Dr. Michael J. Kratchman D.M.D.

Dentist

401 Harmony Road Suite 14 Gibbstown New Jersey, 08027 Show map

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About

Dr. Michael Kratchman is a top Dentist in Gibbstown, New Jersey. Dr. Michael Kratchman has been selected as a top doctor and is a published member of The Leading Physicians of the World, being recognized for their experience, compassion and medical contributions. For years, Dr. Michael Kratchman has been providing Pennsylvania patients with unsurpassed care and comprehensive treatments. With a passion for medicine and innovation, Dr. Michael Kratchman continues to uphold the highest standards in patient care while being a vital resource to local residents and the healthcare community. If you are looking for an expert Dentist in your area, then look no further than Dr. Michael Kratchman. For more information or to book an appointment, please give us a call.

Education and Training

Temple University

Board Certification

Invisalign

Provider Details

MaleEnglish 16 years of experience

Dr. Michael J. Kratchman D.M.D.

Dr. Michael J. Kratchman D.M.D.'s Expert Contributions

My Answers

Can damaged teeth affect other teeth?
The short answer is yes. Damaged teeth due to decay, means that the mouth has a high bacterial load, or at least higher than normal. Therefore, if decay is present, it colonizes on itself and it reproduces exponentially. This means that the teeth in proximity to the area of decay become places where the bacteria can reside and affect those teeth similarly. Also, if teeth have wear and tear and are affected in that way, supportive teeth like molars can wear down and other teeth in the arch can begin to wear at a similar rate. READ MORE
When should pain from a tooth extraction stop?
Post-operative recovery differs from patient to patient depending upon what tooth was extracted and how involved it was. What I usually tell my patients is that day 1 after extraction, you should feel OK, day two could go either way. Day 3 may be the worst day post extraction, as far as discomfort goes. After the 3rd day, there should be gradual decrease in discomfort as the extraction site heals. You should rinse very very often with warm salt water rinses and take 600-800 mg of Ibuprofen for discomfort for at least 3-5 days after the extraction was completed. Hopefully this answers your question. READ MORE
Is it time for new dentures?
It may be time for new dentures, but an exam and evaluation would really be necessary to determine that. It depends on the condition of your mouth, the age of the denture, and what your expectations are for a final result. Perhaps they need to be relined, perhaps you want to consider implants. These are just a few of the questions that would have to be asked and answered to evaluate what your best options are. I hope this helps. READ MORE
Why does only one tooth area bleed when I floss?
Each tooth in the mouth has 6 sites that are measured for periodontal (gum) disease. If you have been diagnosed w/ periodontal disease 1 tooth may be more affected then others. The reason why you bleed in the one area is because that tooth or area may be more affected through use, wear and tear, existing restorations, etc. Flossing the area may cause initial irritation and bleeding, but doing so consistently day after day even twice a day should lead to a reduction in bleeding on flossing in that area. It's always a good idea to see your local dentist to have them evaluate the area and explain it in more detail. Whatever you do, don't stop flossing! You do not need to be aggressive, but you do need to be consistent about continual flossing in that problem area. Hopefully this helps. READ MORE
I am a diabetic and my gums have been bleeding. Is there something to be concerned about?
The simple answer to both your questions is Yes and Yes. You need to be seen by your dentist asap, especially if you have not been in a while. Diabetes is a very complex disease. It effects almost every system in the body and if left uncontrolled could cause havoc or even worse. Gums should not bleed. A little bit of bleeding is often a warning that something may be going on. A lot of bleeding is a sign of lack of care or a true issue. Diabetes exacerbates everything and makes all issues just slightly worse. Please be seen for an evaluation as soon as possible and have your dental professional see what the true issues going on are. READ MORE
Having an abscessed tooth? What could this mean?
An abcessed tooth means that your tooth has an infection. There are numerous reasons that this could happen. Decay could be present, there could have been a history of trauma to the area, or there could be a fracture of some sort. It is hard to tell you exactly what caused the abcess to occur. There could be a lot of pain associated with an abcessed tooth, or there could be none at all. Often times a pimple will appear around the area. This is usually an escape route for the bacteria. Once the pimple is visible, pain usually decreases, only because the build up of puss/abcess is now leaking into your mouth and not simply burrowing a hole through your bone. There are a number of ways to treat an abcess, but is all depends on what type of abcess it is. IF it is tooth related, then Root Canal treatment will be necessary. If the abcess is present on a tooth that already had a root canal, then a second root canal or a re-treatment could be warrented, or alternatively a procedure called an apicoectomy would remove the abcess and the infected part of tooth and leave the remaining tooth in place. Alternatively depending on the condition and or position of the tooth, one might also choose to have the tooth extracted. Untreated abcesses could cause major problems if the bacteria gets into the blood stream patients could become septic, or due to the proximity of the jaw to the brain, the infection could travel there as well. It is best to get abcesses treated asap. Usually antibiotic therapy and mild analgesics initiate the healing process, but most often that alone will not suffice. Futher treatment will ultimately be necessary, whether that is root canal treatment, extraction, or apicoectomy all depends on the individual situation. I hope that this helps to answer your question. Regards, Michael Kratchman, DMD Gibbstown Dentistry READ MORE
Is a root canal during pregnancy safe?
To answer the question it depends on the severity of the tooth. You actually are at the most optimal time to have the root canal done. The second trimester is regarded as the safest time to have a procedure like root canal treatment done. I am assuming that radiogrpahs (X-rays) were already taken, if not you can have that done as well, just make sure that you are given a led vest. It's OK to ask for two if you feel as though it will protect you even more. You can ask you doctor to initiate the treatment by doing a procedure like a pulpotomy or pulpectomy to get you out of discomfort and place a temporary filling until after you give birth. Also, have them take your bite down on that tooth (reduce your occlusion) so you don't put added pressure on it. Once the root canal is finished you will need a crown so taking some tooth structure off now is not the end of the world. If your dentist feels like he can safely finish the root canal in one visit then he may choose to do so. Again, if depends READ MORE