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Local Anesthesia Takes the Pain Out of Most Dental Work

By Worcester Dental
February 13, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: local anesthesia  
LocalAnesthesiaTakesthePainOutofMostDentalWork

Long ago dental work could be painful and stressful—often for both patient and practitioner. Thankfully, that time is long past: today, most procedures are painless in large part due to local anesthesia.

Local anesthetics are numbing substances applied to specific areas of the body like the teeth and gums to temporarily block pain during a procedure. And because they only affect a localized area of the body, you remain conscious and alert throughout the procedure.

To achieve the level of numbing necessary for dental work, we often need to deaden the gums using a needle to deliver the anesthetic. But then this poses a secondary pain concern—the needle stick itself.

Again, topical anesthesia comes to the rescue in the form of a swab, patch or spray applying an anesthetic directly to the top layer of the gums at the injection site. This numbs the area and prevents you from feeling the needle stick. It's highly probable, therefore, that from start to finish you won't feel any discomfort during your dental work except perhaps for a little pressure.

Local anesthesia truly is a game changer for dental care—and not just for the patient. A dentist who's concerned about their patient's comfort level may work hurriedly to complete a procedure. But if their patient is relaxed, the dentist can work calmly and methodically. The result is better, more focused care.

For all its improvements in the patient experience, though, there has been one consistent complaint—the numbness that often lingers for a while after the procedure is over. But there have been advances in recent years that have helped reduce this irritation: new anesthetic agents (even some that can reverse the anesthetic effect) and fine-tuned dosages can help keep residual numbing to a minimum.

Not all procedures like routine teeth cleanings or enamel shaping require anesthesia. But when it's appropriate, local anesthesia can make your next dental visit much more pleasant.

If you would like more information on how anesthesia benefits your dental care, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Local Anesthesia for Pain-Free Dentistry.”

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Healthy Smiles for Alfonso Ribeiro and Family

By Worcester Dental
February 03, 2019
Category: Oral Health
Tags: celebrity smiles   pediatric dentistry  
HealthySmilesforAlfonsoRibeiroandFamily

If there's anything that makes Alfonso Ribeiro happier than his long-running gig as host of America's Funniest Home Videos, it's the time he gets to spend with his family: his wife Angela, their two young sons, and Alfonso's teenaged daughter. As the proud dad told Dear Doctor–Dentistry & Oral Health magazine, "The best part of being a father is the smiles and the warmth you get from your children."

Because Alfonso and Angela want to make sure those little smiles stay healthy, they are careful to keep on top of their kids' oral health at home—and with regular checkups at the dental office. If you, too, want to help your children get on the road to good oral health, here are five tips:

  • Start off Right—Even before teeth emerge, gently wipe baby's gums with a clean, moist washcloth. When the first teeth appear, brush them with a tiny dab of fluoride on a soft-bristled toothbrush. Schedule an age-one dental visit for a complete evaluation, and to help your child get accustomed to the dental office.
  • Teach Them Well—When they're first learning how to take care of their teeth, most kids need a lot of help. Be patient as you demonstrate the proper way to brush and floss…over and over again. When they're ready, let them try it themselves—but keep an eye on their progress, and offer help when it's needed.
  • Watch What They Eat & Drink—Consuming foods high in sugar or starch may give kids momentary satisfaction…but these substances also feed the harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay. The same goes for sodas, juices and acidic drinks—the major sources of sugar in many children's diets. If you allow sugary snacks, limit them to around mealtimes—that gives the mouth a chance to recover its natural balance.
  • Keep Up the Good Work—That means brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day, every single day. If motivation is an issue, encourage your kids by letting them pick out a special brush, toothpaste or floss. You can also give stickers, or use a chart to show progress and provide a reward after a certain period of time. And don't forget to give them a good example to follow!
  • Get Regular Dental Checkups—This applies to both kids and adults, but it's especially important during the years when they are rapidly growing! Timely treatment with sealants, topical fluoride applications or fillings can often help keep a small problem from turning into a major headache.

Bringing your kids to the dental office early—and regularly—is the best way to set them up for a lifetime of good checkups…even if they're a little nervous at first. Speaking of his youngest child, Alfonso Ribeiro said "I think the first time he was really frightened, but then the dentist made him feel better—and so since then, going back, it's actually a nice experience." Our goal is to provide this experience for every patient.

If you have questions about your child's dental hygiene routine, call the office or schedule a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine article “How to Help Your Child Develop the Best Habits for Oral Health.”

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Less-Invasive Pulp Capping Could Save Your Tooth

By Worcester Dental
January 24, 2019
Category: Uncategorized
Tags: pulp capping  
Less-InvasivePulpCappingCouldSaveYourTooth

There’s one sure thing about tooth decay: you can’t ignore it. In fact, the best outcomes result from finding it early and treating it before it enters the pulp in the center of the tooth, often a filling or similar treatment.

If it does advance to the pulp, you may need a root canal treatment to save the tooth. This is a moderately invasive procedure where we access the pulp and root canals, tiny passageways leading to the root and supporting bone. We then remove all the diseased tissue and fill the empty pulp chamber and root canals with a special filling. Later we’ll crown the tooth for added protection against future infection or fracture of the tooth.

But there’s also another less-invasive method than a root canal called pulp capping. It’s only appropriate to use, however, if the pulp has become exposed or almost exposed by decay, but hasn’t yet shown signs of disease.

Pulp capping can be either direct or indirect. We use direct pulp capping if the healthy pulp has been exposed by the disease process. We first isolate the tooth from the rest of the mouth to prevent contamination and then proceed to remove all of the tooth’s decayed dentin structure. We then apply a biocompatible material directly over the pulp to protect it from further decay and to facilitate healing. We then restore the tooth, usually with a filling, to its proper function and life-like appearance.

When the pulp is threatened by decay but not yet exposed, we may then use the indirect method. In this approach we first remove most of the decayed dentin, but leave a small amount next to the pulp to keep it covered. We then treat this remaining dentin with a material to help it heal and re-mineralize, followed by a temporary filling of the tooth. A few months later we’ll remove this filling and inspect the treated dentin. If it has regenerated sufficiently, we remove any remaining decay and permanently restore the tooth.

As we said, pulp capping is only used with patients with deep decay whose pulp tissue is healthy. But when we can use it we can avoid some of the permanent alterations that often come with a root canal treatment and still save the tooth.

If you would like more information on treatments for tooth decay, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Pulp Capping: A Procedure that May Save a Decayed Tooth.”

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3 Situations for Seeing a Periodontist

By Worcester Dental
January 14, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: periodontist  
3SituationsforSeeingaPeriodontist

It’s likely you depend on your regular dentist for the lion’s share of your dental care. But in cases of advanced disease or trauma, you may need the services of a dental specialist.

This could be the case with periodontal (gum) disease, a bacterial infection triggered by a thin biofilm on tooth surfaces called dental plaque that isn’t adequately removed through daily oral hygiene practices. While your regular dentist can effectively treat many forms of gum disease, there are times when you should see a periodontist who specializes in the gum, supporting bone and connective tissues.

So, when should you see a periodontist for gum disease treatment? Here are 3 situations that may call for this important dental specialist.

If your dentist refers you. Your dentist may be quite proficient in treating gum disease, mainly by removing the dental plaque and tartar sustaining the infection. But if the infection has advanced deep within the gum tissues especially around the roots and bone, you may need more advanced measures, including surgery, performed by a periodontist.

If you’d like a second opinion. Of course, you don’t need a referral to see a periodontist. You can make an appointment with one for another opinion about your diagnosis and recommended treatment plan. If you choose to see a periodontist, make sure they have access to all your dental and medical records, as well as your past health history.

If you have other health issues. Gum disease often doesn’t occur in a vacuum – it may exist and even influence (or be influenced by) other inflammatory medical conditions. If you have such a condition like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, you may opt to see a periodontist first for a more comprehensive evaluation.

In the meantime, keep an eye out for the first signs of disease including red, swollen or bleeding gums (if you smoke, be aware smoking hides these signs of disease). And practice daily brushing and flossing as well as obtaining regular dental cleanings to keep plaque accumulation to minimum. Preventing gum disease and getting treatment as early as possible may help you avoid more invasive treatments later.

If you would like more information on treating gum disease, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “When to See a Periodontist.”

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Topical Fluoride is a Safe Way to Protect Your Child's Teeth from Decay

By Worcester Dental
January 04, 2019
Category: Oral Health
Tags: topical fluoride  
TopicalFluorideisaSafeWaytoProtectYourChildsTeethfromDecay

We've known for decades that fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and lowers the risk for decay. And while adding it to toothpaste and drinking water are the more common ways for getting it into the body, an increasingly popular way—especially for children—is to apply fluoride directly to the teeth.

But is topical fluoride really worth the effort and expense? And, are there any side effects to treating teeth this way?

As to the first question, researchers have performed numerous studies measuring fluoride's effectiveness for preventing tooth decay. The Cochrane Oral Health Research Group recently reviewed studies on topical fluoride applications involving nearly 10,000 children and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 15. The combined average for all the studies showed a 28% reduction in decayed teeth for patients who received topical fluoride compared to those who didn't.

This was especially true for children at high risk for decay: directly applying fluoride gels, foams or varnishes to teeth reduces that risk substantially. But there are also side effects to this application. Fluoride in general has only one known safety concern, a condition known as fluorosis. Too much fluoride over time can cause heavy discoloration of the teeth. This does not affect the health of the teeth, but it can look unattractive and require cosmetic treatment to reduce its effect.

There's little to no risk for fluorosis with the controlled treatments offered by dentists; the fluoride solution remains on the teeth no more than a few minutes. But there is a possible side effect during treatment due to the relatively high dose of fluoride used. If the patient accidentally swallows some of the solution, the concentration of fluoride can cause stomach upset, vomiting or headaches.

Dentists minimize the chances for this by usually using the more difficult to swallow varnish form of topical fluoride on younger patients, and using trays or other barrier devices to isolate the fluoride solution from the rest of the mouth. Under professional supervision, it's rare for an accidental ingestion to occur.

The risks for these side effects are quite low, and the benefits of topical fluoride for reducing the chances for decay can more than outweigh them. Fluoride applications are one of many ways we can protect your child's current and future dental health.

If you would like more information on decay prevention techniques like topical fluoride, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Fluoride Gels Reduce Decay.”

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Archive:

  • 2019
      • February (2)
        • Local Anesthesia Takes the Pain Out of Most Dental Work
        • Healthy Smiles for Alfonso Ribeiro and Family
      • January (3)
        • Less-Invasive Pulp Capping Could Save Your Tooth
        • 3 Situations for Seeing a Periodontist
        • Topical Fluoride is a Safe Way to Protect Your Child's Teeth from Decay
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • Wisdom Teeth Warrant Close Watch to Avoid Future Health Issues
        • Bitewing X-Rays Safely 'Reveal all' About Back Teeth to Prevent Tooth Decay
      • November (3)
        • Be Wary When Considering Botox Treatment for TMD
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
        • Moderate Your Child's Juice Drinking to Lower Tooth Decay Risk
      • October (3)
        • Early Orthodontic Treatment Could Lessen Severity of Certain Bite Problems
        • No Need to Fret Over Implant Surgery
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
      • September (3)
        • Lasers Could One Day be Commonplace for Treating Gum Disease
        • We can Build up Lost Bone Before Your Implant
        • What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
      • August (3)
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • Veneers may Offer a Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
        • A Bonded Retainer Might Work for You after Orthodontic Treatment
      • July (3)
        • Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Acquiring Dental Implants
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
        • Be on the Alert for Gum Disease While Wearing Braces
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        • People Born with Missing Teeth can Still Gain a Beautiful Smile
        • 3 Areas to Watch to Avoid Excessive Tooth Wear
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
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        • Managing Diabetes and Gum Disease Together will Lessen the Effect of Both
        • Simple Procedure Could Reduce Biting the Inside of Your Mouth
        • What You Should Know About Veneers for Teenagers
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        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
        • Learn How To Protect Your Teeth During Stress Awareness Month
        • Why You Should Consider a Professional Procedure for Your Teeth Whitening
        • Instill Good Dental Habits in Your Child as Early as Possible
      • March (2)
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        • Don't Ignore Tooth Pain - You May Need a Root Canal
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        • Seek Immediate Treatment for this Advanced Form of Gingivitis
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        • Coaxing Impacted Teeth to the Right Position can Improve Your Smile
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        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes and Oral Health
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        • FAQ: Dental Care During Pregnancy
        • The Timely Use of a Palatal Expander Could Help Correct a Cross-Bite
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        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Sedation Can Help Create a More Positive Dental Experience for a Child
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
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        • Think You're Too Old for Orthodontics? Read This
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
      • July (2)
        • Add a Healthy Diet to Your Oral Cancer Prevention Strategy
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
      • June (2)
        • Orthodontists can Use Other Tools with Braces for Complex Bite Problems
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
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        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
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        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
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        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • Be Sure to have These 3 Essentials Covered Beforehand for Veneer Success
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        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Sedation, Along with Understanding, can Relieve Your Dental Visit Fears
      • January (2)
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • Treating Teeth Grinding Now Could Help Prevent Excessive Tooth Wear Later
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      • December (2)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • Research Confirms: Dental Sealants Really Work!
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        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
        • 4 Reasons you may want Your Dentist to Whiten Your Teeth
      • October (2)
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
        • An Assortment of Orthodontic Tools helps us Solve Complex Bite Problems
      • September (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • Gum Recession Could Shorten the Life of Your Teeth
      • August (3)
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • Your Options for Restoring a Chipped Tooth
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
      • July (2)
        • We may Still be Able to Save Your Tooth with a Root Canal Alternative
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
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        • Keeping Gum Disease at Bay Could Help Your Overall Health
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
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        • Dental Porcelain is a Great Option for Creating a Natural Appearance
        • A Royal Fix
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        • Staining Within a Tooth Requires a Clinical Whitening Approach
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • March (3)
        • A Teen's Missing Tooth May Require a Temporary Replacement
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
        • Oral Sedation Helps Reduce Anxiety During Dental Treatment
      • February (2)
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
        • Although a Global Problem, Tooth Decay can be Prevented
      • January (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Changing Antibiotic Use Today will Help Ensure Their Effectiveness Tomorrow
  • 2015
      • December (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
        • Closing the Gap Between Front Teeth Can Create a More Attractive Smile
      • November (3)
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • With Proper Management, Dental Implants can be a Reality for Diabetics
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
      • October (2)
        • Is Laser Treatment a Good Option for Controlling Gum Disease?
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • September (2)
        • Palatal Expansion Could Head Off Future Orthodontic Treatment
        • A Toothless Tiger?
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        • The Perils of a Loose Permanent Tooth - and What to do About it
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
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        • A Healthy Diet Could Lower Your Risk of Oral Cancer
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
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        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
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        • Jerry Rice's Advice on Protecting Your Children's Teeth
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