How Bacteria Lead to Gum Disease

Posted by Shrewsbury Dentist

young guy with surprised lookThe human body truly is a wonderland, though not exactly in the way John Mayer may have intended. On a microbial level, the interactions between your body’s cells and those of countless other microorganisms dictate much of your physical wellbeing, and your mouth is no exception. In fact, a typical mouth contains more bacterial cells than it does human cells, and when the delicate ecological balance is disturbed, issues like inflammatory gum disease can arise and threaten your oral and overall health.

The Truth About Dental Plaque

If the fact that bacteria live in your mouth comes as a surprise, then you may be even more stunned to learn that these germs are the building blocks of the plaque that sticks to your teeth. (more…)

What’s the Point of a Dental Filling?

Posted by Shrewsbury Dentist

woman amazedWhether as a child, teen, or adult, there’s a good chance you may have received a dental filling at some point in your life. After all, the cavities that they’re meant to treat are the most common dental health issue, affecting over 90% of adults in at least one of their permanent teeth. As the name suggests, a dental filling is a manmade material, usually metal amalgam or tooth-colored composite resin, that’s molded into the cavity (hole) caused by tooth decay. By restoring the empty space, the dental filling helps reestablish the tooth’s strength while protecting its interior from further infection. (more…)

What Are Dental Bridges?

Posted by Shrewsbury Dentist

mature gentleman thinkingA dental bridge is used to close a gap created by one or more missing teeth. Consisting of one or more replacement teeth bordered by a pair of dental crowns on either side, a bridge is typically supported by the teeth adjacent to the gap, called abutment teeth. The crowns on the side of the bridge are bonded to the abutment teeth, holding the dental prosthetic in place as it restores your smile’s beauty and function. (more…)

Do I Suffer From Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Posted by Shrewsbury Dentist

woman with trouble sleepingObstructive sleep apnea is a chronic condition where breathing is interrupted during sleep due to abnormally large or over-relaxed oral tissues blocking the airway. It can affect anyone in any age group, including children, and since it doesn’t typically wake the patient from sleep, many people with sleep apnea are unaware of their condition. If your sleeping partner hasn’t already pointed out your excessive snoring—a common indication of sleep apnea—then you might discover the problem through its many other symptoms. (more…)

Veneers FAQs

Posted by Shrewsbury Dentist

Have you ever wondered how some people maintain an extremely bright, white smile? Do you think that celebrities with perfect teeth have special toothpaste or mouthwash that facilitates their beyond pleasant smile? Did you know that you could attain a smile like the ones seen in hollywood? Your Shrewsbury, MA dentist offers a cosmetic dental treatment that can take your smile from average to excellent in just a few visits. Discolored, oddly shaped, or abnormally spaced teeth can benefit from cosmetic alteration. Dr. Pizzi answers some frequently asked questions about dental veneers to inform the patient of their options when enhancing their smile with cosmetic dentistry treatments.

FAQs

Question: What is a dental veneer?

Answer: A veneer is a thin, shell-like cover for the front surface of your teeth. Veneers are a cosmetic addition to your smile that corrects oddly spaced, abnormally colored, or inconsistently shaped teeth.

Question: How do dental veneers work?

Answer: Dr. Pizzi offers ceramic dental veneers that cover the front surface of your teeth. The veneers, once created and confirmed to fit correctly, are adhered to the patient’s teeth. The result is an evenly spaced, straight smile.

Question: How long does the dental veneer process take?

Answer: In most cases, dental veneers take no more than two visits. The first visit consists of a consultation to determine if you would be an ideal candidate for the treatment. If so, then Dr. Pizzi would take impressions of your teeth and send them to a lab. The ceramic veneers would then be created to custom-fit your existing teeth. The lab process usually takes about a week. Once the doctor receives your veneers, a second visit is scheduled for the placement of your cosmetic enhancement.

Question: Who is a candidate for dental veneers?

Answer: For most people that dislike the aesthetic appeal of their smile, veneers are a viable option. However, those that posses dental prosthetics or lack adequate enamel may be redirected by Dr. Pizzi towards more plausible cosmetic enhancements. The end result whether you receive veneers, or another cosmetic treatment is a brighter, more attractive smile.

Question: Are there other options to smile enhancement?

Answer: Yes, your cosmetic dentist, Dr. Pizzi, can discuss with you the plausible treatment options. Choosing another type of treatment all depends on the condition of your smile, and your Shrewsbury, MA doctor can determine what will work best for you.

Schedule An Appointment

At Modern Dentistry of Shrewsbury, Dr. Pizzi and our trained professionals provide exceptional dental care for all patients, whether new or tenured. If you would like to learn more or schedule an appointment for dental veneers, contact our office today. Our office serves patients from Shrewsbury, Worcester, North and South Grafton, Westborough, Southborough, Northborough, Boylston, Hopkinton, Millbury, and surrounding communities.

The Trouble with Gingivitis

Posted by Shrewsbury Dentist

young man thinkingGingivitis, otherwise known as gum disease, starts when there is a growth of bacteria within your mouth. If it goes untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and the destruction of your gums and jawbone. Gingivitis comes before periodontitis; however, not all patients with gingivitis need to experience severe gum disease if the condition is treated in time.

How Does Gingivitis Occur?

There are quite a few reasons why you may develop gingivitis. While gingivitis is primarily caused by bacteria found in dental plaque, other factors can significantly increase your risk, including; hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menopause, and other factors, which can affect the healthy cell functions of your gums and oral tissues People with diabetes have a harder time dealing with infections as their bodies heal a lot slower than normal, making them prone to higher risks of developing dental diseases, such as periodontal diseases. (more…)

What Is Dry Mouth?

Posted by Shrewsbury Dentist

water in a desertDry mouth is a symptom caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva produced. When dry mouth occurs, there is not as much saliva to help digest your food and clean your mouth. In the drier environment, oral bacteria may grow more easily inside of your mouth and possibly increase the risk of developing gingivitis and/or tooth decay, which may lead to tooth loss if left untreated. (more…)

Missing Teeth? Why You Should Consider Dental Implants

Posted by Shrewsbury Dentist

consideringIf you or someone you know has lost one or more teeth with age, or to an underlying dental problem, you might understand the impact that missing teeth can have on your quality of life. Nevertheless, many patients (even those without a full set of teeth) don’t realize that tooth loss isn’t a natural part of aging, and when it occurs, its effects can significantly undermine the rest of your oral health. As dedicated restorative dentists in Shrewsbury, Dr. Todd Pizzi and Dr. Luciana Messina have helped many patients overcome the issues associated with tooth loss by replacing their lost teeth with an appropriate number of dental implants. (more…)

How to Fix Your Gummy Smile

Posted by Shrewsbury Dentist

beautiful even smileYour teeth are a natural focal point when considering your smile. Are they the right color? Are they straight? Are they too long, or too short? Your smile, however, consists of more than just your teeth, and the shape, length, and alignment of your gums can greatly influence its appearance. A gummy smile can make your teeth appear improperly sized and/or aligned, even if they’re perfectly shaped. With the help of a highly-skilled, onsite periodontist, your Shrewsbury dentists, Dr. Pizzi and Dr. Messina, can reshape your gum line to let your best smile shine through. (more…)

Why You Should Worry About Crooked Teeth

Posted by Shrewsbury Dentist

concept of straight teethMany people are unhappy with their smiles due to one or more crooked teeth, but as older teens and adults, may not be much more comfortable with the idea of wearing metal braces for a few years to correct them. If crowded, uneven, overlapping, and protruding teeth were merely a cosmetic concern, then the debate about the pros of straight teeth versus the cons of metal braces wouldn’t be an especially significant one. The truth is, however, that such a decision is weighed down by the fact that uneven teeth can pose a serious risk to your oral health if left unchecked. In our quest to help all of our patients reach the pinnacle of their oral health, Shrewsbury dentists, Dr. Pizzi and Dr. Messina, offer discrete orthodontic options, such as Invisalign® and ClearCorrect® clear braces, to eliminate most of the aesthetic concerns associated with traditional braces. (more…)