Tooth Sensitivity in Boston, MA

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, you know how difficult it can be to eat certain foods. There is hope though – in some cases, tooth sensitivity can go away on its own! This is especially true if the sensitivity is due to a recent dental procedure, like a filling or root canal. If your tooth sensitivity lingers and doesn’t go away, you should talk to your dentist since this might be a sign you have worn enamel or exposed tooth roots. 

What is tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the underlying layer of your teeth (dentin) becomes exposed. This happens due to erosion (wear and tear) and gum recession. Tooth roots that aren’t covered by hard enamel contain many tiny tubules that lead to your tooth’s center (the pulp). These tubules – or channels – allow hot, cold or sweet food to reach the nerve in your tooth, which results in the pain you feel. 

Dental sensitivity can be a sign of other issues like cavities, gum disease or a cracked tooth. 

How do you stop tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity treatment depends on the cause of your sensitivity. Below are a few tips to reduce your sensitivity caused by normal wear and tear:

• Desensitizing toothpaste: Many brands of toothpaste make specific toothpaste for sensitive teeth. With regular use, you can notice a decrease in sensitivity. 
• Good oral hygiene: Following proper oral hygiene can help prevent tooth senstivity if you thoroughly clean all parts of your teeth and mouth. 
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: Using a softer toothbrush will help your teeth and gums suffer from less abrasion and irritation. 
• Notice what you eat: If you are eating foods that are highly acidic this can gradually dissolve tooth enamel and lead to tooth sensitivity. 
• Use dental products with fluoride: If you use a fluoride mouth wash daily you can effectively decrease sensitivity. 
• Avoid grinding your teeth: If you grind or clench your teeth regularly, you should consider wearing a mouth guard at night. 
• Routine dental checkups: visiting your dentist regularly will ensure you are receiving professional cleanings and fluoride treatments. 

If you are still suffering from tooth sensitivity, you should consult your dentist. They may suggest a few dental procedures that could help reduce sensitivity like dental bonding, fluoride varnishes or dentin sealers. 

If you have any questions about your tooth sensitivity, please contact our office.

Dental implants have become many dentists’ go-to procedure for replacing missing teeth. Dental implant surgery replaces tooth roots with metal, screwlike posts and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones. This surgery is a great alternative to dentures and can offer an option when a lack of natural teeth roots don’t allow building denture or bridgework tooth replacements.

What are the risks?

Like any type of surgery, there are a few risks to getting dental implants. However, the problems that come with dental implant surgery are rare and typically minor and very treatable. Risks include: 

• Sinus problems, when dental implants placed in the upper jaw protrude into one of your sinus cavities
• Injury or damage to surrounding structures, such as other teeth or blood vessels
• Nerve damage, which can cause pain, numbness or tingling in your natural teeth, gums, lips or chin
• Infection at the implant site

The advantages of using dental implants. 

Dental implants are one of the most reliable dental procedures with a 95% success. They also offer advantages that other missing teeth solutions do not, such as:

• Appearance – Implants look and feel like your natural teeth.
• Speech – No need to worry about slipping dentures or loose bridges that can cause slurred speech.
• Comfort – Implants are permanent and stable, so no chaffing or discomfort will happen like with dentures.
• Oral health – Implant placement does not require modifying surrounding teeth as a bridge does. Also, implants stop bone deterioration and stimulate healthy bone tissue growth.

Dental Implant Procedure

When considering having a dental implant procedure, a patient will typically go through the following steps: 

1. First, the patient will go through a thorough exam and consultation with the dentist. The dentist will then make an individualized treatment plan. 
2. At the next appointment, the team will place your implant, which acts as a substitute tooth root. 
3. Then, the tooth is given time (about 2-3 months) to heal and integrate with the bone tissue. 
4. Once the implant has bonded to the bone tissue, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the implant.
5. Impressions are taken of your teeth to create either a custom crown to replace one tooth or an implant-supported bridge or denture for multiple missing teeth. Crown restorations are custom tinted, so they blend in beautifully with your natural teeth.
6. The finished crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant(s).

Once you get the finished implant, your new teeth are ready to use! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Boston, MA dental offices. We want your implants to look and feel like real teeth and you smile looking its best!

Finding the right toothbrush for you should not be difficult, but most of the time it seems like a daunting task due to the limitless choices and styles. The three most common types of toothbrushes can be categorized into manual, electric, and sonic. Toothbrushes can then also be categorized based on their softness or hardness of bristles. Finding the right toothbrush for you is important, but knowing when to replace your toothbrush is just as important. Knowing which style of toothbrush and when to replace it will leave you with a happy and healthy smile.

Toothbrush Style

Manual Toothbrush

Manual toothbrushes are the most accessible and affordable of the toothbrush options. You can find a manual toothbrush at almost every store, including grocery stores and gas stations. Manual toothbrushes do not require batteries or charging. Making them easy to use without having to worry about add ons. Using a manual toothbrush is an affordable and effective way to clean your teeth. Many manual toothbrushes can be purchased for less than $5. When purchasing one of these cost effective toothbrushes, always make sure it has an American Dental Association (ADA) seal. One may prefer manual toothbrushes over others, as they feel that they have more control over their brushing. Although manual toothbrushes do not have accessories as electric toothbrushes, they still serve as an effective method to clean your teeth.

Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes are alternatives to manual toothbrushes that require less effort from the user. These brushes are typically battery powered and have bristles that rotate or oscillate. Electric toothbrushes increase strokes per minute, when compared to manual toothbrushes, by 8 to 25 times depending on the brush. Often, these brushes come with timers that pulse every 30 seconds, making your brushing more efficient. Electric toothbrushes have been shown to decrease plaque and gingivitis more than manual toothbrushes. A few downsides of electric toothbrushes may be their cost and lack of convenience, due to the need of batteries or electricity. Similar to an electric toothbrush, a sonic toothbrush uses power to deeply clean your teeth.

Sonic Toothbrushes

Sonic toothbrushes are a style of electric toothbrushes, but they move much faster which sets them apart from normal electric toothbrushes. A sonic toothbrush vibrates around a rate of 30,000 brushes per minute compared to an electric toothbrush at 5,000 brushes per minute. This faster movement allows you to get a deeper and cleaner brushing session. The largest downside of a sonic toothbrush is its price point. It is the most expensive option of the three brushes. No matter what brush you choose, it is important to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each session.

All of the toothbrushes discussed above are effective and efficient options when caring for your oral health. Each brush comes with pros and cons. When deciding on a toothbrush, it is important to take into consideration the factors that are important to you. Once you decide on a toothbrush, it is important to care for that brush correctly. It is important to replace your manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three to fourth months or when the bristles are starting to become worn and frayed. Overall, it is important to find a toothbrush and brushing routine that works for you.