Canker sores (better known as aphthous ulcers) are one of the most common oral conditions affecting people everywhere. Up to 25 percent of the population has these small, painful, persistent sores, with recurrence rates of up to 50 percent.

Canker sores appear on the tongue, soft palate, insides of the cheeks or lips and base of the gums. While they have the benefit of not usually being visible, they are likely to make eating, swallowing and speaking painful.

Cause of Canker Sores

Canker sores are not viral or infectious. They may be hereditary since 30 to 40 percent of those with recurrent canker sores have a family history of the condition. According to research reported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, “Canker sores may be caused by a faulty immune system that uses the body’s defenses against disease to attack and destroy the normal cells of the mouth or tongue.”

Simply stated, their cause is unknown; however, common canker sore triggers may include:

• Stress.
• Immune deficiencies.
• Illness or infection.
• Gastrointestinal disease.
• Tissue manipulation — including prophylactic dental and gum cleanings and overzealous tooth-brushing.
• Tissue injury — for example, biting the inside of the mouth.
• Eating abrasive foods (such as potato chips, dry cereals and dried fruits), acidic foods (such as vinegar) and spicy foods (curries, chilis and hot sauces).
• Food or contact allergies.
• Although not yet proven, nutritional deficiencies — particularly a lack of vitamin B-12, folic acid or iron — may also play a role.

Canker Sore Diagnosis

If you suspect you have canker sores, you may wish to consult with your dentist first to rule out a more serious type of mouth sore. Dentists specializing in oral health conditions are in a better position than physicians when it comes to diagnosing and managing these sores — and particularly at distinguishing them from intraoral herpes, a contagious viral condition which may lead to serious problems in people with an impaired immune system.

To learn more call Dr. Ralph Reilly 732-356-9120

As early as 200,1 USA today noted that dentists were using spa therapies to promote patient relaxation.

Does your dentist’s office seem more like a spa than the offices you remember as a child? This is not merely luck! Dentists today understand patient comfort more than ever before  – and they also know that offering luxurious treatments and comforting amenities like paraffin hand dips, heated towels, espresso and lattes in the office create value that is more appreciated by patients than which dental school they graduated from.

Comfort and convenience are key in creating happy life-long patients – Dr. Ralph Reilly and team are committed to your comfort. If you are interested in learning more about the home-like atmosphere of his office call today 732.356.9120 or check our website www.advanceddentistry.net

According to a new study conducted by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy (CIRP) of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital an estimated 132,000 high school baseball-related injuries occurred with an injury rate of more than one per 1,000 athletic exposures. 

The study cited, being hit by a batted ball is one of the more common mechanisms of baseball-related injuries and one of the most serious. More than half of the injuries that occurred as a result of being hit by a batted ball were to the head/face and teeth and 40 percent resulted in fractures, lacerations or concussions. When compared to other injuries, injured players struck by a batted ball were more than twice as likely to require surgery. The study also found pitchers are not the only players at risk. Half of the injuries attributed to being hit by a batted ball were sustained during fielding.

“Based on our findings regarding the risk of sustaining an injury when hit by a batted ball, we strongly recommend helmets with face shields or at least mouth guards and eye protection be used by all pitchers, infielders and batters at the high school level,” explained the study’s lead author Christy Collins, MA, research associate in CIRP of Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

“The use of face guards among batters is becoming more accepted in youth baseball,” added study co-author Dawn Comstock, PhD, principal investigator in CIRP of Nationwide Children’s and faculty member of The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “However, the use of proven protective equipment such as face shields, mouth guards and eye protection is not yet widely accepted by players and coaches at the high school level. Research shows that wearing such protective equipment reduces the risk of sports-related facial and dental injuries.”

If your child participates in an organized sport make sure their smile is protected – make sure they wear a mouthguard.

This important information was brought to you by Ralph Reilly, to learn more about preventing dental injury contact the team at Advanced Dentistry www.advanceddentistry.net or 732.356.9120.

Did you know there are two main dental diseases?

Caries (cavaties or decay) and Periodontal disease.

There are many factors that may increase your risk for these diseases – are you aware of what they are?  Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases affecting adults and children in the US today second only to the common cold. 

Questions to ask yourself? Keep track of your points

Do you use a toothpaste that contains fluoride? If NO 2 points

Do you drink beverages that contain sugar or do you add sugar to drinks such as coffee or tea more than three times a day? If YES, 2 points

Have you had more than two new cavities in the last three years? If YES, 2 points

Do you snack on candy or other sugary foods more than twice a day? If YES, 2 points

Have you lost a tooth in the last three years due to decay? If YES, 2 points

Do you brush your teeth less than twice a day? If YES, 1 point

Does the water you drink and cook with contain fluoride? If NO, 1 point

Do you have your teeth cleaned at least once a year by a dentist or a dental hygienist? If NO, 1 point

Do you take any medicine that makes your mouth dry or is your mouth dry as a result of radiation therapy or some other condition? If YES, 1 point

Do you clean between your teeth with dental floss or an interproximal brush at least once a day? If NO, 1 point

Is it uncomfortable to brush areas where your gums have receded? If YES, 1 point

In two years, the energy drink boom will have reached $10 billion. Energy drinks include those rather pricey caffeine and sugar crazy colas that everyone is drinking in mass quantities these days. Teens, twenty somethings, thirty somethings even grandmothers and grandfathers are consuming these beverages in extremely high volumes, however, teens, and young adults are the group hit hardest because they are the primary market for energy drinks. These drinks can be found in virtually every convenience store, in vending machines in malls and schools – ready for quick consumption. Many teens and young adults consider energy drinks to be cool – they get a quick burst of energy from the sugar rush and experience an almost euphoric feeling before the “sugar-crash”, which many times prompts them to consume another – creating an unending cycle of consumption.

Like acidic sodas of the past, recent studies show that energy drinks erode tooth enamel, which concerns oral health experts.  The best remedy to combat the ill effects of these drinks is to stay away from them or limit intake to minimal amounts very infrequently. For folks who just can’t give up their energy drink fix, here are a few tips from the AGD to help reduce the potential for tooth enamel erosion:

Drink with a straw positioned at the back of the mouth so teeth don’t come in contact with the beverage.

Rinse your mouth with water after an energy drink.

IF you are consumer of energy drinks be sure to see your dentist regularly. To learn more or to schedule a complimentary evaluation (valued at $120) to see if your energy drink consumption is distressing your smile – call Dr. Ralph Reilly at 732.356.9120

Most people with a dental phobia, the fear is tied up within the dentist-patient relationship. We would like to hear your thoughts on the following topics. Many times dental phobic or dental anxious patients can find comfort in knowing they are not alone – although they may feel that way until they meet or hear of someone experiencing the same things they do when faced with a visit to the dentist.

Consider the below questions, they are meant to be thought provoking – many times your wishes can easily be accomodated, all you need to do is communicate or express your thoughts with your dentist or their team. Most dental offices consider your comfort and trust their number one priority – once they have that together you begin to work together on ensuring your oral health is the best it could possibly be….

• What would my “ideal” visit to a dentist be like?
• What would the dentist be like? the dental support team?
• What would they do?
• What wouldn’t they do?
• How would I like to talk? In the dental chair in or in an office?
• Are there things I would prefer not to see? or smell? or hear?
• What relaxes me? Can I integrate that with my visit? (listening to music, reading, knitting, etc.)

Share your thoughts and positive experiences. Dr. Reilly and the Advanced Dentistry team ensure each and every patients comfort – we do whatever it takes to make sure you’re comfortable. To find out more about some of the comfort services we have available, check out www.advanceddentistry.net or call one of our patient care coordinators to schedule a time to stop by for a cup of coffee or tea to check us out with an office tour. We can discuss your thoughts and needs long before you ever have to sit in a dental chair – building a solid relationship is the first step to finding your happy dental home. Call us today 732.356.9120

Stained Teeth, which can be embarrassing to their owners may be changed into beautiful smiles by your Cosmetic Dentist. Porcelain veneers have become one cosmetic dental option that many people choose because the veneers are permanently white and also can correct crooked teeth and remove gaps that exist between teeth.

However, not everyone is willing to commit to the cost of a full-mouth Extreme Makeover of his or her smile. If you are pleased with the basic shape and appearance of your teeth, but wish that they were whiter, then the least expensive option to change and brighten your smile is Tooth Whitening by bleaching. Teeth Whitening also is the least invasive way to correct stains that may hide an otherwise beautiful smile. If the in-office tooth bleaching method is used, it is one of the fastest ways to cosmetically change your smile.

Several factors may lead to stained teeth, including the natural processes of normal aging, and eating foods and beverages. Genetically, some teeth may have a tendency to be gray, off white or yellow in appearance. Some people just naturally have brighter enamel than other people do. The amount of calcium in your teeth plays an important role in tooth color along with other nutritional factors. Some antibiotics can discolor your teeth. This often happens when these medicines are taken as a child while your teeth are still growing. Two antibiotics that cause the worst tooth discoloration and staining are tetracycline and minocycline.

Other things that can cause severe discoloring of teeth occur with cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking. Chewing tobacco is extremely detrimental to the color of your teeth. Additionally, all types of tobacco are inimical to your general overall health and should be avoided. Drinking red wine can contribute significantly to the discoloration and staining of your teeth. Other beverages such as coffee, tea, and some soft drinks with certain coloring dyes can cause tooth staining and darkening of the teeth. Tooth damage can occur over a long period of time from the sugar we eat, which can aide in the alteration of tooth color by changing the enamel structure of the teeth. Regular tooth care and regular use of whitening agents can help to improve the color of your teeth. While modern toothpastes can assist in removing minor surface stains on teeth, deep tooth stains are best handled by whitening agents prescribed by your Cosmetic Dentist. . If you’re using a whitening agent, remember to brush your teeth regularly. This helps ameliorate any long-term chemical effects following the use of Tooth Whitening and bleaching agents.

Improving stained teeth can sometimes prove to be very difficult. Discussing the various options available to you with your Cosmetic Dentists is an effective way to learn about the most modern dental techniques that will remove stains from your teeth. In-office whitening of teeth is the fastest way to bleach teeth, but it is also the most expensive method. At-home Teeth Whitening is less expensive but requires a longer time to yield the same results as in-office bleaching. Over-the-counter Tooth Whitening agents are the least expensive method of bleaching and they are also the least effective method of Teeth Whitening. Ask Dr Ralph Reilly about tooth-whitening options that are available. They include a number of over-the-counter whitening systems, whitening toothpastes, and the latest high-tech option–laser tooth whitening. For maximum whitening, experts agree that peroxide is usually the best bleaching agent to use. Bleaching procedures that are supervised by your Cosmetic Dentist and that are done either in-office or at-home have become among the most popular tooth bleaching treatment options. You should talk to your Cosmetic Dentists before beginning any Tooth Whitening program, because not all teeth are good candidates to be bleached. Yellow teeth are the best candidates for whitening, while brownish teeth are the next best candidates. Grey and dark-gray to blackish teeth are very difficult to bleach and may require porcelain veneers to correct the color of them. People with any type of gum problems should always consult with their Cosmetic Dentist.

Please call Advanced Dentistry and Dr. Ralph Reilly today to learn what teeth whitening procedures are available to you 732.356.9120 or check out www.advanceddentistry.net for more information.

• Bad experiences: Dental phobia is most often caused by bad, or in some cases horrific, dental experiences (studies suggest that this is true for about 80 -85% of dental phobias).
• A history of abuse: Dental phobia is also common in people who have been sexually abused, particularly in childhood. A history of bullying or having been physically or emotionally abused by a person in authority may also contribute to developing dental phobia, especially in combination with bad experiences with dentists.
• Uncaring dentist: It is often thought, even among dental professionals, that it is the fear of pain that keeps people from seeing a dentist. But even where pain is the person’s major concern, it is not pain per se that is necessarily the problem. Otherwise, dental phobics would not avoid the dentist even when in pain from toothache. Rather, it is pain inflicted by a dentist who is perceived as cold and controlling that has a huge psychological impact. Pain inflicted by a dentist who is perceived as caring is much less likely to result in psychological trauma.
• Humiliation: Other causes of dental phobia include insensitive, humiliating remarks by a dentist or hygienist. In fact, insensitive remarks and the intense feelings of humiliation they provoke are one of the main factors which can cause or contribute to a dental phobia. Human beings are social animals, and negative social evaluation will upset most people, apart from the most thick-skinned individuals. If you’re the sensitive type, negative evaluation can be shattering.
• Vicarious learning: Another cause is observational learning. If a parent or other caregiver is scared of dentists, children may pick up on this and learn to be scared as well, even in the absence of bad experiences. Also, hearing other people’s horror stories about visits to the psychodentist can have a similar effect.
• Preparedness: Some subtypes of dental phobia may indeed be defined as “irrational” in the traditional sense. People may be inherently “prepared” to learn certain phobias, such as needle phobia. For millions of years people who quickly learned to avoid snakes, heights, and lightning (and sharp objects, such as needles, which would not have been sterilized in those days, apart from giving you a nasty sting!) probably had a good chance to survive and to transmit their genes. So it may not take a painful encounter with a needle to develop a phobia.
• Post-Traumatic Stress: Research suggests that people who’ve had horrific dental experiences (unsurprisingly) suffer from symptoms typically reported by people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is characterized by intrusive thoughts of the bad experience and nightmares about dentists or dental situations.

If you have experienced any of these causes or had a unique experience that you feel has lead to fear or phobia and would like to discuss how to start overcoming it and get on the oral health track call our office today 732.356.9120. Dr. Reilly and his team are ready to help you, with caring and compassionate service we will help guide you to a relaxed and comfortable dental experience.

YES! A distinction has been made between dental anxiety, dental fear, and dental phobia.

DENTAL ANXIETY is a reaction to an UNKNOWN danger. Anxiety is extremely common, and most people experience some degree of dental anxiety especially if they’re about to have something done which they’ve never experienced before. Basically, it’s a fear of the unknown.

DENTAL FEAR is a reaction to a known danger (“I know what the dentist is going to do, been there, done that – I’m scared!!”), which involves a fight-or-flight response when confronted with the threatening stimulus.

DENTAL PHOBIA is basically the same as fear, only much stronger (“I know what happens when I go to the dentist – there’s no way I’m going back if I can help it. I’m so terrified I feel sick”). Also, the fight-or-flight response occurs when just thinking about or being reminded of the situation.

Someone with a dental phobia will avoid dental care at all costs until either a physical problem or the psychological burden of the phobia becomes overwhelming.

How is dental phobia measured?

There are various instruments for researchers which attempt to measure the degree of the fear, such as Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) and a shorter version, the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS).  However, if you suffer from dental phobia, you won’t find it too hard to beat the high score, never mind being scared enough to qualify! And honestly, the score doesn’t matter except to the researchers – any anxiety, fear, or phobia is real and needs to be treated uniquely in a caring and compassionate way.

Problems with defining dental phobia

ASK yourself the following question: “Am I terrified of dentists and avoid them at all costs?” If the answer is yes, this is a good indicator of dental phobia! Even seemingly innocuous reminders of anything dental-related may produce a panic-attack if you suffer from dental phobia, such as people talking about dentists or teeth, toothpaste commercials, or “dental words”. One problem with defining dental phobia is that “dental anxiety” (a reaction to an unknown danger) may feel just as frightening as a “phobia” to a person, and they may well be defined (or define themselves) as phobic. From what little research there is available, this may be more common in people who are generally anxious. Also, some people who’ve never had a bad experience with a dentist or a dental procedure can develop dental fear or phobia – this is usually the result of vicarious learning (that is, scare-stories or media portrayal).

“Dental phobia” is simply useful short-hand for “terror at the thought of dentists and/or dentistry and/or anything dental-related”. Some people feel that their fear is justified and rational, while others feel they’re being silly for getting so upset over something which “everyone else” seems to have no problem with. “Dental Phobia” is really an umbrella term which covers a wide range of different fears.

No matter if you suffer from anxiety or fear or phobia – Dr. Reilly is caring, compassionate, and specially trained to help you. Please call our office today 732.356.9120 to learn more about how the Advanced Dentistry team can help you start overcoming your phobias and fears today.

A “phobia” is traditionally defined as “an irrational severe fear that leads to avoidance of the feared situation, object or activity” (even though the Greek word “phobia” simply means fear…). Exposure to the feared stimulus provokes an immediate anxiety response, which may take the form of a panic attack. The phobia causes a lot of distress, and impacts on other aspects of the individual’s life, not just their oral health. Dental phobics will spend an awful lot of time thinking about their teeth, dentists, and dental situations, or spend a lot of time trying NOT to think of teeth, dentists, and dental situations. In today’s society, which is saturated with multiple reminders such as toothpaste commercials, cosmetic dental options, and whitening commercials, it is nearly impossible for dental phobics to not be in a constant state of angst.

Phobics especially, understand the need to for care since many times their phobia has kept them away from the dental office for extended periods of time. These long absences from care usually only compound the problem – the delay of treatment many times increases the severity of problem. Untreated dental disease is progressive disease.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) describes dental phobia as a “marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable”. It also assumes that the person recognizes that the fear is excessive or unreasonable. Conclusion? The DSM-IV criteria were obviously not decided upon by a representative group of dental phobics (read on to see why) and although they recognize dental phobia as a mental disorder many of those who suffer would not agree and neither would the dentist who specialize in treating phobics. Dental phobia is common! 

Dental phobia does appear to be more common in people who suffer from other psychiatric disorder, notably Generalized Anxiety Disorder, agoraphobia, depression, and emetophobia. Research suggests that about 20% of dental phobics have a concurrent disorder. The main problem in defining “dental phobia” is that there isn’t just ONE type of dental phobia, but many types – some rational, and some which seem more “irrational”. Although, most sufferers and treating dentists would argue that no fear is “irrational”. Fear is fear regardless of it is routed in fact or perceptions.

Bracha and others (2006, HI Dental Journal) have suggested that the term dental phobia is typically a misnomer, for much the same reasons outlined here. Whether fear is “unreasonable”, “excessive”, or “irrational” is not for some textbook to define – fear is real and if you end up in the hands of a dentists not trained to handle those fears the phobia can increase and reactions can worsen.

To learn more about phobia and how it can be treated properly – call Advanced Dentistry 732.356.9120 and schedule your complimentary office tour. Come in and check us out find out how we specialize in treating dental phobics and what we can do to make your next visit to the dentist enjoyable!

If you read our last blog entry and unnecessary treatment is one of your big fears, there are lots of ways to help you overcome your fear and become an informed dental consumer.

Remember that your mouth and your health is your responsibility, you should work closely with a team that you trust and are comfortable with to ensure you are in great oral health.  Your dentist and his/her team should be expert advisors, whose task  is to help you make the best choices.

Your dentist should be happy to explain to you:

• why they are suggesting the treatment
• what the treatment is and how it works
• what alternatives and choices exist (including potential consequences of not having the treatment)
• what the pros and cons of available treatment options are
• what treatment they would choose for themselves if they had the same problem

It is necessary for your dentist to explain and discuss things with you, in a language you can understand. Only then can the two of you reach a joint treatment decision based on informed consent. Informed consent is mandatory in the healthcare arena – no one should ever ask you to committ to a treatment that you don’t fully understand. 

Helpful Tips to Make the Best Choices:

• The best way to find a good dentists you can trust and like is by word-of-mouth. If you’re worried about unnecessary treatment, try and find out what others think of their dentist. Is their dentist honest and trustworthy? Are they happy with the treatment they receive? What sort of philosophy does the dental practice/office have? If they have a website, look out for words like “preventative” (aka “preventive”) or minimally invasive care – this is generally a good sign.
• If your dentist suggests treatment and you’re in any doubt, ask them to show you examples of others and explain why it should be done and how it will be done and why this is the best option for your particular case.
• Your dentist should be able to show you what is wrong using mirrors, x-rays, intraoral photographs or other diagnostic tools  Of course, if you’re not ready (yet) to see that type of thing, say so! A good dentists will only share as much information as you are willing to receive.
• If the problem is not readily apparent, for example because it’s something going on inside a tooth, ask your dentist to explain it to you using models or diagrams. This could also be done using a drawing and by describing the problem in simple terms.
• Ask your dentist which treatment (and which materials, if applicable) they would choose for themselves if they had the same problem, and why.
• You should now have a clear understanding of why the treatment was suggested. If you still have good reasons to doubt the recommendation, get a second opinion.
• Make sure you understand the reason behind any treatment you choose.
• If you forgot to ask a question, write it down and ask it the next time you see your dentist or call them with it as soon as you think of it.

It is your right as a patient to decline any treatment you don’t want. And if you have legitimate doubts over a dentist’s treatment suggestions, it would be very wise to get a second opinion.

However, if a dentist reckons that you’re putting your dental health in jeopardy by opposing necessary treatment in the long run, they have the right not to have you as a patient. Also, you cannot sign away your right to proper treatment. Dentists are bound by a code of ethics, and failing to provide proper treatment would get them into trouble with the law.

Dentists who enjoy their work and are committed to providing the best treatment available want their patients to take an active interest in their dental health and treatment decisions. As an active partner in your care, you can ensure that you make the best choices for yourself, with the help and advice from your dentist.

Things to Consider:

• Try and avoid insurance plans like DMO’s or dental discount programs. Both may employ a tactic called “bait-and-switch”. With dental discount plans, the bait is the promise of cut-price treatment. Once you’re in the dental office, the dentist may try and make up the losses by “switching” you to a more expensive or unnecessary procedure. With DMO/HMO, only certain procedures are covered, and it makes sense to recoup the losses resulting from measly pay by suggesting a treatment not covered by the plan (such as crowns). The “bait” is that within the insurance scheme, this is only office the patient can go to. While “bait-and-switch” is only one of the reasons why dental offices participate in these plans, it’s a good idea to be aware of this possibility. Especially if you’re worried about overtreatment. Dentists who don’t participate with any insurance can many times be your best choice – they have only your best interests in mind and are not dictated by insurance companies.
• The dentist suggests replacing any existing fillings with new tooth-colored fillings, as a “cosmetic” measure. All silver fillings will eventually fail, they break down and leak over time – to avoid problems some dentists will recommend replacing old silver fillings on a preventive basis – doing so will many times help you to avoid more costly treatment. However fillings should always immediately be replaced if they’re leaking (that is, if they’re damaged, broken, or have decay around the edges or underneath).
• Although virtually all dentists offer “cosmetic” dentistry these days, you may want to avoid dentists who cannot provide you with information on continued education in cosmetics. True cosmetic specialists log hundreds of hours of continuing education.

Call the office of Dr. Ralph Reilly today – 732.356.9120. Dr. Reilly and his team of trained expert advisors will ensure that you are educated and understand every facet of your care and that you are an informed consumer of dental services.

“I’m very worried that the dentist will carry out treatment that’s not really necessary.” “I don’t  to the dentist in fear that they will make things worse rather than better. I don’t trust them!”

Do these statements apply to you? Is this the way you think? Chances are if this is the way you feel and think you may suspect that past dental treatment was over-the-top or just plain unnecessary. If you were a child at the time, it is unlikely that you were asked for your opinion first. Or maybe you’ve heard about the possibility of unnecessary treatment from someone else.

Let’s face it – overtreatment and even unnecessary treatment do exist – but they are extremely rare. The vast majority of dentists strive to provide the best treatment possible. But like any profession, dentistry has its bad apples.

There are a number of reasons why a dentist might suggest treatment that you view as unnecessary:

• Some dentists were trained to treat problems aggressively and believe that treating things very aggressively is the best course of action.
• Certain insurance plans  can make unnecessary treatment very tempting.
• Monetary gain.

But most of the time, there are legitimate reasons why one dentist might suggest more or different treatments than another dentist.

Apart from what was taught at their dental school at the time, and continuing education courses and other sources of information, most dentists have a historical perspecitve from other patients they have treated – or “real-life, on the job training”. As an example, if a dentist decides to “watch” areas that look a bit suspicious, and at follow-up appointments, they have become much worse, he or she might then decide that it’s better to treat things early on. Another dentist might observe that most of the time, suspicious-looking teeth heor she keeps an eye on do not get worse over time, and decide that it’s best not to treat unless something is definitely wrong.

Having differing treatment philosophies doesn’t necessarily mean that one dentist is “right” and the other dentist is “wrong”. Usually, the more “aggressive” dentist will choose more aggressive treatments for himself, while the more conservative dentist will choose more conservative treatments for himself. At Advanced Dentistry you can be confident in knowing that Dr. Reilly and team will treat you as if you were a member of their own family – they want the same things for you and your oral health that they would want for their spouses, mothers/fathers, or own children.

Most dentists will also take into account lots of other things when suggesting what to treat and how, for example their patient’s diet, dental history, medical problems, and the likelihood that things will become a problem if not treated. YOU can be sure this happens at Advanced Dentistry – treating your “whole” self is important to us, everything you do and everything you are contributes to your oral health, all factors need to be considered when treating you.

You might think that dentists fall into two camps, those who treat aggressively and those who treat conservatively. In reality, it’s more like a bell-shaped curve: there is a very small minority of dentists who “overtreat” at one end of the curve, a very smaill minority of dentists who “undertreat” at the other end of the curve, but the vast majority of dentists find a happy medium. Undertreatment can be just as bad as overtreatment, because if small problems are not treated early enough, they can become big problems. However, most of the time, it is quite obvious what the appropriate treatment is.

Dentistry has become a lot more conservative and less invasive than it used to be, and dentists by and large try to preserve as much tooth structure as possible and be as gentle on teeth as possible. Because treatment philosophies can vary, find someone who takes the time to make sure you understand explanations and recommendations and that you trust and are comfortable with both the dentist and his/her staff.

If you are looking for a new dental home and someone you can trust call the office of Dr. Ralph Reilly – Advanced Dentistry – 732.356.9120 and schedule your free office tour. Stop by grab a cup of coffee and start to build trust with our team, after you’re comfortable than we can talk about scheduling appointments and getting you healthy!

“Keep a stiff upper lip” or “get a grip!” That’s often the advice we get-and give-on how to cope with stress.
If you take it literally, the result could be grinding your teeth or clenching your jaws. It’s called bruxism, and often it happens as we sleep, caused not just by stress and anxiety but by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked.Symptoms include a dull headache or a sore jaw.
You could have teeth that are painful or loose from severe grinding. This can lead to fractures in your teeth.
Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep.
If stress is the cause you need to find a way to relax! Physical therapy, muscle relaxants, counseling and even exercise may help reduce tension.
Don’t make your teeth the brunt of your stress.
If you think you are destroying your smile through bruxism, call Dr. Reilly today to schedule your free bruxism evaluation (a $75 value) – call now to save your smile 732-356-9120

One way to reduce the chances of a dental emergency or damage to your teeth, lips, cheek and tongue is to wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities that may pose a risk. Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can cause damage. And don’t use your teeth as scissors, can openers, or other kitchen gadgets – they are meant to chew food, cut tape using scissors rather than your teeth.
Accidents do happen though, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
When confronted with a dental emergency - call your dentist and provide as much detail as possible about your condition. Remember, pain is a signal that something is wrong – a problem that will not disappear even if the pain subsides. Here are some helpful hints and tips to keep in mind when faced with a dental emergency:

Bitten Lip or Tongue
Clean the area gently with a cloth and apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, go to a hospital emergency room immediately.
Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Use cold compresses on the area to keep any swelling down. Call your dentist immediately.
Jaw-Possibly Broken
Apply cold compresses to control swelling. Go to your dentist or a hospital emergency department immediately.
Knocked Out Tooth
Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse off the root of the tooth in water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket. If that isn’t possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and get to the dentist as quickly as possible. Remember to take the tooth with you!
Objects Caught Between Teeth
Try to gently remove the object with dental floss; avoid cutting the gums. Never use a sharp instrument to remove any object that is stuck between your teeth. If you can’t dislodge the object using dental floss, contact your dentist.
Toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss or an interdental cleaner to ensure that there is no food or other debris caught between the teeth. Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth because it may burn the gum tissue. Contact your dentist.

The best way to avoid dental emergencies is to keep up with your check-ups. Call Dr. Ralph Reilly today to schedule your next visit – 732-356-9120

Do you have a heart murmur? Have you taken antibiotics before going to the dentist in the past? Have you seen your cardiologist lately?

For decades, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommended that patients with certain heart conditions take antibiotics shortly before dental treatment. This was done with the belief that antibiotics would prevent infective endocarditis (IE), previously referred to as bacterial endocarditis. IE is an infection of the heart’s inner lining or valves, which results when bacteria enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart. Bacteria normally are found in various sites of the body including on the skin and in the mouth.

The AHA’s latest guidelines were published in its scientific journal, Circulation, in April 2007 and there is good news: the AHA recommends that most of these patients no longer need short-term antibiotics as a preventive measure before their dental treatment. Great news – You may not need to pre-medicate any more!
The American Dental Association participated in the development of the new guidelines and has approved those portions relevant to dentistry. The Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society endorsed the guidelines.
The guidelines are based on a growing body of scientific evidence that shows the risks of taking preventive antibiotics outweigh the benefits for most patients. The risks include adverse reactions to antibiotics that range from mild to potentially severe cases. Inappropriate use of antibiotics can also lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
Scientists also found no compelling evidence that taking antibiotics prior to a dental procedure prevents IE in patients who are at risk of developing a heart infection. Their hearts already are often exposed to bacteria from the mouth, which can enter their bloodstream during basic daily activities such as brushing or flossing. The new guidelines are based on a comprehensive review of published studies that suggests IE is more likely to occur as a result of these everyday activities than from a dental procedure.
The guidelines say patients who have taken antibiotics routinely in the past prior to dental treatment but no longer need them include people with:
• mitral valve prolapse
• rheumatic heart disease
• bicuspid valve disease
• calcified aortic stenosis
• congenital heart conditions such as ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
The new guidelines are aimed at patients who would have the greatest danger of a bad outcome if they developed a heart infection.
Preventive antibiotics prior to a dental procedure are advised for patients with:
1. artificial heart valves
2. a history of infective endocarditis
3. certain specific, serious congenital (present from birth) heart conditions, including
o unrepaired or incompletely repaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including those with palliative shunts and conduits
o a completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or by catheter intervention, during the first six months after the procedure
o any repaired congenital heart defect with residual defect at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or a prosthetic device
4. a cardiac transplant that develops a problem in a heart valve.
The new recommendations apply to many dental procedures, including teeth cleaning and extractions. Patients with congenital heart disease can have complicated circumstances. You should always check with your cardiologist – and you can always ask your dentist for guidance.
By asking careful questions anytime antibiotics are suggested before a medical or dental procedure – you can be sure to protect your heart and your health.
The AHA guidelines emphasize that maintaining optimal oral health and practicing daily oral hygiene are more important in reducing the risk of IE than taking preventive antibiotics before a dental visit.

So call Dr. Ralph Reilly today for a free oral hygiene test and instructions - find out if you are brushing and flossing is good and will keep you healthy! Call now 732-356-9120

Free oral hygiene instruction is a $75 value.

Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder that harms your overall health and is particularly destructive to teeth. It involves secret repeated binge eating followed by purging—self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives, fasting, diuretics or diet pills. The digestive system contains strong acids that break down food. When vomiting is used to purge food from the body, these acids attack tooth enamel. Repeated vomiting can severely erode tooth enamel and over time, teeth will become worn and translucent. Your mouth, throat and salivary glands may become swollen and tender and bad breath may result.

Anorexia Nervosa is another eating disorder that is characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, the desire to be thinner, and an inability to maintain a minimally normal weight for height and age. It’s self-induced starvation.

Each of these disorders robs the body of adequate minerals, vitamins, proteins and other nutrients needed for good health causing potential injury to teeth, muscles and major organs.

If you suffer from either of these disorders or if you know someone who does, be sure to a dentist on a regular basis for check-ups and to keep breakdown of oral health to a minimum. Eating disorders are treatable be sure to get the treatment needed to begin recovery – and keep your smile intact!

Call today for a quick oral health evaluation to make sure there is no damage to your teeth and help avoid future potential problems. 732-356-9120

Fluoride is a natural element found in rocks and soil everywhere, in fresh water, and in ocean water. In fact, waters in and around the United States have natural fluoride levels that range from 0.1 to more than 12 parts per million. The optimal level for preventingtooth decay is a range from .0.7 to 1.2 parts per million.Some communities are lucky enough to have naturally occurring optimal levels of fluoride in their water supplies. However, most are not. Adjusting the fluoride to an optimal level in the water supplies of these communities can help prevent tooth decay. Thousands of communities worldwide have reduced rates of tooth decay and improved oral health among their residents throughwater fluoridation.Studies have shown that water fluoridation can reduce the amount of decay in children’s teeth by as much as 60%. Today, even with the widespread use of fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinse, and professional fluoride treatments, fluoridation has been shown to reduce tooth decay by 18-40% among children and by nearly 35% among adults.Over 405 million people in approximately 60 countries enjoy the benefits of optimally fluoridated water. In the United States, approximately 170 million people (about two-thirds of thepopulation on public water systems) benefit from fluoridation.Fluoridation is safe. More than 60 years of research and experience have shown that fluoridation at optimal levels doesnot harm people or the environment. Leading scientists and health professionals, numerous professional organizations, and governments around the world support community water fluoridation.

 Would you take advice from a cab driver about whether you should take a new house?  Would you consult with a landscape architect about an accounting issue? Would you take advice from a schoolteacher about complex legal contracts? The obvious answer is no.  They are not qualified to give you such a level of advice.  You would seek out qualified experts whose opinions are borne out from training, expertise and experience in treating tough problems.

           Yet many patients will seek the advice of family and friends regarding their dental care.  While it is ‘normal’ to seek input from friends and family on big decisions, you need to understand the mindset and situation of these family and friends who do not have your problems nor do they know how it feels to have them either.

·        They haven’t felt the pain you’ve had.

·        They haven’t suffered like you have.

·        They haven’t experienced the embarrassment of not being able to smile and laugh when you want to.

·        They haven’t had the experience of not ordering what you want from the menu because you can’t chew it.

 It is very hard to fully grasp the importance of your problems when they have never had anything like them. They only see your problems through their eyes and experiences.  They have a whole different value for dental care when their problems are minor.  How can anyone appreciate the value of a solution for anything when he doesn’t have the problem?  The answer is he cannot.Look, everyone wants to feel good about the decisions they make – especially big decisions.

The mistake that is made is seeking confirmation from those around you who are not qualified to comment.  Sure, they are qualified as friends and family.  Yes, they do care about you.  But, you can suffer significant harm by listening to those who are not qualified to judge. They don’t have the training, expertise and experience in treating significant, major dental problems everyday.

Giving advice to someone when one is not an expert is similar to the Holiday Inn Express commercial. In these commercials, ordinary people are thrust into serious life events.  In one episode, one guy was piloting a helicopter with passengers.  When one passenger asked for his qualifications, he chirps up with, “Oh, I’m not a helicopter pilot, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.” It is funny on television.

 It is definitely not in real life. 

Everyone makes judgments based on what they know.  Only dental professionals trained in handling big dental problems and challenging cases are qualified.  (Frankly, only a small percentage of dentists are trained and experienced in handling major dental cases.) 

 Friends and family make these judgments based on their experiences and their prior problems.  Very seldom, do they “get”, understand, and relate to the depths of the problems you have.  It is just not part of their world. You can see these folks are not qualified to advise.

Who is qualified to advise? 

• Someone who has had big problems like yours and experienced the life changing solutions like many of our patients.  Take assurances from our patients’ words and success stories.

• Other dentists who recommend our services.  What better judge than other experts?!  Read the recommendations of other dentists trained in handling big problems that recommend Dr. Reilly

• Dental staff that have the experience in working with challenging cases like yours – who know enough to know who is good.  (This is similar to asking an operating room nurse what surgeon is good.  They can tell you.)

• The dentist who has been trained in comprehensive care and recommended the services so you get the smile you want and healthy teeth for life.  Dr. Reilly has been trained to diagnosis and delivers this level of care. He has spent the better part of his adult life doing this kind of work. He is passionate about doing it well.

The questions you should ask yourself are: ü        Do you like him? ü        Does he have the qualifications to do this kind of work?ü        What do other patients say about him?ü        Do other dentists recommend him?ü        Do you trust him?ü        Does your plan of care make sense to you?ü        Has he proven what he can do with before and after pictures?ü        What does your gut say?

Beware the Little Voices 

Virtually everyone experiences little voices that cast doubts and create indecision about our major moments of truth.

 It is normal and meant to prevent you from making hasty, ill-advised decisions. 

Then again, this decision is not hasty.  You have been considering your problem for quite awhile and know you need to do something. 

 Wouldn’t it make sense to decide to operate in your own best interest and follow through with the decision? This decision is well-advised.  You have had a thorough explanation, a review of findings, pictures you can see and a simulated result of your smile afterwards.  We have answered your questions and explained all the reasons why.  If the answers to your problems make sense and you understand them, you are well advised. Cast aside those pesky little voices now.  You have the information, assurances, and warranties you need to be your own wise counsel.  Ultimately, you will live with your decision.  You are the only one who should decide.  We are here to help to answer questions, to guide you to the decision for the smile you want and to get healthy teeth for life. What do friends, family and loved ones do when asked for their opinion?  They give you one based on what they know.  They know their own dental problems, experiences and what they have paid in fees.  They have their own situations.  They see and speak from what they know and understand.  With little or no understanding, the human mind rejects and cast doubts.  Expect that from friends and family when asked – this includes children, aunts, uncles, long time friends, anyone. One older patient had a stockbroker (!) advise him against making the investment in fixing his smile and making the smile he always wanted.  The long time stockbroker was his friend, but had no qualifications on advising my patient in matters of his smile and oral health.  When I pointed out the obvious lack of credentials and experience in having my patient’s level of problem or knowing the long term, serious, life enhancing effects of the patient’s decision (or the life reducing negative decision), the patient laughed and agreed with me.
            That patient had his smile makeover done and is smiling today because of it.  See there’s more to this story.  My patient, John, many months later, was diagnosed with serious cancer.  He lived through the treatment.  He confided in me, “I know that if I hadn’t had my teeth fixed, I wouldn’t be here today.  I was able to eat and smile and function at a level that helped keep me alive.”  I gave him a hug. You can see why we are so passionate about the work we do. Another patient, I’ll call Kathy, discovered the truth of this, too.  She was widowed with no children, but very close nieces and nephews were adamantly opposed to here getting her teeth done.  She couldn’t understand why at first. Then it dawned on her, she found the reasons why.  She told me it was all about the money they wanted her to leave to them. Kathy chose to laugh it off, understandingly.  Today she is the proud owner of a big, bright, beautiful smile.  She told us that she wishes she had it done twenty years ago. 

The people who really love you want to see you do well, live long and live well.  They support all decisions that help you look your best, live a better quality of life and live longer.  They like having you around.  Getting your teeth into optimal health, regaining an ability to chew well and having a great smile are all part of the equation that leads to a better, longer life. 

The Doctors Mayo, two brothers, founders of the famed Mayo Clinic, are reputed to have said that people who keep their teeth and keep them in health live up to ten years longer.  A more recent book said it was 6.6 years longer.  With what we now know, the effects of having healthy teeth are probably far greater than anyone has ever expected.  And vice versa, the true and total effects of bad teeth are slowly coming to light – expect the worst.

It has been our experience that our patients live longer, better, and happier lives when they invest in their own oral health.

Some of our patients have told us that they simply don’t discuss it with family and friends. They have told us that for them it is a private decision and no one’s business but their own.

I have had other patients, who have come back to me, tell me in regretful voices that they did listen to friends and family and the decision made was the wrong one. Of course, at that point, their cases are invariably more difficult and more challenging.

Some would say this is self-serving.  Some will say this did not need to be written.  Others will sneer and make derogatory comments.  Some family and friends who see it will feel insulted. They don’t matter. YOU DO.

Too many people have been misguided by well-meaning friends and family who are ill-equipped to advise. What they can’t know, understand or feel is what will happen in your future without treatment. If you think it is bad now, think again – what if it got worse which it invariably will.

The tragedy is when a person who desperately needed the personal dental transformation, what we call a dentaissance- (a personal dental renaissance)- was advised against our unique services.

In reality, the work we do is far above just providing the dental services; it is on the level of providing a positive dental experience and a physical transformation. And with this physical transformation comes the expansion of the other dimensions of living: mental, intellectual, spiritual, and self-esteem. We see people rejuvenate their lives and experience a personal resurgence on so many levels. THAT is why we are so passionate about what we do

 Call today to discuss your dental concerns with our professional team  732.356.9120.

Are you the one in your family that sees to it that everyone is getting the healthcare they should?  If you answer yes, welcome to the club.  85% of all healthcare decisions are made by women.

Like it or not, men and children look to the women in their lives to be caretakers of their well-being.  This condition doesn’t just exist in American homes.  This seems to be a worldwide phenomenon.  They count on you.

So, Here’s to You, Dr. Mom. 

Thank you for doing your work and helping your family stay healthy, fit, and able.

Women know the importance of getting the right care and the major benefits of it.  I know you encourage your spouse to get the care he should, despite his protestations and mutterings.  Your children are a bit easier until they get to be older teenagers.  Then they are difficult for anyone! 

It is important for you to continue your role.

In general, women have more health awareness than men.

It is no accident that women in this country live, on average, five years longer than men!

Maybe it is part of the genetic code for women to be more nurturing, intuitive and aware of the importance of life.  Maybe it has become part of the worldwide culture.  Maybe it is both.  It is this way in virtually every country in the world.

Women have been the bedrock of the family – the basic building blocks of our culture – for virtually forever.

It is no accident that sports figures on national television say “Hello, Mom!” or “Love you, Mom.” (Frankly, I can’t remember the last time or anytime a player said, “Hello, Dad”)

Just try going into an average home where Mom has been away for more than a few days! Disarray becomes the order of the day!

Women bring relationships, art, beauty, communications and brainpower wherever they touch.

They touch life with love of their nurturing hearts.

If it sounds like I’m celebrating women – it is true.  The work and contributions of women have been unacknowledged too little in our culture. 

Even women’s brains are physiologically more adept at multi-tasking.  The connection (called the corpus callosum) between the logical left brain and intuitive right brain is four times larger in women than men.

While men as a group are hesitant to admit how much they depend on women as caretakers, women know they are and most enjoy their role.  One of the most important roles of all time is being a mother.  Our society depends on moms and Dr. Moms for care, love, guidance, teaching, direction and steadfast commitment.  Bless you moms of the world.

But this article is about more than praising women.  It is about what you can do to help guide the health care of your husband, your children and yourself in life.

As the major influencer for your family, it is your duty to take care of yourself, to look your best and to lead your family by example.

Your health and attractiveness help you perform your duties as “The Mom”.

I see too many women sacrifice themselves, their own health, appearance, and smiles.

I understand it.  It is just a mistake.  You see, your husband (partner, remember) and children are counting on you to be there for them – to show them the way, to influence them for their own good.  It is part of being a mom and wife.

Since time immemorial, women have used their attractiveness to influence men to their way of thinking.  When women “let themselves go,” they are losing this power to influence.  Too many times I have seen romance and relationships fall away in marriage when some other (often younger) woman comes along who uses here attractiveness to steal away the man that was formerly happily married to his wife.  Yes, I am sure there was more to it than that attraction factor, but why risk it?

I have seen women we have helped with smile makeovers find romance for the first time, get married and raise the families of their dreams. 

I have also seen women regain the romance that was lost or slipping away with their husbands of many years. 

It is definitely not selfish or self indulgent to get your smile made over.  It helps you be what you are supposed to be – to fulfill your duty to yourself, your children and your husband.

And there is more to it than that. 

If your dental health is bad, you can pass along the bacteria that can cause the infection, decay, gum disease, and life-threatening disease to your spouse and children. 

Naturally, if your husband has problems like these, he can pass them onto you and the children too.  70% of all people who live together in households share the same oral bacteria.  All families share food…”Let me have a sip of that” or “Can I have a bite?” are just part of living together.

Did you know that your smile is an enormous part of your attractiveness?!  Most women have figured this out. 

Everyone concentrates on two parts of the face during conversation:  the smile and the eyes.  These are the sources of so much communication.

Like or not, your smile is just part of the evaluation of who you are and your possible worth as a friend.

Everyone first sizes people up based on how they look and how friendly they are.  If you fail to smile at someone when you would be expected to, other people have doubts about your potential value as a friend, or business colleague.

It is virtual death to any possibility of influence in a business relationship when you or your husband doesn’t smile at someone during the first twenty-seven seconds of the introduction. 

Any embarrassment caused by dark, chipped, stained, or missing teeth and smiles that don’t look goods is a needless handicap.  Dr. Mom, don’t let this happen to you or your loved ones.

Attractiveness and influence pays off for you.  I have already explained the importance of the smile and teeth to appearance. (Everyone looks – if you don’t smile, they think you are weird or they question themselves and how they look.  None of this builds relationships.) 

In several sociological studies, the more attractive people enjoyed pay up to 14% greater than their less attractive counterparts.  What would a 14% increase in pay mean for you or your spouse?

If you want your children and spouse to have a long, healthy, happy life, you need to be the influencer that guides them to a great smile and healthy teeth for life.

Two things are important to remember here.  People are living longer – they need their teeth longer to enjoy a full quality of lie.  The second thing is that people with healthy, functioning teeth live longer.  I’ve had many of my patients tell me that their friends, who didn’t get their teeth fixed and keep them up by regular maintenance visits, are now dead.  They thank me for my quiet persistence in helping them gain dental health and vibrant, youthful smiles.

If you are a grandmother (or want to be one someday), here is another consideration for you.  I’ll illustrate this with a quick story.  One day a new patient, I call her Margaret, came in.  While I interviewed her she told me about her seven-year-old granddaughter and a recent conversation.  She asked, “Grandmother, how come your teeth look like that?”  Margaret said she was mortified. “Dr. Martin, I have to get my teeth fixed.  I want my smile back.”

I nodded.  I understood.

Today Margaret has a beautiful smile that makes her look fifteen years younger than her seventy-seven years.  She has told me that her relationship with her granddaughter is so special to her and better than ever.  She had an unexpected side benefit, too.  “I never expected I would feel so much better from this work, but I do.”  Margaret announced with pride.

What Margaret has gained is a legacy.  Her granddaughter will now have the memories of her loving grandmother, her vibrant smile, positive outlook, and zest for life.  And the ever so important life lessons that her grandmother taught her.

As we grow older, the simpler things of life become more important.  Relationships, being with our friends and family, eating a good meal, and enjoying the tastes and textures without worry and concern about what you can eat.  For too many, they can’t enjoy even these simple pleasures.

One patient told me that one of the reasons she got her teeth fixed and back into top health was because of what she witnessed with her brother, Sam.  He went to a nursing home for the final years of his life – an unexpectedly two short years.  She explained that Sam had just three teeth and couldn’t wear his removable denture that was eventually lost by the nursing home orderlies.  Sam lost forty pounds because he couldn’t eat the right kinds of foods.  He died too young.

“I don’t want that to happen to me.”  I agreed.

Today she is all fixed up.  She smiles broadly and eats whatever she wants.  And she enjoys living in her home and traveling broadly.  I doubt the nursing home is ever in her future.

There are so many reasons to decide to get your smile rejuvenated or to influence your family to do the same.

Call Dr. Ralph Reilly today to schedule your complementary smile evaluation 732-356-9120.

Now you can get the smile you’ve always wanted – that nature may not have blessed you with. Today, thousands of people who want to look and feel better about themselves are choosing to correct their smiles with LUMINEERS. Dr. Ralph Reilly has brought this technological breakthrough to central New Jersey – with extensive training learning this new technique has created an opportunity for people who don’t want their natural tooth structure ground down to experience beautiful results. LUMINEERS can be as thin as a contact lens – require no drilling, no shots, and no pain! Find out if LUMINEERS are right for you, call today for your complimentary smile evaluation 1-877-SMILES-1

Not so long ago, wearing dentures was considered inevitable. Most older American’s wore dentures either full or partial – but unlike your parents before you – you have options for permanent replacement with things like implants and/or fixed bridgework. Implants are becoming more and more popular among today’s baby boomers. Did you know that not any dentist can perform implants – it takes special skills and training. Dr. Ralph Reilly has obtained all the necessary training and has been treating patients with implants for over 10 years. Log onto www.advanceddentistry.net and check out our page on implants. Call the office today if you would like to learn more about them in person. Your invited to come by for an office tour and see how smiles can be restored beautifully with implants.

Call 1-877-SMILES-1

Here at Advanced Dentistry – the office of Dr. Ralph Reilly, we can create a bridge for you if that is what you need. But unlike the sale of the Brooklyn Bridge – the bridge we create for you will truly be yours. It will help restore you to your natural smile and function – in fact, it could even be better than what you were born with if that is what you would like. Call today to find out more 1-877-SMILES-1 to schedule your complimentary smile evaluation – just mention this blog!

Do you suffer from an unusual amount of dry mouth? Let us help you find out what is causing it. Whether it’s medication or some other cause we are here for you. Call Josie or Kris at 1-877-SMILES-1 and tell them you have dry mouth and want to learn more.

Have you been examined for oral cancer? Your optimum health is always our main concern – every patient we examine recieves an oral cancer screening. Check out our other website www.advanceddentistry.net to learn more about oral cancer. Come in today and get your oral cancer screening – it could not only save your smile it could save your life. Call today 1-877-SMILES-1

What are your concerns about cosmetic dental services? If you are like most Americans it is cost. Did you know that many cosmetic dental procedures are in fact covered by dental insurance? And that most offices provide financing options for those who need budget options to get the cosmetic dental work they desire. At the office of Dr. Ralph Reilly there are many options to help you – call today and speak with one of our patient care coordinators to find out what options might be available to you – so you can start smiling today with the most radiant and beautiful smile you can imagine. Call today 732-356-9120.