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.

 

Steps to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Hundreds of different types of bacteria live on our teeth, gums, tongue and other crevices in the mouth. Some are helpful, but some can be harmful such as those that play a role in the tooth decay process. At the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, we want our patients to know that good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and tooth decay.

When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently – for example, if you frequently eat foods or drinks containing sugar and starches – the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. This will cause a white spot to appear if the minerals have been lost. When this happens, this is a sign of early decay.

You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.


• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.


• Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.


• Visit us for professional cleanings and oral examination.

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, 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. 

Your Child's First Dental Visit

When children are born, they are born without teeth and without cavities, and if you would like for your child to remain cavity-free even as their teeth come in, it is important to instill good oral hygiene early on. Dr. Dipika Shah will work with you to give your child the smile he or she deserves.

One way to set your child on the right path toward lifelong oral health is to begin with a fearless introduction to the dentist. At our office in Holmdel, NJ, we have a special play room with children’s furniture and entertainment, including books, toys, games and TV shows. This helps make their first and subsequent appointments as much fun as possible.

To help Dr. Shah provide an anxiety free appointment, you can remember to not talk to your child with negative language. Phrases like “the dentist isn’t going to hurt you” or “you won’t feel pain” are counterproductive since it probably never occurred to your child to be scared of the dentist in the first place. If you would like to introduce your child to the idea of going to the dentist ahead of time, you can borrow a video from us that explains that it can be fun to go to the dentist.

In addition to regular dental visits, good oral health can be achieved with a proper diet and regular brushing. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180. For more information, visit www.DentistNJ.com.