Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A Kois-trained dentist uses a structured approach to diagnosis and treatment planning. That means looking beyond a single tooth and considering risk, function, esthetics, bite stability, periodontal health, and long-term maintenance. This helps patients understand not only what treatment may be needed, but why problems developed and how to reduce the chance of repeat breakdown. This frequently begins with a series of standardized photographs and scans in order to create a digital Dento-Facial Analysis. This is the first step to developing a perfectly esthetic and functional smile for patients who require full-mouth rehabilitation.

No. Veneers can be a good option for some patients, but they are not one-size-fits-all. Before recommending veneers, we evaluate enamel, bite forces, tooth wear, gum health, existing restorations, smile goals, and whether another option may be more conservative or predictable, such as bleaching and/or orthodontic treatment. Some patients need full-mouth rehabilitation or other restorative planning before veneers are considered.

Porcelain veneers may improve tooth shape, color, size, symmetry, spacing, or smile proportions when the teeth and bite are appropriate for that type of treatment. The goal is a natural result that fits the patient's face, gums, lips, and overall oral health. Dr. Vicente seeks to create a "naturally beautiful" smile customized for each patient -- no "chiclets" here!

Esthetic dentistry is dental care planned with attention to how the smile looks and how the teeth function. It may include veneers, bonding, whitening, crowns, replacement of old restorations, periodontal care, or comprehensive restorative treatment depending on the patient's needs.

The way teeth meet and move affects how long esthetic dentistry may last. If a patient has heavy wear, bite instability, clenching, missing teeth, or failing restorations, those issues may need to be addressed before or during esthetic treatment. This helps protect the result and supports long-term comfort. Patients with heavy wear are often not a candidate for veneers without initially stabilizing their wear.

Sometimes, but worn teeth often require a broader evaluation. Depending on the cause and amount of wear, treatment may involve veneers, crowns, bite stabilization, orthodontic referral, periodontal care, sleep study, or full-mouth rehabilitation. The right plan depends on diagnosis, remaining tooth structure, bite forces, and patient goals.

Full-mouth rehabilitation may be appropriate for patients with several related dental problems rather than one isolated concern. The primary reasons to consider full-mouth rehabilitation are heavily worn teeth along with heavily restored teeth, especially when esthetic or functional concerns need to be addressed. Other reasons to consider this are worn, broken, missing, or failing teeth, failing crowns or bridges, denture problems, esthetic concerns, or a history of piecemeal dentistry that has become difficult to maintain.

At Peak Family Dentistry, the first step is a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Lance Vicente looks at the teeth, gums, bite, jaw function, esthetic goals, medical history, and long-term risk factors before recommending a treatment sequence. Using a fully digital Dento-Facial Analysis, which utilizes a series of standardized photographs along with dental scans, Dr. Vicente begins evaluating both esthetic and functional concerns and goes over the treatment considerations and options.

Not exactly. While some patients seeking cosmetic dentistry require full-mouth rehabilitation, many patients do not. If your bite is stable and sound, cosmetic dentistry may be an option, usually focusing on appearance, while full-mouth rehabilitation also addresses function, stability, comfort, bite forces, and tooth wear. Esthetics may be part of the plan, but the goal is not just a nicer-looking smile. The goal is a healthy, comfortable, maintainable result.

Every plan is different. Treatment may include deprogramming, occlusal equilibration, fillings, onlays, crowns, bridges, veneers, dental implants, dentures, periodontal treatment, bite guards, occlusal appliances, preventive care, or other restorative dentistry. Some patients need phased care over time, while others may benefit from a more coordinated plan.

A Kois-trained dentist uses a structured approach to diagnosis and treatment planning. That means looking beyond a single tooth and considering risk, function, esthetics, bite stability, periodontal health, and long-term maintenance. This helps patients understand not only what treatment may be needed, but why problems developed and how to reduce the chance of repeat breakdown. This frequently begins with a series of standardized photographs and scans in order to create a digital Dento-Facial Analysis. This is the first step to developing a perfectly esthetic and functional smile for patients who require full-mouth rehabilitation.

Often, yes. Some patients need urgent problems stabilized first, followed by a phased plan for larger restorative or esthetic goals. Phasing can help patients understand priorities, manage timing, and make treatment more practical while still working toward a comprehensive outcome. To start a conversation about your options, contact Peak Family Dentistry.

Sometimes, but worn teeth often require a broader evaluation. Depending on the cause and amount of wear, treatment may involve veneers, crowns, bite stabilization, orthodontic referral, periodontal care, sleep study, or full-mouth rehabilitation. The right plan depends on diagnosis, remaining tooth structure, bite forces, and patient goals.

Operating room dentistry may be considered for select patients who cannot comfortably or safely complete dental treatment in a routine office setting. This may include patients with special needs, developmental disabilities, medical complexity, physical limitations, severe anxiety, extensive treatment needs, or extreme difficulty tolerating routine dental visits.

No. Operating room dentistry is an important option for many special needs patients, but it may also be considered for medically complex patients, patients with severe anxiety, patients with physical limitations, or patients who need extensive dental care that is difficult to complete over multiple office visits.

The treatment depends on the patient's diagnosis and needs. It may include x-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, periodontal care, or other appropriate treatment that can be safely coordinated in that setting. A consultation is needed to determine whether operating room dentistry is appropriate.

The decision begins with consultation, diagnosis, medical history review, and discussion with the patient, caregiver, physician, or care team when appropriate. Some patients can receive care in the dental office with accommodations. Others may need the added support and coordination of an operating room setting.

Yes. Dr. Lance Vicente maintains operating room privileges at Hackensack University Medical Center and has experience with medically complex and special needs patients, where he has treated patients for over 10 years. That background helps support care planning when an operating room setting may be appropriate, both inpatient and outpatient when appropriate.

If office-based care is not appropriate, operating room dentistry may be considered for select patients. This can be helpful when a patient needs extensive treatment, cannot tolerate routine visits, has medical complexity, or would benefit from a more controlled setting.

At Peak Family Dentistry, we understand dental phobia and anxiety and always work hard to create a comfortable and relaxing environment for our patients.

Our dentists in Hackensack, NJ are also well-trained and experienced with nitrous oxide and oral anxiolysis when necessary. Nitrous oxide is a relaxation gas delivered through a small nose mask. The effects wear off when the mask is removed, making it okay for patients to drive themselves home.

For those who need more invasive dental treatments or have a special need, our Hackensack dentists have operating room privileges at Hackensack Meridian's Hackensack University Medical Center.

It is essential to have a friend or family member drive you to your dental procedure if you opt for sedation. It is also important not to make any life decisions or operate machinery or a vehicle on the day of sedation.

Our dentists want you to feel relaxed and at ease every time you visit our dental office. If you have a particular phobia, general anxiety, or an issue that requires a specialized approach, we encourage you to contact a member of our dental team today. 

A Kois-trained dentist uses a structured approach to diagnosis and treatment planning. That means looking beyond a single tooth and considering risk, function, esthetics, bite stability, periodontal health, and long-term maintenance. This helps patients understand not only what treatment may be needed, but why problems developed and how to reduce the chance of repeat breakdown. This frequently begins with a series of standardized photographs and scans in order to create a digital Dento-Facial Analysis. This is the first step to developing a perfectly esthetic and functional smile for patients who require full-mouth rehabilitation.

Esthetic dentistry is dental care planned with attention to how the smile looks and how the teeth function. It may include veneers, bonding, whitening, crowns, replacement of old restorations, periodontal care, or comprehensive restorative treatment depending on the patient's needs.

No. Operating room dentistry is an important option for many special needs patients, but it may also be considered for medically complex patients, patients with severe anxiety, patients with physical limitations, or patients who need extensive dental care that is difficult to complete over multiple office visits.

Yes. Dr. Lance Vicente maintains operating room privileges at Hackensack University Medical Center and has experience with medically complex and special needs patients, where he has treated patients for over 10 years. That background helps support care planning when an operating room setting may be appropriate, both inpatient and outpatient when appropriate.

Risk-based preventive dentistry means prevention is tailored to the patient's actual risk factors. We consider cavity history, gum health, oral pH, dry mouth, medications, diet, home care, fluoride exposure, exposed roots, orthodontic appliances, medical factors, and other issues that may affect oral health.

Depending on the patient's needs, preventive care may include cleanings, periodontal maintenance, fluoride treatment, fluoridated toothpaste guidance along with lesser-effective non-fluoridated options, SDF for appropriate cases, PerioMate erythritol polishing, oral hygiene coaching, salivary or pH considerations, and a personalized home-care plan.

SDF may be used when appropriate as a caries-arresting medicament and desensitizer. It can help manage certain areas of decay or sensitivity, but it is not the right choice for every situation. Patients should know that SDF will stain diseased tooth structure where it is applied; therefore, we usually recommend this for back teeth or non-visible areas only.

Saliva helps buffer acids, protect tooth structure, and support a healthier oral environment. Dry mouth, medications, medical conditions, diet, or changes in oral pH can increase cavity risk. Understanding these factors helps us recommend prevention that fits the patient.

The right interval depends on the patient's risk. Some patients do well with routine six-month visits. Others with periodontal disease, high cavity risk, dry mouth, medical complexity, or special needs may benefit from a more customized maintenance schedule. Many of our patients opt to visit us every four months for preventive maintenance, and we often see less disease in these patients and catch problems earlier.

Risk-based preventive dentistry means prevention is tailored to the patient's actual risk factors. We consider cavity history, gum health, oral pH, dry mouth, medications, diet, home care, fluoride exposure, exposed roots, orthodontic appliances, medical factors, and other issues that may affect oral health.

Depending on the patient's needs, preventive care may include cleanings, periodontal maintenance, fluoride treatment, fluoridated toothpaste guidance along with lesser-effective non-fluoridated options, SDF for appropriate cases, PerioMate erythritol polishing, oral hygiene coaching, salivary or pH considerations, and a personalized home-care plan.

SDF may be used when appropriate as a caries-arresting medicament and desensitizer. It can help manage certain areas of decay or sensitivity, but it is not the right choice for every situation. Patients should know that SDF will stain diseased tooth structure where it is applied; therefore, we usually recommend this for back teeth or non-visible areas only.

Saliva helps buffer acids, protect tooth structure, and support a healthier oral environment. Dry mouth, medications, medical conditions, diet, or changes in oral pH can increase cavity risk. Understanding these factors helps us recommend prevention that fits the patient.

The right interval depends on the patient's risk. Some patients do well with routine six-month visits. Others with periodontal disease, high cavity risk, dry mouth, medical complexity, or special needs may benefit from a more customized maintenance schedule. Many of our patients opt to visit us every four months for preventive maintenance, and we often see less disease in these patients and catch problems earlier.

Operating room dentistry may be considered for select patients who cannot comfortably or safely complete dental treatment in a routine office setting. This may include patients with special needs, developmental disabilities, medical complexity, physical limitations, severe anxiety, extensive treatment needs, or extreme difficulty tolerating routine dental visits.

The treatment depends on the patient's diagnosis and needs. It may include x-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, periodontal care, or other appropriate treatment that can be safely coordinated in that setting. A consultation is needed to determine whether operating room dentistry is appropriate.

The decision begins with consultation, diagnosis, medical history review, and discussion with the patient, caregiver, physician, or care team when appropriate. Some patients can receive care in the dental office with accommodations. Others may need the added support and coordination of an operating room setting.

Yes. Dr. Lance Vicente maintains operating room privileges at Hackensack University Medical Center and has experience with medically complex and special needs patients, where he has treated patients for over 10 years. That background helps support care planning when an operating room setting may be appropriate, both inpatient and outpatient when appropriate.

Risk-based preventive dentistry means prevention is tailored to the patient's actual risk factors. We consider cavity history, gum health, oral pH, dry mouth, medications, diet, home care, fluoride exposure, exposed roots, orthodontic appliances, medical factors, and other issues that may affect oral health.

Depending on the patient's needs, preventive care may include cleanings, periodontal maintenance, fluoride treatment, fluoridated toothpaste guidance along with lesser-effective non-fluoridated options, SDF for appropriate cases, PerioMate erythritol polishing, oral hygiene coaching, salivary or pH considerations, and a personalized home-care plan.

SDF may be used when appropriate as a caries-arresting medicament and desensitizer. It can help manage certain areas of decay or sensitivity, but it is not the right choice for every situation. Patients should know that SDF will stain diseased tooth structure where it is applied; therefore, we usually recommend this for back teeth or non-visible areas only.

Saliva helps buffer acids, protect tooth structure, and support a healthier oral environment. Dry mouth, medications, medical conditions, diet, or changes in oral pH can increase cavity risk. Understanding these factors helps us recommend prevention that fits the patient.

The right interval depends on the patient's risk. Some patients do well with routine six-month visits. Others with periodontal disease, high cavity risk, dry mouth, medical complexity, or special needs may benefit from a more customized maintenance schedule. Many of our patients opt to visit us every four months for preventive maintenance, and we often see less disease in these patients and catch problems earlier.

Yes. Peak Family Dentistry cares for patients with special needs and differently-abled patients in Hackensack, NJ. This may include patients with autism, dementia, intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, physical limitations, medical complexity, traumatic brain injury, stroke history, and other circumstances that can make dental care more difficult. If you have questions about whether our office may be a good fit, please contact us.

Special needs dentistry often requires more planning, patience, communication, and flexibility. Some patients need shorter visits, caregiver involvement, sensory accommodations, medical coordination, or a different treatment setting. The goal is to understand the individual patient and create a realistic plan for care.

Yes. Caregivers are often an important part of special needs dental care and we often recommend they be involved so long as the patient requests it and benefits from it. They can help explain the patient's history, routines, communication style, comfort needs, medications, and prior dental experiences. This information helps the dental team plan visits more thoughtfully.

If office-based care is not appropriate, operating room dentistry may be considered for select patients. This can be helpful when a patient needs extensive treatment, cannot tolerate routine visits, has medical complexity, or would benefit from a more controlled setting.

Prevention can reduce the need for urgent or extensive treatment later. Depending on the patient, preventive care may include cleanings, fluoride, SDF when appropriate, periodontal maintenance, caregiver home-care guidance, diet discussion, and a plan for recalls that fits the patient's needs.

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency in Hackensack, NJ, we encourage you to contact a member of our team immediately. We will work hard to get you in front of our dentist as soon as possible.

Dental emergencies can be frightening and disruptive. At Peak Family Dentistry, we want to help you through these situations as soon as possible.

Dental emergencies may include:

• Toothache
• Jaw pain or swelling
• Broken tooth
• Broken restoration

Our goal during your dental emergency in Hackensack is to stop the pain and stabilize your situation. In some cases, we complete your treatment on the same day. In other cases, if you’re out of pain and there is no threat to your smile, we may schedule a follow up to complete treatment.

The best way to avoid future dental emergencies is to visit your Hackensack dentist regularly for exams and cleanings. You also want to brush and floss your teeth at least twice per day. It is also crucial to schedule an exam if you experience tooth sensitivity that does not go away or other oral health changes.

At Peak Family Dentistry, we are here for you. Contact a member of our dental team today if you’re experiencing a dental emergency.

The decision begins with consultation, diagnosis, medical history review, and discussion with the patient, caregiver, physician, or care team when appropriate. Some patients can receive care in the dental office with accommodations. Others may need the added support and coordination of an operating room setting.

Operating room dentistry may be considered for select patients who cannot comfortably or safely complete dental treatment in a routine office setting. This may include patients with special needs, developmental disabilities, medical complexity, physical limitations, severe anxiety, extensive treatment needs, or extreme difficulty tolerating routine dental visits.

No. Operating room dentistry is an important option for many special needs patients, but it may also be considered for medically complex patients, patients with severe anxiety, patients with physical limitations, or patients who need extensive dental care that is difficult to complete over multiple office visits.

The treatment depends on the patient's diagnosis and needs. It may include x-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, periodontal care, or other appropriate treatment that can be safely coordinated in that setting. A consultation is needed to determine whether operating room dentistry is appropriate.

A Kois-trained dentist uses a structured approach to diagnosis and treatment planning. That means looking beyond a single tooth and considering risk, function, esthetics, bite stability, periodontal health, and long-term maintenance. This helps patients understand not only what treatment may be needed, but why problems developed and how to reduce the chance of repeat breakdown. This frequently begins with a series of standardized photographs and scans in order to create a digital Dento-Facial Analysis. This is the first step to developing a perfectly esthetic and functional smile for patients who require full-mouth rehabilitation.

The treatment depends on the patient's diagnosis and needs. It may include x-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, periodontal care, or other appropriate treatment that can be safely coordinated in that setting. A consultation is needed to determine whether operating room dentistry is appropriate.

Risk-based preventive dentistry means prevention is tailored to the patient's actual risk factors. We consider cavity history, gum health, oral pH, dry mouth, medications, diet, home care, fluoride exposure, exposed roots, orthodontic appliances, medical factors, and other issues that may affect oral health.

Depending on the patient's needs, preventive care may include cleanings, periodontal maintenance, fluoride treatment, fluoridated toothpaste guidance along with lesser-effective non-fluoridated options, SDF for appropriate cases, PerioMate erythritol polishing, oral hygiene coaching, salivary or pH considerations, and a personalized home-care plan.

The right interval depends on the patient's risk. Some patients do well with routine six-month visits. Others with periodontal disease, high cavity risk, dry mouth, medical complexity, or special needs may benefit from a more customized maintenance schedule. Many of our patients opt to visit us every four months for preventive maintenance, and we often see less disease in these patients and catch problems earlier.

A Kois-trained dentist uses a structured approach to diagnosis and treatment planning. That means looking beyond a single tooth and considering risk, function, esthetics, bite stability, periodontal health, and long-term maintenance. This helps patients understand not only what treatment may be needed, but why problems developed and how to reduce the chance of repeat breakdown. This frequently begins with a series of standardized photographs and scans in order to create a digital Dento-Facial Analysis. This is the first step to developing a perfectly esthetic and functional smile for patients who require full-mouth rehabilitation.

Esthetic dentistry is dental care planned with attention to how the smile looks and how the teeth function. It may include veneers, bonding, whitening, crowns, replacement of old restorations, periodontal care, or comprehensive restorative treatment depending on the patient's needs.

Sometimes, but worn teeth often require a broader evaluation. Depending on the cause and amount of wear, treatment may involve veneers, crowns, bite stabilization, orthodontic referral, periodontal care, sleep study, or full-mouth rehabilitation. The right plan depends on diagnosis, remaining tooth structure, bite forces, and patient goals.

A Kois-trained dentist uses a structured approach to diagnosis and treatment planning. That means looking beyond a single tooth and considering risk, function, esthetics, bite stability, periodontal health, and long-term maintenance. This helps patients understand not only what treatment may be needed, but why problems developed and how to reduce the chance of repeat breakdown. This frequently begins with a series of standardized photographs and scans in order to create a digital Dento-Facial Analysis. This is the first step to developing a perfectly esthetic and functional smile for patients who require full-mouth rehabilitation.

If you’re concerned about tooth loss in Hackensack, NJ, we offer tooth replacement options to fit most budgets. It is also important to remember that tooth loss isn’t merely a cosmetic dental problem. Missing teeth may also lead to future oral health problems.

Deciding to replace missing teeth may improve your self-esteem, allow you to eat your favorite foods again, and contribute to better oral health.

In our dental office, we offer crowns and bridges in Hackensack, NJ. This method of tooth replacement relies on dental crowns coupled with a dental bridge of replacement teeth or a single replacement tooth. The bridge teeth fill in your smile, and the crowns cap adjacent teeth to support the restoration.

We also offer dentures and partial dentures in Hackensack, NJ. This choice is a practical and time-tested solution to tooth loss. We design our dentures to look natural and fit the unique contours of your mouth.

A dental implant in Hackensack, NJ, considered the gold standard in tooth replacement, replaces your tooth’s root, and a quality dental crown replaces your lost tooth. This approach is a more permanent solution to tooth loss. Additionally, dental implants support jawbone health compared with other tooth replacement options, helping prevent shifting and tooth wear.

If you would like to schedule a tooth replacement exam with your top dentist in Hackensack, contact our dental office today.

A Kois-trained dentist uses a structured approach to diagnosis and treatment planning. That means looking beyond a single tooth and considering risk, function, esthetics, bite stability, periodontal health, and long-term maintenance. This helps patients understand not only what treatment may be needed, but why problems developed and how to reduce the chance of repeat breakdown. This frequently begins with a series of standardized photographs and scans in order to create a digital Dento-Facial Analysis. This is the first step to developing a perfectly esthetic and functional smile for patients who require full-mouth rehabilitation.

Sometimes, but worn teeth often require a broader evaluation. Depending on the cause and amount of wear, treatment may involve veneers, crowns, bite stabilization, orthodontic referral, periodontal care, sleep study, or full-mouth rehabilitation. The right plan depends on diagnosis, remaining tooth structure, bite forces, and patient goals.