Air Abrasion Technique

Air Abrasion is a drill-free, shot free alternative to dental drilling. It is successful with pediatric patients or patients with dental anxiety. An instrument that is similar to a small sandblaster utilizes a stream of particles that removes decay from the teeth. Dr. Dipika Shah, D.D.S. offers air abrasion technique at her office in Holmdel, NJ.

 

Before the procedure, you will be given protective eyewear, along with either a rubber dam or protective resin. These will protect your face and other areas of the mouth from the technique. During the procedure, the stream of particles will be sprayed on the tooth. The decayed particles of the teeth are removed and suctioned away through a thin tube. This prevents these particles from being swallowed or going into your lungs.

 

There are many benefits to the air abrasion technique. There is no pressure, heat, or vibration from the device. Because air abrasion technique is often only used on very shallow cavities, it reduces the need for anesthesia. Much more of the healthy tissue is left untouched. It also reduces the chances of your tooth becoming chipped or fractured.

 

Air abrasion technique should not be attempted when cavities are deeper. Crowns, onlays, and inlays can’t be prepared through air abrasion. Air abrasion can also be used to prepare a tooth for bonding or sealants, along with removing stains and discolorations.

 

To learn more about our Air Abrasion technique, or our other services, contact Dr. Dipika Shah, D.D.S. Our office is located in Holmdel, NJ. To schedule your appointment, visit our website or call 732-264-8180.

 

Root Canals

Endodontics is the dental specialty concerning the roots or nerves of the teeth. When a tooth gets infected, the roots are often the culprit. A root canal is the most common endodontic procedure. Root canals allow Dr. Dipika Shah, D.D.S., of Holmdel, NJ., to remove infected tissue. A root canal saves the tooth, clearing it of infection.

 

During your root canal procedure, the area will first be numbed with a local anesthetic. Dr. Shah will drill a hole into the tooth. This will expose the root canal. From here, the infected tissue can be spotted and removed. The area will also be thoroughly cleaned. Once finished, a sealant will close off the area. Often times a crown is placed.

 

It is normal to experience soreness in your jaw and tooth after the procedure. This will dissipate as the tooth heals. Over-the-counter pain medication is often enough to handle any pain. In certain cases, Dr. Shah will prescribe pain relievers. With modern technology and medicine, root canal procedures are performed with little to no pain or negative side effects.

 

Follow the post-operative instructions given to you by Dr. Shah and our staff. Make sure to avoid vigorous activity while healing. Once the tooth has healed, you should be able to eat and drink without experiencing any pain or discomfort.

 

If you need a root canal or are concerned that you might need one, contact Dr. Dipika Shah, D.D.S. today. We are located in Holmdel, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 732-264-8180.

 

Laser Dentistry

Modern dentistry utilizes lasers to provide our patients with safe, quick, and bloodless procedures. Lasers clot the blood as it cuts, killing germs as it goes. Dr. Dipika Shah, D.D.S., of Holmdel, NJ., uses laser dentistry at her practice.

 

Laser dentistry is used to treat hypersensitivity, tooth decay, gum disease, and teeth whitening. There are two types of laser treatments, depending on the area of the mouth. Hard tissue treatments are used on the teeth, while soft tissue is for the gums.

 

There are three common hard tissue procedures. For cavities, the lasers can locate signs of tooth decay. The lasers also destroy bacteria within the cavity. They are also used for tooth preparations and fillings. Lasers work for teeth sensitivity, sealing tubules on the tooth’s roots.

 

There are also three common soft tissue procedures. If you have a “gummy smile,” where the gums cover a large number of your teeth, the lasers can reshape your gum tissue. It also can reshape your gums and bone in preparation for restorations, essentially acting as a crown lengthening. Laser frenectomies are also performed. The frenulum is the fold of skin located under the tongue, attaching it to the mouth floor. If you have a thick or tight frenulum, you might experience problems speaking. Lastly, lasers can remove soft tissue surrounding ill-fitting dentures.

 

There are many benefits to laser dentistry: it reduces the need for sutures and stitches, it makes anesthesia unnecessary, and it lowers the chance of infection while increasing the speed of healing.

 

Dr. Dipika Shah, D.D.S. is located in Holmdel, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 732-264-8180.

 

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

When it comes to choosing a toothbrush, there are a lot of options. At Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS we encourage our patients to ask us what toothbrush works best for your teeth.

Toothbrushes that have a small head will help you to clean the hard-to-reach places of your mouth. If you have a larger mouth than a full-sized head is better suited for you. We advise our patients to use a toothbrush that has soft bristles as they are gentler on your teeth and gums.

The need for an electric toothbrush depends on how well you brush your teeth. Electric toothbrushes rotate the bristles faster and produce more vibrations to remove plaque lot more efficiently. Although they are more expensive,  if chosen a right electric brush like Rotadent, can help you not to scratch your enamel away, not to make your teeth sensitive or to let your gum receed. It can also help if you have a dexterity problem or  have trouble brushing in general. Traditional brushes work fine for cleaning your teeth as long asyou are using soft bristeles and know how to brush in the gums. Rotadent also comes with a flosiing brush so you can really keep your mouth healthy. 

Don’t forget to change your toothbrush every 3 months for the most effective clean. Practicing good oral hygiene is the most important thing for healthy teeth. We want you to always have your best smile!

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 Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

Dental Phobia

At Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS we want our patients to feel as comfortable when they visit us. An estimated 9% to 15% of people avoid the dentist due to dental phobia. Patients who avoid going to the dentist have a greater chance of developing gum disease and early tooth loss. To ease your mind, we will talk with you about any concerns or fears you have.

Some signs that you might have dental phobia include tense or nervousness, sleepless nights before the dentist, and the thought of the dentist makes you feel sick.

We know and understand your anxiety. That's why we have invested in a very soothing massage while you are in our office, headphones to listen to your favorite show on television or music. We will help you establish your yoga breath to relax you. We even have air abrasion and laser where we may not even need to give you injection to numb you. 

If you have a fear of pain we offer different anesthetic gels that can numb your mouth during procedures. Anesthetic’s take away any pain you might normally feel and allow you to relax.

We encourage our patients to ask us questions before your appointment so we can make you feel more comfortable. We are just as much about your comfort as your teeth.

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 Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form

How to Clean a Snore Guard

Dr. Dipika Shah of Holmdel is specially trained to provide patients with customized snore guards to prevent obstructive sleep apnea and bruxism. These oral appliances make it easier for patients to sleep through the night without exerting damaging force on their teeth and jaws, allowing their mouths to remain strong and healthy. ONLY YOUR DENTIST CAN GIVE YOU SNORE APPLIANCE THAT IS MADE PROPERLYKEEPING IN MIND HEALTH OF YOUR BITE AND YOUR JAW JOINT.  Oral appliances need to be cleaned every day or else they will become a home for disease and halitosis-causing bacteria.

Snore guard or night guard manufacturers often have information about cleaning products on their websites. They may recommend dissolvable tablets or cleaning solution, which can get good results. One can use q-tip dipped in white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to clean it and avoid using brush and  toothpaste. Plastic is not as resilient as enamel and doesn’t need fluoridation, but it can be scratched by minerals.

Unlike dentures, which should always be kept wet, snore guards will vary on whether they should be kept wet or dry. Regardless, the case containing them should be cleaned with antibacterial soap each day. The case should also be kept at room temperature or cooler so the oral appliance won’t melt. Snore guards may need to be refitted from time to time, but this should only be done by a professional.

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 Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Removing Braces

The completion of a phase of orthodontic therapy is an exciting time. We at Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel dental practice are proud to have reached this milestone with so many of our patients. For those who are currently wearing braces or expect to get them in the future, we wanted to describe a little about the process of removing them.

Although their function is to guide teeth through the jaw bones, braces are delicate. Orthodontic brackets can be pulled loose by extremely sticky foods and knocked off if the patient gets hit when not wearing a mouth guard. The dental cement that bonds them to enamel is made to be easily removable. Nonetheless, we don’t want to exert too much force against a patient’s enamel. Instead, after removing the elastics and wires for the last time, we use a plier to compress the brackets. The change in their shape will cause the dental cement to retract, and the bracket is lifted out.

The metal bands that surround a patient’s molars are also lifted out with a specialized pair of reverse-action pliers. The patient will feel pressure, but the removal process is not painful. The dental cement will be left on until all the brackets have been removed, after which it will be removed. An impression of the patient’s mouth can then be made and used as the basis for a retainer, which will preserve their new smile.

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 Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Causes of Bad Breath

If you suffer from bad breath, there may be a deeper issue than lingering food particles. We love teaching patients at Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel dental office about how to take better care of their oral health, and combatting halitosis is one of the ways by which patients know they’re doing something right.

Typically halitosis isn’t just caused by food debris, but by bacterial build-up. Bacteria infect the corners of teeth near the gum line where many people forget to brush and the surface of the tongue, where nasal discharge can drip to. We recommend that patients brush their tongues and use a tongue scraper on a daily basis. Patients also must be vigilant about cleaning removable oral appliances such as dentures, night guards, and mouth guards and the cases they are kept in.

Certain foods such as onions and garlic can contribute to bad breath in unexpected ways. Chemicals from them can enter the bloodstream and into the patient’s lungs or trigger an acid reflux response, which could allow stomach acid into the mouth. In addition to cutting back on these foods, patients might want to avoid anything that could contribute to dry mouth. Without saliva, it is more difficult for the mouth to maintain a pH level that resists bacteria and yeast. Drinking lots of water while cutting sugary drinks is the best way to improve saliva production.

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 Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

How Smoking Affects Dental Pulp

We’re proud to say that patients with toothaches can get reliable treatment in comfort at the Holmdel dental office of Dr. Dipika Shah. Root canals remove potentially life-threatening infected material while preserving the natural structure of a tooth. But new research shows that smokers have particular problems with dental pulp infections, and we want our patients to be aware of why.

Antimicrobial peptides are one of the foundations of the immune system. They are molecules that kill bacteria by latching onto them and are found in healthy dental pulp. When a tooth is injured or an infection reaches the pulp, the pulp becomes inflamed, allowing peptides to more easily pass through tissue layers. But in smokers, the immune system does not function as well. Smokers have elevated levels of periodontal disease, and a recent study indicated that their dental pulp lacks antimicrobial peptides.

Without antimicrobial peptides, it is much harder for pulp to resist infections and the infections are likelier to recur. In the course of a root canal treatment, we can use antibacterial medication to fight infection in pulp we can’t remove, but complications are less likely if the patient is not a smoker. Some good news is that the researchers found that a few people’s immune systems recovered after they quit smoking.

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 Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Gum Disease and Cirrhosis

Bacterial infections in the mouth are bad news for the rest of the body. But that also means dental cleanings can have unexpected benefits. At the general dentistry practice of Holmdel’s Dr. Dipika Shah, we see ourselves as a crucial part of each patient’s medical care team. We’re excited to share news that gum disease treatments may be able to ease symptoms of cirrhosis.

Each of us depends on our liver to filter toxic substances from our blood. If it becomes chronically inflamed, it may become covered in scar tissue and be unable to do that. People with cirrhosis are suffering from liver scarring, and as a result, they have increased inflammation throughout their bodies, including in their brains. Their temperament and cognitive function can be impaired as a result. People with cirrhosis also have elevated rates of gum disease, and while the two share some common causes, gum infections are also unusually common in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and gum disease-causing bacteria have been found in livers.

Scientists at Virginia Commonwealth University recently conducted an experiment to determine how gum disease treatments affect people with cirrhosis. Their finding was that patients who received treatment had better cognition and higher counts of anti-inflammatory gut bacteria than cirrhosis patients whose dental treatments were delayed. We hope that any of our patients who are late for a deep cleaning will take this as a reminder of how much better a person can feel after visiting the 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 Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Bite Checks

Do you wonder if your children are going to need braces? Are you worried their crooked teeth might be causing problems with their teeth, gum and jaw? As a family practice that offers orthodontic treatment, we at the Holmdel dental office of Dr. Dipika Shah can monitor the development of children’s teeth and spot problems early at in-house at biannual check-ups.

It is best if orthdontic needs are observed at earlier age and treated while they are going through their growth period to guide everything in a correct direction rather than waiting till their bone completely matures and harder to make changes. 

At each biannual check-up, we take x-rays of children’s mouths to determine whether their teeth are coming in straight. Depending on what we see, we may recommend extractions or early-stage orthodontic therapy. The first orthodontic assessment is usually done at age seven. We will also examine whether each child is able to close their teeth together comfortably and whether there are unusual patterns of wear that could indicate that a misaligned tooth is impeding jaw function.

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 Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Diabetes and Gum Disease

If you have gum inflammation, diabetes may be to blame. We strive to meet all our patients’ unique oral health needs at Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel dental practice. Since uncontrolled blood sugar correlates with gum infections, we want our patients to have a better understanding of how this process works and how we can help them to avoid gum recession.

Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of acid-producing bacteria in the gum pockets. Infections trigger the body’s inflammatory response, which helps to keep pathogens from spreading. Unfortunately, inflammation also is painful and weakens the walls of cells. This is particularly problematic for people with diabetes, who have higher rates of inflammation and whose arteries have hardened in response to excessive blood sugar. People with diabetes are more severely impacted by infections in general, and they have higher rates of gum disease and its advanced form, periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease causes gum and bone recession to the point where teeth are in danger of falling out. But if people see us in time, we can help them to avoid this by providing deep cleanings of the gum pockets. Gum infections make it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar, producing a feedback loop. But treating gum disease leads to an improvement in diabetic symptoms, so we hope anybody with diabetes and bleeding gums will not delay seeking treatment.

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 Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Avoiding Tooth Decay During the Holidays

There are lots of sugary drinks and snacks available in the fall. With Thanksgiving fast approaching and the winter holidays right around the corner, we at Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel dental practice want our patients to enjoy the festivities without the risk of tooth decay. We thought it would be a good idea to point out some common sources of sugar and how to maintain good hygiene while indulging in them.

The longer sugar is in contact with teeth, the longer bacteria will be feeding on it and producing acid. Sticky, sugary foods such as cranberry sauce can fuel tooth decay, as can caramels and hard candy, which remains in contact with the teeth for an extended period and tends to dry out the mouth. Other major sources of sugary residue are sweet or creamy beverages such as apple cider, lattes, hot chocolate, and wine. People should also keep a watch on debris from starchy snacks such as crackers, since starch is also food for bacteria.

Substituting sugary hard candies with xylitol-flavored ones will remove a source of tooth decay and stimulate saliva production. Chewing sugar-free gum between meals will also dislodge food debris if a person isn’t able to brush and floss right away. You can mitigate the residue from sugary drinks by interspersing sips of water while consuming them. If you won’t have access to fluoridated tap water, you can carry fluoridated water in bottles. And while crackers may leave a lot of debris, cheese contains vital minerals for strengthening enamel.

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 Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Orthodontics and Mouthguards

As providers of orthodontic treatment, we at Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel dental practice want to make sure our patients are safe playing contact sport. Everyone who plays contact sport should wear Mouth guard, including those who are going through active orthodontic treatment. 

Most sports require players to wear a mouthguard, There are several kinds of mouthguards commercially available, including ones that are pre-fitted and ones that a patient bites down on after softening in hot water. All mouthguards are not same. Commericailly avalable ones do not protect you as well as the ones which are made by dentists. 

That's why dentists recommend that patients get their mouthguards custom-fitted. But this can be a problem for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment because their teeth are quickly shifting position. It is likely now that school is beginning that a teenager’s mouthguard from the previous year will not still fit them. In these cases, it is important to have the mouthguard regularly updated so that it will fit snugly over orthodontic brackets without needing to be forced on.

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 Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Sleep Apnea and Alcohol

Holmdel dentist Dr. Dipika Shah offers custom-made oral appliances for people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This disease can not only lead to teeth-grinding, it can also cause heart disease and oxygen deprivation to your vital organs. There are certain risk factors people can avoid to reduce their chance of developing OSA and we want to make sure our patients are aware of them.

Alcohol can cause OSA even in people who don’t normally suffer from it. OSA is the result of throat tissues or tongue not allowing air flow. People who have it commonly snore and move their jaws in their sleep in an attempt to get more air. As a muscle relaxant, alcohol makes throat obstruction likelier. It also causes people to take longer to wake up after they stop breathing, preventing their blood from getting vital oxygen and potentially contributing to sleep paralysis.

An oral appliance will prevent the patient from grinding their teeth and help them breath better. Patients can do their part by not drinking alcohol before bed. People with OSA often do not know they have it, but sleepiness d the day uring day time and grinding teeth can be major warning signs.

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 Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gum Disease

At Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel dental practice, we recognize that each of our patients has unique oral health needs that require compassionate, nonjudgmental care. One of the most frustrating conditions for patients is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which doctors have recently discovered is linked to gum disease in unexpected ways.

According to a Johns Hopkins study, gum disease is twice as common in people with RA as in the general population. While this could partly be due to the difficulty people with limited dexterity have maintaining their oral hygiene, the study found that gum disease is common even in people whose RA has not yet progressed to that point. RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes the lining of joints, called synovium, to swell because they are under attack from the body’s immune system. Another study found that synovium shares genetic and structural traits with gum tissue, suggesting they are being harmed in similar ways.

One of the most significant steps people can take to avoid RA is to not smoke. But if a patient is suffering from RA, they can maintain their oral hygiene more easily with electric toothbrushes and water picks, as well as by maintaining regular appointments at our office.

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 Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Orthodontic Tools

As a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, Holmdel’s Dr. Dipika Shah is equipped to provide expert orthodontic treatment. Having straight teeth comes with many health benefits as well as more self-confidence with a beautiful smile. We want our patients to  feel comfortable with their treatment, Children or adult can get their teeth straightened. 

Starightening of wire can be done with either braces or with aligners. Braces give lot better control to dentist and parents as we do not have to worry about whether child wears it or not. But they do colllect lots of food and patient has to be very good at oral hygiene in order to keep teeth and gums healthy. Aligners allow patients can easily clean their teeth but patient has to make sure that they brush and floss before they wear aligners. Also if child is not cooperative or responsible to wear as suggested, it will not work. 

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 Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Causes of Gap Teeth

If you’ve got a gap between your upper front teeth and want to get rid of it, Holmdel’s Dr. Dipika Shah has you covered. But what kind of treatment is best will depend on a few factors, some of which are related to other issues.

If the teeth are otherwise in alignment, veneers may be all that's needed to close a gap. These shells are cemented onto the fronts of the teeth, covering gaps as well as cracks, chips, and stains. But if the teeth are twisted or there are gaps between the other teeth, as well, orthodontic treatment may be preferable. Cosmetic orthodontic corrections can be done with Invisalign while more advanced work requires traditional braces. Patients will have to wear retainers afterward regardless of which kind of orthodontic treatment they get or the gap may reopen.

Sometimes, especially when accompanied by an overbite, a gap develops in response to pressure on the teeth. Tongue thrusting and thumb sucking can both push the front teeth apart and have to be resolved to prevent the gap from returning. (This may require help from another specialist, such as an ear, nose, and throat doctor.) If the labial frenum, the strip of tissue connecting the inside of the upper lip to the jaw is enlarged, it has to be surgically reduced for the teeth to be able to move together and stay together. We have laser to take care of that attachment so no pain and no bleeding. 

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 Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

White Spot Lesions

When tooth decay is developing, there are warning signs. At Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel dental practice, we don’t want our patients to miss a warning that they need to pay more attention to their brushing, which is why we’re spreading the word about white spot lesions.

The development of white spots on tooth enamel is the first visible sign of erosion. (For this reason, they are also called “incipient” lesions.) The spots have a chalky appearance, similar to that caused by the early stage of acid reflux-related erosion. They are most commonly seen in the spots where plaque accumulates, such as near the gum line or surrounding an orthodontic bracket. White spots can form in just a month, and if the bracket they’re surrounding is removed, the patient will be left with white hollow rectangles on their teeth.

Better brushing is the key to preventing tooth decay. We encourage patients who are at elevated risk for tooth decay due to factors such as diabetes and dry mouth to talk to us about infection control. If a lesion has already developed but its progress has been arrested, the patient may benefit from remineralization therapy. Avoiding the risk of white spots is also a major reason why people choose Invisalign over fixed braces.  

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 Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

TMJD and Sleep Apnea

As a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, Holmdel’s Dr. Dipika Shah can treat more than just teeth. Two most common oral problems for patients are snoring/sleep apnea and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). We want our patients to understand more about it. 

When a patient has obstructive sleep apnea, their airways are blocked during sleep. it can be treated with a simle dental appliance to let you  breath better and feel lot more energetic. Teeth grinding (bruxism), which wears down tooth enamel, making the teeth sensitive. It also puts additional pressure on the jaw. The temporomandibular joint which connects the lower jaw to the head is a complex structure that has to allow the jaw a full range of motion while withstanding the force  every time a patient bites down. Strain to it can result in pain throughout the neck , head ears and shoulders and  ringing in the ears, dizziness, vertigo, clicking and popping sound from the jaw joint.

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 Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.