Are dental amalgams safe? Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to amalgam? Is it true that dental amalgams have been banned in other countries? Is there a filling material that matches tooth color? If my tooth doesn't hurt and my filling is still in place, why would the filling need to be replaced? Read this interesting and informative discussion from the American Dental Association.
The Food and Drug Administration and other organizations of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) continue to investigate the safety of amalgams used in dental restorations (fillings). However, no valid scientific evidence has shown that amalgams cause harm to patients with dental restorations, except in rare cases of allergic reactions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers some scientific background on mercury (contained within silver-colored fillings), and whether it believes the substance presents any health hazards.
Children have significantly less tooth decay in their primary (baby) and permanent teeth today than they did in the early 1970s, according to the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA). The analysis reveals that among children between the ages of six and 18 years, the percentage of decayed permanent teeth decreased by 57.2 percent over a 20-year period. In addition, children between the ages of two and 10 years experienced a drop of nearly 40 percent in diseased or decayed primary teeth.
Advances in modern dental materials and techniques increasingly offer new ways to create more pleasing, natural-looking smiles. Researchers are continuing their often decades-long work developing esthetic materials, such as ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. As a result, dentists and patients today have several choices when it comes to selecting materials used to repair missing, worn, damaged or decayed teeth.
The advent of these new materials has not eliminated the usefulness of more traditional dental restoratives, which include gold, base metal alloys and dental amalgam. The strength and durability of traditional dental materials continue to make them useful for situations where restored teeth must withstand extreme forces that result from chewing, such as in the back of the mouth.
Sealants were developed in the 1950s and first became available commercially in the early 1970s. The first sealant was accepted by the American Dental Association Council on Dental Therapeutics in 1972. Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years. In fact, research has shown that sealants actually stop cavities when placed on top of a slightly decayed tooth by sealing off the supply of nutrients to the bacteria that causes a cavity.
Sealants act as a barrier to prevent bacteria and food from collecting and sitting on the grooves and pits of teeth. Sealants are best suited for permanent first molars, which erupt around the age of 6, and second molars, which erupt around the age of 12.
Sealants are most effective when applied as soon as the tooth has fully come in. Because of this, children derive the greatest benefit from sealants because of the newness of their teeth. Research has shown that more than 65% of all cavities occur in the narrow pits and grooves of a child`s newly erupted teeth because of trapped food particles and bacteria.
Sealant application involves cleaning the surface of the tooth and rinsing the surface to remove all traces of the cleaning agent. An etching solution or gel is applied to the enamel surface of the tooth, including the pits and grooves. After 15 seconds, the solution is thoroughly rinsed away with water. After the site is dried, the sealant material is applied and allowed to harden by using a special curing light.
Sealants normally last about five years. Sealants should always be examined at the child`s regular checkup. Sealants are extremely effective in preventing decay in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
Insurance coverage for sealant procedures is increasing, but still minimal. Many dentists expect this trend to change as insurers become more convinced that sealants can help reduce future dental expenses and protect the teeth from more aggressive forms of treatment.
Reviews
Rating 4.7 out of 5 based on 23 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMarguerite H
a year ago
Dr. Stern and Blanca the dental hygienist are professional and live up to the name of the practice - Gentle Dental Care. The office has such a pleasant atmosphere and does not push extra procedures like many other practices. When the dentist I was going to for years in NYC relocated out of state, I tried other practices in Hoboken and was very disappointed. Thankfully, a friend recommended Dr. Stern. Happily, I have been regularly going to them ever since. I highly recommend Gentle Dental Care.
Nina N
2 years ago
No nonsense, great service, great staff, Dr. Stern is fantastic
grace gurman
2 years ago
I cannot see a better Dentist. She is kind, understanding, a great practitioner, has been unbelievable during COVID taking patients in need. Staff is equally as flexible and understanding. They do not make dentist like Dr. Stern anymore. She is Knowledgeable and a great listener coupled with an enormous amount of empathy and is up on new procedures. Bravo Dr. Stern, you make all of us proud in the Hoboken community.
Chris Cunningham
2 years ago
Very nice dentist and staff. Dr Stern is very thorough in her examination and walks through everything carefully to determine the best course of action for any additional work. Very pleasant to speak with as well; made me actually not hate going to the dentist. Definitely recommend!
Scott S (sebastian504)
2 years ago
I had a root canal crown, and veneers done at this office 10 years ago. I spent at least 20k at her office. Since then I had to have the veneers redone (15k) , gum work due to the veneers not being spaced correctly at another dentists since she would not honor her work. that was 5 years ago I replaced ALL my veneers. Now I find out the crown was not properly done, and the endo work she referred me to a guy in fort lee was also improperly done and now I have an underlying infection. IM SPENDING ANOTHER 5k to try and save the tooth. All in all, she was friendly and her staff was great. It was nice to walk to my appointments, but other than simple cleanings I do not recommend. Worst dentist ever when it comes to her quality of work. So far I've spent another 20k to redo the work that was done. beware.
Chris Cunningham
3 years ago
Very nice dentist and staff. Dr Stern is very thorough in her examination and walks through everything carefully to determine the best course of action for any additional work. Very pleasant to speak with as well; made me actually not hate going to the dentist. Definitely recommend!
Scott S (sebastian504)
3 years ago
I had a root canal crown, and veneers done at this office 10 years ago. I spent at least 20k at her office. Since then I had to have the veneers redone (15k) , gum work due to the veneers not being spaced correctly at another dentists since she would not honor her work. that was 5 years ago I replaced ALL my veneers. Now I find out the crown was not properly done, and the endo work she referred me to a guy in fort lee was also improperly done and now I have an underlying infection. IM SPENDING ANOTHER 5k to try and save the tooth. All in all, she was friendly and her staff was great. It was nice to walk to my appointments, but other than simple cleanings I do not recommend. Worst dentist ever when it comes to her quality of work. So far I've spent another 20k to redo the work that was done. beware.
grace gurman
3 years ago
I cannot see a better Dentist. She is kind, understanding, a great practitioner, has been unbelievable during COVID taking patients in need. Staff is equally as flexible and understanding. They do not make dentist like Dr. Stern anymore. She is Knowledgeable and a great listener coupled with an enormous amount of empathy and is up on new procedures. Bravo Dr. Stern, you make all of us proud in the Hoboken community.
Mason Hu
3 years ago
Doctor Sharon Stern has been a wonderful dentist over the years, and her staff have always matched that quality, as well. She has a wonderful chairside demeanor and has always listenened patiently and closely to my questions and concerns. Having had cleanings, restorations and a root canal at her office, I can state with confidence that I would not go anywhere else in the entire NYC area.
Mason Hu
3 years ago
Doctor Sharon Stern has been a wonderful dentist over the years, and her staff have always matched that quality, as well. She has a wonderful chairside demeanor and has always listenened patiently and closely to my questions and concerns. Having had cleanings, restorations and a root canal at her office, I can state with confidence that I would not go anywhere else in the entire NYC area.
Alexandru Popa
4 years ago
Every time I've gone here they've gone out of their way to make me feel comfortable. Definitely recommend this place
Hector Hernandez
4 years ago
Hello, I just wanted to write about my wonderful visit last Thursday. The staff was so nice, and most importantly the hygienist is great. Doctor stern is outstanding.
Alexandru Popa
5 years ago
Every time I've gone here they've gone out of their way to make me feel comfortable. Definitely recommend this place
Hector Hernandez
5 years ago
Hello, I just wanted to write about my wonderful visit last Thursday. The staff was so nice, and most importantly the hygienist is great. Doctor stern is outstanding.
S Ano
5 years ago
I have been a patient of Dr. Stern's for almost 20 years and she has provided top-notch dental care throughout this time. She and her staff are professional and pleasant and never make you wait even though the practice is busy. I recently used Invisalign through Dr. Stern and my only regret is that I did not do so earlier! Dr. Stern keeps up with current technology and treats her patients with excellence. You'll be in good hands here!
Marty Cohen
5 years ago
I can't tell you how many dentists and dental hygienists have told me to floss. Dr. Stern was the first dentist to take the time to show me how it's done. As a result, I've flossed regularly, and my teeth and gums have never been better! This is one dental practice where people go the extra mile for patients.
Anja Petrovic
5 years ago
Dr. Stern is very educated and knowledgeable in her practice, however, overall I would never recommend this Dentist to anyone or go back to this office! I went to Dr. Stern's office for a root canal and I found it very unprofessional. To book my initial appointment I spoke over the phone and agreed to the procedures and out of pocket costs. Once in the office I asked for documentation showing all charges (Insurance and Out of Pocket) and Dental Procedures, I did not receive documentation until after my root canal. The office just charged me without explaining or defending any of their costs. When I questioned the receptionist about the charges she was very very rude. Someone with that much attitude and very little customer culture should NEVER be allowed to work as a receptionist. Secondly, the initial agreement was that the procedure would take 3 days. Those three days turned into 5 visits each time billing me for something different that was not agreed upon. They also wanted to raise the price during the middle of my medical procedure which was not agreed upon in the initial visits. I'm not sure that Dr. Stern understands how a business should run. Maybe someone should have recommended her to work for another dentist office.
Susan Knapp
5 years ago
Dr. Sharon Stern the best dentist, period. My family has been coming here for many years. We have always had personalized professional and very gentle treatment of the highest quality for me, my husband, and our three children. Blanca is the best hygienist in Hoboken. The office is clean and modern with some and extra touches like a goody bag and heated lavender cloths after treatment. ...We always leave smiling
James LaPiedra
5 years ago
Been a client for almost 4 years now and enjoy every office visit! Very friendly staff and show they really care about your dental health. Make sure you floss to keep everyone happy =)
lisa guerrieri
5 years ago
Dr. Stern is thorough and personable. Great dentist.
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