(201) 567-5667
401A S. Van Brunt St. #404
Englewood, NJ 07631

Our Office Hours:

9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday by Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions for our Englewood dental office in New Jersey

Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t have a toothache, and I brush and floss regularly. Do I really need a check-up?

Brushing and flossing are vital for daily oral care, but they can’t get your teeth completely clean. Even the most thorough home care routine can’t prevent bacteria from building up on your teeth and turning into tartar. Untreated tartar can inflame your gums and make them more susceptible to gum disease, and it can only be removed with a professional cleaning.

During cleanings, our hygienist will gently remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. She will also polish your teeth, floss to test the condition of your gums, and perform a general visual examination of your teeth, gums, and soft tissues. You will then have a one-on-one exam with Dr. Yun, during which she will assess the condition of of your teeth and existing restorations. If X-rays have been taken, she will carefully review them to identify areas of decay and other possible areas of concern.

If it’s been a while since your last dental cleaning, give us a call! Your smile will thank you for it.

If my filling is still in place and my tooth does not hurt, why do I need to replace the filling?

Constant pressure from chewing, grinding, or clenching can cause dental fillings to wear away, chip, and even crack. If the seal between the tooth enamel and the filling breaks down, food particles and decay-causing bacteria can work their way under the filling. You then run the risk of developing additional decay in that tooth. Decay that is left untreated can progress to deeply infect the tooth and even cause an abscess or eventual loss of the tooth.

If the restoration is very large or the decay is extensive, there might not be enough remaining tooth structure to support a replacement filling. In these cases, Dr. Yun might suggest replacing the filling with a natural-looking porcelain crown.

How can I tell if I’m at risk for gum disease?

Your gums are the foundation of optimal oral health. They hold your teeth in place, support the roots, and even protect the underlying bone. Just like a house, a tooth is only as strong as its foundation!

The early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed every time you floss. Gingivitis is completely reversible with non-invasive treatments and home care, but left untreated, it can eventually progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults over the age of 40, and it’s also been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and uncontrolled diabetes.

Gum disease used to require surgery more often than not. While surgery is sometimes still the best option, Dr. Yun can treat many cases with less invasive techniques such as local antibiotics, deep cleanings, and medicated rinses.

How can cosmetic dentistry improve my life?

A confident and attractive smile can improve your personal and professional life, but more importantly, it can completely change the way you feel about yourself. Studies have shown that your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. If you cover your mouth because of chipped, gapped, or unsightly teeth, cosmetic dentistry can give you the confidence to reveal the show-stopping smile you’ve been hiding!

Dr. Yun offers a variety of fast and effective cosmetic dental services that can subtly enhance your smile, like professional teeth whitening and cosmetic bonding. Sometimes it doesn’t take much treatment to see a big difference! Dr. Yun also provides more significant and dramatic treatments, often called “smile makeovers,” that can give you the smile of your dreams.

Although there is no specialty associated with cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Yun approaches every treatment with an artistic eye and places a great deal of emphasis on creating results that are strong, beautiful, and natural.

I have crooked teeth, but I feel like metal braces are for kids. Are there other options?

Not only are traditional braces a hassle, but they also take up to two years to fully realign your teeth. If you're unhappy with your smile but can't imagine fitting years of braces into your personal and professional schedules, ask us about your options! Dr. Yun offers a revolutionary alternative to traditional braces that will give you the smile of your dreams without interrupting your busy life.

Invisalign® clear aligner therapy is a virtually invisible teeth-straightening system that gives you great results in less time than traditional braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligner trays to gradually and gently reposition teeth. The average treatment is only about a year, and once your treatment is complete Dr. Yun will provide a custom-made retainer to ensure the longevity of your straight, beautiful smile. We like to say that Invisalign gives patients a clear path to the smile they've always wanted!

Invisalign is an excellent alternative for patients with mild to moderately crowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, and mild to moderate misalignment. If you're ready to fall back in love with your smile, ask Dr. Yun about your treatment possibilities!

A couple of my teeth have been worn down and need to be replaced. Should I opt for crowns?

Dental crowns restore teeth to their appropriate shape and size after fractures, decay, and weakening forces such as intense grinding. Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, cover dental implants, restore seriously discolored or misshapen teeth, and even as a preventive measure to protect a tooth in danger of breaking.

Dr. Yun can place a crown in as few as two appointments. Crowns in general are very strong restorations, and if a crown is placed before the tooth is too severely damaged, it can often prevent the need for a root canal. If Dr. Yun recommends a crown, it is because she truly believes that it’s the best way to strengthen your tooth and keep it healthy for years to come.

I’ve been told that I need root canal therapy. What should I know before my appointment?

Root canal therapy is a highly successful restorative treatment for teeth that are infected or likely to become infected. Although root canal therapy has a reputation for being painful, the toothaches associated with an infected root are probably causing you more pain than the treatment will.

Beneath the top layer of your tooth (the enamel) and the second layer (the dentin), there lies a nerve that delivers sensations to the brain. Whether from excessive decay or physical trauma, this nerve can become damaged, causing an abscess to form at the root of the tooth. Dr. Yun has recommended root canal therapy to prevent further damage, preserve your tooth, and most importantly, relieve your pain.

Most patients are able to return to their normal activities and diets the day after treatment. We also provide nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation to keep you comfortable throughout your visit.

Am I candidate for dental implant restorations?

Dr. Yun and our team work hard to stay on the leading-edge of restorative dentistry. If you or someone you love struggles with ill-fitting, uncomfortable dentures or a retainer with false teeth, we have a permanent solution. Quickly becoming the preferred method of dental replacement, implants can give your smile a second chance.

Dental implants are more durable and longer-lasting than traditional tooth replacements, and they also look and feel more like natural teeth. Most importantly, they function like natural teeth, so you can chew, talk, and smile with confidence again. Because the implant procedure allows for more of your healthy tooth structure to be saved, fixed dental implants can even prevent bone loss.

Many patients suffering from advanced tooth decay, root canal failure, trauma to the mouth, or just natural wear and tear on teeth are benefiting from this revolutionary option in restorative dentistry. However, there are still some things to consider before you decide on dental implants. For example, dental implants are best performed after adolescence, when the teeth and jaw bone are fully developed. Additionally, the implant procedure can be more complicated for individuals with periodontal (gum) disease, active diabetes, immune deficiencies, and for patients who smoke. To ensure that you get the treatment that’s right for you, keep Dr. Yun and her team informed and up-to-date about your entire medical history and dental habits.

What are the benefits of a dental X-ray examination?

Dental X-rays, also known as radiographs, are commonly used in dental exams of patients of all ages. Panoramic X-rays, which show the entire mouth, are taken every 5 years. Panoramic X-rays are taken with a machine that circles your head providing a complete overview of all the teeth as well as the roots, upper and lower jawbones, the sinuses, and other hard surfaces in the mouth. X-rays are a vital part of a complete dental examination, because many problems with teeth and the surrounding tissues cannot be seen when we visually examine your mouth.

Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you unnecessary discomfort, money, and time. In cases where X-rays help us detect oral cancer and periodontal disease early, radiographs can also help save your life!

We look forward to answering your questions!

Load Load