2016

Treatment for the Most Common Causes of Tooth Loss

With a combination of good oral hygiene habits and regular dental exams and cleanings, patients should be able to avoid serious oral health problems. However, many patients skip dental exams and flossing, resulting in dental complications such as tooth loss. Restorative dentistry treatments can rebuild damaged smiles by replacing teeth that have been lost, but it is important for patients to understand what causes tooth loss in the first place. Dr. Robert Rapisarda discusses common causes of tooth loss with his Barre, MA patients, as well as the treatment options that are available to those who have already experienced this loss.

Toothbrush and Floss

Causes of Tooth Loss

When tooth loss occurs, it is typically the result of poor oral hygiene habits. It is true that good oral hygiene habits (including regular brushing and flossing) are vital to the health of the teeth, and that poor oral hygiene habits can compromise oral health and increase the risk of dental complications. The specific effect on oral health include:

  • Advanced tooth decay: Tooth decay doesn’t pose a huge threat to the health of the teeth if it is treated in a timely manner. Even moderate cases of tooth decay can be easily treated with a dental filling. However, advanced cases of decay (those which have not been treated) do threaten the health, strength, and structure of the teeth and can ultimately lead to tooth loss.
  • Advanced erosion: Many people confuse erosion with decay, because the side effects of erosion are similar to that of tooth decay. However, decay is caused by a buildup of bacteria; erosion is the result of a highly acidic oral environment. Foods and beverages that are high in acid can slowly eat away at the tooth’s protective layer of enamel. As with decay, erosion can be treated, if it is caught soon enough, but advanced cases can cause tooth loss.
  • Root canal infection: Teeth that have been damaged by decay or erosion are vulnerable to root canal infections. A root canal infection may develop when bacteria enters the center of a tooth, where the nerves reside. If these nerves and the pulp of the tooth become inflamed and infected, tooth loss may occur.
  • Advanced gum disease: Unhealthy gums are another common cause of tooth loss. Gum disease causes the gum tissue to become sensitive and inflamed, and can eventually result in gum recession. Without treatment, advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss.
  • Injury: Even patients with the healthiest teeth and gums can experience tooth loss. In these cases, an injury is the most common cause of tooth loss. A fall or a blow to the face may either knock a tooth out completely, or damage it so severely that it requires extraction.

Tooth Loss Treatments

Once a tooth has been lost, the goal is to replace it with a strong dental restoration. This allows patients to maintain oral functions, maintain the structure of the mouth, and avoid additional dental complications. Dr. Rapisarda offers several restorative dentistry treatments that can address tooth loss, including dental bridges, dentures, and dental implant-supported restorations.

Contact Us

If you have experienced adult tooth loss, or are concerned about the health of your teeth, Dr. Robert Rapisarda would be happy to help you restore your oral health so that you can enjoy a strong and beautiful smile. To learn more about our comprehensive range of dental services, contact us at your earliest convenience.

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Application for Dental Fillings vs. Dental Crowns

Under ideal circumstances, the teeth would remain strong and healthy and no one would ever require any dental care other than routine exams and cleanings. However, the real world is often far from ideal, and it is completely normal for the teeth to be in need of some restorative care. Restorative dentistry treatments address oral health problems to restore the strength, structure, and health of a damaged tooth. There are a number of restorative treatments that can achieve these goals, and determining which technique is the most appropriate for each patient’s unique situation is crucial to the ultimate success of treatment. Dr. Robert Rapisarda discusses two of the most common of these treatment options to help his patients understand the applications of dental fillings vs. crowns at his Barre, MA dental practice.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are one of the most frequently performed restorative dental treatments. In fact, most people have received a dental filling at least once in their lifetime. This is because dental fillings are most often used to repair dental cavities, which are one of the most common oral health problems. Dental fillings can be extremely effective in repairing minor to moderate cases of tooth decay (generally referred to as dental cavities), but their applications are fairly limited. Any decay or damage that is more severe in nature will require alternate restorative treatment.

The dental filling treatment procedure is fairly straightforward. Dental fillings are also known as direct fillings, because the filling material is applied directly to the damaged tooth, where it is shaped to the tooth, and then hardened in place. Dental filling treatment can be completed in a single dental appointment that is usually under an hour in length.

Dental Crowns

Dental Crowns Dental crowns are another popular restorative dental treatment. As with fillings, dental crowns can restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay. However, dental crowns are able to address larger cases of decay, and can also treat dental injuries and cosmetic blemishes. The varied applications of dental crowns are one thing that makes them such a common restorative treatment option.

Dental crown treatment is more complex than that of a dental filling, and does usually require two dental appointments. This is because dental crowns are indirect restorations. Unlike fillings, which are applied directly to the teeth, dental crowns are designed, and then fabricated in a dental laboratory. The tooth can be cleaned and reshaped at an initial dental appointment, and the plans for the crown will be made, but a second appointment will be necessary once the crown is complete, so that it can be bonded to the tooth. A dental crown sits over the tooth much like a hat, which is where it gets its nickname, a dental “cap.” In this way, a dental crown strengthens and protects the tooth from all sides, truly enhancing it structure, as well as its aesthetics.

Both dental fillings and dental crowns can restore a damaged tooth and prevent more serious complications from developing. Dr. Rapisarda will consider the details of each patient’s case to determine which of these treatments is most appropriate in each situation.

Contact Us

If you are concerned about the health of your smile, it is time to seek professional dental care. Dr. Robert Rapisarda has been caring for his patients’ smiles for over 20 years. If you’d like to learn more about our comprehensive range of dental treatments and our high quality level of care, contact us at your earliest convenience.

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Knowing the Causes of Tooth Pain

by drrapisarda
Dr. Robert Rapisarda has been helping patients throughout the greater Barre area achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. This is often achieved through a combination of general and restorative dentistry procedures focused on improving total wellness.

Many patients come to the practice complaining of dental pain. Let’s look at some common causes of toothaches and how they can be treated easily and effectively.

Tooth Decay and Dental Pain

Severe tooth decay can lead to serious soreness of your teeth. This typically means more than just a standard cavity. Major tooth decay can lead to issues with biting and chewing, and it can also make it painful to eat hot or cold food items.

To treat tooth decay, fillings, inlays, onlays, and dental crowns are generally the best options.

Tooth Injury and Dental Pain

When you have a tooth that is chipped or cracked in some way, this can cause pain not unlike the pain caused by major tooth decay. Even a very small crack in a tooth can potentially lead to serious issues with sensitivity and discomfort.

As with tooth decay, dentists will typically use fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns to address tooth damage.

Root Canal Infections and Dental Pain

A root canal infection is a serious problem in which the soft tissue within a tooth becomes infected. Most often this occurs when tooth decay or tooth injury goes untreated and the bacteria that naturally occurs in mouth reaches the pulp chamber.

To get rid of a root canal infection and avoid tooth extraction, endodontic therapy is required.

Gum Recession and Sensitive Teeth

When your gums recede, it exposes more of a tooth’s root structure to potential harm. This means an increased chance of tooth decay and tooth sensitivity, not to mention a high chance of experiencing a root canal infection as well.

Various gum grafting procedures can be used to help rebuild the gumline and replace missing gum tissue.

Poor Dental Alignment

Crooked teeth aren’t just an aesthetic problem. If you have crooked teeth, the spacing and crowding issues associated with them can lead to dental pain for a whole variety of reasons. Eating certain foods can be difficult, and less than optimal spacing can mean general discomfort with your teeth.

To address this problem, dentists often turn to orthodontic care.

Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)

Tooth grinding is the gnashing, clenching, and shifting of the teeth during sleep. This can lead to a number of problems, including tooth pain. Your teeth may chip or crack, for example, and the regular pressure exerted on your teeth can also lead to gum recession.

A combination of orthodontics, mouth guards, and lifestyle changes are commonly used to treat tooth grinding.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the extra sets of molars that grow in during a person’s late teens and early twenties. When the wisdom teeth come in crooked, they can press against the existing molars, causing severe pain and possibly even cracking the molars in the process.

When it comes to wisdom teeth, a routine extraction procedure is the best solution.

Contact Dr. Robert Rapisarda

To learn more about treating tooth pain and dental pain, it’s important that you contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Robert Rapisarda and the entire team at the practice will work with you to ensure you receive excellent dental care treatment.

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How the DIAGNOdent® Laser Can Improve Your Dental Care

by Robert Rapisarda
Left untreated, cavities can destroy your teeth and compromise your overall dental function. As they grow larger, they can also cause significant discomfort. For this reason, it is important to catch cavities as early as possible. Unfortunately, dental decay often does not manifest any visible symptoms until it has already damaged a large portion of your tooth. To provide top-quality restorative dentistry, Dr. Rapisarda proudly uses the state-of-the-art DIAGNOdent® laser. This innovative tool can detect cavities before they are visible to the naked eye. Then Dr. Rapisarda can treat dental decay with conservative techniques. To learn more about DIAGNOdent® laser benefits, contact our Barre, MA practice today.

What Causes Dental Decay?

Ultimately, dental decay is caused by oral bacteria. Microbes will feed off of sugars and starches in your food, forming acids. The acids will erode your teeth. Eventually they will work their way deep into your dental tissues. Through this process, a cavity will develop. Preventive care, including regular cleanings and at-home hygiene, is the best way to prevent dental decay.

In recent years, sealants and fluoride treatments have significantly improved. Therefore, you are less likely to develop cavities in between your teeth. However, decay can still develop underneath enamel, which can be particularly difficult to diagnose. Because such decay is not typically visible to the naked eye, you may not know that you have a cavity until it has progressed into a more serious situation.

What Is the DIAGNOdent® Laser?

The DIAGNOdent® laser will measure the levels of fluorescence in one of your healthy teeth. Then Dr. Rapisarda can shine the laser at your other teeth, looking for elevated levels of fluorescence. A reading that is higher than usual will typically indicate decay. In this way, Dr. Rapisarda can diagnose cavities while they are still very small.

The Benefits of DIAGNOdent®

DIAGNOdent® offers a number of important benefits. First, the tool is far more accurate than a simple visual scan. Dr. Rapisarda typically uses DIAGNOdent® in conjunction with dental x-rays. While x-rays can help uncover cavities between teeth, DIAGNOdent® can reveal decay on the inside of teeth. By combining the two tools, Dr. Rapisarda can provide outstanding protection for your dental health.

DIAGNOdent® is also very convenient and comfortable. Dr. Rapisarda will simply pass the handheld tool over your teeth. There is no need for messy gels or uncomfortable mouthpieces. Using this technology, your dentist can scan your entire mouth in a matter of minutes.

Finally, DIAGNOdent® will make your overall dental care much easier. In the earliest stages, Dr. Rapisarda can treat a cavity with a small dental filling. He can typically complete this treatment in a single appointment, and he will be able to preserve most of your natural tooth structure. However, if the cavity grows larger, Dr. Rapisarda may need to place a full dental crown. Our crowns are very strong and lifelike. Nevertheless, Dr. Rapisarda will need to remove some dental tissue to place the restoration. Fortunately, with DIAGNOdent®, he can diagnose decay before it reaches these more advanced stages.

Come Enjoy Our Advanced Technology

To benefit from our state-of-the-art tools and to protect your long-term oral health, contact our office to schedule a dental exam.

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Some Bad Habits You Should Avoid for Good Dental Health

by drrapisarda
Dr. Robert Rapisarda has helped countless patients in and around Barre have the healthy, beautiful smiles that they have always wanted to have. This is thanks to his approach to general and preventative care as well as his advanced restorative dentistry treatments focused on total wellness.

There is plenty a patient can do on his or her own to help their smiles be the healthiest they can be. Let’s consider some bad habits that affect your dental heath and what you can do about them.

Smoking and the Use of Tobacco Products

Cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco are all harmful to your dental health as well as the aesthetics of your smile. The best way to ensure your smile looks its best and that you’re as healthy as you can be is to quit using tobacco products or simply avoid them entirely.

Not Brushing or Flossing Enough

You really shouldn’t skip brushing or flossing given how important both are to removing plaque and keeping your mouth clean. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss at least once a night. Ideally you should consider brushing and flossing after every meal.

Improper Brushing and Flossing

Sometimes it’s not a matter of how much you brush and floss but your technique. Many people do not brush or floss properly, meaning they do so aggressively. Aggressive brushing and flossing can cause damage to the gums and lead to gum recession. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and to be delicate when brushing and flossing.

Chewing on Hard or Inedible Objects

Many people nibble on drinking straws, bite their fingernails, chew on pen caps, or chomp down on ice cubes. Whether this is a nervous tick, a bad habit, or an unconscious gesture, it can lead to tooth damage if you aren’t careful. Kick this bad habit to keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Using Teeth to Open Packages

On the note of biting down on objects you shouldn’t, there are many people who have used their teeth to open packages, such as a new Blu-ray or a bag of chips. This can similarly lead to chips and cracks on your teeth. When a job calls for scissors, be sure to use scissors instead of your teeth.

Neglecting to Wear Mouth Protection and Head Protection

If you participate in contact sports or combat sports, or if you have a job in a dangerous line of work, you run the risk of serious damage to your teeth, jaw, and face. To protect yourself, it’s important that you wear a helmet or a mouth guard. This is a common sense way to avoid serious injury.

Not Visiting Your Dentist Enough

Twice a year doesn’t seem like much, but seeing your dentist every six months can help you prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and a host of other serious problems. General and preventative care is key for having the healthiest smile possible.

Speak with Dr. Robert Rapisarda About Good Dental Care

To learn more about the bad dental habits you should avoid and the advanced treatments that we offer, we encourage you to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Robert Rapisarda and his entire team look forward to your visit and giving you the info you need to have the healthiest smile possible.

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Robert A. Rapisarda, DMD

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