Tooth loss rarely follows a neat pattern. Instead, teeth may be lost in different areas of the mouth, putting a dental bridge out of the question. But if a dental bridge will not work, and several teeth still remain so that a full denture is not necessary, what can be used to fill the gaps between teeth? The answer is known as a partial denture. To learn more about partial dentures, read below as your Brighton dentist, Dr. Thomas Villani, responds to frequently asked questions about them. (more…)
Brighton Dentist Explains How Dental Implants Mimic Natural Teeth
When it comes to replacing a missing tooth, you will probably want something that feels and looks as much like the original as possible. If that is the case, a dental implant restoration may be a great option for you. To learn more about dental implants and how they are able to closely replicate natural teeth read the explanation below from your Brighton dentist, Dr. Thomas Villani. (more…)
Brighton Dentist Shares Four Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth
Did you know that many people are unaware of the fact that they are damaging their teeth during their sleep? These people have a teeth grinding habit and wake up none the wiser to the fact that they have subjected their teeth to serious strain and potential damage. Unfortunately, the risks associated with teeth grinding can be quite severe, including broken teeth. So how does one become aware of a teeth grinding habit if it occurs during sleep? Your Brighton dentist, Dr. Thomas Villani, has put together a list of four clues that can indicate teeth grinding (bruxism). (more…)
Brighton Dentist Shares Three Tips for Preventing Bad Breath
There may be nothing that can create self-consciousness faster than the realization that you have bad breath. In your attempts to hide bad breath from those around you, you may resort to mumbling, refusing to face people directly, or just clamming up. However, these acts may be interpreted as rude or awkward. Therefore, having fresh breath is a very important part of ensuring your confidence during social interactions. Accordingly, your Brighton dentist, Dr. Thomas Villani, has put together a list of tips for keeping bad breath at bay. (more…)
Brighton Dentist Explains How a Dental Checkup Helps Prevent Gum Disease
Did you know that gum disease can affect more than just your oral health? A lot of research exists which connects gum disease to various health risks including heart disease and certain cancers. But how does gum disease develop in the first place? And how can you prevent it? Your Brighton dentist, Dr. Thomas Villani, answers both of these questions below. (more…)
Try These Homecare Tips from Your Brighton Dentist
It is sometimes easy to forget how important teeth are in our everyday lives. The fact remains, however, that without teeth, eating and speaking become very difficult. A lack of teeth also shows in the face, which tends to appear sunken and aged. Therefore, because teeth are so valuable, it is important to ensure their proper care, and to help you do just that your Brighton dentist, Dr. Thomas Villani, has put together a few tips that can help you improve your homecare. (more…)
Brighton Dentist Tells You Why Dentures Slip
Denture wearers sometimes complain that their dentures do not feel stable in their mouths. They say that the dentures slip and slide and threaten to fall out altogether. When dentures lack stability, they can sap self-confidence and create serious embarrassment. But what exactly causes dentures to slip and slide? Your Brighton dentist, Dr. Thomas Villani, explains below. (more…)
Brighton Dentist Discusses Tooth Decay and Dental Fillings
With thorough homecare and consistent dental visits, we can prevent tooth decay and keep our teeth cavity free. Yet sometimes, even the most diligent brushers and flossers will develop a cavity. To learn why cavities develop and how they are repaired, read below as your Brighton dentist, Dr. Thomas Villani discusses the progression of tooth decay and compares silver (amalgam) fillings with white fillings.
Bacteria: The Beginning of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay begins with bad bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria consume sugar and produce an acid byproduct that can strip teeth of their enamel. Bacteria are also capable of adhering to teeth. When they do so, they form plaque (a clear, sticky substance) or tartar (hardened plaque). Plaque and tartar can be difficult to remove, and if they are not removed, the bacteria can do damage to teeth in a concentrated area. This damage can eventually result in a cavity.
Cavities and White Fillings
If a cavity is not treated, the decay can continue until bacteria infiltrate the tooth’s innermost portion (the pulp). If bacteria enter the pulp, the tooth can become infected and can eventually die. Before bacteria are able to access the tooth’s pulp, however, a tooth with a cavity can receive a dental filling, which can reinforce the tooth and prevent further decay.
If you develop a cavity, your Brighton dentist, Dr. Villani, can repair your tooth with two types of fillings: amalgam fillings and white fillings. Amalgam fillings are made out of several metals and feature a silver color. They also contain trace amounts of mercury, prompting health professionals to suggest that pregnant women and young children opt for white fillings instead. White filling are made out of a tooth-colored composite resin (the same material used in dental bonding), making them a cosmetic improvement over amalgam fillings, which tend to stand out against teeth.
Schedule a Visit with Your Brighton Dentist
Do you want a dental filling that doesn’t stand out? A white filling from your Brighton dentist, Dr. Villani, can blend in with your natural tooth. Contact Brighton Family Dental Group today at (617) 562-5210 to schedule an appointment or a consultation. We proudly serve patients from Watertown, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, Brighton, and the 02135 area.
Brighton Kids’ Dentist: Teach Your Child to Floss
Teaching a child to floss can be an exercise in patience because teaching a child to floss can be even more difficult than teaching a child to brush. However, the reward for sticking out the process and turning your child into a lifelong wielder of dental floss is definitely worthwhile. Read below as your Brighton dentist, Dr. Thomas Villani discusses the importance of flossing and shares tips to help you teach your child to floss. (more…)
Brighton Dentist Discusses the Importance of Mouthguards
Mouthguards play an important role in protecting teeth and the mouth during a collision. In contact sports like football, hockey, and rugby, mouthguards are vital. However, they may be just as important in other sports that aren’t known as contact sports but involve frequent contact nonetheless, such as basketball and soccer. Below, your Brighton dentist, Dr. Thomas Villani, explains how wearing a mouthguard can prevent a dental emergency. (more…)
