expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Alan Bruce Steiner, DMD

Dentist | General Practice

Dr. Alan Steiner is a Dentist practicing in Denville, NJ. Dr. Steiner specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Dr. Alan Bruce Steiner, DMD
  • Accepting new patients

What can you do for sensitive teeth pain?

You need to see a dentist to determine the cause of the sensitivity.

What is the strongest crown for teeth?

It's not a simple answer. It depends on which tooth it is and why it is being restored. The longest lasting, most bio compatible and strongest crown would be gold. Obviously, most READ MORE
It's not a simple answer. It depends on which tooth it is and why it is being restored. The longest lasting, most bio compatible and strongest crown would be gold. Obviously, most people would not want that on a front tooth. Gold crowns that I made have lasted 30 to 50 years. Porcelain crowns can crack and chip in 3-5 years. Zirconia can be very strong and has pros and cons. The question can only be well answered with X-rays and models and a bite registration.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Is a zirconia crown better than porcelain?

Porcelain is more cosmetic. Zirconia is stronger and not as cosmetic. Zirconia with porcelain pressed to it, is more cosmetic than plain Zirconia and stronger than all porcelain. READ MORE
Porcelain is more cosmetic. Zirconia is stronger and not as cosmetic. Zirconia with porcelain pressed to it, is more cosmetic than plain Zirconia and stronger than all porcelain. So, Zirconia is not better, each is better when the dentist makes the right choice for the right problem.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Does the dental hygienist clean your teeth?

They can do many things. Cleaning your teeth is one of them.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Is Invisalign more permanent than braces?

Invisalign and regular braces if done properly and compliance by the patient is proper are equally permanent. Regular braces can do things that Invisalign cannot. Invisalign is READ MORE
Invisalign and regular braces if done properly and compliance by the patient is proper are equally permanent. Regular braces can do things that Invisalign cannot. Invisalign is more cosmetic for the patient during treatment, but Invisalign cannot do everything. Regular braces can do everything that is doable.
I hope that is clear.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Does coconut oil whiten teeth?

No, it does not.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Can tooth decay form under a dental bridge?

It can decay under one of the crowns in a dental bridge, if decay was left in. Or it can decay starting from the root surface of the tooth and work itself under the crown. Or it READ MORE
It can decay under one of the crowns in a dental bridge, if decay was left in. Or it can decay starting from the root surface of the tooth and work itself under the crown. Or it can decay at the margin of the crowns if not properly cleaned. How many times since you have had this bridge did you clean under the false tooth with dental floss or a water pick? If not done at least once daily, the decay likely came from food debris not cleaned out regularly as it needs to be.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

How can I remove the dark stains from my teeth?

The right dental office can help you with this problem. Many different solution, depending on your particular problem and stain. There is no one answer. Alan B. Steiner, DMD READ MORE
The right dental office can help you with this problem. Many different solution, depending on your particular problem and stain. There is no one answer.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

How long does a dental bridge procedure take?

Depends on how many teeth and the experience of your dentist. Whether they are taking old fashioned impressions or using computerized digital impressions. Is it all gold or all READ MORE
Depends on how many teeth and the experience of your dentist. Whether they are taking old fashioned impressions or using computerized digital impressions. Is it all gold or all zirconium or gold and porcelain?

So, 2 to 3 visits if it is 5 units or less. First visit is one to three hours depending on your answers to the above. It's like asking how long does it take to build a house. Without knowing the size of the house or the materials being used.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

How long after wisdom tooth removal should I not eat?

Do not eat until the numbness wears off. Use common sense and do not chew in that area. Start with soft foods or a shake. You can eat as long as it is not hurting. If it hurts, READ MORE
Do not eat until the numbness wears off. Use common sense and do not chew in that area. Start with soft foods or a shake. You can eat as long as it is not hurting. If it hurts, then you are eating too vigorously in that area.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

How can I treat swollen gums at home?

You cannot treat them at home yourself if you do not know why they are swollen. Could be any one of several possibilities. Guessing wrong could have devastating consequences. Alan READ MORE
You cannot treat them at home yourself if you do not know why they are swollen. Could be any one of several possibilities. Guessing wrong could have devastating consequences.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

My dental crown came loose, what next?

Go see a dentist. If there is no decay and no holes in the crown, it can simply be recemented. If there is decay or a hole in the crown, it will need to be remade. Did the crown READ MORE
Go see a dentist. If there is no decay and no holes in the crown, it can simply be recemented. If there is decay or a hole in the crown, it will need to be remade. Did the crown come off or did the tooth break off in the crown? That is another possibility.

Is root canal the only way to treat a tooth cavity?

Watch the movie "Root Cause" All root canals fail....and worse.

What can I eat one week after wisdom tooth removal?

Anything you want.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

How many times a day should I brush my teeth?

Cleaning your mouth properly may require more than brushing. Consider water-pik and/or dental floss. Consider sonic style toothbrush vs. regular toothbrush. Clean your teeth at READ MORE
Cleaning your mouth properly may require more than brushing. Consider water-pik and/or dental floss. Consider sonic style toothbrush vs. regular toothbrush. Clean your teeth at least after every time you eat if you want to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

How long do dental implants last?

If the bite is done properly and you take proper care of your implant and your teeth and there was plenty of bone to put the implant into it should last as long as any of your READ MORE
If the bite is done properly and you take proper care of your implant and your teeth and there was plenty of bone to put the implant into it should last as long as any of your teeth which could be a lifetime. Chances are you need this implant because something was neglected in your mouth. So, the answer remains a little open ended. If the implant does not fail in the beginning and you use a platform switching style with custom abutment and high quality titanium, you will set yourself up for less problems.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

The tooth where I need a root canal isn't bothering me. Why do I need it?

Have the tooth removed and find another way to replace it. All root canals eventually fail and can cause other health issues as well. If the tooth is non-vital, it needs to be READ MORE
Have the tooth removed and find another way to replace it. All root canals eventually fail and can cause other health issues as well. If the tooth is non-vital, it needs to be removed.

How is a jaw disorder diagnosed?

See a neuromuscular dentist. It is a simple problem to diagnose for a doctor with the proper training.

I wear dentures. My gums are aching! What can I do?

Take the dentures out at night. Have them relined or get new ones. Proper fitting dentures will not do what you describe. Have them attached with mini or regular implants.

Do cavities spread from tooth to tooth?

No. Poor diet and poor dental hygiene will affect more than one tooth.