What Our Patients Want to Know Most
We’re always happy to answer your questions, whether you call us ahead of time
or ask during your visit. Here are a few we hear often.
About
Our Practice
Call us at (732) 466-3966 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are always welcome, and we’ll do our best to see you as soon as possible.
Patients tell us it’s the people, the comfort, and the consistency. Dr. Ravi Shah and the Ocean Shore Dentistry team are known for personalized care that prioritizes your comfort and long-term health. Our advanced tools, friendly team, and welcoming atmosphere keep patients coming back year after year – some drive from an hour away. Many have been with us for more than two decades.
To us, dentistry isn’t just about treating teeth; it’s about treating people. That means listening closely, understanding your priorities, offering treatment options that fit your budget and lifestyle, and doing everything we can to help you feel comfortable and respected at every visit.
We recommend visiting the dentist twice a year for routine cleanings and checkups. These visits help identify issues early, protect your gums, and maintain your smile’s long-term health. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or other symptoms between appointments, don’t wait — we offer emergency care and welcome walk-ins.
After 42 years in practice and 36 years at Alan G. Stern, DDS, Dr. Stern and his wife, Fran, who worked alongside him in the office, have both retired. Before stepping away, Dr. Stern carefully chose Dr. Ravi Shah to carry on the practice with the same dedication to personalized, compassionate care. Click here to read Dr. Stern’s full letter to his patients.
Insurance & Payment
Our in-house membership plans offer preventive care and discounts on other services for a flat annual or monthly fee—ideal for patients without dental insurance. Each plan includes exams, cleanings, x-rays, and more. To see what’s included in each option, visit our Dental Membership Plan page.
Veneers typically range from $899 to $2,000 per tooth, depending on material, number of teeth, and case complexity. Schedule a free cosmetic consult for an exact quote.
Appointments
Yes! We’re actively welcoming new patients from Ocean Township, Monmouth County, and surrounding communities. Same-week appointments and online scheduling are available.
Call us at (732) 466-3966 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Thursday. We’ll do our best to see you as soon as possible.
Please provide 24 to 48-hour notice if you need to cancel an appointment. We also request that you confirm your appointment via phone or email 24 hours in advance.
Emergency & Same Day Services
We make every effort to see emergency patients in Ocean Township and surrounding Monmouth County on the same day or the next day. We treat:
- Toothaches, chipped/cracked teeth
- Facial swelling, knocked-out teeth
- Lost crowns or bridges
- Trauma or infection
We also offer CBCT imaging for fast diagnosis and evening/Saturday hours in the summer.
Time is critical. Try to reinsert the tooth within 30 minutes, or place it in cold milk. Then call our 24/7 emergency line for help.
Steps:
- Handle by the crown, not the root
- Rinse gently — no scrubbing
- Reinsert if possible, or use milk/Save-a-Tooth™
- Apply gauze
- Call immediately — our on-call doctor can meet you at the office
Yes! With our in-office 3D printing system, we scan, design, and mill your crown in about two hours — no messy impressions or temporary crowns.
Sedation & Patient Comfort
You’re not alone—and dental anxiety is something we take seriously. While Dr. Ravi Shah does not use nitrous oxide, he offers safe and effective alternatives to help you feel calm, comfortable, and in control during your visit. These may include:
- Local anesthesia (Novocaine) to keep treatment pain-free
- Topical numbing gel before injections or in sensitive areas
- Oral sedation (pill) for patients with moderate anxiety
- A gentle, tell-show-do approach, so you always know what to expect
- A clear treatment plan—so you’ll know what we’re doing, how long it will take, and what you’ll feel
- A pause signals and short breaks to go at your own pace
- Netflix®, headphones, music, or quiet—your choice
- Stress balls, blankets, and comfort items to help you settle in
- Dark glasses/eye protection to reduce bright-light sensitivity
- Neck pillow and chair adjustments for better body comfort
- Extra suction and gentle technique for patients who dislike water/sensation buildup
We’ll talk through your comfort level before treatment and recommend the option that best fits your needs.
Common Treatments & Technology
Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to gently move teeth.
- Wear trays 20–22 hours/day
- Treatment takes 6–18 months
- Fewer visits, digital scan, no impressions
Free whitening gel at the end of treatment
Clear aligners can address many bite issues, including mild to moderate overbites, crossbites, gaps, and crowding. Severe cases may need braces or surgery.
It’s our professional whitening program. Pay a one-time $99 fee and receive unlimited refills of whitening gel for as long as you remain a patient. It’s our way of helping you keep your smile bright without the recurring cost of whitening treatments.
Sensitivity may be caused by worn enamel, gum recession, decay, or a new cavity. We’ll identify the cause and recommend treatment.
Most adults benefit from a cleaning every six months. Patients with gum issues may need more frequent visits.
Smile Makeover
Smile Design is a customized cosmetic treatment plan that enhances your smile’s appearance. It’s ideal for patients who are bothered by stains, chips, gaps, uneven edges, worn teeth, or mild crookedness. Rather than treating one issue in isolation, Dr. Shah looks at your entire smile — tooth shape, color, symmetry, and how everything fits your face — and designs a plan that may include whitening, bonding, veneers, crowns, or minor reshaping to create natural, balanced results.
Every smile is different, so the cost depends on the treatments involved.
For example, veneers in New Jersey typically range from $899 to $2,000 per tooth, depending on material, number of teeth, and case complexity.
The best way to get an exact quote is to schedule a complimentary cosmetic consultation so Dr. Shah can evaluate your smile and discuss your options.
Veneers can improve the appearance of mild crookedness by reshaping and aligning the visible surface of your teeth.
However, if your teeth are significantly misaligned or your bite requires correction, Dr. Shah may initially recommend clear aligners or another orthodontic option to achieve the healthiest long-term result.
