Tooth Restoration Options in Holmdel, NJ

Restoring teeth keeps them functioning as they should and able to last for a long time. For minor issues, or large restorations, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD in Holmdel, NJ offers several options.

Dental bonding is great for fillings, chip, and cracks. The material is a composite resin that is selected to match your teeth, unlike silver amalgam fillings of the past. Bonding is durable, so with good care, it can last for many years.

Dental crowns are available for when there is a little more damage than bonding can cover. The tooth is reshaped and a “cap”, the crown, is placed on the tooth. The crown is made to look just like your teeth, so it blends right in. This restores a tooth to its strength and allows proper function again.

When teeth are in too bad of shape to be restored with missing adjoining teeth, a dental bridge is a popular option for replacement. A replacement tooth is attached to healthy teeth for a stable hold. A bridge can also be made to blend right in with your natural teeth.

For a permanent replacement option, dental implants do the trick. With good care, they can last for a lifetime. They are surgically inserted into your jawbone so they are the most like your natural teeth.

If you are in need of a restoration, trust the expertise of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD. To schedule an appointment in our Holmdel, NJ practice, call us at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com. 

How to Keep Teeth Bright and White

When teeth are no longer bright and shiny, it can be a damper on what could be a beautiful smile. There are simple ways to change your habits and keep your teeth white, though. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD, in our Holmdel, NJ practice, wants to inform patients of the habits they can start to keep teeth looking nice.

Dark food like cola and blueberries can stain teeth. When certain  food is not avoidable, rinse your mouth after consumption. While you shouldn’t brush your teeth immediately after eating (especially something acidic), rinsing your mouth can help wash away stain-causing debris. It also helps to drink dark liquids through a straw.

Plaque is a sticky substance that can hold in stain-causing material close to the tooth’s enamel. Plaque can form just hours after brushing and flossing, so make sure to brush two or three times daily and floss once per day to keep away plaque. Also make sure you are brushing your gum line, so plaque and tartar cannot create uneven color on your tooth.

Eating certain food like raw carrots and popcorn can actually help scrub your teeth. This is great when you won’t be able to brush your teeth for a while. The surfaces of them rub the teeth in a way that removes some debris and plaque.

Keeping a healthy smile is keeping a good-looking smile. In addition to these tips, make sure to schedule cleanings with your dentist. To schedule with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD, here in Holmdel, NJ, call us at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com. 

Options for Cosmetic Improvements

Having a bright, beautiful smile can light up any room and is often the first thing someone will notice. Here in our Holmdel, NJ dental practice, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD practices cosmetic dentistry for our patients who want to improve their smile.

Whether you are looking to fix a small issue like a chip, looking for a complete smile overhaul, or even looking to smooth the skin around your smile, Dr. Shah has the skills and expertise to provide complete care.

For improving the look of issues like chips, cracks, discoloration, and gaps, dental bonding is a long-lasting option. The imperfection is smoothed over with a composite resin that is matched to the color of your tooth. For whitening purposes, the resin is chosen in a whiter color. The resin is hardened and durable enough to last for  years.

Veneers are a thin ceramic shell that goes over the front of your entire tooth. They instantly create a brand new smile, so they can fix the look of almost any dental imperfection. They are able to last between five and ten years and are stain-resistant.

With a brand new smile, smooth, young-looking skin will complete that fresh look. With Botox and Dermal Filler, this is possible. Lines around the lips and mouth are smoothed away.

Another option for those with the “gummy smile, is laser periodontal surgery. Using a laser, Dr. Shah can sculpt your gums so they reveal more of your teeth and have a nice, natural gum line.

If you are unhappy with your smile, schedule an appointment with us to see how we can help. To schedule with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD in our Holmdel, NJ practice, call us at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com. 

The Effects of Poor Oral Care

When you skip brushing your teeth, you’re in for more than just bad breath. Poor oral hygiene can lead to disastrous oral health. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD of Holmdel, NJ wants to remind our patients of the consequences of taking poor care of your mouth.

The point of brushing and flossing teeth is to remove plaque and other bacteria that build up from food, saliva, and other debris. After brushing, plaque builds up just hours later. This is why brushing should be done two or three times per day. Plaque that is not brushed away turns into tartar. Tartar is a hardened mineral deposit that only a dentist can remove.

When plaque and tartar sit on the teeth, they begin to irritate the gums, causing the gums to recede. Receded gums form deep pockets where bacteria can collect. These pockets allow bacteria to get deep into the gums where the tooth root is located. This can weaken the tooth and make it more difficult for the gum disease to be cleared.

Gum disease can cause bleeding gums, irritated gums, sensitivity, and as mentioned before, recession of the gums. Recessed gums can cause teeth to loosen and fall out, if not corrected. Surgery can sometimes be required to bring gums back up to a healthy level.

When there is poor oral hygiene, there is poor oral health. The gums and teeth are at risk of becoming diseased and dysfunctional. To keep a healthy mouth, follow a regular oral hygiene routine and schedule regular cleanings with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD of Holmdel, NJ. To schedule, call our office at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com. 

Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD, Winner of the 2015 Patients' Choice Award!

Finding the right dentist is important, especially when you have a family. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD of Holmdel, NJ is a family dentist and recent winner of the Open Care Patients’ Choice Award in Holmdel, NJ for 2015. When it comes to awards, what better award to receive than one that comes straight from our patients?

The Open Care Patients’ Choice Award is determined by the ratings and reviews of our patients. The reviews are compiled from third party sources to receive a completely objective view of our practice. To learn about our practice, it is best to go straight to the source! If you would like to read some of the reviews our wonderful patients have left for us, make sure to visit our website for the links!

Whether you are in need of preventative care, restoration, or general dentistry, Dr. Dipika Shah can help. Dr. Shah also specializes in orthodontics, TMJ treatment, and sleep apnea treatment. Dr. Shah treats patients of all ages, which is great for families. We know that it can be difficult to get everyone into a dentist appointment, but with our full family care, only one dentist is needed.

Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD, winner of the Open Care Patients’ Choice Award in Holmdel, NJ for 2015, is an experienced dentist who looks after the health of her patients of all ages. To make an appointment at our Holmdel, NJ dental practice, call us at (732) 264-8180, or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com. 

The Importance of Tooth Replacement

When a tooth is lost or is extracted, it may seem okay to leave the space open for a while, but it is actually very important to fill that space quickly. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD of Holmdel, NJ wants her patients to know why tooth replacement is so important and why it should be done sooner rather than later.

When a tooth is lost, the bone in the jaw begins to deteriorate. With the loss of a single tooth, this can cause the other teeth to shift towards that open space. This creates differences in biting and chewing. This can also introduce gaps between teeth which can catch debris and better collect bacteria. Also, if there is a tooth in the same spot on the opposite set of teeth, sometimes it can irritate and harm the gums in the open space since there is nothing to protect it.

In the case that multiple teeth are missing, the jaw can actually change shape, which will change facial structure. When most or all teeth are missing, facial muscles can begin to sag which makes a person appear older than they are.

Dr. Shah has several options here for replacement. Bridges are long-lasting and popular options. Implants and mini implants are able to last for a lifetime and are similar to having a real tooth with a root.

For a tooth replacement consultation, contact Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD here at our Holmdel, NJ office. Call (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com. 

Gum Grafting for Exposed Tooth Root

For those that are suffering with sensitivity due to exposed tooth roots or for those who just do not like the appearance of their elongated teeth, gum grafting is needed. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD has been performing gum grafts here at her Holmdel, NJ dental practice to save her patients teeth and relieve pain.

A gum graft consists of taking tissue from another area in the mouth and transferring to the area of the gums that has receded. Receded gums are often a result of gum disease. As the disease progresses, deep pockets form with pull the gums away from the teeth. The gum line recedes and sensitive tooth root is exposed. This can cause major pain and sensitivity. Not to mention, it is not always pleasing to the eye. If not corrected, receded gums may even lead to loss of teeth.

Dr. Shah will begin with cutting tissue from the roof of the mouth or an area of the gums where there is excess tissue. This tissue is then stitched down where it is needed. The tissue grows with the gums and forms a natural and healthy gum line.

If you are experiencing sensitivity at the roots of your teeth, a gum graft may be necessary. To find out more about gum grafts or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD here in Holmdel, NJ, call our office at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com. 

How to Find the Right Toothbrush For You

With so many different options out there, picking the right toothbrush can actually be a confusing process. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD wants to make sure that her patients here in the Holmdel, NJ area are taking proper care of their mouth with the right toothbrush.

The first difference many notice about toothbrushes is that some of them are electric. Patients want to know which is better, electric or manual. The truth is that studies are showing that manual toothbrushes do the same job cleaning the mouth as the electric ones if used properly. The only differenceis electric can produce lot more vibration than your hands to remove sticky plaque, meaning more efficient. Also for those who cannot use their hands as well, like patients with arthritis. it can be very helpful. . However with either electric or manual, proper technique is very important.

A small head is recommended for reaching those hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. You want to make sure you can reach your back molars and a small head makes it easier to navigate to them. As far as bristles go, softer bristles are best for removing plaque. Bristles that are too stiff can irritate gums and hurt enamel. 

When brushing your teeth you want to make sure that you are doing good for your mouth, not causing more harm. To find out more ways to keep healthy teeth and gums, call Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD of Holmdel, NJ at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com. 

Ceramic Braces for Less Noticeable Teeth Straightening

Are you looking to straighten your teeth but do not like a metal smile? We have good news for you. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD is offering ceramic braces right here in her Holmdel, NJ dental practice. Ceramic braces blend right in with your teeth for a less noticeable teeth straightening process.

Ceramic braces are translucent, so they blend right in with the color of your teeth. Advancements in technology have also allowed these brackets to become stain-resistant. So with a good oral care routine, the brackets will stay nice-looking and translucent throughout the whole duration of the process. Ceramic braces are available for both teens and adults. They are a great option for those who are worried about the appearance of traditional metal braces.

Ceramic braces work the same as traditional braces. The brackets are bonded to the front of the teeth and a wire is used to connect the brackets and slowly move the teeth into the direction Dr. Shah sets. Every few weeks, the wires are changed and tightened to gradually shift the teeth. Process duration will depend on each individual case.

If you are interested in straightening your teeth with less noticeable braces, come in to find out if ceramic braces could work for you. To schedule with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD in our Holmdel, NJ practice, call us at (732) 264-8180 or www.dentistnj.com. 

Floss Every Day!

Did you know that cavities are more likely to develop between teeth? Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, of Holmdel, NJ wants to remind her patients to remove the plaque to avoid cavities between teeth,  gum disease and  bad breath by flossing every day!

 The plaque that builds up between our teeth is not reachable with brushing alone. It needs to be removed after every meal or at least after first and last meal of the day. 

You may find lots of different type of floss in the market. Try and find out which one works best in your mouth. Little kids can start by using floss forks, they are easy to use. Flossing requires little dexterity in the fingers and it is tidious but with practice you can master it or you can use proxa brush. Proxa brushes look like a mascara brush or a little Christmas tree- use like a tooth pick and it will keep your gums healthier. They are lot easier to sue than floss. 

 

To schedule a routine cleaning with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD of Holmdel, NJ, call us at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com. 

Dental Implants and Mini Implants

Improve your quality of life by replacing missing teeth with implant supported crowns or dentures.. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS,  restores oral health and smiles of her patients with missing teeth by offering dental implants and mini dental implants in the Holmdel, NJ area.

Dental implants and mini dental implants can replace your missing teeth. It is important to replace  missing teeth to support your cheeks, lips, other teeth and to chew better and speak beter.  Options like partial dentures and bridges are available but  they can make speech and chewing more difficult and requires to drill doen two good teeth on each side for a bridge. Implants are can last a long time. They are more comfortable than dentures and more conservative than bridge. .

 Dental implants are full-sized implants and are installed over the course of a few months. Mini implants are half the size of a full-sized implant and can often be completed in one day because of this. They are good for smaller spaces or if an implant is needed quickly. Mini implants also work well as a more stable base for dentures. The dentures are modified to clip right into the implants, and this creates a stronger hold.

If you have been struggling with eating or talking correctly and want to replace a missing tooth, consider the permanent option of dental implants or mini implants. To schedule a consultation here with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD of Holmdel, NJ, call (732) 264-8180 or visit www.dentistnj.com.