American Dental Center

Wisdom Teeth

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:42:58 GMT

Since having wisdom teeth (third molars) out is one of the most common types of surgery, it's easy to understand why so many people want to learn more about them. The Union NJ Dentist wants to inform our patients as to what wisdom teeth (and "impacted" wisdom teeth) are. We also provide illustrations showing the different types (classifications) of impactions.

As you read through the remainder of our topic's pages, you'll discover the reasons dentists typically give for wisdom tooth removal, the associated risks and potential complications of having them out, and learn why many of these teeth may not need to be extracted.

"Wisdom teeth" are a type of molar. Molars are the chewing teeth found furthest in the back of the mouth.

Most humans have 1st, 2nd and 3rd molars. A person's third molars are their wisdom teeth.

A person's third molars will erupt (come into place) right behind their second molars (if there is room for them and they are aligned properly). With most people, this eruption process takes place during their late teens or early twenties (ages 18 to 24 years, although eruption outside of this range is not uncommon).

People usually have four wisdom teeth: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. If they don't, it's due to their genetic makeup. It's been estimated that about 25% of all people are lacking one or more of their third molars.

Welcome

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 02:04:22 GMT

As we welcome you to the dentist in Union, there are a few things we would like to share with you. We want you to know that as you meet your dentist you are in excellent hands. There are numerous people that fear the dentist and dread having to see him twice a calendar year. With a wonderful dentist like ours, there is no reason to dread the dentist at any more. Each and every person in his staff and office will do their best to make sure you feel cozy from the instant you wander into the office until the very second you leave. Once more we would like to say welcome to the dentist in Union. We just know you are going to like it here.

Dental Treatments Offered in Our Office

Root Canal Surgical procedure
Cavity Fix
Smile Makeovers
Orthodontics
Dental Implants
Dentures
Teeth Whitening
Gum Condition Therapy
Wisdom Teeth
Etc.

With so many options of dental treatments and surgical procedures you can get the dental therapy you need at a cost you can easily find the money for through our great payment options.

Oral Health

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:49:22 GMT

You probably know it is best to clean your teeth after every meal and snack, but who has that kind of time? It is not likely you will always have your toothbrush wherever you go, and with your busy schedule dental care may often take a back seat. Unfortunately your oral health also reflects upon your overall health and well being. So I hope to make routine dental care a little easier with these Union oral hygiene tips. If you are looking for motivation just visit our image gallery to see how neglected oral hygiene can ruin smiles.

You probably also know there is not really a substitute for brushing your teeth. Not one. If you want a healthy smile then you will have to brush morning and night, bottom line. Otherwise you might suffer from dental decay, gum disease, or any other number of health problems. You want to be sure and use fluoridated toothpaste that does not contain any detergents. Brush every surface of each tooth and along the gum line. If you haven’t yet, making brushing twice a daily routine. It will help your teeth, your gums, and your overall wellness. If you have questions about proper technique, feel free and contact any member of our dental team for help.

Dentist in Union NJRecommends Diet andExercise for Healthier Teeth

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:23:21 GMT

As your dentist in Union NJ will tell you, having a great smile is down to far more than just brushing and flossing regularly, a view that is backed up by solid research. A recent study at Case Western Reserve University showed combining diet and exercise with a good daily oral health routine could help reduce gum disease by up to 40%. These results give a lot of incentive for sticking to that diet!

It was actually a pretty big study, as it looked at data from 12,110 people. Results revealed those with healthier eating habits, whose weight was considered to be within a normal range and who took regular exercise, were 40% less likely to develop gum disease. Participants were monitored over a 24-hour period to see the kind of foods they ate, and how much exercise they took. Participants who had at least three intense activity sessions a week, or who undertook five or more moderate physical activities were considered to be healthy. However those meeting just two of these healthy behaviors were shown to have reduced their risk by around 29% while those undertaking just one healthy behavior showed a risk reduction of just 16%.

Bad Breath

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:42:11 GMT

Did you know? Chronic bad breath is something shared by millions of people across the country. Over 90 percent of that bad breath is caused by a specific type of bacteria in the mouth.

We all know that bad breath is not pleasant, especially in other people. The only trouble is that bad breath is not normally something you can detect in yourself. In fact, due to acclimatization, it can be incredibly difficult to know if you have bad breath without the reaction of another person. The most common symptoms of chronic Union, NJ bad breath include the malodorous smell, bad taste or taste changes, dry mouth, and a coating on the tongue. You may not consider bad breath to be much of a problem, but in some cases it can indicate or cause severe damage if left untreated.

Day to day bad breath is something everyone will experience. This generally comes from a lack of oral hygiene. You may have missed brushing your teeth in the morning or neglected to floss the garlic sirloin from last night's dinner. These common types of halitosis are easily treated with a renewal of oral hygiene. All you have to do is go back to brushing your teeth and the bad breath should disappear in a couple of days. Unfortunately not all bad breath is so easily treated.

Dental Health

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:13:19 GMT

You are well aware that fresh fruits and vegetables are great for your overall health and wellness, but what you might not realize is how beneficial they are for your dental health. They are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep your teeth and gums strong and problem free. As a local dentist I know the foods you eat can be a convenient and cost effective aid in dental health, but only if you are choosing Union health foods for teeth.

Many parents are not looking far enough ahead when it comes to pediatric dental care. During the early stages of development children are not receiving proper nutrients, minerals, and vitamins to help them grow strong and healthy teeth. Even at the infant stage your child’s smile may be at risk. That is why it is vital to learn these best foods for teeth in Union and establish healthy eating patterns as a parent or guardian. That way you child will continue to benefit down the road.

Union Dentists Help Patients Fight Gum Disease

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 02:22:03 GMT

It's easy to forget about your gums, and to just concentrate on having a sparkling white smile. But without healthy gums your teeth wouldn't have any support, and will fall out. Gum disease can strike at any age, but dentists in Union can help you win the fight.

Daily brushing and flossing combined with regular checkups and professional cleanings at your Union dentist office can help prevent this disease. It's well worth doing the very best you can to lessen your chances of developing gum disease, as not only is it the number one cause of tooth loss in the US, but developing this condition can also have serious consequences for your general health.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:39:00 GMT

Believe it or not, the history of dental implants can be traced back to many ancient civilizations. Their history begins over 1300 years ago. As you can imagine, the dental practices of today have come a long way since then. We have modern technologies and materials beyond even the imaginations of those ancient civilizations. Union dental implants are safe, long lasting, and your best option for replacing missing permanent teeth.

The study of archeology revealed some of the earliest dental implants in the mandible of a young woman from the ancient Mayan civilization. She lived back in about 600 B.C. When her remains were found the archaeologist discovered the use of shells placed in the empty sockets of her jaw. These pieces were carved to resemble teeth and had been implanted during her life because the shells were grafted to the bone. Those dental implants were just the beginning.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:38:57 GMT

Looking good is important, there is no denying this fact. Good dental hygiene is just one of many ways that you can keep yourself looking and feeling good. So, it should be no surprise that cosmetic dentistry is a multimillion dollar industry that grows in popularity each passing year. Finding a good Union cosmetic dentist could be the push you need to change your smile and improve your life.

New Jersey is full of beautiful people, having a perfect smile can help you to stand out from the crowd. At our Union cosmetic dentist office we offer a variety of options for New Jersey residents who are looking to enhance their looks by changing their smile. Whether you are simply looking for a few changes or a total smile makeover, we should have something that will fit your needs.

Top Dentist Movies

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:49:18 GMT

Over the years, it seems like practically every profession has had its moment in the spotlight as it was represented in a Hollywood feature. There are tons of great movies about police officers, soldiers, and surgeons, but many less celebrated occupations have also made their big screen debut - from convenient store attendants to fast food workers and even trash collectors and so forth. Even a Union NJ dentist can proudly say that their profession has been widely represented in many great films.

The thing about these particular films is that you don't have to be a Union NJ dentist to appreciate them. These are fantastic movies in their own right and have been highly regarded through the years, with one or two considered staples in the history of filmmaking. Some of the best dentist roles were played by leading actors like Steve Martin and Daniel Day-Lewis. Having such highly esteemed actors portray your profession on the big screen makes a Union NJ dentist proud to be a part of the field from which these filmmakers drew their inspiration.

Teeth Whitening

Tue, 01 May 2012 05:33:04 GMT

If your quest for whiter teeth has you constantly buying at home whitening kits you may be suffering from what dentists are now calling bleachorexia. This term has been coined to describe this new and overt addiction to teeth bleaching. With too much teeth whitening happening in Union as a local dentist I see just how harmful it is for your teeth.

People use whitening to make their smiles look clean and healthy. Unfortunately those who suffer from bleachorexia in Union are damaging their smiles instead of helping them. Also, instead of leading to whiter teeth, too much teeth whitening exposes the yellowish dentin below the enamel. In essence, oral health in Union is suffering because so many people are abusing over-the-counter whitening products.

Pediatric Dental

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:27:50 GMT

Across the country more and more dentists are becoming alarmed by the amount of decay children are suffering with. Not only are cavities the number one chronic illness in children, but they are visiting the dental office with anywhere from five to fifteen cavities. This decay is so extensive it often requires oral surgery to treat. Do you want your child to require a root canal while they are in preschool? If not then now is the time to improve oral health for children in Union. As a local pediatric dentist I am offering some tips that might help.

Many children are not receiving even the most basic dental care at home or from the dentists. Some of the reasons include availability in urban areas, affordability, and even a lack of information about childhood dental care. Whatever the reason I hope you will take this information I am providing and use it to improve Union child dentistry before it is too late.

Oral Cancer

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:30:32 GMT

Could you be at risk for oral cancer? Like most cancers, no one is immune. Some individuals, however, do hold statistically higher odds of developing certain sorts of cancer. Oral cancer, which is a broad term used for cancers of the neck, mouth, jaw, and tongue can spread rapidly. On average, one American dies of oral cancer every day. More than 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with some form of this cancer everyday and nearly a third of them will eventually die. The biggest contributing factor to these deaths is the stage which the cancer was presenting when diagnosed. When detected early, the prognosis for survival is well above 80%. However, many people do not have this type of cancer diagnosed in time. The best way to ensure you are protected is by routinely visiting your dentist in Union. Dentists are specially trained to detect visual indicators of cancer and often these indicators are discovered during otherwise routine visits to the family dentist.

Considering the prevalence of this cancer. dentists in Union and elsewhere encourage patients to obtain routine screenings through special lights like the VELscope VX(R) and to come into the office for regular checkups. From the age of six months forward, you should be seeing your dentist twice a year. The recommendation is the same for adults as it is for children. The possibility of cancer makes it particularly pertinent. As the longer you wait, the more rapidly this aggressive form of cancer can spread along the lymphatic system.

Moving Past Dental Fear

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 20:47:09 GMT

Millions of Americans are afraid of the dentist. Often, these individuals aren't even sure where their fear originated; it started early in life and has lingered, affecting them ever since. Dental Phobia is a real issue for many Union NJ dentist patients and one that it is critical they move past. Sure, you might never just love going to the dentist, but that doesn't mean you should be avoiding it out of fear either.

Not only is the Union NJ dentist and staff more than happy to accommodate clients who suffer from dental phobia as best we can, we also have some great information for helping you to overcome your troublesome fears.

Breaking the Cycle of Dental Fear

The big issue with dental phobia is that it often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy for the individuals who deal with it. They are afraid of the dentist so they avoid going until they need to see an emergency dentist because they are suffering from tooth loss or infection. The invasive procedures that are often necessary at this stage in decay are enough to unnerve anyone. The patient continues to associate Union NJ dentists with drilling and needles and returns to avoiding them until they absolutely have to go.

This cycle of fear keeps the patient continuously fearful of the dentist and for most people the only way to break it is to actually go to the dentist more often. Not only will regularly going to the dentist in Union help to reduce the number of serious issues that require invasive treatment from occurring, it will also help the patient to become more comfortable at the clinic. The more often you visit your Union NJ dentist for routine cleaning and preventative care, the less you will associate a trip to the dentist with fear and pain.

More Men Are Dental Hygienists

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 19:26:27 GMT

More men are choosing to enter "pink collar" professions such as dental hygiene, reports DrBicuspid.com. Dr. Raj Upadya, a dentist in New Jersey, recently interviewed seven candidates for a position as dental assistant. Two of the seven candidates were male, and Dr. Upadya ultimately hired Jason Ware as the man for the job.

"I think people expect something different when I walk into the room," said Ware to DrBicuspid.com. "Partly because I'm a guy, they expect me to be a bit of a brute, but I seem to exceed their expectations. People have said, 'Wow, you have such a soft touch.' I often hear that I have a great bedside manner and that I'm really gentle."

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 18:49:11 GMT

Dental implants may be right for you to restore missing teeth, reports the Community Voice. Cosmetic dentist Dr. George Malkemus says most patients are good candidates for dental implants. However, some health issues like smoking or gum disease can interfere with the process for dental implants.

"The best candidate for dental implants is a non-smoker in good general health with healthy gum tissues," he writes in the Community Voice. "Dental implants in smokers and patients with certain medical conditions can be successful, but healing time can take longer. Also, adequate bone is necessary to support an implant."

General Dentistry

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 23:45:15 GMT

Everybody knows that if you want to have the best possible smile you are going to need a great dentist to help you keep it in good shape. If you have the best dentist in Union, you should have no trouble maintaining a mouthful of healthy teeth and a picture-perfect grin for as long as you want. The only trouble to this is the fact that finding the best dentist available to you is no easy task. In fact, it could involve lots of groundwork.

To get your search for the best dentist in Union off on the right foot, you should think of what exactly it is you expect out of your dentist. As long as you know just what you are looking for, it will be simpler for you to think of good ways to find it. You need to know what qualities to look for, what questions to ask, and who to ask them to. To make things even easier, we’ve already listed some of these things for you.

Just Say No to Energy Drinks

Tue, 01 May 2012 22:24:30 GMT

Energy drinks can damage tooth enamel twice as much as sports drinks, concludes a study published in the May/June 2012 issue of General Dentistry magazine, which is published by the Academy of General Dentistry. Researchers found high acidity levels in the 13 sports drinks and nine energy drinks examined in the study, which can damage teeth and lead to cavities. Ironically, sports and energy drinks are often marketed as healthy ways to boost performance.

"Young adults consume these drinks assuming that they will improve their sports performance and energy levels and that they are 'better' for them than soda," said Dr. Poonam Jain, a dentist and lead author of the study, in a statement. "Most of these patients are shocked to learn that these drinks are essentially bathing their teeth with acid."

General Dentistry

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:54:52 GMT

Americans today lead busier lives than ever before. Work schedules are erratic and it is difficult for many people to take the time off to see their dentist in Union on a regular basis. To make life just a little bit easier, we offer dentists in Union that work on Saturday from 8-2. We also have dentists in our Union office as late as 8 PM on some weekdays. This flexible schedule should be enough to accommodate anyone's crazy schedule.

Additionally, if you make an appointment and find that you are unable to keep it for whatever reason, just give us a call. We will be happy to reschedule your appointment for another time when you will be available. By contacting us when you are going to be late or unable to make an appointment, you are helping to keep the schedule flexible for the long-term. So now that you know we have office hours to accommodate your needs, how often should you be contacting your Union dentist for an appointment?

Dentist Invents Robot to Explore Pyramids

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:21:26 GMT

A dentist has invented a robotic device to penetrate the doors of the tomb of mummified Pharaoh Cheops, according to Reuters. Hong Kong dentist Ng Tze-chuen, 59, plans to use his insect-sized robot armed with tiny grippers to scope out the Great Pyramid of Giza. Ng was inspired by his use of dental forceps to invent the device. An avid inventor, Ng said he is unconcerned with the "Curse of the Pharaohs" that promises death to those that disturb ancient Egyptian tombs.

"Why Egypt is so interesting, it's because of the hieroglyphics. It's like a detective story. It's all waiting for me to use my grippers," said Ng to Reuters. The Great Pyramid was built in Egypt in 2,500 B.C., and stands as the oldest of the three famous pyramids at Giza. Ng worked out an agreement with Egypt's former antiquities minister Zahi Hawass to organize a team to penetrate the recesses of the Great Pyramid. The robotic device will drill a tiny hole in the doors protecting the tomb, and then will capture the tomb's interior with a video camera.

Oral Health and Hygiene

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 03:48:43 GMT

When it comes to finding toothpaste, it can be a real chore to find the one that is absolutely the best. In many ways, they are all the same, but in many other ways, they couldn’t be more different. Many brands offer several individual lines of toothpaste, each with their own gimmick, which makes things even more difficult. Many people just avoid the task altogether and go straight to the dentist in Union for a recommendation. Even then, however, they might not get a final answer, because there is no single solution to suit everyone.

When you first walk down the toothpaste isle at your local pharmacy, you will be bombarded by the choices and all of the crazy promises they make, the flavors they offer, the brands that you can’t get out of your head after seeing dozens of commercials over and over. So how do you make that choice? The dentist in Union says you first have to consider yourself and what you personally need or want out of toothpaste. Continue reading for advice on how to do so.

General Dentistry

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:12:32 GMT

Have you ever heard of bruxism? It is from a Greek word that means gnashing of teeth. Basically, if you have ever been accused of clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, then you have had bruxism. Many people clench and grind their teeth without even realizing they are doing it. They do not suffer any symptoms and the occasional bruxism in Union is not harmful on your teeth. Habitual and unconscious bruxism, on the other hand, can do some major damage.

No one can narrow down the causes of bruxism to just one thing. It is beloved to be a combination of factors that contribute to this habit of teeth grinding. Some common causes often include stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness. Bruxism is known as a parafunctional habit, which means your teeth and mouth are functioning, but not in a common way. Chewing is a functional reflex of the mouth when your mouth is responding to stimuli, where teeth rarely come in contact. Clenching your jaw may begin as a response to stimuli, but is a maintained habit outside the normal function of your mouth.

Take a moment and answer these questions

How much stress are you under?
How long and tightly do you hold your jaw tight?
Are your teeth becoming misaligned?
Are you able to relax?
What are your sleeping habits?

Finding out you have bruxism can be difficult. Grinding will often occur while you sleep and most people are completely unaware they are even doing it. Signs do include a dull, constant headache, a sore jaw, and lose teeth. In most cases though, a person will often learn they grind their teeth from a loved one who hears them at night. If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth then you should call your dentist in Union for a consultation.

Bad Breath in Union

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:21:47 GMT

One embarrassing oral problem is bad breath, also called halitosis. There are numerous causes of bad breath and if you want to treat this problem we will help you determine the underlying cause. In most cases, over 90 percent of the time, halitosis originates in the mouth. The intensity differs due to diet, time, and conditions. The most common location for mouth related bad breath is the tongue.

The tongue is home to millions of naturally occurring bacteria. They thrive on the remnants of food particles, dead cells, and nasal drip. Bacteria flourishes in this ideal habitat and it can take quite a lot of work to finally rid yourself of bad breath in Union. That is why it is so important to take the time during your daily brushing and clean your tongue thoroughly. Mints, mouth sprays, and even most mouth wash will only mask the odor temporarily. They do not work to remove the bacteria, the source of halitosis. The bacteria must be removed. The remnants of food and dead cells must be removed. If not you may never rid yourself of bad breath.

Dentists Can Screen Patients for Alcohol Abuse

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 22:37:25 GMT

Dentists have the opportunity to screen patients for signs of binge drinking, reports the BBC News. Alcohol abuse can lead to cancer of the mouth, larynx and esophagus, among other health conditions.

"Of course, we go to the dentist for prevention purposes very often, for check-ups, and we're used to getting advice about diet and smoking from the dentist, so this is a very natural extension," said Jonathan Shepherd, a professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery at Cardiff University in Wales, to the BBC News.

Root Canal Awareness Week

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 23:28:15 GMT