Nov 21, 2016 | Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist, Uncategorized
Most people want that bright, movie star smile, but it’s a challenge to keep those pearly whites shiny. There are an overwhelming number of options for teeth whitening products available at your drugstore, but how do you know which one might be right for you? Here’s an overview of products for whitening your teeth at home.
Strips
These are clear, thin pieces of plastic coated with a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide. You apply the strips directly to your teeth for 30 minutes or less, and do it daily between 5 to 14 days, depending on the product. Whitening strips cost $25-$60.
Gels
You apply a peroxide-based gel onto your teeth with a small brush or pen. Usually worn overnight, you repeat the process for two weeks or more. Gel whiteners cost from $12-$18.
Trays
A tray shaped like a mouthpiece is filled with a peroxide-based gel. You wear the tray for a suggested time period each day or night for one to four weeks. This option costs $15-$45.
Toothpastes
The least expensive option at under $10, whitening toothpastes contain special agents may make the teeth appear slightly whiter with time. They don’t actually alter the teeth’s color, but they use mild abrasives or polishing agents to remove surface stains.
Light-based kits
These kits require you to use an acid mouth rinse, and paint a whitening gel on your teeth. The kit comes with a special light that you then hold up to your teeth to accelerate the whitening process. You can repeat this several times. Light-based kits cost $45-$60.
Nov 28, 2016 | Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist, Uncategorized
Dental care is improving all the time, and people are more aware of the need to practice good dental hygiene. However, it’s not uncommon that many people still have problems with their teeth and lose them unnecessarily. Often this is related to tooth decay or gum disease. Dental implants are a popular solution for missing teeth.
Dental implants involve placing an artificial tooth root in your jaw, and then having a crown attached to the post. Implants are permanent and do not need nearby teeth for support. These are not the only option that dentists offer today for replacing missed teeth, so why should you consider getting dental implants as your remedy? Here are some reasons that many patients like dental implants.
Procedure
It doesn’t require extensive visits to the dentist’s office to get dental implants. The entire process usually only takes a single appointment, and you’re be able to enjoy your new, natural smile right away.
Recovery
There is also a minimal recovery time after getting dental implants. Your mouth will be sore for a short time, but the pain doesn’t last long and is usually aided with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Maintenance
Dental implants are easy to maintain, because you treat them just like you do the rest of your teeth. Unlike dentures, no special care is required for these permanent implants.
Longevity
If you take care of your teeth properly, dental implants will last for a very long time. They are truly meant to last a lifetime.
Self-esteem
One of the greatest benefits of dental implants is the way they make you feel about yourself. They look and feel natural, and often are even more appealing than your original teeth were. You will be smiling and laughing without hesitation to show off your new smile.
Dental implants dentist in Central Falls Rhode Island – Schedule your appointment today!
Dec 7, 2016 | Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist, Uncategorized
Choosing the right provider for your child is an important task. Teaching your child the value of oral health and making sure the experience is pleasant, figures heavily into the process. You also want to find a practice that makes you both feel comfortable and welcome. Schedule an initial consultation with the top candidates and consider these points as you make your choice:
What are the dentist’s credentials?
Although you may choose a general dentist to care for your child, you should consider how much training and experience the doctor has working with younger patients. It’s also a good idea to make sure the dentist stays up-to-date on the latest advances in pediatric dentistry.
What do others say about the office?
As you make your list, talk with friends, family, and co-workers to get input. Find out who they take their kids to and think about adding those names for consideration. If you decide to pick someone on your own, ask for references from current patients.
What is the atmosphere of the practice?
Wherever you take your child, you want to ensure that the environment is warm and inviting. At the very least, find out if there is a children’s area and make sure they have child-sized furniture and instruments.
How do the dentist and staff interact with your child?
The early impressions your child forms about dental care and visiting the dentist can make memories that last a lifetime. Watch to see that the dentist and team members work to put your child at ease right away.
Pediatric Dentistry at Blackstone Dental Family Dental in Central Falls Rhode Island
Dec 14, 2016 | Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist, Uncategorized
In this day and age, most people can’t imagine not brushing their teeth each day. While the toothbrush has a long history, it wasn’t used daily in this country until World War II. Recently, electronic toothbrushes that provide timed brushing have gained popularity.
If you trace the history of the toothbrush, it begins with chewing sticks used in Babylonia in 3500 BC. Literature from the Ancient Greeks and Romans even mentions early toothpicks that people chewed on to clean teeth. By 1600 BC, these chew sticks evolved some. One end was soft and almost bristle-like for chewing, and the other end was pointed for cleaning between teeth. Twigs were used from plants and trees that could freshen your breath and mouth.
Early records show the first toothbrush was produced in China, about 1600 AD. William Addis, an English citizen, created the first toothbrush. The English used cattle bones for the base, and the natural bristles were taken from the shoulders and necks of swine. Bristled toothbrushes were widely used in England and Japan by the 1800s.
H. N. Wadsworth is credited as the first American to receive a toothbrush patent. In 1844, Dr. Meyer L. Rhein generated the first toothbrush, and Florence Manufacturing Company started selling toothbrushes in boxes by 1885. Nylon bristles replaced animal hair in 1937. As early as 1939, electric toothbrushes were being produced in Switzerland, billed as a way to get a better cleaning, but they didn’t gain popularity in the United States until the 1960s.
dentist in Central Falls Rhode Island – Schedule your visit today!
Dec 21, 2016 | Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist, Uncategorized
Having gaps in your smile affects your appearance, mouth function, as well as your confidence. You don’t have to go through life with these problems, because your dentist can provide you with an attractive, comfortable way to close the gaps created by missing teeth.
What is a bridge?
Bridges are recommended by dentists when you have one or more missing teeth. They extend over the area where your teeth are gone, and are usually cemented to your natural teeth or implants on both sides of the gap. The teeth on both sides function as anchors for the bridge. Crowns are often placed over the anchor teeth to accompany the bridge.
How is a bridge made?
Your dentist will help you decide which material is best for creating your bridge, depending on which teeth are missing, functional needs, and appearance considerations. Bridges may be made from a combination of porcelain, metal, gold, ceramic, or resin materials. Before your bridge is made, your affected teeth may need to be reduced in size so that the bridge or crown can properly fit. After altering your teeth, a mold will be taken to help create the bridge at a dental lab. In the meantime, a temporary crown or bridge may be placed to cover the prepared teeth. The final bridge or crown will be cemented in place when it’s ready.
How long do bridges last?
Bridges and crowns can last a lifetime, but sometimes they do loosen or fall out. If dental disease damages your teeth or supporting bone structure, your bridge may be at risk. To keep your bridge as long as possible, practice proper dental hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and maintaining dental checkups.
Do you need dental bridges – click here to schedule a visit.
Dec 28, 2016 | Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist, Uncategorized
No one wants to have a root canal, but this conservative dental treatment often gets a bad rap. Root canals are used to repair damaged teeth and prevent the need for extraction. Many people don’t realize that missing teeth can have serious oral health consequences, such as alignment problems, chewing difficulties, and additional tooth loss. With a root canal, your dentist can relieve your pain, protect your smile, and save you money.
What is a root canal?
During this procedure, your dentist will remove diseased tissue, disinfect the area, and seal off the tooth. Your doctor will also place a dental crown to complete the restoration.
Why would I need a root canal?
If your tooth sustains severe trauma or you have deep decay, a root canal maybe the only option to save the tooth. Your teeth contain an inner nerve core called pulp, which provides nutrients and blood supply to the teeth. If that area is injured, the pulp may die, causing infection to build inside a tooth.
Will it hurt?
Advances in dentistry allow your doctor to keep you comfortable during the procedure. The dentist will numb the area before beginning the root canal. If you are particularly concerned, talk with your dentist about sedation options such as nitrous oxide gas or oral sedation. Most people don’t find the procedure any worse than a dental filling.
What if I don’t have a root canal?
The infection inside your tooth won’t disappear without treatment. You risk nerve damage, an abscess, or even tooth loss if you don’t address the problem.
