Most Helpful Articles

Common Questions

  • Q. How do you accept payment?

    We accept cash, checks and these credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. If we are a contracted provider with your insurance company, we will bill them directly.

  • Q. How can I solve my billing queries?

    Call us at these phone numbers and we will solve all your billing queries:

    • North Bergen Office – 201 854 8100
    • Passaic Office – 973 473 8188

  • Q. What insurance plans do you accept?

    The following are some of the major insurances and plans our offices participate with: - Delta Dental PPO, Premier, Advantage - Delta USA - Aetna PPO - Met Life - Horizon Blue Cross / Blue Shield - Cigna PPO - Guardian PPO - United Healthcare - €¦And Many More If you have questions regarding any other insurance not included in this list, please contact your nearest dental Office:

    • North Bergen Office – 201 854 8100
    • Passaic Office – 973 473 8188
     

  • Q. Do you follow any privacy policy?

    Yes. We respect our patients' privacy, and that very much includes your personal health details. Please read our Patient Privacy Policy for more information.

  • Q. How can I get a refill on my medication?

    Contact your pharmacist to refill your prescription. He/She will then contact us to confirm the refill. It takes at least 2 business days to process a refill request. If you have not been to the Office for a year or more, you will need to set up an appointment before refills are authorized. Also, for certain medications like antibiotics and narcotics, you will have to visit the Office. In case you get the prescriptions through mail, you should bring the appropriate forms with you so that your physician can order the medications at the time of your visit.

  • Q. Can I cancel my appointment, if required?

    If you must cancel your appointment, you should inform us at least 24 hours prior to the appointment. This will help ensure that the time is productively utilized on another patient. Please note we charge a cancellation fee of $50 per ½ hour for appointments cancelled without a proper 24-hour notification.

  • Q. How long will I have to wait to receive a refund?

    We try to refund credit on your account within 6 weeks of receiving your request. This is dependent upon our receiving payment from your insurance provider on outstanding claims. If you feel that a refund is due because you have overpaid a co-payment or deductible, you may still have to wait until we receive the insurance payment; this usually takes about 2 weeks after you receive the explanation of benefits.

  • Q. What should I bring with to my appointment?

    Please refer to the New Patients page.

Tooth Discoloration

  • Q. How can I prevent tooth discoloration or staining?

    The best approach is to optimize your dental hygiene habits by brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dental hygienist for a cleaning every six months. If you drink coffee or smoke cigarettes, you can avoid tooth staining by cutting back €” or quitting, if you can. If your teeth seem to be discolored or stained for no reason you can think of, make an appointment to see your dentist, or call us at 201 330 3333.

Tooth Whitening

  • Q. What treatment options are available to whiten teeth?

    There are different causes for discolored teeth, so treatment options can vary, depending on the cause. Your options may include:

    • Regular, Correct Brushing and Flossing
    • Avoiding Foods, Beverages, etc. (i.e., coffee, tobacco) That Can Cause Staining
    • Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
    • Bonding
    • Veneers

Avoiding Bad Breath

  • Q. How can I avoid bad breath?

    Bad breath is generally caused by decaying food particles and bacteria in the mouth. Incomplete or incorrect oral health habits often lead to bad breath because the offending particles and bacteria are not removed. Correct, regular brushing and flossing are the keys to avoiding bad breath. To remove even more bacteria, you should also gently brush your tongue.

Gum Disease & Treatment

  • Q. What is gum disease?

    A bacterial film called plaque, which continuously forms around the teeth and gums, causes gum disease. Gum disease is an infection that can cause bleeding gums, bad breath and loose teeth. About 56 million in the U.S. suffer from gum disease. Many dentists believe it is the major cause of tooth loss.

  • Q. How can gum disease be treated?

    Depending on how advanced it is, gum disease can be treated in several different ways. Correct oral hygiene, instruction and deep cleaning under the gums are common treatments for less severe forms of gum disease. For more advanced cases, gum surgery, bone grafts and antibiotics may be indicated.

Gingivitis

  • Q. What is gingivitis?

    Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. The good news is gingivitis can be cured with improved oral hygiene, including brushing properly at least three times a day and flossing at least once a day.

Tooth Decay

  • Q. What is tooth decay and how it is caused?

    Tooth decay is caused by a thin, white film on the teeth called plaque. Plaque accumulates on the teeth and harbors harmful bacteria. When the plaque is combined with sugars from the foods you eat, it forms an acid. The decay process begins when this acid attacks the tooth enamel.

  • Q. What is tooth decay and how it is caused? What are the ways to treat it?

    Tooth decay is caused by a thin, white, sticky film called plaque. Plaque constantly accumulates on your teeth and contains harmful bacteria. When the plaque is combined with sugars from the foods you eat, it forms an acid. The decay process begins when this acid attacks the tooth enamel. If the decay is not treated early, the cavity will rapidly progress toward the pulp in the central part of the tooth. If the decay continues into the pulp, infection may set in. X-rays are used to detect hidden areas of tooth decay and possible decay between your teeth. To repair the decayed tooth, your dentist will clean out the decayed area and replace it with a filling material. The proper and most inexpensive approach to tooth decay is its prevention, early detection and treatment. Good home care (proper brushing and flossing) and a healthy diet can help prevent tooth decay.

Tooth Care

  • Q. What is the best way to brush the teeth?

    The most important area to brush is where your teeth meet the gums. The most commonly recommended method is the €œcircular brush.€ Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth. Brush all surfaces with a circular motion.

Periodontal Disease

  • Q. What is periodontal disease and how it is caused?

    Periodontal disease (commonly known as Pyorrhea) is the most common cause of tooth loss. It begins when plaque accumulates on your teeth. Your saliva will calcify the plaque (which is then called tartar or calculus) if it is not removed by proper home care. Tartar generally accumulates at the gum line and can only be removed by your dentist or hygienist with a professional cleaning. An inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) occurs if the tartar is not regularly removed. At first, the inflammation may only be a mild gum irritation with a little bleeding during brushing. However, the real damage is occurring in the underlying bone.

Dental Flossing

  • Q. Is flossing really that important?

    Yes. Flossing is used to remove plaque between your teeth, where even a toothbrush can't reach. Floss also polishes the tooth surfaces, and can help control bad breath. The proper flossing technique is this: wind about 18 inches of floss around both of your middle fingers, with most of the floss wrapped around one finger or the other. As the floss is used up, transfer the used floss to the other middle finger. Use your forefingers to guide the floss between the teeth. One to two inches of floss should be carried smoothly between your teeth. Never snap the floss between your teeth, as this could injure the gums. This procedure is repeated throughout the mouth, between all teeth, with the floss wrapped around each tooth in turn.

Impaction

  • Q. What is impaction?

    The third molars (wisdom teeth) are generally the last teeth to emerge (usually in your late teens or twenties). Frequently, their eruption is blocked by soft tissue, bone, adjacent teeth or some pathologic process. They are then considered impacted. Removal of these teeth becomes necessary as it may prevent the decay of adjacent teeth, possible infection, jaw pain and crowding of other teeth. Difficult impactions require the skill of an oral surgeon.

Finding a Dentist

  • Q. How do I find a dentist?

    The American Dental Association offers these suggestions: - Ask family, friends, neighbors or co-workers for a recommendation. - Ask your family physician or pharmacist for a suggestion. - If you're moving, your current dentist may be able to make a recommendation in the area to which you are relocating. - Call or write your local or state dental society. They may also be listed in the telephone directory under "dentists" or "associations." - Use ADA.org's ADA Member Directory to search for dentists in your area.

  • Q. What should I look for when choosing a dentist?

    You might want to consider several dentists before making a final decision. During your first visit, you should be able to determine if the dentist you are visiting is the right one for you. Consider the following:

    • Is the dentist's appointment schedule convenient?
    • Is the dental office easy to get to from your home or job?
    • Does the office appear to be clean, neat and orderly?
    • Was your medical and dental history recorded and placed in a permanent file?
    • Does the dentist provide dental health instruction, such as explaining techniques that will help you prevent dental health problems?
    • Are arrangements made for handling emergencies outside of office hours? (Most dentists make arrangements with a colleague or emergency referral service if they are unable to handle emergencies.)
    • Is information provided about fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled?
    • Is your dentist a member of the ADA? All ADA member dentists voluntarily agree to abide by the high ethical standards reflected in the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct as a condition of their membership.

    You and your dentist are partners in maintaining your oral health. Take the time to ask questions and take notes if that will help you remember your dentist's advice.

  • Q. What is the difference between a DDS and a DMD?

    The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees with just a difference in wording. Most dental schools award the DDS degree, while others award a DMD degree. The education and degrees are the same.

  • Q. Among the dentist’s recommendations, which treatments are absolutely necessary? Which are elective? Which are cosmetic? Which procedures are urgently needed, and which ones are less urgent?

    Any competent dentist will prioritize a treatment schedule to help you distinguish problems that require immediate attention from those that are less urgent. Often, treatment can be phased in over time. Be sure, however, that the dentist helps you understand the consequences of delaying treatment.

Cosmetic Dermatology

  • Q. What cosmetic dermatology treatments do you offer?

    We offer a wide range of cosmetic treatments to rejuvenate your skin and turn the clock back. They include:

  • Q. What is hyperhidrosis?

    Hyperhidrosis is a common disorder that causes excessive sweating. It affects 2% to 3% of Americans, and most commonly involves the armpits (axillary hyperhidrosis) or the palms and soles of the feet (palmoplantar hyperhidrosis).

  • Q. How can hyperhidrosis be treated?

    Hyperhidrosis can be treated through: - Antiperspirants - Prescription-strength antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate - Lontophoresis, a device that passes electricity through the skin using tap water - Oral medications known as anticholinergics, which reduce sweating - Botox (botulinum toxin) - Surgery (cervical sympathectomy), as a last resort

  • Q. What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?

    BOTOX Cosmetic is a prescription medicine which is injected into the muscles to temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines. It is used in cosmetic medicine to treat facial creases and wrinkles through a controlled weakening of the muscles.

  • Q. How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?

    Botox® Cosmetic relaxes the contraction of muscles by blocking nerve impulses so that muscles (that cause wrinkles) can no longer contract. As a result, the wrinkles relax and soften. After treatment, the facial skin remains smooth and unwrinkled, while the untreated facial muscles contract normally, thus allowing your normal facial expression to remain unaffected. The entire process usually takes two to four days for cosmetic improvement, and the effects last from four to six months. Most patients require retreatment as the wrinkles and lines begin to reappear; however, after each injection the wrinkles tend to return less severely.

  • Q. What are the side effects and downtime associated with the procedure?

    There may be some redness and mild swelling at the injection sites. However, there is no downtime.

  • Q. How much will it cost and how can I decide which procedure is right for me?

    All pricing is determined by individual consultation between you and your doctor, and will depend upon the number of sites injected, and choice of selection (Botox® or Dysport).

  • Q. What are the benefits of LATISSE®?

    LATISSE® is great for people who want to improve their appearance with beautiful eyelashes. Benefits of LATISSE® treatment include:

    • Longer, darker & thicker eyelashes
    • Freedom from mascara smudging
    • Easy self-treatments

  • Q. How can I know whether LATISSE® is right for me?

    Our doctors will review your health history at your confidential consultation to determine if LATISSE is right for you. During your visit, you can also learn about the other aesthetic treatments we offer, such as facial fillers and BOTOX® treatments that can help you look younger and refreshed.

  • Q. What's so special about your eyelash growth treatments in NJ?

    • Our treatments are quick, safe and convenient.
    • After the initial consultation, you can administer your eyelash growth treatment yourself at home.

Our Doctors

Dr. Zenaida Mulkay & Dr. Guillermo Castillo

Dr. Castillo and Dr. Mulkay were raised in the northern part of New Jersey.

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