Orthodontics and Root Canals

At Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel dental practice, patients have the advantage of a dentist who is a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry and skilled in a wide variety of treatments. Dr. Shah is competent to provide general dentistry including orthodontics, root canals, implants, extraction, treat kids, cosmetic dentistry tetc under one roof  by same comforting and caring team. 

When a tooth is badly infected, dentists face a choice: should it be extracted and replaced or treated with a root canal? Nothing is as good as your own tooth.Dr. shah will give her 100% to save your teeth if possible. It may need simpole filling or may need root cana, post core and crown or gum treatment.  It makes sense for patients to go to a single doctor who can provide all their treatment.

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.

 

Filling a Cavity

A cavity is something that Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS hopes her patients never encounter. Though they are common, a cavity is a hole in the tooth that develops from dental decay. Tooth decay occurs because oral care habits  are lacking or nonexistent and poor choice of diet. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS is happy to give patients a refresher in oral care if they need one, otherwise, down the road, you may need to discuss filling options.

At her dental practice, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS utilizes tooth-colored fillings. This is because tooth-colored fillings resemble the appearance of a natural tooth and blend-in well with the rest of the teeth. Composite resins such as these conserve the tooth and provide more support than metal fillings. They are also a safer alternative to maintaining a healthy smile.

If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth decay or cosmetic dentistry, 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. 

Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

If you’ve ever used your teeth to bite/cut your nails, open a package or have used them as scissors to remove plastic ties, or tape, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS is here to tell you why you should break these bad oral habits. Using your teeth as tools for foreign objects can cause them to crack, chip, or fracture. Though Dr. Shah has the materials to restore and repair a tooth that has been damaged, she would much rather you protect them in the first place.

It can be tempting to use your teeth as tools, but this is more of an impulsive habit. When you get the urge to clench, or nibble on your nails, reach for some healthy food to combat the impulse. Additionally, chewing on hard objects such as ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy can cause teeth to become painful, sensitive, and may require a root canal or a dental crown if you are not careful.

If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth sensitivity, 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. 

Permanent Retainer after Orthodontic Treatment

The day has come, where you complete orthodontic treatment and anticipate the removal of brackets and wires. If you’ve completed Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to have the “pucks” or “bumps” removed from the teeth. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, doesn’t want all of your hard work to go to waste, which is why she is eager to discuss retainer options that best suit your needs. Though removable retainers are a common option, permanent retainers, also known as bonded retainers, are available as well.

A bonded retainer is a very thin piece of wire that is attached to the back of the teeth once orthodontic treatment is complete. It won’t be visible, but you may feel a slight pressure as this method works to keep teeth straight during all hours of the day. Bonded retainers may take some getting used to, but one of the biggest advantages is that you won’t have to remember to place your non-removable retainer in the mouth. If you decide to be fitted with a bonded retainer, be sure to discuss oral hygiene options with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, as flossing becomes slightly more difficult.

If you have questions or concerns about orthodontic treatment or aftercare options, 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.

Oral Cancer and Alcohol

Holmdel’s Dr. Dipika Shah has been part of the care team for many oral cancer patients. In order to help prevent more people from getting this disease, we at our dental office wanted to pass along the findings of a new report by the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) which found a connection between oral cancer and alcohol.

Many people are unaware of the fact that alcohol is a contributor to cancer, but the ASCO found that alcohol is the cause of about 5-6% of new cancer cases each year. That statistic included cancer in the oral cavity and the esophagus. In fact, oral cancer, unlike liver cancer, is something drinkers are at increased risk for even if they only use alcohol in moderation. The type of alcohol consumed (hard liquor vs. beer and wine) did not appear to have any impact, but the risk was heightened if the patient also smoked. Because so many people are unaware that alcohol is carcinogenic, many of them continue to drink alcohol after being diagnosed with cancer and oral chemotherapy is often compromised as a result. We provide oral cancer screenings at Dr. Shah’s office at every dental check-up visit and help our patients to manage medication side-effects such as dry mouth, but we hope this information will lead to fewer cases and better outcomes.

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.

Children's Dental Health Month

Dr. Dipika Shah of Holmdel is proud to run a family dental office that provides compassionate, well-informed care to children. Every February, the American Dental Association celebratesChildren’s Dental Health Month along with many volunteer dentists, their staff, and dental suppliers. This year’s theme is the use of fluoridated toothpaste.

Fluoridation provides teeth with more robust defense against the acid produced by oral bacteria. People who drink fluoridated water have better dental health than those who drink well water, and the topical fluoride treatments we provide reduce children’s chances of developing caries. However, it is still important for them to brush regularly. Decay in baby teeth is painful and has an adverse impact on children’s sleeping, eating,  speech development and affects permanent tooth that develops underneath the baby tooth. Additionally, brushing their teeth is often the first thing children learn to do to care for their own health and helps to get them into a lifetime of good habits.

Brushing should be done for two minutes per session with a soft-bristled toothbrush and should be done on every tooth surface, as well as the tongue.  Additional fluoride supplements should not be given to children, as it may cause their teeth may develop white patches. Dentists give topical fluoride and make sure that child does not swallow it thereby getting the best benefit. 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.

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.