• You’ve Lost a Dental Filling: What Now?

    A lost filling isn’t as serious as a knocked-out tooth, but you should still see an emergency dentist soon. The lack of filling material can cause sensitivity when the tooth is exposed to air, or hot or cold temperatures. If you do have tooth pain, you can use a sterile cotton swab to dab a little clove oil on it. Another option is to apply some dental cement to the tooth. Dental cement is not a substitute for the care you’ll receive from an emergency dentist. Both clove oil and dental cement are commonly found in supermarkets.

    At your appointment, the dentist will try to find the reason why your filling came off. Often, it’s because tooth decay developed in the area again. He or she will need to treat the tooth before applying new filling material.

    For exceptional emergency dentistry services near Hazlet, you can count on the team at Glenwood Premier Dental. Give us a call at (732) 264-4477, and we’ll get you an appointment as quickly as possible.

  • See What Happens When You Consume Acidic Drinks

    Dentists caution their patients against regularly consuming acidic drinks like soda because of the harmful effects on the teeth. Many sodas are filled with sugar, which contributes to tooth decay. Even if a person drinks zero-calorie soda, the acidity of the drink will damage the enamel of the teeth. As a result, that person is more likely to require a filling at his or her next dentist appointment. You can see a real-life example of this by watching this video.

    Several soda enthusiasts are invited to talk about why they love soda and how they consume multiple cans each day. Later, they’re invited back, and they’re shown real human teeth that have been soaked in cola for five days. You can see how the teeth have turned dark brown. They appear damaged, and one of the interviewed individuals says the teeth feel more brittle.

    You can find the personalized dental care you deserve at Glenwood Premier Dental. Call (732) 264-4477 to request a routine dental exam in Hazlet, or to ask about our specialized services, including laser dentistry.

  • Why Should You Wear a Sports Mouthguard?

    In sports, physical fitness and injuries go hand-in-hand. It’s common knowledge that contact sports like football and basketball have a higher risk of serious injuries, like tendon tears and concussions. But orofacial injuries can also occur, and may be quite serious. Dentists recommend that amateur and pro athletes alike wear a sports mouthguard during each game and training session.

    Statistics on Dental Injuries

    In an informal survey, 67% of parents said that their children don’t wear mouthguards during sports activities because they aren’t required to do so, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Unfortunately, the failure to wear mouthguards means that these young athletes are 60 times more likely to sustain an orofacial injury. Given that many types of sports equipment easily run into the hundreds of dollars, a well-made sports mouthguard is among the least costly ways to protect an athlete’s health.

    Types of Injuries

    Dental injuries can occur when two players collide, a player falls down, or a player is struck by an object, such as a football helmet or ice hockey skate. Virtually any part of the face and mouth can sustain damage, including the jawbone, which may sustain a fracture. Soft tissue injuries can occur, including trauma to the cheeks, lips, gums, and tongue. And of course, the teeth can sustain damage from physical trauma. Athletes are known to be at a higher risk of chipped, cracked, and fractured teeth, as well as tooth avulsion. An avulsed tooth is one that has been completely knocked out.

    Usage of Mouthguards

    Mouthguards are usually mandatory for athletes who play sports in which collisions are likely, such as football, boxing, and hockey. Other sports teams might not require mouthguards, but they should. These sports include basketball, softball, wrestling, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and lacrosse. Even cyclists can benefit from wearing a custom-made mouthguard, as a tumble from a bike can easily knock out a tooth.

    At Glenwood Premier Dental, you’ll find a complete range of preventive oral care services, including custom-made sports mouthguards. Our dentist will precisely mold the appliance to fit your teeth to provide maximum comfort and protection. Get in touch today at (732) 264-4477 to request a dentist visit in Hazlet.

  • Learn the History of Dental Lasers

    Laser dentistry is one of the most sophisticated advances in dental technology available today. Not every dentist offers it, but those who do tend to gain a reputation among their patients for providing remarkably gentle, pain-free care. In fact, many patients find that they no longer need the local anesthetic that turns the mouth numb. Laser dentistry is an effective alternative to conventional treatments for tooth decay removal, gum disease reversal, oral growth removal, and even tongue tie correction.

    Early History of Lasers

    Albert Einstein didn’t create the first laser, but he did propose the theory behind it—the concept of stimulated emission through photoelectric amplification. Later, in 1959, a graduate student at Columbia University built the world’s first laser. Laser is actually an acronym for light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation. The first one was based on helium and neon. Later models of lasers were invented using other elements, such as argon. The first medical-grade laser was introduced in 1963 .

    Introduction of Lasers to Dentistry

    Dentists first began exploring the use of lasers in their field during the early 1960s. Initially, dental lasers used a ruby for the laser medium. The device emitted irregular pulses, and it successfully vaporized tooth enamel. However, there were concerns about the safety of this technology, as some researchers thought that tooth pulp might sustain damage.

    Advancements in Laser Dentistry

    Moving on from ruby-based lasers, dental researchers began investigating the possibilities of CO2 lasers and Er:YAG lasers. Their efforts were rewarded with the 1990 release of the first laser system developed specifically for clinical use at dental offices. Today, the technology continues to evolve, giving patients access to more effective—and gentler—treatment possibilities to support their oral health.

    Glenwood Premier Dental is pleased to offer Waterlase laser dentistry to our patients in Hazlet. As one of the most sophisticated systems available to dentists, Waterlase has a remarkable capacity for effectively healing dental problems, without the discomfort of conventional approaches. Call (732) 264-4477 to request a consult with one of our dentists.