Uncategorized

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.

Treatment for the Most Common Causes of Tooth Loss Read More »

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.

Application for Dental Fillings vs. Dental Crowns Read More »

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.

Knowing the Causes of Tooth Pain Read More »

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.

How the DIAGNOdent® Laser Can Improve Your Dental Care Read More »

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.

Some Bad Habits You Should Avoid for Good Dental Health Read More »

Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry for Chipped Teeth

Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry for Chipped Teeth

by drrapisarda
Even a small chip on one tooth can compromise the appearance of your smile, and it can also affect your self-confidence. A larger chip can severely weaken your tooth. It may eventually break completely. In some cases, you may even require an extraction. Dr. Rapisarda offers several restorative dentistry treatments to repair this type of damage. Dental bonding and veneers can both be great options for small to moderately sized chips. If you have a tooth with more severe damage, a crown may be in your best interests. Dr. Rapisarda will provide a thorough exam. Then he will recommend an appropriate treatment, typically preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. To undergo treatment for chipped teeth, contact our Barre, MA practice today.

Dental Bonding: A Conservative Option

Dental bonding is one of the most common treatments for a chipped tooth. Dr. Rapisarda will choose a color of composite resin that matches your smile. Then he will treat your tooth with a special solution that will microetch the dental enamel. This process will create more surface area, so the bonding agent can take a firmer hold. Next, Dr. Rapisarda will apply the material to your chipped tooth. He will sculpt the resin to fill in the recessed area and create a smooth, natural surface. If desired, he can also apply resin to the nearby teeth, covering up other cosmetic flaws, such as stains or worn edges. When he has achieved the desired effects, Dr. Rapisarda will use a curing light to harden the material. Finally, he will remove any excess resin and polish your teeth.

Bonding can be a good solution if you are looking for an affordable, yet natural, option.

Porcelain Veneers: A Highly Lifelike Effect

A porcelain veneer is another option for a moderately chipped tooth. Like bonding, a veneer will cover up the chip, and it can conceal other esthetic concerns at the same time. First, Dr. Rapisarda will need to reshape your tooth. By trimming off some enamel, he will make room for the porcelain so that it can lie flat against your tooth. He will send impressions of your tooth to a lab, where ceramists will produce your veneer or veneers. They will use state-of-the-art materials, offering durability and a natural sparkle. There are also a number of shades to choose from. Using photos of your teeth, the technicians will select a color that harmonizes with your other teeth. When the veneer has been sent back to our office, Dr. Rapisarda will use dental cement to attach it to your tooth.

A porcelain veneer will last longer than bonding, and it will have a more realistic sheen. Your upfront costs will be higher, but you may save money over time since you will not need to undergo retreatment as often.

Dental Crowns: Repair Seriously Damaged Teeth

If your tooth has a very large chip that affects your oral function, Dr. Rapisarda may recommend a dental crown.  A crown will fully cover your tooth all the way to your gum line. Because of the larger size, the crowning process involves significant alteration of your tooth structure. Therefore, Dr. Rapisarda will only advise this treatment when necessary.

To place a crown, your dentist will reshape your tooth and take impressions. As with veneers, our lab will create a custom restoration to match your smile and the natural force of your bite. Crowns come in many different materials, but we typically recommend tooth-colored restorations for the most realistic effect. After the crown is finished, Dr. Rapisarda will make sure that it fits correctly, and he will affix it to your tooth. Afterwards, you should enjoy fully restored dental function.

Learn the Right Treatment for You

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rapisarda.

Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry for Chipped Teeth Read More »

Smiling Patient

“Awesome Smile!” Dental Care for Teens

by drrapisarda
Many essential habits for adulthood are formed during the teenage years, and that includes dental habits. If you have a teenager, then you know very well how difficult it can be to motivate your child to care about oral hygiene, even if he or she cares a lot about his or her appearance. But if you want your teenager to avoid extensive and costly restorative dentistry treatments down the road, it is important that he or she develop a healthy relationship with a dentist right now. This includes visiting the dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and thorough oral exams as recommended by the American Dental Association.

At the dental practice of Dr. Robert Rapisarda, we offer a comprehensive range of cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry treatments for patients of all needs, including teenagers. We are pleased to cater to the special needs of your teenaged child by offering dental care for teens at our Barre, MA practice. By entrusting your child’s oral health to our care now, you are taking a proactive step toward ensuring that they will have healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime. He or she may not appreciate that now, but the day will come when you see the lessons you impart now passed on to your grandchildren, and you will know that you did precisely the right thing.

We can’t promise that we’ll make dentistry cool, but we can promise that we’ll provide your teenager with the best possible dental care – and that’s something that he or she will smile about. We urge you and your child to visit our practice at your earliest convenience and find out more about how we can serve your teenager’s special needs.

Popular Dental Treatments for Teens

We offer numerous treatments that are appropriate for patients of all ages, including dental crowns, tooth-colored fillings, and state-of-the-art diagnostics. However, there are certain treatments that are available at our practice that are particularly popular among teens. These include:

  • Invisalign®: The revolutionary Invisalign® system uses a series of clear, custom-crafted aligners to gradually guide the teeth into their proper positions in the mouth, providing a comfortable and cosmetically appealing alternative to cumbersome, conspicuous metal braces. Best of all, the aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing.
  • Cavity treatment: We can treat cavities before they have a chance to spread and threaten the tooth. Thanks to our tooth-colored fillings, we can restore the tooth without compromising its appearance.
  • Athletic mouthguards: If your child is participating in football, basketball, or another team sport, we can provide him or her with a custom mouthguard that will protect his or her teeth and gums from damage in the event of trauma to the mouth.
  • Periodontal care: Regular periodontal treatments will help to guard your teenager’s mouth against gum disease, the most common disease among American adults.

Learn More about Dental Care for Teens

To learn more about our exemplary dental care for teens, please contact our dental practice today.

“Awesome Smile!” Dental Care for Teens Read More »

Dental Care Tips for Preventing Gum Disease

Dental Care Tips for Preventing Gum Disease

by Robert Rapisarda
Dr. Robert Rapisarda has established himself as one of the leading dentists in the Barre, MA area. He offers the latest in advanced cosmetic and restorative dentistry to improve dental health and wellness.

Periodontal health is just as important as the health of your teeth. Let’s consider gum disease right now and what can be done to prevent it.

About Gum Disease

Gum disease is the infection of the gum tissue. It’s caused by the oral bacteria that naturally occurs in people’s mouths. There are three different stages of gum disease. In order from least severe to most severe, they are as follows:

  • Gingivitis
  • Periodontitis
  • Advanced periodontitis

Early symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, sore gums, swollen gums, and discolored gums. If left untreated and allowed to progress, gum disease can lead to gum recession, tooth misalignment, loose teeth, tooth loss, and the spread of infection to other parts of the mouth.

The following tips are simple, easy, and can help prevent a serious issue with gum disease.

Tip #1 : Brush Your Teeth At Least Twice a Day

In order to remove food particles and plaque and have the healthiest teeth possible, it’s crucial that you brush your teeth at least twice a day. Ideally, it’s a good idea to brush your teeth after every meal.

Tip #2: Floss Your Teeth at Least Once a Night

Flossing is something that’s crucial for healthy smiles and yet people tend to not floss enough. Floss gets at the nooks and crannies of the mouth that a toothbrush cannot reach. You should be flossing your teeth at least once a night. Ideally, consider flossing after every meal.

Tip #3: Avoid the Use of Tobacco Products

Cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco can all increase your likelihood of developing gum disease. These tobacco products also boost chances of gum recession, not to mention other severe health issues related to oral cancer, lung cancer, and heart disease. This is just another good reason to kick the habit.

Tip #4: Drink Water to Stay Well Hydrated

Water helps remove food particles from your mouth and allows your teeth and gums to be moist and well-hydrated. Since dry mouth can contribute to the severity of a case of dry mouth, drinking water is a great and simple thing you can do for a healthy smile.

Tip #5: Use an Antimicrobial/Antibacterial Mouthwash

Since oral bacteria causes gum disease as well as tooth decay, it’s not a bad idea to consider using an antibacterial or antimicrobial mouthwash to help improve your overall dental health and wellness. Try to find a mouthwash that is alcohol-free in order to prevent dry mouth.

Tip #6: Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Even though you only need to visit your dentist twice a year, it can make a major difference where your dental health is concerned. If you haven’t seen the dentist in more than six months, you should schedule a consultation for the near future.

Learn More About Preventing Gum Disease

If you would like to learn more about treating and preventing gum disease, we encourage you to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Robert Rapisarda and the entire team here looks forward to your visit and helping you have the healthiest and most beautiful smile possible.

Dental Care Tips for Preventing Gum Disease Read More »

Dental Care and Heart Health: How They Are Linked

Dental Care and Heart Health: How They Are Linked

by Robert Rapisarda

Patients throughout the greater Boston area can count on Dr. Robert Rapisarda to provide exceptional dental care, with a focus on advanced general dentistry for total wellness. This means treating all problems great and small, because as you’re about to read, your dental health can have a major impact on your general health.

Your General Wellness and Dental Health Are Interlinked

It seems like a truism, but it’s worth repeating: your dental health can affect your general health and vice versa. The whole body is a system, and it’s important that you’re fully healthy and that everything is in proper working order. Issues with the health of your teeth or gums can lead to a number of health issues or might be the sign of a serious health issue.

This is why it’s always worthwhile to visit your dentist and your general practitioner for regular checkups. Any health issues you are facing can be addressed in a timely manner to prevent major problems down the road.

A Correlation Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease

Studies have found that there is a link between gum disease and cardiovascular issues, including increased risks of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and blood clots.

This isn’t to say that your gum disease means you’ll be suffering from a heart attack or a serious cardiovascular issue, but it does mean there is a greater potential for your heart health to be negatively impacted in some way.

Why are periodontal and cardiovascular health linked?

There are many reasons why this may be true, though researchers have yet to identify a single prevailing cause of this link.

For one, many people who smoke and use tobacco products have a tendency to suffer from gum disease as well as cardiovascular disease, which is why smoking is such a bad thing for your overall wellness.

Another possibility has to do with the oral bacteria that cause gum disease and how it leads to serious inflammation, which may increase a person’s risk of suffering from heart disease.

As more research is done and better info becomes available, we will be sure to share these matters on our blog.

Oral Hygiene Tips to Have the Healthiest Smile Possible

In order to prevent gum disease and keep your smile stay its healthiest, we recommend the following:

  • Stop using tobacco products or don’t start in the first place
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day
  • Floss your teeth at least once a night
  • Drink water to stay well hydrated
  • Visit your dentist twice a year for checkups

General Wellness Tips to Stay Fit Well Into the Future

If you want to stay healthy for the years ahead, keep these tips in mind:

  • Stop using tobacco products or don’t start in the first place (it’s so important it’s worth repeating)
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Visit your doctor for your annual checkup

Learn More About Your Options for Advanced Dental Care

If you would like to find out how you can improve your dental health and enhance your general wellness in the process, we encourage you to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Rapisarda and the entire dental care team looks forward to your visit and discussing these matters with you in much greater detail.

Dental Care and Heart Health: How They Are Linked Read More »

Dental Care During Pregnancy: What Our Patients Can Expect

Dental Care During Pregnancy: What Our Patients Can Expect

by Robert Rapisarda
Dr. Robert Rapisarda is a leader when it comes to good dental care in the greater Boston area. He offers comprehensive general dentistry services aimed at total wellness. As it turns out, dental health and general wellness are more linked than many people think. It’s an especially important concern for patients who are having children.

How does dental health affect my general wellness during pregnancy?

It can affect general wellness a surprising amount.

A number of studies have been conducted that note a link between general wellness and the health of people’s gums. In general, women who are pregnant and suffer from gum disease run a higher risk of problems occurring during pregnancy or childbirth than women who have good dental health. The exact link between poor dental health and issues with general wellness are still being studied, though one thing is obvious: being in good overall health includes good dental health, and having good dental health can have some impact on your general wellness.

Dental Care Leading Into Pregnancy

If you are actively trying to become pregnant, it’s a good idea to meet with you physician and your dentist for checkups. This will allow you to have any major health issues or dental health issues treated before the pregnancy begins.

Dental Care Treatments During Pregnancy

During a woman’s pregnancy, regular dental checkups should be attended as scheduled. This will allow the patient to get her teeth cleaned and to ensure that are no potential dental health problems that ought to be treated.

During these visits, patients should discuss any medications or supplements that they are taking in conjunction with their pregnancy in case these have a bearing on overall dental health. Patients are also encouraged to voice any concerns that they may have related to pregnancy and wellness.

Avoiding X-rays and Major Dental Treatments

When a woman is pregnant, it is of the utmost importance that x-rays and major dental therapies are avoided. While the radiation exposure related to x-rays is minimal, this is just a common sense safety precaution to ensure that the developing child remains as healthy as possible.

The only time that major dental treatments or any dental x-rays will be taken is if a pregnant woman is facing a serious dental emergency. In such cases, all efforts will be taken in order to protect the wellness of the child.

Dental Care Treatments After Childbirth

After a woman has given birth, it’s back to business as usual during dental visits. X-rays can be taken again, and any treatments that were postponed can now be performed without any concern of serious harm to the child.

When to Bring Your Baby to the Dentist for the First Time

It’s ideal to bring your baby to the dentist for the first time within six months of the emergence of the first baby tooth. This will allow a dentist to determine the basic development of the child’s teeth and provide some helpful pointers to parents so they can ensure their baby’s smile is healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Learn More About Your General Dentistry Treatment Options

For more information about dental care treatments during pregnancy and leading into childbirth, it’s important that you contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Rapisarda and his team look forward to your visit and helping you look and feel your very best.

Dental Care During Pregnancy: What Our Patients Can Expect Read More »

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

* All indicated fields must be completed.
Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.

Robert A. Rapisarda, DMD

Office Hours

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

Accessibility Toolbar

Scroll to Top