Are Inlays and Onlays Better than Crowns?

March 18th, 2020 by | No Comments

Should you have a cavity or broken tooth, you might know it is there because you might be able to see it or even feel it with your tongue. It may be tender to touch, and it will be rough across the surface. Sometimes you can smell a cavity on your breath. When you notice something isn’t right, you need to get in touch with us as soon as possible. There are different treatments that may be used, including crowns, onlays, and overlays. There is no right or wrong approach; it all depends on your circumstances and what we feel is going to be right for you. With that being said, read on to discover more about the differences between these different options. 

Inlays & Onlays

These are often referred to as “three-quarter crowns” or “lab-made fillings” because of their design. Basically, they look a bit like a partial dental crown, with a portion, usually between a quarter and a third, of your natural tooth still exposed. To understand why this sort of treatment would be required, you need to know why a filling would not be suitable. Fillings, as the name indicates, are designed to fill in a small area of tooth decay. If that eroded or broken area is too big, it would only fall out or break off after a while because of the structural design. 

So, what is the difference between onlays and inlays? An inlay will go inside of the tooth where a big part has been hollowed out. On the other hand, an overlay will go over areas like the cusps (points) of your teeth, rebuilding the structure while also repairing any damage. As with a crown, both onlays and inlays can be made out of the likes of gold, zirconia, and porcelain. The main benefit of going for one of these options instead of a crown is that as much of your natural tooth will be preserved as is possible. They compliment the remaining healthy enamel, meaning the procedure is less invasive. 

Dental Crowns

Now, let’s take a look at dental crowns. Let’s say your area of decay or fracture has had an impact on most of a tooth. If you were to use one of the approaches mentioned above, there may still not be enough healthy enamel for ongoing chewing and biting forces to be supported. It can often seem fine at first, but your tooth could end up splitting in two. This is why a crown is needed for this situation. This involves using a full crown to encase the tooth and protect the integrity of it. 

So there you have it: an insight into the main treatment options that are available if you break a bit of your tooth. As you can see, there is no better option; it is all about making sure that you go for the treatment that is right based on your case. This is something that we will definitely explain to you in full while examining your teeth. Please schedule an appointment with us today if you suspect you have a cavity. 

Dental Implants: A Wise Investment

March 11th, 2020 by | No Comments

There have been a lot of great dental treatments that have been invented over the years. However, a lot of people would argue that dental implants are one of the best inventions today. Dental implants help you to replace a tooth that has broken or fallen out for any reason, whether this has been a traumatic injury or because of tooth decay. Read on to discover some of the different reasons why dental implants make sure a wise investment. 

  • Dental bone loss is prevented. There is only one place to begin, and this is with the fact that dental bone loss is avoided when you go down this route. If you have trauma in your mouth or missing teeth, your dental bone is going to begin to deteriorate if the teeth are not replaced quickly. Bone mass loss and weakening are due to the absence of teeth in the gums and jawline. Bone loss can also cause other health complications, which is why dental implants come highly recommended, as they function as natural teeth do. They will fuse with the dental bone, which means it will start to strengthen instead of getting weaker. 
  • They help you to look fabulous. Another benefit associated with dental implants is the fact that they look great. People often say that the first thing they notice about another person is their smile. Therefore, most people would agree that it is much better to have a dental implant than it is to have a missing tooth. You will feel confident about your smile, rather than feeling like you always need to have your mouth closed in photographs. 
  • They are not as expensive as people think. A lot of people rule out dental implants because they deem them to be too expensive. However, they are a lot more affordable than they once were. Plus, a lot of dental clinics offer payment plans so that you can split up the payments into manageable amounts. 
  • They provide better functionality than dentures. If you were to go for dentures instead, which tends to be the main alternative, you would not benefit from the level of functionality that you get with dental implants. As any person who wears dentures will attest, having an appliance that does not fit properly is the stuff of nightmares. Whether it is too small or too big, dentures can cause severe aesthetic issues, as well as having added expenses to their upkeep. You are also going to have limitations in terms of what you can eat with partials and dentures. 

As you can see, there are a lot of different benefits that are associated with dental implants. So, it is not hard to see why this has become such a popular treatment for many people today. If you need to have dental implants, it is advisable to choose an experienced and reputable dentist who you can rely on while getting this treatment carried out. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our award-winning dental implant doctors.

What Can I Eat After My Wisdom Teeth Are Removed?

March 6th, 2020 by | No Comments

There are several foods that you need to avoid to make sure that healing goes smoothly after having your wisdom teeth removed. For example, chewy snacks or candy, crunchy granola, and other foods that might poke into the extraction site. Before you come in for the extraction procedure, you should have your kitchen stocked with soft foods for your recovery period.

Some great soft foods we suggest are smoothies, soup, cottage cheese, ice cream, fruits, avocados, mashed potatoes, pasta, pancakes, eggs, and yogurt. Prepare vegetables to be easy to eat. Avoid solid foods with sharp edges, such as raw lettuce, because they can disturb the site. Foods to stay away from during your first week of recovery include chewy or hard candies, crackers, crunchy vegetables, apples, solid meats, spicy flavors, nuts, and chips.

After your wisdom teeth have been extracted, a blood clot will form in the hole where the tooth used to be. The clot is vital for proper healing. If disturbed or lost, the socket will take longer to heal and might prolong the usual soreness you’ll experience after the extractions. Additional assistance may be needed to treat the resulting dry socket, so you need to be extremely gentle during the first few days of recovery in what you eat. Also, do not use a straw for drinking. You may draw the clot out of the socket when you create the vacuum in your mouth to drink through a straw.

A few days to a week after your surgery, you can start to eat more solid foods again. A few days will ensure that the critical blood clot has sufficiently stopped any bleeding and promoted a socket ready for new bone to grow. 

We will go over all this with you in your consultation before the extractions and give you further instructions. Most importantly, after you are home and ready to eat, take care to be gentle. Pay attention to how you’re feeling, and call us if you have any questions.

Solutions for a Cracked or Chipped Tooth

February 28th, 2020 by | No Comments

Although the enamel covering your teeth is your body’s most robust tissue, it can still be cracked or broken. There are several different ways that teeth can be damaged. Suffering a traumatic incident, such as an automobile accident, or a sports injury, or even misusing teeth as tools, like using them to open a bottle. There are also foods that can cause damage to your teeth as well, including alcohol, soda, coffee, ice, and hard candies. Cavities or tooth decay weaken your teeth, which can cause them to be more likely to break whenever you are chewing hard food.

There are many different treatment options if you have a chipped or cracked tooth. The correct solution for you is going to be based on the type of injury or tooth loss you are suffering from. Your dentist will assess the damage and make their recommendations based on this. Below, we are going to take a look at some of the different treatment options available. 

Dental Veneers

Veneers are covers for a tooth. A veneer is going to be bonded to the front of the tooth. This will transform the appearance of the tooth. Veneers can last up to 30 years with the right care, meaning you do not need to worry about replacing them regularly. Veneers can be put on one tooth, or they can be placed on several teeth. 

Dental Bonding

Composite bonding is a method used for repairing teeth that are cracked, chipped, misshapen, discolored, decayed, or gapped. It can last for as long as ten years. While the procedure is being carried out, anesthesia is not usually needed, unless cavities are being treated.

Crowns

If you have pain while you are drinking or chewing, or your tooth is chipped badly, you will probably be advised to have a crown placed. This is one of the most common types of restorative treatment. This is a cap that covers the tooth, protecting it and approving the appearance of it. With this type of treatment, you are not going to lose your tooth. 

Root Canal

If you have a crack in your tooth that has extended into the pulp, a root canal will typically be the treatment of choice. After the root canal treatment, a crown can be placed to ensure the crack does not spread. Until then, the patient is given a temporary crown to wear.

Dental Implant

Finally, if damage expands beneath the gum line, and your tooth cannot be repaired, the tooth will be extracted and replaced with a dental implant. Dental implants are made to appear like healthy teeth, so you don’t have to worry about the implant looking different from the rest of your teeth.

Schedule An Appointment Today

As you can see, there are several different treatments available, and it is always best to speak to your Boston dentist at Dental Partners of Boston first regarding the right treatment for you for you. Schedule an appointment with us today!

How To Stop Teeth Grinding

February 21st, 2020 by | No Comments

Most of us grind our teeth occasionally, often at night, when we may not be conscious of it. The term for this behavior is bruxism.

Infrequent bruxism, the grinding of your teeth, is not usually something that requires a visit to your dentist. However, if you grind your teeth excessively, it can cause headaches or pain in the jaw. More than this, it can wear down your teeth and cause more serious oral health problems.

If you are prone to grinding your teeth, it is a good idea to contact us for a consultation about how we can help protect your teeth, and even eliminate some associated muscle pain.

Why People Grind Their Teeth

The most common cause of teeth grinding is stress and anxiety. Most of the time, it is unconsciously. Some people grind their teeth out of habit when teeth are missing, crooked, or have an abnormal bite. People who suffer from sleep disorders like sleep apnea are also more prone to grinding their teeth than those who don’t.

Lifestyle factors may play a role in bruxism. Some medications can cause you to grind your teeth – in particular, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are a type of antidepressant. Consumption of substances such as caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can also cause bruxism in some people.

How Do I Know If I Grind My Teeth?

Because teeth grinding is typically something we do in our sleep, it can be challenging to know that we’re doing it. If you share your bed with a partner, they might alert you to the problem, but there are some other crucial tell-tale signs.

Grinding your teeth causes pressure on your gums and jaw, and so may cause headaches or even earaches. If you often wake up with soreness in your jaw, mouth, neck, or head, you are likely grinding your teeth at night.

If you aren’t sure, go and speak to your dentist. They will be able to examine your teeth and advise you on whether you would benefit from treatment. It will be clear from wear on your teeth or tenderness in your jaw that you are grinding your teeth.

What Treatments Are Available?

Chronic teeth grinding can cause severe damage to your teeth over time, in some cases, even grinding the tooth down to the gums. Not only is this painful, but if the problem is not appropriately addressed, it may require reconstructive treatments such as dentures, bridges, and crowns.

However, if you recognize the problem early, we can help prevent these adverse effects. Typically, we will recommend you use a night guard to help protect your teeth and gums. We will assist you in finding or creating one that will fit your individual needs. You can buy generic night guards, but may not alleviate pain or protect your teeth adequately. They also tend to be uncomfortable.

Our expert team at Dental Partners of Boston can design a nightguard to fit comfortably to the shape of your mouth. If your night guard fits correctly, you’ll find it easier to use, and will experience a higher degree of success. If you suspect that you have a habit of grinding your teeth, schedule an appointment with us today for an exam and consultation.

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.