NewburypOrt_Admin | Newburyport Family Dental

Renew Your Smile with Dental Veneers

Posted on July 15, 2021September 3, 2021 by NewburypOrt_Admin

Are you struggling with various cosmetic dental issues and looking for a reputable dental office to help you overcome your dental imperfections? If tooth staining and discoloration, misshapen teeth, and gap teeth have gotten in the way of your self-confidence, you may be a candidate for veneer teeth.

A veneer is a thin custom shell used to improve a tooth’s appearance. The veneer is cemented or bonded to the tooth’s front surface to mask any glaring irregularities or imperfections, resulting in a more attractive smile.

Please call Newburyport Family Dental today to find out more about this cosmetic treatment.

Reasons for Veneers

You may consider getting custom veneers if you’re interested in:

Masking or improving the aesthetics of a discolored smile.
Restoring chipped or broken teeth.
Closing gaps between teeth.
Correcting minor teeth misalignment.
Improving the appearance of misshapen or unusually small teeth.
Rebuilding worn teeth.

A great benefit of veneers is that they can fix two or more problems at once. For example, an individual with stained teeth that are also slightly misaligned can solve both problems using custom veneers.

Types of Dental Veneers

Veneers are fabricated from porcelain (ceramic) or composite resin material.

Porcelain is a semi-translucent material that mimics the light-reflecting properties of dental enamel. What this means is that porcelain restorations are incredibly life-like. Porcelain veneers are impressively indistinguishable from your natural teeth. They also resist stains easily and can last as long as 15 to 20 years when cared for correctly.

Composite resin veneers can either be applied directly or indirectly. That is, the dentist may opt to apply the composite resin material directly to the affected tooth or make indirect restorations in a lab and then bond them to the teeth at a later date.

How Much Do Veneers Cost?

If you’re interested in veneer teeth, there’s no doubt that you want to know how much it will cost you. Most insurances don’t cover cosmetic procedures. As such, you should expect to settle the cost of your treatment out of your pocket. That being said, the actual cost of treatment depends on how much work you require, the type of restoration, your insurance cover, and the dental office that you choose.

The Consumer Guide to Dentistry reports that veneer teeth cost $250 and $1,500 per tooth if composite resin, and $925 to $2,500, if porcelain.

Ultimately, the best way to find out how much your preferred cosmetic treatment will set you back is to schedule a consultation with the trusted dentists at Newburyport Family Dental.

Dental Veneers Treatment Process

It takes two visits spread over several weeks to get your new teeth. During your first visit, the dentist evaluates your suitability for treatment and checks to see if you have any ongoing dental problems. The dentist then creates a treatment plan that takes into account your treatment objectives, expectations, and timelines. Your dentist then embarks on giving you the smile makeover you want.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the treatment process:

Using a shade guide, the dentist helps you select the veneer color that closely matches your natural smile.
Next, the dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the tooth or teeth that require treatment.
Using a dental bur and other tools, the dentist trims off some enamel from the tooth to make room for the veneer.
If you require direct composite restorations, the dentist then applies the composite material to the tooth, hardens it, and polishes it to achieve the desired look.
If you require porcelain or indirect composite restoration, the next treatment step after tooth preparation involves obtaining your teeth impressions.
The impressions are shared with the dental lab, which embarks on crafting your restorations from your preferred material.
In the meantime, the dentist places temporary restorations to mask the prepared teeth and allow you to go about your daily life without feeling self-conscious.
On your second visit, the dentist removes the temporaries and replaces them with your permanent restorations, revealing a new and improved smile.

Advantages of Dental Veneers

Some significant benefits that you can look forward to after your veneer treatment include:

Porcelain is well tolerated by gum tissue. As such, you don’t have to worry about allergic reactions after treatment.
Custom veneers look natural and life-like. They are indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
A veneer requires considerably less tooth enamel reshaping compared to a dental crown. As such, it’s a more conservative treatment option.
They are versatile and can fix multiple problems at a go.

Transform Your Smile Today

Are you sick and tired of feeling self-conscious about your smile? Get in touch with Newburyport Family Dental, a trusted, multi-specialty dental office, to enjoy personalized cosmetic treatments.

Benefits of Dental Exams and Cleanings

Posted on June 9, 2021October 14, 2021 by NewburypOrt_Admin

Regular dental exams and cleanings are core components of preventive dentistry. As most dentists and other health professionals will tell you, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Undoubtedly, the best way to safeguard your oral health is to keep common dental problems at bay. It’s better to schedule a visit with your dentist before you encounter a dental issue than wait until you are battling cavities, gum disease, and other challenges.

Newburyport Family Dental offers personalized dental care services for the whole family. If you’re looking to enjoy painless dental exams procedures and comprehensive dental cleanings, get in touch with Newburyport Family Dental to schedule an appointment.

Do Kids Require Dental Exams and Cleanings Too?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends dental exams and cleanings for the whole family. Ideally, a dentist should evaluate your child as soon as their first milk tooth erupts or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.

Setting a solid oral health care foundation for your child increases their chances of enjoying a healthy smile in their adulthood.

Children aged between 6 and 13 are especially susceptible to cavities and must be closely monitored by an experienced and child-friendly dentist. Your dentist may recommend getting dental sealants for your child if they’re within these ages. Dental sealants form a protective barrier that keeps bacteria, acids, and plaque from attacking the back teeth, i.e., molars and premolars.

Adults, too, can get dental sealants as part of their preventive dental care, provided they don’t have cavities or tooth fillings.

What to Expect

Here’s what to expect during your dental exams procedures and dental cleanings:

The dentist evaluates your oral and overall health. In particular, the dentist assesses your gum health, checks for cavities, oral cancer, tooth grinding, and evaluates your risk for the same.
The dentist further determines if you require tooth restoration or replacement.
Your dentist may obtain dental x-rays to gather in-depth insights into your oral health.
The dentist checks if you have any jaw or bite problems.
Using a dental scaler, the dentist or dental hygienist removes stains and plaque deposits from your teeth.
The dental hygienist also uses an electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste to get rid of any stains that may remain after using the dental scaler.
Your dentist demonstrates proper teeth and denture cleaning techniques.
In some instances, you may require fluoride treatment as part of your dental exams and cleaning appointment.

Importance of Regular Exams and Cleanings

The most cost and time-efficient way of handling dental problems is to prevent them from occurring. Regular exams and cleanings lower your risk of encountering dental challenges. Some key benefits of dental exams procedures and dental cleanings include:

Dental exams allow the dentist the opportunity to catch dental problems before they escalate.
Dental exams and cleanings prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
The sooner the dentist catches a problem, the higher the likelihood that it can be corrected via simple, non-invasive means.
Safeguarding your oral health via regular exams and cleanings protects your overall health. Studies have shown that poor oral health predisposes one to chronic health issues, including heart disease.
It’s usually cheaper to prevent a problem than it is to treat it.

Tried and Tested Dental Hygiene Tips

Taking adequate care of your teeth at home is as important as ensuring you’re visiting the dentist twice yearly for dental exams and cleanings. Here are some critical dental hygiene tips to keep in mind:

Your teeth require brushing twice daily, at a minimum.
Ensure you floss your teeth once every day.
Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after indulging in acidic beverages, as acids weaken tooth enamel, and brushing soon after can cause wear and tear.
Avoid using your teeth to open bottles or packages. Use appropriate tools instead.
If you encounter a dental emergency, get in touch with Newburyport Family Dental immediately. A wait-and-see approach to dental crises can compromise your oral well-being over the long term.

Schedule Your Appointment

Are you looking to take charge of your oral well-being? Call Newburyport Family Dental today to schedule your dental exams and cleanings. Newburyport Family Dental is a trusted dental practice that offers comprehensive dental care services for the whole family.

Dental Bridges: Types, Eligibility, and Care Tips

Posted on May 1, 2021June 2, 2021 by NewburypOrt_Admin

For those missing one or several teeth, dental bridges are some of the most affordable and reliable tooth replacement procedures. There are countless benefits to getting a bridge, including restoring your oral function, improving your appearance, and enabling you to speak more easily.

If you would like to schedule a consultation for dental bridges, please contact Newburyport Family Dental. We provide quality dental bridges near you.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A bridge is an artificial tooth that is used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Unlike dental implants that are surgically implanted in the missing tooth’s socket, dental bridges are typically supported by crowns placed on the healthy neighboring teeth.

Before getting dental bridges, there are a few factors that you should keep in mind, including the type of bridge, costs, material, and recovery. Bridges can be made from various materials, with the most common being porcelain, alloys of porcelain and metals, and gold. Porcelain is the most common since it matches the natural color of teeth.

Types of Dental Bridges

Generally, dental bridges are categorized into four major types, which are:

Traditional Bridges

For traditional bridges, the artificial tooth is placed into the empty socket and supported by dental crowns placed on the adjacent teeth. For you to qualify for this procedure, you must have healthy teeth on both sides of the lost tooth. When placing the crowns on the adjacent teeth, the dentist shapes the adjacent teeth to allow the crowns to fit perfectly.

Cantilever Bridges

These bridges are similar to traditional bridges. The only difference is that for cantilever bridges, the artificial tooth is supported by a crown placed on just one side of the missing tooth. These bridges are recommended if you only have one healthy tooth neighboring the missing tooth.

Maryland Bridges

In this procedure, the artificial tooth is supported by metal frameworks. These bridges are recommended if you don’t have healthy teeth next to the empty socket.

Implant-Supported Bridges

These are the most complex type of dental bridges. The artificial tooth is implanted into the jawbone through surgery. Since surgery is involved, the cost of these procedures is a bit higher.

Of all the four dental bridge procedures, the Maryland is the most simple and can be fixed in a single visit to the dentist. For the rest of the procedure, you may need more visits to your dentist.

As for the recovery time, implant-supported bridges require more time to heal since surgery is involved. You should discuss with your dentist the most suitable type of bridge for you.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Dental Bridges?

While dental bridge treatment is a common solution for missing teeth, they are not suitable for everyone. Dental bridges may be a good fit for you if you have:

A missing tooth or teeth.
A severely damaged tooth.
Overall good health – no chronic conditions.
Healthy teeth and bones.

To determine whether dental bridges are right for you, visit a dental professional for an oral examination. The dentist will visually examine your oral condition and recommend the best course of action to take. Typically, a dentist will recommend a dental bridge if you don’t have enough jawbone tissue.

Caring for your Dental Bridges

Unlike dentures, you don’t remove a tooth bridge when sleeping or for cleaning. However, if they are worn out, you can talk with your dentist to have them removed and replaced. Depending on the type of material used and how well they are cared for, dental bridges can last for more than ten years. On average, most bridges last for 5 – 7 years.

Fortunately, caring for your bridge is easy—no special care is required. Just follow proper dental hygiene, and you’ll be safe. Good oral hygiene is essential for keeping the rest of the teeth in good condition, even with bridges. After the procedure, your dentist will give you some tips to care for your bridge. These include:

Floss and brush daily.
Schedule regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings.
Visit the dentist if your bridge is damaged.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks. They can increase the chances of developing tooth decay.
Avoid colored foods and drinks. The bridge material can be easily stained.
Avoid sticky and hard foods. They can pull, dislocate, or damage the bridge.

Schedule An Appointment Today

Are you still not sure whether dental bridges are suitable for you? Contact Newburyport Family Dental today for dental bridge services.

Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Posted on April 1, 2021April 22, 2021 by NewburypOrt_Admin

Wisdom teeth extraction is a standard surgical procedure that is used to remove one or more wisdom teeth. It’s geared towards fixing or preventing dental problems with the last set of molars, the four permanent adult teeth at the back of the mouth.

If a wisdom tooth lacks enough space to grow, it can result in pain, infection, and other dental problems. Such a tooth is referred to as an impacted wisdom tooth. If it causes problems, extraction may be necessary. Fortunately, the procedure is considered safe, and it only takes about three days or so to recover.

Signs of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth

To know if you have an impacted wisdom tooth, you can look for these signs:

A tooth growing towards the next tooth (second molar)
A tooth growing towards the back of your mouth
A tooth growing at a right angle to other teeth
A tooth growing up or down but trapped within the jawbone

If you’re suspecting that you may have an impacted wisdom tooth, you can visit your dentist for a professional examination and extraction.

Reasons for Wisdom Teeth extraction

Impacted wisdom teeth removal can reduce the following side effects:

1. Pain and swelling in the jaw

Since an impacted wisdom tooth can cause pain and discomfort around the surrounding dental structures, removing it will ease the discomfort. It also alleviates pressure in the surrounding structures, reducing headaches, gum sensitivity, and tooth sensitivity.

2. Inflammation and infection

Due to limited space and partial impactions, an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to gum inflammation, increasing the risk of serious gum diseases such as periodontal disease. Besides, a partially impacted wisdom tooth encourages bacteria growth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and infections.

3. Overcrowding

Overcrowding will not only affect your beautiful smile but can cause numerous dental problems. As a wisdom tooth erupts and tries to grow in a crowded space, it pushes the neighboring teeth aside, potentially leading to misalignments.

The pressure can also weaken or loosen the roots of the neighboring teeth or grind away the enamel, leaving the teeth vulnerable to bone loss and cavities. The pressure caused by the impacted teeth can weaken and even loosen the roots of nearby teeth or grind away enamel, leaving neighboring teeth vulnerable to cavities and bone loss

4. Difficulty cleaning

Hard-to-reach dental locations are prime targets for cavities. Since impacted wisdom teeth will be difficult to clean, they can result in poor oral health. If the tooth is causing pain or discomfort, you may also avoid cleaning the surrounding area, which could encourage bacteria and plaque build-up, putting your oral health at risk.

5. Tumors and cysts

Since impacted wisdom teeth are vulnerable to bacteria and plaque build-up, they could develop cysts and tumors around the jawbone. As a result, it could lead to serious joint pain in the temporomandibular joint, which requires complicated dental treatment.

Other complications of an impacted wisdom tooth include foul-smelling breath, bleeding gums, and complications with tooth straightening treatments such as braces.

What to Expect After a Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Fortunately, wisdom teeth removal doesn’t usually result in any long-term complications. However, since the procedure involves the use of surgery, you may experience pain or discomfort. On rare occasions, a patient can experience the following complications:

Severe pain or bleeding
Damage to the surrounding teeth, jawbone, nerves, or sinuses
Infection in the socket, which can be caused by trapped food particles or bacteria
Painful dry sockets

After surgery, side effects and complications may vary from one person to another, but they increase with age. Immediately contact your dentist if you experience any of the above complications.

For quick recovery, ensure you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to aid healing and prevent infections. On average, recovery takes about 3 to 7 days. Immediately after the tooth extraction, please avoid:

Drinking alcohol and smoking
Strenuous physical activities
Eating hard and sticky foods
Drinking very cold or hot foods and drinks

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you have an impacted wisdom tooth, you don’t have to wait until it causes problems. Contact Newburyport Family Dental today to schedule your tooth removal treatment.

Your Definitive Guide to Wisdom Teeth Extraction: Everything You Need to Know

Posted on March 1, 2021April 15, 2021 by NewburypOrt_Admin

No one wants to have their teeth extracted. Most people assume that they will have their permanent teeth for a lifetime. Even though they are designed to stand the test of time, some scenarios warrant wisdom tooth extractions in Newburyport.

Having a dentist tell you that you need wisdom teeth removal near you can be a stressful experience. Your wisdom teeth may be the first set of permanent teeth that you lose.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that our dentist in Newburyport, MA will not recommend an extraction if there are other options. If our dentist recommends a dental extraction, it’s typically because all other options have been considered and tried.

When Is Wisdom Teeth Extraction Deemed Necessary?

The third molars or wisdom teeth will generally erupt anytime between the ages of 17 and 21. However, there are cases where they can erupt as late as 25 years of age and as early as 13. When they start erupting, you may experience swollen gums, soreness, and even discomfort while eating.

Some people may sail through the wisdom teeth process, while others may run into issues with their wisdom teeth, such as developing impacted teeth. Having impacted teeth means that your wisdom teeth have not erupted or have partially erupted. In other words, the tooth can grow upwards or downwards just like the rest of the teeth but remain trapped under the gums.

In most cases, an impacted tooth may:

Erupt or grow at an angle toward the second molar
Grow at a right angle and appear parallel to the jawbone
Grow toward the back of the mouth

Other than your teeth being impacted, your wisdom teeth may be extracted if:

You have tooth decay or gum disease because you were unable to reach the back teeth during brushing.
Your mouth doesn’t have room to accommodate any more teeth

What Problems Arise When You Have Impacted Teeth?

Wisdom teeth removal near you may be necessary to avoid the complications that may arise if you don’t extract them, such as:

Dental caries on the wisdom tooth that has partially erupted
Gum disease or infection
Trapping of food particles behind the tooth
Development of cysts
Pain
Complications or issues that may pop up when you undergo orthodontic treatment
Damage to the surrounding bone

How Is It Carried Out?

Before the Procedure

When you make your way to Newburyport Family Dental, you will need to:

Discuss any medical conditions you have.
Disclose the supplements and drugs that you are taking.
Discuss the type of anesthesia you prefer.
Plan for the day, which means that you need to take time off from work or school.

During the Surgery

Typically, it’s an outpatient procedure, and the surgery takes about 45 minutes. According to your preference, our dentist may administer IV, general or local anesthesia so that the procedure can be comfortable and pain-free. Our dentist will do the following after the anesthesia has kicked in:

Gain access to the tooth by making an incision.
Remove the bone that is blocking the tooth root.
Divide the tooth into pieces to make the removal easier. (not always necessary)
Remove the tooth.
Clean your socket by removing the debris that has remained.
Stitch the wound to aid with healing. (not always necessary)
Place gauze for you to bite down to help with the blood clotting.

After Surgery – Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery

Most people recover after four days. If you had an impacted tooth, it could take more than a week for you to recover. This means that you have to take proper care of your teeth to avoid getting an infection.

You will have to come back into our office three weeks after the procedure so that our dentist can check to see if you are healing properly.

If you need wisdom teeth removal near you, contact our dentist at Newburyport Family Dental.

Emergency Dental Care Guide and What You Can Do to Prepare

Posted on February 1, 2021April 15, 2021 by NewburypOrt_Admin

Emergency dental care deals with oral cavity problems that cause infections, bleeding, or intolerable pain. The longer you wait for treatment, the higher the risk of complications. It is essential to understand what to do in such cases so that you do not aggravate the affected parts of your teeth or gumline.

What to Do in A Dental Emergency

Seek Dental Advice

The worst thing patients can do when in a dental emergency is not contacting their dental practitioners. There are home remedies for temporarily alleviating gum bleeding and pain, but without the guidance of an emergency dentist in Newburyport, MA, you will risk worsening the trauma.

For this reason, always have the contact number of your Newburyport family dental practice saved on your phone. In the event of a dental emergency (especially if the bleeding continues after 10 to 15 minutes), give them a ring as soon as you can.

If you are their regular patient, they will have your dental and medical history at hand, which they may use to assess your dental situation while you’re waiting for care.

Saltwater Gargling

Before grabbing painkillers from your medicine cabinet, stick to the practice of gargling with saltwater. Salt in itself is a natural disinfectant, and it organically draws water out of tissues in the oral cavity to block bacteria and pathogens from being lodged inside.

You will not need to ingest it like over-the-counter medications. This gargling solution can be created by mixing ½ teaspoons of salt into an 8-ounce glass of warm H20.

Gently “swish” the solution in your mouth. And if the wound is tender, instead of gargling, leave the saltwater in your mouth for about 15 seconds. When it develops an “iron” scent or taste due to the blood coming from the wound, spit the mixture out and repeat the process.

Do this if you are experiencing a toothache, if there are abscesses present along your gum line, or if you have other oral cavity infections.

Ice on the Exterior of the Affected Area

Some people apply pain-relievers directly on the portion of the gums where the abscess or bleeding is found. However, dental experts advise against this. Without proper knowledge of the type of dental injury you have and the ingredients the medications contain, you may make the situation worse.

If the pain is close to unbearable and you have tasks to do while waiting for a response from your emergency dentist, you can apply a cold compress or an ice pack on the part of your face adjacent to the source.

Once your dentist gives you the green light for taking a pain reliever, specifically inquire about which type to purchase. Ingest it according to your dentist’s instructions.

Enamel and Pulp Breakage

For injuries that crack open your tooth from its enamel to its pulp, rinse your mouth with room temperature to warm water. Then, promptly collect the broken shards of the teeth and call your dentist.

Be sure to avoid touching the inner layer and root of the fragment. Hold it by the crown and rinse it under running water (cold). Another option is to rinse it with milk and submerge it in the milk soon after. Do not submerge the tooth in water.

There are properties in milk-products that stop the roots of broken teeth from swelling up, or worse, bursting, which water submersion does to fragmented teeth. In addition to this, the proteins in milk have a stable ratio for acid-to-alkaline degrees. This, along with bacteria-fighting agents and healthy sugars, helps cell growth while the tooth remains unattached.

All of these tips work together as an urgent dental care measure that can be accomplished on your own. Carefully observe these tips to preserve your teeth before heading to see your emergency dentist.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact Newburyport Family Dental. We can help restore your oral health and preserve your teeth.

4 Dental Issues That Will Call for Emergency Dental Care

Posted on February 1, 2021May 4, 2021 by NewburypOrt_Admin

Generally, you will not know ahead of time when you will need to rush to an emergency dentist near you for assistance. If you ask around, you will discover that most people who have faced a dental emergency were blind-sighted by it.

Dental emergencies are known to catch people off-guard. The unpredictability surrounding these emergencies make it difficult for you to book a dental appointment in advance. Instead, you will find yourself calling the closest emergency dentist in Newburyport when the emergency arises.

Facing a pressing dental emergency is always stressful, as these situations can be quite scary. However, there are measures that you can take to be prepared.

To prepare for a future dental emergency, one of the most important steps you can take is ensuring you have a reliable emergency dentist in Newburyport. It’s important to have an alternative dentist in case that your general dentist in Newburyport, MA, is not available during your dental emergency.

This is because your dental emergency may occur after working hours, and it might be difficult to get a hold of your general dentist. Having the contacts to an alternative emergency dentist near you ensures that you know where to go for help if your regular dentist is unavailable.

If you are having a hard time finding a reliable emergency dentist near you, ask your general dentist to recommend someone specific.

Indicators of Dental Emergencies

It’s also essential to know the indicators of a dental emergency. The fact is that dental emergencies are time-sensitive. Knowing what to look out for will help you respond swiftly.

Here are a few of the key indicators, which may help you determine if your dental issue is a dental emergency. You are most likely facing a dental emergency if:

You are experiencing excessive or persistent bleeding from a cut, laceration, tear, or tissue injury in or around your oral cavity.
You have a knocked out or avulsed tooth.
You have loose or displaced permanent teeth.
You notice swelling, knots, protrusions, or bulges formed on your gums.
You are experiencing a persistent, recurrent, or intense toothache.
You are experiencing orofacial pain that is accompanied by facial inflammation.
You have a broken tooth or a cracked, fractured, or chipped tooth that is causing you any facial inflammation, bleeding, toothache, or orofacial pain.
You have a missing or broken crown.
You have a tooth infection or abscessed tooth that is usually indicated by tooth pain, fever, foul breath, sensitivity, and protrusions on the gums around the affected tooth.

4 Dental Conditions That Require Emergency Dental Care

Here are some of the prevalent emergency dental issues you can keep an eye out for:

Knocked-Out Tooth

This dental issue may occur due to a traumatic incident, perhaps due to a sporting activity, or as a result of a bad fall. An avulsed or knocked-out tooth needs to be reattached to its socket within 30 minutes of the incident. If not reattached promptly, the tooth will have to be replaced.

When faced with this issue, pick up the affected tooth by its crown, rinse it out gently while avoiding the root. You can try placing it back into its socket if it can stay in position; if this is not possible, carry it to our dentist in a container of milk.

An Abscessed Tooth

This is a life-threatening dental infection that happens when a pus pocket forms within the affected tooth’s root region. If you have a fever, persistent toothache, foul breath, tooth sensitivity, and gum inflammation, you probably have an abscessed tooth.

If you are faced with this dental issue, you need to get treatment promptly before the infection has a chance to spread to the surrounding tissues. Rinse your mouth with salty water to draw up the pus and make your way to our dentist for treatment.

Cuts, Tears, and Lacerations

Having a cut or tear around or within your oral cavity can cause persistent or excessive blood loss if it’s not addressed in good time. If you are faced with this dental issue, rinse out the affected area using some warm water, try and stop the bleeding using a clean piece of gauze, take a pain killer and make your way to our dentist.

Loose Permanent Teeth

None of your permanent teeth should be loose. If you are experiencing this dental issue, you need to address it before the affected tooth falls off. Try pushing the affected tooth back into place gently and see our dentist for it to be stabilized.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Restore and Revamp Your Smile and Oral Health

Posted on January 1, 2021February 10, 2021 by NewburypOrt_Admin

Self-improvement can go a long way in boosting your confidence and improving your sense of self-worth. This is why you will find many people signing up for different activities or undertaking new ventures that they believe will transform and improve their quality of life.

Whatever you decide to do to improve yourself, the fact is that you will need to have the resilience to see it through.

The same applies when it comes to improving your dental aesthetics and oral health. You may want to improve the look of your smile; if that is the case, a little determination is all you need to get started.

Acquiring that beautiful, healthy smile you have always wanted is not impossible. Cosmetic dentistry offers various dental procedures designed to help you achieve a healthy and flawless smile.

A beautiful smile will make you stand out and improve both your confidence and self-esteem.

Reasons Why You Should Consider Undergoing Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Cosmetic dental procedures do more than just enhancing your smile and appearance. Many people think that visiting our cosmetic dentist in Newburyport will involve nothing but enhancing dental aesthetics, but this is not entirely true.

As much as cosmetic dental procedures aim to improve your smile, several other benefits come with undergoing these dental procedures. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages that should make you consider coming in to see our cosmetic dentist in Newburyport.

Improves Your Dental Health

One of the critical steps taken before any cosmetic dental procedure is carried out involves dealing with current dental health issues. You cannot qualify to undergo cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening if you currently have dental health issues like gum disease or tooth decay.

Our dentist will have to treat any underlying dental issue before commencing the cosmetic procedures. Other than that, some cosmetic dental procedures correct dental problems that affect your dental health.

Cosmetic dental procedures like getting veneers or bonding can treat a damaged tooth crown and restore the affected tooth’s appearance and functionality. Other cosmetic procedures, such as Invisalign in Newburyport, MA, can be used to treat orthodontic issues, which also negatively impact your dental health.

Opting to undergo cosmetic dentistry procedures will improve your smile and your overall dental health in the long run.

Boosts Your Confidence and Self-Esteem

Cosmetic dental procedures are designed to resolve dental issues that affect your smile. This means that your smile will be in the best shape it has ever been in, giving you a reason to show it off.

Having your smile improved can give you a much-needed confidence boost, making you feel great about yourself and motivating you to interact and socialize with people you meet daily.

Transforms Your Look

Undergoing cosmetic dental procedures will transform the way you look. Techniques such as professional teeth whitening, for instance, have been known to make people look younger and livelier.

Revamping your smile can give you an overhaul in your appearance and make you feel like a brand new person.

Top Cosmetic Dental Procedures

You can opt to undertake several cosmetic dental procedures based on the dental issues affecting you personally. In most cases, our cosmetic dentist may end up using more than one process at a time to guarantee that your smile gets the facelift it needs.

Here are some of the popular cosmetic dental procedures:

Veneers

These are thin shells customized from porcelain or composite, which are adhered to the front part of damaged teeth to restore their appearance and functionality.

Veneers are used to deal with stained, crooked, chipped, or decayed teeth.

Teeth Whitening

This is one of the most globally sought after cosmetic procedures. A professional teeth bleaching procedure is guaranteed to instantly transform your smile from a dull or stained state to a dazzling white and flawless condition.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are used to restore missing teeth. Missing teeth not only make your smile look incomplete but also affect your oral health. Dental implants are designed to consist of a titanium bit, which is surgically placed into your jaw bone at the site of the missing tooth.

The titanium bit acts as an artificial root system for the crown or bridge used to restore your smile. The crown is fabricated to resemble your natural teeth.

Invisalign® Braces: An Efficient Way to Realign Your Teeth and Straighten Your Smile

Posted on November 1, 2020January 8, 2021 by NewburypOrt_Admin

For the longest time, people often got cold feet when they thought about undergoing orthodontic treatment. Adults, in particular, would avoid rectifying orthodontic problems because they dreaded having to live with traditional dental braces for the treatment duration.

Dental braces have come a long way since then. They have evolved to accommodate the various needs and specifications individuals undergoing orthodontic treatments may have. Braces no longer look unappealing, unattractive, or bulky; instead, they have been redesigned to come in various styles, structures, and in some cases, color.

One of the most sought after braces our cosmetic dentist in Newburyport offers is Invisalign® clear aligners. The drawback that most patients with orthodontic issues faced with traditional braces are that they were conspicuous and not aesthetically appealing.

Invisalign refers to a system that utilizes a series of clear plastic aligners customized and designed to shift your teeth into the desired position gradually.

The introduction of Invisalign in Newburyport, MA, however, has revolutionized orthodontic treatment altogether. In Newburyport, Invisalign is gaining popularity among our patients as a leading orthodontic treatment plan.

Who Needs Invisalign Braces?

It is good to keep in mind that clear aligners cannot address all teeth alignment issues. Severe orthodontic issues will require more intensive treatment plans to fix. Despite this fact, Invisalign braces are still effective in teeth straightening and correcting a myriad of other alignment and bite-related issues.

You may qualify for Invisalign braces if you have the following orthodontic issues:

Crossbite
Overbite
Crowded teeth
Teeth gap
Underbite
Open bite
Crooked teeth

It is important to see our cosmetic dentist in Newburyport regarding any orthodontic problems. This is because teeth spacing, alignment, and bite-related issues affect your appearance and negatively affect your oral and overall health.

For instance, crowded teeth promote tooth decay and the formation of cavities. At the same time, bite-related issues affect your chewing abilities and your digestion process as a whole, leading to the development of health complications.

You do not need to suffer through any orthodontic problems, particularly since there are excellent solutions such as Invisalign in Newburyport, MA.

How Does Invisalign Work?

After our dentist has ascertained whether your orthodontic issues can be dealt with using Invisalign braces, your treatment will commence. The initial step will involve getting digital X-rays and a digital scan of your teeth, which will be fundamental in formulating your treatment plan and customizing your series of aligners.

Your set of Invisalign aligners will include between 20 to 50 aligners. Each aligner is to be worn for about 1 to 2 weeks, after which you move on to the next aligner in the series. For the aligners to work as they have been designed, you will need to keep them on at least 20 hours every day and only take them off during meals or during your daily brushing and flossing sessions.

Invisalign braces operate under the same concept as traditional braces. They apply a certain pressure to your teeth over a given period of time, causing your teeth to shift and move into their proper positions gradually.

Your teeth will keep on shifting slightly every week as you progress from one set of the aligner to the next in the series. Ideally, this treatment plan may take up to 12 to 18 months, and you will be required to visit our dentist every six weeks to keep track of your progress and monitor your treatment.

Invisalign Efficiency

The efficiency with which your Invisalign treatment will work is determined by several factors, including:

The duration you wear clear aligners every day. Invisalign efficiency is increased when you wear the aligner for at least 20 hours each day, with the exemption being during meals or brushing and flossing.
The duration you wear each set of aligners before switching to the next one in the series. Ideally, when you begin the treatment, you should wear each set for at least two weeks.
The severity of the orthodontic issue being treated. Invisalign aligners can treat mild to moderate malocclusions much faster than metal braces.

How Does Sugar Affect Your Dental Health?

Posted on October 1, 2020April 15, 2021 by NewburypOrt_Admin

We live in an era where fermentable carbohydrates, including starches and sugars, constitute the bulk of what we eat. Sugar, though necessary, has been linked with multiple health issues. Almost anyone that you meet will tell you that sugar is terrible for your teeth. Most people have been told since they were a child that candy is bad. However, not so many people know how sugar actually affects their oral health.

Sugar in itself is not bad; however, it is what happens after you consume it that you should be wary of. It’s helpful to know what goes on in the mouth when you consume a sugary treat.

The Tug-Of-War Happening in Your Mouth

Your mouth is an ecosystem that houses countless bacteria that are either beneficial or harmful. Every minute, these bacteria are fighting for survival, and your teeth just bear the effects of the tug-of-war. The good news is that teeth are sturdy and were designed to withstand the onslaught of bacteria.

When you ingest food, harmful bacteria produce acids to digest the food. In the process, these acids remove minerals from your tooth enamel (the hard, shiny, outer part of the tooth). This battle goes on and on; each day and over time, the enamel gets weak.

However, the process is entirely reversible. Minerals present in saliva, water, and fluoridated toothpaste help repair the damage caused by the bacteria.

What Is the Connection Between Sugar and Tooth Decay?

Sugar is a magnet for harmful bacteria. When you eat something sugary, be it a piece of cake or a sugary drink, the bacteria start feeding on the sugar. Almost immediately, they form dental plaque (a sticky and colorless film) on the surface of your teeth.

If dental plaque is not removed by saliva or brushing, bacteria will wreak havoc on your teeth. The environment becomes more acidic, and before you know it, you have cavities. In layman’s terms, cavities are holes in the teeth caused by bacteria when they are digesting sugar. Other than that, prolonged exposure to sugar constantly causes the mouth to be acidic, which means that your enamel will be under attack more often. Eventually, this can lead to severe tooth damage.

How Do You Remineralize Your Enamel?

Much of preventive dental care begins with you. On average, you might come to see our Newburyport dentist twice a year. However, what you do in between your appointments has a significant impact on your dental health. Here are some ways that you can fight tooth decay and help remineralize the enamel:

Watch What You Eat

Food is what makes or breaks us. Be aware of the food you eat and how you eat it. Your meals should be balanced, enriched with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products. Raw fruit and vegetables help increase the flow of saliva, which helps in remineralization. Dairy products and other foods rich in calcium are also essential.

Reduce Your Sugar Intake

As you know by now, sugar is not your friend. Try to only indulge in sugary foods occasionally. Use straws when you are consuming sugary and acidic drinks so that your teeth have limited exposure to the sugar. Avoid eating sticky foods such as breath mints and hard candies because they are long-lasting sources of sugar.

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

We cannot stress this enough. Your teeth were designed to last your entire lifetime; however, you need to show them some love for them to go the long haul. Do the usual, brush after meals, or at least twice a day and floss at least once each day.

Using fluoridated toothpaste is a huge plus since this helps protect your teeth. Sugar-free gum is also beneficial since it stimulates saliva production.

Proper oral care also involves seeking preventive dentistry in Newburyport, MA. Our Newburyport dentist can provide routine exams, teeth cleanings, and X-rays. Where necessary, sealants can be used to keep your teeth intact.

Contact us today at Newburyport Family Dental to schedule an appointment. We offer a comprehensive array of dental services.