A trip to the dentist helped uncover an 11-year-old’s grapefruit-sized tumor and saved her life

By Abby Phillip February 13

Journee Woodard smiles after surgery to remove a dangerous tumor that was discovered thanks to a routine trip to the dentist. (Courtesy: Anna Van Ostrand-Woodard)

Journee Woodard's mom almost cancelled the appointment. The herculean task of wrangling four young children to the dentist was sometimes too much for two working parents.

But they made it, and 11-year Journee was the last of the Woodard clan to sit in the dentist chair for her six-month cleaning.

That moment would turn out to be life changing. A week after Journee walked out of the dentist's office in Edmond, Okla., doctors discovered a grapefruit-sized tumor on her pancreas, thanks to a tip from the family's dentist and hygienist.

"The mass had just infiltrated everything," Journee's mother, Anna Van Ostrand-Woodard, told The Washington Post in an interview. "We were told that Journee was one basketball game from this thing rupturing."

Journee's life-saving dentist visit is one example of the little-known ways that dentists can detect signs of very serious medical conditions. In Journee's case, jaundice in her eyes was the sign that a dangerous tumor was interrupting normal organ function.

Dentists are able to detect a host of ailments in their early stages, including high blood pressure, HIV and diabetes, simply by getting a close look at your face and mouth.

Dental care itself can be life saving -- untreated cavities and rotten teeth can allow deadly bacteria to spread to other parts of the body, causing serious medical problems.

[An $80 tooth extraction would have saved this 12-year-old boy's life]

During Journee's Jan. 28 cleaning, it was the dental hygienist who noticed that Journee's eyes were alarmingly yellow.

"She said: 'You know, Journee’s eyes look yellow,'” Journee's dentist, Michael Chandler, told KFOR. “She asked me to take a look, I took a look and said 'that does look abnormal'.”

On Journee's way out, the hygienist urged Van Ostrand-Woodard to take Journee to a doctor immediately.

"She said: 'Her eyes are extremely yellow and that can be something that might be going on internally,'" Van Ostrand-Woodard said. "'I really suggest, as well as Dr. Chandler, that she go see her primary care physician immediately.'"

The next available appointment was the following Monday, and after a day of blood tests, an ultrasound and an MRI, doctors said the situation was urgent. Journee would need surgery immediately.

(Courtesy: Anna Van Ostrand-Woodard )

She was admitted to the hospital on Friday, Feb. 6, where she finally broke down.

"It was at that point that her emotions really took hold -- she started to cry," her mother said. "She's always the protector, so she always feels like she's got to be strong for everyone else."

[You’ll never guess the most common chronic disease of childhood]

In the weeks leading up to her surgery, Journee didn't report any symptoms to her parents beyond mild nausea and burping, both of which had abated by the time she arrived at the dentist. Later, her family realized that they were easily-missed signs that something was wrong.

The surgery took 10 hours, but less than a week after emerging from the operating room, Journee arrived home Thursday night, much sooner than her doctors expected.

"Journee is doing really well, exceptionally well," said Van Ostrand-Woodard. "Doctors are amazed at her progress. We're amazed at her progress. She's just a strong little girl."

Van Ostrand-Woodard said that the family is overwhelmed by the generosity and support of people in their Oklahoma community and across the country. Donors have contributed more than $20,000 to a fund to cover Journee's medical costs.

As for Chandler, who has been the family's dentist since 2010, Van Ostrand-Woodard joked that they plan to keep him "forever."

"The night before, I was so close to calling, because I was exhausted and I thought 'how are we going to juggle this?'" she said. "We got them all there. And I will never miss another dentist appointment. I will never reschedule."

Laughing Gas Examined For Treatment-Resistant Depression

the Psychiatry Advisor take:

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas and a staple of a dentist’s office, helped relieve depressive symptoms in a small number of patients with treatment-resistantdepression.

Peter Nagele, MD, an anesthesiologist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and colleagues conducted a small study involving 20 depressed patients whose symptoms did not improve on antidepressants. Each participant had a one-hour session of laughing gas and placebo, spaced a week apart. Depressive symptoms were measured two hours, 24 hours, and one week after each session.

One day after receiving nitrous oxide, three patients reported that their symptoms had disappeared almost completely, and another seven reported significant improvement, the researchers reported in the journal Biological Psychiaty. Another seven participants reported mild improvement in their symptoms. But no one reported symptom worsening after they were administered laughing gas.  

Meanwhile, a day after taking the placebo, none of the patients reported their depression was virtually gone, and one reported feeling worse the next day. But there was a placebo effect seen the day after as five patients reported feeling mild improvement and two reported significant improvement.

Although further study is needed, nitrous oxide could become a safer option to another alternative depression treatment, ketamine. Both drugs are antagonists that work on the brain’s NMDA receptors, which influence neurotransmitters and brain signaling.

Laughing Gas Examined For Treatment-Resistant Depression

The dentist's office might be the last place you'd look to find a quick cure for an implacable bout of depression. But new research suggests that laughing gas — the mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen that eases the pain and anxiety of having dental work — may help banish treatment-resistant depression in about the time it takes to fill a cavity.

At concentrations used in dentist's offices, and in the latest study, laughing gas can induce euphoria, disorientation and mild sedation. The experience is sought out by some drug abusers, who inhale the propellant in jarred whipped cream for a fleeting high

But it is actually another legitimate sedative-turned-party-drug, ketamine, that prompted researchers to explore whether nitrous oxide might have a rapid anti-depressant effect.

Hidden Uses Of Toothpaste

By Savings Experiment Staff - Posted 9/10/14

Basic white toothpaste can brighten up your smile, but it can also has many household uses that can save you money in the long run. Here are a few ways you can make this common item work for you.

Toothpaste is a great jewelry polish. Simply apply a little dab on your silver, gold or hard gemstones with a soft brush or cloth. Polish gently, then rinse off and repeat until the dirt and tarnish disappears. You can use toothpaste to scrub away stubborn clothing and carpet stains, too.

Toothpaste also dries out and reduces redness on pimples. Just apply a little to the affected area, and depending on how sensitive your skin is, leave it on for a couple of hours or even overnight. A little bit can even help soothe minor burns and itching and swelling from mosquito and bug bites.

Lastly, you can quickly deodorize your hands of fish, onions and garlic odor by simply scrubbing with a bit of toothpaste. Keep in mind that it's best to use a white, non-gel toothpaste with less fluoride and no whitening agents, which can sometimes irritate the skin and be less effective.

Remember, a little toothpaste can go a long way. Try these tips, and you'll see that just a few dabs can save you a few dollars!

To Avoid Root Canals, Teeth That Replace Themselves

Stem-Cell Research Makes Progress in Quest to Avoid the Dreaded Drill

Advances in treating tooth decay may one day lead to an ability to restore tooth tissue – and to avoid root canals, according to scientists. Shirley Wang and Baylor College of Dentistry Professor of Biomedical Sciences Dr. Rena D'Souza join Lunch Break with details. Photo: Getty Images.

Could the days of the root canal, for decades the symbol of the most excruciating kind of minor surgery, finally be numbered?

Scientists have made advances in treating tooth decay that they hope will let them restore tooth tissue—and avoid the painful dental procedure. Several recent studies have demonstrated in animals that procedures involving tooth stem cells appear to regrow the critical, living tooth tissue known as pulp.

Treatments that prompt the body to regrow its own tissues and organs are known broadly as regenerative medicine. There is significant interest in figuring out how to implement this knowledge to help the many people with cavities and disease that lead to tooth loss.

In the U.S., half of kids have had at least one cavity by the time they are 15 years old and a quarter of adults over the age of 65 have lost all of their teeth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An estimated $108 billion was spent on dental services in 2010, including elective and out-of-pocket care, according to the CDC.

Enlarge Image

Tooth decay arises when bacteria or infections overwhelm a tooth's natural repair process. If the culprit isn't reduced or eliminated, the damage can continue. If it erodes the hard, outer enamel and penetrates down inside the tooth, the infection eventually can kill the soft pulp tissue inside, prompting the need for either a root canal or removal of the tooth. Pulp is necessary to detecting sensation, including heat, cold and pressure, and contains the stem cells—undifferentiated cells that turn into specialized ones—that can regenerate tooth tissue.

Researchers from South Korea and Japan to the U.S. and United Kingdom have been working on how to coax stem cells into regenerating pulp. The process is still in its early stages, but if successful, it could mean a reduction or even elimination of the need for painful root canals.

While much of the work has shown promise in the lab and in early work in animals, including dogs, there have only been a few reports of experiments in humans.

The root-canal procedure involves cleaning out the infected and dead tissue in the root canal of the tooth, disinfecting the area and adding an impermeable seal to try to prevent further infection.

But the seal does not always prevent new infection. While the affected tooth remains in the mouth, it is essentially dead, which could impact functions like chewing. That also means no living nerves remain in the tooth to detect further decay or infection. Infection could subsequently spread to surrounding tissue without detection. An estimated 15.1 million root canals are performed in the U.S. annually, according to a 2005-06 survey by the American Dental Association, the most recent data available.

"The whole concept of going for pulp regeneration is that you will try and retain a vital tooth, a tooth that is alive," says Tony Smith, a professor in oral biology at the University of Birmingham in the U.K. "That means the tooth's natural defense mechanisms will still be there.

"I think we are really just at the opening stages of what is going to be a very exciting time, because we're moving away from traditional root-canal treatments."

Some scientists have focused on growing entirely new teeth. More are focused on trying to grow healthy new pulp inside the hard shell of tooth enamel, either by stimulating or encouraging stem cells or by better controlling the inflammation that goes on in the mouth in response to an infection.

Some of the challenges with making new teeth are generating not just the right tissue but also the right structure, as well as how to place the tooth or the new pulp in the mouth, according to Rena D'Souza, a professor of biomedical sciences at Baylor College of Dentistry. Beyond anti-inflammatory medication, options for tackling the infection while the new treatments work are limited. And, as with stem-cell research efforts with other body parts, successfully regenerating dental tissue in the lab or another animal doesn't mean it will work in a human body.

Dental stem cells can be harvested from the pulp tissue of the wisdom and other types of adult teeth, or baby teeth. They can produce both the hard tissues needed by the tooth, like bone, and soft tissues like the pulp, says Dr. D'Souza, a former president of the American Association for Dental Research who will become the dean of the University of Utah's School of Dental Medicine Aug. 1.

She and colleagues at Baylor and Rice University focused on regrowing pulp using a small protein hydrogel. The gelatin-like substance is injected into the tooth and serves as a base into which pulp cells, blood vessels and nerves grow.

In a study published in November, they were able to demonstrate pulp regeneration in human teeth in a lab. They will soon be testing hydrogel on live dogs. In addition, they are looking at the potential of the hydrogel to calm dental inflammation.

The hope with pulp regeneration is to improve the health of the tooth while minimizing the pain often associated with current treatments like the root canal—although under some circumstances a date with a drill will still be necessary, experts say.

Another approach is to extract pulp from teeth and separate out the stem cells, then transplant the stem cells with molecules that encourage their growth back into the tooth cavity. Research published last month by Japanese researchers on dog teeth showed this method appeared to be effective in stimulating the tissue around the transplanted cells to produce pulp tissue. The study was published in the journal Stem Cells Translational Medicine.

Researchers are also focused on understanding how dental stem cells usually get the message from the tooth about when to regenerate pulp.

Dentin, a hard tissue that protects the pulp, is one critical element. When bacteria break it down, it releases molecules that stimulate the regeneration of tooth cells. The University of Birmingham's Dr. Smith and his team have identified a number of chemicals that transmit these signals and are working on figuring out a way to release these messengers therapeutically as another way to repair teeth.

At the University of Cardiff in Wales, Alastair Sloan, a professor of bone biology and tissue engineering at the School of Dentistry, is examining how the use of materials currently used to treat tooth decay may be able to prompt dentin to release additional proteins to aid growth.

Dr. D'Souza estimates that human clinical trials of the hydrogel strategy could begin as soon as two or three years from now and be available as a therapy within five years. Other researchers working on different methods estimate that human trials may take place within the decade.

Progress with regenerating other types of tooth tissue may mean the end of fillings one day as well. While pulp is used as a lining material to protect the crown and roots of the teeth, other researchers are studying whether other biological materials could be generated to withstand the mechanical forces that come from chewing and other functions.

None of these advanced techniques negate the need for simple hygiene. Brushing and flossing are always important, and not just for oral health, according to experts.

"If you have a healthy mouth it's indicative of a healthy body and vice versa," Dr. D'Souza says.

Write to Shirley S. Wang at Shirley.Wang@wsj.com

A version of this article appeared July 2, 2013, on page D1 in the U.S. edition of The Wall Street Journal, with the headline: Teeth That Replace Themselves.

If Your Teeth Could Talk ...

The Mouth Offers Clues to Disorders and Disease; Dentists Could Play Larger Role in Patient Care

The eyes may be the window to the soul, but the mouth provides an even better view of the body as a whole.

Some of the earliest signs of diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, immune disorders, hormone imbalances and drug issues show up in the gums, teeth and tongue—sometimes long before a patient knows anything is wrong.

There's also growing evidence that oral health problems, particularly gum disease, can harm a patient's general health as well, raising the risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, pneumonia and pregnancy complications.

"We have lots of data showing a direct correlation between inflammation in the mouth and inflammation in the body," says Anthony Iacopino, director of the International Centre for Oral-Systemic Health, which opened at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Dentistry in Canada in 2008. Recent studies also show that treating gum disease improves circulation, reduces inflammation and can even reduce the need for insulin in people with diabetes.

Such findings are fueling a push for dentists to play a greater role in patients' overall health. Some 20 million Americans—including 6% of children and 9% of adults—saw a dentist but not a doctor in 2008, according to a study in the American Journal of Public Health this month. "It's an opportunity to tell a patient, 'You know, I'm concerned. I think you really need to see a primary care provider,' so you are moving in the direction of better health," says the study's lead researcher Shiela Strauss, co-director of statistics and data management for New York University's Colleges of Nursing and Dentistry.

George Kivowitz, a restorative dentist with offices in Manhattan and Newtown, Pa., says he has spotted seven cases of cancer in 32 years of practice, as well as cases of bulimia, due to the telltale erosion of enamel on the back of the upper front teeth, and methamphetamine addiction. "We call it 'meth mouth,' " he says. "The outer surface of teeth just rot in a way that's like nothing else."

Some of the most distinctive problems come from uncontrolled diabetes, Dr. Kivowitz adds. "The gum tissue has a glistening, shiny look where it meets the teeth. It bleeds easily and pulls away from the bone—and it's all throughout the mouth."

An estimated six million Americans have diabetes but don't know it—and several studies suggest that dentists could help alert them. A 2009 study from New York University found that 93% of people who have periodontal disease are at risk for diabetes, according to the criteria established by American Diabetes Association.

It's not just that the same lifestyle habits contribute to both gum disease and high blood sugar; the two conditions exacerbate each other, experts say. Inflammation from infected gums makes it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood-sugar level, and high blood sugar accelerates tooth decay and gum disease, creating more inflammation. Diabetes also complicates dental-implant surgery, because it interferes with blood vessel formation and bone growth. "When you put a dental implant in, you rely on the healing process to cement it to the jaw, so you get a higher failure rate with diabetes," says Ed Marcus, a periodontist in Yardley, Pa., who teaches at the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University dental schools.

Dr. Marcus notes that about 50% of periodontal disease is genetic—and even young patients can have significant bone loss if they have an unusually high immune response to a small number of bacteria. Giving such patients a low dose of doxycycline daily can help modify the immune response. "It doesn't really control the bacteria, but it helps reduce the body's reaction," he says.

There's also growing evidence that the link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular problems isn't a coincidence either. Inflammation in the gums raises C-reactive protein, thought to be a culprit in heart disease. "They've found oral bacteria in the plaques that block arteries. It's moved from a casual relationship to a risk factor," says Mark Wolff, chairman of the Department of Cariology and Comprehensive Care at NYU College of Dentistry.

Bacteria from the mouth can travel through the bloodstream and cause problems elsewhere, which is why people contemplating elective surgery are advised to have any needed dental work performed first. The American Heart Association no longer recommends that people with mitral valve prolapse (in which heart values close abnormally between beats) routinely take antibiotics before dental procedures, since it's now believed that oral bacteria enter the bloodstream all the time, from routine washing, brushing and chewing food.

But the American Heart Association, the American Medical Association and the American Orthopedic Association all urge people who have had a full joint replacement to take an antibiotic one hour before any dental visit for the rest of their lives to reduce the risk of post-surgical infections. "I have my guidelines taped to the door in my hygienists' room," Dr. Kivowitz says.

Dentists say they also need to stay up to date with all medications, supplements and over-the-counter drugs their patients are taking. Blood thinners can create excess bleeding in the mouth. Bisphosphonates, often prescribed for osteoporosis, can severely weaken jaw bones. Both should be stopped temporarily before oral surgery.

Antihypertensive drugs, calcium-channel blockers and some anti-inflammatory drugs can cause painful ulcerations of the gums. Many medications, from antidepressants to chemotherapy drugs, cause dry mouth, which can cause cavities to skyrocket, since saliva typically acts as a protective coating for teeth. Additional fluoride treatments can help.

Some proactive dentists have glucose monitors for another check on blood-sugar levels if they suspect diabetes. Some also take patients' blood pressure and hold off on invasive procedures if it's extremely high. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that dentists offer HIV testing, because some of the first symptoms appear in the mouth, including fungal infections and lesions. Dentists can do the HIV test with a simple mouth swab and get results in 20 minutes.

Breaking the bad news is often more difficult. "I went into oral surgery because I didn't think I would have to deliver that kind of news to patients," says Clifford Salm, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Manhattan who has found leukemia, lymphoma, AIDS and metastatic breast cancer after performing biopsies on suspicious spots. "It can be a difficult conversation," he says, "but most patients are very grateful."

Don't Be Fooled by White, Shiny Teeth

A gleaming, white smile is a sign of a healthy mouth, right? Not necessarily.

"Whiteness and the health of your teeth are totally unrelated," says Mark Wolff, an associate dean at New York University College of Dentistry. In fact, many dentists worry that people who whiten their teeth may have a false sense of complacency, since their teeth can still be harboring tooth decay and serious gum disease.

Even people who have no cavities can still have inflamed and infected gums. It could be that their saliva is particularly protective of their tooth enamel, while their brushing and flossing habits, needed to keep gum tissues healthy, could be lax.

"I get these patients in their mid-30s who don't have cavities, so they haven't been to a dentist in 10 years. But they have full-blown periodontal disease," says George Kivowitz, a restorative dentist in Manhattan. "They are losing all the supporting structure, and I have to tell them that these gorgeous teeth will fall out of your head if we don't turn this around." Using whitening products more often than recommended can erode some of the enamel and cause teeth to appear translucent. But whether that actually harms teeth is controversial. "No one has really shown that it's damaging, but no one knows the long-term results," says Dr. Marcus, the periodontist in Yardley, Pa.

The Goal of Central Jersey Dental

We at Central Jersey Dental want to give you a reason to smile. Join our dental family and friends to experience dental care at its best. Our goal is to provide care that lasts a lifetime to every patient that chooses Central Jersey Dental.

How do we provide exceptional care? First, by making you feel welcome and comfortable during your entire visit. Whether it is a routine visit, an emergency, or a cosmetic visit, we strive to provide everyone with excellent treatment. We offer some of the best technology that dentistry has to offer including oral sedation, dental implants, and crown replacement done in a single visit! We also have the ability to consult with you on topics like sleep apnea and TMJ.

Bottom line, we love what we do and we strive to have the best dental care offered that lasts a lifetime.

Read more on Dental cleaning Monroe Township NJ

Treatments at Central Jersey Dental

Did you know that Central Jersey Dental has more to offer than just general dentistry? Beyond the services and advanced technology offered in normal visits are opportunities for cosmetic dentistry. We know that when your smile looks good, you feel good. Central Jersey Dental utilizes the best combination of preventive care, tooth-colored fillings,
 and restorative techniques for better dental health and a brighter smile. The cosmetic options include veneers, dental implants, and teeth whitening.

Central Jersey Dental also offers treatment options for serious issues such as TMJ, and sleep apnea. Treatments will ensure the relief of pain and discomfort associated with TMJ and sleep apnea. You will be on the road to overall dental health with the help of Central Jersey Dental.

Read more on Dentist Monroe Township NJ, Dentistry Monroe Township NJ and Cosmetic dentistry Monroe Township NJ.

Dental Techonolgy in Monroe Township

Modern dental treatments and technology have improved by leaps and bounds. Good dentists are striving to make their patients comfortable in all areas of the dental process. One piece of technology that lets the patient see what the dentist sees is the Intra-Oral Camera. This device is a miniature video camera that displays a close-up picture of the inside of your mouth. You can now be a part of the dental team, and be a participant in each dental decision.

Another technology is laser dentistry. What would you say if you could have work done in your mouth without drills and needles? Well, now you can with a revolutionary laser technology known as WaterLase. Previous dental lasers were used primarily for gums or whitening teeth, but WaterLase is used for both gum and tooth procedures. So, how is it painless? Energy from the laser is absorbed by water instead of teeth. These energy rich microscopic water droplets are actually what remove the tooth decay. In many cases, WaterLase replaces the dentist's drill. Thank you dental technology!

Read more on High Tech Dentist in Monroe Township

A Relaxing Environment for Dental Care

Going to the dentist is a healthy and beneficial thing to do. But many people let their fears prohibit them from making regular visits. Some people are naturally anxious at even the thought of a needle, and others break into a cold sweat at the mention of the word "dentist." We want to make your visit with us as comfortable as possible.

One way we try to make your visit as relaxing as possible is with a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the office. We have very friendly and knowledgeable staff that is there to help.
Another way we want to help you enjoy your visit is ease the anxiety that many associate with pricks and pokes of the dentist. We take great pride in being able to deliver painless injections.

Also, before your visit we can prescribe for you a pill to take an hour before your appointment. When combined with Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), you will reach a level of sedation that allows you to remain in control and relax through your entire visit. This is ideal for fearful people or those who have a busy schedule and want to get all their treatment done in one visit. So leave your fears at home and make an appointment today!

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TMJ Treatments

Do you find yourself with frequent headaches, aching or popping jaws, shoulder pain, and neck pain? This can be caused by dental occlusion (your bite). TMJ can cause your jaw to not relax in a natural position. This causes tension in the muscles in the jaw, and can lead to a variety of pain that you may have already grown accustomed to living with. Other symptoms of TMJ include: jaw pain, headaches, clicking or popping noise from the joint, ear pain, face pain, inability to open the mouth wide, and many more.

Treatments for TMJ can consist of using a custom-made dental orthotic. It is a non-invasive removable appliance in which the jaw can be returned to the position that nature intended. If you have been living with the pain and discomfort described above, we invite you to discover the benefits that this procedure may bring to your quality of life. Call Central Jersey Dental with any questions you may have about TMJ and treamtent.

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Treat Yourself to a Smile Makeover

Central Jersey Dental wants you to look and feel your best with a great smile. Cosmetic dentistry is about presenting your best self to the world. Do you see any flaws in your smile that you would like to correct? Do you have any stains caused by soda, coffee or tea? Treat yourself to a smile makeover with Central Jersey Dental.

One way to remedy any flaw you may see in your smile is through veneers. If you have misshapen teeth, unsightly gaps, or deep discoloration, our modern veneers may be the answer. These new veneers are as thin as a contact-lens and super translucent. Since they are so thin, little to no tooth reduction is necessary. In many cases you won’t even need a shot! Another choice is traditional veneers. These are thin porcelain coverings that fit over and are bonded to your teeth, look natural, and are made from advanced dental ceramic.

We are happy to help you have a flawless smile in as little as two visits.

Find your Dentist in Monroe Township NJ today.

Monroe Township Dental Care Family

In addition to Dr. Norman Blumenstock and Dr. Matthew Sorkin, Central Jersey Dental has a wonderful staff and team. We at Central Jersey Dental are proud of the fact that both doctors and staff have been together for many years. For Example, Harriet, our office manager, patient coordinator and hygienist has been with us for 31 years. She is not alone in her outstanding and long standing employment with Central Jersey Dental. Many of our other staff have enjoyed anywhere from two to 26 years of employment. In turn, our patients have come to know us as a team, and this has allowed patients and staff to build a solid relationship as well.

Central Jersey Dental considers our doctors, staff, and patients as one family. We are dedicated to long lasting service and dental care. Make an appointment today and join the family!

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Advanced Technology

Dental technology has developed many positive and successful treatments for the 21st century. Central Jersey Dental is proud to offer some of the most advanced dental treatments. They are safe, beneficial, and result in positive patient experiences.

One technology offered is crowns made with CEREC 3D™, a highly precise computer milling machine that makes crowns right in the office, in one visit. Say goodbye to temporary crowns, additional visits, or crowns that don’t seem to fit right. CEREC 3D crowns are convenient, aesthetically appealing, and you do not have to sacrifice function. CEREC 3D restorations are bonded to the tooth with the optimum strength available by custom design and a precise fit. We are pleased to be one of the first in our community to offer crowns with the CEREC 3D machine. If you have ever had a crown placed the traditional way, we are sure you will notice the positive difference!

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Modern Endodontics Can Save Hopeless Teeth

Teeth with damaged or infected roots previously required extraction, which can cause a lot of problems and should be done as a last resort. Endodontists perform a variety of procedures including root canal therapy, surgery, treating cracked teeth, and treating dental trauma. When dental decay reaches the nerve of the tooth (or the tooth has become infected), a simple filling does not suffice. Endodontics can save the tooth by removing the pulp of a tooth and replacing it with a filling material. The pulp of a tooth contains nerves, arterioles, venules, lymphatic tissue, and fibrous tissue. If the pulp becomes diseased or injured, endodontic treatment is required to save the tooth.

The most common procedure, and quite often the most feared, is a root canal. Root canals of the past were quite painful and gained a reputation as something to be avoided. However, with today's modern anesthetics and technology, we can offer treatment that is often painless! You are in good hands with the professionals at Central Jersey Dental.

Find your dentist in Monroe Township today.

TMJ Treatment at Central Jersey Dental

TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder is a condition that causes tenderness and pain in the area where your jaw connects to your skull. This is the joint that allows you to talk, chew, and yawn. Most TMJ disorders can be caused by a variety of factors. Muscle fatigue from clenching or grinding teeth is probably the most common cause. Severe TMJ can be treated with surgical or dental intervention, but most cases of TMJ can be cured through self-managed care.

Did you know that TMJ is sometimes the cause of frequent headaches, aching or popping jaws, shoulder pain, and neck pain? If your teeth have been ground down over the years or lost due to accident or dental disease, your jaw is not able to settle into a naturally relaxed position. This causes tension in the muscles in the jaw, and can lead to pain that you may have already grown accustomed to living with. One self-managed cure is using a custom-made dental orthotic, which is a non-invasive and removable appliance. It aids in returning the jaw to its naturally intended position. If you have been living with the pain and discomfort described above, we invite you to discover the benefits that this procedure may bring to your quality of life.

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Family Dentistry - We are here for you

At Central Jersey Dental, we understand that this economy produces hard times for many. However, it is still important to take care of your teeth, and any issues that may arise. Our friendly staff has many years of experience and will happily answer any of your questions. We want to do our best to help you get the beautiful smile you deserve.

To best serve a variety of financial situations, our payment options include cash, personal checks, and most major credit cards. We also offer prepayment and senior discounts. In addition, Central Jersey Dental accepts nearly all major insurance plans. To further be of assistance, we will file your claim, and handle all the paperwork. We understand that even though dental insurance is a private arrangement between you and your company, we will help you get maximum insurance benefits. If you need a treatment done quickly, but cannot afford it, we offer an extended payment plan. This allows you to get your treatment done now and spread out the payments without interest. We value our customers, and want you to arrive and leave with something to smile about.

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Ways We Make You Smile

At Central Jersey Dental there are many ways we make you smile. It starts right when you walk in our front doors, and are embraced by a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Our experienced and friendly staff is bound to make you smile and enjoy your visit. We always love the opportunity to show you what truly exceptional dental care is all about. Our entire team has received special training in providing comfortable, quality dental care, and we love what we do!

We want you to be confident in your smile. Central Jersey Dental offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry treatments. Have dazzling white teeth within 1 to 14 days with our professional-strength whitening strips. We can offer modern, state-of-the-art restorations that are a natural-looking white, rather than metal, and can actually strengthen your teeth.

Let us restore your smile. Restoration includes crowns, fixed bridges, implants, tooth-colored fillings, and custom life-like dentures and partials. Cosmetic procedures such as porcelain veneers and bonding also help to restore and make your smile the way it was meant to be – beautiful!

Proudly your Cosmetic Dentist in Monroe Township NJ

Meet Dr. Sorkin

Dr. Sorkin enjoys volunteering his time aiding local Boy Scouts in receiving their dentistry merit badges. He also makes time to speak at local schools about careers in dentistry. Dr. Matthew Sorkin earned his dental degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, after obtaining his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Stonybrook. His general practice residence was completed at Hackensack University Medical Center.

Dr. Sorkin wants to be able to treat you with maximum comfort, and provide the restoration of missing teeth. He is a member of the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Middlesex County Dental Society, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He continues his education by enrolling in courses in oral sedation, implant surgery and implant restoration. There is no other option to feeling completely comfortable and confident when receiving Dr. Sorkin's services. You are in very capable hands. Make an appointment today!

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Meet Dr. Blumenstock

Dr. Blumenstock has taken hundreds of hours of postgraduate education, with a recent focus on sleep medicine that allows him to help you improve your overall, as well as dental health. But, before that, he earned his bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College. After Brooklyn College, Dr. Blumenstock received his dental degree from Colombia University College of Dental Medicine. His general practice residence was served at Montefiore Hospital and Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Blumenstock is proud to have received both Fellowship and Mastership awards from the Academy of Dentistry.

He is also a professor, a charter member of the Sleep Disorder Dental Society, and is certified by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. Now that you know Dr. Blumenstock a little better, do you believe he can make you smile? We do! Make an appointment today.

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A Relaxed Atmosphere

For some people, going to the dentist causes angst and nervousness. At Central New Jersey Dental, we do our best to make everyone comfortable. We see it as our job to listen to you, respect you, educated you, and not judge your decisions. Our staff makes it a point to carefully explain proposed treatments and answer all your questions. We want to establish a feeling of trust. It is very important for your comfort to trust your dentist. The staff is not only experienced and highly competent, but warm and friendly as well. We feel very fortunate to have such a superior staff.

Dentistry has changed over the years. Modern dentistry has many techniques, local, anesthetics, and relaxation methods to make your experience more comfortable. For example the Ozone treatment for cleaning teeth is pain free because there are no shots and no drilling. Nothing is done to the tooth other than the application of the ozone and the fluid, which allows the tooth to re-mineralize. This type of treatment kills 99% of bacteria, viruses, and fungi present in the tooth with just 10 seconds of exposure.

Central New Jersey Dental is a dentistry you can trust with your best interests and comfort in mind. Stop by for a visit!

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