Laser Gum Treatment In Boston

April 3rd, 2018 by | No Comments

A Woman who had Laser Gum Treatment to improve her smile in Boston.

Lasers have been around for decades. They’re relatively commonplace and most of us use them or their applications on a daily basis, often without realizing it. Within the medical industry, lasers have become, quite literally, cutting-edge technology. They have advanced the way we operate and heal. At Dental Partners of Boston, we are continually striving to stay at the forefront of technology concerning tools and procedures. We want your experience to be exceptional, and lasers offer a new and in many cases improved method of treating gum disease.

Laser gum treatment in Boston has improved the way our dentists care for your gums by taking advantage of the unique properties LANAP has to offer. Through thin fiber optic channels, powerful light is applied to delicately and precisely remove diseased tissue, sterilize open wounds and seal off small bleeds. The accuracy of laser gum treatment significantly improves our patients experience in our office and enables a fast recovery.

It has been standard practice for some time now to do regular dental cleanings roughly every six months. During these visits, more traditional tools are used to scrape and blast away sticky plaque and tartar on the teeth or below the gum-line. For many of our patients, this is generally sufficient for controlling tartar buildups. However, some patients have unique situations and or predispositions that contribute to added complications. Thankfully for those patients, laser gum treatment offers a way to get below the gums and remove the infected tissue. Prompt treatment is essential for ensuring the long-term health of your gums and teeth and also prevents the infection from spreading or recurring.

One of the more exciting aspects of laser gum treatment is that the specific wavelength of the lasers used by Periodontists, passes through healthy tissue, simultaneously eliminating contacted diseased or infected tissue. The science behind the technology isn’t as easy as the procedure itself but in simple terms, the color of light used in the laser reacts differently with the color of healthy tissue than it does with the tissue needing to be removed.

Thanks to the unique properties of periodontal laser gum treatment, no general anesthetic is needed, as is sometimes required for other dental procedures. This less invasive treatment leads to minor discomfort resulting in shorter recovery periods. Even with all the benefits lasers offer, it’s important to remember that it is still vital to prioritize dental care at home. Effective treatment of gum disease starts with daily and consistent brushing and flossing.

If you have any concerns about LANAP, or any other dental service we provide, our friendly staff would love to speak with you and help answer your questions. Schedule an appointment today! We look forward to hearing from you and seeing a happier smile on your face!

TMJ Appliances in Boston

March 28th, 2018 by | No Comments

TMJ and TMD are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same thing. TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the actual joint part of the jaw just in front of the ears, but TMD (temporomandibular disorder) is the discomfort caused by malfunctions of the TMJ. Some of the symptoms can include pain and muscle soreness, clicking or popping sounds when the jaw opens and closes, muscle spasms, headaches, and cracking noises. These can cause a lot of discomfort, as well as more serious consequences down the road, so having your Boston dentist take a look now will prevent some damage in the future. Let’s consider some options with TMJ appliance therapy.

What is a TMJ appliance?

Sometimes, when a dentist detects problems with the TMJ, or there is excessive teeth grinding or clenching, TMD may be the prognosis and various treatments can be applied, including a TMJ appliance. An appliance can help by relieving some of the pressure on the joints or by realigning the bite so that symptoms are reduced. A standard appliance acts like a splint to stabilize the joint. They are sometimes called bite guards or plates and can be worn all day or just at night; this will be prescribed by your dentist. When wearing the appliance, the teeth are help in their most correct position and cannot come completely together, preventing the grinding or clenching that often leads to headaches and popping. If you’re looking for a TMJ Appliance in Boston, look no further that our office!

Does it help?

Many benefits come from wearing a TMJ appliance, including reduced pain, less pressure, and more relaxed jaw muscles. When teeth are no longer able to be pressed together, less damage will be assessed and fewer problems will occur down the road. Appliances are always removable, so eating and oral hygiene should take place as usual. Just make sure that you are brushing and flossing to avoid other oral problems!

If TMJ is interfering in your daily activities, like eating and drinking, laughing or speaking, and you are looking for TMJ treatment in Boston, then schedule an appointment today to come visit with one of our experts to have your questions answered. We’d love to talk to you about your options.

Common Questions about the Pinhole Surgical Technique

March 20th, 2018 by | No Comments

When you think about healthy gums, be sure and consider the gum line and how to use the proper techniques to keep it from receding. However, when gums recede or when gum disease takes hold, your Boston Periodontist, Dr. Guzman, is an expert with The Pinhole Surgical Technique and can help restore a healthy gum line to your smile. Let’s answer a few questions to help you decide if the pinhole technique is right for you.

What is The Pinhole Surgical Technique?


Let’s learn from Dr. John Chao who invented this procedure and taught it to Dr. Gusman. The pinhole surgical technique was developed to help restore gum lines by rearranging the existing gum tissue through a hole the size of a pin. A tiny instrument is used to push healthy and newer gum tissue down toward the teeth.

Is Gum Recession That Serious?

If your gums recede too far, the sensitive part of the tooth begins to be exposed. This leads to discomfort at first, but also can lead to tooth decay or gum decay. The risk of much more serious problems along your gum line and the roots of your teeth increases significantly!

What’s The Process?

A very small needle is used to make a tiny hole in the gums near the damage. Special instruments are then used to loosen some of the surrounding tissue, rearranging it to cover some exposed areas of the tooth. What makes this technique so appealing and effective is its lack of being as invasive as traditional gum grafting. No incisions and no sutures are needed! With no open wounds, discomfort and recovery are minimal, but each patient is different and directions from your dentist should be followed.

What’s The Recovery Time?

The time it takes for the procedure itself depends on the number of places that need the technique, but generally it takes between one and two hours for a procedure. Recovery time will be determined by Dr. Guzman, but is usually minimal. As far as the effects of the procedure, it should last as long as it is well taken care of. With good oral hygiene, the results can last many years!

Will This Cure My Gum Disease?

No, but it can give you a healthier gum line. The gum disease must be treated beforehand.

Are There Risks?

There is no more risk with The Pinhole Surgical Technique than any other simple dental procedure.

Schedule An Appointment

Schedule an appointment online or call us today to learn more about the pinhole surgical technique. Our goal is to help you get back that healthy smile you’re meant to have!

Cosmetic Dentistry Isn’t Just About Your Health

March 13th, 2018 by | No Comments

Smiling Woman who knows how to floss her teeth
Cosmetic dentistry is often thought of as a perfect solution for anyone hoping for a smile makeover to improve their appearance. While cosmetic dentistry is used to improve your appearance, it is often used to improve your overall oral health. Cosmetic dentistry allows someone with missing teeth to have them restored through dental bridges while others finally have the ability to speak again thanks to new dental crowns. If you need a Boston cosmetic dentist, now is the time to visit Dental Partners of Boston for a consultation. Cosmetic dentistry does provide life-changing procedures. Here are just a few things you can expect from effective cosmetic dentistry services:

Prevent Dental Damage

Several cosmetic dentistry procedures are designed to prevent additional dental problems. If you have a tooth that has become badly infected, requiring large dental fillings, that tooth can be at-risk for serious infections. Replacing the fillings with a dental crown is a great way to protect the root of the tooth from additional damage. A dental crown is designed to cover the root of the tooth, allowing you to maintain the aesthetic look for your smile.

Preventing Dentures

If you have teeth extractions, you already know the frustrations that can come along with that. Extractions leave large holes in your smile, making it hard to eat, talk, and even smile. Some people cannot afford dental implants, and are not interested in dentures. A dental bridge is a great way to restore your smile by using the bridge anchored to two healthy teeth, and providing you with a replacement tooth and a restored smile.

Improved Speech

Cosmetic dentistry allows several benefits for individuals dealing with speech problems. Using cosmetic dentistry, we can fix gaps between teeth. Gaps can often cause speech problems as it changes the sound when you press your tongue against the teeth while talking. Cosmetic dentistry can change the shape and size of a tooth, which can impact your speech. Proper alignment of teeth can alter speech as well, increasing the overall impact that cosmetic dentistry does provide.

Fixing Cracked Teeth To Prevent Painful Dental Procedures

A small hairline crack in a tooth might not sound like a large issue, but left untreated it can be a massive problem. A little crack can cause bacteria and plaque to buildup and lead to infection within the dentin. If the dentin is compromised, it can easily lead to several oral health problems. Root canals and extractions are the most invasive treatments that can be prevented with early intervention once the crack presents itself. Call Dental Partners of Boston today to schedule an appointment and gain more information about our Boston cosmetic dentistry services.

What are Dental Veneers?

March 5th, 2018 by | No Comments

There are many ways to whiten your teeth in Boston.
The right dental veneers are a quick way to a beautiful smile. But what are veneers and why should you get them? Veneers are the perfect treatment for people with teeth that are stained, chipped, or have gaps between teeth. When deciding to get dental veneers it’s important that you have the right information which you can get from an appointment with one of our Boston Dentists.

What Exactly Are Dental Veneers?

A veneer is a thin piece of porcelain laminate used to recreate the natural look of teeth. It also provides strength and flexibility comparable to the natural tooth enamel. They are custom made to the shape of your teeth and are bonded to your tooth’s original enamel during procedures that take place in our office.  Dental veneers are designed to slide right over your own teeth and are a very unobtrusive treatment option. They are also one of the most popular cosmetic options today for those with discoloration of their teeth or damaged teeth that affect the appearance of their smile. Dental ceramics are the most modern and anticipated material for dental veneers. They are the strongest material and have the best bonding properties. Our cosmetic dentist in Boston is experienced and has high standards of care so you know you are in the best hands when receiving your dental veneers.

What Are The Benefits of Having Dental Veneers?

  1. Long Lasting Solution– Veneers can last as long as 10-15 year with the right upkeep.
  2. Strength– Porcelain veneers are made from a strong and durable material, so you can continue to enjoy your favorite foods without worry.
  3. Customized– The veneers will be handcrafted to fit your individual teeth.
  4. Natural-Looking Results– They are specifically made to match your natural tooth color.
  5. Simple Procedure– Placement can be complete in just a few visits.
  6. Stain-Resistant– Porcelain veneers are resistant to staining so you can maintain your brilliant pearly whites while still enjoying coffee, tea, and other products.
  7. Cosmetic Benefits– They improve teeth that are cracked, chipped, broken, discolored, widely spaced or misaligned. Veneers are entirely used for cosmetic purposes and placed on the front and visible teeth.
  8. No Recovery– Once procedure is complete you can leave immediately and carry on with everyday activities.
  9. Can Be Combined With Other Treatments– Tooth whitening treatment can be added as a finishing touch for your new beautiful smile.
  10. Increased Confidence– That improved smile can help you feel more confident about yourself, inside and out.

You cannot put a price on how veneers can improve that smile and quality of life. With a friendly staff and very little recovery time you can be on your way to that amazing smile that you’ve dreamed of. Looking to improve that smile with dental veneers in the Boston area? Call our office today to schedule an appointment.

How Does LANAP Gum Treatment Work?

February 28th, 2018 by | No Comments

Pinhole Surgical Technique
Are you dealing with serious gum disease? Currently, 65 million Americans are currently dealing with some form of gum disease. Prompt treatment is beneficial for gum disease as it will continue to worsen until the teeth become loose and can fall out.

What is Gum Disease Treatment?

Gum disease is commonly referred to as periodontal disease and needs to be cared for by a professional. There are several effective gum disease treatments to consider. Laser gum disease treatment is one of the most popular treatments on the market as it heals quickly and effectively treats the problem areas.

What is LANAP?

LANAP is short for Laser-Assisted-New-Attachment-Procedure, which is an advanced gum disease treatment with the use of laser technology. Patients seeking LANAP treatment often use it once their gum disease has worsened to the point that traditional tooth cleaning will be unable to reverse. At Dental Partners of Boston, we specialize in LANAP treatment. Dr. Guzman is certified in the procedure and has effectively treated thousands of patients.

How Does LANAP work?

LANAP treatment allows Dr. Guzman to remove infected gum tissue without needing to cut the gums and stitch them back together. Instead, we use a PerioLase MVP-7 laser to treat the infected gum tissue that has started separating from your tooth root. Any calculus deposits are cleaned and removed by an ultrasonic scaler. Once all the bacteria is removed, the laser will clean the area again and the healthy gum tissue will naturally begin regenerating. Typically, patients experience minimal discomfort and find their healing time is significantly shorter from traditional flap surgery and other gum disease treatments.

Why Consider LANAP?

If you have gum disease problems, LANAP treatment in Boston is one of the most effective treatments to treat and reverse gum disease. There are multiple advantages to LANAP including:

  • No cutting and stitches required
  • Full-mouth in-office treatment in one treatment
  • Faster recovery time
  • Improved success rate from traditional gum surgery
  • Improved success rate for bone regeneration

Laser periodontal treatment provides excellent benefits for patients dealing with gum disease. Since gum disease is prevalent, effective treatment is essential to protect the teeth and gums from additional damage. Dr. Guzman can repair gums and will be able to protect your teeth by using LANAP to aid in cleaning the gums and teeth from the bacteria in the mouth. To learn more about LANAP and our gum disease treatment options, contact Dental Partners of Boston today to schedule an appointment.

Why Do Dental Implants Have A High Success Rate?

February 15th, 2018 by | No Comments

Can you Keep Your Wisdom Teeth?
Out of all the dental procedures currently performed, none can match the success rate of dental implants. Dental implants boast a high success rate, 98% to be exact. What makes dental implants one of the most successful procedures currently performed? Here are some things you need to know about dental implants and what type of success rate you can expect.

Why Are Dental Implants Successful?

Dental implants are designed to be long-lasting. Using titanium, the implant itself fuses with the jawbone, making it secured and stronger than other dental procedures like root canals and crowns alone. Dental implant success rates have been studied for the past 50 years with positive results. Bridges and root-canaled teeth can fail over the years of traditional wear and tear. The lifespan of a healthy dental bridge is only 10 years, which is significantly less time than a dental implant. Here are some of the reasons you should consider dental implants:

  • Dental implants success rates do not decrease
  • Dental bridges success rate decline rapidly after 10 years
  • Dental implants can be cared for like your traditional teeth, allowing them to last longer

What Do Dental Implants Provide?

With dental implants, you will be able to see a drastic difference in your appearance. Dental implants will look and feel like your own teeth, making it feel that your smile is still intact. Dental implants will improve your appearance, speech, eating, confidence, and overall self-esteem.

Dental implants are safe and effective and ideal for individuals seeking a permanent solution for missing teeth. The body will accept or tolerate titanium implants, but they need to bond properly to be considered to a long-term solution for missing teeth. The overall success rate of dental implants will be based on the way it heals with your body, and your overall health and well-being.  Dental implants are successful when the patient’s health is in good condition and having them performed by a periodontist.

Mandible dental implants are the implants on the lower jaw. The location of these implants is generally stronger and easier for an implant to be successful. The upper dental implants have a harder time working successfully because they are close to the sinus passages, which can be weaker in terms of bone density.

The surgery itself requires the work of a skilled dental implant specialist in Boston. Failure to have the right doctor performing the surgery can increase the risk of the dental implant failing. Schedule a consultation with Dental Partners of Boston today!

Periodontics and the Pinhole Surgical Technique

February 9th, 2018 by | No Comments

As we age, it is natural for the gums to start receding. Gum recession can cause self-esteem issues to occur as receding gums do tend to age your appearance. Why do the gums recede and what can be done about it? For serious gum recession issues, patients need to visit a Boston Periodontist to determine the best course of action to take. Dr. Guzman specializes in gum disease treatment and will be able to find the best treatment method for your situation.

Why Do Gums Recede?

Age does play a factor in gum recession, but it is also caused from other lifestyle factors including smoking, eating, and drinking. Hereditary conditions and health conditions can lead to weakened gum tissue, causing recession. One treatment to consider is the pinhole surgical technique.

What Is the Pinhole Surgical Technique?

Traditional gum surgery involved cutting and stitching the gums back together to pull them back over the teeth into the proper position. The painful procedure not only caused many patients pain, it required grafting from other tissue of the mouth, leading to additional pain and healing time. The pinhole surgical technique has improved upon this surgery by reducing the healing time and the pain. In fact, we like to say this surgery is the opposite of the old gum grafting surgery! Dr. Guzman specializes in pinhole surgery providing patients with excellent outcomes. Here are some of the benefits you will experience from pinhole surgery:

  • Minimal discomfort. Unlike gum grafting, pinhole surgery does not require grafting. There is minimal invasion with pinhole surgery as the existing gum tissue is simply shifted into the desired position.
  • Faster Recovery time. Pinhole surgery will have patients back to their daily routine quicker. Most patients can eat and drink normally after about one day. There is no cutting or suturing, so you won’t have the frustrating healing time like you do with other oral procedures.
  • Permanent. Pinhole surgery is a permanent solution to gum recession. While some patients can see slight changes over the years due to genetics, most patients will see positive results over their lifetime.

What to Expect

The pinhole surgery lasts approximately 2 hours for 1-3 teeth based on the severity of your gum recession. To provide an accurate estimate, we recommend contacting our office to schedule a consultation. Dr. Guzman will evaluate your gum recession problem and determine how your treatment will go. Patients may need multiple visits, but Dr. Guzman will be able to give you the proper determination on the entire process.

During the visit, Dr. Guzman will numb the area where he needs to work. The procedure is minimally invasive so patients are normally comfortable during and after the procedure. There is no surgery or stitches to worry about, so the overall at-home recovery only involves gentle brushing of the top of your teeth and no flossing or intense brushing for at least a day or two. Contact our office to discuss the pinhole surgical technique in Boston and finally be proud to share your smile again!

How Can Sedation Dentistry Help Me?

February 3rd, 2018 by | No Comments

A woman who is having sedation to help ease her nervousness at the dentist
Everyone gets nervous when going to the dentist office. Sometimes we remember a traumatic experience we had when we were kids, other times we fear the procedure that we may have. Sometimes the thought of stepping foot in to the dentist office is worse than the tooth pain itself. At time maybe the anxiety is too much that it makes our whole body tense up. Whatever the reason we may be having dental anxiety is very real and can be hard to overcome alone. Sedation dentistry at our Boston dental practice can be the solution you have been looking for and can help you to keep calm during your dental visit. Sedation dentistry uses different forms of medication to help patients relax so a dental procedure can be performed.

Levels of Sedation

There are different levels of sedation that you need to be aware of so you may understand which is best for you.

Minimal Sedation– you are awake and aware but relaxed.

Moderate Sedation– you are conscious and may slur your words while speaking. You may or may not remember much of the procedure.

Deep Sedation– you are right on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened.

General Anesthesia– you are completely unconscious.

Types of Sedation

The following types of sedation are used in dental sedation. We will sit down with you individually to see what solution works best with the fears or concerns you may have.

Inhaled minimal sedation. You will breathe in nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) combined with oxygen through a mask that is placed over your nose. This gas helps you to relax and can be controlled by your dentist and you usually can communicate with them as needed.

Oral sedation. This can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation you would take a pill, in the same drug family as Valium and would usually be take an hour before the procedure. It will make you drowsy but you will still be awake. A larger dose may be given to yield a moderate level of sedation. This is the most common form of sedation dentistry.

IV moderate sedation. In this form of sedation you would receive the sedative drug through a vein. This way it would go to work more quickly. This method allows the dentist to adjust the level of sedation as needed.

Deep sedation and general anesthesia. This method allows you to have medication that will make you either almost unconscious or totally unconscious (deeply asleep) during the procedure.

We Can Help!

Sedation Dentistry is not for everyone. Those with a real anxiety or fear that is preventing them from going to the dentist is the best suited for these types of sedation. However it may also be appropriate for individuals who:

-have a low pain threshold

-have a gag reflex

-can’t sit still in the dental chair

-have sensitive teeth

-need a large amount of dental work done

Other needs may arise where sedation is needed. We know this and are sensitive to our patients and will work with you to help you in any way we can.  

Whatever the concern or need may be we will sit down with you personally to help figure out what is the best solution for you or the loved one you care about. We care how you feel and we want you to have the best experience possible. We want you to be comfortable and your needs are important to us. Schedule an appointment today!  

Why Should I Go to a Specialist for Dental Implants?

January 30th, 2018 by | No Comments

Dental Implants can bring you a new smile. Available at Dental Partners of Boston
Patients should be cautious when considering hiring a dentist for dental implants.

At the Dental Partners of Boston, our dental implant specialists are specially trained.  After graduating as dentists, our specialists each attended an additional three to four years in a hospital-based residency program.  In other words, our Periodontist Dr. Guzman have received formal training and education – including in surgery and anesthesia – significantly greater than a general dentist.  Specialists with this type of training are the only surgical specialists recognized by the American Dental Association.

Many people have a problem when searching for dental implant services: it is technically legal for a dentist to perform this type of surgery.  If a patient is not careful, he or she could fall victim to an undertrained dentist who is willing to perform this service, but will often be unprepared for the risks and complications that could arise.  When hiring a general dentist instead of a dental implant specialist, patients run a real risk of having service performed below their standards.  This sometimes results in misdiagnosis, painful surgery, and surgical complications.

Often, dentists take an abbreviated surgical training course that lasts from one to three days.  If this is the case, the dentist certainly hasn’t been prepared to predict, diagnose, and treat potential complications.

On the other hand, our Boston dental implant specialists keep patients in safe hands.  During their three to four years residency training, substantial focus was placed on anticipating, diagnosing and treating complications.  During their programs, our specialists routinely treated strange and complex cases, which are often never seen in a dentist’s private practice.  This level of expertise ensures safety, and quality.

Dental Implants replacing missing teeth available at Dental Partners of Boston
When performed by the right person, dental implants are very successful, and complications are rare. However, if there is ever a surgical complication, the experience of a dental implant specialist provides a level of safety and comfort that a dentist with far less training and experience could never provide.

Often, a general dentist will recommend receiving dental implants.  If this is the case, patients should make sure they receive service from a dental implant specialist.  Here are some important questions they should ask:

  •         How many surgical training courses has the dentist taken?  How long was each course?
  •         How many courses has the dentist taken specifically on the management of complications?
  •         How long has the dentist been placing implants?
  •         How many implants does the dentist place per year?

While these are good questions for identifying a dental professional, you can know you are in safe hands with the Dental Partners of Boston.  If you are considering dental implants, schedule an Appointment with us today!