How to Tell If You Need a Root Canal

How to Tell If You Need a Root Canal

A root canal procedure is essentially used to save a tooth that needs to be removed. It becomes necessary when the blood or nerve supply, known as the pulp, becomes infected through decay or injury. We understand a root canal procedure can be a bit intimidating at first. We would like to take the time to educate you on the basics of this procedure, as well as give you direction on how to recognize if this is a procedure you may need.

When Is a Root Canal Necessary?
The dentist will recommend a root canal procedure if the pulp of a tooth becomes infected. Infections can occur when gum disease is left untreated. If the tooth pulp becomes infected or dies, a painful abscess can form within the jawbone. This essentially destroys the bone surrounding the affected tooth. In a root canal procedure, the dead or infected tooth pulp is removed to prevent infection from spreading throughout the mouth. After the nerve and pulp is removed, the inside of the affected tooth is cleaned and then sealed. If a root canal is not performed, the tooth may need to be removed.

Symptoms:

  • Pain when biting down on an infected tooth. If you experience severe pain when you chew or apply pressure to a tooth you should see your dentist.
  • Pain when you are not using the infected tooth. If you experience severe pain, even without chewing or applying pressure, you should see your dentist.
  • Tooth sensitivity to cold or hot foods and drinks.
  • Tooth discoloration.
  • Swollen gums around the infected tooth. If you experience extended pain and sensitivity, or swelling and tenderness of the surrounding gum area you should see your dentist.

When Do I Need A Root Canal Procedure?
If you notice one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, you should contact your dentist to make an appointment. In an appointment, your dentist will be able to evaluate your issue and offer the necessary treatment.

For more information, visit our page on Root Canal Therapy!

The Benefits of Professional Tooth Whitening

The Benefits of Professional Tooth Whitening

The very first thing people notice about an individual is their smile. Having a healthy, white smile can help you to get that date, or even land your dream job. It’s true. Both men and women overwhelmingly report that the number one thing they remember about their date is their smile. Professionals also tend to select candidates with a nice smile, as it’s associated with level of attractiveness. Yes, hiring professionals not only search for a person who is a good fit but one who is also attractive. Read on to discover the many benefits of professional tooth whitening:

  • Get the results you want. Unlike at-home whitening kits, professional tooth whitening by your dental provider can whiten your teeth up to 8 shades lighter after just one treatment. Zoom! Whitening safely and effectively removes stains on and below the surface of the teeth in a one-hour treatment. At-home whitening kits can only remove surface stains, making it difficult to achieve thorough results.
  • Reduce sensitivity. The whitening agents used in at-home whitening kits are harsh on the teeth and often lead to tooth sensitivity. When done professionally, you can reduce the amount of tooth sensitivity you experience. Zoom! Whitening is designed to safely and harmlessly treat the teeth for great results, including reduced tooth sensitivity. It’s common to experience minor tooth sensitivity with professional whitening, however, the effects are less than that of at-home treatments and should subside shortly.
  • Get long-lasting results. Professional tooth whitening provides you with beautiful long-lasting results. To keep your teeth white, we recommend brushing twice daily, flossing, eating healthy foods, avoiding teeth staining drinks (such as coffee, red wine, and black tea), and visiting your dentist every six months for routine cleanings. Touch-up kits are also available to keep your smile nice and white.
  • Restore your smile; restore your confidence. Having beautiful white teeth tends to be a confidence booster for many people. As I mentioned earlier, whether you’re on a date, interview, etc., it always helps to have a bright smile. With professional tooth whitening, you can increase your confidence. You’ll never want to stop smiling!

Professional tooth whitening has many benefits to offer. You should keep in mind that tooth whitening is not a replacement for dental care. Having white teeth does not necessarily mean that your teeth are healthy. Therefore, you should always brush twice daily, floss, eat healthy foods, drink light colored and sugar-free beverages, and visit your dentist twice a year for a routine cleaning. For more information, please visit our Professional Tooth Whitening page!

Invisalign: Why NJ Patients Should Try It

Invisalign: Why NJ Patients Should Try It

invisalign-logo

That moment when you realize that you’ll be stuck with those ugly braces on your teeth for more than a year! Ugh!

How often has this been the experience of people who had the unfortunate pleasure of wearing traditional braces to straighten less than perfect teeth? For many of us, it was the “braces stage” of our lives that we look back on with a level of embarrassment irrespective of how happy we are with the end result.

Uncomfortable braces aren’t the only solution for straightening teeth, though. There is an alternative that can remove the potential “braces stage” in life so many of us experience.

Invisalign is one such solution and the advantages are more than simply cosmetic. While Invisalign uses a clear material for patients in NJ with crooked teeth, which is considerably less noticeable than traditional braces, it provides the additional benefit of allowing the patient to care for his or her teeth (brushing and flossing) because they are removable. Patients using traditional metal braces often have issues with tooth decay and gum disease because they aren’t able to care for their teeth as effectively during the time they are wearing them.

invisalign-before-after-3

They can also be removed when you eat allowing you to enjoy food better than you might while wearing traditional braces.

Invisalign is customized to a patient’s teeth and because there are no wires or bands, there is less irritation. As teeth are straightened, there is also great potential for improved overall dental health as not only can teeth be better cared for while using Invisalign, but ultimately, straighter teeth are better for dental maintenance over the long term.

The Invisalign procedure is fairly simple. Impressions are made of a patient’s teeth so the Invisalign trays are customized for maximum comfort and effectiveness. With the use of 3D imaging, a patient gets to see how their teeth will look at the end of their treatment. Over the course of six months to a year, a patient returns periodically for a new customized aligner and that’s pretty much it.

Obviously, each patient is different and has different degrees of tooth alignment necessary to straighten their teeth, but Invisalign is not a “one size fits all” procedure. The advantages essentially boil down to customization, comfort, aesthetics (they’re practically invisible), removable (for eating food and brushing/flossing) and the impressive end results as evidenced by a host of successful procedures and satisfied patients.

If you think Invisalign may be what you or someone in NJ you know would like to know more about, contact Smilepartnerz at (973) 694-5101.

Invisalign for Teens in New Jersey

invisalign-teen-njInvisalign is a popular alternative to traditional metal braces for many teens in New Jersey. Invisalign is removable, comfortable and best of all clear. Many teens are highly sensitive to the way they look, so having this amazing option of clear braces helps many teens feel more comfortable in school, with their peers and in social settings.

While having braces is commonly related to the teen years, braces can be recommended from pre-teen to adulthood. It is highly recommended to make your child’s first appointment with an orthodontist when their permanent teeth come in, usually around the age of seven. The overcrowding and uneven bite issues will be easily detected and the orthodontist will map out a plan for correction.

There are differences between standard metal braces and Invisalign. Standard braces require brackets and wires. These wires can poke and irritate the mouth. In addition the brackets are bulky and can cause soreness inside the lip and cheek area due to persistent contact. Invisalign is clear aligners that are virtually invisible. They are smooth and comfortable plastic aligners that are easy to remove and clean. One main difference is standard braces has food restrictions, while Invisalign allows you to eat whatever you want.

The benefits of Invisalign include comfort, confidence and convenience. Invisalign is removable and allows for proper flossing and brushing. An added convenience that many teens enjoy is the easy removal advantage. Many teens take school pictures, attend proms, social events and other special events that require them to look their best. Invisalign allows teens to temporarily remove their clear braces while attending special events. Due to this incredible convenience teens will also look and feel their best.

NJ has an abundance of dentists who offer Invisalign Teens located throughout the area. Choosing the right orthodontist who provides Invisalign service will take time to find. Many times your primary dentist will recommend a specific orthodontist and offer you a referral. Other times, you may have to find the right Invisalign expert for your teen on your own. If this is the case, you will want to follow these easy steps that will help guide you to an excellent Invisalign expert.

  • Search – Your teen is going to have frequent appointments during their experience using Invisalign. Look for dentists or orthodontists offices that are conveniently located in your area. Depending on your weekly schedule, finding a location closest to your home, job or child’s school may be necessary. You will want to find the best suited area for your lifestyle.
  • Contact – Review the dental office website to see if they offer Invisalign services. You can also call the office directly to inquire about more details about the service.
  • Make an appointment – Bring your teen to the appointment and discuss Invisalign options with the dentist or orthodontist. Make sure your child feels comfortable with the Invisalign expert and their demeanor.

To schedule your Invisalign Teen appointment, please call Smilepartnerz at (973) 694 5101 or fill out the contact form.

Teens will find choosing Invisalign will offer them freedom, convenience and comfort compared to standard braces that use brackets and wires. Remember to begin bringing your child to the orthodontist at around age seven to begin their teeth correcting plan. Take your time choosing an Invisalign expert for your child. You will want to choose the one who provides what is best suited for your child, as well as a positive atmosphere so your child will feel comfortable visiting the office frequently.