Receding gums is a condition where your gums pull back from the tooth surface, which then exposes the root surfaces of your teeth. This is a form of gum disease and is a serious consequence of poor oral health, which may lead to tooth loss.

Receding gums can be caused by a number of factors, including aggressive brushing over the long term, hardened plaque buildup, smoking, hormonal changes in women, family history of gum disease, diabetes, and HIV. Certain medications can cause dry mouth, which increases your risk for receding gums as it means that your mouth has less saliva than it should. When you have a dry mouth, the tissues in your mouth can become vulnerable to bacterial infections and injuries.

Receding gums is something that is most common in adults 40 years of age and over, and for this reason, people often think that it is a normal sign of aging, and it can go untreated.

Symptoms of receding gums include bleeding after brushing or flossing, bad breath, red, swollen gums, pain at the gum line, exposed tooth roots, visibly shrinking gums, and loose teeth. Receding gums will be diagnosed by a dentist who will give you a physical examination.

In the past, the only way to cover exposed dental roots was gum grafting surgery where gum tissue was harvested from other areas of the mouth. Traditional gum surgery was something that often created a lot of bleeding, and many patients found it uncomfortable. Today, however, the solution is far better with the pinhole surgical technique. During pinhole surgery, a tiny incision is made above the affected tooth or teeth. Then tiny collagen strips are placed inside of the incision, holding the tissue in place and encouraging healing. This means it is far more comfortable for the patient than traditional methods, and there are reduced chances of infection. The incisions are so small that it means that patients also won’t have to live with scarred gum tissue.

Not only is it a far more comfortable procedure, but the pinhole surgical technique is a faster procedure as dentists can treat several teeth at a time. Most patients will see the desired results in one or two pinhole surgical treatments, whereas in the past, traditional gum surgery often required several sessions.

While some patients experience some bruising and swelling following pinhole surgery, the procedure does offer instant results, which means that patients can enjoy full gum coverage immediately following the procedure, fending off dental sensitivity.

If you have gum recession, you are likely to qualify for the pinhole surgical technique. You will need to make an appointment with the Dental Partners of Boston to determine whether the pinhole surgical technique is right for you. During your consultation with the doctor, you will find out about the benefits of pinhole surgery and whether it would alleviate your symptoms.

Have you ever had a bad day and in your worst mood, but then you felt joy when someone made you laugh? Or suddenly grinned back at someone smiling at you? Smiling is contagious. When you smile, your brain releases endorphins, neuropeptides, dopamine, and serotonin, which lowers your heart rate and blood pressure, decreases stress levels, relaxes your body, and lifts your mood.

Of course, you may be holding back your smile if you have damaged teeth, which can lower your self-esteem and confidence. But now is the time to start enjoying all the great benefits of smiling. This is why all of us at Dental Partners of Boston work together to provide you with a full-mouth reconstruction.

Smile Restoration with a Full Mouth Reconstruction

Full mouth reconstruction is one of the most complex procedures in dentistry. It involves a series of procedures, which solve severe dental problems and cosmetic concerns. Although the processes involved aren’t all cosmetic, it can include some cosmetic fixes, such as teeth whitening as part of the full mouth reconstruction treatment. 

You may consider a full mouth reconstruction procedure if:

• You have a dental disease like gingivitis
• You have been involved in an accident that has caused damage to your mouth or loss of teeth
• Your teeth have become worn down by tooth grinding or acid erosion from food, beverages, or acid reflux
• If you’re experiencing jaw pain or headaches caused by jaw misalignment

What Full Mouth Reconstruction Procedures Will You Need?

While a full mouth reconstruction may be necessary to restore your oral health and improve your cosmetic concerns, no two procedures are alike. Only the Dental Partners of Boston dentist working on your full mouth reconstruction can determine the right procedures for your unique dental needs. However, some of the reconstruction procedures include:

Dental implants

Dental implants are the most permanent dental reconstruction method. The procedure involves the placement of a titanium root in the jawbone, with a crown over the implants. This procedure restores a significant amount of functionality, which means you can eat your favorite foods without experiencing any pain or difficulties. What’s more, implants help prevent bone resorption.

Dentures

Dentures are artificial arches of removable upper and lower teeth. Most patients can adapt well to upper dentures because of the suction created between the denture base and the palate. However, lower dentures may require an adhesive.

Although dentures are a popular full mouth reconstruction option, they have some drawbacks. For example, because they’re removable, they can

shift when eating or chewing. This means that you may not be able to eat your favorite foods. Also, they don’t prevent bone resorption.

Crowns

Dental crowns may be an excellent option to restore your smile if you have fractured or decaying teeth. Your prosthodontist will reshape your teeth so that the crown can fit over it. Once your prosthodontist has created your permanent crown, it will be inserted and restore the functionality and appearance of your teeth.

Porcelain veneers

If your front teeth are discolored or misaligned, artificial shells, known as veneers, can be created and placed over your teeth to match the color of your other natural teeth.

Discuss Your Full Mouth Reconstruction Options

Do you suspect that you need extensive dental work to restore your smile and oral health? Take the first step and contact us to schedule a consultation. During this appointment, we will discuss your concerns and needs, and help you determine the right full mouth reconstruction procedure for you.

Studies show that gum disease has been linked to numerous health issues including heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. Proper dental care for your teeth and gums will prevent serious and painful dental treatments that will be required if gum disease is allowed to develop. If you are seeking gum disease treatments, prevention, and control, please contact us at Dental Partners of Boston.

What is Gum Disease?

Bacteria naturally occurs in the mouth, but an overgrowth can lead to tooth decay, which can then cause infection in the gums. If these infections are allowed to progress without treatment, gum disease, also known as Periodontal Disease will set in. Bacteria builds up in between and around the bases of your teeth, creating plaque. Hardened plaque can only be removed during a professional dental cleaning. Plaque is the first indication that a serious condition may be developing.

If you notice that your gums have become red, swollen, and are painful in one or more areas in your mouth, it is likely that you have developed the most common form of gum disease: gingivitis. Sometimes your gums will bleed during your regular brushing and flossing routines. Gingivitis can be reversed with a thorough cleaning, excellent home care habits, and regular visits to our office for cleanings and exams. Correcting this condition in time will prevent the disease’s progression into serious infections and periodontal disease.

Am I At Risk for Gum Disease?

For some, there are certain risk factors that increase the chances that you will develop gum disease, especially if we aren’t able to intervene in the early stages. For example,

• Smoking. Smoking leads to a number of oral health conditions, and it affects your whole body wellness. Smoking has serious repercussions on your oral health, not only staining the teeth but causing gum recession which undermines the connective tissues that anchor your teeth in your jaw. Gum disease is a danger, as is tooth loss.
• Hormonal Changes. When the body goes through normal changes such as puberty, pregnancy and breast-feeding, and aging, there is often a shift in oral health as the body adapts.
• Diabetes. Diabetic people are generally at high risk for infections and illnesses, and this goes for oral health issues as well. Well-controlled diabetes will lessen the changes, but if diabetes is poorly controlled, gum disease is likely to develop.
• Medication. A common side effect of certain medications is known as dry-mouth. The lack of saliva can cause an overgrowth of bacteria, making the mouth vulnerable to infection and gum disease.

If you are concerned about gum disease, please call our office today to schedule an appointment. We will conduct a thorough exam and recommend a course of action to correct and prevent gum disease.

Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth. It can often go undiagnosed for a long time if you don’t see a dentist because the symptoms can be hard to pick up on. Here at Dental Partners of Boston, we ensure your oral health is in check, offering complete oral exams, including oral cancer screening. It’s something everyone should be receiving, and we can help you with that.

Complete Oral Exams at Dental Partners of Boston

If you want to find out how your oral hygiene in general is doing, we can carry out a complete oral exam here at Dental Partners of Boston. This allows us to get a full look at your oral health and hygiene and the chance to spot any problems. We can see early signs of issues that would otherwise go unnoticed and ensure the right treatments are provided at the soonest possible opportunity. It’s something you should make the most of.

Oral Cancer Screening

As part of our complete oral exams, we carry out oral cancer screenings. It’s important that we do this because oral cancer can often be diagnosed late, making treatment more difficult and complex. We can find the earliest symptoms and take action. Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, cheek lining, the roof of the mouth and the floor of the mouth. As part of our complete oral exams, we can check these parts of the mouth for signs of or oral cancer.

Why This is So Important

Like any cancer, finding the problem early and getting the treatment you need is what matters most. Overcoming the issue will be much easier if the diagnosis is given sooner rather than later in the development of the disease. That’s what we’re here for and why we encourage everyone to have regular oral exams carried out so that this kind of screening can take place. It’s particularly important for people in high-risk groups, such as smokers and people who consume a lot of alcohol or have weakened immune systems.

Please schedule an Appointment with Us Today

If you want to have oral screening carried out on you as part of our complete oral exam, you simply need to get in touch and schedule an appointment with us today. We’re always happy to meet new patients and we’ll be able to find an appointment slot that works for you. A member of our team will be ready and waiting to take your call and to help you in any way they can.

Our complete oral exam will ensure everything is as it should be in terms of your oral health. Please contact us to schedule an appointment today.

As a parent, you want the best for your child in terms of their health, including their oral hygiene. But you might be unsure of how to help your child learn to care for their teeth. Don’t worry; we’ve got tips and strategies that’ll help you ensure your child develops good oral health and hygiene habits as soon as possible.

Implement an Oral Hygiene Routine Early On

To avoid troublesome issues like gum disease and tooth decay, you need to make sure you get into good oral hygiene strategies with your child as early as possible. If it’s something that they grow up doing as part of a daily routine, it’ll become normal for them and they’ll show little resistance to the idea of brushing and flossing daily the way you want them to.

Make it Fun for Your Child

Another good way to establish those routines from an early age is to make it fun. Sure, brushing their teeth is never going to be the highlight of their day, but you can make it playful and engaging in ways that’ll make them more likely to go ahead and do it without refusing. For example, you could set a timer, use incentives, or play a song that indicates how long they need to brush.

Invest in Age-Appropriate Brushing and Cleaning Tools

There are toddler brushes and flossing tools that make things much easier for your child when they’re very young. Make sure you choose these tools because it’ll mean that they can plan an active role in looking after their oral health and hygiene from an early age and won’t be relying on you to do it all for them.

Be There to Set a Good Example

It’s a good idea to brush your own teeth and take care of your oral hygiene while your child is also present. This shows them that it’s not something that only they have to do. Instead, it’s something that you and everyone else does, too. Kids are impressionable at a young age, and when they see their parents doing something, they’ll want to do the same as well.

Make an Appointment at Dental Partners of Boston Today

Another key part of taking care of your kids’ teeth and oral hygiene is ensuring they have regular checkups with a dentist. Here at Dental Partners of Boston, we offer regular checkups and all the most important services to families, so don’t hesitate to visit us if you want to get your child into the habit of regular checkups with a dentist.

If you have any other questions or want to find out more about what we can do for you and your family here at Dental Partners of Boston, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

We realize that finances play a role when we recommend that a dental implant is placed for patients who are missing teeth. Implants are the ideal solution because they feel and function just like a regular tooth. It’s essential to keep the bone structure healthy as well, which an implant will ensure, unlike other tooth replacement options such as dentures. We don’t want our patients to believe that without the cash to pay for the treatment, they won’t be able to afford dental implants. 

Please don’t consider dental implants to be a luxury option only. Putting off the treatment will only put your oral health, and your overall wellbeing, in jeopardy. At Dental Partners of Boston, we understand that affording dental work isn’t always easy. So, that’s why we have a variety of options at your disposal.

The following is how we try to make dental implants accessible to everyone.

We Talk To Your Insurer

The first port of call is to speak to your insurance company. However, as someone who doesn’t deal with them often, you may not know what to say or the questions to ask. But, you don’t need to because we’ll do it for you.

All you have to do is contact us for an exam and consultation. At your appointment, we will gather your necessary insurer details, such as the name of the company, phone number, and policy reference. Our advisors are experienced and dedicated, which means we’ll do the hard work and report back with the findings.

We Accept A Range Of Payment Options

If your insurance policy does not cover you, you can use your flex spending or health savings account as dental implants are classified as a qualifying medical expense. 

A payment plan is a possible arrangement. Unlike other dental practices, we create your schedule to your specific needs. This ensures the amount you pay back each month is affordable and doesn’t put you under any undue pressure. During your consultation, we will gather some financial details from you to determine what is agreeable for you and us. 

Dental Partners of Boston

After years of providing quality dental implants to patients, we understand how treatment may seem out of reach due to costs. We do everything to make our services affordable and will work with you so you can have the care you need. Please give us a call today or request an appointment, and we’ll go over all the details and options together.

Dental implants are a fantastic solution to missing teeth and can allow you to return to normality both in terms of feel and appearance and also in terms of function. At Dental Partners of Boston, we have doctors who are well-trained and experienced at placing dental implants.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants work by replacing the root of a tooth with a small screw-like metal implant, that then becomes bonded with your jaw.

Once this implant has been bonded, an artificial tooth – or “crown” – is fitted.

With a dental implant, the tooth is remarkably stable and performs just like any other tooth in your mouth. It doesn’t get removed for cleaning, and you won’t be left feeling like there’s a foreign object in your mouth, either.

Why Are Dental Implants the Best Solution for Missing Teeth?

Dental implants are the best solution for missing teeth, first and foremost, because of how natural they are in terms of feel, appearance, and performance.

Many older approaches – such as dentures – involve complex cleaning processes, and have often required significant changes to the lifestyles of the individuals involved.

Dental implants, by contrast, allow you to get on with your life just as you would with your natural teeth. Once the healing process is complete, you can expect to quickly forget about the fact that you have implants in at all.

What Should You Expect from the Process?

Here’s a straightforward rundown of the process of having dental implants fitted.

Initial consultation

The first step of the process is an initial consultation with your implant dentist, where you will discuss the various options available and will have impressions and x-rays of your mouth taken, as required.

Dental implant placement

Following your initial consultation, you will have the implant itself fitted in your jaw where your missing tooth would be.

This process is like any other dental surgery, in that it will be performed under anesthetic, and will require some healing and may cause a bit of swelling and bleeding. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that patients frequently find the process to be less painful than they imagined it would be.

Osseointegration

Before the process can proceed further, the main part of the implant has to fuse with your jawbone. This happens as a natural part of the healing process and results in a firm base for the tooth.

This process can take up to a few months but is unlikely to interfere much with your everyday life – although you will be on a soft food diet for the first few weeks.

Abutment placement

Once the implant has bonded with your jaw, a small connecting element – called an abutment – will be attached to the implant just above the gum line. Your custom-made tooth will later be attached to this abutment.

Customization and attachment of new teeth

Once the abutments have been fitted, custom-made and lifelike teeth will be installed in place, based partly on molds taken from your existing teeth.

When the custom-made teeth have been attached, they will look, feel, and perform just like your real teeth would.

Checkups

Dental implants don’t decay like real teeth, but they do still require the same cleaning routine, along with regular checkups.

Once the implants have healed and settled, these checkups will be essentially the same as any other dental checkup would – and will tend to occur with the same frequency, too. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation with one of our exceptional doctors to discuss your dental implant options today.

Do you want to find out more about bone grafts and how they help your oral health? In this blog post, we’ll look at the different types and why you may need a dental implant.

What Are They And Why Do You Need Them?

A bone graft is a solid foundation on which we will apply a dental implant. Usually, they are needed because you suffer from a form of gum disease and have left it for too long. As a result, the bacteria eat away at the jawbone and surrounding teeth. 

The graft allows your dentist to repair or replace your teeth with implants.

Tooth Extraction

Removing a tooth isn’t always an option as it can make depressions and indentations in the bone more pronounced. Therefore, bone grafts eliminate the need to take out teeth and damage your jaw even more.

What Happens If You Don’t Get A Bone Graft?

Usually, patients that don’t opt for a bone graft and let the situation escalate will start to suffer from tooth decay. From a practical and aesthetic point of view, this is problematic because it makes chewing challenging and impacts your self-esteem.

In extreme situations, your jawbone may recede to the point you lose facial contour. When this happens, the only way to replace it is with a graft.

Grafts also play a significant role in making new teeth possible. Without the foundations to build on, your dentist won’t be able to make implants stick, even with new applicators such as biologically active gels.

The Types Of Bone Grafts

There are three main types of bone grafts:

• Particulate
• Block
• Sinus lift procedures

Particulate Grafts

A particulate bone graft is when small shards of bone are placed around a tooth to hold it in place. The particles add extra stability, making particulate grafts perfect for small sockets and single teeth.

Block Grafts

Block bone grafts build on particulate by using bone particles in blocks. They are used for significant shrinkage as they can reduce the amount by up to 25%. Without significantly building up the bone, there is no way to receive a dental implant.

Sinus Lift Procedures

Sinus lifts are used for extreme cases where the cavity is too close to the jawbone. As a result, a dentist must lift back the membrane to place a bone graft to create more space. This is typically done if there is fewer than 5mm between the cavity and jaw.

How Long Do You Have To Wait?

For major bone graft surgery, you will need to wait three to six months to determine whether the graft is stable enough for dental implants. Minor bone grafts can be done during the procedure, but only if your periodontist believes it’s suitable.

Dental Partners of Boston

Do you suffer from mouth pain or toothache? Is your jawline receding? If so, you may need a bone graft to improve your wellbeing.

At Dental Partners of Boston, you can schedule a consultation and we’ll be happy to address all your questions. Please contact us today.

Regular dental checkups and oral exams are essential for good overall health and well-being.

And yet, it’s far too often the case that people put off their dental visits for long periods at a stretch.

Here is a look at the first-rate oral exams we offer at Dental Partners of Boston – conducted by our highly dedicated and conscientious team of professionals.

Examination of Diagnostic Low-Radiation X-Rays

With low-radiation x-rays, we can detect decay, spot tumors, and cysts, and diagnose bone loss, which will then allow for quick and effective treatment and correction.

Low-radiation x-rays are also useful for determining the precise positions of your teeth and roots.

Oral Cancer Screening

Our oral cancer screening involves a thorough examination of the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, soft tissue, and gums – to spot cancer in its early stages.

Gum Disease Evaluation

Our team will investigate your gums and supporting bone structure for any signs of developing periodontal disease.

Tooth Decay Screening

Tooth decay screening is conducted via a close examination of all your tooth surfaces. If any issues are identified, necessary recommendations will be made swiftly.

Examination of Your Existing Restorations

Your existing fillings and crowns need to be monitored and maintained – and we will conduct appropriate evaluations for that purpose.

Occlusion Analysis

An irregular or otherwise compromised bite can harm the structure of your face, and can even contribute to issues such as TMJ. That being the case, we will evaluate your bite, notify you of any issues, and make recommendations as required.

Smile Analysis

Everyone wants a beautiful smile. If you’re not happy with yours, we can conduct a smile analysis to put you on the fast track to achieving the smile of your dreams.

Why regular dental exams are essential

Regular dental exams are essential for all sorts of different reasons – not least of all the fact that the mouth is the primary entry point to the body.

Poor dental health can cause a slew of other health conditions, and in extreme cases, can even be life-threatening.

Good dental health is also essential for enjoying everyday life without unnecessary pain or complications. No one wants to have trouble eating, speaking, or even sleeping peacefully.

Finally, the state of your mouth and teeth will have a lot to do with the impression you make on others and the social implications that go along with that. For that reason, it’s essential to keep your teeth looking presentable in addition to ensuring they perform their vital functions properly.

Regular dental exams can help you to identify issues as they are developing, and to nip them in the bud so that you aren’t confronted by significant problems further down the line.

Contact us

Our complete oral exams can help to ensure that your smile stays bright and healthy, while also safeguarding your overall health and sense of well-being.

Contact Dental Partners of Boston to schedule an exam with one of our highly capable and professional dentists today.

Gum disease – also known as gingivitis or periodontal disease – is a common dental problem that affects as many as 50% of adults. Aside from pain, sensitivity, and discomfort, gum disease may cause bad breath, bleeding, and swelling of the gums, and if left untreated – can also cause tooth loss. 

So gum disease presents a significant risk to your dental health and is often the first step towards more serious, long-term dental issues. But perhaps more worryingly, recent research also suggests a link between gum disease and heart disease.

While the cause-and-effect relationship is not yet clear, scientists believe that the inflammation caused by gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease, strokes, and exacerbate other heart conditions. One study suggested that those who received proper treatment for gum disease reduced the cost of their future cardiovascular care by 10%-40%.   

Many people are living with gum disease and are either not aware of it, or do not recognize the symptoms. But if left untreated, gum disease is likely to worsen and put your health at higher risk. So if you suspect you may be suffering from gum disease, it is vital to seek professional treatment as soon as possible.     

What Is Gum Disease?

Your mouth is home to many different types of bacteria, many of which are completely normal and harmless. But if left to build up, bacteria will start to form plaque, which can irritate your gums. This irritation causes swelling and can damage the surrounding tissue, eventually causing gum disease and tooth decay. 

What Are the Signs of Gum Disease? 

The first signs of gum disease are red, swollen, and bleeding gums. 

As the infection progresses and gets deeper into your gums, you may also experience chronic bad breath, receding gums, tooth sensitivity, increasing pain while chewing, and loose teeth.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to the loss of bone and eventually, tooth loss.

If you have any of these symptoms or haven’t had a dental check-up in a while, make an appointment now to see if you require treatment. 

Treating Gum Disease 

Thanks to the advanced gum treatments our periodontists offer, Dental Partners of Boston can help you control and even reverse the effects of periodontal disease. In the early stages, gum disease treatment may be fairly simple. In later stages, treatments become more involved. 

Here are some of the periodontal treatments we offer at Dental Partners of Boston:

• Root planing and scaling
• Soft tissue grafting
• Bone grafting
• LANAP: Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure

Treat Gum Disease, Help Prevent Heart Disease

With proper treatment, gum disease can be significantly improved or cleared up completely, and this may reduce risk to your heart’s health. However, the more prolonged gum disease is allowed to progress, the more significant risk it poses, both to your overall dental health and to your wider physical health. 

So if you suspect you may be suffering from gum disease or would like to schedule a routine check-up, get in touch with us today.