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.

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. 

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. 

Mini Dental Implants

If missing teeth have you frowning, more than smiling, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS has the solution. Dental implants are an excellent way to aesthetic repair a tooth while restoring it back to its natural function. In her Holmdel, NJ, office, Dr. Shah utilizes regular and mini-implants. Mini dental implants are a cost-efficient alternative to regular dental implants and also requires less surgery so it can be a good alternative for patients with some of the medical conditions where regular implants may be higher risk.  To determine if mini-implants are right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Shah.  

Mini dental implants make placement much easier since they are small in diameter. They are ideal for a patient who is looking to replace missing teeth but doesn’t want to go through the process of invasive implant surgery. Mini dental implants have the same structure as regular dental implants but are smaller in form. Additionally, they can still provide a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth, such as bridges and fixed crowns.

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.

Replace missing teeth

If you do not have enough bone to place implants or your health does not allow invasive procedure, dentures can be great alternative to replace teeth, chew better, talk better and support your oral  and facila tissue to regain good esthetics. Sometimes poor fitting or poorly adjusted dentures can give pain.. It may also be a result of new dentures, worn over soft tissues that have not developed thick, toughened layers of protective keratin. If you are experiencing gum and mouth irritation, problems eating and speaking, mouth infections and/or dentures that move around in your mouth, give Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS a call to discuss your treatment options.

If you wear dentures, it is very important you keep your mouth clean and healthy. In addition, you should never experience pain when wearing your dentures. If you do experience pain from your dentures and this discomfort is not treated by speaking slowly, eating soft foods or using an adhesive, your dentures may need to be replaced. At the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, we have plenty of tooth-replacement options for you to choose from if dentures aren’t working out.

If you have dentures that are causing you 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. 

Dental Implant Is the Best Choice for Replacement of a Tooth

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. In fact, they are one of the most reliable long-term methods of tooth replacement. If  you have missing teeth and need replacement, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS is here to help.

Osseointegration describes the formation of a direct functional and structural connection between a person’s bone and an artificial implant. There are two primary reasons for “later” implant failure after the osseointegration process has been successful. These include over-stressing implants with too much biting force or inflammatory disease of the gum tissues and/or bone around the implant. Prevention plays a tremendous role in avoiding implant failure. Once the implants are placed, it’s crucial to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Make sure you schedule regular dental cleanings to help keep the tissues around your implants healthy.

If you have questions about dental implants, 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. 

Teeth Replacement with Dentures

If you have missing teeth, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, has a variety of treatment options to replace them to help you improve your appearance and smile. One of these options is dentures. Dentures are custom-made replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back in your mouth. While they may take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as natural teeth, they are a non-invasive form of treatment that provides great benefits.

Today’s dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever. There are two main types: full and partial. With full dentures, a gum-colored acrylic base fits over your gums. The base of the upper denture covers the roof of your mouth, while that of the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue. A partial denture can be made with or without metal framework.  Partial dentures are a removable alternative to dental bridges. These dentures can also be supported with implants for better retension.  After you schedule a consultation with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, she will determine which type is best for you.

If you think you may benefit from dentures, 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. 

Consequences of Missing Teeth

There are many reasons an individual might be missing teeth. The most common are tooth decay; however, in some cases, tooth loss is caused by injuries to either the tooth itself or to the surrounding tissues, including the gums and jaws. Like other common dental problems, missing teeth can cause serious complications over time if left untreated. Fortunately, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS has a wide variety of restorative and cosmetic treatment options for patients to choose from.

There are several negative consequences of missing some or all of your teeth. Not only will your smile be affected by the gaps from the missing teeth, but the aesthetics of your face will change. If you’re missing too many teeth, the skin around your mouth won’t be supported properly and will start to sag, making you appear older than you are. Additionally, missing teeth will make eating and even speaking more difficult. The way you look affects the way you feel, and the psychological consequences of tooth loss can be intense. If you desire to repair your toothless grin, allow us to create you a more beautiful smile.

If you have missing teeth, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. 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.

Dental Bonding in Holmdel, NJ

Dental bonding is one of the easiest and most affordable dental procedures used for repairing teeth and enhancing the aesthetics of your smile. By bonding a tooth-colored resin to the patient’s teeth, Dr. Dipika Shah can correct smiles with unevenly-shaped, chipped or discolored teeth, prevent further enamel erosion and even fill cavities seamlessly and without the need for amalgam. If you’re looking to improve the health and look of your smile in Holmdel, NJ, come to our office!

Unlike other cosmetic dental procedures, bonding can usually be accomplished in a single visit to our office and doesn’t require enamel to be removed as veneers do. Bonding usually only requires light abrasion and an application of adhesive gel, which helps the resin adhere to the teeth. If being used as an alternative to amalgam fillings, tooth decay will also be removed in preparation for the filling.
 

Once your teeth are prepared, Dr. Shah will select the right color resin for your smile and apply the putty-like substance to your tooth or teeth. The resin is then molded and smoothed until it is in the desired shape and then hardened with an LED light. After it has been hardened, the dentist will trim and shape it even further, polishing the resin until it shines like a natural tooth. Altogether, the procedure usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour for each tooth.

If you’re unhappy with your smile but unwilling to go as far as veneers, bonding can be used to improve your teeth effectively, quickly and affordably. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180. For more information, please visit www.dentistnj.com.      

Dental Crowns

From the acid errosion caused by the food you eat to the constant biting, crunching and grinding you do when eating or stressed, daily activities weaken your teeth and make them more susceptible to decay, cracks, discoloration and more. If any of your teeth reach a point where they become so weak or decayed that the tooth structure becomes compromised, a crown can be used to protect and reinforce it. By covering a weak or broken tooth and restoring it to its original size and shape, a crown reduces pain and saves the tooth from needing to be extracted, and in Holmdel, NJ, Dr. Dipika Shah can determine if a crown is needed to save your smile.

Made from porcelain, gold or porcelain fused to metal, crowns are used to repair teeth when fillings or bonding are not enough. When you have a crown placed, Dr. Shah will first prepare your tooth by removing any existing decay and insulating the tooth nerve with core buildup. Besides providing insulation, the core buildup also serves as a surface for the crown to bond to. Once the tooth is prepared, an impression is taken so that the crown can be created to fit perfectly. Then at your next appointment, the custom crown is cemented onto the current tooth to prevent further decay and fracture.

Schedule an appointment with our office by calling 732-264-8180. For more information, please visit www.dentistnj.com.