Uncategorized

The Ideal Candidates for Porcelain Veneers Treatment

The Ideal Candidates for Porcelain Veneers Treatment

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.

The Ideal Candidates for Porcelain Veneers Treatment Read More »

Porcelain Veneers Replacement and Lifespan

Porcelain Veneers Replacement and Lifespan

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.

Porcelain Veneers Replacement and Lifespan Read More »

Smile

Experiencing Gum Recession? Treatment Can Help

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.

Experiencing Gum Recession? Treatment Can Help Read More »

Causes of Cracked or Damaged Crowns

Causes of Cracked or Damaged Crowns

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 »

Toothbrush

Treating Bad Breath

by drrapisarda
Most people have experienced bad breath, or halitosis, to some degree in their lives, some more frequently than others. For some, unfortunately, bad breath is something they have to cope with on a daily basis, no matter how often they brush or rinse their mouths with mouthwash. This persistent bad breath can affect every aspect of their lives, from friendships and romantic relationships to professional interactions.

At the cosmetic dentistry practice of Dr. Robert Rapisarda, serving communities throughout greater Boston, bad breath treatment is available to people with chronic halitosis. Imagine never having to worry about bad breath again – ever. The solution may be just a few office visits away.

What Causes Bad Breath?

There are many possible causes of bad breath, some of which are within an individual’s control and others that are far less so. Determining the underlying causes of your halitosis is fundamental to customizing a treatment to your specific needs. The more common causes of chronic bad breath include:

  • Medical conditions: Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetes, and heartburn can contribute to bad breath.
  • Poor oral hygiene: People who do not brush or floss regularly or properly are particularly susceptible to bad breath.
  • Tobacco use: Smoking and chewing tobacco can permanently affect the quality of one’s breath, even when the person isn’t actively using tobacco.
  • Gum disease: Gum disease is one of the most common causes of bad breath. The more advanced the gum disease, the worse one’s breath is likely to be.
  • Certain medications: Antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants are just some of the medications that can contribute to chronic bad breath.
  • Dentures: Denture wearers are vulnerable to bad breath if they fail to clean their dentures properly or regularly, or if they wear their dentures for too long.

Treating Bad Breath

During a thorough evaluation of your mouth, your medical history, and your lifestyle habits, Dr. Rapisarda will determine the cause or causes of your bad breath and devise a treatment plan accordingly. Part of the treatment of your halitosis may depend on your making changes in your lifestyle, such as avoiding certain foods, quitting smoking, or improving your at-home hygiene regimen. A professional dental cleaning may help to improve your breath, as well.

If you have gum disease or other oral health problems, we can provide treatment that will return your mouth to its optimal state. Root scaling and planing are effective in removing much of the bacteria responsible for gum disease, while treating damaged teeth with dental crowns will help to prevent further infection. Whatever the source of your halitosis, we will create a treatment plan that gives you the healthy mouth and fresh breath you deserve.

Learn More about Bad Breath Treatment

If you suffer from chronic halitosis, we can help you regain your confidence and self-esteem through bad breath treatment. Contact our cosmetic dentistry practice today if you have any questions about the treatment of bad breath or if you would like to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Robert Rapisarda.

Treating Bad Breath Read More »

Tooth Discoloration

Causes of Tooth Discoloration

by Robert Rapisarda
Are you embarrassed by your stained or yellow teeth? Are you self-conscious about openly speaking or laughing, or often speak and laugh with your hand over your mouth?

We would all love to have beautiful, white teeth. Unfortunately, that is not naturally the case for some Boston patients due to a variety of factors ranging from lifestyle choices to certain medications to genetics.

The good news is that tooth discoloration is a fairly common problem that can be easily remedied either on your own or by a qualified cosmetic dentist, depending on the severity of your particular situation.

Causes of Tooth Discoloration

Tooth discoloration can be divided into three different categories: extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related.

1.   Extrinsic. This type of discoloration occurs when stains are present on the outside of the teeth and is typically caused by the following factors:

  • Consuming tooth-staining beverages like coffee, soda, tea, and wine
  • Using tobacco products like cigarettes or chewing tobacco

2.   Intrinsic. This type of discoloration occurs when the inner portion of the tooth becomes stained and is caused by the following:

  • Taking certain medications as young child, especially tetracycline products
  • Excessive fluoride usage at a young age when enamel was not yet fully formed
  • Trauma to the tooth as a young child such as a bad fall that permanently damaged the internal tooth structure
  • Certain diseases
  • Genetics

3.   Age-related. This type of discoloration is due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. As we age, internal tooth dentin yellows and outer tooth enamel thins, allowing the dentin to show through. Additionally, years of tobacco or stain-causing drink consumption also cause the teeth to yellow.

Treatment Options for Tooth Discolorations

Extrinsic and age-related tooth discoloration can often easily be removed with a thorough professional cleaning or a teeth whitening procedure.

Intrinsic discoloration may require more involved treatments such as a root canal procedure in order to remove the decayed tooth material in conjunction with cosmetic treatment options like dental bonding or porcelain veneers.

Preventing Tooth Discoloration

You can help keep yellowing teeth at bay by regularly practicing good oral hygiene such as brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once day, and regularly making appointments with a dental hygienist for a professional tooth cleaning.

Making certain lifestyle changes such as quitting the use of tobacco products or cutting back on stain-causing beverages can also help you avoid discolored teeth. You may also consider drinking coffee and soda with a straw, allowing the beverage to go straight into your mouth without touching and subsequently staining your teeth.

Speak to your dentist about fluoride usage in young children as well as the various medications that may discolor the teeth.

Learn More about Cavity Treatments

You no longer have to suffer from unsightly yellow teeth or speak and laugh with your hand covering your mouth. Several effective remedies and preventative habits exist for the various types of discolored teeth. Find out what your options are, get the beautifully white teeth you deserve, and regain your confidence by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Rapisarda today.

Causes of Tooth Discoloration Read More »

Benefits of Waterlase

Understanding the Benefits of Waterlase

by drrapisarda

Tags: Cosmetic Dentistry Restorative Dentistry

Boston Waterlase BenefitsMany dental patients can recall at least one bad experience at the dentist office. Perhaps the drill hit too close to a nerve during a routine teeth cleaning, or the sound of the drill made the experience more unpleasant.

As a result, many patients have been traumatized by the experience with the drill. When they think of a dental drill, they likely associate it with pressure, vibration, and heat, all of which cause an undeniable degree of anxiety over the perceived amount of pain and discomfort involved.

However, Boston dental patients can undergo treatment with the Waterlase, allowing them to rest easy during dental visits. Waterlase treats both the hard and soft tissues (the teeth and gums) without generating any pressure, vibrations, or heat. It allows cosmetic dentistry patients to undergo treatment with fewer shots, no numbness, a reduced need for anesthesia, limited use of the dental drill, and perhaps most importantly, little to no pain. Waterlase also reduces pain and swelling after dental procedures and eliminates the need for pain medication.

With the use of Waterlase, a dentist is able to remove decay on tooth enamel, leaving the area surrounding the affected bone or tissue unaffected, which helps to conserve more of the original tooth structure.

  • Reduction of trauma: When a high-speed dental drill is used to restore decayed or damaged teeth, it may cause fractures and hairline cracks in teeth that can lead to dental problems in the future. With the use of Waterlase, the damage can be reduced and trauma to the teeth is minimized.
  • Reduced swelling and bleeding: With the conservative cutting action that Waterlase uses, many of the procedures that are completed on soft gum tissue are done with no bleeding and a reduced amount of swelling after completion of the procedure.
  • Reduced need for anesthesia: When Waterlase is used for your dental procedures, anesthesia or shots may not be necessary.
  • Reduced number of dental visits: The Waterlase is much more efficient than the drill and many other dental tools, which allows dentists to perform more dental procedures during a single visit. Dentists can quickly remove decay before the placement of dental crowns, and contour the gums during the laser gum reshaping procedure.
  • Increased versatility: Waterlase can be used for a number of different dental procedures. It can be used for both soft tissue and hard tissue procedures including cavity prep, decay removal, smile design, root canals, and even surgical procedures on the gums and bones.

It is important to learn all you can about the technology to determine if it is right for your specific needs.

Learn More about Waterlase Procedures

If you believe you could benefit from the Waterlase technique, contact Dr. Robert Rapisarda today for more information. His staff will help schedule your appointment and provide you with additional information about this innovative technology. If you are ready for more pleasant dental visits, Waterlase can improve your experience. Call today and achieve superior oral health with pain-free procedures.

Understanding the Benefits of Waterlase Read More »

Is Laser Gum Contouring Right for Me?

Is Laser Gum Contouring Right for Me?

by drrapisarda
When you smile, do you see more of your gums than you’d like? Do your teeth seem too short or too tall for your smile? If you are unhappy with your smile because your gum line is too low or too high on your teeth, you may be a candidate for gum contouring surgery. Also called gum reshaping or tissue sculpting, this laser procedure at our Boston-area office can correct an uneven gum line and give you the smile you desire.

Do I Need Gum Contouring Surgery?

Gum contouring is typically considered a cosmetic procedure, but in some cases, it can be deemed medically necessary. Some patients undergo gum contouring surgery as part of a periodontal (gum tissue) treatment plan that may also involve crown lengthening, pocket reduction, and regenerative procedures. These patients often have gums that are too high due to gum recession, which is when gum tissue pulls away from the tooth and exposes some of the root. This condition can make the teeth appear longer and worn. Gum recession and gum disease can lead to very serious problems, including tooth and bone loss.

However, most patients choose to have their gums reshaped to improve a “gummy smile.” These patients typically have gums that cover a large portion of the teeth, making the teeth look small and disproportionate. This appearance can be the result of genetics or certain prescription drugs.

Gum contouring can also be performed to make the gum line more even. This makes the teeth appear more uniform and straight.

What Is Involved in the Procedure?

Gum contouring can be performed by a cosmetic dentist or a periodontist (gum specialist). Our practice uses the state-of-the-art Waterlase to treat periodontal problems (as well as cavities, tooth decay, and discolored teeth). Not only is laser dentistry quicker and more comfortable than traditional techniques, but it also results in significantly faster healing time. This is because the laser actually seals off blood vessels as it contacts the gums; this results in far less bleeding and discomfort, especially when compared to gum contouring with a scalpel.

What Should I Expect After the Procedure?

For the first few days, you may notice some bleeding and tenderness. You should limit your diet to soft, cool foods, such as eggs, pasta, and yogurt. It may take a few days or weeks for your gums to heal completely. We will give you specific instructions about caring for your mouth during the recovery process.

Benefits of the procedure, especially when combined with porcelain veneers or crown lengthening, include increased confidence when smiling and speaking, as well as improved gum health. These combined procedures provide patients with a proportionate, healthy, youthful-looking smile.

Learn More about Laser Gum Contouring

If you are unhappy with the way your teeth and gums look, we invite you to schedule a consultation to learn if gum contouring surgery is right for you. The entire team at our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible dental health.

Is Laser Gum Contouring Right for Me? Read More »

Top Treatments for Your Cavities

Top Treatments for Your Cavities

by drrapisarda
Dealing with cavities can bring anxiety and discomfort, especially for those who are already averse to seeing the dentist. However, your experience can be greatly improved with the right dentist who employs use of the latest technology and treatment.

For many years, the standard treatment for cavities involved drilling holes into teeth and filling them with amalgam metal (or “silver” fillings). Now, the use of a drill is becoming obsolete, as is the conspicuous use of metal fillings. Here are a few ways that cavity detection and treatment can help you make the most of a dental visit.

Cavity Detection

One of the best ways to combat tooth decay is to catch it in its earliest stages. When cavities are just beginning to form, a patient may be totally unaware of their presence. It is therefore vital to have regular dental cleanings that occasionally utilize X-ray images to view any internal decay.

  • Digitial X-ray detection: Some patients have expressed concern over the use of X-rays for the small amounts of radiation they emit. Anyone who’s worn the lead vest during while X-rays are taken may admit the thought has crossed their minds. However, the advent of digital X-rays has greatly reduced radiation exposure by as much as 90 percent. A tiny camera is positioned directly in the patient’s mouth, which uploads digital pictures to the dentist’s laptop. Not only is radiation focused and limited, but the dentist can also position the camera more easily and gain better insight into potential problems.
  • DIAGNOdent® laser detection: When X-ray detection doesn’t provide clear images of the center of a tooth, laser detection may be another viable option. DIAGNOdent® sends a painless laser through the tooth, emitting a signal when it detects any perceptible decay. Because this method does not use any X-rays, it carries no risks when used in conjunction with traditional detection methods.

WaterLase®

The dental drill has long been a staple of cavity treatment, and is perhaps the most daunting part of the process. New technological innovations are beginning to replace the drill with more efficient, effective, and comfortable methods of penetrating hard enamel. WaterLase® allows dentists to carve out area of decay precisely, using a combination of laser and water pulse technology. Some advantages of the WaterLase® tool includes:

  • Less damage to teeth: Traditional drills use pressure and friction to bore into a tooth, creating tiny cracks and heat damage to the surrounding area. The water and air pulse of WaterLase® cuts through teeth at a high-frequency, leaving no heat or sustained pressure.
  • Precise cutting: The WaterLase® laser cuts consistently and precisely, leaving no guesswork for the operating dentist. Decay is removed without further loss of healthy tooth tissue.
  • Less pain: Without the vibration and pressure of a conventional drill, pain is drastically reduced during the procedure.

Porcelain and Resin Dental Fillings

When it comes time to fill a cavity, there are multiple benefits behind tooth-colored fillings. First and foremost, porcelain and resin (also called “composite”) fillings are virtually unnoticeable, leaving your teeth with a natural appearance.

These fillings also bond to a tooth’s tissues, strengthening the tooth and requiring less drilling for proper adherence. Additionally, porcelain and resin are used for dental crowns, bridges, and bonding, allowing any area of a damaged tooth to be replaced while preserving your smile.  To learn more about the benefits of tooth-colored fillings, call our office for an initial, informative consultation.

Contact Our Office Today

Detecting and treating cavities does not need to be a cumbersome ordeal. With procedures that best preserve your health and comfort, cavity treatment can be a virtually painless process. Cosmetic dentist Robert Rapisarda welcomes your questions and looks forward to helping you address all your dental needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment; we’d love to hear from you!

Top Treatments for Your Cavities Read More »

Preventing and Treating Tooth Enamel Erosion

Preventing and Treating Tooth Enamel Erosion

by drrapisarda
Our teeth go through a lot of wear and tear over the years. Even though enamel is the hardest tissue in the body, it can still get worn down over time. Many factors contribute to this wear and tear; but luckily, most of them are preventable with a little foresight. As a matter of good hygiene and dental health, Boston cosmetic dentist Robert Rapisarda urges patients to understand the causes and dangers of tooth erosion.

The Cause of Tooth Erosion

The primary factors behind erosion can be found in the foods we eat. The single largest contributor to enamel loss is acid – acidic foods are found everywhere, and many of them come in contact with our teeth on a daily basis.

An Apple-a-Day?

Fruit is a great source of vitamins and nutrients, which can make some doctors happy, but it’s not always the best for our teeth. In fact, an apple has a low pH level, making it a likely candidate for acidic erosion. The same is true for other fruits, such as grapefruit or strawberries. This is not to say you should not abstain from these otherwise healthy foods. However, these facts should underscore the need to take care of your teeth and counteract erosion before it leads to tooth decay. After consuming highly acidic foods, rinse the mouth with water to reduce the level of acidity.

Other Sources

Additional causes of tooth erosion include acid reflux, teeth grinding, brushing too hard, vomiting, dry mouth, and even supplements like vitamin C pills. If your teeth are beginning to get eroded, there are a few telling signs you can recognize.

Signs of Tooth Erosion

The first sign of erosion that someone is likely to notice is increased tooth sensitivity, especially when eating food that is particularly hot, cold, or sweet. This sensitivity will rarely go away on its own, and will likely worsen as the erosion continues. When a tooth is sensitive, that means the softer dentin underneath are exposed – a bad sign if you want your teeth strong and healthy.

A tooth suffering from erosion may also feel rough or rigid, as a result of the enamel being damaged. Cracks and chips are also more likely, adding to a rigid surface. As the tooth’s white exterior becomes worn away, it may also appear more yellow.

Of course, the best way to spot erosion is by visiting a dentist. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Rapisarda to check on the health of your teeth and learn how you can counteract erosion.

Treatment

The optimal dental treatment is to avert tooth enamel erosion before it even starts. Preventative measures include:

  • Cutting down on acidic food and drinks
  • Brushing diligently, but not aggressively
  • Using a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Using a fluoride toothpaste or mouth wash
  • Using a straw for acidic drinks
  • Limit any causes of acid reflux or vomiting

Still, there is only so much you can do within the confines of your lifestyle. To better protect your teeth from erosion and even counter its effects, Dr. Rapisarda offers ways to strengthen and restore your teeth.

Tooth bonding is a way of resurfacing a patient’s teeth with plastic or resin, offsetting the effects of enamel loss. This is a valuable option for teeth that have been chipped or yellowed over time.

Dental crowns are an effective solution to major tooth erosion. By placing a porcelain cap over an eroded tooth, crowns can return health and beauty to a patient’s smile while protecting against further damage.

Contact Us!

No matter how protective you are of your teeth, regular dental visits will help ensure they are not permanently damaged by eroded enamel. Dr. Rapisarda utilizes the latest technology while keeping patients’ comfort at the forefront of his practice. Schedule an appointment today to see how we can help your smile last indefinitely.

Preventing and Treating Tooth Enamel Erosion 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