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In dentistry, there are a wide variety of treatments, everything from elective procedures to those that are necessary and potentially lifesaving. So given the slew of treatment options, how do you choose what’s right for you? Our experts at Princeton Restorative & Implant Dentistry have handpicked the three must-have procedures that we believe can benefit nearly every patient.

The first: A complete periodontal exam. If you are going to the dentist for scheduled cleanings, this exam should happen at least once a year. A periodontal exam is quick and relatively painless. The dentist or hygienist will carefully probe around each tooth to take measurements that show the health of the bone and its supporting tissue, all while looking for signs of any active infection. It has been suggested that there is a link between periodontal (gum) disease and the increased risk of some potentially fatal diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Signs of some diseases show up in the mouth sometimes before the patient is aware of changes in the body. Diabetes is one of these silent diseases. Many Americans are unaware that they have the disease until sudden and severe changes in the periodontal health of the teeth lead to a trip to the patient’s physician. And did you know that more adults lose teeth to periodontal disease than to cavities? A simple screening once a year can lead to saving your teeth.

The second treatment our team at Princeton Restorative & Implant Dentistry recommends is a dental sealant; it’s not just for kids! Dental sealants provide a protective barrier from bacteria deep in the pits and grooves of the teeth where cavities often start. Sealants placed in childhood will often wear away in adulthood. Replacing a sealant as an adult can also help prevent decay in adulthood. This is a great cost-effective procedure for adults. Dental insurance will likely not cover sealants as an adult, but the cost of a sealant for prevention versus the cost of a filling is much less.

Our third must-have dental treatment is often the most fun: in-office whitening. Who doesn’t want an instantly dazzling smile? In-office whitening is one of the most dramatic and quick ways to brighten a smile. It will take a few years off your age in a two-hour period of time. Whitening is very safe and can give a patient newfound confidence to smile.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Our staff is excited to get the holiday festivities underway. We’ve asked our very own Jeannie Barreiro to share with us what she is giving thanks for this year. Read on to learn a little more about Jeannie Barreiro!

This year (and every year) I am most thankful for my devoted and caring husband and children.  They are the center of my life and mean so very much to me.  I am also thankful for my precious dog, Violet, and my own good health! My third grandchild, Leonardo, will be born on November 14, 2019.  Our family is growing and it will be even more of a blessed holiday with our new addition!

There are so many exciting things to recount from the last year. I celebrated my 60th birthday with my husband, children, and grandchildren!  It was a spectacular day and evening!   In addition to being a MiMi for the third time, my youngest daughter, Angela, got engaged in Ireland this summer!  We are so excited for her future! I was very fortunate to vacation in Hawaii this year!  My husband and I visited all of the Hawaiian islands and were so honored to visit Pearl Harbor. It was truly a trip of a lifetime and one we will not forget! Regarding our office, I have been very fortunate to continue to plan and work with Dr. Hudis in making our practice one that provides excellence in dental care and compassion and care for all of our patients.

I will be handing Thanksgiving over to my eldest married daughter but am looking forward to helping prepare a magnificent feast with her and my other children and grandchildren.  Our tradition is to assemble together every Thanksgiving Eve and help prepare the many dishes for the next day.

Acknowledging the blessings in life is such an important part of expressing gratitude. Gratitude for what you have is a recognition of value that does not include monetary worth.  It is important to appreciate and enjoy the good in life and I believe you will experience more positive emotions and express more compassion and kindness!

My personal goals for the next year are to be more active in 2020 and join more activities.  I want to travel to Portugal and Spain in September and continue to see the world, one step at a time!

For staying on top of the hectic holiday season I recommend taking care of yourself first and not let the hustle of the holidays make you stressed.  It's important to remember the reason for the season and enjoy precious time with family and friends!

Time flies when we are not at the dentist! Before you know it, years may have gone by. Let’s take a moment to explain what takes place when a patient comes back to receive care after an extended period of time.

After a while, small dental concerns or issues can grow into an unexpected journey of discovery and expense. Anxiety is common and expected. Let’s discover first of all, “What brings you here today?” It is a good place to start and once the initial concerns are addressed, a comprehensive plan to restore optimum dental health can be arranged. During the first appointment Dr. Hudis and our team want you to feel comfortable, and establish a confidence allowing you to be open with any questions.

Your visit will take approximately 90 minutes. First, a complete medical and dental history will be recorded and reviewed in one-on-one interview style. This is the time to voice any concern, anxiety issues, worries, etc. Then, X-rays are taken to provide additional information about what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. Finally, a series of screenings including those for oral cancer, home care evaluation, and periodontal disease are conducted to complete your oral health evaluation.

The hygienist has a great eye for other conditions such as broken fillings, cracked teeth, active decay, and other dental concerns. Then, Dr. Hudis will come in for a comprehensive exam and list and prioritize your dental needs. Our treatment coordinator will present scheduling options, insurance coverage, and payment plans.

Our team will coach you and help you gain control of your own dental destiny with good home care habits. You will receive a bag with a toothbrush, floss, appropriate toothpaste, and any other specialized tools for your needs. You will know how often you need to return for hygiene visits or other dental appointments.

Our patients at Princeton Restorative & Implant Dentistry are our most important asset, and we strive to create a comfortable experience, no matter how long it has been since your last visit at our Princeton, NJ office. From phone conversations to financial arrangements to clinical treatment, we want you to feel confident that our team will meet your needs.

October has finally arrived for Princeton Restorative & Implant Dentistry and we are excited to get into the Halloween spirit! We will be adding treats and a few decorations to our staff lounge. Below, our awesome Hygienist Maria Higgins shares some of her favorite things about this time of year and Halloween.

This year, like years before, Maria is excited to greet her patients wearing her traditional cat ears, her patients look forward to it every year. Her favorite costume to date is when her grandson Vinny asked her to be a "Firefly" for Halloween.  Maria’s costume had large wings and a tail that lit up! She took an empty coca-cola bottle and put a glow stick in it and belted it around her waist! Very innovative.

There’s nothing better than having some sweet treats this time of year. Her favorite candy is Strawberry Twizzlers. She especially loves to indulge in them during the Halloween season. For Maria’s candy bowl at home, she loves to add little rubber toy fingers.   When the Trick or Treaters come, they love to see the fingers emerging amongst the candy!

One of Maria’s favorite parts of Halloween is feeling festive and watching the joy of children all dressed up in their costumes! It’s wonderful to see children excited about dressing up as their favorite animals or characters and being reminded of our own Halloween memories. Maria remembers being a Mummy as a child! Her mother ripped up several sheets and wrapped them around her!  What a great memory!

In addition to the costumes, the candy, and the decor, there are so many great movies, too. Witches is her favorite movie to watch at this time of year! It’s a definite classic. 

We hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!