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.

Smiles are meant to last a lifetime, and it takes diligent, daily dental care to make that happen. With proper oral hygiene, you can have healthy, attractive teeth, and your family dentist, Steven Abrams in Budd Lake, NJ, is here to help you master caring for your teeth.

From keeping your teeth strong to assisting with total body health, here is why proper oral care is so important:

Cavity Prevention

Many of us have experienced cavities, and remember how painful and unsightly they can be. Cavities develop when the bacteria in your mouth turns acidic and creates plaque. That plaque then eats away at your tooth, creating cavities.

To keep cavities at bay, it is essential to brush your teeth thoroughly, at least twice a day or after meals, to make sure that food particles aren't stuck on or between your teeth. Flossing is also crucial for removing any bits from the tight spaces between your teeth.

If you already have a cavity, make sure to visit your family dentist at our Budd Lake office right away to have it cleaned and filled before it becomes worse.

Gum Disease Prevention

Plaque buildup can also lead to gum disease, a serious condition that could lead to extreme decay and possibly weaken your jaw line, causing your teeth to loosen or fall out. Once again, brushing, including along the gum line, is needed to keep tartar and plaque from building up and hardening.

Make sure to make regular appointments with your family dentist at our Budd Lake office so they can look for signs of gum disease, and remove any stubborn plaque with special tools. An exam and deep cleaning at our Budd Lake office is also important for scraping away any tartar that your toothbrush can't remove and ensuring none of your teeth are loose or damaged.

Total Body Health

Dental issues can negatively impact your whole body, meaning it is imperative to practice good oral hygiene. Poor dental health can increase your risk of health conditions like heart disease, as well as preventing you from eating nutritious foods that ensure your body is getting the proper vitamins and minerals it needs to be strong and healthy.

During your visit to our Budd Lake office, your family dentist will look closely for any signs of tooth decay, gum infection, or other signs of poor oral health. Your family dentist will help you restore your oral health with any necessary treatments.

With consistent at-home care, combined with the assistance of your family dentist, you can achieve and maintain a healthy smile. Make an appointment at our Budd Lake office today by calling 973-691-8200.