Cambridge, MA Dental Frequently Asked Questions
Cambridge Dental Associates & Cambridge Dental Annex
What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
For dental emergencies after hours, please contact our office and follow the directions given on the office voicemail message. Someone will return your call as soon as possible. For dental emergencies during regular business hours, please contact our office immediately so that our office staff can help you determine the appropriate plan of action.
Should I get Silver fillings of Tooth colored fillings?
There is some debate in the dental industry regarding the pros and cons of using silver fillings, or amalgams, to fill cavities. At Cambridge Dental Associates and Annex, we provide our patients with information so they can make an informed choice, depending on financial and cosmetic needs.
Amalgam fillings contain about 50% mercury. While it has not been proven scientifically that this mercury can cause harm, there is still controversy on whether their use should be discontinued. Amalgam fillings have been used for over 150 years in millions of patients and the FDA considers dental amalgam fillings safe for adults and children ages 6 and above. If your fillings are in good condition and there is no decay beneath the filling, FDA does not recommend that you have your amalgam fillings removed or replaced. Removing sound amalgam fillings results in unnecessary loss of healthy tooth structure, and exposes you to additional mercury vapor released during the removal process.
Composite resin fillings are the most common alternative to dental amalgam. They are sometimes called “tooth-colored” or “white” fillings. Composite resin fillings are made of acrylic resin and reinforced with powdered glass. The shade of composite resins can be customized to closely match surrounding teeth. However, they may be less durable than dental amalgam and they cost more than other types of dental filling materials. Many people who are undergoing a cosmetic improvement on their front teeth elect to have dark silver fillings in their back teeth replaced with the bonded ceramic resins to provide a total cosmetic improvement.
I would like my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
Starting with healthy teeth and gums, we can perfect your smile through Clear Correct, which are clear, custom, removable aligners. Also, porcelain restorations such as veneers and whitening can improve your smile.
What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
Our team is trained and well versed in state-of-the-art sterilization techniques designed to ensure patient safety. In addition to wearing gloves, gowns and facemasks to prevent cross contamination, we have a specialized sterilization center and water filtration system that guarantees a fresh water source for each patient.
What causes tooth loss?
Tooth decay and periodontal disease are the most common causes of tooth loss. Tooth decay takes place when most of the hard tooth structure demineralises and a cavity forms. Tooth decay primarily affects children, and periodontal disease, or gum disease, affects mostly adults. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums caused by plaque, and its earliest stage is also known as gingivitis.
How many times a day should I brush my teeth?
It is recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing after every meal (and flossing at least once a day) is also a good way to maintain dental health.
What causes oral cancer?
Tobacco is the most common cause of oral cancer. Heavy alcohol intake can also increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Bad dental hygiene, prolonged irritation of the oral cavity, and extended exposure to strong sunlight on the lips are the principal causes of the disease.
What are the signs of oral cancer?
Early symptoms of oral cancer include: a sore on the lip, in the mouth, or in the throat that does not heal; a lump on the lip, in the mouth, or in the throat; a red or white patch in the mouth; unusual pain or bleeding in the mouth; swelling of the mouth; and any difficulty or discomfort felt in chewing or swallowing.
Patient Library:
Crowns: A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. They are typically bonded to the tooth using a dental cement. Crowns can be made from many materials and they are often used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth. Crowns can be used to correct bite problems, to close spaces between teeth, and they can be used to replace missing teeth permanently, as part of a bridge, or over an implant.
Porcelain Veneers: A veneer is a thin layer of restorative material placed over a tooth surface, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth, or to protect a damaged tooth surface.
Implants: An implant is a "root" device, usually made of titanium, used to support restorations that resemble a tooth to replace missing teeth. They are the treatment of choice when replacing missing teeth. Implants restore comfort and appearance, yet remain functional in the long run.
Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is a safe, effective, and lasting way to lighten most people's smiles. There are two main methods to get excellent results, a custom Home Teeth Whitening Kit, and an In- Office Whitening, such as Zoom! If you are thinking of other cosmetic improvements, such as crowns or porcelain veneers, it may be worth considering whitening your teeth first, as the restorations we make for you can be matched to the whitened teeth, to give an overall great result.
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