Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We know that our patients have a budget, and we do our best to fit any necessary dental care into your budget without creating a financial strain. That is why we participate with many major insurance companies and do our best to help our patients maximize their insurance.

We explain treatment expenses up front so that you do not have any surprises when it comes to paying for your dental care. We know our patients value our willingness to communicate clearly on financial matters.

For those patients who do not have insurance or who wish to have cosmetic dental procedures that are not covered by their insurance, we offer in-house discount plans and third-party financing options.

We discuss financial arrangements on an individual basis, and in most cases, to qualify for one of the financing plans requires a minimum dollar amount. Some options may be available for only specific procedures. The best way to learn about your financial options is to call us or schedule a consultation so we can go over your treatment options, insurance coverage, payment options, and financing options.

We will do our best to help you fit your dental care into your budget so that you can have the necessary procedures to maintain the health and beauty of your smile. Give our team a call today.

For the convenience of our patients, we accept most dental insurances including MetLife, Delta, United Healthcare, Cigna, Aetna, and more. We know it is important to our patients to maximize their insurance benefits so that they can limit their out-of-pocket expenses.  We have several other payment options at Monroe Dental Arts too.

Our team will submit your dental claims and estimate any expenses for you so that you do not encounter any financial surprises. We accurately code and bill for your procedures so we do not delay the process.

In the event that you elect to have a procedure that is not covered or only partially covered by your insurance company, we can help you determine the cost and work out a financial arrangement with you so you can proceed with treatment. For treatment such as cosmetic procedures and elective procedures, you may only receive partial coverage or none at all. We can explain your treatment plan and coverage to you in detail.

With thousands of different insurance companies, the best way to get accurate information about your coverage is to call your insurance company or give us a call and we can help. We strive to make your dental care as easy as possible by handling some of the red tape for you.  
 

At Monroe Dental Arts, we focus on both function and beauty when it comes to dentistry. All of the work we do is beautiful. Sometimes healthy patients come to us and want to improve the appearance of their smiles. Dr. H.K. Virdee is a talented artist when it comes to improving the esthetics of your teeth. From simple procedures such as whitening to full smile makeovers, you will be in good hands at our dental office.

Professional teeth whitening is one of the quickest and least expensive ways to improve your smile. Over the years, your smile can grow dark because of the stains left by certain foods and beverages. Professional teeth whitening can remove years off your smile and restore your confidence in your smile.

We offer other services that provide more dramatic results such as cosmetic dental bonding for smaller repairs to your smile and porcelain veneers for the most dramatic smile transformation available.

We also offer orthodontic services with Invisalign for our adult and some teen patients wishing to improve the straightness of their teeth. Invisalign is performed without the need for brackets and wires.

If you would like to improve your smile, don’t hesitate! Give us a call and we can schedule a cosmetic evaluation with Dr. H.K. Virdee so you can have the smile you always wanted.
 

As with any treatment, the cost depends largely on your unique case. It may surprise you to hear, however, that cosmetic dentistry is more effective, more natural-looking, and more affordable than ever. Some cosmetic dental treatments are available to make small changes to the appearance of your smile without breaking the bank.

• Cosmetic dental bonding – Uses the same white composite material that we use to fill cavities. It comes in a wide variety of shades to match your existing teeth and can fill in small gaps, make repairs to chips, and correct misshapen teeth. It is strong and seals your teeth, keeping out decay. Bonding is also considered a non-invasive treatment because we preserve your tooth structure and simply add to your tooth to improve the appearance.
• Professional teeth whitening – If you have tried over-the-counter whitening methods, you know how frustrating they can be. Strips that slip off your teeth and bulky trays that are difficult to use do not always produce the best results. Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that is both affordable and effective. We create custom trays so that you achieve the best results with the fewest side effects.

We offer cosmetic dentistry evaluations. Call our office today to learn how we can create the smile of your dreams.

If you are thinking about cosmetic dentistry, you have probably heard a lot about veneers, but you may not completely understand what they are.

Veneers are versatile dental restorations that look like a thin porcelain shell. They resemble a natural tooth but can actually improve your appearance dramatically by correcting such problems as:

• Shortened/worn teeth
• Chipped teeth
• Discoloration
• Misalignment/gaps

Veneers require prep work to your teeth. In most cases, this will include removing a small amount of enamel to make room for your veneers and ensure a natural look. Without prepping your teeth, your veneers would appear bulky and false. Because of this, veneers are a lifelong commitment. They are also life changing, and most of our patients tell us they wish they had gotten them sooner because their veneers make them feel proud of the way they look.

If you take great care of your veneers, your teeth, and your gums, you can expect veneers to last many years! Maintaining great oral health is essential to protecting your investment in your smile.

At our Monroe Township, NJ dental office, we are always happy to answer any questions you may have about veneers or any other dental procedures. Give us a call!

Having a missing tooth can lead to feeling self-conscious about the way you look or even make it more difficult for you to eat. At Monroe Dental Arts, we offer tooth-replacement options including the fixed dental bridge.

Dental bridges are a great option for patients facing dental extractions or who already have a missing tooth. Dental bridges “bridge” the gap in your smile by placing an artificial tooth in the place of the missing tooth. The replacement tooth is attached to two healthy crowned teeth adjacent to the gap in your smile. A dental bridge keeps your teeth from shifting toward the space left by your missing tooth, which is a great way to preserve the integrity of your bite.

Shifting teeth also lead to other problems like exposed roots and misalignment. A dental bridge keeps this process from happening by acting as a placeholder. Bridges also fill in the space from your missing tooth, making your smile complete again.

Each of the dental bridges we create at our Monroe Township, NJ dental office will match your natural teeth, so no one will notice you have a dental bridge. Keeping your gums around your dental bridge healthy is essential. We can go over ways to get the most out of your dentistry when you come in for your next dental appointment.

Dental crowns are versatile, addressing a number of conditions to add stability and comfort to a tooth that has sustained disease or trauma. Crowns can also provide preventive treatment as part of a comprehensive treatment plan or for teeth that are unstable or compromised. 

Some of the conditions leading to a dental crown recommendation include:

A broken or fractured tooth – A filling is often not enough to support and protect a broken or fractured tooth. A dental crown completely covers the tooth above the gumline and absorbs some of the force of chewing.

Worn teeth – Teeth that have been exposed to bruxism (clenching and grinding) over a long period of time may have exposed dentin that feels sensitive. A dental crown can restore the size and shape of the tooth.

Root canal teeth – A root canal leaves teeth more brittle, but when combined with a dental crown, you can enjoy the same comfort, function, and stability of your natural tooth.

Cosmetic solutions – Covering an unattractive or dark tooth with a dental crown or veneer can improve the appearance of your smile and add confidence.

Replacing large fillings – Large amalgam fillings might need to be replaced with a dental crown as removing large fillings can leave the tooth unstable.

Teeth with deep decay – If decay goes deep enough, a dental crown may be more suitable for long-term protection.

Give us a call if you have anymore questions!

Dental implants consist of three parts: the implant post, custom abutment (attachment), and the dental implant crown.

Dental implant posts, or screws as they are sometimes called, are typically made of titanium or another type of biocompatible metal. These are unbreakable and will not deteriorate within the body.

Abutments are attachments that secure to the dental implant post and provide a foundation for the dental crown. Abutments are typically custom-designed because the dental implant post may be placed at a specific angle to embed in the densest part of the bone. The abutment will make it possible to attach a dental crown correctly, so the crown fits perfectly with adjacent and opposing teeth.

We use tooth-colored dental implants in our Monroe Township dental office. The dental implant crown itself, typically made of porcelain, offers durability. Porcelain is natural-looking and long-lasting but is also susceptible to the same trauma as the enamel covering natural teeth. 

Dental implant crowns are not fragile, but they are breakable. When eating foods like cherries and olives, use caution because even foods that claim to be pitted can still contain pits that can break a crown. Don’t chew on ice or hard candy.

If you do break a dental implant crown, the underlying dental implant may still be undamaged and promptly replacing the crown will keep your teeth from shifting.

If you break a dental implant crown, or to learn more about dental implants in Monroe Township, contact Monroe Dental Arts to schedule an appointment.

Not only are dental implants the best replacement for missing teeth because they closely mimic your natural teeth, but caring for dental implants is easy. Dental implants are a low maintenance, long-lasting solution to missing teeth.

Unlike dentures, which you need to remove for cleaning, dental implants permanently integrate into your jawbone just like your tooth root. All you need to do to care for your implants is brush and floss as you normally would. And although dental implants cannot develop decay as your natural teeth can, brushing and flossing regularly is crucial for your gum health. Gum disease puts your dental implants at risk.

It’s also crucial to visit your dentist twice each year for examinations and cleanings. This will also enable your dentist to keep an eye on your dental implant to ensure it's in good shape and functioning properly.

Using common sense and avoiding using your teeth as tools is also essential. Don’t chew on hard candies or ice as this too can damage the implants.

If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to learn more about dental implants, we invite you to contact our Monroe Township, NJ practice to make an appointment for a consultation.

As with any treatment, the cost depends largely on your unique case. It may surprise you to hear, however, that cosmetic dentistry is more effective, more natural-looking, and more affordable than ever. Some cosmetic dental treatments are available to make small changes to the appearance of your smile without breaking the bank.

• Cosmetic dental bonding – Uses the same white composite material that we use to fill cavities. It comes in a wide variety of shades to match your existing teeth and can fill in small gaps, make repairs to chips, and correct misshapen teeth. It is strong and seals your teeth, keeping out decay. Bonding is also considered a non-invasive treatment because we preserve your tooth structure and simply add to your tooth to improve the appearance.
• Professional teeth whitening – If you have tried over-the-counter whitening methods, you know how frustrating they can be. Strips that slip off your teeth and bulky trays that are difficult to use do not always produce the best results. Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that is both affordable and effective. We create custom trays so that you achieve the best results with the fewest side effects.

We offer cosmetic dentistry evaluations. Call our office today to learn how we can create the smile of your dreams.

Up until the development of GLO™ Science Teeth Whitening, the benefit of light-activated whitening was limited to in-office dental treatments. At Monroe Dental Arts, we wanted to provide our patients with the best of both worlds by introducing GLO™ Science Teeth Whitening to take home with you.

GLO™ combines professional strength whitening gel, customized teeth bleaching trays, and light activation to achieve the whitest results without the blotchy results available from pharmacy products. Pharmacy whitening systems are often unpredictable and can cause teeth sensitivity. Teeth bleaching is always more effective under the supervision of a qualified dentist.

In the office, we will provide a gingival barrier to protect your gums during treatment. We will apply the gel and activate it with the lighted mouthpiece. It will turn off on its own after just eight minutes.

At home, you will use the exact same activator light and custom whitening trays, along with enough gel for 40 applications. You can enjoy the most brilliant results available with modern dentistry today.

For a modern teeth whitening dentist in Monroe Township, NJ, contact Monroe Dental Arts for a consultation.

Today’s advanced x-rays emit far less radiation than the old film methods. In fact, dental x-rays have always been among the lowest radiation medical x-rays. With the switch to digital, x-rays further reduced radiation emissions by 80%. In fact, you receive more radiation in certain climates just by being outside in the sun.

When you think of the benefits of dental x-rays, they really are valuable with very little risk. We can detect decay, bone loss, infections, tumors, abscesses, cysts, and growths with digital x-rays that would be otherwise invisible with a visual exam alone.

At Monroe Dental Arts, we take periodic x-rays based on patient need. Dr. H.K. Virdee will look over your x-rays, and we will inform you if we find anything that requires your attention.

Digital x-rays can help us detect dental conditions early and allows us to address the problem before it progresses. Early detection and treatment can help you avoid unnecessary cost, pain, and extensive treatments in the future.

If you have questions or concerns about your routine dental x-rays, give us a call and we can address those for you.
 

Most oral surgery procedures heal without incident. The mouth actually heals quite quickly, as long as you know what to do. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy faster healing and greater comfort after your oral surgery appointment in our Monroe Township dental office.

Keep the Area Clean and Be Gentle!

You will want to make sure that your surgical site stays clean, but you have to be gentle, or you could cause damage. Gently rinse the area for a few days and avoid brushing or flossing directly near your surgical site until the tissue begins to heal and swelling decreases.

Avoid Smoking

Not only does smoking create suction, which can dislodge the healing tissue within a surgical site, but studies have shown that smoking can slow integration between natural bone and implants, especially when placed in the upper jaw.

Don’t Drink through a Straw

As with smoking, drinking through a straw creates suction and can lead to a painful post-extraction condition called dry socket. If you do want a milkshake or other beverage as you heal, drink it from the glass only.

Anytime you have oral surgery in our Monroe Township dental office, we will go over detailed instructions and discuss what to expect flowing your procedure. We are here to answer any questions.

If you had parents or grandparents with dentures, you might have an old-fashioned idea of what they look like and how they function. If you saw dentures in a glass of water or outside of their mouths that probably meant that they weren’t comfortable to wear all day. Fortunately, modern dentures have come a long way to a comfortable and modern fit and appearance.

Complete dentures look natural with no more of those boxy, generic looking teeth that were telltale signs of false teeth.

And if you are seeking partial dentures in our Monroe Township dental office, you can count on our professional expertise to create a good match between your partial denture and your natural smile, so your teeth look seamless.

Modern dentistry has improved through knowledge of the bite, jaw, and teeth to give patients an improved experience with denture use.

We also offer implant-retained dentures for patients wishing to have additional security when they laugh, eat, and smile. With implant-retained dentures, we eliminate the worry of embarrassing denture movement just when you are trying to make a great first impression.

To learn more about complete, implant, or partial dentures, contact our Monroe Township dental office to arrange an appointment. 

One of the common misconceptions regarding dentures is that they last forever. You have probably noticed that your body changes from year-to-year with some potentially unwelcome differences as we age. Your mouth is no different is also susceptible to changes in weight and the reduction of bone with age, two reasons why your once well-fitted denture no longer stays in place or causes painful denture sores.

As a denture wearer, you know that fit and confidence are essential. If you have ill-fitting dentures, we encourage you to give us a call for a new set of complete dentures in our Monroe Township dental office. In some cases, we can reline your denture with a material designed to provide a temporary fix.

Some patients have trouble with dentures no matter how many adjustments they have. In cases where patients want some added security, dental implants can anchor dentures in place and make them more stable. They will not slip or move until you release them for cleaning.

To learn more about the high-quality partial and complete dentures available in our Monroe Township dental office, give us a call. We can provide specific solutions based on your oral health needs and your goals for your appearance.

Have you ever needed a dental procedure and been handed a slip of paper to visit a specialist you never met? Most patients like to stay where they are comfortable for procedures like root canals.

Typically, we can successfully treat root canal problems in the comfort of our Monroe Township dental office. Our patients appreciate the convenience of being able to stay with Dr. H.K. Virdee for their endodontic care.

Dr. Virdee is skilled in successful root canal therapies and performs hundreds of them each year to relieve the symptoms of infection from her patients’ teeth. She utilizes an instrument called an engine driven handpiece that allows Dr. Virdee to perform a more efficient cleaning. She will place additional medication inside your tooth to prevent a reoccurrence of your condition.

Many people fear root canals because they associate them with pain, but Dr. Virdee is extremely gentle and will make sure you are completely comfortable for your entire procedure. Root canals actually eliminate the pain you experience from the infection inside your tooth, and after a root canal procedure, you should be feeling back to normal within a few days.
 

In order to give you an accurate answer about your oral health, we need to perform a comprehensive oral evaluation. We welcome new patients and look forward to treating you like family.

There are a few telltale signs that can indicate the need for root canal therapy. If you experience the following symptoms, we advise you to contact us right away. This will give us a chance to help get you back on track to good oral health.

• Swelling in the face, jaw, or neck
• Tooth pain, especially with pressure
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Discoloration
• Gum lesions
• Pus or discharge from the gums

We know that many patients would love to avoid a root canal at all costs. We want you to know, however, that we perform comfortable root canals in our Monroe Township, NJ dental office, which leaves our patients feeling confident about their oral health and the care they receive here.

Oftentimes, the first sign that something is wrong includes pain. If you ever experience tooth pain, it’s time to give us a call. Tooth pain will not typically go away on its own and may gradually worsen.

We treat dental emergencies quickly – sometimes even on the same day.

As with any treatment, the cost depends largely on your unique case. It may surprise you to hear, however, that cosmetic dentistry is more effective, more natural-looking, and more affordable than ever. Some cosmetic dental treatments are available to make small changes to the appearance of your smile without breaking the bank.

• Cosmetic dental bonding – Uses the same white composite material that we use to fill cavities. It comes in a wide variety of shades to match your existing teeth and can fill in small gaps, make repairs to chips, and correct misshapen teeth. It is strong and seals your teeth, keeping out decay. Bonding is also considered a non-invasive treatment because we preserve your tooth structure and simply add to your tooth to improve the appearance.
• Professional teeth whitening – If you have tried over-the-counter whitening methods, you know how frustrating they can be. Strips that slip off your teeth and bulky trays that are difficult to use do not always produce the best results. Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that is both affordable and effective. We create custom trays so that you achieve the best results with the fewest side effects.

We offer cosmetic dentistry evaluations. Call our office today to learn how we can create the smile of your dreams.

One of the things that most people don’t know about dentistry is that conditions are often silent until they develop into a painful and advanced condition that can lead to a dental emergency. 

Putting off dentistry seems tempting because it takes time and money to keep your teeth healthy; unfortunately, it usually leads to greater expense and more time in the chair. Prevention and routine appointments can often prevent oral conditions that put teeth at risk.

When we recommend root canals in our Monroe Township dental office, it is because we are at the final stage of trying to save a painful, infected tooth. Putting it off can result in severe pain and tooth loss. Since root canals treat an active infection, avoiding proper professional treatment can also cause your overall health to suffer.

Many people put off root canals because they are nervous about the pain. Root canals actually relieve pain and help you save your tooth, which is the most conservative approach to dentistry.

Rather than putting off root canals, contact our Monroe Township dental office, and our experienced and gentle dentists will explain the entire process, taking the fear out of root canal therapy.

Many people think of root canals and automatically think pain. The truth is, that the symptoms caused by the infection in your tooth cause far more pain than the treatment itself. 

When you come to our dental office, your comfort is our top priority! We will always make sure you are comfortable during all of your treatment, including root canal therapy!

Having a root canal will feel no more painful than a filling. Once we eliminate the infection from your tooth, your body’s immune system will take over and continue with the healing process. As your tooth heals, you may feel some sensitivity and tenderness, but it will gradually subside over the coming days until your teeth feel normal again.

After you have time to heal, we will check your tooth and make sure the infection is completely eliminated before we move on to the next phase of treatment.

Once you have root canal therapy in a tooth, it will be more brittle. That is why it is important to reinforce it with the proper restoration. In most cases, a dental crown will be necessary to protect your tooth from day-to-day wear and the forces from chewing. We will create a custom crown that covers the entire structure of your tooth above your gum line.