What is Family Dentistry?

May 7, 2015 | Blog

You might wonder what the difference is between general dentistry and family dentistry. They are quite similar but have a few key distinctions. Finding the right dental health professional for you and your family is very important, and maintaining checkups and treatment is part of the process.

One major element of family dentistry is that these professionals accepts patients of all ages, from babies to senior adults. Every member of your family can visit the same office and receive consistent quality care that you expect from your chosen dentist. Each age group has unique needs that can be addressed by a family dentist who is trained and experienced in handling those concerns.

Family dentists provide treatment to both repair existing problems. Diagnosing oral health issues and then performing procedures such as fillings are common parts of the job. Your family dentist may recommend that some services be treated by a specialist, like oral surgeons for dental implants, endodontists for root canal therapy, or orthodontists for braces. However some family dentists perform those types of procedures, so it depends your service provider.

Family dentists also perform treatments to help avoid future oral health problems. Things like cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealant application are all routine tasks. It is vital to schedule dental checkups every six months to catch and treat problems before they have a chance to advance. Some offices provide teeth whitening, and all family dentists are well-versed in training your family members in the best techniques for home dental hygiene.

To increase the likelihood of you and your loved ones keeping appointments, choose a family dentist with a convenient office location. Also, find a practice that is comfortable and appealing to family members. Younger children may benefit from distraction items such as television or video games. If dental anxiety is an issue for anyone, a practice that offers sedation dentistry may be a good choice.

Ask coworkers, friends, and neighbors for recommendations for a good family dentist in your area. Visit the practice to ensure it is right for you, and then make and keep appointments for everyone in your family.

Family dentist in Central Falls Rhode Island

Root Canal Therapy Myths

Jun 9, 2015 | Blog

Have you been told that you may need a root canal treatment? Are you worried because of things you’ve heard in the media about how “awful” a root canal is? Don’t worry about what you’ve heard; endodontic therapy isn’t at all what you’d think. Let’s debunk some myths!

• Myth #1: Root canal treatment is very painful. This isn’t true! In fact, a root canal treatment is performed specifically to relieve a patient’s pain, not to cause more. After a root canal treatment, you might feel some tenderness, but the pain you felt when the damaged tissue and infection was still inside the tooth will be completely gone. Once the swelling from the procedure has gone down, you will be able to use your new tooth exactly the way you could use your natural tooth when it was completely healthy.
• Myth #2: Root canal therapy or other endodontic work can lead to disease elsewhere in the body. Another falsehood! Root canal treatments don’t spread disease to the rest of the body, rather, they remove infected tissue and bacteria from the body, preventing the affected tooth from becoming re-infected.
• Myth #3: Extraction is better than root canal treatment. Extraction is not preferred to root canal treatment! Whenever possible, it’s preferred to keep your natural tooth. Your natural tooth’s roots stimulate and preserve the bone of your jaw, as well as providing adequate support to the surrounding teeth. Dental implants or dental bridges can be problematic, both in function and in dietary restrictions. In fact, an extraction can lead to several prolonged appointments to perform replacement procedures, treatments that are far more involved than a root canal treatment.

Endodontic treatment is an extremely common dental procedure that can provide durable, long-lasting restorations that will function as your natural tooth did. If you believe you may need a root canal treatment, talk to your endodontist or dentist today to see how this successfully proven treatment can help you and your smile needs.

We offer root canal treatment at our Central Falls, RI dental office

Keeping Your Smile Makeover Fresh and Fabulous

Jun 14, 2015 | Blog

You finally have the smile of your dreams, so you want to make sure you take proper care of your bright new smile to keep it looking as fantastic as it makes you feel. Your cosmetic dental treatments and restorations can continue to look their best for many years with just a few dental health care tips and tricks:

• Use a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste to avoid scratching and dulling the surface of your restorations. Just as you would with regular oral care, brush and floss two to three times per day immediately after meals, if possible.
• Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol which can damage fillings and deteriorate the bond between crowns and veneers.
• Limit between meal snacks and foods that are high in sugar that can promote decay and the development of cavities.
• Refrain from eating and drinking foods and beverages such as tea, wine, coffee, and berries that are notorious for staining the surface of teeth.
• Avoid chewing or biting on hard objects such as fingernails, pens or bottle caps.
• Wear a mouth guard when playing contact or combat sports.
• If you grind your teeth while sleeping, wear a night guard to avoid damage to your teeth or restorations.
• Maintain a regular schedule of bi-annual dental checkups and cleanings.

Although they will eventually need to be repeated or replaced, many cosmetic treatments and restorations can last as long as ten to fifteen years. With excellent care and attention, you can extend the life of your smile makeover and keep it looking fresh and fabulous for years. Take the time to take care of your smile, and it will reward you with years of beautiful smiles in return.

Smile makeover dentist in Central Falls, RI

Reasons to Visit a Cosmetic Dentist

Jun 17, 2015 | Blog

You may have heard of cosmetic dentistry, but are unsure of how that branch of dentistry can help you. There are many reasons to visit a cosmetic dentist! Just about anyone who is embarrassed or unhappy about their smile can find options for improvement through a cosmetic dentist. A wide variety of procedures and treatments are available for a long list of things that you may dislike about your smile.

Restored smile
Cosmetic dentists can restore the appearance and function of your smile. Gaps, crooked teeth, chips, cracks, discoloration and more can be repaired to give you a flawless new look and renewed self-confidence.

Youthful appearance
The older you get, the greater your chances are of problems like lost or yellowed teeth. Gaps in your smile make you look older, and can even change your face shape as it sinks in around the area of tooth loss. Cosmetic procedures can restore your youth through dental procedures.

Whiter teeth
Dull, yellow, stained teeth from years of consuming dark foods or from tobacco use can make your smile unsightly. There’s no need to hide your smile, because professional teeth whitening is available through cosmetic dentists. It can dramatically improve your appearance in only an hour’s time.

Fresh breath
Various dental issues can contribute to stinky mouth odor. Cosmetic dentistry helps take care of oral health problems to give you a better chance at fresh breath.

Healthier gums
Irritated, swollen, or bleeding gums are both painful and unsightly. Poor dental hygiene or even brushing with excessive pressure can promote gum problems. Cosmetic dentists can diagnose gum issues and help restore them to a healthier condition.

Dr. Frias is a cosmetic dentist in Central Falls, RI. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.