What Does a Prosthodontist Do?

February 27th, 2021 by | No Comments
Senior woman smiles confidently while talking on the phone

Caption: Our experienced prosthodontists will support you through the denture process.

There are several reasons why people might lose their teeth and require a dental prosthetic, like a crown or dentures in Boston. Gum disease is one of those reasons, another is broken or damaged teeth due to illness, age, or a sporting accident. A prosthodontist specializes in the field of dental prosthetics and is the most qualified person to advise and treat your dental issues when restoring or replacing a tooth is necessary. 

ADVANTAGES OF DENTURES

We have several prosthodontists available to help you here at Dental Partners of Boston. They may recommend that you install a set of dentures. If your teeth are damaged or missing, the function of your teeth for chewing and speaking and overall health might be affected. Effective dentures will not only restore the function of your mouth and your eating habits, but they will also protect the integrity of your jaw and facial bone structure. They will also protect your health from harmful diseases caused by unhealthy teeth.   

CONVENTIONAL DENTURES

A certified prosthodontist such as our Dr. Michael G. O’Toole might suggest you install conventional dentures. These very common and effective types of oral prosthetics can form to the exact shape and contours of your mouth structures. 

To have these dentures installed, you will first need to have the arch prepared. While the tissue heals, which may take a few months, your prosthetic teeth will be made up. You will then return to have them fitted so you can comfortably and confidently wear them. 

IMMEDIATE DENTURES 

Immediate dentures are also an option, especially if all of your teeth need to be removed on the same day. A professional prosthodontist such as Dr. Shiro Kamachi, may oversee your treatment and ensure you get the best treatment possible so that you have success.  Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are fitted on the same day your teeth are removed. These initial dentures are temporary. On your preliminary visit, our dentists will take measurements and make models of your mouth. To others, you will look as if you have normal teeth while you heal. 

OVERDENTURES 

Overdentures may be an option for you if you still have reliable teeth to work with. During your consultation, a qualified prosthodontist such as Dr. Kumiko Kamachi can decide which option is best for you. Individuals sometimes need overdentures. 

To preserve the integrity of your jawline, it makes sense to retain any teeth that are still in good condition. To keep this integrity, but also improve your mouth’s function with dentures, a prosthetic attaches to or sits over the remaining teeth. This is an overdenture. 

PROSTHODONTIST CARE 

A prosthodontist will sometimes work with a general dentist to ensure that a patient’s health needs are properly met. Here at our office, our prosthodontists not only facilitate your dental treatment, but they are also interested in how that treatment benefits your wider health.  

At Dental Partners of Boston, we have several highly qualified prosthodontists available to care for your oral health. These include Dr. Carly Park, Dr. Jessica Lau, and Dr. Brett Stein, among others. They are ready to meet with you and answer all your questions during a consultation and exam. Please contact us to schedule an appointment today.

Dental Implants: Invisible Tooth Replacements

February 18th, 2021 by | No Comments
A man looking at his dental implants in the mirror.

A man looking at his dental implants in the bathroom mirror. Caption: A dental implant can look so natural no one will be able to tell it’s there!

The removal of a natural tooth may be necessary following an accident or injury, sometimes following an illness. Many patient’s main worry with tooth removal is their appearance. They worry if the gap will show in their smile, affect their speech or their ability to eat certain foods. Luckily, when you have dental implants to replace the missing teeth, no one will notice it’s not your natural teeth. And that includes you! A dental implant or implants look and feel just like natural teeth. You can eat, talk, and smile freely.

What Is A Dental Implant?

Dental implants are a popular way to replace missing teeth. They’re an effective, long-term solution designed to blend in with your other teeth. A dental implant has been one of the biggest advances in dentistry over the last forty years.

The implants themselves are made of titanium and a mixture of other materials compatible with the human body. The implant functions as a sturdy anchor for a crown that looks as good as a natural tooth.

What To Expect

When you come in for a dental implant, you will have experts explain the process to you during your consultation. We understand the importance to patients of understanding each step in the process. You will have opportunities to ask all your questions and get thorough answers.

First, we will schedule a consultation with you so we can understand your individual case. We will perform an examination and discuss recommendations. Sometimes, we will want to consider options with the other dentists in our office so we can give you the best solutions. We’ll have you return to the office and talk with you about the best solution. It’s at this point that we will carefully go over what you can expect during the extraction, healing process, implant placement, and crown placement.

We understand that patients can often feel nervous about getting dental implants. Please talk to us about any concerns you feel before any procedure. We have sedation options to help you feel comfortable, but you’ll find a lot of reassurance knowing what the process entails. We welcome all your questions.

Dental Partners Of Boston For Invisible Tooth Replacements

Getting a dental implant that completely satisfies you is what we do at Dental Partners of Boston. There is no need to hide your smile, even if the replacement tooth is one of your two front teeth. It will be similar in shape, size, color, and best of all, it will feel like it’s your real tooth. You may even forget it’s there.

If you are ready to ask about getting a dental implant, please give us a call today or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice.

4 Things to Know About Getting a Brighter Smile

February 12th, 2021 by | No Comments
Beautiful woman with white teeth smiling while holding up a paper heart.

Try teeth whitening to show your loved one a happy smile this Valentine’s Day.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to get a brighter smile. If you’re looking to blow your loved one away with a radiant smile, here are four things you should know about teeth whitening.

1. Why Teeth Become Discolored

Our teeth can become discolored for a variety of reasons, one of the biggest culprits is food and drink. Coffee and tea, red wine, soy sauce, and tomato-based sauces can all stain our teeth. Color pigments named chromogens fix themselves to the enamel, which leads to discoloration. Tobacco is another leading cause of discolored teeth, leaving a yellow tint on the surface. Age also contributes to teeth discoloration, as the outer enamel naturally becomes thinner.

2. Options for Teeth Whitening

To get a brighter smile the best thing to do is to visit us at Dental Partners of Boston for a whitening procedure. In-office teeth whitening generally takes under one hour. We will first evaluate your teeth and then make simple preparations for the process. There are several benefits to in-house teeth whitening, including:

  • Quick and easy, an in-house visit is the most convenient way to whiten your teeth.
  • Professional dentists fully trained in teeth whitening processes.
  • Fast results, get several shades whiter in just one hour.
  • Education about the process to keep your mind at ease.

Another option is purchasing a teeth-whitening kit for at-home use. These kits are generally less convenient and effective. If you experience side-effects, it’s more useful to have the support of a trained dentist.

3. Possible Side Effects

Some patients experience sensitivity, it’s likely because the whitener has penetrated the dentin, and irritated the tooth. Most of the time, this sensitivity is merely temporary. Another issue is that overusing whiteners can actually damage the gums or tooth enamel. It’s advisable to have the treatment with our dentists, to avoid any issues. Our dentists can answer any questions you have about side effects and the overall procedure.

4. How Teeth Whitening Works

The teeth whitening process is straightforward and safe. Teeth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Both of these are bleaches, they fade stains on the teeth, to give you a brighter smile. The teeth bleaching gel works into the enamel and reaches the dentin. The bleach contains molecules of oxygen, which help the discolored particles to break down. After just one tooth whitening session you’ll be amazed at the gleam in your smile. To beautify your smile this Valentine’s Day, treat yourself to a cosmetic teeth whitening procedure.

Dental Partners of Boston Can Help

Dental Partners of Boston is one of the best dental practices in Boston, you won’t be disappointed with our expert teeth whitening procedures. We strive to exceed patient expectations in everything we do. With our extensive experience and our talented dental team, we can meet all of your dentistry needs. For more information about our in-house teeth whitening procedures, please request an appointment.

Possible Causes and Solutions for Sensitive Teeth

February 3rd, 2021 by | No Comments
Sensitive teeth cause a woman to hold her cheek in pain while drinking coffee.

Sensitive teeth? Come see us at Dental Partners of Boston.

During the pandemic, dental schedules were disrupted when dental offices shut down due to COVID-19. We have been open for several months now working hard to schedule check-ups, including regular cleanings and oral exams. While much energy is spent on staying healthy and safe, we must not forget our teeth. When was the last time you had a dental cleaning and a check-up? If it’s been 6 months or more, you may start to notice changes in your dental health, including tooth sensitivity. Even if you take great care of your teeth, a professional cleaning and oral health check-up are important overall health care habits.

Possible Causes for Sensitive Teeth

Do you experience sensitivity while drinking cold water? Does drinking hot coffee hurt your teeth? Does breathing in a delicious breath of cool outside air make your teeth ache? That’s tooth sensitivity. There are various causes of sensitive teeth that Dental Partners of Boston can address. Teeth become sensitive when they are neglected, or the enamel is worn and the nerve is exposed. Other reasons for sensitive teeth include worn fillings, cracked teeth, or gum disease, to name a few.

Healthy teeth have a cover of enamel that protects the crowns of your teeth. Additionally, cementum is under your gum line and protects your roots. Underneath your cementum and enamel coating is dentin. Your dentin has small channels that cold or hot beverages can penetrate. When drinks reach your nerve they can cause pain in your teeth and gums. If not treated properly, this can result in hypersensitivity.  Patients with hypersensitivity report almost constant discomfort.

Treating Sensitive Teeth

Treating sensitive teeth may only need a good professional cleaning. If the problem goes deeper, you may need to see a Boston periodontist such as our own Dr. Sergio Guzman, if a problem has developed in your gums. A periodontist has the tools and skills necessary to clean underneath the gum line to treat damage from gum disease. The type of treatment patients receive for tooth sensitivity is dependent on what the problem is.

At home, you can use desensitizing toothpaste. The toothpaste creates a layer between your teeth, gums, and nervous system within your teeth. This may help prevent pain but will take several applications before a noticeable improvement. Contact us if you aren’t able to make a difference on your own.

If the pain comes from decay or imperfections in your teeth, we can treat it with a crown, inlay, or bonding. To reduce sensitivity caused by gum tissue that has become diseased, we may recommend laser treatment. If the sensitivity becomes severe and persistent and cannot be treated by any other means, we may recommend a root canal.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

The best way to keep your gums and teeth healthy and strong is to maintain high standards of oral hygiene. We have new protocols to keep our patients and our team safe during the pandemic. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment. If you are experiencing uncomfortable flashes of pain and discomfort, make sure to visit us as soon as possible. Please contact us to make an appointment today.

Aging and Cosmetic Dentistry Concerns

January 21st, 2021 by | No Comments
Cosmetic dentistry helps a senior woman smile confidently

Cosmetic dentistry helps a senior woman smile confidently. Caption: Choose cosmetic dentistry to refresh and brighten up a dull-looking smile.

You’re never too old to improve your smile. Over time, your teeth are likely to become discolored, worn, or chipped. These are normal changes, but sometimes such damage can lead to some discomfort or a feeling of self-consciousness. As your dental health changes and your smile starts to dull, cosmetic dentistry options may provide the perfect solution.

Teeth Whitening

A good way to give yourself a bright smile once again is to have your teeth whitened. Certain foods, drinks, and habits like smoking can affect the color of your teeth. Wine and coffee actually stain enamel. As far as cosmetic dentistry goes, whitening will remove those stains and give your teeth an even, pearly gleam.

Veneers

Dental veneers bond to the front of your teeth. They are made of ultra-thin, customized material, and designed to give you beautifully shaped white teeth. They’re considered to be a conservative and subtle treatment when it comes to cosmetic dentistry options to revamp your smile. Dental veneers may also be a great option for damaged teeth.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

A traditional amalgam filling is easily identifiable because of its dark silver color. It can even change the white appearance of the tooth itself. Over time, silver fillings discolor the tooth’s enamel, making it look slightly gray. Amalgam can also expand and contract as you eat or drink hot or cold foods, which can cause teeth to crack.  If you dislike the way they show in your smile, we can replace them will tooth-colored fillings. Made out of composite materials, white fillings are the preferred option when repairing cavities. With a tooth-colored filling, no one else will see that you have one at all.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a good option for those who have missing teeth. Everyone’s teeth are subject to decay and disease after a lifetime of use. Sometimes it’s necessary to have a tooth extracted for dental and overall health, but it’s ideal to leave a gap. Dental bridges may not always be an option, in which case we recommend an implant to replace the missing tooth or teeth. Not only do they provide a solid base for restoration, just like a natural tooth root, but they also look just like your natural teeth. Dental implants also feel just like your natural tooth and function so well that you may even forget it’s there yourself.

Choose Dental Partners Of Boston For Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry gives our patients options to restore their smiles. Here at Dental Partners of Boston, we’re more than happy to answer all your questions about rejuvenating your smile.  Request an appointment today and let us work with you to get a smile you love, whatever your age. Everyone deserves a healthy, bright, and beautiful smile!

Looking for the Best Dentist to Work With in 2021?

January 13th, 2021 by | No Comments
Ethnic woman sitting in a dental chair smiling.

Read about the dental options available to you in 2021.

Looking after your health is more important now than ever. Your teeth and oral care are essential to feeling happy and healthy. However, if you haven’t visited the dentist in a while, it’s possible that you have developed dental problems. If you are looking for one of the best dentists in Boston, please contact Dental Partners of Boston and ask about our services.

Dental Services at Dental Partners Of Boston

We offer a range of services at Dental Partners of Boston that include cosmetic dentistry. Some of our cosmetic services include teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, and orthodontics. Our patients receive great care and attention when they come to see us for their dental needs. Even during the pandemic, we continue to provide safe and comfortable care at our offices.

All our services are done by experienced and talented doctors who have helped many of our patients perfect their smiles. Our patients having confidence in their teeth and maintaining good oral care is important to us. We want to make sure your teeth last for your lifetime. Should you need help with damaged or missing teeth, we have a number of procedures to help restore your smile.

Our Approach To COVID-19

COVID-19 has had a huge impact on us all and continues to do so. We don’t want anyone to suffer from contracting the virus. With that being said, we’ve made a few changes to our practice to ensure that you can safely attend dental appointments throughout this pandemic.

You can expect contact from us 48-72 hours prior to your appointment and asked a set of health-related questions. A detailed video is sent that shows you what to expect when you arrive and demonstrates everything we do to keep you and our teams safe. We have enhanced our operatory disinfection procedures, both before and after all appointments, and added a night disinfection procedure.

We will take your temperature upon entering the office. Payment is in advance to avoid a close contact conversation. Don’t worry, we will still take the time to answer all your questions while you are here.

We’ve got longer appointment times in place to ensure we limit the number of people in the building. We also provide teledentistry services to reduce exposure risk and takes place prior to help avoid any confusion. Our teledentistry services are to discuss your treatment and financials ahead of time.

Why Choose Us?

Just like our actions towards the pandemic, we want to ensure safety is at the forefront of everything we do. Choosing Dental Partners of Boston has always been a good decision, but even more so in 2021. We look after all our patients, making sure they feel comfortable in our care, especially in these unprecedented times. Don’t hesitate to get in touch and request an appointment today.

Smile Freely with Invisalign

January 7th, 2021 by | No Comments
Ethnic woman puts Invisalign® aligners on her teeth

Ask about Invisalign® today; you’ll like the process and LOVE the results!

Being self-conscious about your smile is one thing that we at Dental Partners of Boston are determined to change. No one should feel like they have to hide their smile! Getting a perfectly straight smile might not seem possible, but thanks to Invisalign® invisible braces, we can help you smile freely again.

How Invisalign® Aligners Work

As providers of Invisalign®, we’ve helped many of our patients straighten crooked teeth. The process starts by taking a 3-D image of your mouth. This helps Orthodontist Dr. Yael Frydman create custom-fitted aligners that are perfect for your teeth.

Through digital visualization, you’ll get an opportunity to see how your teeth should look at each stage and the process. You will see how your teeth are straightening until the end of treatment.

Custom aligners gradually move your teeth into place. You’ll be surprised at how comfortable they are to wear. They’re smooth and low-profile, so they don’t cause discomfort on the inside of your lips or cheeks as traditional braces do. Over the course of the process, you’ll switch to a new aligner every two weeks until your teeth are straight.

The benefit of Invisalign® invisible aligners is that you can take them out for short periods of time. This can be helpful when eating and brushing your teeth. For the average person, the process takes just six to nine months to complete.

The Advantages of Invisalign® Aligners

The advantage of invisible aligners, as opposed to traditional braces, is that they’re clear and invisible, as the name suggests. Thankfully, they are more discreet for those who don’t want others to know they are wearing aligners. This is especially useful for adults who are in professional settings.

Brushing and flossing are certainly made easier with aligners since they’re removable and it means you can continue to look after the health of your gums. Aligners also offer results more rapidly than traditional braces do.

Confident Smiles With Dr. Yael Frydman

Here at Dental Partners of Boston, orthodontist Dr. Yael Frydman loves her work because she is able to provide patient after patient, with a beautiful smile that they’re more than happy to show off. Having confidence in your smile should be something that everyone should experience and with her years of experience in practice, you can expect and trust Dr. Frydman to provide excellent service and wonderful results.

Why Choose Dental Partners of Boston?

We are recognized as one of the best dental practices in Boston and when it comes to invisible braces, Invisalign® is one of the more productive methods of straightening your teeth and achieving a smile that you will want to share with the world.

Schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Frydman today so that you can see just how effective clear aligners can be for your teeth. The team here at Dental Partners of Boston are here to answer your questions whenever you’re ready!

Make 2021 Your Year for Dental Health

December 31st, 2020 by | No Comments
Keep good dental health in 2021. Woman celebrates with wine and confetti.

Woman celebrates with wine and confetti. Caption: Start 2021 with goals to keep your pearly whites happy and healthy.

Happy New Year!

Happy new year! The year 2020 is now behind us, so what goals or resolutions are you making for the year ahead? Why not make 2021 the year where you set a goal to reach optimal dental health?

One of the first things to do to start on the right track with your dental health is to schedule an appointment for a dental check-up. Due to the events that overshadowed last year (COVID-19), it was necessary to cut down on services for a while. Many other dentists in the area closed as well, and in some cases, closed even for emergencies. With new regulations in place to ensure the safety of staff and patients, practices are open again. As a result of the closures, however, it meant a lot of people missed their regular cleanings and check-ups.

To start off the new year in the right way, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Go ahead, we’ll wait…

Now that you have done that, here are some things you can do to make sure that your dental health goals are met and to ensure that you have healthy teeth all year long.

Schedule a second cleaning 6 months later

After your first cleaning appointment, it is a good idea to schedule a second cleaning in six months. Not only is it good for your dental health, but it can also act as a preventative dentistry measure. You want to make sure that things are dealt with before they become a bigger issue. It is recommended that you have two cleanings each year, so get them both scheduled on the calendar.

Improve habits at home

In order to carry on with your dental routine and look after your teeth, improving your habits at home is important. You should be brushing your teeth at least twice daily, as well as flossing once a day. You can use other things like mouthwash, but that shouldn’t substitute brushing and flossing.

Reduce sugar intake

Sugar is one of the things that can cause a lot of problems for your teeth, especially if you are not properly looking after your teeth. That is why it is a good idea to make a plan this year to reduce your overall sugar intake. For example, a simple swap is to drink water instead of sugary juice or soda.

Making the appointment for that dental procedure you’re avoiding

If you have been avoiding scheduling an appointment or a particular dental procedure, stop putting it off! Whether you need to have a cavity filled, have a broken tooth repaired or removed, making an appointment with us will help you get back to optimal dental health. You could also schedule an appointment for other procedures, such as teeth whitening in Boston for a bright white smile.

Dental Partners of Boston wishes you a happy new year and encourages you to keep your New Year resolutions. Be sure to contact us today to schedule a check-up, cleaning, or other appointments. Our expert team is waiting to take your call.

Give The Gift of a Gorgeous Grin

December 23rd, 2020 by | No Comments

Cosmetic dentistry in Boston wishing you a wonderful holiday seasonWhat do you get as a gift for the person that has everything? We all have some people on our holiday gift shopping list that are tricky to shop for. Why not give the gift of a beautiful smile this season? Here are a number of treatments that can be gifted to others, or to yourself, to celebrate the holidays in style.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a wonderful treatment that can benefit people of all ages. Whether you choose it as a gift to yourself, your kid, or your partner, giving the gift of straight teeth is something that really is a treat. If you have a family member who has longed for straighter teeth, Invisalign is a great option for them. The good thing about Invisalign is that it straightens teeth more subtly than traditional braces. For teenagers or adults looking to get straight teeth without traditional braces, this can work well. It’s a beautiful solution for anyone who doesn’t want braces but still wants straighter teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry

If crooked teeth are not a problem, then other cosmetic dentistry treatments might be just the thing this year. Teeth whitening is a great gift suitable for many people. Teeth whitening helps to brighten teeth for the year ahead, as well as for all of the holiday festivities.

Cracked or Chipped Tooth

If you or someone you love has a chipped tooth, then you know how much it can bother someone. From avoiding social situations to not wanting to smile for the camera, having a chipped tooth does impact lives. The good news is that visible chips can be fixed in time for picture-perfect smiles during the holidays. Scheduling an appointment is the first step to see what needs to be done.

Smile Makeover

You could also consider a complete smile makeover for yourself or a loved one. A smile makeover can help achieve the smile you or they have always wanted and is an excellent way to start 2021. Smile makeovers have many benefits from whitening your teeth, fixing gaps, resolving gummy smiles, lengthening or reducing teeth length, and replacing missing teeth. Smile makeovers can fix your smile or the smile of a loved one.

Dental Partners of Boston wants to thank you for choosing us this year and wish you happy holidays. If you would like to learn more about any of these treatments, get in contact with our team. Whether it is for yourself or for a loved one, schedule an appointment today.

How We’re Managing COVID-19

December 11th, 2020 by | No Comments
COVID-19 precautions: Dental Partners of Boston team wear PPE for patient protection.

The Dental Partners of Boston Team wearing masks lined up down the hallway. Caption: You can feel safe, comfortable, and confident at Dental Partners of Boston during COVID-19.

The global pandemic has had a profound effect on the way dentistry is practiced. In March, the American Dental Association advised dental offices to close to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The main form of transmission of the virus is through respiratory droplets from a person’s mouth or nose, and this put dentists, and our patients, at a high risk of infection.

We are grateful to our patients for their understanding and response to the serious situation as we canceled or postponed their regular appointments.

During those months of closure, we put new procedures into place that would keep our dentists, our team, and our patients safe while they were in our care. These new policies allowed us to safely open again in May.

Cover Story of Boston University’s School of Dental Medicine

Boston University’s School of Dental Medicine has a publication called impressions. Dental Partners of Boston is the cover story for their fall 2020 issue, called “COVID-19, How We Managed.” In this article, you can read about our new strategies that reduce exposure to the virus.  Our article is on page four. We encourage you to take a look! You can read it online or download it here.

As you’ll read in the article, we were careful to consider every aspect of our practice. From entry to exit, we want our patients to know that we are doing everything we can to not expose them to the virus. With enhanced precautions in place, you can expect to be kept safe. Each new protocol is to protect patients, our clinical team, and our administrative team.

Enhanced Precautions

Here is a shortlist of our enhanced precautions. You can read more details in BU’s article, and also on our web page about what to expect at your visit during the pandemic.

  • We have new arrival procedures in place as our team greets and guides you to treatment rooms
  • The reception area has been arranged to ensure physical distance
  • We placed hand sanitizers around the office
  • A new pre-rinse is for patients to use before treatment begins
  • We added air purifiers with advanced technology to filter particulate and molecular pollutants
  • New personal protection equipment creates effective barriers against germs

Teledentistry

The most effective change has been the incorporation of teledentistry into our care. When you come in for your regular visits with a hygienist, the hygienist documents all your diagnostic data and gives it to your dentist. He or she will review any radiographs, photos, or scans of your mouth at a later time. This will reduce how many people you interact with while you’re in the office.

We’ll schedule a 15-minute teledentistry visit during which the doctor will share his or her findings in your diagnostic data.  You’ll be able to meet in a video call from your home with your computer, tablet, or cell phone. During this call, you are welcome to ask any questions about your health or these new procedures. We always want to make sure you understand every aspect of your dental care so you continue to feel confident and comfortable with Dental Partners of Boston. Please contact us to schedule an appointment today.