Peri-Implantitis

Implants make dental restorations much more reliable, but they need to be cared for like natural teeth. At Bridge Smiles Dental Group in Somerset County, we want patients to be able to recognize inflammation around an implant and why it is important. The fate of their teeth could depend on it.

Gum inflammation around an implant is known to dentists as peri-implantitis. There are a few possible causes, including exposed dental cement and an autoimmune disorder, but the most common is a gum pocket infection. The part of the tooth below the gum line is difficult to clean and can become a home for decay-causing bacteria. Acid produced by bacteria sticks to the tooth’s tartar, causing it to damage the surrounding gums. Gums experiencing decay bleed, swell up, are tender, and turn red. If the decay gets bad enough, they can lose mass, as can teeth, the jaw bone, and the implant post.

An implant should be fully integrated into the jaw bone and never move. If it comes loose, or enough jaw bone tissue is lost, the implant has to be removed. Since the integration process can take a while, this would be unfortunate, but it is nearly always preventable. If a patient notices that they have inflammation around an implant, they should call for a cleaning as soon as possible.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit Bridge Smiles Dental.

Dental Crown Placement

Our doctors at Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A. may suggest a dental crown for a variety of reasons. If a patient has a tooth that is weak and needs to be protected from decay or one that is severely worn down and needs to be restored, a dental crown will be necessary. The procedure for installing a crown usually takes two separate visits to the office and we’d like you to know what to expect during the process.

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over the tooth to cover it and help restore the tooth to help restore it to its natural shape and size. In addition to making the tooth stronger and improving its appearance, a dental crown can assist in improving the alignment of your bite. Once the type of material has been chosen for the dental crown, preparing for the procedure itself will typically require two visits. The first visit involves examining and preparing the tooth, while the second visit includes placement of the permanent crown.

If you have questions or concerns about dental crowns, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.bridgesmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A. in Somerville, NJ, call 908-725-0400.

Electric and Manual Toothbrushes

The most important part of oral preventive care is regular teeth brushing. At Bridge Smiles Dental Group in Somerset County, we try to help all our patients understand their oral health needs. Whether a patient needs an electric toothbrush will depend on a few factors.

When using a manual toothbrush, it is recommended that people brush for two minutes per session, twice a day. This should allow them to make hundreds of brush strokes and, along with flossing and tongue scrapers, be sufficient oral hygiene. Electric toothbrushes can make tens of thousands of brush strokes per minute, but studies have not found them to be more effective than properly used manual toothbrushes at preventing decay.

The key question is whether a patient is able to use a manual toothbrush properly. There are grips that can be put on manual toothbrushes to help people with dexterity issues, but electric toothbrushes now often come with Bluetooth technology and apps that can help remind a patient to improve their technique. Apps for kids even include mobile games that reward them for making progress. Electric toothbrushes are a big investment, but they may be worthwhile to someone who has a history of decay using manual toothbrushes and needs instant feedback, reminders, or something that doesn’t require them to use their hands as much.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit Bridge Smiles Dental.

 

Thank You for Your Continuous Testimonials!

Here at Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A., we appreciate feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Sarah C. for being a dedicated patient, but we’d like to thank her for reviewing us. Additionally, we encourage the rest of our patients to do the same. 

“Being a patient at Bridge Smiles Dental Group has been a very positive experience. All of the staff is extremely friendly and professional. They work with you and your insurance company to ensure you have the best care attainable. I also bring my young son here for his dental care. He is at ease in their office and does not get anxious or nervous before his visits. This is a group where you are guaranteed a positive experience and I would recommend them to anyone. – Sarah C.

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.bridgesmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A., contact our Neshanic Station, NJ location at 908-782-4418 or our Somerville, NJ location at 908-725-0400.