth and taking precise measurements. We will have the dental lab create your new teeth using our direction, so we can ensure they are the right size for your frame. In this case, we do not need to worry about them matching your surrounding teeth, as we do with partials, but they still need to match the overall size and shape of your face.
We are experts at ensuring that they do, so when you have your false teeth in, it looks as though you have a natural set instead. By being precise with your fitting, we can also ensure that they fit snuggly and securely so as not to slip out of place while you are eating or speaking.

Visit Our Green Brook Township Office for Dentures You Can Enjoy Wearing

Our goal is to provide you with a set of teeth that will replace the ones you have lost and do so in a way that you are comfortable with. Your new teeth will look and feel as good as possible, so you can live confidently.

Cosmetic Dentist  >  Dental Implants

We are an Emergency Dentist for Kids in Green Brook Township

Every Green Brook Township parent will benefit from having an emergency dentist in Green Brook Township on speed dial.  You never know when something will happen that will cause your child to have a dental emergency.  A child can accidentally fall on the playground, be hit by a ball during practice or wake up with a terrible toothache.  Not knowing is part of life, but having a plan is part of being a prepared parent. Fortunately for parents, being prepared is now easier than ever.  We provide emergency dental care and are happy to help your family stay well.

We are an emergency dentist for kids 

#1 We enjoy working with children

We treat both children and adults. We love kids and want to give them our very best.  As a parent, you can take comfort in the fact that our entire office is designed with children in mind.  From the waiting room to the examination areas, we have them decorated in ways to help the children feel comfortable.  You will find toys, books, televisions and friendly smiles when you bring your child to our office.

#2 Our hours are convenient

As an emergency dentist for kids, we know that you cannot control when or if an accident will happen.  You also cannot control if your child will have a dental emergency as a result.  We will not make you wait until Monday morning or a week later to schedule an appointment.  Instead, we offer flexible appointment times so that our patients can be treated right away after an emergency.

#3 We use sedation to make kids comfortable

After a traumatic event that causes a dental emergency, it is likely that your child will be very upset.  They may be in pain or emotionally traumatized.  Visiting the dentist does not make that worse, and at our clinic, it will not.  We use sedation so that your child can relax and feel at ease while being in our office. Overall, sedation is incredibly effective for creating a positive experience.

#4 Our staff is friendly

When you bring your child in for an emergency dentist appointment, you will be greeted by a friendly face.  Our team is warm and welcoming so that your child will feel as though they are somewhere familiar and comforting.  This helps, especially after a traumatic incident.  As an emergency dentist, we understand that your child could be feeling emotional when you bring them in and it is our job to help them to smile again.
You can count on us to provide professional care and the attention that your child needs to become well again.  As an emergency dentist office, we will work to schedule them immediately so that your child does not need to live with discomfort or irritation.

Children's Dentist  >  Dental Office

Preventing Sports Injuries with Preventive Dental Care for Kids in Green Brook Township

When it comes to preventive dental care for kids in Green Brook Township, we do it all.  Our focus is on keeping your children healthy now and as they get older.  Beginning from a very young age, we work to teach children healthy habits, show them how to care for their teeth and clean their teeth on a regular basis.  However, there are things that happen outside of our dentist office that we worry about – sports injuries is one of them.  It is incredibly common to damage a tooth while playing sports, even in kids.  We can work to prevent these injuries.

Step #1 – Keep their teeth strong.

If you want to prevent an injury, start by strengthening their teeth.  We can do so using a fluoride treatment in our office.  Fluoride is a mineral that when placed directly onto the teeth can help to strengthen them in order to reduce cavities.  Studies find that fluoride reduces decay by 30 percent.  However, strong teeth are also helpful when it comes to avoiding dental damage.

Step #2 – Keep their teeth healthy.

As a provider of preventive dental care for kids, we want to be sure that your child has healthy teeth. This is done by cleaning them twice a year in order to remove plaque and tartar that has built up over time.  Simultaneously, we encourage you to feed your children a mouth-healthy diet of nuts, dairy products, lean protein, and vegetables.  Avoiding things like soda and candy are also important to oral health.

Step #3 – Treat problems as they arise.

If your child has tooth decay or an infection, bring them to a dentist right away.  We will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and the infection, prior to restoring the tooth.  The sooner we can remove the decay, the sooner we can return your child's teeth to good health.  As a parent, you need to know that when your child has even a small portion of decay, their tooth is at a greater risk for permanent damage. Preventing sports injuries start with restoring their teeth to good health.
Step #4 – Give them a mouthguard.
Your child will benefit from wearing a mouthguard while practicing and playing sports.  A mouthguard will serve as a protective barrier between your child's teeth and a fly ball, elbow, or hockey stick.  In sports, everything is flying around and doing so at a fast pace.  It is hard for children, or even adults, to avoid common sports accidents because of it.  Since you cannot control what will come your child's way, what you can do is give them a mouthguard to wear so that when it does, that ball cannot come in direct contact with their teeth.  Mouth guards prevent hundreds of thousands of sports injuries every year, so this is certainly a wise solution.
You can count on us to provide preventive dental care for kids in Green Brook Township that addresses all of your child's oral health care needs.  To learn about how we can protect their teeth, call and schedule an appointment.

Family Dentist  >  Dental Office

Dental Implants: Facts About This Innovative Technology

Despite dental implants having been around for a very long time, they are anything but an old technology. As changes have happened, medical science has allowed dental implants to become a technology that is head and shoulders above the competition. Some of our patients in Green Brook Township, especially those that are considering changing away from some of the more traditional prosthetics to an implant, have questions about why implants are so much better. For starters, a dental implant is inserted directly into your jawbone by a skilled dentist, oral surgeon or periodontist. This allows the titanium implant to fuse perfectly with the organic tissue. This gives your implant the strength and stability the jawbone offers to your natural teeth.

There really is no comparable advancements made by dentures, which still use adhesive to be bonded inside the mouth, and bridges, which are still being cemented in place. Even more impressive, when you have dental implants inserted you are getting the strongest, most durable, and best-looking solution to tooth loss. The fact that the device is inserted below the gum line means that we have a blank slate above the gum to give you the most impressive looking, realistic teeth.

When it comes to dental implants, the fact that they are a surgically installed prosthetic, which is also permanent, makes people want to know all the answers before they make an educated decision. For patients who already have a prosthetic device, they want to be sure they are making the right decision in terms of longevity, how long will these devices last, acceptance by the body, and how long the recovery time will take. These are perfectly normal questions about any procedure.
Longevity wise, dental implants have been known to last as long as thirty years, and as little as seven years. The life cycle of an implant is hard to predict because there are so many variables. For example, you have no idea of know if you will be in an accident, or develop some kind of gum disease in the future. On the other hand, we know that good oral hygiene habits and dietary habits can help you with ensuring that the implants last longer. Implants are typically very successful. The installation success rate varies, study to study, from 93% to 98% with the vast majority of cases being completely successful. Naturally there are other factors that influence how well the install does, and how successful it will be.

To account for all the factor that could influence an installation, and the longevity of your dental implants, we do the installation in steps. At the end of each step, you will have the opportunity to recover for between ten and fourteen days.  When you return we will double check all the work we have done, make sure nothing changed, make any changes that may be needed, and then proceed to the next step. This allows our Green Brook Township office to be much more effective with the installations and also allows you a shorter recovery time after the entire process is completed. Typically, after the dental implants are in place, you will need to rest and not use the tooth for about 2 weeks.

Cosmetic Dentist  >  Teeth Whitening Service