Dental FAQs in Bloomfield, NJ

  • We’ve answered some of the questions patients ask us most often about dental care, appointments, insurance, emergencies, and our Bloomfield dental office.

  • For many patients, we recommend a dental exam and professional cleaning approximately every six months. However, the right schedule depends on your individual oral health, gum health, medical history, and risk for dental problems. Dr. Michael Panitch can recommend a schedule that makes sense for you.

  • Not necessarily. The frequency of dental X-rays depends on your age, oral health, dental history, symptoms, and risk for cavities or other problems. We use X-rays when they provide information that helps us evaluate areas that cannot be fully seen during a regular dental examination.

  • A cavity may cause tooth sensitivity, discomfort when eating something sweet, hot or cold, pain when biting, or a visible dark spot or hole in a tooth. However, cavities can also develop without noticeable symptoms, which is one reason regular dental exams are important.

  • Occasional irritation can occur, but persistent bleeding can be a sign of gingivitis or gum disease. If your gums regularly bleed, feel swollen or tender, or appear to be receding, schedule a dental evaluation so we can determine the cause. Learn more about Periodontal Disease Treatment here.

  • Yes. Family Dental Associates of Brookdale provides preventive, restorative and cosmetic dental care for patients of different ages and stages of life. Our goal is to make it convenient for families in Bloomfield and the surrounding area to receive ongoing dental care in one practice. Learn more about Family Dental Care here.

  • A routine visit typically includes an examination of your teeth and gums, an evaluation for signs of decay or other oral health concerns, and a professional dental cleaning when appropriate. X-rays may also be recommended based on your individual needs.

  • Good cavity prevention starts with brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, limiting frequent sugary snacks and drinks, and receiving routine professional dental care. We can also recommend preventive treatments based on your individual risk for tooth decay.

  • Yes. Family Dental Associates of Brookdale offers cosmetic dental services designed to improve the appearance of your smile. Depending on your goals, treatment options may include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, bonding or other cosmetic dentistry treatments available through the practice.

  • The best whitening option depends on the type of discoloration you have, the condition of your teeth and whether you have existing dental restorations. Professional dental whitening can provide more predictable results than many over-the-counter products. We can help determine which approach is appropriate for your smile.

  • Often, yes. Depending on the location and extent of the damage, options may include dental bonding, veneers, crowns or another restorative or cosmetic treatment. An examination is the best way to determine which option will produce a natural-looking and durable result.

  • Severe tooth pain, facial swelling, a knocked-out tooth, a broken or badly damaged tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of a dental infection may require prompt attention. If you're unsure whether your situation is an emergency, call our office at (973) 338-6667. Learn more about Dental Emergencies here.

  • Handle the tooth by the crown rather than the root. If possible, gently place it back into the socket without forcing it. If you cannot do that, keep the tooth moist (preferably in milk if possible) and contact a dentist immediately. Time can be important when attempting to save a knocked-out permanent tooth.

  • Call the dental office so the cause can be evaluated. Tooth pain can result from decay, infection, a cracked tooth, gum problems or other conditions, so treating the underlying cause is important rather than simply masking the pain.

  • We are located at 988 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003.

  • Our regular office hours are:

    Monday: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
    Tuesday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
    Thursday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
    Friday: Closed
    Saturday: 8:00 AM–2:00 PM by appointment

    Because schedules can change, we recommend calling the office if you need a specific appointment time.

  • Call Family Dental Associates of Brookdale at (973) 338-6667 to schedule an appointment. You can also use the contact form option on our website.

  • We work with many dental insurance plans and are happy to help you understand how your benefits may apply to treatment. Because coverage varies by plan, please contact our office at (973) 338-6667 with your insurance information and our team can help answer questions about your coverage.

  • Yes. Family Dental Associates of Brookdale welcomes new patients. To schedule your first visit, call us at (973) 338-6667 or request an appointment online.

  • Our dental office is located in Bloomfield, NJ, and we welcome patients from Bloomfield and surrounding Essex County communities.

Still have a question? Call us at (973) 338-6667 or send us an email here.