2014

White teeth smile

Dental Exams and Professional Cleanings: Why They Are Important

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by Robert Rapisarda
Patients from the greater Boston have placed their trust in Dr. Robert Rapisarda because of his commitment to effective dental care. The cornerstone of this is general dentistry focused on prevention, education, and promoting total wellness, which also means making the most out of the regular dental exams with his patients.

What a Visit Every Six Months Means for Your Smile

While it may seem like a single visit to the dentist every six months is not that important, you’d be surprised what gets accomplished during a dental exam. These visits to your dentist twice a year can mean the difference between tooth pain and a mouth full of cavities and beautiful smile in which your teeth and gums are completely healthy.

Dental X-Rays and Advanced Diagnostics

During a dental exam, you’ll undergo dental x-rays to check various structures of your mouth. This allows your dentist to identify any issues below the surface that need to be treated, such as structural problems with the teeth and the jawbone/jaw joint. The x-rays will also become an important part of your treatment history and may aid in future dental care.

Professional Dental Cleanings

Brushing and flossing at home is key to a healthy smile, but it’s important that patients also come in for professional cleanings. This will involve a thorough polish with an electric toothbrush as well as careful flossing and scraping of all those hard to reach places.

Checking Your Teeth and Gums

Your dentist will check your teeth and gums carefully after they have been cleaned. This allows for identification of surface issues and flaws of the teeth, such as chips and cracks, as well as problems with the gum tissue, such as recession and lesions. Taken into account with the x-rays, your dentist can diagnose various health and wellness issues you may be facing.

Opening Communication to Improve Overall Wellness

Your dental exam also allows you time to discuss dental health topics that are on your mind. Use your visit to ask questions, voice concerns, and discuss the issues that may not be apparent from x-rays and a basic check of the teeth. This includes problems with bad breath and dry mouth, persistent tooth pain or gum pain, and any problems that involve the function of your jaw joint.

Planning Future Treatment Needs

Toward the end of your exam, your dentist will discuss your future treatment needs if anything is necessary. This includes determining when to fill a cavity or to initiate orthodontic care. If you do not have any pressing issues, you’ll simply be given an opportunity to schedule the next visit six months down the line.

Providing Tips to Enhance Your Dental Health

On top of all of the above, your dentist and the dental care tip will likely pass on some tips on how you can make the most of your smile. This might include items to purchase, bad habits to avoid, and other ways to make your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Robert Rapisarda

For more information about dental exams and how our team can help you enhance your overall dental health and wellness, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Rapisarda will carefully examine your teeth so that you can smile with absolute confidence.

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Root Planing and Scaling: How the Deep Cleaning Process Helps Patients

Root Planing and Scaling: How the Deep Cleaning Process Helps Patients

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by Robert Rapisarda
Dr. Robert Rapisarda has helped patients from as far as Boston address their dental health needs. The reason that so many patients put their trust in Dr. Rapisarda is his commitment to patient comfort and advanced patient care. This includes the use of sedation dentistry techniques to reduce fear of dentist visits and dental anxiety as well as the latest techniques and technologies in cosmetic and restorative dentistry.

Many patients who come to the practice would benefit from root planing and scaling treatment. It’s sometimes misunderstood by patients, so we want to go over the basics right now.

What is root planing and root scaling?

One of the most common, and most effective, procedures in treating gum disease before it develops into a more serious issue is referred to as root planing and scaling. This procedure involves the cleaning of the gums and teeth all the way down to the roots and, as such, will require that you be given a local anesthetic to numb your gums. The procedure is also referred to as “deep cleaning.”

Does root planing and root scaling hurt?

Although this is traditionally an invasive procedure, recent technological advancements have given dentists the option of using an ultrasonic tool to complete the root planing and scaling procedure. Since this form does not require the type of digging and sanding that the traditional form includes, this tool relieves a considerable amount of discomfort a patient experiences during the procedure, but is only required in special circumstances.

Root planing and scaling is far less invasive than gum surgery, which has been a relief to many patients fearing potential surgeries for their condition. Root planing and scaling essentially consists of sanding your teeth, which will remove any rough spots on the roots of your teeth that may be hosting a large amount of bacteria.

How do I know if I need to undergo root planing and scaling?

Typically, your dentist may recommend root planing and scaling if your gums have begun separating from the teeth, or if he or she finds that you have a considerable amount of tartar an plaque on the roots of your teeth. This unwanted build up may ultimately lead to bone loss along the gumline where the accumulation occurs, which would make it extremely important to at least consider root planing and scaling.

The Effectiveness of Root Planing and Scaling

Typically, the deep cleaning process is highly successful if the patient is diligent about maintaining his or her periodontal health after the procedure has been completed. If the patient is diligent and the condition of the gumline and teeth was not too severe, the likeliness of long-term effectiveness is extremely high.

While the healing of tissue begins immediately after the procedure, patient diligence is also paramount in ensuring the potential periodontal disease process is not accelerated. If a patient is not consistent about his or her dental health, additional procedures may be required.

The Risks of Root Planing and Scaling

While root planing and scaling is not a high-risk procedure, there is the potential for additional infection in the gums once completed. A common practice for dentists to prevent this infection is to insert antibiotic fibers into your gums, which are removed within a week or so after the procedure. If a patient is particularly prone to infection, a dentist may prescribe additional antibiotics after the procedure. Additionally, if you have an impaired immune system in any way, additional antibiotics will be prescribed once the procedure has been completed.

Learn More About Advanced Dental Care

For more information about root planning and scaling and your many other options for advanced dental care, we encourage you to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Rapisarda looks forward to your visit.

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Tooth Stains and Smoking: Another Great Reason to Quit

Tooth Stains and Smoking: Another Great Reason to Quit

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by drrapisarda
Dr. Robert Rapisarda has helped so many patients around the Barre area get the smiles of their dreams. One of the ways of enhancing the appearance of smiles that has proven especially effective is teeth whitening, which lifts stains and brightens tarnished smiles.

Many different substances can lead to stained teeth, from beverages like coffee to foods like beets. One particular cause of tooth stains that we want to look at right now is cigarettes and cigars. Smoking is an awful habit, and there are plenty of reasons why.

Smoking Is Already Bad for You for So Many Reasons

We already know how bad smoking is for your general health. The damage done to your lungs can be considerable, increasing the risk of developing lung cancer and other respiratory issues later in life. In addition, smoking increases your risk of hypertension and heart attack.

In some sense, the dental stains and tooth discoloration caused by smoking are the least of your worries.

How bad can dental stains from smoking get?

They can be very bad.

If a person has smoked for years and years, the gradual change to the color of their teeth mounts up. Sometimes the teeth can be significantly browned or yellowed, making the patient’s smile seem especially tarnished.

Other Dental Problems Linked to Smoking

As we mentioned, the tooth stains may be the least of your worries. In addition to causing tooth discoloration, smoking is also linked to bad breath, increased risk of gum disease, and increased risk of developing oral cancers.

The bad breath that a smoker experiences can be particularly bad, even with regular brushing and flossing. The smell can permeate the lips and the area around the mouth, and it can also get stuck in a smoker’s clothes.

Gum disease is the bacterial infection of gum tissue. When a person smokes, it makes them more susceptible to gum disease. If left untreated, the gum disease can lead to gum recession, loose teeth and tooth loss, and many more severe dental health issues.

With regard to oral cancer, smoking is not just linked to lung cancer, but is can also lead to cancer of the throat, the jaw, the salivary glands, and the tongue.

Treatment Options for Dental Stains

The ideal option for treating dental stains depends a lot on the extent of the discoloration.

If the stains are mild, professional teeth whitening may be the best option to consider. This will involve the use of bleaching agents to brighten the enamel of the teeth.

For more severe dental stains, teeth whitening may not be enough. In these cases, the use of porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or even a dental crown may be more ideal.

Treatment Options for Other Damage Due to Smoking

If you suffer from gum disease or some form of tooth decay or damage due to smoking, there are a number of restorative procedures to consider to improve your dental health and wellness, including gum grafting and the use of various restorations.

When you stop by for a visit, we will be more than happy to go over all of your options for advanced dental care in full detail.

Schedule a Consultation for Cosmetic Dentistry

For more information about your many different options for advanced dental care, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Rapisarda and his entire team will be sure to provide you with all the information you need to achieve all of your dental care goals.

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Treat Gaps and Poor Spacing with Porcelain Veneers

Treat Gaps and Poor Spacing with Porcelain Veneers

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by Robert Rapisarda

So much can be accomplished with porcelain veneers. Versatile and perfectly matched to your natural teeth, porcelain veneers enhance smiles and look great when in place. Dr. Robert Rapisarda has routinely used porcelain veneers at his practice here in Barre to treat chips, cracks, and stains on the teeth of patients. What many don’t realize is that porcelain veneers can also be used to treat tooth gaps and issues with spacing.

Problems Associated with Tooth Gaps and Poor Spacing

Little spaces and gaps in your smile can have a negative impact on your overall appearance. If the gaps are visible among your most prominent teeth, this can be especially problematic, and you may find your smile lacking the beauty you’d hoped it had. A number of people are self-conscious about their smiles precisely because of tooth gaps.

Porcelain Veneers Are Called Instant Orthodontics for a Reason

One of the nicknames for porcelain veneers is instant orthodontics. It’s called that for good reason. In just two visits, a person can have the appearance of orthodontic care without the months of brackets, wires, and discomfort.

When a person gets porcelain veneers placed, the veneers blend in seamlessly with the rest of their smile, making the smile look totally natural in the process. It will appear that the patient has undergone orthodontic treatment, but in fact, it will have only been treated with porcelain veneers.

The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers for Spacing Problems

The biggest benefits of having porcelain veneers placed to address gaps is that the process is accomplished very quickly and the results are quite wonderful. No one is able to tell that a patient has had any dental work performed. In addition, the porcelain veneers mask other imperfections on a person’s smile, making the patient’s treated teeth look perfect, pristine, and absolutely brilliant.

Cases When Traditional Orthodontics May Be More Ideal

While porcelain veneers are ideal for many problems with gaps and spacing, the solution is purely cosmetic in nature. If a patient has a serious issue with gaps and spacing, this may be a pressing dental health concern. Malocclusion can cause bruxism (teeth grinding) to occur, resulting in tooth damage and a TMJ disorder as well.

In cases where the health of a patient is affected by the gaps between their teeth, the ideal solution for care is traditional orthodontic treatment.

Helping You Make the Best Choices

We obviously can’t treat patients in a one-size-fits-all manner since their needs vary a great deal. During the consultation process, we will carefully assess the health and aesthetics of your smile and determine the best way to enhance both through the latest in advanced dental care. What’s important to us is that patients understand all of their treatment options and are able to make well-informed choices about them.

Discuss Your Options with Dr. Rapisarda

Would you like to learn more about porcelain veneers and how they can enhance your smile? If so, it’s important that you contact our dental care practice today to schedule a consultation. During your discussion with Dr. Rapisarda, you will be able to learn more about your many options for smile makeover enhancements.

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How Do Cavities Form?

How Do Cavities Form?

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by drrapisarda
By the time you’re an adult, it is highly likely that you have had a run-in with cavities at least once – according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 92 percent of adults have experienced dental caries, also known as cavities, in their permanent teeth at one time or another.

With those statistics, it should come as no surprise that dentists like Boston general dentist Robert Rapisarda encounter cavities among their patients every day. Cavities can be treated with fillings, which are recommended for smaller fillings, or dental crowns, for patients that have experienced severe tooth decay. But where do those cavities come from? That’s a great question – the more you know about cavities, the better prepared you will be to seek out effective treatment or, with the right preventative measures, avoid them all together.

How Do Cavities Form?

The outer layer of every tooth is a hard translucent material called enamel. This enamel protects the nerves and soft dentin layer beneath its surface. But it is not invincible. Bacteria and acids can eat away at the enamel over time, decaying your teeth and forming holes in the enamel that dentists refer to as cavities.

A cavity doesn’t happen overnight – tooth decay is a process that happens gradually and in steps. When decay starts to take hold of a tooth, the first visible sign is a white or discolored spot where the tooth’s outer enamel has begun to wear away. If your cavity is caught during this early stage, you may be able to reverse the decay process and avoid more invasive treatment options.

If a problem spot is not treated early, however, acids from food, bacteria, and tartar buildup will continue to eat away at your enamel until a larger hole or cavity is formed in your enamel. This leaves the underlying dentin exposed and prone to further decay and infection.

How Are Cavities Treated?

If your dentist discovers a cavity, you may have several possible treatment options depending on the state, severity, and position of the cavity itself. If your tooth is still in the white spot stage, for example, you may be able to solve the problem through proactive measures such as brushing your teeth with a special enamel-building toothpaste or tooth strengthening mouthwash.

Once a cavity has formed, your dentist will likely recommend drilling away the decayed part of the tooth and replacing it with a filling. Fillings can be made of many different materials – at the office of Dr. Rapisarda, we offer tooth-colored fillings made of composite resin that can be matched perfectly to your existing teeth for a completely natural look and feel.

Cavities that have progressed to the point where they are larger and more severe may require more support than a filling alone can give. In these cases, your dentist will likely recommend dental crowns to fit over the rest of your affected tooth.

Learn More about Cavities and How to Treat Them

If you suspect that you may have a cavity forming, don’t wait to seek treatment – the sooner you address the problem, the simpler treatment will be. Our cosmetic dentistry office is dedicated to offering state-of-the-art treatments for all major dental issues. Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more about your cavity treatment options today.

How Do Cavities Form? Read More »

One-Hour Tooth Whitening with Rembrandt®

One-Hour Tooth Whitening with Rembrandt®

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by drrapisarda

Planning a wedding, arranging a family photo shoot, or preparing for a speech can make life hectic. You may not notice that your teeth look yellow or stained until the final few days prior to your event. If you’re short on time, but long for a brighter smile, call Boston dentist, Dr. Robert Rapisarda. With Rembrandt® teeth whitening, Dr. Rapisarda can brighten your teeth dramatically, up to ten shades, in just an hour.

What Is Rembrandt®?

In 1989, Rembrandt® was the first manufacturer to provide teeth whitening toothpaste. Since then, the company has provided consumers with mouthwash, canker sore toothpaste, and whitening strips. Today, Rembrandt® partners with cosmetic dentists to provide patients with a light-activated whitening system that utilizes Virtuoso Lightening® Gel and the Sapphire® Light. An additional benefit is, this one-visit, one-hour treatment does not require special after-care treatments at home.

What Stains will One-Hour Whitening Address?

Dental stains are categorized as intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic stains exist within or beneath tooth enamel. One example is fluorosis, the white, horizontal lines that form on teeth during their development. Fluorosis occurs, most often, when children swallow fluoridated toothpaste. As a result, their permanent teeth feature the tell-tale, permanent white lines. Intrinsic stains may also form if your mother took tetracycline antibiotics in her second or third trimester, when she was pregnant with you, or if you used these medications before age eight. Injury to teeth may result in tooth discoloration, as will the rare condition, dentinogenesis imperfecta.

Extrinsic stains occur from substances that come in contact with the surface tooth enamel. Discolorations from drinking tea, coffee and wine; stains caused by darkly pigmented foods, such as tomatoes and blueberries; and tobacco’s nicotine stains are considered extrinsic. Rembrandt® can lighten or erase extrinsic stains, but not intrinsic stains.

How Long Do Rembrandt® Whitening Results Last?

The longevity of your whitening results will depend, in part, on how to care for your teeth. If you follow these tips, your whitening could last years. However, should you need another session, Rembrandt® is gentle enough that you can re-treat as needed.

Tips for Maintaining a Bright Smile

  • Brush your teeth for two minutes when you wake, before eating or drinking.
  • Brush your teeth for two minutes, then floss, 30 minutes or longer after eating dinner.
  • Use mouthwash before and after brushing.
  • Use a tongue scraper to remove plaque from the surface of your tongue.
  • Avoid highly acidic and darkly pigmented foods and beverages.
  • Rinse your mouth with water after meals and snacks.
  • Drink colas and juices through a straw.
  • Visit Dr. Rapisarda twice a year, or as recommended, for cleanings and checkups.
  • Re-treat as necessary.

What if Rembrandt® Isn’t Right for Me?

To address intrinsic tooth stains, a topical whitening system, even one as powerful as Rembrandt®, will not work. If you suffer from fluorosis or other intrinsic dental stains, talk with Dr. Rapisarda about cosmetic dentistryoptions that will solve your problem. He may recommend porcelain veneers, bonding, or all-white dental crowns to permanently whiten your teeth.

Schedule Your Consultation

To learn more about Rembrandt® Whitening or to schedule your cosmetic dental consultation, give us a call today. Dr. Rapisarda has an excellent reputation for providing general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry.

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The Ideal Candidates for Porcelain Veneers Treatment

The Ideal Candidates for Porcelain Veneers Treatment

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by Robert Rapisarda
Getting a smile that looks its very best has been made a whole lot easier thanks to modern cosmetic dentistry. By meeting with a cosmetic dentist, you can have stains, chips, cracks, and major flaws easily addressed simply through the use of new techniques and technologies.

One of the most popular options to consider for various aesthetic flaws is porcelain veneers. Let’s take a moment to consider candidacy for porcelain veneers and what that entails.

About Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that are specially designed to mask flaws on the teeth. They are placed directly onto the front part of a patient’s tooth. When in place, the porcelain veneers blend in seamlessly with the patient’s smile.

The secret is their composition. Porcelain veneers are semi-translucent, which means that light partially passes through them just as they would your normal teeth. Whether you are under natural light or artificial light, few will realize that you have porcelain veneers in place.

General Candidates for Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are ideal for different kinds of aesthetic flaws that affect your smile. It’s important that patients be in otherwise good dental health and not suffer from any dental health issues that affect the overall structure or integrity of the tooth or teeth. Patients need to have realistic expectations about the treatment process.

As you will note below, porcelain veneers are a versatile solution for many different dental problems.

Porcelain Veneers for Patients with Tooth Discoloration

If you have teeth that are stained or discolored in any way, porcelain veneers are an excellent option to consider. Veneers are generally more ideal than teeth whitening if the stains originate from the inside of the tooth or are especially deep set.

Porcelain Veneers for Patients with Tooth Damage

Minor tooth damage such as chips and cracks can easily be treated thanks to porcelain veneers. Veneers offer greater aesthetic benefits than tooth bonding, though more serious chips and cracks would be better treated with a dental crown or another type of restoration.

Porcelain Veneers for Patients with Aesthetic Orthodontic Flaws

Porcelain veneers have earned the nickname “instant orthodontics” with good reason. A number of cosmetic flaws related to spacing and alignment can be treated thanks to porcelain veneers. This means gaps, asymmetries, unevenness, and so on. Braces may not be necessary thanks to instant orthodontics.

Total Smile Makeovers Using Porcelain Veneers

Given how versatile porcelain veneers are, they are actually ideal for patients who suffer from many different kinds of aesthetic flaws of their smile. Sometimes an entire smile makeover can be achieved simply through the use of porcelain veneers. During the consultation process, Dr. Rapisarda will be sure to carefully customize your smile makeover to meet your needs.

Learn More About Porcelain Dental Veneers

If you would like more information about porcelain veneers and your many other options available for advanced dental care, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice in Barre, MA today. Dr. Robert Rapisarda and his entire team look forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the very best with regard to your dental health and wellness.

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Porcelain Veneers Replacement and Lifespan

Porcelain Veneers Replacement and Lifespan

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by drrapisarda
A common misconception about dental work is that restorations can be expected to last a lifetime. Unfortunately, even when patients take excellent care of their teeth, most dental materials will require eventual replacement. This is equally true of elective cosmetic procedures such as porcelain veneers. Despite porcelain’s durability, it can only last so long before incurring damage or losing its aesthetic benefits.

Still, the lifespan of your veneers is largely dependent upon your dental care. By understanding what to expect of your veneers and what causes them to need replacement, you can make them last as long as possible. Take note of the below information on the lifespan and replacement of porcelain veneers, as provided by our Boston cosmetic dentistry office.

Causes for Replacement

Porcelain veneers may need to be replaced due to a variety of reasons. In some cases, damage can be sudden and unexpected, while other causes are far more gradual. By learning the most common reasons for replacement, you can properly minimize the risks to your restorations:

  • Large chips or cracks: Excessive pressure can cause porcelain to chip or crack. This may occur due to physical injury from accidents or contact sports, but can also occur from any instance of biting down on a hard foreign object. In some cases, habitual teeth grinding at night results in noticeable chips.
  • General wear: Porcelain does not erode in the way that enamel and composite restorations do, but it can incur many small chips from regular biting and eating habits. Over time, this can lead to a significant change in size and appearance.
  • Tooth decay: If a cavity forms within a tooth covered by the veneer, the veneer will have to be removed in order for treatment to commence. Since veneers are removed by grinding them down like regular tooth tissue, a new one will have to be installed afterward.
  • Discoloration: Porcelain is resistant to most instances of staining, but it is possible for some discoloration to form over the years, especially if patients neglect hygiene habits. Alternatively, the overall shade of a smile is prone to change as well, making veneers a contrasting color rather than a complementary one.

The Lifespan of Your Veneers

On average, porcelain restorations are said to last up to 15 years. However, this is a ballpark figure that may be an overestimate for some and an underestimate for others. If a veneer becomes unexpectedly damaged or the tooth forms decay, it will need to be replaced no matter how much time has transpired. On the other hand, patients who take excellent care of their veneers can go decades without seeing any significant changes to them. As long as a veneer continues to serve its cosmetic purpose and the underlying tooth is healthy, there is no need to replace it.

The Replacement Process

If a veneer does require replacement, the procedure will proceed as follows:

  • The remainder of the old veneer will be removed in a similar process to the original removal of enamel. However, no additional enamel will need to be removed.
  • An impression will be taken of the tooth in preparation for the new veneer. The digital impression will be sent to our in-office CEREC® milling machine. This allows us to craft patients’ veneers and dental crowns within an hour, as opposed to the days or weeks patients must wait for veneers to come from an outside lab.
  • Once ready, it will be tested for a good fit. If any final changes need to be made, they will be completed on the spot.
  • The veneer will be permanently cemented in place, and you can immediately benefit from your restored smile.

Schedule an Appointment

If you believe you may need new porcelain veneers, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rapisarda. Additionally, remember that routine exams are an integral part of dental health, and will help track the status of your restorations. Contact us for more information or to schedule your next appointment.

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Smile

Experiencing Gum Recession? Treatment Can Help

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by Robert Rapisarda
Healthy gums are an important part of a healthy smile, which is why it can be frustrating when gums start to recede. Understanding the causes of gum recession can help you prevent the condition from occurring; or, if you’re already experiencing gum recession, treatment can help! As a skilled cosmetic dentist, Dr. Robert Rapisardaprovides patients at his Boston practice with gum recession treatment to restore their smiles and increase their confidence.

What Is Gum Recession?

When gums move away from teeth, causing the teeth to appear longer and occasionally exposing the roots, the condition is known as gum recession. It’s important to address gum recession as soon as you notice symptoms – left untreated, bacteria can accumulate in the gaps created between the teeth and gums, causing periodontal disease.

Gum Recession Causes

Your health, lifestyle, and genetics all contribute to your likelihood of experiencing gum recession. Some people worry that dental crowns, which are protective caps placed over the teeth, increases the risk of receding gums, but gum recession affects both natural and restored teeth.

Causes of gum recession include:

  • Periodontal disease. Gum recession is one of the first signs of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease can cause serious damage to your teeth, gums, and bone structure, so it’s important to see your dentist as soon as you notice symptoms.
  • Brushing too hard. Using too much force when you brush your teeth or brushing too often, can irritate tender gums. If your gums are sensitive, switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush can help. To prevent gum recession, brush thoroughly twice a day and ask your dentist to recommend a toothbrush.
  • Not flossing enough. By not flossing regularly, you increase your risk of gum recession. Plaque can harden into tarter, which builds up between your teeth, causing gums to recede.
  • Grinding your teeth. Chronic clenching and grinding, often a result of TMJ disorder, puts extra pressure on certain teeth. The strain can cause gums to recede.
  • Smoking. Using tobacco increases the amount of plaque on your teeth, which, in turn, leads to gum recession and periodontal disease.
  • Crooked teeth. When teeth aren’t straight, bacteria can build up in the crevices a toothbrush can’t access. The result? An increased risk of gum disease and recession.
  • Pregnancy. Women are more prone to gum recession during periods of intense hormonal shifts, such as during pregnancy or menopause.
  • Genetics. Even with the best dental care, some people are simply more genetically prone to developing gum recession.

Symptoms

Gum recession is easily treated when detected early. Contact your dentist if:

  • Your tooth is sensitive
  • Your tooth appears longer than usual
  • You notice a ridge on the surface of your tooth, near the gum line

Deep Cleaning

When diagnosed early, gum recession can often be treated with a deep cleaning procedure, also known as tooth scaling and root planing. During a deep cleaning, your dentist will remove the plaque and tartar found beneath the gum line, and smooth out the textured surface of the tooth’s root to prevent bacteria from building up in the future.

Gum Surgery

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to treat gum recession. Your dentist may perform:

  • Pocket depth reduction. Your dentist will pull back the affected gum tissue to remove bacteria that has accumulated below the gum line. By stitching the gum back into place, your dentist ensures that the tooth root is properly covered, and that there are no gaps where bacteria can build up.
  • Soft tissue graft. When a tooth root has been exposed, your dentist may take healthy tissue from another area, such as an unaffected section of gum or the roof of your mouth, and stitch it to the affected area to provide coverage.
  • Regeneration. Used in the most severe cases, regeneration treats gum disease that has damaged the underlying bone structure. First, the gum tissue is pulled back in order to remove bacteria; then, a graft is placed over the area to stimulate new bone and tissue growth.

Are Your Gums Receding?

If you’re experiencing gum recession, it’s important to see a dentist as early as possible. With an early diagnosis, receding gums are highly treatable. To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact the office of Dr. Robert Rapisarda today.

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Causes of Cracked or Damaged Crowns

Causes of Cracked or Damaged Crowns

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by drrapisarda
Dental crowns should last between 10 and 15 years, on average. However, that life expectancy can be cut short by a number of factors, including lifestyle and oral hygiene habits that lead to cracked or damaged crowns.

If you suspect a crown has cracked or been damaged, you should contact a dentist. Dr. Robert Rapisarda, serving the Boston area, can examine your teeth to see if you have cracked crowns and recommend appropriate cosmetic dentistry measures to fix any problems. For your convenience, his practice also offers CEREC® dental crowns that can be designed and created in just one visit.

Common Causes of Damage

Your crown is strong, like your natural teeth, but it can be damaged. The most common causes of damage to a crown include:

  • An Improper Bite. Your jaw creates tremendous pressure when you chew. If there is a discrepancy in your bite (how your teeth come together) then this pressure can damage a crown.
  • Biting and Chewing Hard Objects. Bad habits such as chewing ice, biting your fingernails, and opening packages with your teeth cause extreme pressures that can damage a crown.
  • Bruxism, Grinding, and Clenching Teeth. Patients who grind and clench their teeth can put tremendous pressure on crowns, causing them to break. If you suffer from bruxism, talk to your dentist about using a mouthguard when you sleep to protect both your teeth and crown.
  • Accidental trauma. Your crown can be damaged, just like your teeth, during a fall or a hard knock.
  • Decay. Although a crown does not decay, it may need to be replaced if the tooth underneath becomes infected. It is also important to keep gums around a crown healthy. If the gum around a crown recedes, it may allow decay to develop inside the crown, perhaps leading to a root canal treatment.

Problems with Crowns

Problems that can develop with a crown:

  • Discomfort or Sensitivity. A newly crowned tooth may be sensitive for a while after the procedure. However, sensitivity that happens when you bite down may mean the crown is too high. Your dentist can easily fix this.
  • Chipped Crown. All-porcelain crowns can sometimes chip. If the chip is small, composite resin can be used to repair the crown. If chipping is extensive, then the crown may have to be replaced.
  • Loose Crown. Sometimes the cement that holds a crown in place washes out. This can allow bacteria to seep into the tooth and cause decay. Contact your dentist if your crown feels loose.
  • Crown Falls Off. This may be caused by an improper fit, problems with the cement, or poor support for the crown if little remains of the original tooth. If a crown falls off, call your dentist for specific instructions.

If you suspect a dental crown has been damaged, it should be evaluated by a dentist. Minor damage may not require much repair, but in some cases a crown will need to be replaced. Only a dentist can determine what needs to be done. If you need advice, please call for an appointment.

Causes of Cracked or Damaged Crowns Read More »

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Robert A. Rapisarda, DMD

48 Allen Dr.
Barre, MA 01005

978.355.4656

Office Hours

Monday: 8:00am - 6:30pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 8:00am - 1:00pm

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