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

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.

 

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.

 

Laser Therapy for Gums

Everyone likes to make a good impression with a nice smile.  The look of your smile includes your gums, and even patients without any damage to their teeth feel like their gums keep them from enjoying their best smile.  Some people naturally have more gum tissue than others and it results in a gummy smile.  Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS is skilled at laser therapy for gums, which removes infected tissue as well as excess tissue that gets in the way of a patient’s smile.

Laser tools are so effective in periodontal treatments because they can target unhealthy gum tissue and leave healthy tissue undisturbed. The precision that can be achieved with a laser results in less trauma to the mouth and less recovery time.  In the past, periodontal treatment was completed using more aggressive tools and often required stitches. With a laser, treating only the affected gum tissue and not damaging any healthy gums is more efficient and causes little to no bleeding, which means less swelling after the procedure.  Patients often find the laser procedure relatively painless, so less and sometimes no anesthetic is needed.  Please contact us to improve your oral health with a laser treatment for your gums!

To learn more about laser treatments for gums and all the services we provide, 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. 

Nausea and Teeth

If a sick feeling occurs before you ever step foot in the dental office, letting Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS know about any negative past experiences in the chair may give them a chance to make adjustments and keep you calm and comfortable. On the other hand, if you’ve experienced an upset stomach during or after a trip to the dentist, taking a look at what happens may help prevent the queasy feeling next time.

Visiting the dentist on an empty stomach or too full of a stomach may lead to queasiness or indigestion simply from the positioning of the chair and the smells in the office. Allergies and pre-existing conditions such as infections also can make the stomach hurt during dental work. In addition, individuals with latex or rubber allergies can get sick from exposure to gloves or dental implements made with rubber, and people with gum disease or tooth abscesses can also get ill from drainage of bacteria into the stomach. Others may have bugs or viruses prior to their appointments that are aggravated by having to lie in a reclined position on their backs.

If you have experienced some sort of nausea after receiving dental work, please notify us the next time you make an appointment. 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. 

Gum Disease: Stages and Development

You have probably heard your dentist speak about gum disease, and you’re probably familiar with gingivitis, but did you know it can advance well beyond that? Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS of Holmdel, NJ wants to inform her patients of the dangers of gum disease and how it develops.

Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue. The first stage is gingivitis. This is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Since it is caused by plaque on the teeth, it is fairly easy to treat. Brushing more frequently and flossing every day will should clear it up. However, if left alone, gingivitis could turn into periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis includes those red, swollen gums, but they bleed more frequently and may be painful while chewing. Periodontitis can also create pockets between the gums and the teeth where bacteria collect; it can create sores in the mouth, and can loosen teeth. It can lead to the spread of infection and the complete loss of teeth. Periodontitis is tougher to clear up. A scaling and planing procedure is needed to remove the bacteria deep within the gums. Afterwards, pocket reduction surgery and gum grafts may be needed to repair the gums.

Gum disease develops when plaque and tartar are frequently left on teeth to irritate the gums. Remember to keep a good oral hygiene routine and to see Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS for cleanings and examinations. To schedule in our Holmdel, NJ office, call us at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com. 

Scaling and Root Planing with Dr. Dipika Shah

In Holmdel, NJ, we actively strive to help our patients maintain optimal oral health and retain all their original teeth if possible. By offering scaling and root planing to treat early gum disease, Dr. Dipika Shah can restore the health of your gums and save your smile.

Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar are allowed to buildup on your teeth, creating a suitable environment for bacteria to thrive. As bacteria collect in your mouth, they will attack your teeth and surrounding gums. In its earliest stages, gum disease is called gingivitis, but if it is left untreated, it becomes a much more serious periodontal disease that destroys your gum tissue and leads to tooth loss. If it is not treated, the disease can even cause a loss of bone mass in your jaw.

Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it develops into a more serious disease. The procedure allows Dr. Shah to clean between your gums and teeth all the way down to the roots in order to smooth the root structure and remove the tartar that is causing your inflammation. The procedure is incredibly effective and can stop the progression of gum disease before it irreversibly damages your teeth.

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease or you have red, swollen or bleeding gums, schedule an appointment with our office in by calling 732-264-8180. For more information, visit www.dentistnj.com.

Dr. Dipika Shah Performs Tooth Extractions

If decay has reached too deeply into one of your teeth or if an infection has damaged too much of the supporting bone or tissue, you will need a tooth extraction, and in Holmdel, NJ, Dr. Dipika Shah can provide the extraction you need to restore your oral health.

Before the procedure is performed, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the extraction site. During a simple extraction, the tooth is then loosened with an elevator and extracted with forceps. Once removed, Dr. Shah may choose to smooth and contour the underlying bone. When she is finished, the gums are sutured.

After the extraction, it is critical to keep the area clean to prevent infection. A dry, sterile gauze will be placed over the gums to limit bleeding. You must make sure to keep it in place for 30 to 45 minutes while the blood clots. During the 24 hours after the procedure, you should not smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously or clean the teeth immediately adjacent to the extraction site. Strenuous activity, hot liquids and straw drinking should also be avoided. A certain amount of pain and discomfort accompanies an extraction, so a painkiller may be prescribed.

If you are suffering pain from decay, infection or impaction, Dr. Shah can determine if a tooth extraction is required to save your smile. Schedule an appointment at our practice by calling 732-264-8180. For more information, visit www.dentistnj.com.

Gum Disease

Caring for your teeth is an essential part of maintaining good oral health, but your gums also play an important role in your health, and proper care is crucial. Gum disease can be a serious detriment to your oral health and overall wellness, and Dr. Dipika Shah provides the type of regular periodontal care and checkups you need to maintain peak health and prevent gum disease.

With periodontal disease responsible for 75 percent of all adult tooth loss cases in the United States, it is critical to check for and treat periodontal issues when they first arise. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that starts when a build-up of plaque on your teeth hardens surrounding gums. In its early stages, this gum disease is gingivitis, but if it is left untreated, it becomes periodontis. Periodontis can destroy your gums tissue and lead to tooth loss. Periodontis can even result in a loss of bone mass in your jawbone, and heart disease, diabetes and stroke have also been linked to poor periodontal health.

The state of your gums affects the health of your entire body, so come to our office in Holmdel, NJ for periodontal cleanings and treatment. We will make sure your gums are well cared for. Call 732-264-8180. For more information, visit www.dentistnj.com.

Computed Cone Beam 3D X-ray

New and modern dental technology is used frequently here in our dental practice, which benefits our patients. One piece of technology we are proud to use is computed cone beam 3D X-ray.

Imaging is necessary for all patients, as it helps us diagnose problems early, determine the best course of treatment, and plan future essential procedures for our patients. While we also utilize digital x-rays, the 3D computed cone beam x-rays take the process one step further.

Dental 3 D x-ray provides a more extensive imaging process for patient’s diagnosis and treatment planning with least amount of radiation . With a single image, we get a complete three-dimensional image sent to a nearby computer. Here, we can look at the image to find quality and quantity of bone, location of major nerve and blood vessels to plan length, width and exact location for implant with much accuracy, number and length of canals in the teeth to treat Root canal infection with much accuracy, any infection or cancerous/abnormal lesion etc.  It benefits the patients with a more effective imaging, immediate access to the digital x-ray images, more acurate diagnosis and treatment plan with  less radiation than traditional bitewing x-rays.

Call Dr. Dipika Shah at 732-264-8180 to schedule an appointment and benefit from the computed cone beam 3D X-ray machine.