What's My Tooth's Function?

It is very important to stay well informed with anything you put your mind to. Whether it is buying a car or changing your hair color, a lot of research and information can go into figuring out exactly what you want and how things are supposed to work. The wonderful thing is that your smile is no different. Sure, we all know that we have teeth, but the different functions of our teeth play a big role in our smile. Dr. Michael Scurti is a big believer in patient education, and he wants you to be as informed as possible with it comes to your teeth.

One type of tooth that resides in your mouth is the incisors. These teeth are the eight that are in the front and center of your mouth, and they are the teeth you use when you take bites of your food. Canines are another type of tooth in your mouth, and these appear between sixteen and twenty months of age. These are the sharpest teeth in your mouth, and they are generally used to tear your food apart.

Premolars are used for chewing and grinding food, and you have four on either side of your mouth. Your premolars start to appear when you are around the age of ten or eleven. Your molars are also used for chewing and grinding food, and these start to appear between twelve and fifteen months of age. The molars erupt around the age of six years old. Lastly, the third molars, also known as your wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to develop and do not erupt until the age of about eighteen to twenty years old. Some people do not even develop their third molars, which eliminates the need to remove them should they cause crowding.

So the next time you find yourself eating something or brushing your teeth, take note of the amazing power your teeth have, and appreciate them for all the hard work they do!

Do not hesitate to call Dr. Scurti’s Verona, New Jersey dental office. We would be happy to answer your questions or schedule or appointment with you. Dr. Scurti serves patients from Verona, West Orange, Livingston, Clifton, and other cities in New Jersey.

Have Fresh Breath for Summer!

With summer making its bright, warm way into our lives, the world of laying by the pool and having outdoor barbeques are rapidly approaching. Celebrating summer means being surrounded by your closes friends and family, meaning people are getting their beach bodies ready and their refreshments cold. With all of the people you will encounter, it is very important you are healthy from the inside out, including your smile! Having fresh breath is an awesome way of making a first impression, and if you suffer from bad breath, also known as halitosis, you may find it difficult to be confident in yourself. Dr. Michael Scurti and the entire Verona Dental Arts team are able to give you some insight as to what causes halitosis, and some ways of fixing the issue.

One of the causes for halitosis is not brushing and flossing your teeth every day. Food particles get stick between your teeth, and if they are left to sit, it causes bacteria growth. An antibacterial mouthwash is a good way of reducing these bacteria, as well as making sure you brush and floss your teeth every day. Also, smoking and/or chewing tobacco-based products causes bad breath, as well as stains your teeth, irritates your gums, and lessens your ability to taste and enjoy your favorite foods. Some of the signs of halitosis are an unrelenting bad taste in your mouth, severe dry mouth, and ill fitting dental appliances.

A few of the ways you can keep you halitosis under control is by practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing your teeth daily. Also, seeing your dentist regularly, stopping smoking and using other tobacco-based produces, keeping a record of the kinds of food you eat, and drinking a lot of water are all sure ways you can be sure you have the freshest breath to celebrate the summer !

Do not hesitate to call Dr. Scurti’s Verona, New Jersey dental office. We would be happy to answer your questions or schedule or appointment with you. Dr. Scurti serves patients from Verona, West Orange, Livingston, Clifton, and other cities in New Jersey.

Give Yourself A Smile Makeover with Porcelain Veneers

Minor chips, cracks, and misalignments in your smile can be a difficult thing to live with. Your teeth go through life’s hard knocks, and can become discolored and damaged. Many people consider a smile is a first impression, and if you do not feel confident about your smile, it can really have a negative effect on how you see yourself. Luckily, Dr. Michael Scurti is able to transform your smile with the help of porcelain veneers.

The process of porcelain veneers begins with a consultation with Dr. Scurti. There, he will be able to get a good look at your smile, and ask you about your long-term goals. Also, during the consultation, you will be able to express any questions or concerns you may have regarding the procedure. When it comes time to apply your porcelain veneers, Dr. Scurti will prepare your natural tooth by removing a small amount of enamel. Your custom-made veneers will be applied, and made permanent with dental resin cement. At the end, you are left with a beautiful, flawless smile!

One of the benefits of porcelain veneers is that they are stain resistant. You won’t have to worry about having that extra cup of coffee or glass of red wine, as your smile will always be dazzling. Also, with proper care and maintenance, your porcelain veneers can last up to ten years! If you have any questions on how Dr. Scurti can help with your journey to porcelain veneers, make an appointment and we’d be glad to help!

Do not hesitate to call Dr. Scurti’s Verona, New Jersey dental office. We would be happy to answer your questions or schedule or appointment with you. Dr. Scurti serves patients from Verona, West Orange, Livingston, Clifton, and other cities in New Jersey.

Root Canal Therapy with Dr. Scurti

Living in pain is never an easy thing, especially when it comes to your teeth. Tooth pain can be excruciating, and doing nothing about the pain will only make it worse. If you are suffering from an ongoing tooth ache, it is most likely because your tooth is infected. Left untreated, an infected tooth can wreak havoc on the rest of your smile, leaving you with a much more expensive and painful result down the road. Verona Dental Arts understands the importance of making sure your smile is as health as it can be, which is why we offer root canal therapy to our patients!

A root canal needs to be performed when the tooth’s structure has been compromised. Perhaps due to a crack or a large cavity, the tooth’s inner structure has become infected with bacteria, causing you much pain and discomfort. Other things that can cause the need for root canal therapy are deep restorations and dental trauma.

We begin your root canal by focusing on the infected tooth and removing the harmful bacteria. The tooth’s pulp is removed, and then the tooth is filled. After that, a crown is usually placed at the top, protecting the tooth from further harm. At the end, you feel relieved and alleviated of pain!

If you are experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, pain, swelling, throbbing, and a bad taste in your mouth, you may need a root canal. Make an appointment at our office, and we’ll be glad to help!

Do not hesitate to call Dr. Scurti’s Verona, New Jersey dental office. We would be happy to answer your questions or schedule or appointment with you. Dr. Scurti serves patients from Verona, West Orange, Livingston, Clifton, and other cities in New Jersey.

What Is Fluorosis?

In our last few posts, we have talked about the importance of healthy enamel and the benefits of fluoride. Today we want to talk about one more related topic—fluorosis.

This is a condition that can develop when patients have too much fluoride. Patients with fluorosis can end up with stains or white streaks on their teeth. Children may be especially vulnerable, but adults can be too when the exposure is great enough.

Fluoride is found in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and water supplies. If instructions aren’t followed when using these toothpastes or mouthwashes, that can lead to the blemishes caused by fluorosis.

Thankfully, the problems of fluorosis are primarily cosmetic. With a service like porcelain veneers, Dr. Scurti can help you turn your situation around to have a beautiful smile again.

A transformation with porcelain veneers takes two appointments to complete. What we design will do an excellent job of complementing the size and shape of your smile.

Learn more about fluorosis and porcelain veneers by calling Verona Dental Arts today. Dr. Scurti would be happy to talk to you and answer your questions during a consultation visit. We serve patients from Verona, West Orange, Livingston, Clifton, and other cities in New Jersey.

The Benefits of Fluoride

In our last post, we talked about the importance of healthy enamel. Today we want to focus on a topic related to that: fluoride.

As you may know, fluoride is routinely added to tap water and it’s a key ingredient in most toothpaste brands. Some mouthwashes also include fluoride.

Why does it seem like fluoride is everywhere? Because of how beneficial it is for teeth. To enjoy good oral health, you need to have strong enamel. But acid, bacteria, and plaque can weaken enamel, making teeth vulnerable to decay. Fluoride helps support enamel by attracting healthy minerals.

To make sure that your teeth stay strong and healthy, we recommend that patients brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day. You might also want to avoid drinking bottled water, as most bottled water doesn’t contain any fluoride. Enjoy a cup of tap water instead. And why not finish up your oral health routine by rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash.

Children especially need extra help protecting their teeth, because they’re just learning to brush. Make sure that you’re helping your little one every day by making brushing a family event and by explaining the importance of strong, healthy teeth.

Call Verona Dental Arts today if you have questions about fluoride or enamel. We serve patients from Verona, West Orange, Livingston, Clifton, and other cities in New Jersey.

The Protective Power of Enamel

Our teeth are made up of three layers. For today’s post, we want to focus on the outer layer, which is known as the enamel. This layer forms the part of the tooth that we see when we smile. It also has an important protective function.

Specifically, enamel protects teeth from decay, which is caused by an acidic chemical reaction that occurs when we eat foods high in sugar or starch. When enamel becomes weak, teeth can develop cavities. A tooth with a cavity needs to be treated with a filling. In cases of advanced decay, a crown, inlay, or onlay may be necessary. In other cases, a bad cavity can lead to a bacterial infection inside the tooth, which would need to be treated with a root canal.

Fluoride plays an important role in protecting your teeth and keeping your enamel strong. How does it do this? By attracting important minerals that will make it more difficult for acid, bacteria, and plaque to destroy this important protective layer.

You can find fluoride in most toothpaste brands. Most communities have also added fluoride to their water supply. Some mouthwashes even contain it. With so many sources for fluoride out there, it’s easy to protect the enamel on your smile.

Do you have questions about the protective power of your enamel and the benefits of fluoride? Don’t hesitate to call Dr. Scurti’s Verona dental office. We’ll be happy to answer your questions or schedule an appointment with you. Dr. Scurti serves patients from Verona, West Orange, Livingston, Clifton, and other cities in New Jersey.

Are You a New Patient?

Are you new to Verona or possibly looking for a new dentist? We are glad you have found Dr. Scurti’s website, and we hope you will give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Scurti has been practicing dentistry in Verona for years. He has also studied at the renowned LVI Global and the Misch Institute. During his years in practice, Dr. Scurti has developed a great reputation for care. With our broad range of general, cosmetic, and restorative services, we can help our patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles.

If you will be visiting us for the first time in the coming weeks, we hope you will take a moment to visit our site’s New Patient page. On this page, you can read about what types of payment we accept and how third-party financing can help you pay for care.

You can also download our new patient forms and fill them out before coming in. Having your forms filled out beforehand will help streamline your appointment. We understand how valuable your time is and want to help you get your important dental care in a timely manner.

Do you have questions about one of our forms or how we accept payment? Don’t hesitate to give us a call. At Verona Dental Arts, we enjoy answering your questions. Call us today. We will also be happy to schedule an appointment for you if you do not have one already. We serve patients from Verona, West Orange, Livingston, Clifton, and other New Jersey communities.

A New Crown in One Visit with CEREC

In the past, when a patient needed help restoring a broken or decayed tooth, there was only one option: a conventional crown. Treatment with a conventional crown takes two appointments. In the first appointment, the doctor makes an impression of the tooth, designs the crown, and then puts a temporary crown in place. At the second appointment, the temporary crown is switched out for a permanent one milled by a dental lab.

Of course, with this method, there was always the risk of that temporary crown falling out or becoming damaged, requiring an extra visit between appointments. Today, however, technology has made the entire process more convenient.

At Dr. Scurti’s Verona dental office, patients can get a custom-made crown in a single appointment, all thanks to our CEREC milling machine.

Here’s how the process works.

First, Dr. Scurti will assess your needs, scan your tooth, and design your new crown with CEREC’s advanced software. Our goal is always to create a crown that blends in with existing teeth and complements the patient’s appearance.

Once the design for your crown is finished, we’ll send that information to the CEREC unit, which will mill your restorative piece from high quality porcelain while you relax in our office. When it’s ready, Dr. Scurti will double-check the fit and attach it, completing what used to be a multi-appointment procedure in a single visit.

Do you need restorative care? Dr. Scurti can help with a custom-made CEREC crown. Call our Verona office to schedule an appointment. Verona Dental Arts offers restorative care to patients from West Orange, Livingston, Clifton, and other communities around New Jersey.

What Is Plaque?

You have probably heard about plaque before, but do you know what it is? For today’s post, we’re happy to offer a brief explanation. If you still have questions afterward, don’t hesitate to let Dr. Scurti know by giving us a call.

Plaque is sticky and made up of millions of bacteria. Over time, as it builds up around your teeth and gums, it can cause gum disease and cavities—two common oral health issues.

Having a good oral health routine will help you protect your smile from the damage plaque can do. At Verona Dental Arts, we recommend flossing at least once a day and brushing at least twice. Adding a good mouthwash to your routine is also a good idea. An antibacterial mouthwash will kill harmful bacteria while a fluoride mouthwash will strengthen enamel.

But as thorough as this routine is, advanced care is still important. That’s why we recommend regular visits with Dr. Scurti twice a year. During your appointment, we’ll thoroughly clean your smile and look for any issues that might need our attention.

Do you have more questions about what plaque is and how it can harm your smile? Call Verona Dental Arts today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Scurti. We’re happy to help patients from Verona, West Orange, Livingston, Clifton, and other communities around New Jersey.

All-on-4 Dental Implants for Verona and Beyond

Have you experienced extensive tooth loss? Have you been told that you need to have your upper or lower teeth extracted? All-on-4 dental implants may be the restorative service that will help you enjoy good oral and overall health again.

This revolutionary service uses titanium implants and dental prosthetics to restore functionality and appearance. And unlike normal dental implants, All-on-4 implants can be attached and placed quicker, for stunning results. It’s also the preferred method.

Part of what makes it the preferred method is that All-on-4 dental implants can be put in place without the need for a bone graft or a similar procedure. That makes it an excellent option for patients who might not be a candidate for traditional implants.

Why is replacing missing teeth important? Because of how essential a full, healthy smile is for enjoying a nutritious diet and for speaking and laughing. It’s also important for having a healthy jaw. Missing tooth roots will cause the jaw the atrophy, but dental implants can preserve bone tissue and providing patients with a strong foundation for their replacement teeth.

Do you want to learn more about All-on-4 dental implants? Call Verona Dental Arts today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Scurti. We serve patients from Verona, West Orange, Livingston, Clifton, and other New Jersey towns.

The Connection between Oral and Overall Health

February is, notably, the month when couples across the country celebrate Valentine’s Day. Because of how important the heart—or a symbol of a heart—is to that day, it makes sense to spend our first post this month talking about the connection between oral health, heart health, and overall health.

Many patients are surprised to learn that a connection even exists, but it does. What specifically ties oral and overall wellbeing together? Recent date suggests that the connection can be traced to gum disease, an incredibly common oral health condition.

Gum disease is caused by the buildup of bacteria and plaque around the teeth and gums. Early signs of it include sensitive or bleeding gums, frequent bad breath, loose teeth, and the formation of pockets around the gum line.

If gum disease isn’t treated, bacteria and plaque can get into these pockets and travel to other parts of the body. That’s how gum disease makes you vulnerable to other kinds of health problems.

The health conditions that can be influenced by gum disease include:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Hypertension 
• Alzheimer’s
• Pneumonia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Pre-term birth or low birth weight

To protect your smile, our Verona dental office recommends following these steps.

First, come up with a good oral care routine and stick with it. We recommend brushing at least twice a day. We also recommend flossing at least once a day. Rinsing with a good antibacterial mouthwash will also help.

Second, are you seeing Dr. Scurti of Verona Dental Arts twice a year for checkups and cleanings? Regular care is important for keeping your smile free of bacteria and plaque. Plus, if we find signs of gum disease, we can help you treat it before it becomes a serious issue.

How Often Should You Visit Dr. Scurti for Regular Care?

The question of how often to see a dentist for care is a common one. Should you do it once a year, like you would a primary care doctor, or should you go more often than that?

At Verona Dental Arts, we recommend that patients of Dr. Scurti come in twice a year for a checkup and professional dental cleaning. Why so often? Because that’s what it takes to provide patients with effective preventive care.

During every checkup at his Verona dental office, Dr. Scurti will look for signs of the most common oral health issues, like tooth decay and gum disease, plus teeth grinding, TMJ dysfunction, and even oral cancer. Diagnosing conditions like these early is important for protecting the long-term health of teeth. With regular checkups every six months, Dr. Scurti can address any developing problems quickly, saving you time and money, plus adding to the life of your natural smile.

Dental cleanings will also help as they give us an opportunity to remove excess bacteria and plaque from above and below the gum line. If you have questions about how to brush and floss more effectively between visits, our Verona dental team will be more than happy to answer them.

Are you ready to schedule your first appointment for 2014? Call Verona Dental Arts today. Dr. Scurti is happy to offer general dental care to patients from Verona, Clifton, Livingston, West Orange, and other nearby New Jersey cities.

Get the Brilliantly White Smile of Your Dreams with Teeth Whitening Services in Verona, NJ

As we age, the enamel and dentin that comprise our teeth can become dull and stained, often making us appear years older than we actually are. At Verona Dental Arts in Verona, NJ, Dr. Scurti and his experienced staff can help you reclaim your lustrous, beautiful smile with professional teeth whitening treatments that suit your lifestyle.

The Benefits of Professional Whitening

While the teeth whitening kits you see at your local drug store may claim to brighten your smile in no time, the fact is that the formula used in these products simply isn't powerful enough to achieve real results. Even whitening toothpastes can't penetrate deeply enough to give you the bright, healthy white shade most patients seek. At Verona Dental Arts, we offer you more than one choice when it comes to your teeth whitening treatment.

Our fastest whitening treatment, performed in our office in typically less than two hours, is capable of brightening your smile by as many as eight shades. Zoom! Whitening and LaserSmile, both of which are proven safe and effective, lift even deep, set-in stains to reveal whiter teeth that still look natural. If you'd prefer to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home, we can provide you with a personalized take-home whitening kit, complete with comfortable whitening trays and professional-grade solution. In as little as two weeks, you'll see dramatically whiter teeth.

The Bright, White Smile You Deserve

If you're tired of hiding your smile because you're self-conscious about yellow, stained or otherwise discolored teeth, contact our office in Verona, NJ to schedule your teeth whitening consultation with Dr. Scurti. We also welcome patients from neighboring communities throughout New Jersey, including West Orange, Livingston, Clifton and beyond. 

Finally Find Relief from Bruxism with Neuromuscular Dentistry at Verona Dental Arts

If you often wake up with a headache or a sore jaw, it's possible that you may suffer from a stress-related condition called bruxism. Bruxism, treated most effectively with neuromuscular dentistry, is characterized by the act of clenching the jaw and/or grinding the teeth during sleep. At Verona Dental Arts in Verona, NJ, Dr. Scurti and his team want to help you understand and manage this subconscious behavior so that you can prevent damage to your teeth, find relief from morning discomfort and get the restful sleep you need.

The Importance of Treating Bruxism

When a person clenches the muscles of the jaw continuously during sleep, the result is typically an aching head and sore facial structures the next morning. If the bottom jaw, or mandible, is set into motion as well and the teeth grind against each other throughout the night, enamel begins to wear down under the pressure. Tooth erosion caused by bruxism, particularly noticeable in the molars, can be incredibly damaging to overall oral health. It can alter your bite and even lead to fractured teeth in extreme cases.

At Verona Dental Arts, Dr. Scurti provides his patients with nighttime mouth guards to stop teeth grinding and jaw clenching, thereby restoring their natural sleep habits and preserving their dental health. Often simply called nightguards, these oral appliances are custom-fitted to your unique dentition, making them more effective than generic, store-bought mouth guards. The guard helps to keep the jaw in the proper position while you sleep, preventing further damage to teeth and muscles.

In addition to fitting you with a custom mouth guard, Dr. Scurti and his team can explain to you the many benefits of neuromuscular dentistry. This advanced form of treatment takes into consideration the complex muscle structures in your entire head and neck for improved comfort and optimal results.

A Comprehensive Solution

If you or your partner suspect that you suffer from bruxism, contact us at our Verona, NJ office today to find out how Dr. Scurti can help you find the relief you deserve. We also proudly serve patients from throughout the surrounding communities, including Clifton, Livingston, West Orange and New Jersey. We look forward to serving you and your family!

Easing Uncomfortable Symptoms with Neuromuscular Dentistry

Do you struggle with regular headaches or pain in your neck, shoulders, and back? Have you noticed that your jaw seems to pop or click when opening your mouth to chew or speak? These are signs that you might be struggling with a neuromuscular issue like bruxism (teeth grinding) or TMJ dysfunction. Both are serious issues but can be easily addressed with neuromuscular dentistry.

Neuromuscular dentistry looks at the health and alignment of the jaw, including the underlying muscles, tendons, and skeletal structures. Often, the most effective treatment for problems related to neuromuscular dentistry is a simple appliance worn by the patient during the day or at night.

A Simple Solution for Bruxism and TMJ Dysfunction

Patients who struggle with bruxism unconsciously grind and clench their teeth, most often while asleep, when they can’t stop themselves. TMJ dysfunction, on the other hand, is caused by a misaligned bite and puts pressure on the temporomandibular joints located on both sides of the face, where the jaw connects to the bottom of the skull. What’s more, patients who struggle with bruxism are more susceptible to developing TMJ dysfunction.

To treat these issues, Dr. Scurti of Verona Dental Arts will recommend either a nightguard or another kind of oral appliance. Nightguards are designed to stop teeth from grinding together. An appliance made specifically for TMJ dysfunction will realign the jaw to reduce aggravation on the joints. In both cases Dr. Scurti will create an appliance with a personalized fit to ensure the best possible results.

Are uncomfortable symptoms standing between you and good health and wellbeing? Call Verona Dental Arts to schedule an appointment with Dr. Scurti. We offer neuromuscular dental care to patients from Verona, Livingston, Clifton, West Orange, and nearby New Jersey cities.