EXPERT
Dr. Mitchell V. Karl, DDS
Dentist
Dr. Karl has been practicing in the field of dentistry for 31 years. He graduated from NYU Dental School in 1981, and completed a general practice residency program at Monmouth Medical Center the following year. The F.A.G.D. (Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry) honor was awarded to him in 1986. Prior to dental school, Dr. Karl attended Rutgers University. He graduated Rutgers College with Phi Beta Kappa, and Honors in Biochemistry as a Henry Rutgers Scholar.
Dr. Karl has been servicing the central New Jersey area in the private practice of dentistry since November 1983, maintaining staff affiliation with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.
Dr. Karl has been servicing the central New Jersey area in the private practice of dentistry since November 1983, maintaining staff affiliation with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.
Dr. Mitchell V. Karl, DDS
- East Brunswick, New Jersey
- New York University College of Dentistry
- Accepting new patients
Head, Neck, and Face Pains
Most people have experienced a "toothache" at one time or another. Have you ever wondered why some aches seem to go away and others do not? How can you determine when it is wise...
I had a root canal and the area still hurts. Is something wrong?
Definitely go back to the dentist as soon as possible. You may need a simple bite adjustment, or you may have a reinfection of the tooth. Your situation may not improve with READ MORE
Definitely go back to the dentist as soon as possible. You may need a simple bite adjustment, or you may have a reinfection of the tooth. Your situation may not improve with time, so I suggest being seen as soon as feasible.
What is the best way to treat dental plaque?
Simply put, dental plaque needs to be physically disturbed and removed. That is accomplished with proper brushing of the teeth, and using something like floss and/or a rubber READ MORE
Simply put, dental plaque needs to be physically disturbed and removed. That is accomplished with proper brushing of the teeth, and using something like floss and/or a rubber tip stimulator to remove plaque build up between the teeth. Some people accumulate plaque at a much faster rate than others, usually as a result of salivary content. If you are one of those folks, then you will need to work that much harder to try to control your plaque accumulation as compared to individuals that do not tend to build it up either so quickly or so heavily. Good luck. Seek out the proper techniques for brushing, flossing, and rubber tip use from your dental professional or hygienist. I recommend automatic brushes for those who cannot easily or effectively manipulate the manual brush for whatever reason.
How long will I have to wait for my next session after first round of root canal?
As long as your infection is now under control, there is no magic time period that needs to be met for the next appointment. We usually wait a minimum of 7-10 days, and not longer READ MORE
As long as your infection is now under control, there is no magic time period that needs to be met for the next appointment. We usually wait a minimum of 7-10 days, and not longer than necessary beyond that. Waiting for months is not recommended.
Is teething delay in children normal?
No need to panic. Average tooth eruption is exactly that: “average”. There are many children that get their teeth much earlier or later than the “average” time schedule. Your child READ MORE
No need to panic. Average tooth eruption is exactly that: “average”. There are many children that get their teeth much earlier or later than the “average” time schedule. Your child is still within the time frame of not needing to be concerned. If another 6 months go by without any tooth eruption, then something out of the ordinary is probably occurring.
My gum hurts where my wisdom tooth was taken out. Is this normal?
That does seem to be a rather long time. But as long as no infection exists, it could be a very slow healing site for whatever reason. I would suggest having the surgeon evaluate READ MORE
That does seem to be a rather long time. But as long as no infection exists, it could be a very slow healing site for whatever reason. I would suggest having the surgeon evaluate that area to confirm that there is nothing “abnormal” occurring.
Can you suggest some way to reduce sensitivity?
It really depends upon the source of the irritation. The only way to assess that is to have an examination and verbal discussion as to your specific circumstances. There are many READ MORE
It really depends upon the source of the irritation. The only way to assess that is to have an examination and verbal discussion as to your specific circumstances. There are many possible reasons and causes of your sensitivity. Some are more easily resolved than others.
What is this brownish tinge on my teeth around the gums?
Some of the more common possibilities include plaque or calculus accumulation, intrinsic stain not seen previously due to minor gingival recession, or even the development of READ MORE
Some of the more common possibilities include plaque or calculus accumulation, intrinsic stain not seen previously due to minor gingival recession, or even the development of decay. Visual exam is necessary to determine the difference between the various options of diagnosis.
Can I do teeth whitening with a front half fake incisor?
We actually suggest to bleach your teeth first, before making the crown. Then the shade for the crown can be selected based upon the new bleach shade. A crown does not respond READ MORE
We actually suggest to bleach your teeth first, before making the crown. Then the shade for the crown can be selected based upon the new bleach shade. A crown does not respond to bleach as natural teeth do. And certain bleach techniques MAY even be able to bleach out the broken tooth to “catch up” to the adjacent teeth with regards to shade.
What causes swelling in the gums?
Too many possible reasons to list. You should be checked by a dentist, probably sooner than later.
Are OTC products recommended for teeth whitening?
Some OTC bleach products do indeed work. Some have limitations as to how many teeth are covered, and some just simply work as well as others. I only “recommend” self treatment READ MORE
Some OTC bleach products do indeed work. Some have limitations as to how many teeth are covered, and some just simply work as well as others. I only “recommend” self treatment if I have already cleared the patient for safe bleaching. Be aware that if you proceed without being checked by your dentist first, you are doing it at your own risk. There can be unforeseen consequences as with any unsupervised “treatment“.
What is the course of treatment for periodontitis?
The course of treatment depends upon the severity of the disease process. Some people will only require deep cleanings and proper home care. Others may require surgical intervention. READ MORE
The course of treatment depends upon the severity of the disease process. Some people will only require deep cleanings and proper home care. Others may require surgical intervention. And some people may need some extractions if the tooth or teeth are beyond saving. You can always obtain a second opinion if you have doubts regarding the course of treatment that your dentist proposed or recommended.
My tooth infection keeps coming back. Can it signify something more serious?
It very well may be. You should seek the advice and assistance of a Dental professional. When you say the infection keeps coming back despite treatment, that leads me to believe READ MORE
It very well may be. You should seek the advice and assistance of a Dental professional. When you say the infection keeps coming back despite treatment, that leads me to believe that you are currently under the care of a dentist. If you are, and your dentist cannot provide either the appropriate treatment to resolve the issue, or an acceptable explanation as to the cause of your issue, then I would seek a second opinion from another dentist.
Braces
It’s all a matter of degree of severity. Usually a single tooth out if position does not indicate a “need” for braces. It also depends upon how your teeth meet together when you READ MORE
It’s all a matter of degree of severity. Usually a single tooth out if position does not indicate a “need” for braces. It also depends upon how your teeth meet together when you bite. A single “crooked” tooth may just be a cosmetic concern, but it depends upon what else is going on at the same time.
Loose tooth
You should have an X-ray taken as a means of comparison of the tooth between now and in the future. You may need a temporary splint to allow the tooth to firm up and stabilize. READ MORE
You should have an X-ray taken as a means of comparison of the tooth between now and in the future. You may need a temporary splint to allow the tooth to firm up and stabilize. If pain persists, you need to be diagnosed for a possible fracture of the root, or for irreversible trauma that might require root canal treatment. Only a qualified dentist can make these evaluations and diagnoses for you. So, call and get seen as quickly as possible. Good luck, and definitely do not try to self-diagnose yourself.
Mitchell Karl, DDS
Mitchell Karl, DDS
Can a toothpaste help with tooth sensitivity?
Yes it is possible. But it is even more possible that another reason may be the source behind your sensitivity. A knowledgeable dental professional needs to be consulted. You may READ MORE
Yes it is possible. But it is even more possible that another reason may be the source behind your sensitivity. A knowledgeable dental professional needs to be consulted. You may have an incorrect bite that causes trauma to your teeth, making them sensitive to temperature changes. You also might be either clenching and/or grinding your teeth either at night when sleeping, or even during the day. You can try the toothpaste first, but if symptoms persist, seek out a dentist who can diagnose these issues.
What are the most visible signs and symptoms of a gum disease?
Very simply, red puffy gums is the first sign of gum disease and infection. The gums should always look pink and firm. There should be no bleeding at all when either brushing, READ MORE
Very simply, red puffy gums is the first sign of gum disease and infection. The gums should always look pink and firm. There should be no bleeding at all when either brushing, flossing, or using any other interdental device. Sure, anyone can accidentally cut the gums, and that would bleed for a few days, but anything more constant could be signs of a potential problem.
What is the reason behind tooth sensitivity?
Many different possibilities are behind tooth sensitivity. One may be neural pain that usually is continuous. Root canal therapy may be necessary. Occlusal trauma is also a possible READ MORE
Many different possibilities are behind tooth sensitivity. One may be neural pain that usually is continuous. Root canal therapy may be necessary. Occlusal trauma is also a possible cause of tooth sensitivity. Another reason could be that you have a loose or leaking old restoration. You need to see a dentist in order to determine the true source of your dental sensitivity.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Can a gum infection pass to other parts of the body?
Any infection in the body can spread elsewhere. if untreated. Be sure to treat any known infections without delay to avoid the spread of any infections and/or inflammations.
How can I reverse yellowing of my teeth?
If you are only 27 years old, you should probably get some custom fit bleach trays made, and bleach as necessary to maintain the shade that you are happiest with. The home bleaching READ MORE
If you are only 27 years old, you should probably get some custom fit bleach trays made, and bleach as necessary to maintain the shade that you are happiest with. The home bleaching regimen is the most cost effective option, and it also allows you to maintain control of the final shade.
Good luck,
M. Karl
Good luck,
M. Karl
Brushing too hard?
I have some issues with what you were told. First, our main concern about patients brushing too hard with a stiff brush, is the potential to wear away some of the thinner enamel READ MORE
I have some issues with what you were told. First, our main concern about patients brushing too hard with a stiff brush, is the potential to wear away some of the thinner enamel that exists near the gum line. The gum line does not usually recede as a result of scrubbing or brushing too vigorously. Gum recession is usually more related to either gum disease or occlusal trauma from an uneven bite. With regards to the electric brush, I strongly recommend them to people with manual dexterity issues. But the manual brush can accomplish the same affects as the electric brush if used properly. You should always use a brush with soft bristles, and gently brush both the teeth and the gums where the teeth emerge from.
