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. 

Orthodontic Options

Thanks to advances in orthodontic technology, you no longer have to feel embarrassed or self-conscious becauseyou have to wear braces. You also don’t have to wear braces for over a year to get the best results anymore. Dr. Dipika Shah offers both braces and Invisalign for patients hoping to straighten their teeth.

 

Invisalign aligners are plastic, removable mouth pieces that gradually straighten teeth over time. They give less force per week and cause considerably less pain to straighten teeth compared to traditional braces. Since the pieces are transparent, patients are able to maintain their smile while improving it at the same time. One of the main complaints of traditional braces, while they are effective, they often leave stain marks on the teeth. This is not the case with Invisalign; patients are able to remove the mouth pieces in order to brush and floss well regularly. They do not interfere with your speech either. May a times, no one will even know that you are wearing "Invisalign' aligner. 

 

Dr. Shah also offers traditional braces for patients looking to correct bite problems while straightening their teeth. These braces are made of strong metal alloys and are considered the smallest and most comfortable option. While they do take the longest of all the orthodontic options made available by Dr. Shah, they are the most effective when it comes to aligning teeth and correcting bite problems.

 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shah at our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180 or visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. 

Teeth Whitening

When staining agents such as coffee, wine or acidic foods are able to penetrate the enamel of the teeth, it can be difficult to return to the original teeth shade through brushing and flossing alone. Unlike ineffective, over the counter whitening strips that are messy and tend to slide off teeth, in-office professional whitening provided by Dr. Shah whitens teeth quickly and effectively.

 

Having your teeth whitened with us provides a number of benefits that change the way you think about your smile. The results of this simple procedure can help you feel more confident about your smile and encourage you to show it off, inspiring positive impressions everywhere you go.  We are especially happy to offer teeth whitening as it prompts our patients to take even better care of their teeth to maintain their results.

 

To learn more about the teeth whitening process at our practice and to find out if it’s right for you, please visit www.dentistnj.com or call 732-264-8180 to schedule a consultation.      

Bonding and White Fillings

If you have a cavity that needs to be treated, a metal filling that needs to be replaced or a tooth with a minor chip, crack, or stain, it may be that a simple dental bonding treatment or a tooth-colored filling is all that is needed to correct the problem. Bonding and white filling is a great way to improve the cosmetic appeal of your teeth.

 

The best thing about dental bonding and white filling procedures is that they can be completed in one visit. Bonding is comparable to veneers, but is a much more cost-effective option. The procedure is also quite simple and can be done in just one visit.

 

Receiving white fillings is also a non-invasive, quick procedure. Unlike metal fillings, they do not contain any mercury, and they make tooth stronger.  A local anesthetic is often utilized for these procedures to numb the tooth and the area around it. 

 

To learn more about bonding and white fillings, visit www.dentistnj.com or call 732-264-8180 to schedule an appointment. 

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is a broad term that refers to various types of dental work that improves the general appearance of patient’s teeth, gums and bite. Procedures vary from small repairs such bonding and white fillings to a complete restorations like dental veneers. Dr. Dipika Shah provides many options for patients to improve their smile. 

 

Common procedures in cosmetic dentistry include whitening, bonding, crowns, veneers and dental bridges or implants. . Whether patients need a major repair or just a subtle change, we have the ability to treat each patient to fit their individual needs.

 

Whitening is a common and popular way to whiten teeth quickly and effectively. Discoloration occurs in the enamel and can be caused by medication, coffee, tea,wine, food colors and smoking. We provide take home whitening or in office whitening with laser. Take home whitening involves using custom-made trays, filled with a whitening gel to whiten teeth 4-8 shades in just a few days. In office whitening is done in few minutes couple of shades lighter with the use of laser. Bonding and white filling is another procedure that can improve the cosmetic appeal of your smile. Using tooth-colored material, Dr. Shah will fill in gaps or even change the color of teeth.

 

. A crown is essentially a “cap” that covers the damaged tooth; a crown can be used to improve appearance, shape or alignment. Veneers are a great option for patient’s hoping to completely change their smile. These thin pieces of porcelain are placed over the existing teeth to create a brand new smile. Dental bridges are a great option for patients who have lost one or more teeth. Bridges use existing teeth to create a bridge to hold the area where the tooth is missing. 

 

For more information about cosmetic dentistry with Dr. Dipika Shah, visit www.dentistnj.com or call 732-264-8180. 

Sleep Apnea

Dr. Dipika Shah provides a wide range of dental services to her patients, including oral appliances for sleep apnea. Dental treatment is not just about fillings and root canals and cleanings, though that is certainly important. It is also about helping with our patients with their overall health.

With sleep apnea, the patient is having interruptions in their breathing multiple times a night, which not only keeps them from having a good night’s sleep, but can also be bad for their health.

Common signs of having sleep apnea include choking upon waking, excessive tiredness during the day, an urge to nap every day, headaches when waking up in the morning, snoring noisily, and waking up extremely thirsty and/or tired.

We urge patients with sleep apnea to visit our office and benefit in the following ways:

• Get a custom-made oral appliance for proper treatment of sleep apnea.
• Improve their sleep every night.
• Have a more comfortable appliance for better sleeping.
• Access to a small appliance that is easy to travel with.

If you have signs of sleep apnea, visit our dental practice in Holmdel, NJ. We will provide you with more information about the oral appliance available to give you an effective solution.

Athletic Guard

An athletic guard is a type of mouth guard given to adolescents/adults who play sports in school or for fun. The reason we create these mouth guards is to protect the patient’s teeth and their smile. While there are other uses for a mouth guard, the main function is for protection of not just their teeth, but their head from concussion and brain damage.

Dr. Dipika Shah prepares custom athletic guards that fit the patient perfectly so it is comfortable and offers the best protection available. They also don’t have a weird taste or odor. They allow you to breath better and even talk to your team mate as they do not fall out when you talk/laugh/breath or even get tackled. 
There are many benefits of athletic guards, including protecting their teeth from fracture or loss, preventing expensive dental work later on, and protecting the head, neck and jaw joint from damage during a sport. They also give parents a peace of mind knowing their child is playing the sport they love without risking severe damage to your teeth or mouth. Mouth guards made here in our office fit the patients better, allowing them to breathe easier and have more comfort.

If you have a child that plays sports, whether in school or as a hobby, we encourage you to call us at 732-264-8180 to schedule an appointment for a custom athletic guard.

Bad Breath

If you are experiencing bad breath, it is likely due to bacteria in your oral cavity. Many of our patients visit our clinic complaining of bad breath, and we have found a variety of things to cause it. It may be lack of proper dental hygiene, the food or drinks they are consuming, smoking cigarettes, or having an infection or deep decay of the teeth. We diagnose the problem then provide an effective solution for reducing bad breath.

When a patient experiences bad breath, it can be damaging to their self esteem. They feel afraid to confront others and don’t feel confident being in relationships. These struggles don’t need to continue if a patient visits us to get a dental screening and deep cleaning. This removes all of the bacteria built-up and decay from their teeth, and gives them a fresh mouth. They are also urged/helped to stop habits like smoking, which can further cause bad breath.

Aside from providing a good cleaning, we also perform a check-up and x-rays to see if other dental issues are causing the bad breath. If you have bad breath, visit Dr. Dipika Shah in Holmdel, NJ to discuss your options.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is straightening/aligning  of the teeth and the patient’s bite. Sooner we diagnose the problem and sooner we treat, better results and shorter time for treatment. Modern orthodontics, kids do not have to wait till all their baby teeth fall out, actually, that may be too late as you miss the opportunity to direct the jaw growth as kids go through growth spurts. Modern orthodontics, we avoid extracting teeth to create room, in stead, we give appliances to help jaw growth in proper direction so teeth are not crowded or patient does not get overbite/underbite.

We also provide orthodontics for teens and adults who want to correct overcrowding, spacing, overbites or underbites.

The types of orthodontic treatments we provide here in our Holmdel, NJ dental clinic, include the following:
1. Traditional braces
2. Clear braces
3. Invisalign
4. Appliance and Retainer Therapy/ phase 1 orthodontics.

With these options, patients have a choice of orthodontic treatments. Traditional braces are the most common and least expensive variety, and can work with all different levels of spacing or bite issues. Clear braces are similar, though they are made from ceramic and less visible than the metal traditional braces. The most invisible are Invisalign, which use clear plastic aligners, as opposed to brackets and wires.
If you or your child is in need of orthodontics, call Dr. Dipika Shah at 732-264-8180.

Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry is one of many areas of dentistry that Dr. Dipika Shah enjoys treating. She recommends parents bring their children in to her practice in Holmdel, NJ as soon as their first tooth comes in, or when they reach one year old. The earlier children visit the dentist with parents, it helps prevent dental problems in future. 

This first visit is an easy one and the child is actually sitting in the parent’s lap while being examined. This allows them to be as comfortable and relaxed as possible while our dentist examines the child’s teeth and gums.

Pediatric dentistry includes a variety of procedures for children. This includes check-ups and gentle cleanings, and fluride. We offer orthodontic treatments for school-aged children and older adolescents who want to start straightening their teeth and correcting their bite early. Additionally, we favor sealants and mouth guards for children to prevent decay and damage during sports. With early pediatric care, your child can have a healthy mouth and teeth from the beginning.

Call Dr. Dipika Shah's office at 732-264-8180 for your child’s first pediatric appointment. When you call ask us about our sealant special!

Laser Surgery (Picasso)

Here at Dr. Dipika Shah's office, we utilize modern technology for more effective dental procedures and treatments, including laser surgery. Laser surgery is performed by Dr. Dipika Shah using the Picasso AMD dental lasers. With this type of laser, she is able to shoot a beam of light for precision in help with a variety of treatments and dental issues. It is more effective, faster, heals fast, no bleeding and much more comfortable for patients, as opposed to using scalpels and other dental techniques.

Soft tissue procedures that we can use the Picasso dental laser for include crown lengthening, biopsies, removing pulp during a root canal procedure, gingivectomy, coagulation during different dental surgeries,and even the treatment of canker sores.

Laser surgery using the dental laser is not only effective, but a safe treatment option as well. It has been approved for use by the FDA, and an excellent alternative to using scalpels, with the longer recovery time associated with scalpel types of surgery techniques. No cuts, no bleeding and faster healing. The Picasso laser is a handheld device that is easy to use, very versatile and not expensive for patients.

Please call our office at 732-264-8180 to learn more about procedures that use laser surgery.

Extractions

We believe in saving the natural tooth whenever possible, but this isn’t always an option. After diagnosing the dental problem, Dr. Dipika Shah decides if extraction is necessary. Teeth often need to be extracted because of severe tooth decay that has caused a tooth to become cracked or fractured, severely infected or because there is not enough stability in the tooth for a crown to be placed over it.

Our patients know they are getting the best care possible when they visit our Holmdel, NJ clinic for extractions. We provide an anesthetic so that our patients don’t experience any pain or discomfort. We remove the tooth as quickly as possible, providing in-depth aftercare instructions. Most extractions heal quickly and without problem. However, wisdom teeth extractions may have a slightly longer healing process.

After getting the tooth extracted, patients are asked to keep gauze on the tooth for any bleeding that may occur. They must not use a straw as the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot that is protecting the opening. Within 1-2 weeks, our dentist asks to see the patient for a follow-up appointment. If you have a problem with a tooth and are in need of an extraction, visit our clinic or give us a call at 732-264-8180 to schedule an appointment. If you are a new patient, we offer special discounts.

Emergency Care

Scheduling an appointment to visit the dentist during normal business hours is ideal, but it isn’t always a viable option. Sometimes, severe infections, post-operative emergencies and other emergencies happen in the middle of the night or the weekend, requiring a dental visit as soon as possible. We provide emergency care 24 hours a day, by always having someone answer the phone.

We encourage our patients to call us any time they are having a dental problem, even if it is just to ask a question or have a prescription sent to a local pharmacy. Other times, Dr. Dipika Shah meets patients in our Holmdel, NJ office to provide emergency dental procedures, like extractions or putting on a temporary crown if a fractured tooth is putting them at risk for infection. These situations sometimes happen at night when the office is closed, which is why we answer emergency calls, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you are having an emergency dental issue, call us at 732-264-8180 any time day or night.

Are you about to lose your unused dental benefits? Call 732-264-8180.

 Did you know that each year insurance companies make millions of dollars off patients who forego necessary and preventive dental care? Many individuals are not scheduling necessary dental treatment that they have insurance to cover. Thus, the insurance revenues allocated to pay dental claims are never used, and unfortunately, those dollars cannot be carried over year-to-year. The bottom line: What the patient does not use they lose.We are here to help you secure the insurance coverage available to you on every dental procedure you schedule. Give us a call today, and together let's make sure you are in excellent dental health using your benefits.Call Dr. Shah today 732-264-8180 as very few appointements are available before end of the year. 

Benefits of Air Abrasion

If you have been getting tooth fillings the old-fashioned way, you know that it is sometimes uncomfortable, due to the strange and sometimes unpleasant, touch, sounds and smells. Fortunately, there’s a more appealing hi-tech alternative.

We are now using a new technique at our dental office to remove tooth decay, called air abrasion. Air abrasion uses no drills (or shots), and instead relies on puffs of air through a small instrument to remove the decayed part of your tooth. It removes the small particles of decay and suctions through a tube.

There are many benefits to getting air abrasion done, including the following:

•  Treating multiple teeth in one visit


• No sounds, pressure, vibrations or heat


• Lack of anesthesia in most cases


• Maintaining as much of the tooth as possible


• Improving the success of composite fillings by having a dry working area


• Less risk of fracturing or chipping the tooth


• Safe and quick procedure

Our dental office uses air abrasion to give you a quick, easy and safe way of treating decayed teeth for a healthy, better looking smile. Contact our Holmdel, NJ office today to get started on your treatment using air abrasion.

Crowns

Dental crowns offer you the ability to cover any cracked, fractured or damaged teeth. They are commonly used to cover a tooth that has recently had a root canal, in order to protect it, as well as replacing older crowns. Here at Gentle Dental, we believe in providing you with excellent crowns, made of the highest quality materials.

When to Consider a Crown:

1) After having a root canal.

2) To protect a tooth that has been weakened.

3) After having a large filling that weakens the tooth.

4) To help hold in a bridge.

5) To restore a decayed or broken tooth.

6) To cover a misshapen tooth.

7) To place over an implant.

The crown process starts with making a mold and sending it to a lab for the permanent crown. Then, we will place a temporary crown for up to two weeks until your permanent crown is ready. We provide different types of crowns, all of which are stable enough to eat with the tooth and not worry about cracking it. The types of crowns include stainless steel, metal like gold or other alloys, ceramic and resin.

Visit our website today at DentistNJ.com to find out more about how a crown can create a dramatic improvement in your smile.

Kodak 3D Digital X-Rays

At our dental office, Dr. Dipika Shah and the rest of our team are dedicated to providing you with the best hi-tech dental care possible. That includes using the latest technology, such as the Kodak 3D Digital X-ray machine. Its benefits far outweigh what traditional x-ray machines offer, including a more comfortable x-ray process. It uses a three-in-one process for quality x-rays and offers a multitude of advantages.

The Kodak x-ray machine has a 3D imaging mode that provides us with anatomically correct, high resolution images of your teeth all at low radiation exposure.  This helps us provide you with the best care, while you get the advantage of face-to-face positioning -- without the use of uncomfortable slides.

The panoramic imaging system offered by this machine makes the x-ray process quick and easy, with higher quality images. It makes it easier to diagnose any jaw problems, find impacted teeth, and see the exact position of wisdom teeth to determine if they are close to any nerves.

Whether it is your first time in our office or you are a repeat patient, call us today to get your X-rays done by this fantastic Kodak 3D Digital X-ray machine.

Bridges

Having a missing tooth or several missing teeth together not only makes it difficult to chew properly, but it can also be embarrassing. Dr. Dipika Shah believes in giving you a smile that makes you feel confident. Dental bridges allow us to do that by filling in the gaps with an artificial tooth that looks natural with the rest of your teeth.

The dental bridge lets you fill in missing spaces in your mouth with artificial teeth, as an alternative to getting an implant. The bridge created a crown for the two adjacent teeth and has an artificial tooth where you are missing one. It creates a bridge that doesn’t look obvious to anyone else and offers you a beautiful smile.

Types of Bridges:

• Traditional bridge – The most common type of bridge includes an artificial tooth in between two adjacent teeth, covered in crowns.

• Cantilever bridge – This type of bridge has an artificial tooth next to the adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth.

There are many benefits to getting bridges, including being able to speak and chew properly, improving the shape of your face, preventing your teeth from shifting as a result of the missing tooth or teeth, and filling in gaps.

Call us today at 732-264-8180 to schedule an appointment for your new bridge.

Getting Your Gums Healthy Can Be a Life Saving Procedure

Do you know that getting your gums healthy can be a life saving procedure ? Our artery walls which are if inflamed, release an enzyme called Lp-PLA2. High levels of this enzyme LP-PLA2 tell us clearly that you have an increased chance of heart disease or stroke. The only known factor that changes this enzyme level is gum disease. In other words, the presence of gum disease increases this enzyme level, and absence decreases it, nothing else does! This is the most powerful fact to relate gum disease to heart disease. Just the way you exercise and diet for healthy heart, make sure you visit your dentist at least every 6 months and do your best home care by brushing and flossing at least after your breakfast and after dinner. Electric tooth brushes and waterpik can aid in your home oral care significantly and thereby health of your heart.

Implants

Implants are specialized dental prosthetics that effectively replace a lost or damaged tooth from the surface crown down to the roots. They can even be used to replace multiple teeth at once and provide an alternative to other full prosthetics like bridges or partial dentures.  They can also serve as permanent support for full dentures and ensure they remain exceptionally stable.  Our patients who have chosen dental implants to replace one or more teeth are most frequently impressed with their real feel, as well as their discreet, cohesive appearance among the rest of the smile. The process to place dental implants is fairly straightforward, and well worth the time, but it may not be for everyone.  If you are searching for a permanent dental prosthetic and you’d like to learn more about our implant services, please call us to arrange a consultation.