April 2019: Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April 2019 is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Dentists are often the first medical professionals to diagnose oral cancers. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS encourages patients to not only come in for their bi-annual checkups but to also schedule an appointment when any strange symptoms occur. Prevention and early intervention are the keys to a cancer-free life.

 

We provide both oral cancer screenings and regular appointments for patients. If a new or strange symptom appears in your mouth, schedule an appointment. This is especially true if the symptoms have persisted for over two weeks or haven’t healed. This can be a major indicator of something more serious. Be on the lookout for these symptoms:

 

Mouth sores that take over fourteen days to heal, a new or strange coloring of your gums and tissue, lumps or hard spots in your mouth, bumps that bleed easily, and/or a lump on the outside of your neck that has been there for a minimum of two weeks.

 

The symptoms for HPV-caused oropharyngeal cancer differ from the above symptoms. These patients might experience a sore or hoarse throat, a constant cough, a lump on the neck, problems swallowing, and a pain in one or both ears.

 

The major risk factors for oral cancers are heavy smoking. Engaging in any tobacco products is problematic, including chewing tobacco. The other major contributing factor is contracting the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus 16.

 

Do not wait to make an appointment if you or a loved one are experiencing anything mentioned above. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS is located in Holmdel, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 732-264-8180.

 

Driving With A Sleep Disorder

An average of 1.3 million people die in the US every year as the result of a car accident, and fatigued driving is responsible for a lot of accidents.  People living with untreated sleep apnea or other sleep disorder may not realize how much it impacts their alertness and how dangerous it is to drive.  Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS can help you find relief from sleep apnea, so please schedule a visit for evaluation.

Patients who don’t seek treatment for their poor sleep may think they are used to feeling tired all the time and are unimpaired.  However a chronic lack of restful sleep is shown to have the same effects has being intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.  Excessive sleepiness causes problems with focus and attention, which you need in order to drive.  The lack of focusing and inability to react quickly makes high-risk drivers. If you are planning to drive somewhere but feel sleepy, take a minute to assess your alertness.  A short nap can even revive you for a 30 minute drive.  Caffeine is of course a temporary fix, but it can keep you alert for a short drive and prevent falling asleep at the wheel.  If you ever notice yourself dozing at the wheel, pull over to rest.  Don’t live with a sleep disorder! Come see Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS and start treatment to get your best sleep.

To learn more about sleep apnea and the treatments provided 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. 

Water Pik with Orthodontics

Flossing is crucial when it comes to maintaining good oral health. Cleaning between the teeth is an important step to remove food particles that have been left behind after brushing. Flossing can significantly reduce periodontal disease and cavity-causing causing bacteria that leads to tooth decay, but sometimes the act of flossing is difficult for a patient with orthodontics. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS may suggest using a water Pik for those hard to reach places!

A safe, easy, and effective way to remove plaque around dental braces is to use a water Pik. A water fPik is a handheld device that sprays streams of water in steady pulses. Not only is this beneficial to patients with traditional braces, water piks are also an option for people who have trouble controlling traditional floss by hand. It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to reap the maximum benefits of a healthy mouth!

To learn more about orthodontics and the treatments provided 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. 

Have You Had A Cleaning This Year?

At the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS we encourage all our patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for regular professional cleanings.  During the holidays, we want everyone looking forward to the New Year and maintaining great oral hygiene!  However much you brush and floss, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional. 

It’s important to see a professional regularly not just to clean your teeth, but also to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, a hygienist thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist. Come see us for a cleaning to make a great impression during the holidays, and start the year off with your best smile!

To learn more about dental health and all the services provided 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. 

Apicoectomy

A root canal is a treatment that is used to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth. During root canal treatment, your dentist cleans the canals using special instruments called files to remove inflamed or infected tissue. Root canal treatment is to conservatively treat infection and it has 90 % success. Sometimes, infection does not clear even after performing root canal, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS may suggest an apicoectomy.

Root canals may become re-infected for a variety of reasons. These include new or recurrent decay, previously undetected accessory (extra) canals branching from the primary canal at the root end of the tooth, and occasionally, calcification of canals. An apicoectomy is done only after a tooth has had at least one root canal procedure and retreatment has not been successful. It is a minor surgical procedure in which the very tip of the tooth’s root is removed and sealed.

If you have a tooth infection related to a root canal gone wrong, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services provided at the 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 Care with Dental Implants

Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge.  Although they are not natural teeth, they still require conscientious at-home oral care and regular dental visits. This is why Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS can provide patients with a dental implant maintenance routine after the implants are placed and healed.

Cleaning implant-supported tooth replacements are just as important as cleaning natural teeth, as both depend on healthy surrounding tissues for support. If the titanium oxide layer of the dental implant is disrupted during oral hygiene procedures, the soft tissues may be exposed to titanium metallic ions that can cause potential cytotoxic reactions compromising the dental implant. Unless instructed differently by Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, aim for brushing the teeth at least twice a day and floss between them at least once a day to eliminate bacteria in the mouth and prevent implant failure.

If you have questions or concerns about dental implants or restorative dentistry, 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.

Benefits of a Custom-Fitted Mouthguard

Wearing a mouthguard is an important precaution for athletes of all ages and abilities, helping to protect against chipped or broken teeth, root and bone damage, and tooth loss. For a small cost, a properly fitted mouthguard can prevent anxiety, risk, injury, pain, suffering, and can even prevent years of dental treatment. Whether you’re on the court, on the rink, or on the field, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, can prepare a custom-fitted mouthguard for her athletic patients.

Not only do mouthguards protect the teeth, but they also protect the head against a blow to the jaw that can result in a concussion and/or loss of consciousness. For the highest level of comfort and protection, you should always visit a dentist for a custom mouthguard fitting. Custom mouthguards are made from exact and precise models of an individual’s own teeth and are made of resilient and tear resistant materials to ensure a proper fit.

If you have questions or concerns regarding custom-made mouthguards, 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. 

Replacing Teeth With Implants

Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS replaces teeth and restores patient smiles with dental implants. Implants are a permanent restorative option for teeth that are missing or have been extracted.  They look and feel like natural teeth, and are the most permanent and efficient means of replacing lost teeth.

  Implants are titanium screws insertedinto the jaw bone. Over a period of 3-6 months, the jaw bone heals around the implant to become a solid, stable base for the new tooth. During this time a patient is fitted with a temporary crown, and a custom crown is created to match their smile perfectly.

After the jaw bone and gums have healed appropriately, the custom crown is placed in a secondappopintment.Sometimes, doctor may  may need to expose the head of the implant in a second minor surgery.  When everythingis healed,   the crown will be screwed  or cemented to the top of the implant.  When this is complete the tooth looks like part of the natural smile, and with proper care will last for decades!

To learn more about single-tooth implants and all the services provided 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. 

Smoking With Sleep Apnea

Smoking will exacerbate any respiratory condition, and it is proven to cause snoring and lead to obstructive sleep apnea.  Patients struggling with sleep apnea should see Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS and her staff for evaluation. We can help patients find relief from sleep apnea, but quitting smoking is up to you!

Smoking causes upper airway inflammation, meaning the swelling causes the airway to narrow and disrupts the flow of air to the nasal passage and throat.  This causes snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.  Cigarettes are highly addictive, and some smokers seek treatment for sleep apnea but continue to smoke. Smoking with sleep apnea not only puts more stress on the heart every day, but negates any treatment a sleep apnea patient is undergoing.

Habitual smokers may feel relaxed by one last cigarette for the day, but it actually creates more complications for restful sleep. Smokers can experience nicotine withdrawal overnight, causing more waking up and restlessness.  Quitting smoking cold turkey is very difficult, but even lessening the amount of cigarettes or avoiding smoking at nighttime can help you achieve more restful sleep.  Most smokers cannot quit on their own or on their first attempt, so don’t get discouraged!

To learn more about sleep apnea and the treatments provided 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. 

Alleviate Facial Pain with Botox

For over 20 years, Botox has commonly been used to erase unsightly frown lines and/or wrinkles. Recently, Botox has developed a popular reputation in the dental industry as a therapeutic use for facial pain due to TMJ/TMD. This is because Botox contains a tiny dose of botulinum which has the ability to decrease facial pain associated with this condition. If you’ve exhausted your treatment options for eliminating facial pain, schedule a consultation with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, to see if Botox is right for you.

TMD, commonly known as a temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition associated with pain in the jaw and facial muscles, which can cause headaches, earaches, and general facial pain. During the procedure, Botox will be injected into the facial muscles without any sensory loss. This allows the facial muscles to relax, instead of contracting, which typically causes pain. There are other dental conditions that are sometimes treated using Botox, but Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, will recommend the usage of this substance as she sees fit.  

If you have questions or concerns regarding Botox, 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. 

Laser Therapy for Canker Sores

An estimated 57% of the population suffers from “cold sores,” (AKA oral herpes simplex), while an estimated 10% of the population has “canker sores.” When these painful sores arise in or near the oral cavity,  Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS can significantly reduce healing time with soft tissue laser therapy. This type of treatment is a safe and effective way to alleviate discomfort without injections.

Canker sores can make eating and speaking painful and are typically brought on by an acidic diet. Unlike cold sores which typically form on the outside of the mouth, canker sores develop inside and cause the patient little or severe discomfort. Laser therapy treatment is inexpensive and the procedure itself may last about 15-20 minutes. If you have a canker sore that doesn’t heal itself in two weeks, discuss your treatment options with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS.

If you have questions or concerns regarding laser therapy or dental technology, 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. 

Pediatric Dentistry

At the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS we want the families from our community to know it’s just as important for children to have regular dental visits.  A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled between when the first baby tooth appears, and the child’s first birthday.  Baby teeth eventually come out, but their growth and development is important for overall oral health for the child and the development of their adult teeth. Baby teeth should be brushed and cared for like adult teeth, and it’s important to monitor their growth and development. 

Missing any tooth for too long can change the development of surrounding teeth and compromise the structure of the jaw bone, but regular checkups can keep a child’s tooth development right on track.  We are skilled and experienced in administering dental care to children.  If your child has seems nervous about seeing a dentist for the first time, call us we will guide you as it is very important how and what you say to get your child ready for his/her first dental visit.  Once we get your child’s oral health off to a great start, we offer a full range of services for child patients including dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants.

We love to see good oral hygiene habits formed early, and make lifetime patients out of kids from our community!  To learn more about the services provided 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 Testimonials!

Here 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. At this time, we would like to thank Janet for not only being an excellent patient but for leaving us a review. 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 Dipika Shah DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Preventive Oral Care

There are many forms of preventive dentistry, such as daily brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. Preventive oral care is just as important for adults as it is for children and proper oral hygiene begins at home. For complete care, it’s important to visit Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS every six months for a regular checkup and professional cleaning. In the meantime, we will refresh your memory as to how to take care of your oral health.

Dental diseases include tooth decay, gum disease, and any type of oral infection. All of these things can be prevented with a proper oral hygiene routine. Preventive maintenance and dental care for adults are as important now as they were when you were a child. To bring your mouth to its healthiest state, you should be flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association. . Everyone benefits from preventive dentistry, so if you haven’t brushed today, get to it!

If you have questions or concerns regarding preventive dentistry, 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. 

Different Types of Dentures

If you have teeth that are weak or missing, there are different ways to replace missing teeth, namely Fixed bridge, dentures or implants. Cost and work involved for each procedure varies.  Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS may suggest dentures to restore your smile. Dentures come in different forms – full and partial – full dentures will replace the entire set of teeth, while partial dentures will only replace the teeth that are missing. Repairing a toothless smile with dentures will improve your appearance and help you eat and speak more comfortably.

Complete (full) dentures are used if you’re missing teeth in your upper (maxillary) or lower (mandibular) jaws. Partial dentures are used on patients who only have some teeth missing on either jaw. Complete dentures replace all of the teeth, while partial dentures fill in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from shifting position. Those dentures can also be supported with implants in order to give more retention and stability.  

If you have questions or concerns regarding restorative dental options, 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. 

Digital X-rays

Dental X-rays are an important part of a routine exam. Dental X-rays allow Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS to accurately diagnose and treat dental problems early before they become problematic. X-rays allow Dr. Shah to see between and inside the teeth. Due to advancements in dental technology, Dr. Shah utilizes digital X-rays that use up to 90% less radiation than film X-rays, making them safer for patients. We have digital X-rays for many years. 

Our digital X-ray system is designed with the patient in mind and is much more sensitive to radiation. Additional patient advantages include avoidance of chemical processing errors, which means that Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, will be able to take a closer look at the teeth and surrounding structures with astounding accuracy. Digital X-rays are rapidly becoming approved by a large percent of the dental industry.

If you have questions or concerns regarding digital X-rays or dental technology, 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. 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risks

Sleep apnea poses a high risk of dangerous health conditions in patients who are diagnosed with the condition. Obstructive sleep apnea happens when something partly, or completely, blocks the upper airway during sleep. The condition can reduce the flow of oxygen to vital organs and cause irregular heart rhythms. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, can provide treatment options to help manage obstructive sleep apnea and improve your quality of sleep and health.  

In obstructive sleep apnea, an individual’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Because the airway is blocked, a person may snort, take a deep breath, or awaken gasping for air. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure. For people with mild to moderate sleep apnea, dental appliances that prevent the tongue from blocking the throat may be suggested. 

If you have questions or concerns regarding sleep apnea treatment, 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. 

What is Gum Contouring?

At the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS we see many patients who are unhappy with their smiles for various reasons.  The overall look of your smile includes the gums, and even when a patient has healthy teeth and gums they may be dissatisfied with the overall appearance of their smile due to excess gum tissue or a lack of tissue.  Gum contouring is a way to give any patient their best smile.

A lack of or excess of gum tissue can cause a smile to have the look of elongated teeth or a gummy smile.  To create a balanced look between gum and tooth, a gum contouring procedure can include removing gum tissue, placing gum grafts, or both.  Excess tissue is removed using a laser or scalpel tool.  Soft tissue grafts are harvested from a healthy location in the patient’s mouth, and placed where gum tissue is lacking or has receded.  The result is an even ratio of tooth to gums throughout the whole mouth.  Don’t let your gums keep you from your best smile!

To learn more about gum contouring and all the services provided 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. 

Teeth Whitening

Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS knows her patients want to have a pleasing smile.   Many ask the doctor and her staff about over the counter products, and have tried them with underwhelming results.  Instead of winging it with retail products, come see us for a consultation and get your own custom whitening system!

During a consultation, your dentist will examine the level of staining on your teeth and be able to tell you what kind of results you can expect from the whitening system. To whiten your teeth at home, you will be fit with custom whitening trays made from molds of your teeth.  For a treatment, apply the whitening gel directly onto the trays and fit them over your teeth.  Your dentist will advise how often you should treat at home and how long each treatment can last.  Following dentist’s instructions, patients have seen this system whiten their smiles 4-8 shades!

To learn more about teeth whitening and all the services provided 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. 

Nocturnal Bruxism

Waking up with facial pain may seem like no big deal, but it’s something to think about. Teeth clenching and grinding are symptoms of a condition called bruxism. Though bruxism can occur while a person is awake, it commonly happens while the patient is asleep. Nocturnal bruxism can be a sign of a sleep disorder. If you snore or clench or grind your teeth, it’s best to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS.

Teeth clenching and grinding can lead to enamel damage, broken teeth, headaches and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Though there is no actual cause of bruxism, some consider it a person’s way of coping with stress and anxiety. If you are experiencing jaw pain, or discomfort, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS may suggest a TMJ splint, night guard,  snore or sleep apnea appliance for you to wear during sleep. This will help prevent further damage, save your teeth, gums, jaw bone and Jaw joint. It will let you sleep better. 

If you have questions or concerns regarding nocturnal bruxism or jaw 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.