This article is sponsored by Hoboken Periodontics and Implant Dentistry.
Unmasked smiles have become a sight reserved for the home or for the well-timed outdoor dining experience, but just because face masks are the norm, it doesn’t mean oral health is any less important. Specializing in treating periodontal disease and implants, Hoboken Periodontics and Implant Dentistry focuses on helping patients in Hudson County to achieve healthy teeth, bone, and gums with the management of soft tissue esthetics. Keep reading to learn more about the practice and the people {quite literally} behind the masks at Hoboken Periodontics and Implant Dentistry located at 79 Hudson Street Suite 508.
Two years ago this month, Lara Merker, DMD, owner of Hoboken Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, established her private practice in downtown Hoboken and became an integral part of the local healthcare community.
“I’ve been in private practice for almost 14 years and was excited to start my own office in the town where I have been living and raising my family for the past 16 years. I am proud to be a member of the Hoboken Community both as a resident and a business owner,” Lara told Hoboken Girl.
About Lara
Lara is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. She attended dental school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and received her post-graduate degree in Periodontics at NYU. Over the past 8 years, she has been teaching and running the periodontics department at NYU Langone in Brooklyn where she educates and trains future periodontists.
“I attend multiple conferences and continuing education courses each year allowing me to stay on the cutting edge of periodontics,” Lara said. “I genuinely love everything about my job. I love meeting new people and sharing stories, this profession allows me to do this while helping patients achieve a healthier smile. I am proud of the relationships that I have been able to build with my patients.”
The Services
Patients needing specialized care to restore function and create a beautiful smile will find the help they need at Hoboken Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. The practice treats all facets of periodontal disease, surgical placement of dental implants, and manages the overall oral health. The team also works closely with the orthodontist assigned to each patient to help treat dental issues for children undergoing orthodontic care.
In today’s climate of COVID-19 maintaining good oral health is all the more important as recent studies have now linked periodontal disease to the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. As a periodontist, Lara is uniquely qualified to manage periodontal disease helping patients achieve optimal oral health to reduce the risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Treatments offered include management of periodontal disease, soft tissue grafting, periodontal plastic surgery {treatment of gum recession for tooth sensitivity and esthetics}, treatment of gummy smiles, crown lengthening, extractions, and placement of dental implants. The team works closely with all general dentists and dental specialists in town to coordinate treatment and work together to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile for each patient.
Embraced in the Community
While visiting the dentist may not be at the top of most people’s list of favorite things to do, Lara views it as her passion — saying, “dentistry is a combination of art and science.” Creative by nature, Lara says being artistic is essential in surgical management. The Hoboken office always has music playing and patients will often hear Lara singing along.
“It is my experience in both private practice and education that has helped to shape how I work with my patients. I believe in creating a calm and relaxing environment while also ensuring that patients are fully educated about all aspects of their care,” Lara commented.
Having lived in Hoboken for the past 16 years, Lara has seen the community embrace newcomers and change alike. The town embraced her, like so many others, when she moved here and eventually decided to raise her family in Hoboken.
“The entire town has evolved into a community for all people and all ages. I am so proud to be a part of both the professional and personal aspects of this town,” Lara reflected. “I look forward to growing alongside Hoboken and all of Hudson County to provide my professional services to the people who live here.”
The Location
Located at 79 Hudson Street Suite 508 in downtown Hoboken, the office overlooks lower Manhattan and downtown Jersey City affording each patient a beautiful view. Conveniently located across from NJ Transit, the office is easy to access via train, bus, PATH, and light rail.
Comfort + Comprehensive Care
When it comes to caring, the comfort of each patient at Hoboken Periodontics and Implant Dentistry is extremely important to the staff. Significant time is dedicated during each appointment to ensure that the patient feels educated and confident with their care.
“I am very committed to the health and comfort of all of my patients. I believe that they should understand every aspect of their diagnosis and why treatment is necessary,” Lara told Hoboken Girl. “My practice has been built upon trust. It is this trust that has allowed me to build a successful relationship with my patients and referring doctors.”
Lara is involved in all aspects of the treatment process and patient management. She prides herself on being available to answer questions and help alleviate any concerns that may arise.
You can call 201-744-8383 to schedule an appointment at the office located at 79 Hudson Street in downtown Hoboken.
Barry’s Bootcamp Signage Spotted in Hoboken
While Equinox rumors are still swirling about a Hoboken location (plus a confirmed Jersey City location in the works), it's time to direct our attention to another new fitness spot that is coming to town: Barry's Bootcamp announced in fall 2024 that the international gym franchise is opening a Hoboken, New Jersey location. It announced the news on its Instagram back in early August, the location of the was revealed in late September, and now signage is up at the upcoming fitness spot as of January 2025. Read on for what we know about Barry's Bootcamp coming to Hoboken, New Jersey.
The Announcement
On Thursday, August 8th, 2024, Barry's Bootcamp announced on Instagram that it's opening a Hoboken location. "Cue the (Red Room) lights — we’re opening our first-ever New Jersey studio in Hoboken! Doors open soon, so tag your NJ friends below and hit the link in bio to get on the list to stay updated. #Barrys," it shared on the social media platform. It also has a "coming soon" section of its website dedicated to the Hoboken location, found here.
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Read More: Pokémon GO Fest is Coming to Jersey City This June
Following the original announcement, a source close to the developer on the project shared with The Hoboken Girl this September that Barry's new Hoboken outpost will be located in the former Jos A. Bank storefront at 119 River Street, Suite A.
Photo Credit: @hannah.sulcov
An eagle-eyed Hoboken Girl reader noticed that signage was up in the forthcoming Barry's Bootcamp location on Wednesday, January 8th. As far as timing, those details are yet to be shared, but we'll definitely update you as we find out more.
About Barry's
Photo Credit: Barry's Bootcamp Website
The company was founded in 1998 by Barry Jay and John and Rachel Mumford. According to the Barry's website, it's self-coined as bringing "game changing fitness classes [which] quickly became known as The Best Workout In The World," also calling it the 'first' boutique fitness class. It has since grown in the last three decades to dozens of studios throughout the world.
The workouts combine high-intensity interval training on the treadmill with weights and other floor exercises.
Globally, Barry's has 84 studios as of 2024. The Hoboken location would be Barry's first New Jersey location.
See More: A Guide to Workout Studios in Montclair
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