What You Can Expect from Your Appointment with the Dentist

It’s no secret that most people dread going to the dentist. In fact, a survey by the American Dental Association found that nearly 60 percent of adults avoid going to the dentist out of fear. While it’s understandable to be apprehensive about getting dental work done, there’s no need to be afraid of the dentist.  But to help put your nerves at ease, here’s what you can expect from your visit. Non-Routine Visit Most people only visit the dentist when they have a routine cleaning or checkup scheduled. But sometimes, you may need to see the dentist for a non-routine reason. At a non-routine visit, the dentist will likely take a more thorough look at your mouth and teeth than they would during a routine visit. They may also take X-rays or other types of images to get a better look at your teeth and mouth. The dentist may also ask you questions about your dental history and any problems you’ve been having with your teeth. They’ll also want to know about any medications you’re taking, as some of them can affect your teeth and mouth. After the examination, the dentist will discuss their findings with you and talk about ...

Dental fillings are a common and effective treatment for cavities. They can help to restore a tooth to its normal function and shape. Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and to fill in gaps between teeth. If your dentist recommends you to have dental fillings, it’s important to understand its different types, so you know which one is for you. The Different Types of Dental Fillings There are many different types of dental fillings available on the market today. Each type has its own set of pros and cons that you should consider before choosing the right filling for your needs. Here is a look at the different types of dental fillings and the pros and cons of each: Amalgam Fillings Amalgam fillings are a type of dental fillings made from a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, and mercury. They are very strong and durable and can last for many years with proper care. They are also very affordable, making them a popular choice for many patients. However, amalgam fillings are also very noticeable and can darken the appearance of your teeth. Composite Fillings Composite fillings are made from a mixture of plastic and glass. ...

Dental crowns are an important part of many people’s smiles. They protect teeth from damage and decay and can also improve teeth’ appearance.  However, like all dental products, crowns can eventually need to be replaced. In this article, we will discuss when dental crowns need replacement. Dental crowns can repair broken teeth or take care of aesthetic concerns, enhancing the health and beauty of the smile. While dental crowns are a long-term solution to many dental health problems, they may need to be replaced at some point. A team of dentists at a reliable dental office may offer dental crown replacement to patients in Newton, MA, and surrounding areas.  So, when do dental crowns need to be replaced? Find out as you take a closer look at dental crown replacement done in a dental office in Newton, MA.  Dental Crown Lifespan Dental crowns take about 10 to 15 years but can last even longer with proper care and maintenance. Replacing crowns at the first signs of damage or other issues is important for esthetics and oral health.  Knowing when to seek dental crown replacement is essential for protecting the underlying teeth and preserving your smile. The following are the most ...

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens the teeth using clear, custom-made aligners. Like other traditional braces, they are virtually invisible, so most people won’t even know that you’re wearing them. As you replace every aligner with the next in the series, your teeth gradually move into place. What Are the Benefits of Invisalign? 1. Invisalign Is Effective Invisalign has proven to be effective in treating both simple and complex orthodontic cases. While Invisalign may not be fit for every patient, most patients who use Invisalign achieve their desired results.  2. Invisalign Is Comfortable Invisalign aligners are made of smooth, comfortable material that is designed to be gentle on your teeth and gums. Most patients report less discomfort when wearing Invisalign than the traditional braces, which can cause irritation and pain. 3. Invisalign Is Convenient Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can easily eat whatever you want and brush and floss your teeth. You don’t need to worry about how the food will get stuck in braces or difficult-to-reach areas of your mouth.  4. Invisalign Is Affordable Orthodontic treatments can be costly, but there are many payment options available for Invisalign. Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign, and financing options ...

One’s teeth are a very important part of the body, not just because they are one of the first things people notice, but also because they are responsible for breaking down the food that a person eats. Therefore, it is significant to take care of your teeth to avoid oral diseases such as chipped teeth. Cracked teeth are those that have a crack in the enamel and are often mistaken as fractured teeth despite the difference that they have. This is because a fractured tooth entails a total break, considered a dental emergency.  Continue reading to learn more about fractured teeth. The Definition of a Fractured Tooth A fractured tooth is a break in the tooth that can range from a small crack to a complete break. A fracture can occur in virtually any part of the tooth, including the enamel, dentin, or root. A fracture can also occur below the gum line. Many different types of fractures can occur in teeth. The most common type of tooth fracture is a surface or enamel fracture. These are more serious than enamel fractures and can be very painful. Dentin fractures are usually caused by trauma to the tooth. The Causes Behind ...

There are a few different options available when it comes to dealing with a damaged or decayed tooth. Two of the most common options are root canals and tooth extractions. So, which is the right option for you? What is a Root Canal? A root canal is a procedure that is used to save a tooth that has been damaged or decayed. The procedure involves removing the damaged or decayed tissue from the inside of the tooth. Once the tissue has been removed, the tooth is then sealed. What is Tooth Extraction? A tooth extraction is a procedure that is used to remove a tooth that is damaged or decayed. The procedure involves removing the tooth from the socket. Once the tooth has been removed, the socket is then sealed. Pros and Cons of Root Canal There are both pros and cons to having a root canal. Some of the pros include: Some of the cons include: Pros and Cons of Tooth Extraction There are both pros and cons to having a tooth extraction. Some of the pros include: Some of the cons include: Which is the Right Option for Me? Many people may have heard of root canal treatment ...

If you’ve recently had dental implant surgery, congratulations! Dental implants are a great way to improve your smile and oral health. However, taking care of your new implants is essential to ensure they last for many years to come. Here are seven habits to improve your dental implant care. Following these instructions will help your implants heal properly and reduce the risk of infection. 1. Brush Your Teeth Daily This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to brush your teeth thoroughly, especially around your dental implants. Plaque can easily build up around dental implants, so be sure to brush gently but thoroughly. 2. Use Dental Floss and Mouthwash Flossing is just as important for dental implants as it is for your natural teeth. Be sure to floss gently around your implants to avoid damaging them. Moreover, mouthwash can help reduce the risk of infection around your dental implants. Be sure to choose an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid drying out your mouth. 3. Follow Post-surgery Dental Implant Instructions Be sure to follow your dentist or surgeon’s post-surgery instructions for dental implants. This may include eating soft foods, avoiding hard foods, and not smoking. Following these instructions will help your ...

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, you may be considering braces as a way to correct misalignment. There are a variety of braces available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Ceramic braces are a non-traditional option that can work as well in restoring the confidence in your smile as traditional metal braces. What Are Ceramic Braces? Ceramic braces are a type of orthodontic appliance used to correct teeth alignment. They are similar to traditional metal braces, but they have a few key differences. For one, ceramic braces are less visible than metal braces, making them a popular choice for people who want to achieve a straighter smile without drawing too much attention to their teeth.  Additionally, ceramic braces are more gentle on teeth than metal braces, making them a good option for people with sensitive teeth or dental work. What Are the Benefits of Ceramic Braces? 1. Offers a More Attractive and Discreet Option  One of the benefits of ceramic braces is that they offer a more attractive and discreet option than traditional metal braces. Ceramic braces are made from clear or tooth-colored materials, which means they can blend in better with your teeth and ...

By maintaining your dental health, you take care of your overall well-being. If you develop dental troubles, you’ll feel a lot of discomfort, and you won’t be able to do your activities right. One way to maintain good oral health and prevent troubles like cavities is through regular dental cleaning. Is dental cleaning really important? Here are the different benefits you can reap from these treatments. 1. Eliminate Tartar Tartar is the most troublesome dental build-up in your mouth. It appears on your teeth’s surface and can be hard to remove, so you need to see your dentist. The reason why tartar is a big problem is that it provides a comfortable place for bacteria to grow and multiply. These microorganisms can cause serious dental infections and cavities, leading to pain and tooth loss. With regular dental cleanings, you can prevent tartar buildup and the development of cavities. 2. Prevent Periodontal Disease As tartar buildup becomes an issue, so does gum disease—periodontal disease. This is because these dental issues are related to each other. When tartar buildup becomes significant, you may have to perform gum surgery and gum scaling. Gum surgery involves the surgical removal of tartar from the teeth. ...

The big reveal when you or your child removes your braces is one of life’s most delightful moments. The teeth are exactly straight. The brilliant smile. Life is fantastic! However, once your initial orthodontic treatment is completed, you will need to replace your braces with another piece of dental gear called a retainer. Wearing a retainer will help you maintain your teeth straight and your smile gleaming. But how long do you have to wear a retainer? By studying more about the need for a retainer after braces, you’ll better understand the different elements that decide how long you’ll need to wear one. What Does a Retainer Do after Braces? While braces help you straighten your teeth and keep them in good alignment, a retainer does the same thing, but not as dramatically. In fact, the only time you’ll notice that your retainer is in place is when you take it out! By placing your retainer in your mouth post-braces, you’ll keep your teeth straight and keep your smile gorgeous. Retainers after braces can help maintain the correction achieved during orthodontic treatment. How Long Do I Need to Wear a Retainer after Braces? How long you’ll need to wear a ...