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Keep on Smiling: Dental Care for Seniors

Keep on Smiling: Dental Care for Seniors

by Robert Rapisarda

Given that you are reading this blog post right now, the chances are good that you are searching for information about general and restorative dentistry care for an elderly member of your family or another beloved senior in your life. As you probably know, many senior dental patients have special needs that go beyond the availability of treatments such as bridges and dentures. Many seniors find it difficult to brush and floss properly, if at all; even those who are able to tend to their oral hygiene are at higher risk of a variety of dental health issues ranging from gum disease to oral cancer. Regardless of their issues, senior dental patients deserve to be treated with patience, dignity, and respect at all times. They should never feel as though they are being patronized or treated like children.

At the dental practice of Dr. Robert Rapisarda, our entire team is trained to provide exceptional care to patients of all ages and needs, including senior patients. Your senior loved one will be made to feel comfortable and cared for at every stage of treatment; we will strive to create an environment in which he or she will be eager to return for the dental care he or she needs. When it comes to providing superior dental care to seniors, our Boston dental team is unsurpassed. We would welcome the opportunity to demonstrate why you should entrust your elderly loved one’s oral health to our care during a confidential consultation at our office at your earliest convenience.

Elderly Special Needs Patients

Not all senior dental patients have the same needs; some patients remain independent well into their senior years while others require a great deal of assistance with their oral hygiene. Nevertheless, all senior patients will face at least some shared issues that are unique to their age group. For example, all seniors are at heightened risk of dry mouth, gum disease, and oral cancer, regardless of how well they take care of their mouths. This does not mean that they will necessarily develop these conditions; however, it does reinforce the importance of their visiting the dentist at least twice a year as recommended by the American Dental Association – and possibly more often, if recommended by our dental team.

Of course, there are senior patients with more advanced special needs. Many senior patients have lost the manual dexterity required to effectively brush and floss their teeth, increasing the likelihood that plaque and tartar will build upon their teeth between dental visits. This puts their teeth and gums at risk of serious damage. Once again, the best way to avoid this damage is to visit our office routinely for professional cleanings and oral exams. For many seniors, trips to our office represent their best opportunity – if not their only opportunity – to care for their teeth and gums.

Learn More about Dental Care for Seniors

If you would like to schedule an appointment for you and your elderly loved one to meet with Dr. Rapisarda, please contact our general and restorative dentistry practice today.

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General Dentistry for a Healthy Smile at All Ages

General Dentistry for a Healthy Smile at All Ages

by drrapisarda
Whether young or old, a beautiful smile is important for your appearance and self-esteem. Further, healthy teeth do not only affect how you look, they also impact your dental function and, sometimes, your overall physical wellness. Dr. Robert Rapisarda offers a diverse range of restorative and general dentistry treatments for all ages. Children will benefit from routine preventative care, beginning as early as possible. In this way, they are more likely to enjoy a lifelong healthy smile. Adults benefit from routine care, as well. Dr. Rapisarda also offers numerous restorative treatments in case dental damage does occur. To perform all of his treatments, he uses the latest technology, which makes treatment faster and more comfortable. Contact our Boston practice today to learn more about our family dentistry services.

Caring for Infants’ and Children’s Teeth

Many adults believe that children are unlikely to develop cavities. Unfortunately, young patients are just as prone to decay as adults. Sometimes, they are even more susceptible to cavities, since they often eat sugary foods and do not understand proper dental hygiene. Therefore, it is important to monitor your child’s diet and oral care closely. Even in infancy, you should clean your baby’s gums with a soft cloth, and you should begin brushing as soon as teeth come in. It is also important to schedule a regular exam and cleaning no more than six months after the appearance of your child’s first tooth. At this time, we can clean his or her teeth, monitor dental development, and provide further instructions for oral care at home.

It is essential that your child receives enough fluoride as his or her teeth are developing. This important mineral will be incorporated into the structure of growing teeth to prevent erosion and decay. We can provide a rinse, varnish, or other supplement to protect your child’s teeth. Once your child’s permanent molars start to come in, we can apply sealants to reduce the risk of cavities.

Dental Care in the Adult Years

Preventative care is important for adults, as well as children. In the majority of cases, you should schedule regular dental cleanings every six months. However, if you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you may need to make more frequent visits. Gum disease is a chronic condition, but with careful maintenance, you can keep your smile whole and healthy.

Regular care can protect your teeth, but daily wear and tear will eventually take their toll on the look and function of your smile. Therefore, we also offer numerous cosmetic and restorative treatments, and we will help you choose the right one for your needs. We can even combine several cosmetic options in a smile makeover that will transform your overall appearance.

Restorative Options for Senior Patients

Tooth loss and structural damage is a common occurrence as you approach your senior years. Continuous use can weaken your teeth. A lowered immune system and other health concerns can affect your ability to fight off oral bacteria. Therefore, you will be at a higher risk for gum disease and accompanying tooth loss. To correct dental damage, we offer several restorative options, including crowns, bridges, and tooth-colored fillings. Collaborating with local oral surgeons, we can also restore dental implants to fill in gaps in your smile permanently. We use WaterLase® lasers to perform many of these treatments, and we can also provide oral conscious sedation, if needed.

Of course, routine exams and cleanings are also important in your senior years. Even if you are missing all of your teeth, regular dental care will protect your gum tissue and jawbone health.

Contact Us Today for the Care You Need

Whether you are looking for treatment for yourself, your child, or your entire family, we are ready to provide the services you require. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Rapisarda today and enjoy a lifetime of dental health.

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Teeth Grinding Dangers: What Patients Should Know

Teeth Grinding Dangers: What Patients Should Know

by Robert Rapisarda
Patients throughout the Boston area put their trust in Dr. Robert Rapisarda because of his commitment to total wellness. He offers advanced restorative dentistry treatments to restore dental health, with a focus on making smiles as beautiful as possible.

Various restorative and general dentistry approaches may be considered when treating teeth grinding. Let’s consider this matter in more detail right now.

About Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding (aka bruxism) is a condition in which a person gnashes, shifts, and clenches his or her teeth while sleeping. This condition may be related to excessive stress, poor tooth alignment, or a combination of the two.

Over a long period of time, teeth grinding can lead to serious problems with dental health and general wellness.

Causing Damage to Tooth Structure

Because of the stress placed on the teeth due to the grinding, it should come as no surprise that teeth grinding can lead to damage to the teeth and general tooth structure. Chips and cracks may develop, and the teeth may be weakened in the process, meaning that more severe tooth damage may be likely.

Potentially Causing Gum Recession

In addition to doing damage to the teeth, teeth grinding can also do damage to the gum tissue. Gum recession is not uncommon when a person suffers from tooth grinding. This means that the gumline gradually diminishes, revealing more of the tooth’s root structure in the process. This can make tooth decay below the gumline more likely.

Wear and Tear to the Jaw Joint

In addition to causing damage to the teeth and gums, teeth grinding can also cause major damage to the jaw joint. The stress placed on the jaw joint can lead to a TMJ disorder, which is characterized by the locking, clicking, and popping of the jaw joint. This can make speaking and eating difficult and even painful tasks.

Options for Treating Bruxism and Its Dangers

When it comes to treating teeth grinding, it’s important to identify and treat the root cause of the problem. One treatment or multiple treatments may be used in order to address the condition.

One facet of treating teeth grinding would be using a bite guard/night guard. This is a protective mouth guard that is worn when a patient is asleep. When in the place, the bite guard prevents contact between the upper and lower teeth, reducing the amount of damage that may be done to the teeth as well as the jaw joint.

If the teeth grinding is the result of stress, it’s important to consider stress management techniques, such as regular exercise, breathing exercises, and changes to diet. Reducing stress and anxiety can go a long way toward treating teeth grinding.

Since tooth misalignment is a cause and/or contributing factor to teeth grinding, orthodontic care is a potential treatment option to consider as well. By improving tooth alignment, a patient’s teeth will be able to find a better overall rest position, which prevents the shifting and clenching during sleep.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Robert Rapisarda

To learn more about teeth grinding and how it can be successfully treated and prevented, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Rapisarda and his team look forward to your visit and helping you achieve optimal dental health and wellness.

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Woman smiling

Preventing Root Canal Infections

by drrapisarda
Dr. Robert Rapisarda has the restorative dentistry expertise to effectively treat and correct root canal infections. However, Dr. Rapisarda and his team understand that most Boston patients would rather avoid root canal infections altogether. With proper dental hygiene and preventative care, you can keep your teeth healthy and prevent the need for root canal therapy.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is actually a part of your tooth – it’s the hollow canal protecting your tooth’s soft pulp, blood vessels, and bundles of nerves. The canal runs from the tooth’s center to the bottom of the root where the nerves emerge into the gums.

When a traumatic injury or tooth decay damages the enamel and dentin layers of your tooth root, it can leave the sensitive pulp within the tooth root exposed to infection. When the pulp and nerves within the root canal become infected, root canal therapy (the procedure we tend to refer to as simply a root canal) is needed to remove the infected tissue, repair the damage, and save the tooth.

How Can I Prevent a Root Canal Infection?

If you have never had root canal therapy, you probably want to keep it that way, and if you have had root canal therapy in the past, you probably want to know how to avoid another procedure in the future. In some cases, such as when an infection is triggered by a traumatic injury, root canal therapy may be unavoidable. But by keeping some tips in mind, you may be able to keep your teeth healthy and avoid any unnecessary treatments:

  • Maintain Good Dental Hygiene: At the top of any list for avoiding a root canal infection, is a reminder to establish good dental hygiene habits and keep up the practice. Be sure to brush at least twice a day and floss daily, to keep bacteria and food particles from building up and contributing to tooth decay.
  • Drink Water after Meals: Drinking water after meals can flushfood particles and bacteria out of the mouth in between brushing. It is especially important to rinse the mouth out with water after eating sugary foods, such as candy, or starchy foods, such as bread or potatoes.
  • Keep Up with Regular Professional Dental Exams: While it’s always important to maintain good dental hygiene at home, sometimes tartar buildup and decay can develop despite our best efforts. Your dentist can spot these problems while they’re still small, removing plaque and filling small cavities before they progress into more serious problems.

Discuss Root Canal Concerns with Dr. Robert Rapisarda Today

Whether you think you may need a root canal, or would like more information on how to maintain good oral hygiene and health to avoid a root canal, talking to a trusted dental professional can help. Contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today to schedule a consultation, and discuss your questions and concerns with Dr. Rapisarda so that he and his team can help you maintain a strong and healthy smile.

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White teeth smile

Dental Exams and Professional Cleanings: Why They Are Important

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

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

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

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?

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.

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One-Hour Tooth Whitening with Rembrandt®

One-Hour Tooth Whitening with Rembrandt®

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

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