585 Main St.
Chatham, NJ 07928
Phone: (973) 701-7777
Keeping Our Patients Safe

Keeping Our Patients Safe

Dear Friends:
I am excited to announce that we are being allowed to see patients again. We will be opening on Weds. June 3rd. We have made improvements to keep you and the staff safe. We would like to ease your concerns about coming to the office.

Click here for our  new office safety protocol

© All photographs on this site are of Dr. Allyson K. hurley's patients and represent her work and her photography.

Archives for January 2018

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I got new dentures in November and regularly lift. The top dentures fit well, but the bottom ones have been loose since the day I got them. They pop up when I eat, smile or laugh. So in other words, they are lifting up off of my ridge more than they are in place. I’ve been to the dentist several times about this. He has “adjusted” them, “relined” them, and asked me if I somehow distorted the shape of my dentures. This is ridiculous. Last week when I was in the office, he told me that some people have these problems when they get dentures and I probably need dental implants. I can’t even eat soft foods without the dentures lifting. Is he just trying to make more money off of me by suggesting dental implants? Thanks, Marge

Marge – It is not normal for new dentures to regularly lift. When they are well made, they look natural and fit well. If they regularly lift, there are several possible causes.

What Causes Dentures to Lift?

  • Construction and Materials – A low-quality, or budget, prosthesis just isn’t made to last. You can quickly begin to experience problems with the way it looks, feels, and fits.
  • Improper fit – Before dentures are made, precise impressions of your mouth must be taken to ensure a good fit. If the base of your prosthesis isn’t made well, it won’t fit properly. It may need to be relined or completely remade.
  • Jawbone shrinkage – When your teeth are missing, your jawbone shrinks. If it’s been years since you’ve had your natural teeth, excessive bone shrinkage will make it difficult—if not impossible—to secure a denture.

A Better Fit with Bone Grafting and Dental Implants

Photo of snap-on dentures, for information on dentures that lift from Chatham NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

Snap-on dentures

If your jawbone is shrinking, it can be built up with bone grafting. Bone grafting will help your dentures fit better. But you’ll get the best results by having your them stabilized with dental implants.

Implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, and your prosthesis is secured to them. Snap-on dentures require two implants to provide stability. There are other types of implant overdentures that provide added stability.

Your dentures will fit better and feel more like your natural teeth. You won’t have to worry about them slipping around or lifting.

We recommend that you get a second opinion to have your prosthesis examined to ensure it’s well made. If you’re experiencing bone shrinkage, dental implants might be the solution to stabilize your dentures.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

 

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After my daughter’s first visit to a pediatric dentist, I think I need a second opinion. At first, my daughter seemed to be getting teeth early. Now she is 3 years old but only has 10 teeth. It seemed like the pediatric dentist did a thorough exam, but he also seems clueless. He has only been practicing for 4 years. But I figured I should give him a chance because a young dentist is probably current with the latest technology, techniques, and research. I could tell he felt bad about not knowing what was wrong, but I didn’t get the sense that he was really trying to figure it out. I feel empty about this. Shouldn’t she have more teeth by now? What is happening?  Do I need to switch dentists? – Kylie

Kylie – A baby’s first tooth erupts between 4 and 15 months of age. Children Photo of a five young children of different races smiling, for information on pediatric dentistry and late tooth eruption, from Chatham, NJ family dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.who are prematurely born, or who have a low weight at birth can have delayed tooth development and eruption. At 3 years of age, a toddler should have 20 teeth.

The teeth of a 3-year-old toddler should be white with smooth surfaces. Spaces between the teeth are normal. Gum tissue should be smooth, pink, and firm.

A Pediatric Dentist Will Look for Causes of Late Tooth Eruption

There are many possible causes of late tooth eruption. A pediatric dentist should review a child’s family and medical history to determine the cause. Some possible causes include:

  • Nutritional deficiency
  • Medical conditions, such as pituitary or thyroid dysfunction, or anemia
  • Genetics
  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight

Schedule an appointment for your daughter with your family dentist if he or she enjoys providing dental care for children. Or you can find a new pediatric dentist for a second opinion. An experienced family dentist has seen a variety of dental cases in children and knows how to conduct research or consult with colleagues to identify the cause of an issue.

Your daughter’s teeth and gums will be examined, and if necessary, your dentist will work along with your daughter’s pediatrician to determine the reason for her delayed tooth eruption.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ family dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.