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Heggerick, Alwazzan & Noel DMD Prosthodontists
Founded by the late Dr. Lloyd Miller

Excellence in Dentistry Since 1958

What happens during a dental exam in Weston MA?

July 13th, 2018 by | Comments Off on What happens during a dental exam in Weston MA?

Dental Exam in Weston MA

New patients need a professional dental exam before undergoing any treatments. This also applies to patients who have not seen the dentist in a while. A dental exam is important because it allows the dentist to understand your current oral health and recommend treatments that benefit you the most. Dental exams can slightly vary between patients but this overview will offer  insight on what happens during a dental exam. Dental exam in Weston MA
As a new patient, the dental office will need to collect standard information from you. This usually includes basic personal information, medical history, and insurance information, if applicable. We want your visit to be as efficient as possible. So, we recommend arriving to the dental office at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to collect this information.

Next, the dentist will examine your mouth. This usually includes dental X-rays which helps detect tooth decay, teeth alignment issues, cysts, jaw bone structure, and more. There are a variety of dental X-rays. The common X-rays are listed below:

Bite-Wing X-rays – displays the upper and lower molars.

Periapical X-rays – focuses on one or two teeth at a time. The image shows from the crown to the tip of the tooth root.

Occlusal X-rays – shows the full arch of the upper and/or lower jaw.

Panoramic X-rays – displays the entire mouth in one image.

Your visit will also include examination of your gum health. The dentist will search for redness, tenderness, cysts, and more to determine if gingivitis or periodontal disease is present. Your bite, jaw, and neck are also examined for potential TMJ issues. If you have previous dental work, that too will be examined to assure they are intact or if more work is needed.

Upon the dentist’s findings and questions about your medical history, dental treatment recommendations will be discussed. This consultation is also an opportunity to address any questions or concerns you may have about your oral health. If no dental issues are found, a dental cleaning with the hygienist is followed. This is usually on the same day but could be scheduled at a later date.

Learn about your oral health today.
Dental exams are essential for your overall health. Dental issues like periodontal disease can affect other parts of the body like the heart. Schedule an appointment today. Our team at Weston Dental Specialists Group would be delighted to assist you. Call (781) 894-0347 or book online here.

Dental Crowns: What to Know Before Your Procedure

June 22nd, 2018 by | Comments Off on Dental Crowns: What to Know Before Your Procedure

Getting a Dental Crown is Great for Your Oral Health

You just found out you need adental crown. So what happens now? Well, fortunately, a dental crown helps improve your oral health while improving your smile. How so? Dental crowns function like a normal tooth. They look like the exposed portion of the tooth and are made to withstand normal chewing. Essentially, they are tooth-like “caps” that are placed over teeth or used in conjunction with dental implants and bridges. Dental crowns are considered when a tooth is weak, damaged, or stained. Getting a dental crown is simple and the benefits are great for your oral health! So, read below to learn more about this amazing dental restorative procedure.

dental crown in Wellesley MA Weston MA

Dental crowns are unique.

Your dental crown will be custom made to fit your mouth and bite. Typically, a mouth impression and X-ray is taken to create the crown. The images and impressions are then sent to a lab that constructs the crown. Dental crowns are offered in different materials. A patient can choose from ceramic, composite-resin, porcelain, and metal. Patients usually choose porcelain and ceramic due to their most natural appearance and durability. However, a consultation will help to narrow your best option.

The procedure is quick and painless.

Applying a dental crown is quick and painless. The procedure usually consists of two visits. The first appointment includes a consultation, exam, impressions, X-rays, and tooth contouring. We need to ensure that your tooth is healthy enough to support the crown and that the crown is custom-made for proper fitting. This visit also includes contouring the tooth for the impressions. And of course, the are is numbed for comfort. Contouring means that the tooth is filed down in order to receive the crown. But don’t worry. You’ll get a temporary crown while the custom crown is being made.

Your next visit is even smoother. Once your crown is ready, we simply remove the temporary and apply your permanent crown with cement. We’ll examine your bite to assure the crown is fitting properly. And now that your crown is fixed, you’ll be able to enjoy eating normally. Just avoid hard food and candy. It can damage your crown or loosen it. If that happens, see us right away to avoid a tooth infection.

They last a long time.

Your new dental crown may feel a little odd at first. But in time, it will feel like a normal tooth. Now, the best part of dental crowns is that they last about 15 years or longer. Your new crown will depend on your dental hygiene efforts. So, brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit us routinely.

Schedule a dental exam and consultation today! Your oral health is important to us and detecting issues early on helps minimize dental work. Call (781) 894-0347. Our dental office is located at 56 Colpitts Road Suite 4-6 Weston MA 02493 and we proudly serve Wellesley MA as well. Visit us soon.

5 Ways to Protect Tooth Enamel

June 17th, 2018 by | Comments Off on 5 Ways to Protect Tooth Enamel

How to Protect Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is a protective hard tissue found on the crowns of your teeth. The barrier protects against the daily effects of chewing, biting, and grinding. It also helps you enjoy cold and warm drinks without sensitivity. Dietary choices and habits can cause tooth enamel loss which is irreversible. But, you can help protect it with these 5 tips!

Tooth enamel

 

How do you lose tooth enamel?

Tooth enamel loss can happen in a variety of ways which include diet, health conditions, and medication. Examples include:

  • Soda
  • Citric acid
  • Sugary and starchy food
  • Dehydration
  • Bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding)
  • Acid reflux disease
  • Certain medications

Moderation is key.

Sometimes soda is better with pizza and orange juice is too good to pass. But, you do not have to eliminate them entirely from your diet. Consume soda and citric acid in moderation and with food. It is less harsh on your teeth. And, rinse with water afterwards. Water helps wash away leftover soda and citric acid which minimizes their effect.

Avoid sugar and starch.

It can be difficult to avoid cookies and starchy food like bread and crackers. These snacks are desirable but, like the tip above, enjoy them minimally. Another tactic is to choose healthier sweets like “no added sugar” yogurt or sweet potatoes. Also, there are high starchy foods you can avoid to minimize tooth enamel loss like cornmeal, pretzels, soda crackers, and bagels.

Drink water.

Just drink more water. It can be your new go to beverage for every meal and when you need to quench your thirst. Plus, the hydration keeps your tooth enamel protected.

Wear a mouthguard.

Teeth clenching and grinding is an involuntary behavior that easily wears your tooth enamel. A proper examination will detect if you are suffering from this condition. Some people are not aware they clench or grind until a dentist identifies the signs. To control the effects of this behavior, a mouth guard is prescribed and is usually worn at night. Some severe cases may require day time use as well.  

Protect your overall health.

Health conditions and medication that affect tooth enamel is unavoidable. Your overall health should always be priority. So, the best advice is to follow the top 4 tips. Improving your diet and using a mouthguard, if needed, will help a lot.

If you are experiencing enamel loss, visit us for an examination and consultation. Tooth enamel loss is irreversible but there are ways to restore teeth to improve their appearance and functionality. Call (781) 894-0347 or request an appointment online.

 

5 Tips to Maintaining Healthier Gums | Dentist in Weston MA

May 23rd, 2018 by | Comments Off on 5 Tips to Maintaining Healthier Gums | Dentist in Weston MA

gum disease | Dentist in Weston MA

How to Maintain Healthy Gums | Dentist in Weston MA

Gum Disease Prevention | Strive for healthier gums everyday! Why? Gums are essential to great oral health. Even though brushing helps avoid gum disease, you should do more to protect your gums. This vital oral tissue keeps your teeth stay firmly in place. So, show them appreciation with these 5 tips to maintaining healthier gums!

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a progressive gum infection that causes tooth and jawbone loss. Also, diseased gum tissue can not grow back which is why gums need proper dental care. Signs of gum disease include:

  • Tender, red, or swollen gums
  • Receding gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth

The effects of gum disease are irreversible but the disease is preventable. Learn more below.

Brush and floss.

You’ve heard it more than once. But, there is no denying that brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily helps avoid gum disease. This is the easiest and most common way to protect your entire mouth from bacteria buildup. Be sure to brush for about 2 minutes and change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Flossing should be done at least once a day. Be careful to not cut your gums in the process. It could lead to infection.

Get picky.

Make smarter choices for your daily diet. Not only will you feel great but your smile will show it. Healthy food choices benefit oral health in surprising ways. For example, yogurt is great for added protein, calcium, and probiotics. The protein and calcium create stronger teeth but the probiotics help eliminate bad oral bacteria. Other healthier options are apples, raw carrots, and celery. These choices are high in fiber and water which helps wash away bacteria naturally.

Stay hydrated.

Hydration is very important to maintaining a great quantity of saliva which helps wash away bacteria. Stay hydrated with water to avoid sugar and carbonation. And remember, each sip flushes bacteria away too!

Quit.

Smoking and consuming alcoholic drinks are both detrimental to your oral health. Smoking weakens your immune system which leaves your mouth susceptible to gum infection. While, alcoholic drinks dehydrate the body which causes a drier mouth and promotes bacteria buildup. Eliminating these habits are your defense against gum disease and, of course, a healthier life.

Visit us. Your dentist in Weston MA.

Visit our dental office in Weston, MA for your routine dental examinations and cleanings. We can detect oral issues, like gum disease, early on and treat it effectively. In addition, your professional teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar that you may miss during regular brushing and flossing. Schedule an appointment by calling (781) 894-0347 or requesting an appointment online.