1. Isolating the Treatment Area: Using rubber dams to prevent mercury particles from entering the mouth.
2. High-Volume Suction: Capturing mercury vapor and particles during the removal process.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensuring both patient and dental team wear masks, gloves, and eye protection.
4. Air Filtration: Using air filters to reduce mercury vapor in the office.
5. Minimizing Heat: Cooling amalgam to limit mercury vapor release.

These practices protect both patients and dental professionals from mercury exposure.

Why Replacing Amalgam Fillings is Important

There are several reasons why replacing amalgam fillings is considered beneficial:

1. Mercury Exposure: Although generally safe, some people prefer to avoid any mercury exposure, especially those with sensitivities or existing health conditions.
2. Aesthetic Concerns: Amalgam fillings are noticeable, especially in visible areas. Tooth-colored alternatives offer a more natural appearance.
3. Tooth Integrity: Over time, amalgam fillings can weaken the tooth, causing cracks or further decay.
4. Environmental Concerns: Mercury is toxic to the environment, and replacing amalgam helps reduce waste.
5. Biological Dentistry: Biological dentists prioritize materials that are non-toxic and biocompatible, such as composite resins, porcelain, or biocompatible glass ionomers. These alternatives not only enhance aesthetics but also support overall health by minimizing the risk of adverse reactions.

In summary, replacing amalgam fillings with safer, more aesthetically pleasing, and biocompatible materials offers both health and environmental benefits, with SMART certification ensuring a safe removal process.

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We are offering 10% off Botox and Juvederm now until July 1st.  Schedule your appointment now since we are booking up quickly.

Looking forward to seeing you again!
Dr. Fine, Dr. Kwiatkowski, Dr. Steiner

To Schedule a Consultation Call: 973 627 3617

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New Doctor welcomed to the AFDPA team…

The staff at AFDPA would like to introduce Dr. Joelle Hirschfeld to our practice. She started with us in July and we are more than excited for the skills and knowledge she will be bringing to our practice. We would like to take this opportunity to provide some background on Dr. Joelle Hirschfeld as the newest addition to AFDPA.

Dr. Hirschfeld was raised in Randolph, NJ. She attended The Pennsylvania State University where she graduated with honors and a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience. She continued on to Tufts University School of Dental Medicine where she earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine. While at Tufts, she served as a tutor and TA for many courses, traveled to the Dominican Republic for a dental service trip, and started the Tufts Chapter of Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon. Dr. Hirschfeld also received awards in operative dentistry and special needs dentistry.

Following dental school, Dr. Hirschfeld completed a General Practice Residency at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ. During her very busy hospital-based residency program, she treated hundreds of patients for their general dentistry needs as well as dental implants, oral surgical procedures, pediatric dentistry, root canals, esthetic procedures, and oral pathology needs. She had extensive training in management and treatment of patients with severe dental and facial trauma in the emergency room as well as clearance for medical and surgical procedures. She also spent a lot of time in the operating room treating patients with special needs as well as facial trauma surgeries. Dr. Hirschfeld loves to learn and is committed to continue advancing her training through continued education each year in order to provide her patients with the best possible care.

Dr. Hirschfeld is an active member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, and New Jersey Dental Association. She also plans to join staff at Morristown Medical Center. 

In her free time, Dr. Hirschfeld enjoys working out, checking out the best places to eat, snowboarding, and spending time with her friends and family. Dr. Hirschfeld loves what she does and looks forward to taking care of your dental and overall health!

Graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, DMD, 2018

Memberships: American Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, New Jersey Dental Association

Post Graduate Training: 

Continuing education on dental photography, laser training, esthetic dentistry

Past Experience:

Completed General Practice Residency at Morristown Medical Center, NJ.

Community Service:

Give Kids a Smile, Community Health Day, Global Service trip to Dominican Republic

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Medical ozone is completely different. While it is the same gas, it has been specially formulated to offer significant help for dentists and our patients.

Ozone and root canal

Root canal therapy is a surgery of last resort. It is only ever used when no other treatment will be effective. The procedure involves removing the pulp from inside the tooth that has become inflamed or infected. The tooth can survive without this pulp as it continues to be nourished from the surrounding gum.

A root canal involves the removal of the pulp, nerves, and blood vessels from inside the tooth. While this may sound painful, it really isn’t. Modern dentistry has progressed significantly and has removed much of the discomfort from this procedure. Once we have removed this material, we eradicate the infection and as much bacteria as possible.

Removing the infected pulp requires us to disinfect the tissue left inside the tooth before sealing it with a material called gutta-percha. Without ozone therapy, we can usually eliminate the majority of the bacteria living within the tooth. Using ozone therapy, we can eliminate 99.9 percent of bacteria.

This means the tooth is as clean and as disinfected as possible before we seal it up. This has obvious benefits for recovery as your body can concentrate on healing rather than having to fight bacteria too. The long-lasting effects of ozone therapy can continue for up to a year depending on your general oral health and any other issues you may have.

As hard as we might try, without ozone therapy, it is very difficult to effectively remove bacteria. There are lots of places for it to hide, including dentinal tubules within the tooth itself which can stretch for miles if placed end to end. Ozone therapy allows us to flood the entire area with disinfecting ozone gas to kill that 99.9 percent.

Using a special dental device, we can apply medical-grade ozone to the site of the root canal to eradicate any bacteria. The applicator sits on top of the tooth and only delivers gas to that tooth. The applicator then removes the gas from your mouth. The procedure is completely safe and has been used in dentistry across the world for a very long time.

Given its effectiveness at fighting bacteria, using ozone in root canal therapy offers many benefits. Further infection was always a risk after root canal therapy but with ozone, we eliminate bacteria and therefore make it less likely that your tooth will become re-infected.

If you think you may need root canal therapy, using ozone gas as part of the procedure offers real life benefits. Contact us here at Aesthetic Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation.

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Oil pulling is the practice of using an oil mixture as a mouthwash. The use of coconut oil is a fairly recent addition to oil pulling. Used alongside oregano oil, it provides a potent aid in the fight against tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Oil pulling is not a replacement for brushing, flossing or regular checkups. It is used as a complementary therapy alongside your normal oral health regimen. Oil pulling can however replace your usual mouthwash if performed properly and consistently.

Coconut oil and oil pulling

Coconut oil is very popular for oil pulling because it contains a high percentage of lauric acid. This acid attracts the lipid membrane that protects bacteria like iron filings to a magnet. This provides an excellent base for oil pulling. Lauric acid is also credited with fighting the Streptococcus mutans bacteria which is credited with being the primary cause of tooth decay. For these reasons alone, we recommend its use as a carrier oil for oil pulling.

Add good quality oregano oil with its known antibacterial qualities and you have a double whammy. The known health benefits of coconut oil and you have a healthy, natural replacement for mouthwash. Notice I said quality oregano oil. Some cheaper imported oregano oil is not as effective as good quality versions. It is well worth investing in quality oil as it will have real health benefits.

While there is a lot of medical evidence emerging to support oil pulling, there are a few myths too.

Oil pulling is not a replacement for brushing and flossing. Oil pulling is very effective as a complementary therapy but should not replace brushing, flossing and regular dental checks.

Oil pulling helps treat jaw pain. Oregano oil is credited with having pain relieving properties but cannot treat severe discomfort. If you are experiencing any issues with your jaw, you should see your dentist as soon as possible.

Oil pulling whitens teeth. Not strictly true. Your teeth will look better and perhaps a little lighter thanks to its bacteria fighting ability. If you regularly have plaque buildup on your teeth, oil pulling will reduce and eventually eliminate it. That could make your teeth look whiter but there are no known instance of actual tooth whitening accredited to oil pulling.

Oil pulling as a complementary therapy used alongside brushing and flossing is something I definitely recommend. The known health benefits of both coconut oil and oregano oil are well known and are bound to have a beneficial effect. I would suggest everyone try it and see how you feel!

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Ozone therapy is applied using a specific medical device designed for dental use. It can apply medical ozone directly to bacteria and has been proven to kill 99 percent of bacteria with just a 1minute dose. It requires no surgery, no medication and no special preparation, offering amazing benefits to dental patients.

Ozone therapy can:

1. Eliminate 99 percent of all bacteria in the mouth.
2. Disinfect the tooth beneath the enamel without surgery.
3. Prepare the site for root canal therapy.
4. Ensure faster, more effective recovery after dental surgery.

The benefits of ozone therapy in dentistry

As you may already know, ozone occurs naturally in the atmosphere and we inhale low concentrations of it with every breath. Dental ozone is many times more concentrated and specially prepared for medical use. It is applied by a specific device that can target a specific area of the mouth, deliver the ozone and suck it back into the machine.

This process delivers a fast, clean method of eradicating bacteria from the mouth. A process that requires no special preparation, no anesthetic, no medication and has no known side effects. That’s why we are so excited about its use in dentistry.

Ozone therapy for cavities

Ozone therapy can remove bacteria from within a tooth which can in some cases, avoid the need for drilling and filling. It can also disinfect the site for other dental surgery, drastically reducing the risk of infection and speeding up recovery time. It is a very effective tool in the dentist’s arsenal and one that is gaining popularity steadily.

Ozone therapy for root canal

Another significant benefit of ozone therapy in dentistry is for root canal therapy. Ozone therapy is used to clean the site of the root canal before filling the space. By removing as much of the bacteria as possible, we prepare the mouth as best we can for a rapid recovery with the minimum risk of infection.

Given the speed and voracity of bacteria growth, any help we can provide the body in fighting bacteria can have long-lasting health benefits.

Ozone therapy can also be used for preventive treatment, such as when adult teeth appear in children or to help cleaning fissures before applying dental sealant. Other applications will no doubt be developed as ozone therapy matures and evolves as such treatments do.

If you think you may benefit from ozone therapy or would like to know more about its advantages, contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation.

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Gum recession is caused by many things, our natural aging process for one. So if it happens naturally as we get older, why do we need to have it treated?

There are several reasons why gum recession needs addressing. One, it exposes more of the tooth to decay and everyday chewing. While the tooth above the gum line is covered in a hard layer of enamel, parts of the tooth closer to the root are not. This exposes them to damage and bacteria, the two things that can hurt the tooth most. Plus, gum recession doesn’t exactly look great.

Add to that the potential for bone damage and tooth loss thanks to the increased risk of infection and you have a compelling case to have receding gums treated by your dentist. Now that we offer the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique, there really is no excuse!

Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique

Previously, the primary treatment for gum recession was a soft tissue graft. This was an involved procedure that required donor tissue be taken from other areas of the mouth and sutured into place on the gum line. It involves surgery, some level of discomfort and a recovery period measured in weeks.

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique changes all that. The pinhole in the name refers to the only intrusion into the gum during the whole procedure. Using a special needle, we manipulate the gum into its former position before the recession and the gum tissue stay in place with the help of a special collagen strip. This is repeated above each tooth, a single needle mark and internal maneuvering to get the gum back to its original position.

So rather than cutting and suturing above each tooth we can perform a much cleaner, safer procedure with a 2mm needle mark.

This has obvious benefits in terms of healing, discomfort and recovery. Rather than taking a couple of weeks to completely heal, it takes a couple of hours. We need to use less anesthetic and interfere with your body much less. Collagen used to hold the gum in place is a naturally occurring substance anyway, so that’s even less intrusion.

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique has completely changed how we treat gum recession. Now there really is no reason to not have it treated!

Aesthetic Family Dentistry are qualified and experienced to carry out the new Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique for gum recession. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

The post Why you should never ignore receding gums appeared first on Aesthetic Family Dentistry.

Bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth that feed on food left behind. As they digest debris in the teeth, they give off a gas as a byproduct. It is this gas that causes the smell. There are some medical conditions that also cause bad breath, but we aren’t talking about those here. With a good oral hygiene regimen, regular visits to the dentist and using some of these foods in the diet, bad breath really could be a thing of the past.

1. Apples

An apple a day helps keep the dentist at bay as well as the doctor. Polyphenols in apples help break down bacteria in the mouth which has a positive effect on breath. They are also effective at cleaning the teeth and collecting debris that bacteria would otherwise feed on.

2. Fresh herbs

Herbs such as mint, parsley and basil all contain strong oils that have positive health benefits, including fighting the bacteria that cause bad breath. They taste pretty good too.

3. Ginger

Ginger is widely known as beneficial to digestion but it also helps neutralize bad breath. A small piece of fresh ginger eaten after a meal not only tastes great but also helps keep bad breath at bay.

4. Green tea

Green tea is popular for all sorts of reasons and the ability to banish bad breath is one of them. Like apples, green tea contains polyphenols which are known to tackle mouth bacteria. There are also links to the prevention of tooth decay too.

5. Water

One of the primary causes of bad breath is the lack of saliva in the mouth, or dry mouth. Having a glass of water after a meal has some very far reaching health benefits, the ability to fight bad breath is just one of them.

6. Vitamin C

Foods containing vitamin C such as broccoli and oranges as they create a hostile environment for bacteria within the mouth. A balance has to be struck to not make the mouth too acidic after eating, but an orange after a meal can certainly help.

7. Natural yogurt

Natural yoghurt not only lowers the pH level of the mouth after eating but has probiotic properties too. We know these are good for us as they help promote growth of ‘good’ bacteria which fights the bad, bacteria and breath!

8. Milk

Milk and certain dairy products are thought effective at fighting garlic breath after curries or strong garlic flavored food. Sulfur-like compounds within garlic are broken down by dairy, which is why this is on our list.

9. Fennel seeds

Fennel seeds are used in Asia to clean out the mouth, generate saliva and fight bad breath. The oil within the seeds has antibacterial properties which fight the bacteria that cause bad breath.

10. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is widely used in both Eastern and Western cultures because of various health benefits and a delicious taste. It also has compounds that actively break down the gas that causes bad breath.

As holistic dentists, we believe in a complete approach to oral health and wellness. Introducing any of these foods into your diet is a good thing regardless of whether you’re fighting bad breath or not.

If you’re looking for a holistic dentist in New Jersey, contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry for a consultation. We are here to help!

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Here at Aesthetic Family Dentistry, we use medical ozone to treat a range of conditions and herpetic lesions are one of them.

Herpetic lesions

Herpetic lesions are the manifestation of the virus on the surface of the skin, commonly called cold sores or fever blisters. They often appear around the mouth or on the lip and usually last around ten days. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus that is passed through contact with infected food, drink, utensils or bodily contact.

While there is a negative connotation to having the herpes virus, the vast majority of adults across the world have it to one degree or other. It is not purely a sexually transmitted disease. There are two variants of herpes, HSV1 (Herpes Simplex Virus 1) which causes herpetic lesions and HSV2 (Herpes Simplex Virus 2) which is genital herpes. The majority of American adults have HSV1, the version we are talking about here.

The virus enters the body through a break in the skin or through the mouth. The virus hides within our cells, which is why it is so difficult to treat using conventional medicine. No current medicine or procedure has been able to tackle the virus without damaging the cell within which the virus hides, until now.

Ozone treatment for herpetic lesions

Ozone treatment has proved itself very effective at treating a range of oral conditions and helps in some interesting ways. As well as cleaning out root canals or removing tooth decay, medical ozone has also proven its worth in tackling herpetic lesions.

Ozone has powerful antiviral properties which makes it a very effective medical tool. One such virus it is effective at tackling is HSV1. Administered into the body, the ozone assists the immune system by destroying harmful viruses and bacteria, even when the virus hides inside a cell.

One of the most impressive things about ozone therapy is that it is complementary in nature. Ozone only targets ‘bad’ bacteria and does not harm healthy cells. As we have evolved around ozone in the atmosphere, we have learned to tolerate it and work with it, just like oxygen and nitrogen. This is why ozone therapy is so effective. Because it is a completely natural element that has some pretty impressive abilities!

Aesthetic Family Dentistry offers ozone therapy to tackle herpetic lesions as part of our service offering. If you’re interested in getting rid of cold sores for good, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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It is characterized by a sharp flash of pain when teeth are exposed to heat, cold, acidic or sweet foods and even by cold air. Gone as quickly as it arrives, the pain is uncomfortable and unpleasant. So what causes tooth root sensitivity and what can we do about it?

Causes of tooth root sensitivity

The causes of tooth root sensitivity are many but include:

• Brushing teeth too hard
• Gum recession
• Gingivitis
• Periodontal disease
• Damaged teeth
• Worn teeth

Tooth sensitivity can also appear in the aftermath of some dental procedures but this should pass quickly.

Tooth root sensitivity appears when the protective layer of enamel on a tooth is worn away or damaged, exposing the softer dentin. It can also appear during gum recession as the roots of teeth are exposed. Dentin contains thousands of tiny tubules that right to the center of the tooth where the nerves are. The more these tubules are exposed, the more likely you are to experience tooth root sensitivity.

Treatments for tooth root sensitivity

Treatments for tooth root sensitivity depend entirely on the cause. It could be as simple as using a less abrasive toothpaste or changing your mouthwash. It could also require avoiding overly acidic or sweet foods or adapting your oral health regimen. It may also require intervention from your dentist.

Home interventions to tooth root sensitivity can include:

• Changing brand of toothpaste
• Using a softer toothbrush
• Changing brushing style
• Avoiding overly sweet or acidic foods
• Using a mouth guard to overcome teeth grinding

In the vast majority of cases, a small change in your lifestyle can overcome tooth root sensitivity. If they don’t, we have a few options at our disposal to help.

Dental interventions can include:

• Ozone desensitizing
• Bonding, crowns or inlays to repair and protect teeth
• Dental sealants
• Chao Pinhole^TM Surgical Technique (PST)
• Gum graft
• Root canal surgery

Surgical interventions are only considered as a last resort. We would want to try everything else before performing a procedure to address tooth root sensitivity. However, the procedures we can perform are very effective at both tackling sensitivity and the underlying cause of it. The majority of dental treatments are simple and involve very little discomfort. For example, the new Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) has revolutionized the way we treat gum recession!

If you suffer from tooth root sensitivity or are looking for a holistic dentist in Denville, New Jersey, contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry today. We’re here to help.

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