What Can I Eat With Dental Implants?

February 12th, 2020 by | No Comments

At Dental Partners of Boston, we’ve seen first hand the life-changing impact that dental implants can have on patients. Dental Implants are a wonderful way to replace missing, broken or damaged teeth and restore confidence to your smile. They look like real teeth and feel natural. They are also incredibly long-lasting and durable.

But there is a common question many patients have. What Can I Eat?  Adjusting to life after getting a dental implant can require some getting used to. Your affected teeth and surrounding gums are likely to be tender for a little while and prone to soreness. The kinds of food that you used to love may be challenging for you to eat for a little while after your surgery.

While your dental implants will soon feel as natural to you as your natural teeth, it can really aid your recovery if you know which foods are safe to eat and which to avoid as they are healing. It can prevent irritation of the gums while also helping you to enjoy your new smile without discomfort or irritation.

What Can I Eat With Dental Implants?

Let’s take a look at the best foods to eat following Dental Implant surgery:

  • Soft Fruits & Vegetables
    Not only do soft fruits and vegetables prevent irritation of your gums when you chew, but they are also full of the essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs to heal. Especially vitamin C which helps to encourage the body’s production of collagen which is necessary to heal damaged tissue quickly and thoroughly. Mangoes, peaches, and pears are good examples of soft fruits to eat while veggies should be steamed to give them a softer texture without diminishing nutrient content the way boiling can.
  • Protein Sources
    Our whole bodies are protein-based so it makes sense that we should eat plenty of protein while recovering from Tooth Implant surgery. Think soft cottage cheese, plant-based proteins like peas, baked beans or tofu, and scrambled eggs. Fish should be poached and checked thoroughly for bones. Meat should be sufficiently tenderized prior to eating.
  • Green Leafy Veggies
    While we tend to assume that dairy products are the best source of calcium, there are actually lots of plants that are high in calcium so vegans and the lactose intolerant can breathe a sigh of relief. Green leafy veggies like kale and spinach are also fantastic calcium sources as well as being high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Whether you steam them, fry them or blend them into a smoothie, eating your greens can hasten recovery while also going easy on your teeth.
  • Oatmeal
    Oats are a complex carbohydrate meaning that they release their energy slowly throughout the day. This is why they’re a perfect breakfast food. A bowl of soft oatmeal can be easy on your teeth while adding yogurt and soft fruits can help you add a little more protein, vitamins, and minerals to the bowl.
  • Pasta
    Quick, easy and versatile, pasta can be a great go-to if you need something that’s fast to cook but easy on your teeth. Mix it up with whatever sauces you like and even add some slices of meat and veggies… just make sure that these are cooked to be as soft as possible.

Schedule An Appointment Today!

You certainly don’t need to spend weeks on a liquid diet when you’re getting used to your dental implants! If you are interested in dental implants in Boston and want to know more then schedule an appointment with Dental Partners of Boston today! Our Boston dentists are happy to help improve your smile!  

Dental Veneers vs Inlays and Onlays

February 6th, 2020 by | No Comments

There are so many different dental treatments available for people today. It can almost seem impossible to know where to begin when it comes to selecting the right dental treatment. Luckily, you have experienced dentists who will assess the damage and make their expert recommendations. However, you may want to know why we recommend a specific type of treatment and not something else that you may have read about or heard about from one of your friends. With that in mind, we are going to take a look at veneers, as well as inlays and onlays, giving you a better understanding of each treatment and when it is appropriate. 

One thing that all three of these treatments have in common is the fact that they are cemented to the existing tooth structure of the patient, using a bonding material. They involve different approaches, and a recommendation from your dentist will be provided based on where the tooth is and the type of damage.

Veneers

Let’s begin by taking a look at veneers. Veneers are placed on your front teeth, known as the smile zone. They will usually be used to address minor issues in terms of tooth shape or shade. They are regularly produced in a dental lab and are made of porcelain. Veneers can look very similar to natural teeth because of their translucent quality. They can last anywhere from ten to 20 years, so long as you look after them properly. 

Onlays

Next, we have dental onlays. They are used on the back teeth for treating issues that are linked to tooth decay. They are made with ceramics, composite resin, or gold. They are used to fill the inner portion of the tooth’s chewing surface, plus at least one cusp of the tooth. They can be created by using either the direct or indirect method. They can last as long as 30 years, and you may also hear them referred to as a partial crown.

Inlays

Finally, we have dental inlays. This procedure can be done on the back teeth of the lower jaw or the upper jaw. They are similar to onlays. However, the difference is in regards to where they are placed. They can last for as much as 30 years, and they are also made from ceramics, composite resin, or gold. They can be used on the back teeth of the upper jaw and also the lower jaw. 

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the three different treatment options. They all serve different purposes and can be helpful in different scenarios. This is why a consultation with your dentist is always the most critical part. He or she will be able to assess the damage to your teeth and then make their expert recommendations regarding which solution is going to be right for you. 

What Does A Boston Periodontist Do?

January 29th, 2020 by | No Comments

Your teeth go through a lot, and so do your gums. You will need to take care of them to ensure that you have a happy and healthy mouth in your lifetime. Here at Dental Partners of Boston, we have periodontists, gum disease specialists, who can help treat gum issues if they arise. 

At the Dental Partners of Boston, with a wide range of periodontist services and years of experience for you, we aim to ensure all of your gum disease troubles and treatment needs are met. We have the tools and the technology to help you through these times, and to help you leave our offices safe in the knowledge that your mouth is healthy. 

Recognizing The Symptoms Of Gum Disease

Gum disease has many symptoms, with bleeding gums being the most obvious and common of them all. But if you experience any of the following alongside it, be sure to get in touch with us as soon as possible: 

  • Red and swollen gums
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Receding gums
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Pain when chewing

A we are here to ensure that you will not have to cope with these symptoms for long. There are many advanced gum treatments offered by our dentist group, to catch gum disease in its early stages, and ensure it does not progress into something more physical and dangerous for your health. 

Treating Gum Disease

In order to treat gum disease, many different and various treatments have been developed for both mild and serious cases. 

Most commonly, a root planing and scaling treatment will be used to eradicate gum disease before it can cause any real damage. However, surgical treatments also exist, for anyone suffering with further stages of gum disease that have worked down to the bone – these include soft tissue grafting and bone grafting. 

There is also a non-invasive option known as LANAP, in which a laser is used to eradicate deeper stages of gum disease from a patient’s mouth. It is much less invasive than gum grafting and has a shorter healing time. We determine if a course of laser treatments is best for your situation, and our doctors are always willing to answer questions.

What’s Involved In Your Periodontal Appointment

Your periodontist will work quickly to evaluate your needs. If you are suffering with gum disease issues, a deep cleaning below the gumline may be required – in a mild case of gum disease, this will be enough to eradicate the bacteria present. 

When you come in for your first appointment with us, one of our excellent periodontists, such as Dr. Guzman, will test the pockets in your gums, to ensure bone loss has not occurred, and there are no other complications to deal with. Once this examination is complete, we will then work on a plan together, to ensure treatment is right for you. 

Get In Touch

The Dental Partners of Boston offer some of the best periodontist services in the area, so you’ll be in safe hands with us. Be sure to get in touch to schedule an appointment, so we can help you preserve your teeth and gums.

What Is A Denture Reline?

January 22nd, 2020 by | No Comments

Have you got existing dentures? Maybe you are considering getting some soon to resolve a few dental issues? During your research on the subject of dentures, you will have no doubt come across a term known as a “denture reline.”

You may also be wondering whether this is likely to apply to you. In any case, we at Dental Partners of Boston would like to talk about denture reline Boston treatments and how they might apply to your teeth. Here is what you need to know:

The need for a denture reline

When it comes to denture reline treatments, it’s important you understand why you might need them and how they get carried out. Of course, as a professional team of dental experts, you can depend on Dental Partners of Boston to give you a comprehensive rundown of denture relines during your appointments, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.

For the purposes of this article, let’s first discuss why you might need a denture reline treatment. In a nutshell, a denture reline is a form of cosmetic dental restorative work that aims to bridge the gaps between two or more missing teeth. As you might expect, dentures offer certain benefits like an enhanced dental appearance and improved oral health.

But, dentures will sometimes need readjusting to ensure high comfort levels and to eradicate pain caused by sore spots. Instead of getting a completely new set of dentures, the goal of denture reline treatment is to modify your existing dentures so they offer a better fit on your teeth and gums.

Denture relines are more cost-effective than having brand new dentures made up. Plus, a denture reline is a quick and straightforward process. Contact us to book an appointment today to find out how a denture reline could improve your existing dentures.

The three types of denture relines

If the dentist you meet with recommends a denture reline treatment, you should know that there are three distinct types available. The one that he or she will recommend to you will depend on your individual circumstances.

The first type, a “soft” denture reline, is a form of temporary denture realignment. The process is ideal for patients who perhaps have new dentures and are finding they can’t wear them because of tender gums.

Secondly, we have “hard” denture relines. This is where a more permanent solution gets proposed for your dentures. We at Dental Partners of Boston advise our patients to have hard denture relines if it’s been a while since they last saw us about their dentures. The treatment ensures that each patient’s dentures are still a perfect, pain-free fit.

Last, but not least, we have “temporary” denture relines. We recommend this option to patients that have had the same dentures for several years and are experiencing a lot of pain and raised gums. The temporary dentures contain medicated materials to ease the swelling while offering a pliable layer between gums, teeth, and dentures.

Do you need denture relines?

If you feel you might need denture relines, please request an appointment for a consultation today.

What Is A Smile Makeover?

January 17th, 2020 by | No Comments

Your smile is one of the first things a person will notice about you. It brightens your countenance and represents a portion of your personality. Your teeth are crucial for eating and chewing, of course, but they’re also an aesthetic factor when you look in the mirror in the morning. If you feel less than confident about your smile, you can contact us to schedule a consultation about getting a full smile makeover. 

As dentists here in Boston, we aim to make a full smile makeover accessible to anyone who wants to smile wide and laugh freely, without a care in the world about showing off their teeth. A smile makeover really can help you to gain your smiling confidence back, and ensure you’re living life to the fullest. 

What’s Involved In A Smile Makeover?

A smile makeover takes into account a lot of aesthetic factors, mostly your face shape, hair color, and your skin tone. We will take your natural tooth factors into account too: the length of them, the size and shape, as well as the natural shade of them. 

The dentist will work closely with you to determine what it is about your smile that you don’t like, and what you would like to alter and improve the most. Some of the most common worries and changes are: 

  • Maybe your teeth are discolored? Teeth whitening, as well as tooth colored fillings, can be used to buff your teeth’s natural color, and replace darkened amalgam fillings that you’re self conscious about. 
  • Maybe your teeth are crooked or overlap in places? Dental veneers can be used to straighten them. 
  • Maybe you’re missing teeth? Implants or dentures can be used to fill the gaps, to bring health and balance back to your smile. 

Looking After Your New Smile

Once your smile makeover has been completed, you will need to modify or change your oral hygiene habits to better maintain the results. There are some common changes required: 

  • You may need to start using non-abrasive toothpaste, to ensure you don’t scratch or mark your teeth. You might also need to brush three times a day. 
  • You may also need to floss on a more regular basis. If you have veneers fitted, the best way to maintain gum health is to use floss to clean in between them. 
  • It would also be best to avoid foods high in sugar, and aim to cut down on snacks in between meals. This ensures that the possibility for developing cavities is kept to a minimum. 

Contact Us Today! 

No matter what or why you want a smile makeover, we can sit down and discuss your options with you. We’re one of the best dental associations in the area, which means we know how to get results, and have the technology on hand to bring them about fast. So get in touch with us, to talk about your smiling needs and how we can help you achieve them.

How To Stop Bleeding Gums

January 7th, 2020 by | No Comments

If you brush your teeth and notice blood in the sink or on the toothbrush, you probably assume that your gums have been agitated by your brushing and the bleeding is a normal part of taking care of your oral health. At times, this may be the simple case, but if it happens frequently it’s a sign that your gums may not be as healthy as you think. 

What Causes Bleeding Gums? 

The presence of bacteria in a patient’s mouth can cause their gums to start bleeding. This bacteria feeds on food and sugar residue left over in your mouth after eating, and the bacteria’s waste left behind causes inflammation in the gums. When your gums are constantly irritated in this way, your immune system tries to fight the invading bacterial infection. 

A continuous cycle of this process leads to sustained inflammation, and this damage to the tissue of your gums themselves. Over time, in addition to bleeding gums, you will notice plaque and eventually tartar building up on your teeth at the gum line, which is a white, hard substance that requires professional cleaning to remove.

Come For A Dental Checkup

If your gums do bleed frequently, the first thing to do is to contact us for an exam. We’ll take a look at the health of your gums, take x-rays of your mouth, and by making a check-up a priority, we’ll be able to catch any concerns early and recommend necessary treatment, starting with a cleaning. We can also discuss ways you can add to or change your oral hygiene habits to help fight off the bacteria and ensure it has no room to collect again. 

Oral Hygiene At Home

Once you’re out of the office and home again, you’ll need to keep up with the plan you and your dentist put together. You may need to change your teeth brushing technique, as well as pick up a soft bristled brush to ensure you’re not doing harm to the sensitive gum tissue. 

Use a circular motion to brush your teeth, and use a pea sized blob of toothpaste on your brush. Bacteria lurks in all areas of the mouth, so including your tongue in your brushing routine, the roof of your mouth, and the insides of your cheeks, will help remove it.

Follow up with an anti-cavity mouthwash.

Reduce how much and how often you expose your teeth to harmful foods like sugar and soda. Bacteria flourishes on the sweet residue left behind on your teeth.

Schedule An Appointment Today!

Thankfully, here in Boston, we’re an experienced dental group that will consult with you and   show you how to stop your gums from bleeding, and lay all of your gum disease worries to rest. Be sure to schedule an appointment with us soon.

What Is A Dental Crown?

January 3rd, 2020 by | No Comments

If you have a damaged or decayed tooth, your Boston dentist may recommend that you receive a “dental crown.” 

But what is a dental crown, exactly? And how can it help you restore your smile? 

What Is A Dental Crown? 

The crown is the part of your teeth that lies above the gumline. It is the section that you can see when you open your mouth. 

If you look closely at each tooth, you’ll see that it looks a little like a crown, with pieces of enamel spiking up around the edge. 

When dentists refer to a “dental crown,” however, they’re not usually referring to a natural crown. Instead, they typically mean a synthetic version – a man-made replacement that looks similar to the original. 

Boston dentists apply dental crowns in two ways. Either they fix them onto the original root of the tooth or thread them onto an artificial root implant. The purpose is to replace a natural crown that is either decayed or damaged in some other way. 

How Do Boston Dentists Place A Crown? 

We use the following process to install crowns in patients’ mouths: 

  • 1: X-ray. The first step is to x-ray the mouth to see the extent of damage to the tooth and whether any of the surrounding teeth require treatment. X-rays show both the crown of the tooth and the root beneath the gum line, giving the dentists a better view of the overall state of the teeth. 
  • 2: Numb The Tooth. The next step is to numb the teeth and gums before applying the crown with an anesthetic.
  • 3: Filing And Shaping The Tooth. To fit the new crown, your Boston dentist must file and shape the existing tooth. If the root is an implant post, then the dentist skips this stage. 
  • 4: Placing The Crown. Once the tooth is the right shape, the Boston dentist applies the crown. The crown is either cemented to the tooth or attached to the implanted post. 

How Long Does A Dental Crown Last? 

Crowns are a semi-permanent dental treatment, designed to return normal functionality to the mouth and teeth. Most last for upwards of fifteen years, if looked after correctly. 

It is not uncommon for crowns to last longer than that. Many people receive porcelain crowns that last twenty or even thirty years before requiring a replacement. 

How Do You Care For A Dental Crown? 

Unlike regular teeth, dental crowns do not decay. However, they still require regular maintenance, just like ordinary teeth. You should brush your dental crowns twice per day with fluoride toothpaste, paying particular attention to the area around the gum line. You should also be relatively gentle when you brush to protect the porcelain material as well as the rest of your teeth. 

Schedule An Appointment Today

Overall, porcelain crowns are one of the best ways to restore function to damaged or decayed teeth. If you are in need of a dental crown then schedule your first consultation today! We look forward to helping you improve your smile

What Is Zoom! Teeth Whitening?

December 30th, 2019 by | No Comments

Teeth whitening is the most common form of cosmetic dentistry by a considerable distance as millions of patients undergo professional treatments each year. There are several methods to complete the procedures, and Zoom! Teeth Whitening is an extremely effective solution.

What is Zoom! Teeth Whitening?

Zoom! treatments are a type of teeth whitening procedure that are completed through bleaching processes. Their aim is to restore the appearance of a naturally white smile by undoing the cosmetic impacts of enamel and dentin discoloration, which may have been caused from certain drinks (tea, coffee, red wine), smoking, or the signs of aging.

It is a highly popular treatment choice due to the high success rates, speed of treatment, instant results, and competitive pricing. While it is very safe for adults, it is not suitable for children under 13 due to bleaching agents and the fact that they are still developing.

How Are Zoom! Teeth Whitening Procedures Completed?

Zoom! Teeth Whitening treatments are completed in a single session, meaning that the entire procedure can be completed in just one hour. The bleaching can produce instant transformations, although it can take 48 hours for the peak results to show.

The treatment itself is completed in several stages:

  • Cleaning of the teeth to ensure all tooth surfaces are free from obstructions.
  • Preparations of the treatment area are completed to cover the gums but leave the teeth exposed, ensuring that the whitening agents only hit the tooth and do not damage the mouth.
  • A specialized Zoom! hydrogen peroxide whitening gel is applied to the teeth.
  • Your Boston dentist shines light from the specialized Zoom! Advanced Power Chairside Lamp onto the gels to activate the 25 percent hydrogen peroxide whitening, which breaks down the stains by allowing oxygen to enter the enamel and dentin.
  • Light treatment is used over three 15-minute sessions, giving a total treatment o 45 minutes. 
  • After the treatment, the dentist applies a gel to reduce sensitivity within the tooth.

The treatment does not alter the tooth structure in any shape or form.

Is Zoom! Tooth Whitening The Right Option?

Zoom! Tooth Whitening is a very popular treatment choice, but Dental Partners Of Boston are committed to ensuring all patients find the best solution for their individual needs. A comprehensive examination of the teeth and gums, alongside discussions about lifestyle and oral hygiene habits, as well as your budget, enables all patients to make a calculated decision.

It is also an opportunity for our Boston dentsts to investigate previous dental work such as crowns and veneers to confirm that Zoom! whitening is a suitable solution. Following the completion of the treatment, the use of a Zoom! home-use touch-up kit will ensure that the results are built to last. Aftercare additionally extends to tips on daily nutritional and hygiene habits. Schedule your Zoom! teeth whitening appointment today!

Which Condition Is The Earliest Stage of Periodontal Disease?

December 26th, 2019 by | No Comments

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a term that covers a range of conditions linked to inflammation of the tissues surrounding your teeth and is experienced by millions of people. This oral health condition can lead to serious issues including lost teeth and infections that spread to other parts of the body, but it isn’t one that surfaces overnight. Familiarizing yourself with the early signs is the most effective way to avoid the dangers that come with serious cases.

Gingivitis: The Earliest Stage of Periodontal Disease

The mildest form of gum disease is known as gingivitis, a condition that is believed to effect around one in two people at some stage in their lives. While the negative impacts are largely associated with one’s appearance, rather than pain, early cases can go unnoticed. Leaving the issue untreated will lead to severe cases of periodontitis. This is the stage where tooth loss and other major troubles can develop.

Gingivitis can affect anybody at any stage of life, but the likelihood can be elevated by several issues including;

  • Ethnicity
  • Pregnancy,
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Age
  • Reduced immunity
  • Poor nutrition
  • Some medication
  • Misaligned teeth
  • Problematic mouth appliances

While all of these issues, as well as hormonal changes, can play a role, the biggest culprit behind gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. When plaque isn’t effectively removed from the tooth surface, it hardens into tartar, which will inflame the gums  due to harmful bacteria and toxins. Infection will soon follow.

Gingivitis: Symptoms & Prevention

Periodontitis is likely to generate pain and discomfort, but gingivitis often goes undetected by sufferers due to a lack of those symptoms. Nonetheless, there are several key indicators that suggest the presence of gingivitis. They include;

  • Gum bleeding when brushing
  • Swollen gums
  • Redness of the gums
  • Gum tenderness
  • Mouth sores
  • Bad breath

Most of those issues can be associated with other conditions too. Nonetheless, gingivitis is one of the more common sources, which is why any of those symptoms should be seen as an incentive to seek treatment.

In the meantime, though, gingivitis can be prevented through good oral hygiene. This should involve brushing twice per day, flossing, and using mouthwash. Meanwhile, it’s imperative that you change your brushes (or brush heads) as soon as they show signs of requiring replacement. In tandem with good care at home, regular dental cleanings are important as well.

Gingivitis: Treatments

While naturally developing plaque can be removed through good oral hygiene practices, tartar will not be removed from tooth surfaces by home treatments. Therefore, it is essential to see a professional dental hygienist, who can remove all plaque and tartar through a process known as scaling.

The deep clean scaling can reverse the damage of gingivitis, but this needs to be followed by improved dental hygiene and the use of prescription toothpastes or mouthwashes, as well as visits to the dentist at least twice per year. In severe cases of gingivitis, several scaling appointments may be required to remove all of the tartar, particularly when multiple teeth are affected with deep calculus.

Gingivitis can return, though, which is why ongoing oral hygiene is essential for beating the early signs of periodontal disease.

Schedule An Appointment Today

If you have noticed early signs of gum disease, schedule an appointment to address the issue today. We look forward to helping you improve your smile

What Does LANAP Stand For?

December 11th, 2019 by | No Comments

Unfamiliar terminology is one of the primary sources of fear affecting millions of patients ahead of their proposed dental treatments, which is why familiarizing yourself with the latest terms is one of the most effective ways to settle the nerves and make smarter choices regarding potential dental work. LANAP is a term that you may have encountered before, but what is it?

What Does LANAP Stand For?

LANAP is a type of dental therapy that has been available since 1994, becoming increasingly accessible and advanced over the past 25 years. The acronym itself stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure.

The surgical procedure is primarily used to treat periodontitis, focusing on restoration rather than resection. This treatment is commonly referred to as LAR (Laser-Assisted Regeneration) or LANAP-LAR. 

LANAP isn’t available to all sufferers of periodontitis, which is why a Periodontist needs to assess the situation to make the best recommendation for the patient’s particular situation. The majority of gum disease cases can now be treated with advanced LANAP processes.

Why LANAP Over Traditional Surgery?

LANAP has become a popular treatment choice for many reasons, not only because the treatments have become more accessible and affordable over the years. Other incentives for considering LANAP include:

  • LANAP does not require scalpel, sutures, or cutting the gums to reduce the pocket-size of the affected gums and jawbone. As such, the gum line is less likely to be compromised by recession.
  • LANAP is shown to be less painful than traditional surgery due to the use of lasers and without the need to cut the gums. Aside from reduced discomfort, this can put a patient’s mind at ease.
  • LANAP treatments are rarely followed by medication while the selective removal of tissue also means there is less tissue to heal. Patients are back to their best in no time.
  • LANAP protocols allow Periodontists to make far more accurate predictions about the outcomes due to the highly advanced technologies and ultra-accurate procedures.
  • LANAP produces long-term results, restoring function and appearances for the patient through regeneration processes that will last a lifetime. It can also save teeth that may not have been savable in the past.

How LANAP Works

LANAP treatments are FDA-cleared, allowing you to feel assured the procedure is safe and will provide optimal results. It encourages true periodontal regeneration through new bone growth and tissue reattachments. To do this, it uses a specialized PerioLase MVP-7 laser, which has seven settings to target the inflamed gums without causing damage to healthy gum tissues. It also enables the body to recover naturally. 

Gums can become restored and regenerated by removing the unhealthy tissues, which will subsequently allow new healthy tissues to grow. When followed by the right oral hygiene and aftercare, patients can reap the rewards for an entire lifetime. 

Schedule An Appointment Today

Our Boston Periodontist Sergio A. Guzman D.M.D., M.S.D. and the rest of the team at Dental Partners of Boston provide LANAP treatments along with a range of other dental procedures and invite patients suffering from periodontal disease to arrange a consultation today.  Schedule your consultation today!