Route 38 Dental

11/10/2025

To better serve our patients, we are excited to announce our new business hours!

06/15/2025

Replacing Missing Teeth with Dental Implants

Dental implant surgery is a multi-step process designed to replace missing teeth with artificial ones that look and function like natural teeth. Here’s a general overview of the procedure:
1. Initial Consultation – Your dentist will assess your oral health, take X-rays, and determine if you're a good candidate for implants. If necessary, a bone graft may be recommended to strengthen the jawbone.
2. Tooth Extraction (if needed) – If the damaged tooth is still present, it will be removed before proceeding with the implant.
3. Bone Grafting (if required) – If the jawbone lacks sufficient density, a bone graft may be performed to provide a solid foundation for the implant.
4. Implant Placement – A titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone, acting as the artificial root for the new tooth.
5. Healing Period – The jawbone needs time to fuse with the implant, a process called osseointegration, which can take several months.
6. Abutment Placement – Once healing is complete, an abutment (connector) is attached to the implant to hold the crown.
7. Crown Placement – A custom-made artificial tooth (crown) is secured onto the abutment, completing the procedure.
Recovery varies depending on individual circumstances, but most patients experience mild discomfort that can be managed with pain relievers. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential for maintaining the longevity of the implant.

02/17/2025

At Route 38 Dental, our mission is simple: to provide you and your family with the highest quality dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Please feel free to contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about how we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

02/09/2025

What Is a Root Canal Procedure?

A root canal procedure is a dental treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The treatment is relatively painless and highly effective, allowing patients to keep their natural teeth and avoid more extensive dental work. It starts with the dentist examining the tooth and taking X-rays to determine the extent of the infection. Once confirmed, the area around the tooth is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure. The dentist then drills an opening in the tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp inside. Using specialized tools, the dentist removes the infected or dead pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals. The empty canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to remove any remaining bacteria. The dentist then shapes the canals to prepare them for filling.

The cleaned and shaped canals are filled with a biocompatible material, usually gutta-percha, to seal them and prevent future infection. A temporary or permanent filling is placed to close the opening made in the tooth. If a temporary filling is used, a follow-up visit is scheduled to place a permanent crown or filling. In most cases, a crown is placed over the tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function. This step is crucial for protecting the tooth and ensuring it lasts for many years.

03/26/2024

12/21/2023

Here's how dental insurance typically works:

You pay a monthly premium to your dental insurance provider to have coverage and access to dental services. Dental insurance plans vary in terms of coverage. Some plans cover preventive and basic services (cleaning, x-rays, and exams), while others include more comprehensive options (root canals, crowns, and dentures).

Similar to health insurance, dental plans may have a deductible (usually in the range of $50-$150 per year). This is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Dental insurance plans often have an annual maximum or benefit cap (usually $1,000-$2,500). When you visit the dentist, they'll submit a claim to your insurance company. The insurance company applies any deductibles, copayments or coinsurance and pays the balance to the dentist directly. You pay a portion of the cost for each service in the form of deductibles or copayments (fixed amounts) and coinsurance (a percentage). Dental insurance doesn't cover everything, and beyond some basic and preventive procedures covers only a certain percentage of the cost (e.g. 50% for crowns or 80% for root canals) with the balance being out of pocket. To maximize your benefits, schedule regular checkups and cleanings. Prevention is key to maintaining good oral health.

12/10/2023

12/10/2023

We are open! Accepting new patients!

We are excited to announce the opening of our dental office, Route 38 Dental, conveniently located at 1487 Route 38 in Hainesport, New Jersey. Our mission is to provide high-quality dental care to our patients in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

We offer a wide range of dental services, including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and advanced dentistry. Dr. Ann Simmons is an experienced and friendly dental professional who is committed to providing personalized care to each patient.

We look forward to serving you and your family at Route 38 Dental. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment.