Our dental practice has been located on Egg Harbor Road in Sewell, Washington Township, New Jersey, since 1979. Started by Dr. Chris Connolly, it has grown to include three full-time dentists and an ever-expanding auxiliary and clerical staff. Our office is dedicated to treating your entire familys dental needs. We believe that a beautiful, healthy smile greatly improves your confidence and your overall wellbeing!

It is very important that our patients have the utmost confidence in our professional training and our dental expertise. Our doctors and our clinical staff participate in continuing education opportunities, so we can stay apprised of the most cutting-edge procedures, techniques, and equipment in the dental industry.

To protect the health of our patients and staff, we carefully adhere to the standards recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Dental Association (ADA) with regard to sterilization techniques and the control of infectious elements within the office.

'I love my visit today and My first Visit ...the doctor was amazing, they really care for you, they provide all the information I need and everything I needed to know going forward for my follow-up visits.. I had Grace for my cleaning and I absolutely love how professional she was & how Good she 's at what she does.. 100% Recommended Best Family Dentistry in South Jersey...'

'If you are looking for a new Dentist, look no further. I have been a (grateful) patient of Dr. McCarty 's for over 20 years. He has always taken excellent care of me, listens to my concerns and does whatever he has to to achieve the best possible outcome- whether it be a small filling, or a more complicated procedure. The staff are very helpful, accommodating and friendly. The office is stylish, modern and very clean. I couldn 't recommend The Connolly Family Practice more highly.'

'Connolly Family Dentistry is a super nice place. Our entire family goes there. The staff is polite and friendly, Dr Chris is always a pleasure to talk to, professional and remembers everyone. Dr. Tigh is very nice and always professional. Ive never left the office unhappy. I highly recommend this practice.'

'Ive been seeing Dr. McCarty for 20 years or more and, while I cant honestly say I look forward to going to the dentist (NOBODY looks forward to going to the dentist), I find that I dont mind it much at all. Sarah, my hygienist is awesome too. Both make the experience as pleasant as it can be and do great work too. I cant imagine going anywhere else.'

Every member of our staff is part of the wonderful family that is Connolly Family Dentistry. The wonderful members of our office team, several of whom have celebrated their 10-, 15- and 20-year anniversaries with our office, support our dentists and provide our patients with gentle, professional care. Each department functions together as integral parts of our office, working toward the common goal of providing you and your family with the friendly, professional, comprehensive dental care.

Denises job is to serve as an advocate and educator in creating treatment plans for dental care. She is responsible for initiating treatment and walking patients through the process and finances. Ultimately, she is there to make sure all of our patients needs are met during treatment.

Patricias job is to ensure that the practice is providing high-quality care to the patients. She works closely with the administrative staff, the hygiene staff, dental assistants, doctors, and patients to achieve healthcare goals. Patricia also does her best to educate patients and talk them through the ins and outs of their dental experience.

The dental assisting staff work very closely with the doctors, and are responsible for such diagnostic procedures as X-rays, digital photographs, and impressions. The staff members who perform these tasks are each CDA and RDA certified. The assistants are also involved in patient education, home care, medical histories, and teeth whitening.

Xerostomia is the medical term used to describe dry mouth caused by inadequate or absent saliva. Xerostomia itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom found as part of certain medical conditions. Dry mouth is a serious problem, as it can contribute to other health issues. Dry mouth affects nutrition, dental health, speech, and taste. Therefore, it can significantly decrease a persons quality of life.

Saliva plays an invaluable role in the maintenance of oral health and health in general. Saliva constantly rinses the oral cavity, thus sweeping away any food debris. Saliva has antimicrobial activity. It contains certain antibodies that act to remove and destroy bacteria. Saliva also lubricates the oral cavity which aids in eating and speaking. Finally, saliva begins the digestive process, as it contains certain enzymes that help to break down our food. It is easy to see how lack of saliva, or a dry mouth, can lead to health problems. Patients with xerostomia have an increased risk for the development of plaque and dental caries (cavities). Dry mouth can also lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Xerostomia can cause difficulty speaking and swallowing, sore throat, and hoarseness.

There are many causes for xerostomia. Probably the most frequent culprit is medication. Many prescription drugs list xerostomia as a side effect. The most common medications to cause dry mouth include antihypertensives, antidepressants, analgesics, diuretics and antihistamines. Xerostomia is one of the most common side effects of cancer therapy. Chemotherapy can change the flow of saliva, though usually only temporarily. Radiation treatment to the head and neck can temporarily or permanently damage salivary glands, thus leading to dry mouth.

Sjgrens Syndrome is the most common disease that causes xerostomia. Sjgrens Syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which a persons own antibodies attack their salivary and lacrimal glands. The result is xerostomia and dry eyes. This disease occurs primarily in postmenopausal women. Other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, diabetes mellitus, cystic fibrosis, and thyroid dysfunction can all cause xerostomia. Stress, anxiety, depression and nutritional deficiencies can also lead to varying degrees of dry mouth.

The first step in the management of xerostomia is to identify the underlying cause. If the dry mouth cannot be reversed, the next step is symptomatic treatment which includes increasing any existing salivary flow, replacing lost saliva, controlling dental caries and treating any oral infections. In order to increase existing salivary flow, patients may suck on sugarless candies or chew sugarless gum. Patients should also sip water frequently throughout the day. There are several over the counter saliva substitutes that can be used to replace lost saliva and thus lubricate the mouth. Prescription products can be used in severe cases. Patients with xerostomia should avoid sugary foods and acidic foods or beverages because of their increased susceptibility to dental caries. Regular dental visits and proper oral hygiene are essential to the treatment process. Patients should brush and floss regularly, and report any unusual findings to their dentist. Patients are also encouraged to refrain from eating spicy foods and using tobacco and alcohol, as these things only serve to dry the mouth more.

Xerostomia is a common problem that if left untreated, can significantly decrease a persons quality of life. However, with proper dental care, patient education, and appropriate treatment, the effects of xerostomia can be adequately reduced.