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Cosmetic Dentistry

We’ve embraced Tele-dentistry -- Here’s Why

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The Covid-19 pandemic poses a significant challenge to our patient-centered dental practice. At Ferguson Dental, we have always valued the time we get to spend meeting with new patients to introduce our practice and with our current patients to address their unique dental concerns and goals.

That’s where Tele-dentistry comes in. Virtual visits allow us to continue those free, one-on-one consultations with an easy-to-use, secure and HIPPA-compliant digital platform. Click on a link sent to you in a text and you’ll be connected with Dr. Ferguson or Dr. Cocchia - it's as simple as that.

There are significant advantages to these virtual conversations for both new and existing patients. For example, Dr. Ferguson was recently able to diagnose a concerned patient through discussion and visual examination during a tele-dentistry visit. At the conclusion of the visit, Dr. Ferguson provided helpful at-home treatment options and reassured the patient that their concern was non-urgent and not progressive - communicating that an immediate, in-office treatment was not required. “In other situations, it’s clear that an in-person treatment is necessary. For those patients, I can discuss the office safety protocols and plan for a streamlined productive visit, potentially reducing the number or duration of in-person visits,” explains Dr. Ferguson. “The goal is providing the best solution for each patient, tele-dentistry has become an important tool.” 

During your complimentary tele-dentistry visit you can expect:

1. The full, uninterrupted attention of the dentist during the virtual visit.
With our split-staffing schedule, virtual visits are scheduled with the dentist who isn’t working clinical hours. You’ll be able to speak to the Dr. Ferguson or Dr. Cocchia free from the noise of multiple air-infiltration devices and the burden of multiple layers of PPE  -- both necessary elements of the post-covid-19 office environment we have created at Ferguson Dental.

2. A lower stress environment. Meeting from the comfort of your home, allows for a more relaxed, productive and enjoyable conversation -- this is particularly valuable for those patients who have dental anxiety or other significant concerns.

3. More efficient treatment planning and scheduling. Tele-dentistry allows the dentists to gather the information they need to plan for more targeted, in-person dental appointments, reducing the number of your visits and time spent in the office.

Dr. Ferguson and Dr. Cocchia genuinely enjoy the chance to meet their patients unhindered by PPE and other distractions of the clinical setting. The opportunity to discuss your dental concerns in a comfortable setting is something they both value and enjoy. We are confident it will be a pleasant and productive experience for you as well.

If you’re interested in scheduling a Tele-dentistry visit, call the office at 973-744-3181 or email: Frontdesk@fergusondental.com. We look forward to seeing you and speaking with you soon!

For more information on the process and details of your virtual visit, click here.

A Comfortable and Successful Implant Experience at Ferguson Dental

Dental implants are often the best, most conservative, and long-lasting method to replace natural teeth. Dr. Ferguson and his team have successfully placed thousands of implants for more than 18 years in a variety of treatment plans. In our Montclair office, our patients are able to complete a full spectrum of treatment options in a single, comfortable environment. Technology is only a tool, but Ferguson Dental has invested in the best tools available to facilitate an optimal implant experience for our patients.

On-site is a Trios 3D color scanner that replaces traditional impressions, a 3D cone beam catscan X-ray machine required for successful implant planning and restoration, and a 3D printer that creates exact implant placement guides. Following successful implant placement and healing, we create beautiful, natural looking single tooth, multiple teeth, partial and full dentures to attach to the implants in partnership with exceptional local and national labs along with using our on-site CEREC technology.

From the initial planning stages to decades after placement, Ferguson Dental is committed to your healthy smile and successful implant experience. After your implant restoration is complete, we ensure the best long term success by making sure that your implants are well cared for and maintained by our skilled hygienists and through routine follow-ups.

The video below is great overview of the many benefits of implants. Take a look and let us know if you have any individual questions!

Dr. Rachael Cocchia joins Ferguson Dental Associates

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We are excited to announce that Dr. Rachael Cocchia will be joining Ferguson Dental Associates as a full-time Dental Associate starting in August of 2019. Dr. Cocchia brings her extensive clinical skills, experience in the treatment and planning of complex dental restorations for both adults and pediatric patients, and a passion for the latest dental advancements and procedures to Ferguson Dental Associates.

Dr. Cocchia recently completed her post graduate Dental General Practice residency at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. During her residency, she acquired advanced training in restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, implants, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, orthodontics, and anxiety control.

In 2018, Dr. Cocchia completed her Doctorate of Dental Medicine at Rutgers University’s School of Dental Medicine. Recognized by the Dental School faculty for her advanced clinical skills, Dr. Cocchia was selected to be a clinical tutor for students in Operative Dentistry, Fixed Prosthodontics, Complete Dentures and Dental Anatomy Labs.

Dr. Cocchia graduated Magna Cum Laude from Rutgers University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and Applied Kinesiology and a minor in Nutrition. Currently, Dr. Cocchia is a Member of Gamma Pi Delta Prosthodontic Honor Society, and is an active member of the American Dental Association and New Jersey Dental Association.

After a summer wedding in Italy, Dr. Cocchia and her husband Milos will reside in Wood Ridge, NJ. Both are avid foodies and cyclists and are looking forward to exploring the restaurants and trails of Montclair and Northern, NJ.

Does Natural Teeth Whitening Work?


Recently many patients, especially college age, have asked us about the efficacy of whitening using charcoal products now available. We strongly recommend AGAINST using this method to whiten teeth. Although charcoal is abrasive enough to remove surface stain, it also is abrasive enough to permanently remove enamel. The harsh abrasives in charcoal can potentially remove the strong protective outer layer of enamel from the tooth. Once enamel is worn away it does not replenish itself, this can make teeth more sensitive to temperature, prone to decay and permanently remove enamels natural luster.

We can recommend safe effective tooth paste and whitening alternatives that are available over the counter. Please see our website for more information on the professional tooth whitening options that are available at Ferguson Dental (http://www.fergusondental.com/…/Glo%20TOOTH%20WH…/index.html), or talk to you hygienist at your next scheduled office visit.

The link below is the ADA’s review of natural teeth whitening approaches. Please always feel free to contact us with any questions you have; your healthy smile is important to us!

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/…/az…/w/natural-teeth-whitening



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Does Natural Teeth Whitening Work? - American Dental Association
Looking for a brighter smile? Find out why charcoal, oil pulling and apple cider vinegar are not safe ways to whiten your teeth.



The new Omnicam, a 3D Color Scanner, has arrived in the office!

A new Omnicam scanner arrived in the office last week, and Dr. Ferguson could not be more thrilled to be the first practice in the area to offer this option to his patients. Ferguson Dental has used CEREC technology to create same day restorations for the last 10 years, but this recent upgrade in imaging technology improves and expands the possibilities for our patients. The new scanner creates exceptional 3D color digital scans and eliminates the need for powder based scans or messy impressions. The technology also allows Dr. Ferguson to create digital models and deliver customized porcelain restorations using the CEREC in-office milling machine in around 90 minutes. If you're interested, ask him about it... he would love to tell you all about this amazing new technology!

To learn more about he Omnicam scanner, click the link below.
http://youtu.be/bTzkM6BE41s
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Are you too busy for two visits?


Turns Out You Have Better Things to do with Your Time

Technology today is changing our everyday lives. Many people, however, aren’t aware that technology also is impacting dentistry in new and exciting ways. Cutting-edge innovations in dental instruments are requiring less time in the dental chair, causing less discomfort and creating satisfying results. One breakthrough instrument, called CEREC, allows Dr. Ferguson to quickly restore damaged teeth with natural-colored ceramic fillings, saving patients time and inconvenience.

What is CEREC? 

CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, or CERamic REConstruction. Translated, it means that a dentist can economically restore damaged teeth in a single appointment using a high-quality ceramic material that matches the natural color of other teeth. 

How does the instrument work? 

CEREC uses CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) technology, incorporating a camera, computer and milling machine in one instrument. Dr. Ferguson uses a special camera to take an accurate picture of the damaged tooth. This optical impression is transferred and displayed on a color computer screen, where Dr. Ferguson uses CAD technology to design the restoration. Then CAM takes over and automatically creates the restoration while the patient waits. Finally, Dr. Ferguson bonds the new restoration to the surface of the old tooth. The whole process takes about one hour. 

What does this innovation mean for you? 

A tooth-colored restoration means no more silver fillings discoloring smiles. The filling is natural-looking, compatible with tissue in the mouth, anti-abrasive and plaque-resistant. For many restorations, it is no longer need to create temporaries or take impressions and send them to a lab. Because of this, the traditional second visit can be eliminated. CEREC has two decades of clinical research and documentation to support the technology, and Dr. Ferguson has been successfully using Cerec technology to restore teeth for over a decade. The restorations have been proven precise, safe and effective. 

How can I find out if this is an option for me? 
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ferguson.  We will be happy to answer your questions on this exciting technology. 

Learn more about this technology by clicking the link below to view an informational video.
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Laser Zoom Whitening at Ferguson Dental



Treat yourself to a whiter, brighter smile at Ferguson Dental Associates. Laser whitening costs less than you think and can be done in just an hour or so at the office. And at Ferguson Dental, Zoom Tooth Whitening includes lifetime touch up materials that are included with your routine office hygiene appointments. Want to learn more? Call us today at 973-744-3181!


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