Find out why tooth-colored fillings are the right choice for preserving your smile.

If you are dealing with a cavity, our Budd Lake, NJ, family dentist Dr. Steven Abrams will need to remove the decay and place a dental filling. Thanks to modern dentistry, we provide our patients with tooth-colored, metal-free dental fillings, and restorations that will blend in with your smile and strengthen a decayed tooth. Here’s what you should know about tooth-colored fillings so you can make an informed decision about the dental care you receive.

What is a dental filling?

Once we remove a cavity, we can’t simply leave holes in your tooth. Not only is this unbecoming but it can also leave the tooth weak and prone to further damage. To restore both the appearance and the strength of a tooth after a cavity, our Budd Lake NJ family dentist will place a dental filling to fill the hole and rebuild the tooth.

Why should I consider a tooth-colored filling?

Here are some of the benefits of getting tooth-colored fillings,

• These types of fillings preserve more natural tooth enamel, which means less enamel has to be removed before the filling can be placed
• Tooth-colored fillings can restore up to 95 percent of the tooth’s strength once it’s bonded to the tooth
• The treatment process is quick, easy, and conservative
• The composite resin material is matched to the color of your tooth so that it blends right in
• Metal-free fillings do not have any health risk associated with them

How long does a tooth-colored filling last?

The lifespan of your filling really depends on you and how well you care for your smile. The average lifespan of a composite resin filling lasts about five years; however, by maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist every six months for checkups, you could keep your filling for up to 10 years (or even longer!).

Do you have questions about tooth-colored fillings? Need to schedule an appointment or evaluation with our Budd Lake, NJ, family dentist? If so, don’t hesitate to call our office today at (973) 691-8200.

Are you alert to signs of gum disease? Periodontal problems impact the oral and systemic health of almost 48 percent of Americans 30 years older on up, reports the CDC. Our Budd Lake, NJ family dentist, Dr. Steven Abrams, wants you well-informed so your smile--and your overall health--thrives.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the soft tissues which support your teeth. How does it happen? Basically, oral bacteria multiply in plaque and tartar in interdental spaces and at the gum line. These Strep microbes overrun the gums and--left untreated--the underlying connective tissue and bone.

Like all illnesses, symptoms of periodontal infection start small. In fact, gingivitis, the mildest and earliest form of gum disease, causes minor symptoms. However, these can escalate quickly, and everyone should know what to watch for.

In his Budd Lake, NJ area office, your family dentist recognizes these signs of early gum problems:

• Bleeding gums, particularly when brushing, flossing or getting a hygienic cleaning at the dental office
• Sore, receding gums
• Bad breath

More advanced stages of gum disease (periodontitis) exhibit these concerning signs:

• Gaps between teeth
• Sores, or fistulas, on the gums
• Shifting dental bite
• Pockets between the teeth and gums which measure deeper than three millimeters
• Pus between teeth
• Loose teeth

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) reports that the inflammation associated with periodontitis impacts your entire body. It appears linked to serious health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and osteoporosis. In other words, unhealthy gum tissue makes you sick.

Treating and preventing gum disease

Along with recognizing the signs of early gum disease, Dr. Abrams wants you to know that gum disease can be prevented. Consistent brushing and flossing to control deposits of plaque and tartar are key to oral health maintenance. However, these preventives also help:

• Seeing your family dentist twice a year for a professional dental cleaning and exam
• Stopping all tobacco--both smokeless tobacco and cigarettes
• Enjoying a high fiber diet and drinking several glasses of water each day
• Understanding that gum problems often run in families (the AAP says to understand your risk)

Dr. Abrams treats gum disease with deep hygienic cleanings and root planing to remove long-standing deposits of plaque and tartar. He may add antimicrobial medication below the gum line, and set a schedule of periodontal maintenance. Advanced periodontitis may require gum grafting or other interventions to restore oral health and prevent tooth loss.

A vibrant smile

It starts with your gum tissue. Please work with your family dentist in maintaining your periodontal health. Phone Dr. Steven Abrams in Budd Lake, NJ, for a check-up and hygienic cleaning: (973) 691-8200.

Are you wondering what amazing features dental implants could offer your smile?

Dealing with tooth loss as an adult can be frustrating; however, you’ll be relieved to hear that there are so many incredible ways to replace missing teeth and to give you a beautiful smile. Many adults are turning to our Budd Lake, NJ, dentist Dr. Steven Abrams to get dental implants because they are permanent, lifelong tooth replacements that are as close to the real thing as you can get. As you might imagine, dental implants offer some pretty cool and unique benefits including,

They Can Last a Lifetime

Once your implant fuses with the jawbone you don’t ever need to worry about needing to replace it in the future. It’s now part of your mouth for the rest of your life (as long as you maintain good oral hygiene). While the dental crown, which is placed over the implant, may need to be replaced every decade or so, the metal post itself will probably never need to be replaced. This means that once your implant treatment is complete, you’ll have your new tooth for life.

They Act Like Real Teeth

Who doesn’t want a restoration that mimics the look, feel and function of a real tooth? This is why so many people come to our Budd Lake, NJ, office requesting dental implants. Our team understands that the top priority of most of our adult patients dealing with tooth loss is to find a restoration that is as close to a real tooth as possible. If you want a tooth that no one will be able to tell isn’t yours then you want to consider dental implants.

You Don’t Have to Worry About Bone Loss

One of the biggest downfalls of tooth loss is bone loss. If tooth loss isn’t properly treated this can lead to significant bone loss, which is why it’s important to treat tooth loss as soon as possible. Even waiting a year to treat the problem could lead to significant jawbone damage. The good news is that an implant replaces the missing tooth roots, providing the jawbone with the stimulation it needs to stay healthy and strong.

Maintain a Healthier Smile

Another benefit of dental implants is that this artificial structure cannot develop decay, which means that you don’t ever have to worry that it might develop a cavity. However, this doesn’t mean that you can neglect the health of your implant. You will still need to brush and floss it regularly, just like you do the rest of your smile, but implants certainly make it easy to practice good oral hygiene.

If you are interested in getting dental implants here in Budd Lake, NJ, the next step is to find out if you are a candidate for this treatment. To find out, schedule a consultation with Dr. Abrams by simply calling (973) 691-8200. Let us know that you are interested in getting dental implants and we will help you take the next steps to regain a healthy smile.

One of the main goals of dentistry is to preserve natural teeth. Thanks to current dental technology and oral hygiene practices, people can keep their teeth longer than ever before. Crowns and bridges are two very popular forms of dental restoration. They can help to protect weakened teeth, fill in the gaps left by lost teeth, and brighten your whole smile. Dr. Steven Abrams provides crowns and bridges in Budd Lake and New Jersy NJ.

What Are Crowns and Bridges Budd Lake?

A crown is a porcelain, resin, or metal cap that is placed over a damaged to weakened tooth. If you need a crown on a molar, where much chewing is done, a metal crown may be preferable. Whereas, if you need one at the front of your mouth where it will be visible, then a porcelain crown that matches your natural teeth may be preferable. Crowns are versatile restorations that can be used for Budd Lake dental patients to:

• Stabilize a cracked tooth
• Strengthen a tooth with a large filling
• Protect a tooth after a root canal
• Add to an implant to replace a lost tooth
• Improve the shape or color of a tooth
• Restore the biting surface or a worn tooth

A bridge is another form of restoration that is used to:

• Fill in a gap between two healthy teeth
• Provide a temporary or permanent tooth

Typically, a bridge is comprised of a prosthetic that is attached by metal clasps to adjoining teeth. The claps anchor the tooth in place above the gum line.

If you live in Budd Lake and you would like to find out more about crown and bridges, call Dr. Steven Abrams at (973) 691-8200. He will be happy to schedule a consultation with you to discuss your restoration options. Learn more by talking to your Crowns and Bridges Budd Lake expert today.

Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice. 

You will see some visual changes when it is time for your next appointment. We are taking every precaution necessary to limit the exposure of any virus or disease within our office, and we ask that you help us by participating in these precautions.

-Please fill out our electronic screening questionnaire before your next appointment using the following link: https://forms.gle/Q3196pNWaSjLdB1s9

-All patients will be asked to call the front desk (973-691-8200) upon arrival and wait in their cars until instructed to enter. 

-All patients are asked to wear a face covering upon entering and exiting the office. 

-Temperature will be taken with a no-touch forehead thermal scanner. 

-Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. 

-Touch free hand sanitizer and soaps will be available for your use.  

-Viral filtration units have been installed in the office. Doctor, Assistant and Hygienist will be operating in positive air pressure protective personal equipment (PPE). 

We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. 

Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors, and friends. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Steven Abrams and Staff

*A PPE charge will be applied per appointment.