expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Mark Lewis Waltzer, D.M.D.

Dentist

Dr. Mark Waltzer is a Dentist practicing in Cherry Hill, NJ. Dr. Waltzer 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.
42 years Experience
Dr. Mark Lewis Waltzer, D.M.D.
  • Cherry Hill, NJ
  • Univ of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

Do root canals happen more often as you age?

It's not that risk increases with age, but the older you are, the more time there is for cavities or trauma to affect the teeth.

Is chewing gum often bad for your teeth?

As long as you are not wearing your teeth down or getting TMJ symptoms, sugar-free gum is not harmful.

Having an abscessed tooth? What could this mean?

An abscess occurs when the nerve inside the tooth becomes infected and the infection spreads into the area surrounding the tooth. The infection may be contained by the body's immune READ MORE
An abscess occurs when the nerve inside the tooth becomes infected and the infection spreads into the area surrounding the tooth. The infection may be contained by the body's immune system or spread to adjacent areas. Sometimes the abscess can be asymptomatic, but it is not a good idea to allow the infection to go untreated as there may be systemic consequences. The early signs of an abscess are swelling or pain to biting and/or hot.

Are these crackling sounds in my ear from TMJ?

TMJ issues never really completely heal. Your dentist can evaluate you for things that may be contributing to your current TMJ issues, such as grinding or serious bite problems. READ MORE
TMJ issues never really completely heal. Your dentist can evaluate you for things that may be contributing to your current TMJ issues, such as grinding or serious bite problems.

What can I eat or avoid eating to reduce plaque?

Keep up your hygiene regimen! Avoiding sugary, sticky foods is very important, as you know. High fiber fruits and vegetables are the best snacks. Your hygienist should be able READ MORE
Keep up your hygiene regimen! Avoiding sugary, sticky foods is very important, as you know. High fiber fruits and vegetables are the best snacks. Your hygienist should be able to give you tips on how to clean the areas that seem to accumulate the most debris, plaque, and calculus. Once calculus, or tartar, forms it can only be removed professionally.

Did my dental x-rays harm my baby? (first trimester)

Since you reported that a lead apron was used, you have nothing to worry about. With today's modern X-ray machines and digital systems, there is virtually no scatter to the rest READ MORE
Since you reported that a lead apron was used, you have nothing to worry about. With today's modern X-ray machines and digital systems, there is virtually no scatter to the rest of the body anyway.

What is a dry socket?

A dry socket (alveolar osteitis) can happen after an extraction when the blood clot in the socket is disturbed. It is not an infection and will not respond to antibiotics. It is READ MORE
A dry socket (alveolar osteitis) can happen after an extraction when the blood clot in the socket is disturbed. It is not an infection and will not respond to antibiotics. It is treated by cleaning out the socket (usually with local anesthesia) and packing the socket with a special paste to relieve the pain. It may take anywhere from 3 - 5 days to resolve.

Very swollen and red gums after routine dental cleaning

That's a pretty unusual situation. Hard to say what is happening without seeing the gums. It could be an allergy to something used the other day or a preexisting periodontal issue. READ MORE
That's a pretty unusual situation. Hard to say what is happening without seeing the gums. It could be an allergy to something used the other day or a preexisting periodontal issue. You really should call your dentist immediately and ask to be seen without delay.

I can't fix my teeth sensitivity. What do I do?

I assume you are following any instructions your dentist gave you, such as a very soft toothbrush. Your dentist should have some desensitizing medication that can be applied.