Dental Emergencies

Accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Sometimes, dental emergencies such as severe infections or post-operative emergencies happen in the middle of the night or on the weekend when the dental practice is closed. Fortunately, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS provides emergency care 24 hours a day/7 days a week, as she strongly believes that no one should suffer with pain if she can help it. In the midst of a dental emergency, utilize these tips to ensure a smooth recovery.  

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If you experience a dental emergency, please call us immediately. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180.

Night Guards to Alleviate Bruxism Destruction

Teeth grinding, called bruxism, is a behavior that can cause pain to the jaw and damage to teeth. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS of Holmdel, NJ is helping patients protect their teeth from bruxism by providing night guards.

Clenching and grinding wears away and loosens teeth and restorations. Bruxism can be especially bad at night when you are unaware you are doing it. The pressure from the clenching can also cause jaw pain, facial pain, and headaches. If not treated, this can eventually lead to TMJ dysfunction.

Dr. Shah creates a night guard to protect your teeth and alleviate the pain caused by grinding. The night guards are custom-fit so that each patient receives individualized treatment. Every mouth is different, so they cannot all be treated the same. The night guard is like a mouth guard and can be worn during the night or day. Night guards can last for up to ten years with good care.

If you suspect you grind your teeth at night, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS. To schedule in our Holmdel, NJ office, call us at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com. 

Invisalign for Discreet and Convenient Straightening

Straightening your teeth results in a beautiful smile, but many are not so happy with how they look wearing braces. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS in Holmdel, NJ offers a solution for her patients who want straight teeth without wearing braces. She offers Invisalign; a nearly invisible way to straighten teeth.

In addition to being almost invisible, Invisalign is also incredibly convenient. Unlike braces, you are able to take Invisalign out to eat and clean your teeth. This means you no longer have to avoid certain foods like hard, crunchy, or sticky ones. You can also brush and floss your teeth normally. No going around brackets or under wires.

Invisalign works by taking impressions of your teeth and creating a series of clear aligner trays. The trays created from your impressions will be switched out every two weeks; each tray being slightly different. Over the course of time, your teeth will shift into place. Most adult patients finish their Invisalign treatment in about a year. Most teen patients take about the same time as traditional braces; about two years.

If you desire a beautiful, straight smile, consider Invisalign for a discreet and convenient treatment. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS in Holmdel, NJ, call our office at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com.