Laser Therapy for Gums

Everyone likes to make a good impression with a nice smile.  The look of your smile includes your gums, and even patients without any damage to their teeth feel like their gums keep them from enjoying their best smile.  Some people naturally have more gum tissue than others and it results in a gummy smile.  Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS is skilled at laser therapy for gums, which removes infected tissue as well as excess tissue that gets in the way of a patient’s smile.

Laser tools are so effective in periodontal treatments because they can target unhealthy gum tissue and leave healthy tissue undisturbed. The precision that can be achieved with a laser results in less trauma to the mouth and less recovery time.  In the past, periodontal treatment was completed using more aggressive tools and often required stitches. With a laser, treating only the affected gum tissue and not damaging any healthy gums is more efficient and causes little to no bleeding, which means less swelling after the procedure.  Patients often find the laser procedure relatively painless, so less and sometimes no anesthetic is needed.  Please contact us to improve your oral health with a laser treatment for your gums!

To learn more about laser treatments for gums and all the services we provide, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Sealants

Almost half of all children and adolescents in the United States have had cavities in their permanent teeth.  Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS applies sealants for young patients to start protecting teeth early and help children avoid becoming part of this statistic.  Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early. 

In children and teenagers, most tooth decay occurs on the chewing surfaces of molars where the pits and grooves can trap food and bacteria.  Dental sealants are applied to surfaces of these back teeth much like paint. The plastic resin fills any pits and grooves on the surface and hardens. Now the surface is protected from bits of food being stuck, and bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay.  Sealants also protect tooth enamel from plaque and acids, and can effectively prevent cavities for up to ten years.

To learn more about sealants and all the services we provide, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Thank You for Your Continuous Reviews!

At the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, we love to hear from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Though this particular patient chose to remain anonymous, we would still like to thank them for reviewing us. Additionally, we encourage the rest of our patients to write testimonials and thank each and every one of you for your feedback!   

“If you are looking for an HONEST, professional, knowledgeable, caring dentist DR DIPIKA SHAH is the one. I have been to many different dentists over the past five years and all were non-caring and obviously in dentistry for the money. Dr. Shah you can trust! Dr. Shah makes you feel comfortable, safe and is upfront with what your financial responsibility is before she does the work so there are no surprise charges! She does not make you have unnecessary work done and truly cares for your mouth to be in perfect health. She will also listen to you about what you would like done and she will help you work toward that goal. Thank you, Dr. Dipika Shah -all dentists SHOULD BE LIKE YOU! – Anonymous “

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

How Sugar Hurts the Teeth

If you want to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, then it’s time to throw the energy drinks, fruit juices, and soda in the trash. Sugar feeds on the bacteria in the mouth and provides no nutritional benefits for tooth enamel. Once tooth enamel is gone, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS cannot restore it. Instead, she will need to explore cosmetic options, such as fillings and dental bonding to restore the tooth.

Soft drinks, diet soft drinks, and sports energy drinks contain high levels of sugar and/or acid that promote tooth decay. Fruit juices contain sugar and acid. To promote a healthy smile, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS encourages patients to drink more water and milk. Water cleans the mouth with every sip, while milk contains calcium to to strenghen your bone.

If you have questions or concerns regarding diet and dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Thank You for Your Positive Reviews!

At the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, we love to hear from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Though this particular patient chose to remain anonymous, we would still like to thank them for reviewing us. Additionally, we encourage the rest of our patients to write testimonials and thank each and every one of you for your feedback!   

“Dr. Shah and staff are very professional, go to educational classes (more certificates than her wall space!) to stay abreast with modern dentistry, explains everything well, cares and does dental work only what you need and can afford, works with fears, shows respect to patients in every sense, lets you know the cost of work before starting so no surprises, accommodates needs (special kids play room and staff, willing to help even with your kids so moms can get dental work done without paying for baby sitter), takes time to explain how to care for your teeth and health, stays in touch with her newsletter, which is full of educational information. Her dental work is excellent. She provides all dental work without sending you out to strange specialist from difficult root canal and implants to cosmetic dentistry and simple fillings! I have been going to her for many years and I highly recommend her as a dentist. Thank you Dr. Shah for being such a great family dentist.  –Anonymous”

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

When to Start Orthodontics

At Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel practice, we want to provide treatment for your entire family with good quality. Part of our exam is to determine whether our patients will need orthodontic treatment and to prepare them for braces or Invisalign. To help patients know what kind of treatment is appropriate, we’ve provided this guide.

Ten or eleven is the usual age to begin braces or Invisalign but children will begin being assessed several years before then. One of our specialties is the use of oral appliances to help combat problems such as tongue thrusting (which can result in malocclusions) and overly narrow jaws. Children may also need early orthodontic treatment if they are suffering from constricted airways or if they have lost a baby tooth before the permanent one was ready to erupt. In that case, they would need a spacer to ensure the permanent tooth will have room. Early adolescence is the recommended age at which to begin braces and Invisalign because the permanent teeth have all erupted but the skull is still somewhat flexible. Adults can undergo orthodontic treatment for misalignments and gap teeth, but guided canine eruption and underbite treatments work best on adolescents.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Diabetes and Orthodontics

Did you know that November is American Diabetes Month? At Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel dental office, we’ve worked for years to help our patients understand how diabetes complicates oral health. This month, we want to focus on how orthodontics, in particular, is affected by diabetes.

People with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to gingivitis and periodontal disease. When periodontal disease goes untreated, it damages the jaw bone that supports your teeth and gums, allowing teeth to migrate. This kind of damage can influence poor results with orthodontics, braces make oral hygiene more difficult. For a diabetic person with uncontrolled periodontal disease, this becomes poor choice of treatment. On the other hand, Invisalign does not create additional challenges to oral hygiene. The aligners may be removed and the patient can brush and floss normally. Invisalign also puts gentler pressure on the teeth, which is preferable for diabetic patients. Everyone may not be a candidate for Invisalign but if the patient’s blood sugar is kept under control and they adhere to oral hygiene practices, they can still receive treatment with braces or Invisalign. Once treatment starts, your follow up visits, will give us an opportunity to ensure the patient’s teeth and gums are still healthy.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Reducing Children's Dental Anxiety

We love treating children at Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel dental office. It is very important how they are introduced to dental office, staff and how they are handled on their first visit. Parents should be honest with themselves about whether they may be transmitting their own anxiety to their child. Emphasizing to children that they’ll get rewarded for being brave indicates that there’s something to be afraid of. Instead, the child should be taught to think of the dentist and hygienists as friends and dental office as a pleasant outing to get their teeth counted, brushed with tickle brush and play in a magic chair. In short, no negative words, just positive talk.

When your child arrives, we can describe the procedures in terms they will understand and give demonstrations with our tools. It is usually unnecessary to give descriptions of procedures that we are unlikely to do, but children often like to hear about the importance of fighting cavities and keeping their mouths guarded during sports depending upon their age. We have lots of options to distract them and make a dental visit real fun.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact form.

Causes of Bleeding Gums

If your gums are bleeding, you need the help of Dr. Dipika Shah. Although a great many people see blood when they floss or spit out their toothpaste, this is only because gum disease is so widespread. Our office can help you get inflammation under control, but for treatment to last, you need to know what causes it.

Tartar and plaque often accumulate near the gum line. The gum pockets are a great place for bacteria to grow and many people struggle to floss as deep as they should. As plaque builds up, toxins produced by bacterias and food irritates the surrounding tissue. This is most often what causes bleeding.

Regular brushing with a soft-bristled brush with a proper technique or use of a good electric brush, good daily flossing can help control infection of gum but you still need professional help from dental office to take out hardened tartar and plaque. Gum infections are likelier to occur in pregnant women, due to hormonal changes, and in people suffering from dry mouth, and people on blood thinner medications are also likelier to have bleeding gums.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Bone Grafting

A bone graft is a term for allowing bone to grow with a graft to fill the space to a location that is broken or weakened. For Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, this procedure is limited to a small graft on the jaw bone. Missing a tooth for any amount of time can leave the jaw bone vulnerable and compromise its structure. When a patient needs an implant to replace a tooth, a bone graft can reinforce the jaw bone so it is strong enough to handle the placement of an implant.

For example, when tooth is extracted, that hole is filled with a graft material and sutures are taken to hold it in its place. This graft material holds the space for new bone to grow and resorbs as new bone grows in. This not only encourages growth of new bone material as it heals but also helps prevent infection and reduces bleeding. The bone graft will be then monitored over the course of months. When the jawbone has matured enough to handle the placement of an implant, a dentist can move forward with the patient’s plan of care.

If you have questions or concerns regarding bone grafting, please give us a call. 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.

Dental Bridges

Missing teeth wreak havoc on your mouth over time. Gaps in the teeth can cause problems with eating and speech, and when a tooth is missing long enough the jawbone shrinks and the structure becomes compromised. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS can give permanent bridge that replaces missing teeth and still look natural.

Permanent bridge use teeth on either side of a missing tooth to anchor a replacement in the appropriate location. The replacement tooth is held in place by caps on the teeth on either side. This can typically be accomplished in two visits. First, an impression of the area is taken so that a dental laboratory can create a bridge that will fit perfectly. While your new bridge is being fabricated, we can provide a temporary bridge for you to wear. On your second visit, the bridge will be cemented into place. With proper care, bridges can last a lifetime but can be replaced if needed.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental bridge, please give us a call. 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.

 

How Long Should You Wear Retainers?

When people undergo orthodontic treatment, they should know that they will have to wear retainers for a time after the first phase of orthodontic work is complete. There are some people who will require a fixed retainer for the remainder of their lives. This is not the case for most people, but it is a good idea for anyone who has had orthodontic work to always keep a well-fitted retainer.

Individual cases vary, but it is common for people to have to wear their retainers full-time for a year after finishing braces and to have to wear the retainers at night for some time after that.  Gap teeth tend to require the most retainer use after correction. Eventually, the jawbone will solidify and the teeth will lose their tendency to migrate back to their original position. However, the jawbone undergoes slight changes throughout a person’s life, and the front teeth are always being pushed forward. Preventing this requires the retainer to be worn for a few nights a week on a permanent basis. For this reason, patients should make sure they always have a clean retainer that was made relatively recently if they want to ensure they never experience any tooth migration.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Thank You for Your Positive Reviews!

At the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, we love to hear from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Janet. for being an excellent patient, but we’d like to thank her for reviewing us. Additionally, we encourage the rest of our patients to write testimonials and thank each and every one of you for your feedback!   

“My family and I have been patients of Dr. Dipika Shah for years and we think very highly of her. Not only is she a wonderful dentist but she and her staff have always graciously accommodated us during emergencies or when our schedules have been tight. My first visit to her was on an emergency basis and her treatment saved me from hospitalization. My children, who are young adults now, had their first dental visits with Dr. Shah. She always made them feel comfortable and took the time to instruct them well about the care of their teeth. Neither of them has ever had a cavity, nor have they ever been afraid to seek dental care. And, by the way, she is a really nice lady! Thanks, Dr. Shah! –Janet”

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Extrinsic Tooth Stains

Are your teeth an unsightly shade of yellow or dark brown? If these stains are extrinsic – located on the outside of the enamel – then the good news is that they are easy to remove. Tooth discoloration is divided into two categories, extrinsic and intrinsic. Intrinsic stains are more difficult to get rid of because they stain the dentin located inside the tooth. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS has plenty of options to restore the color of your smile, such as whitening treatment.

Extrinsic stains are usually caused by foods and beverages we consume on a daily basis. Though regular brushing and flossing can reduce the appearance of the discoloration, you may need a little extra help to remove them completely. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS will likely suggest whitening treatment to remove extrinsic surface stains. If you aren’t satisfied with the appearance of your teeth, Dr. Shah can make them as white as your natural color or even whiter if you’d prefer.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth discoloration or teeth whitening treatment, please give us a call. 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.

Start of School Year Exams

Dentists recommend that children get check-ups and professional cleanings every six months. If yours haven’t been recently, now’s the time for it. At Dr. Dipika Shah’s office, we provide comprehensive care to prevent children from having problems with tooth aches and misalignment later on in the school year.

Children are the demographic that is most likely to suffer tooth decay in the form of caries—bacterial infections which make little cavities in the teeth. Caries are painful and can have a devastating impact on the child’s well-being. Pain may slow their speech development and cause them to be unable to sleep, making them irritable and unfocused. It may also interfere with their chewing, affecting their diet, (as can misalignment). Caries will not improve on their own; they require a dentist to clean out the decayed material and fill them in.

Fortunately, if your child is at risk for caries, it’s still early enough in the year to treat them before they take a major toll on their education. This will also give us a chance to monitor wisdom tooth eruption and plan for orthodontic treatment which may require time out of school.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Invisalign

Invisalign is the invisible alternative to traditional braces for adolescents and adults.  At the practice of Dr. Dipika Shah we provide Invisalign to correct mild to moderate spacing or crowding of the teeth.  Invisalign does the job of traditional braces without metal brackets and wires – saving patients from the dreaded ‘metal mouth’ look throughout their treatment.  Severe misalignment may require another method, so always consult your dentist. 

To straighten your teeth with Invisalign, we begin with an examination. Then, impressions or scans of your teeth are used to create a full set of aligners customized to your teeth and your treatment plan.  A typical treatment plan consists of a series of clear, removable plastic aligners that are custom-made for your teeth, and can be completed in less than a year. Depending on your individual treatment plan, each set of aligners should be worn at least 20 hours a day for about two weeks. The aligners should be removed to eat, and to brush and floss.

To learn more about Invisalign and all the services we provide, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Night Guards for Bruxism

At the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, we treat many patients who experience some negative effects of bruxism.  Bruxism is the term for any regular grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw.  Chronic teeth grinders often end up needing crowns, bridges, root canals and implants. In severe cases tooth loss can occur, and partial or complete dentures may be needed.  Some teeth grinders only grind their teeth while they sleep at night and may not be aware of it.  Waking up with a stiff or sore jaw or headache could be a sign you are grinding your teeth at night and shouldn’t be ignored.  Schedule a consultation to see what damage you may be doing to your mouth and how a custom night guard can help you.

A custom night guard is the best way to protect your teeth from the dangers of teeth grinding.  When we provide patients with custom night guards, the process begins by taking an impression of the mouth.  This impression is used to fit a custom product that protects the grinding surfaces of the teeth and aligns the jaw.  Night guards are durable and last 10 years with proper care.  This is an easy precaution to take if you are a grinder, and can even help improve sleep!

To learn more about bruxism, custom night guards, and all the services we provide, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Loose Permanent Teeth

Anytime adult teeth come loose, it’s a major problem. Fortunately, Dr. Dipika Shah is experienced in several of the aspects necessary for saving patients’ teeth and restoring their bite functions, including fighting periodontal disease and placing implants.

When teeth come loose due to periodontal disease, as opposed to a violent blow, dentists call it secondary occlusal trauma. Primary occlusal trauma is the term used to refer to teeth that have been damaged by tooth grinding without an infection. Severe periodontal disease doesn’t just erode the gum ligaments which hold teeth in place; it also erodes the jaw bone, which can have devastating consequences for the other teeth and the appearance of the patient’s face.

The infection must be controlled before any restorations can be done.Weakened teeth often require treatment with a splint, although in mild cases, the splint is usually temporary. One major danger is that when patients lose the use of their back teeth, they sometimes try chewing with their incisors. This is very dangerous; the front teeth cannot withstand such strong force and are likely to be pushed out of position. Anybody experiencing problems with loose teeth should seek help immediately and not try to adapt on their own.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Halitosis in Children

Dr. Dipika Shah loves helping kids with all their oral health needs, including relief from bad breath. Generally, children suffer from halitosis for the same reason as adults: bacteria build-up. However, they may need some specific attention in order to deal with the problem.

Bacteria build up in creviced soft tissue, such as the tongue and top of the throat. The tongue is easy to clean, but fighting bacteria in the back of the throat may require a specialty mouthwash Dr. Shah can recommend. Bacteria in this region not only feed on trapped food particles, they also feed on nasal drip. Children tend to get more sinus infections than adults, increasing their risk for halitosis, and they are likelier to have undiagnosed allergies.

Dry mouth is another major contributor to bad breath. In children, the most common medications that cause it as a side-effect are those for ADHD and anxiety, but it could also be caused by mouth breathing. This may require attention from a specialist to correct, or it may be related to sleep apnea, which Dr. Shah can provide a snore guard for.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Foods That Promote a Healthy Smile

Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS is an advocate when it comes to helping patients improve their dental health and a healthy smile begins with a nutritious diet. Foods that contain sugars or acid of any kind can contribute to tooth decay, so it’s important to know what foods you should be eating and what foods should be consumed only once in a while. More than 40% of children will develop dental cavities by the time they reach kindergarten and approximately 5% of adults (ages 20-64) fall victim to tooth decay, but the good news is that it’s preventable.

If you exercise rigorously but consume unhealthy foods, you likely won’t notice any positive changes. The same goes for brushing your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing keep teeth healthy by eliminating sugars and food particles that link up with bacteria to form plaque. Plaque is the leading cause of tooth decay, so to help control the amount of sugar you eat, read food labels and make choices that are low in added sugars.  To promote a healthy smile, drink plenty of water, avoid soda, juice, sports drinks and eat a variety of foods from the five major food groups, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fat-free dairy foods.

If you have questions or concerns about the status of your oral health, please give us a call. 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.

Orthodontics in Holmdel, NJ

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are misaligned and corrects any dental deformities. Dr. Dipika Shah offers a variety of orthodontic options to her patients but encourages assessing a child’s orthodontic needs as early as possible. Crowded teeth are difficult to clean and packs a lot more food. The benefits of receiving orthodontic treatment are endless but include a healthier mouth, and a straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile  and face.

At her Holmdel, NJ dental practice, Dipika Shah, DDS gives patients a choice when it comes to straightening their teeth – Invisalign and traditional braces. Both appliances work by placing gentle pressure on the teeth and jaws. Depending on the individual case, one option may be preferred over another. To decide which form of orthodontics is best for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation.

If you have questions or concerns about our orthodontic options, please give us a call. 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.

Oral Piercings and Teeth

Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS encourages all of her patients to express themselves to the fullest extent. In recent years, oral piercings have become a popular form of self-expression. If you’re thinking about getting a piercing in your tongue, lip, cheek, or anywhere else in the oral cavity, Dr. Shah wants you to be aware of the risks associated with oral piercings and help you decide if it’s worth it.

The mouth is full of bacteria. When you get your oral or perioral structures pierced, infection and swelling often occurs. In addition to pain and swelling, oral piercings can cause damage to the teeth and gums as it bumps into your teeth and gums. Contact Dr. Dipika Shah immediately if you have any signs of infection, such as pain or a red streaked appearance around the piercing site. Make sure that your mouth stays free of infection and the piercing is properly cleaned. If you have questions or concerns about the status of your oral health, please give us a call. 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.

Acid Reflux

 Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease and GERD, is a major contributor to caries and enamel loss, so we want Dr. Dipika Shah’s patients to be aware of and know how to stop it.

The hydrochloric acid in the stomach is highly acidic to your teeth. Usually, it is kept away from your mouth by a sphincter, but when that fails, the acid can painfully make its way into the mouth. Not only will it cause toothaches, it also discolors teeth as they lose so much enamel their dentin layer shows through. Acid reflux also contributes to gum inflammation.

Patients can reduce acid reflux by eliminating foods high in fat from their diets. They should also reduce their intake of acidic foods and drinks such as alcohol, tomatoes, garlic, citrus food and avoid large meals before bed. Chocolate and caffeine also contribute to acid reflux. Fluoride treatments can be used to strengthen enamel. Once it has been lost, enamel cannot grow back, but it can be replaced with fillings and bonding.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, practices at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact form.

Veneers for a Stunning Smile

As the staff of the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, we see a lot of patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their smile. There are many different cosmetic procedures available to correct certain imperfections like tooth alignment or color depending upon each case. Sometimes veneers are the best way to give your smile a total makeover and still look natural.  Patients with cosmetic issues like staining, chipped or cracked teeth, and even crooked teeth and small gaps can achieve a dazzling smile with veneers. 

Veneers are thin porcelain shells that bond directly to the surface of your teeth, and give you the opportunity to completely change the appearance of your smile and still look natural.  Veneers can be applied in as little as two visits.  First, you and your dentist will discuss what shape and look is best for your new smile and an impression of your teeth will be taken.  This impression is sent to a dental lab where your veneers will be manufactured in order to custom-fit the final product.  Veneers can typically be fabricated within 14 days, and on your final visit the veneers are bonded directly to the surface of your teeth for you to wear home and wear forever!

To learn more about veneers and all the services we provide, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Thank You For Your Testimonials!

At the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, we love to hear from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Nancy G. for being an excellent patient, but we’d like to thank her for reviewing us. Additionally, we encourage the rest of our patients to write testimonials and thank each and every one of you for your feedback!   

“Dr. Dipika Shah and her staff are simply the BEST!  Dr. Shah sets the tone for the office with her practical advice as well as her up-to-the-minute skills and techniques. Her competence and knowledge inspire confidence and calm - wonderful gifts to have when dealing with patients like...me!  Her staff is equally professional and skilled in their respective fields and very supportive of the patients.  I always feel well-cared for and confident that my dental needs, from the practical to the specialized, have been attended to by one of the best.”

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Tooth Infection into Nerve

At Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel office, we offer root canal treatment to treat dental infections because we believe in saving teeth whenever possible. A new study linking symptomless root tip infections to coronary disease provides even more reason for patients to understand what a dental abscess is and how it affects them.

An abscess develops when the body isolates decay-causing bacteria. The trapped bacteria and dead tissue become pus, and when an abscess is at the tip of a root tip, it is scientifically known as a periapical abscess. Even if the infection never progresses beyond the root, it can cause fever extreme pain throughout the face and neck. If it does spread, it could result in sepsis.

Bacteria enter the pulp of a tooth through a crack caused by decay or injury. Besides the patient’s comfort, it is extremely important not to wait to get a crack filled in. But because even symptomless root tip infections have now been linked to major health problems, patients should regularly visit the dentist’s office for imaging tests and cleanings.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Pediatric Dentistry in Holmdel, NJ

 Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teen years. Children aren’t always able to be cooperative during a dental exam, but our staff is here to make dental care fun and something they want to actively participate in. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS offers a wide range of treatment options to care for your child’s oral cavity and we encourage new parents to bring their child in for an appointment before their first birthday.

Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS is devoted to spending time with your child and making their dental visit a pleasant experience. We will review preventive dental care methods that include fluoride treatments, as well as nutrition and diet recommendations. We also provide habit counseling such as what to do when your child is a thumb sucker/pacifier user. Depending on the age of your child we can also discuss orthodontic treatment options. While providing basic dental services to pediatric patients, the goal is to help them establish healthy habits that will follow them through youth and beyond.

If you are searching for a dentist with passion for children, look no further and give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Causes of Dry Mouth

Saliva is the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay and it is often taken for granted. The lubricating properties of saliva provide us with comfort and help protect the oral tissues against mouth sores and frictional movements that might affect the way we eat and speak. Dry mouth is a condition that results from a decreased volume of saliva in the mouth. If you develop this problem, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS can treat the problem.

Dry mouth goes beyond feeling thirsty all the time. Some of the common problems associated with dry mouth include a constant sore throat, burning sensation, trouble speaking, difficulty swallowing, and/or dry nasal passages. Frequent dry mouth is typically a symptom of a medical disorder or a side effect of certain medications. Other causes of dry mouth include dehydration, hormonal imbalances, smoking and/or mouth breathing. Treatment for dry mouth will depend on the cause, but Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS is here to answer all of your questions.

If you experience dry mouth discomfort, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Preventing and Treating Dry Sockets

Dr. Dipika Shah believes in avoiding extractions whenever possible, and when they are necessary, she makes sure her patients understand their post-operation instructions. But sometimes they may still suffer from a dry socket. Although this is unfortunate, we want our patients to know it is treatable so they’ll seek help right away.

Typically, following an extraction, a blood clot will form which will prevent the extraction site from drying out and guard it against infection. However, birth control is known to interfere with clot formation, and clots can be knocked loose or dissolved by use of a straw, smoking, or other consumption of tobacco products. A dry socket will usually result in severe pain about two days after the extraction, at which point patients should make an emergency appointment.

Dr. Shah will treat a dry socket by vacuuming out debris and applying medicated wound dressings. These dressings will moisturize the surgical site and fight infection. Patients will also be prescribed painkillers and antibiotics. They will need to return to have their wound dressings changed every few days until they are done healing.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

You’ve probably noticed how concerned dentists are about childhood cavities. While Dr. Shah and her team strive to educate children about how to care for their oral hygiene, very young children depend on their caretakers to keep their teeth clean. Therefore, it is important for parents of babies to know about a pattern we call Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.

Tooth decay increases with the amount of time teeth are exposed to sugar. While baby formula and milk are not as high in sugar content as juice, for example, they contain enough to cause a problem if they remain stuck to babies’ teeth for hours. Too often, this is the case, because babies are given bottles to suck from throughout the day, keeping their teeth coated and causing decay to set in on the fronts of the incisors.

There are several important steps parents can take to combat Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: limit the amount of time babies have bottles for, and supply them with water to wash their teeth. Start brushing their teeth as soon as the first one begins to emerge, and teach them to drink from cups as soon as possible (usually around their first birthday). And, of course, hold off on juice and anything else with lots of sugar until then.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact form.

 

How Thumb Sucking Affects Teeth

We care for entire families at Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel office, including those who have just had their first child. Many parents probably know that thumb sucking isn’t a desirable trait in children as they get older, but may not be aware of the consequences or when they should be concerned, so we made that the topic of this week’s post.

Babies and toddlers normally suck their thumbs (or pacifiers) as a way of soothing anxiety, but they also usually stop in between the ages of two and four. If they stop at this age, they will probably not experience any problems, but if they continue sucking after they begin losing their baby teeth, they may suffer from malocclusions such as overbites, misaligned jaws, and misshapen mouth cavities which could inhibit speech and eating. Some children stop thumb sucking only to develop a habit of pushing their tongues against their front teeth, which causes similar problems.

When breaking children of their bad habits, it is best to try to make them understand the reason their habit is harmful and include them in plans and rewards for how to stop. But when thumb sucking is a response to deep-seated anxiety, it may be necessary to seek help from a counselor and dentist. 

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Mouth Care Basics for Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes can affect your whole body, including your mouth. Type 2 diabetes is a dangerous disease because, if uncontrolled, it can lead to complications throughout the body from the heart to the kidneys to the eyes. When diabetes begins to affect the mouth, it can cause gum disease and tooth decay.  If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to tell Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS that you have this condition during your next visit and what medications you take to treat it.

Diabetes prompts an inflammatory response in the body. In the mouth, this leads to swollen gums. If left unchecked, your gums will begin to pull away from your teeth. As your gums retreat, deep pockets form between teeth and gums. Those pockets become home to bacterial and fungal infections, filling with germs and pus. Diabetes creates high levels of sugar in your saliva, a condition that spurs on these infections. To protect teeth and gums, people with type 2 diabetes must practice diligent oral hygiene and mouth care as well as manage their diabetes.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes and have questions about your oral health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Nausea and Teeth

If a sick feeling occurs before you ever step foot in the dental office, letting Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS know about any negative past experiences in the chair may give them a chance to make adjustments and keep you calm and comfortable. On the other hand, if you’ve experienced an upset stomach during or after a trip to the dentist, taking a look at what happens may help prevent the queasy feeling next time.

Visiting the dentist on an empty stomach or too full of a stomach may lead to queasiness or indigestion simply from the positioning of the chair and the smells in the office. Allergies and pre-existing conditions such as infections also can make the stomach hurt during dental work. In addition, individuals with latex or rubber allergies can get sick from exposure to gloves or dental implements made with rubber, and people with gum disease or tooth abscesses can also get ill from drainage of bacteria into the stomach. Others may have bugs or viruses prior to their appointments that are aggravated by having to lie in a reclined position on their backs.

If you have experienced some sort of nausea after receiving dental work, please notify us the next time you make an appointment. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Dangers of DIY Orthodontics

Last February, the American Association of Orthodontists released a study that showed 13% of its members had treated someone who attempted to perform orthodontics on themselves. At Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel office, it is alarming to us that anyone would think this is a good idea and we want to help our patients avoid scams and harmful practices.

DIY orthodontics were popularized by the story of someone who used a 3D printer to manufacture his own aligners while characterizing the standard orthodontic process as dragging out treatment to raise costs. This is not true; moving teeth, which are living tissue, through jaw bones takes time because the jaw bones must be allowed to rebuild themselves. Moving teeth too quickly will leave them loose and could cause them to fall out or move back to their former position.

Other publications encourage much more primitive corrective methods, such as substituting wires with home items. However, tying teeth together instead of connecting them with a bracket-supported wire could strangle the teeth’s blood supply. Furthermore, without a bracket to hold the ties in place, the ties could slide into the wearer’s gum pockets and get stuck there while they rot.

Our office provides a variety of orthodontic and payment options. Please come see us if you are worried about misaligned teeth so we can fix them the safe, effective way.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Warning Signs of Failing Implants

Holmdel’s Dr. Dipika Shah is renowned for her work on implants and highly recommends this procedure as one of the safest and most effective ways to replace missing teeth. However, it is possible for an implant to need to be replaced. Patients should know the warning signs of an implant that is failing both immediately after placement or after years of wear and tear.

The warning signs of an implant failing in the immediate wake of surgery are continual bleeding and severe pain for more than three days. While there is always some pain associated with recovery from surgery, if an implant was placed on a nerve, the patient’s pain will never diminish, and the implant must be removed. 

A successfully placed implant can fail if the matrix of fused bone and metal at the implant’s base becomes compromised. This usually occurs due to periodontal disease or a traumatic injury. Dentists will monitor the patient’s jaw bone tissue for the first two years following implant placement because the loss of too much bone tissue means the implant needs to be removed. A functioning implant is totally immobile. If you notice an implant moving at all, seek help.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Guiding Impacted Canines

 At her Holmdel office, Dr. Dipika Shah offers orthodontic work to adults and children for a variety of conditions. sometimes she comes across the failure of canine teeth to erupt. The canine teeth don’t just help us pierce food; they also occupy the points of maximum change of curvature in the jaw arches and are crucial to keeping the other teeth in alignment and your jaw joint healthy. Since teeth which have not erupted by adulthood likely never will, The progress of the canine teeth is one of the most important things for dentists treating children to check.

Guiding canines down into the proper position may require a bit of surgery and a distinctive bit of orthodontic work. An incision will expose the unerupted canine so a bracket may be attached to it. Connecting this bracket with the wire connecting the other brackets will require a chain or a looped bit of wire called a ballista spring. Depending on how far a canine is from its destination, moving it may require a year of orthodontic work. But aesthetically and functionally, guiding an impacted canine is one of the most important orthodontic procedures a child can undergo.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact form.

Dental Phobia

If the thought of having your teeth cleaned by a dentist frightens you to no end, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS is here to make you feel as comfortable as possible during a procedure. Dental phobia is different from dental anxiety and fear of the dentist, in the sense that it is much stronger. Someone with dental phobia will avoid dental care at all costs until either a physical problem or the psychological burden of the phobia becomes overwhelming.

The most common causes of dental phobia are bad experiences, a history of abuse, uncaring dentists, humiliation, and post-traumatic stress. Anyone can be affected by dental phobia, regardless of age. Dental phobia not only allows a person’s dental health to suffer, but it may lead to anxiety and depression. Loss of self-esteem over not being able to do something as “simple” as going to the dentist and intense feelings of guilt over not having looked after one’s teeth properly are also very common. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS is dedicated to making her patient’s as relaxed as achievably possible, this includes keeping them informed every step of the way and providing an individualized treatment plan,very gentle massaging while you getting treated, headphones with entertainment to distract and state of the art equipments to reduce stress. .

If you fear the dentist, you are not alone, please give us a call to learn how we can ease your mind. 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 732-264-818.

Laser Treatment for Canker Sores

When a canker sore emerges, you might find yourself running to the drugstore for Anbesol or any other numbing agent that will temporarily reduce the pain. You may also find yourself Googling every home remedy you can find to control the situation. Here at the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS we offer laser treatment for aphthous ulcers (canker sores), which promote reduced healing times.

Essentially, a canker sore is a small lesion/ulcer inside the mouth. They can appear almost on the inner surface of the cheeks, and lips; the tongue; the soft palate and the base of the gums. They can be rather painful and can be caused by a stress, dietary deficiencies and triggered by citrus fruits. Laser treatment has several remedial effects on canker sores. Laser treatment stops the progression of mouth sores so that they take a significantly shorter time to heal. It also results in rapid pain relief. Additionally, laser treatment can be preventative. Before a canker sore breakout, the lips will invariably start to tingle. Receiving laser treatment at this early stage will help stop the breakout in its tracks.

If you suffer from canker sores on a regular basis, give us a call so we can help. 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 732-264-818.

Deep Cleaning for Gums

Deep cleaning your teeth is not something you do after eating a messy meal. A deep cleaning is required to treat gum and periodontal disease. If you haven’t been to the dentist in quite some time, you not only increase your chances of developing gum disease, you risk needing costly procedures to reverse the damage. The treatment that Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, uses to do so is called scaling and root planing and here we are going to explain when it’s necessary.

Deep cleanings are offered when dental X-rays show bone loss and a full-mouth exam reveals one or more gum pockets greater than 4 millimeters deep. Ideally, normal healthy pockets will be no more than 3 millimeters deep. If the pockets are greater than 5 millimeters, our doctor might prescribe a deep scaling and root planing appointment. Gum disease is a chronic condition, meaning develops over long preiod of time and you may not even feel any pain till it gets severe. To prevent it you should practice proper oral hygiene at home and schedule regular cleanings twice a year.

If you think you may benefit from a deep cleaning, if you have bleeding, swollen gums, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

The Temporomandibular Joint: Explained

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the jaw joint. You have two of them which work together as a pair, one in front of each ear. Without this joint, you would not be able to chew your food, yawn, or even speak. The joints connect the lower jaw bone (mandible) to the temporal bones of the skull on each side of the head. When this joint begins to cause facial pain, headaches, and/or jaw muscle spasm, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS can develop a treatment plan.

When you open your mouth, the rounded upper ends of the mandible on each side of the jaw glide along the joint socket at the base of the skull. They slide back to their original position when you close your mouth. This joint is unique in the sense that the articular surfaces of the bones never actually come in contact with one another – they are separated by an articular disk. This disk splits the joint into two synovial joint cavities, each lined by a synovial membrane. If you have a serious concern for TMD, like headadche, ringing in the ears, neck or shoulder pain etc, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS.

If you have questions about the temporomandibular joint or TMJ/TMD, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Replace missing teeth

If you do not have enough bone to place implants or your health does not allow invasive procedure, dentures can be great alternative to replace teeth, chew better, talk better and support your oral  and facila tissue to regain good esthetics. Sometimes poor fitting or poorly adjusted dentures can give pain.. It may also be a result of new dentures, worn over soft tissues that have not developed thick, toughened layers of protective keratin. If you are experiencing gum and mouth irritation, problems eating and speaking, mouth infections and/or dentures that move around in your mouth, give Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS a call to discuss your treatment options.

If you wear dentures, it is very important you keep your mouth clean and healthy. In addition, you should never experience pain when wearing your dentures. If you do experience pain from your dentures and this discomfort is not treated by speaking slowly, eating soft foods or using an adhesive, your dentures may need to be replaced. At the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, we have plenty of tooth-replacement options for you to choose from if dentures aren’t working out.

If you have dentures that are causing you pain, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Toothbrush Care

Brushing your teeth plays an important everyday role for personal oral hygiene and effective plaque removal. You may not give much thought to cleaning your toothbrush; however appropriate toothbrush care and maintenance are important considerations for oral hygiene. At the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, we want you to know how and when to replace, clean, and store your toothbrush.

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush approximately every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed. However, toothbrushes will wear out more rapidly depending on factors unique to each patient. It is also important to never share a toothbrush because this practice could be a concern for people with compromised immune systems or existing infectious diseases. If your toothbrush comes in contact with another, thoroughly rinse the brush with warm tap water to remove any remaining toothbrush and debris. When you are done using the toothbrush, store it in an upright position and allow the toothbrush to air-dry until used again.

If you have further questions regarding toothbrush care, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Wisdom Tooth Decay

As we age, we acquire wisdom, and the same goes for wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth appear between the ages of 17-21 and are known as the third set of molars. When they erupt correctly, healthy wisdom teeth can help you chomp your food.  However, if they start to cause you pain and discomfort, you may need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, to discuss extraction.

If you bite on a piece of food that is too hard or you experience a mouth injury, wisdom teeth may become troublesome. They can also become cracked, broken, and decayed. Decay can form on any tooth surface, but when the decay begins to attack the wisdom teeth, depending on the position of the tooth it becomes difficult to clean. Depending on the individual case, Dr. Shah may be able to fill the tooth, but even in cases where a filling could be successfully placed, if the wisdom tooth cannot be adequately maintained, recurrent decay can occur. Though many patients tend to procrastinate through the process, extraction may be the  best route to avoid infection.

If your wisdom teeth are still intact and you have questions about removal, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Mini-Implants

At Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel, New Jersey practice, we perform dental implants on patients who require tooth restorations. For people who cannot receive full-size implants for medical conditions or lack of jaw bone to support regular implants, mini-implants can substitute some of the functions.

Mini-implants are titanium screws or ceramic rods used as mini implants to support missing tooth. Because of this, they can be placed without Dr. Shah needing to make incisions in the patient’s gums, reducing recovery time. Though stabilizing the jaw bone is one of the benefits of full-size implants, they also require a significant amount of jaw bone tissue to be present to fuse with. Mini-implants obviously require less, and can be placed in situations where full-size implants would be too cumbersome or lead to complications.

While full-size implants replace individual teeth, mini-implants are most commonly used to anchor dentures. People who have lost a lot of jaw bone tissue tend to have also lost a lot of teeth, and it makes more sense for all the teeth in a jaw to all be replaced at once with a less invasive procedure than to do it one-by-one in a multi-step process. Mini-implants used in this way provide a mild amount of reinforcement to the jaw bone, which could make it less likely to shift and warp the patient’s face around the dentures.

Dr. Dipika Shah, MAGD, operates at 723 North Beers Street, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Oral Cancers and HPV

As a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Dipika Shah has maintained an up-to-date knowledge of trends in oral health and dentistry. As such, she is concerned with recent studies finding that the rate of new oral cancer diagnoses has remained steady despite progress in educating the public about the dangers of tobacco. It is likely that the continued commonality of oral cancers, even while the frequency of most other cancers is declining, is due to a particular strain of the human papilloma virus (HPV).

While oral cancers resulting from nicotine and alcohol use are most commonly found in elderly men, cancers of the mouth and throat with HPV DNA occur most often in men between the ages of thirty and fifty. It is likely that people who are sexually active but are not smokers or heavy drinkers are unaware that they are in a high-risk group. Most HPV infections heal without the host having ever been aware of them, and HPV-related oral cancers tend to occur far back in the throat, where patients are unlikely to notice them until they are experiencing problems from tumors or lesions. However, HPV-related oral cancers are responsive to treatment if caught early, so it is greatly beneficial for younger people to undergo oral cancer screenings.

Dr. Dipika Shah, MAGD, operates at 723 North Beers Street, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact sheet.