Eric M. Knapp, DDS, Sleep dentistry, Sedation Dentistry, and Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental Procedures: Our office utilizes strict infection control and sterilization procedures in accordance with state and ADA recommended guidelines. We can assure you that your safety is our concern. Before any treatment is completed the doctor will complete an exam and offer his diagnosis and your treatment options. At any time feel free to ask him any questions that you may have. Dr. Knapp is here to help you. His job is not just to treat you, but educate you and allow you to make an informed decision with regards to your body. Dentistry has changed so much over the last decade, and there are now so many options available to a patient. Dr. Knapp can show you examples of many before and after cases so that you will know what to expect from your treatment.
Intra-Oral Video: The doctor will use a very small video camera designed to be used in the mouth to complete his exam and show all phases of treatment. During your examination, he will show you all areas of concern and explain what treatment is needed. With the camera he is able to show you both before, during, and after treatment photos. You will be an active partner in discussing your diagnosis and treatment options.
Tooth Colored Fillings: The doctor can place either ceramic or composite tooth colored restorations that match your existing teeth. These restorations are bonded to your teeth. The main advantage of these fillings is that they help strengthen the teeth. Silver fillings are not bonded to teeth. They are simply a lump of metal sitting in a hole. Current advances in tooth colored fillings allow us to restore smiles to an incredible esthetic degree.

Porcelain Veneers: A thin layer or porcelain can be bonded to the front surface of your teeth to dramatically alter the color and shape of your teeth to give you a "Hollywood smile." It can be used to close gaps and correct for chipped front teeth. It can be used as an alternative to braces when trying to correct for small amounts of crowding or spacing in your smile. Ask the doctor to show you many before and after pictures to see for yourself what can be done.

Cristobal Indirect Composite System: The doctor has an in-office lab that allows him to create one-day tooth colored inlays, onlays, veneers, and crowns when indicated and requested. Ask about this option.
Crowns: Crowns are placed to hold together a tooth when it is weak. There are actually many different kinds of crowns that can be created today. There are all metal, porcelain to metal, and all ceramic crowns. Each one has certain advantages and disadvantages. The doctor will show you your different options and allow you to decide which one is right for you. Modern techniques allow for excellent esthetics that rival natural teeth.
Implants vs. Bridges: In almost every case, implants are superior to bridges to replace missing teeth. The doctor has eight years of experience in implant dentistry and has completed extensive education with the many different types of implants available on the market today. Unfortunately, most insurance companies will not pay for implants. It is simply an issue that they would rather pay for a less expensive benefit. We strongly recommend implants over bridgework. Implants offer a success rate of between 95-98% with excellent long-term retention. An implant is a titanium root that is inserted into your jaw bone and allowed to heal over several months. The implant is not recognized as a foreign object by your body, and it simply heals around it, allowing it to become anchored to your jaw. After sufficient healing time, a crown or denture can be simply anchored to your implant and allow you to feel like your original teeth. Bridges are an acceptable option for those who either cannot have implants for medical reasons, or cannot afford them. With modern techniques, bridges and implants can both be made to look as good as natural teeth.
Root Canals: Root canals are necessary to save teeth when bacteria have infected the nerves. The procedure has advanced dramatically in the last few years, and now can often be completed in one or two appointments with little or no pain. The doctor uses a new rotary technique and an apex locator device to rapidly reduce the time necessary to complete a root canal. Root canal has a success rate of roughly 95%, but it may still be necessary for a tooth to be extracted. The doctor will explain the procedure in detail with you before starting, and offer all possible treatment options.

Gum Care: The teeth are held in the mouth by gum and bone. You can have the healthiest teeth in the world, but if you have little gum or bone to hold them in your mouth, then they will be lost. This is called gum disease, or periodontal disease. All adults have periodontal disease in one form or another. It is the main reason why adults lose their teeth, not decay! The main problem is that gum disease has little or no pain associated with it until it advances to the point where the teeth may be lost. Because of this, most patients avoid periodontal care since they are in no pain until it is too late. Dr. Knapp will spend time on your first visit explaining your periodontal diagnosis and instructing you on proper home care. He offers many different types of treatment ranging from a simple cleaning or prophylaxis, to gum surgery. Dr. Knapp will show you your x-rays and explain your periodontal diagnosis to you. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! In some cases the doctor may choose to treat your gum disease with new antibiotics, or prescription mouth rinses to help fight the infection.
Dentures: Dr. Knapp makes both complete and partial dentures. New techniques allow us to create partial dentures that do not show ugly metal clasps. If your dentures are loose, you may be an ideal candidate for an implant retained denture that will greatly increase your comfort and ability to eat. Feel free to ask the doctor any questions you have about your existing denture.

88 Broadway
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
Tel: (201)-391-2626
E-Mail - doc-knapp@msn.com