Blog

May Newsletter

Meet Kim! Kim is new to the dental field. She was excited to join Dr. Vander Vliet’s team because she likes the energy and positivity of the office. Kim recently moved to the Hackettstown area with her husband, son and dog Maxine. She enjoys going on hikes, cooking,...

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Dental Erosion

We all enjoy eating food and drinking all sorts of beverages! Did you ever wonder why certain foods and/or drinks are better than others when it comes to dental health? When we talk about “dental-friendly” foods, the first variable that typically pops into our mind...

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Dental Implants

A dental implant is a replacement for the root of a tooth. Dental implants are made of medical grade titanium. Implants are posts surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone. You may want a dental implant if: -You have a missing tooth or teeth. -Your dentures...

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The Explosive Truth About Vaping

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the water vapor produced by an electric device called an e-cigarette or vaporizer. The device delivers a nicotine hit by heating a nicotine-containing propylene glycol (also used in antifreeze) to create an aerosol, usually...

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Sensitive Teeth

Is the taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee sometimes a painful experience for you? Does brushing or flossing make you wince occasionally? If so, you may have sensitive teeth. Possible causes include: • Tooth decay (cavities) • Fractured teeth • Worn fillings •...

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Services We Offer Our Patients

1. Crowns: Our office offers same day crown appointments with CEREC Technology. CEREC utilizes 3D photography and CAD/CAM technology to assist me in designing a virtual restoration (onlay, inlay, crown, or bridge) without taking impressions. When combined with a...

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Patient Questions

1) I heard a commercial on TV that said I should chew gum after eating if I cannot brush. Is that true? 2) Two years ago I was told I had a cavity. It did not hurt so I have not done anything about it. It has been 2 years and it still does not hurt, do I really need...

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September 2018

Missing something? Did you know that 80% of adults in the USA have at least one missing tooth? (Not including wisdom teeth) There are a few options for tooth replacement – bridge, removable partial denture or the ideal option – an implant. Interested in finding out...

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The Importance of a Cleaning

The dental term for a cleaning is a prophylaxis. The definition of prophylaxis is: measures designed to preserve your overall health and prevent the spread of disease beginning in your mouth. Nearly 50% of Americans (approximately 65 MILLION people) have signs of gum...

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Medications that can have dental implications

1. Bisphosphonates – a class of osteoporosis medications – such as Boniva, Actonel and Fosamax – in a small percentage of cases, there may be a development of osteonecrosis of the jaw. ONJ – where the jaw bone does not heal especially after an extraction. More common...

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August 2018

Barcelona, Anyone? Dr. V will be heading to Barcelona at the end of the month with the Paragon International Study Club. He will be presenting a lecture on the digital workflow in the planning, placement and restoration of dental implants. Put a hard limit on the soft...

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Orthodontics

It is the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites) which may be caused by disproportionate jaw relationships, tooth irregularities or both. Treatment is most typical in adolescents usually after all of the baby teeth are lost. Usually 12-14 years of age....

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Fluoride

Fluoride is a naturally occurring element present in all water sources, even the oceans. Fluoride is often called nature’s cavity fighter and for good reason. It makes the outer surface (enamel) harder and more resistant to decay. Fluoride protects all ages against...

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May 2018

It's a love/hate thing... Most patients love our automated confirmation/reminder system, but some...not so much. The nice thing is that it is fully customizable to fit YOUR needs. There should be a link on each text or email where you can customize the system the way...

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March 2018

Stick out your tongue... and brush it! Brushing and scraping your tongue may be one of your best defenses against bad breath. All the plaque that accumulates on your teeth also accumulates on your tongue. True or False? After menopause, women should see their dentist...

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The Oral Connection to Influenza and Pneumonia

Could your oral health contribute to you contracting Influenza or Pneumonia? Overall health begins with your mouth. Several recent studies provide evidence that the oral cavity may influence the initiation and/or the progression of lung diseases such as pneumonia and...

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Best and Worst Foods

Eat for a healthy smile Prevention is the best medicine for your smile. Although fillings, crowns, and professional whitening can make your teeth stronger and brighter, it's better (and cheaper!) to avoid cavities and stains in the first place, by brushing, flossing,...

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Celebrating 30 Years of Practice!

Happy New Year! We would like to wish all of our patients a happy and healthy 2018! Resolutions? It's that time of year again, where many of us make wonderful resolutions but have trouble following through. If one of your resolutions is to improve your overall health,...

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12 Days of Dental Christmas

1) Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Carol while you clean: for two minutes each time. The average person brushes for only 30 seconds. 2) Floss at least once a day. If you don’t floss, you are not cleaning 35% of your teeth surfaces 3) Avoid those candy canes and...

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Xerostomia and How It Affects Your Dental Health

Xerostomia or dry mouth, is a common, but sometimes overlooked, condition that is typically associated with inadequate function of the salivary glands. Xerostomia affects 30% of patients older than 65 years and up to 40% of patients older than 80 years; this is...

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