The Laser Dental Group

Never underestimate the importance of x-rays...

In case you need another reason to quit...  Though conventional pairing has cigarettes and coffee going together, researchers have found that the toxic chemicals in tobacco may hamper taste bud regeneration, resulting in smokers not being able to adequately taste the bitterness of their regular cup of joe. The researchers, led by Nelly Jacob of the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital APHP in France, published results of their study in the journal Chemosensory Perception. They note that tobacco’s chemicals are already known to cause a loss of taste in smokers, as well as structural changes to the fungiform papillae of the tongue – where taste buds are found. What has been unknown is to what extent smokers’ taste range is affected, whether it returns to normal upon quitting smoking and if so, how long that takes. Taste buds are largely responsible for conveying sweet, sour, bitter, salty and metallic sensations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (

The Laser Dental Group, P.C. 1205 Coolidge Avenue, Union, NJ, (908) 686-2080, laserdg@comcast.net 581 Westfield Avenue, Westfield, NJ, (908)232-2136, laserdgofwestfield@comcast.net ·          Dentistry is changing and much has happened since my last newsletter. ·          First, you may have noticed, both offices participate in many more dental plans. I feel it is the right thing to do for my patients since it has been very difficult for the past few years. ·          My Westfield office is nearly organized, which has been two years in the making, and still needs help. ·          Implementation of the new Dental software management system has been underway, and progress is being made fixing the glitches caused by the conversion in both offices. Celebrations will be in order when this tedious process is complete. ·          The transition to a paperless office has been underway, an arduous task made easier by my office manager Alex and front desk help from Barbara a