Dr. Ralff Center for Cosmetic & Implant dentistry

Products And Services

• Dental Implants

  If you have lost a tooth or you need to have one pulled, one of the options you have to replace it is a dental implant. A dental implant can be made of one of several materials, but they usually consist of titanium and a custom-made prosthetic tooth. The dental implant process is a minor surgery, and it does have a moderate recovery time. That being said, an implant can help preserve the bone of the jaw and ensure you have the ability to chew, speak, and otherwise use your mouth as normally as possible. What Are Dental Implants? Dental implants are artificial teeth that are made from materials that are biocompatible to the mouth. The most common materials used in these implants are zirconia and titanium, two metals that fuse well with bone in the body and rarely cause rejection. There are three parts to a dental implant. The first is the implant post. This post is shaped like a screw and is surgically inserted into the bone to mimic the functionality of a tooth’s root. The second part is the abutment. This piece can best be described as a connector. It connects the post to the replacement tooth. The replacement tooth, called a crown, is the visible part of the tooth. This will be custom-made for you to match the surrounding teeth. Are There Different Kinds of Dental Implants? Yes! There are different kinds of implants. The most common type is an endosteal implant, which is placed into the jawbone. The second type is called a subperiosteal implant. This implant goes above the jawbone but below the gums. It’s suitable for people who don’t have enough bone to support a complete implant. Finally, there is a third option. Nicknamed the “mini implant,” this implant is less invasive and is generally used for stabilizing dentures within the mouth. They are often made with small titanium posts and still work like small tooth roots. How Long Do Dental Implants Last? It depends on how well you take care of them and your oral hygiene, but most people can expect their dental implants to last from 10 to 30 years. If you have underlying health problems like gum disease or osteoporosis, your dental implant could be affected. The implant’s quality will also influence how long it will last. Generally speaking, the post tends to last well, and it is the crown that needs to be replaced. In that case, a new crown can be made to fit on the old titanium or zirconia hardware. The Dental Implant Procedure The dental implant procedure is a minor surgery, which is the first thing you should know as someone interested in replacing your tooth in this manner. It is invasive, and it comes with some of the fundamental risks of any surgery, such as pain or infection. During the procedure, you will be numbed under local anesthesia. If you would like, you can also have IV sedation. Usually, general anesthesia is not used, but it may be necessary for some patients. After the anesthesia kicks in, the next step is to make a small cut into the gums. From there, the bone is exposed, and a drill is used to bore into the bone and screw in the implant. After this, the area is stitched up and allowed to heal. The jawbone may take several months to heal completely. The abutment is placed atop the implant. Then, the crown can be attached to the abutment. You will receive a temporary denture at the time of the implant procedure, but it won’t be your final tooth. A permanent crown will be fabricated for you and designed to match the teeth in your mouth, ensuring you have a good bite and that it is as functional as possible. Who Can Get Dental Implants? Dental implants are a good option for many people who have lost a single tooth or multiple teeth. However, it’s vital that they have enough healthy bone for the implant to screw into the jawbone safely. If there is not enough bone, a minor surgery may be performed to transplant bone, or another option might be suggested. Schedule Your Appointment With Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Hamilton Township, NJ At Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Hamilton, NJ, we offer dental implants and are here to help talk you through the process and see if you’re a good candidate. We know that deciding to go through with a dental implant is a big decision, and we want to be sure you have all the information you need to be well-informed and make an educated decision. For more information on getting dental implants in Hamilton Township, NJ, call us today at 1-609-585-4545.

  Link: Dental Implants

• Restorative Dentistry

  Restorative dentistry in Hamilton Township, NJ is a branch in the industry that focuses on restoring oral health. While the work may not be able to perfectly match your old smile, the transformation can still be remarkable. Whether you need a tiny filling, several artificial teeth, or a full arch, finding a team that can meet you where you are is important. Restorative dentistry is the key to preventing bigger problems down the line, particularly if you’re already dealing with bone loss or decay. What Does a Restorative Dentist Do? Restorative dentists in Hamilton Township, NJ may perform the same services as general or cosmetic dentists. Across all fields of dentistry, the focus is on improving your oral health, but the tone may shift from one type of dentist to another. For example, a cosmetic dentist may help you improve your oral health by helping you take more pride in your smile, so you’re more likely to take care of it on a regular basis. A general dentist may be more interested in preventative work, so you never have to see a specialist in the future. A restorative dentist will fill in the gaps if your teeth have sustained damage. What Are the Most Common Restorative Dentistry Services? Restorative dentistry services can depend on anything from the specialist dentist to the practice’s technology. We’ll look at the standard services below and what you can expect. Fillings Fillings are a routine dental procedure that you’ll need if you have a cavity. This service is usually straightforward: the dentist spots the hole in the teeth and then uses a composite material to fill the hole. Fillings strengthen teeth and prevent bacteria from working into the sensitive pulp of the tooth. If the cavity is on the larger side, this is when you’ll want an experienced dentist to take over. Not all teeth should be filled, and the exact line between when you need a filling and when you need a partial crown is not always clear. Crowns Dental crowns are artificial teeth that either augment an existing tooth or replace a missing one. Today’s technology has made this process much smoother than it used to be, with fewer demands on the patient and more success for the dentist. Whether you need a partial or a full crown, you can expect the dentist to match the color and shape, so it doesn’t look out of place with your surrounding teeth. From there, they’ll prepare the area and then fuse the crown before adjusting your bite. Implants Dental implants are a way to fill in a missing tooth or, in some cases, a full set of missing teeth. Implants rely on the strength of your jawbone, fusing a metal post to the bone to take the place of the original tooth root. With implants, you’ll need to wait several weeks (in some cases several months) for the metal post to fuse to the jawbone. Once it’s taken root, the dentist will replace the missing tooth with a full crown. Implants are highly recommended if you have a missing tooth and your jawbone is healthy enough to sustain the procedure. Bridges A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that’s supported by the surrounding natural teeth. There are several types of dental bridges, depending on what the dentist offers and where the missing tooth is. Dental bridges are not as strong as dental implants, but because your natural teeth root them, they can hold up reasonably well to everyday pressure. Bridges are a permanent solution to a missing tooth and, unlike partial dentures, do not need to be removed for cleaning. Dentures Full or partial dentures are a great way to restore your mouth if you’re not eligible for bridges or implants. Not only do dentures protect your gums and jawbone, they can help you maintain your speech patterns and facial structure. Dentures use adhesives to attach artificial teeth above the gums, and they don’t always have the best reputation for being comfortable or easy to care for. The right restorative dentist can help you find the best appliances, whether you’re concerned about the fit or the maintenance responsibilities. Restorative Dentists in Hamilton Township No matter what you’re looking for from a dentist, whether you’re concerned about aesthetics or your oral health, the right staff can help you find solutions that work for you. The best part is that people who often come in just to fill in a gap end up renewing their interest in their oral health, stepping up their home hygiene so they’re less likely to suffer another loss down the line. If you’re interested in scheduling a restorative service, the team at Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry can give you more than just general guidance and advice, we can help you work out a custom treatment plan that works for you!

  Link: Restorative Dentistry

• Cosmetic Dentistry

  When there is something about your teeth you don’t like the appearance of, it’s time to look into cosmetic dentistry to make a change. Generally speaking, cosmetic dentistry handles issues that affect the appearance of the gums and teeth. With the right approach and services, it’s possible to give you an amazing mouth of dazzling teeth and a natural-looking smile. At Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Hamilton Township, NJ, we understand that your smile makes first impressions — we are here to help you make it a little bigger. What Is Cosmetic Dentistry? Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dentistry that focuses on the appearance of the teeth and gums. Unlike traditional dentistry, which is focused on dental health, cosmetic dentistry is dedicated to making your pearly whites whiter, gumline balanced, and even missing teeth a thing of the past. There are many services offered under the cosmetic dentistry umbrella. You may want to ask about some or all of these different options that we have in the office. Some of them include: Dental Veneers Made from thin, custom-made shells crafted from composite resin or porcelain, dental veneers are designed to cover the front of the teeth and give them an even, appealing appearance. The veneers are designed to correct issues such as chipped teeth, small gaps, misalignments, and discoloration. Getting veneers requires removing a small amount of enamel, making impressions, and bonding the new veneers to the front of the teeth. If you want to see a dramatic new smile in a short amount of time, veneers could be a good choice for you. Dental Crowns If you have received multiple fillings or even a root canal, you will need to have a dental crown. A dental crown is a cap that goes over a weakened tooth. A crown can be made from different kinds of metal, ceramic, or porcelain materials, and it is designed to match the teeth around it. The best part about a dental crown is that it can be made to match the tooth that was removed, and you will have the full function of the tooth once it’s in place. It will also protect any dental work that was done beneath it, ensuring you can keep your natural teeth healthier for longer. Dental Implants Whether you are missing a tooth or need a full set of dentures, one option you can look into is dental implants. Dental implants physically screw into the jaw, helping preserve the bone and giving you a functional tooth where one did not exist before. Dental implants can also be used to mount permanent dentures, which allow you to bite, chew, and speak normally, even when you have no natural teeth of your own. Teeth Whitening Whether you have taken medications and noticed staining or you drink dark coffee and tea that caused discoloration, teeth whitening is a good solution to bring your teeth back to a beautiful, even, natural-white color. Teeth whitening is one of the easiest ways to enhance the appearance of your smile, allowing for a brighter, whiter appearance in just a single session. Dental Bonding Dental bonding is a procedure used to apply tooth-colored resin to the natural teeth. This resin can fill chips and gaps, or it can cover discoloration. The resin is applied to the teeth, shaped, and then hardened into place with a special light. Dental bonding is painless, and it can be done in a single visit. Who Can Benefit From Cosmetic Dentistry? Anyone who is unhappy with the current appearance of their teeth or gums can benefit from cosmetic dentistry treatments. The exact treatments they need will need to be discussed, and from there, a plan will be made to ensure the safest and most effective treatments are used to give them a brighter, healthier smile. Will Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dentistry? It depends. Some procedures are a normal part of traditional dentistry, such as adding a crown over a root canal or placing a bond on a tooth that has cracked. Sometimes, purely cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. In those cases, our office is happy to discuss your financing options to help you determine which treatments are within your budget. Visit Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Hamilton Township, NJ At Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Hamilton Township, NJ, we offer cosmetic dentistry services that will help you grin every time you see your pearly whites. Whether you want to whiten your teeth or are considering dental bonding to repair a crack or chip, our team can walk you through the options and ensure you have the information you need to make a decision about your needs. Call us today to schedule an appointment at 1-609-585-4545.

  Link: Cosmetic Dentistry

• Crowns and Bridges

  When you have had a root canal, have damage to a tooth, or had to have a tooth removed, you may need crowns or bridges to help repair the damage and make your teeth functional again. Crowns are used to strengthen damaged teeth that have had dental work done to them, such as in the case of a root canal. They can also be used to help mount a bridge, which can be used to replace missing teeth. What Are Dental Crowns? Dental crowns are caps that can be placed over decayed, weakened, or damaged teeth in the mouth. They can also be used to attach a bridge in some cases. Dental crowns encase all visible parts of the tooth. They can: Improve the appearance of a tooth that is misshapen or discolored Replace missing teeth by being used as a part of a bridge or dental implant Restore damaged teeth, protecting underlying parts of a tooth that has had dental work performed on it Cover teeth following a root canal. There are several kinds of dental crowns, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, zirconia, resin, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Each one has its own pros and cons, which we will go over with you in the office before your treatment. What Are Dental Bridges? Dental bridges are a kind of dental restoration that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth by creating a “bridge” across the gap. Usually, there will be one or more artificial teeth, and there will be at least one crown to help support the bridge. When a crown is not possible on the surrounding teeth, a metal or porcelain framework can be used instead, preserving your natural teeth and helping place the bridge at the same time. One other option is an implant-supported bridge. An implant-supported bridge rests on a zirconia or titanium implant or two and can be used for more significant gaps of missing teeth. When To Consider a Crown or Bridge A crown is often used to complete dental work on teeth or to help correct the appearance of a tooth. It may also be a part of a dental bridge. If you want to change the appearance of a tooth, protect a root canal, or connect a bridge without a physical implant, a crown could be the right option for you. If you are missing one or more teeth and are not a candidate for a standard dental implant, getting a bridge may be a good option. Depending on the bridge that is best for your circumstances, you may be able to replace one, two, or even an entire quadrant of the teeth in your mouth. Our dentist will speak with you about the options if a crown or bridge could be right for you based on your unique oral health care needs. How Do You Take Care of Crowns and Bridges Between Appointments? After you get a dental bridge or a crow, you will need to take special care to preserve its longevity. While these dental prosthetics and treatments can last for many years, they will survive even longer with appropriate care and attention. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind about taking care of your dental crown or bridge: Caring for Your Dental Crown: Caring for a crown is similar to caring for any other tooth. You should brush and floss, avoid biting down on tough or hard objects, and get checkups every six months to ensure cracks or damage are spotted early. Caring for Dental Bridges: The way you take care of bridges is slightly different. To start with, you will need to floss between the gums and the replacement bridge. There is special floss with a stiff end that you will thread through that gap. You should also brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. Like with a crown, you will want to avoid biting down on very hard objects that could damage the bridge. Finally, see your dentist at regular intervals. Every six months is recommended, but you may need to come in more often at first to have the bridge readjusted. Contact Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry for Crowns and Bridges in Hamilton Township, NJ Dental crowns and bridges can help you maintain the functionality of your teeth, replace missing teeth to regain function and improve the appearance of your smile. There are multiple types available, so if you want to explore those options, we are more than happy to have you in for a consultation. At Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we’re ready to help you with any crowns or bridges you need to improve the functionality of your teeth and give you back your smile. Call us today to make your appointment at 1-609-585-4545.

  Link: Crowns and Bridges

• Dental Emergencies

  A dental emergency can stop you in your tracks. A cracked tooth could be painful or difficult to chew on. An unusual pain in the gums could be a sign of infection and give you a headache that just won’t quit. Keep in mind that any dental pain or infection could be dangerous, which is why it’s important to seek out dental care as soon as possible. Our emergency dental care services keep your comfort in mind, ensuring you get what you need to feel better as soon as possible. At Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Hamilton Township, NJ, our team is ready to handle emergencies and get you back to feeling like yourself again. Whether you have a chipped tooth or have had a crown fall off, it’s possible to get care the same day. Here’s more on what you need to know about dental emergencies and when to give our offices a call. What Is a Dental Emergency? A dental emergency is any urgent oral health issue that requires immediate attention. Since oral health problems can sometimes be painful but not emergent, it’s essential to keep in mind that you can recognize an emergency if you have symptoms like: Severe bleeding Visible infection or swelling Trauma to the jaw or teeth, such as a knocked-out tooth or broken jaw Pain that prevents you from taking part in daily activities For most people, it’s easy to tell that something is an emergency because it prevents them from doing anything they usually would. The pain or dysfunction is too great. Below are some of the most common dental emergencies that we see in our office. Common Dental Emergencies These dental emergencies can happen seemingly out of nowhere. While your six-month check-ups can help prevent some of them, others can occur due to poor dental hygiene, accidents, or even normal wear and tear on the teeth or dental devices. Chipped Teeth One of the first dental emergencies is a chipped tooth. If a tooth is chipped or broken, it may become very painful and needs to be seen by your dentist. If a tooth is chipped but causes no pain, you can call and wait to be seen during the next business day in most cases. Abscesses Abscesses are infections in the teeth that can spread to the gums and beyond. They often require antibiotics, and you may need other dental work, too, such as a filling or root canal. If you believe you have an abscess (which is typically painful), then call our office right away. This is an infection that you want to have treated as soon as possible. Broken Braces When you wear braces, you could break a wire or bracket. If that happens, it’s essential to reach out to your dental office to discuss your next steps. It’s necessary to put the braces back on and to fix the wire to avoid injuries to other parts of your mouth and to maintain alignment. Lost Fillings A lost filling can be a dental emergency, mainly if it’s deep. Some fillings may fall out and barely be noticed (this kind of situation can usually be seen on the next business day, so long as you keep the tooth clean). Others will fall out and lead to pain and irritation due to the tooth’s interior being exposed to the air, food, and other debris. If you’re unsure if you should be seen for a lost filling, call our office, and we will help you with your next steps. Missing Crowns A missing crown is a dental emergency. A crown is placed to help maintain the integrity of your underlying tooth. If a crown falls off, you may have trouble with your bite, risk damaging the underlying tooth, and be in pain. Toothaches (Severe) Severe toothaches can mean that a cavity has become deep or that an infection has spread within the tooth. Fortunately, dental care can typically resolve a severe toothache within just a short time. In some cases, you may need to take antibiotics before or after a procedure, such as if you are starting to develop (or have developed) an abscess. Call Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry for Dental Emergencies in Hamilton Township, NJ At Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we understand how painful and scary it can be when something goes wrong with your teeth, gums, or jaw. The good news is that our office has X-ray capabilities, excellently trained staff members, and a dental team that can get you feeling back to normal in a short time. While not all emergencies can be resolved entirely within a single office visit, we will do our best to get you on your path to healing. For any dental emergencies or questions and concerns, call our office today at 1-609-585-4545. We are here to help!

  Link: Dental Emergencies