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.