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Business & Tech

Regular Dental Checkups Prove More Economical

Sonet Family Dental says 'An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure'

Every business has been working on their 2012 business plan in one form or the other lately. Many families are doing the same thing, particularly when it comes to their health insurance or lack thereof. One health item that seems to have been pushed to the back burner is dental cleaning and check-up.  

Dr. Ira Sonet, owner of in West Orange, says this may be a mistake — but not for the reason you may automatically think. He's actually trying to save you money.

Sonet says the old adage, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," applies to regular dental check-ups and cleanings.  

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"A small leak under a filling or a crown, left untreated for several months can lead to pain, root canal or even tooth loss — in other words, a very extensive and expensive proposition," he said. "Whereas, having your teeth checked and cleaned at least every six months, with a couple of x-rays taken perhaps once a year, can reveal these problems early on when they can be treated relatively easily, painlessly and more economically."

The West Orange native said that in this economic climate, he's noticed many patients are putting off doing elective dental treatment, such as esthetic/cosmetic dentistry, in favor of having more basic treatment such as cleanings, fillings and solving toothaches or just doing nothing at all. 

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"Over the years, I've come across very few patients that keep their teeth scrupulously clean enough that I would condone a once a year or longer check-up and cleaning for," Sonet said. 

Acknowledging that people do not have dental insurance and are continuing to cut back on expenses, Sonet Dental offers payment plans to enable people not to forgo the dentist chair.

"It’s important for us to help people with their preventive planning," said Sonet.

"After 29 years in practice, I continue to see patients every year who either were not aware they had a broken tooth/filling or knew about it and let it go for more than six months with disastrous and expensive results, due to carious breakdown. Likewise, patients that have a history of periodontal disease need to have their teeth cleaned a minimum of every six months, and, in many cases, even more frequently, as periodontitis is a progressive disease and, if left untreated, can lead to early tooth loss."

After growing up in West Orange and graduating from UMDNJ in 1982, Sonet opened an office on Main Street and was there for 16 years before moving to 623 Eagle Rock Ave. He received his fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry in 2001 and was listed among America's Top Dentists, 2010. 

Growing up, Sonet felt he was always good with his hands from doing carpentry and fixing things. He also enjoyed biology and serving people on an one-to-one basis. He’s active in the community enlisting assistants every year from and taking a strong active role in organizations like the

Along with Sonet, the Sonet Family Dental team includes associate dentist Anjali Aggarwal, dental assistant/x-ray technician Saskia Florez, office manager Eleana Hall and two dental assistants — Keturah Maingrette, now a freshman college student, and Emily Tran, a West Orange High School student  — that were chosen by West Orange High School principal Arthur Alloggiamento.

To provide 24-hour availability, Sonet has all of his calls forwarded directly to his cell phone after the office closes to ensure he’s always in touch. He sees all emergency patients the very same day and aims to be attentive to their needs —whether health or economically related.

Sonet Family Dental employs the most updated equipment and techniques, such as digital x-rays and advanced root canal technology, while using the best labs and materials available to them to provide their patients with comprehensive and excellent dental care.

"If a person has a relatively 'clean' dental history, meaning they haven't had cavities in quite some time, very few restorations like fillings and crowns, they are in good periodontal/gum health and they floss and brush properly and regularly, then, of course, they may only need to have their teeth checked and cleaned once every 12 months," said Sonet. "But I can tell you the majority of dental patients do not fit into this category."

When was the last time you had your teeth checked?

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