Want a New Smile for the Holidays?

Posted December 7, 2010

If you’re ready to give yourself the gift of a beautiful smile, the holidays are the perfect time. I’m Dr. Villani, a cosmetic and restorative dentist in Brighton, MA. Over the years, I’ve seen patients postpone or forego cosmetic dentistry because it seems frivolous. But after getting porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, or a full smile makeover, people have more self-confidence. It’s truly amazing to see the joy and new outlook that my smile makeover patients experience.

Studies show that a more attractive smile makes a person appear more intelligent, successful, and friendly. After teeth whitening, according to one study, people were more likely to get a job offer and a higher salary. When you look at cosmetic dentistry from this perspective, you can see how a smile makeover could impact your success, professionally and socially.

What does a smile makeover entail? It depends entirely on your unique needs and preferences. Schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Villani, or my associate, Dr. Kondrat. We’ll sit down and discuss your ideal smile, and we can talk about which procedures would achieve the results you want. Most commonly we suggest, custom porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding or recontouring, and white fillings and crowns. But rest assured, your treatment plan will be designed exclusively for you. There is no packaged solution in cosmetic dentistry. We aim to preserve your unique appearance, while giving you a more attractive overall image.

Call Brighton Family Dental Group today at 617-562-5210 to schedule a consultation. Be sure to ask about our free Invisalign and teeth –whitening assessment, as well.

A Root Canal can Salvage an Infected Tooth

Posted December 3, 2010

We have all heard about the dreaded root canal. It’s true: root canals have a bad reputation. I am Dr. Thomas Villani and I am here to tell you that root canals aren’t as bad as they sound. My associate at Brighton Family Dental Group, Dr. Richard Kondrat, and I are happy to answer questions to put your mind at rest before and during your root canal procedure.

Why would you need a root canal? Inside each tooth, a canal houses dental pulp, or nerve. The pulp is the life source of the tooth. It brings nutrients to the tooth, removes waste, and without it, the tooth cannot live. If a deep cavity or fracture penetrates in the sealed canal, the pulp can become infected. As the bacteria grow, so does the pressure. Soon you will have a full-force infection, and most likely, an intense toothache. It is important to act quickly because the pulp that sustains the life of the tooth is now infected. Root canal therapy is usually needed to repair the tooth and cure the infection.

To perform your root canal, I will administer anesthesia to completely numb the infected tooth. I will make sure you are comfortable before beginning the procedure. Then I’ll use small tools to precisely remove the infected pulp from the tooth. A manmade substance will be inserted into the tooth before a dental crown is secured on top. After a root canal, the tooth is no longer alive, but it can remain intact if infection does not return.

I know that dental work can sometimes seem overwhelming and invasive, but my staff and I are here for you. We listen to our patients’ concerns and address them with education, technology, and clinical excellence. We want to help you make the most informed decision possible so that we can give you the best care possible. Please contact my office to schedule an appointment or if you would like more information.

Get a Straight, Beautiful Smile without a Mouth Full of Metal

Posted November 16, 2010

For many people, having a mouth full of metal is the way they remember their teenage years. If you wore braces when you were younger, but do not still wear a retainer, your teeth may have shifted over the years. If you look in the mirror and see crooked, widely spaced, or overlapping teeth, I, have a solution you will love. My name is Dr. Thomas Villani, and I’m a cosmetic dentist in Brighton.

For most adults, especially those in the professional world, wearing metal braces simply isn’t practical. Here at Brighton Family Dental Group, we are proud to offer another option. Invisalign is a clear, removable aligner that allows you to get the result of traditional braces, while maintaining a mature, natural appearance.

I am so confident that you will love this treatment option that I offer a free Invisalign consultation to all interested patients. After a thorough exam and consultation, I will help you decide if Invisalign is the best orthodontic treatment for your particular needs. Planning is key to seeing the results you want at the end of your treatment.

I will begin by taking x-rays and impressions of your mouth. Your aligners will be fabricated in a certified laboratory using the data I collect and the plan I create. Once the aligners are delivered to our office, you will come in for a second visit, and I’ll make sure your aligners fit comfortably. I will also answer your questions and explain how to use your aligners to get the best results. Basically, it is important to wear them as often as possible, except during meal times and to clean your teeth.

Treatment can last anywhere from 9 to 24 months, which is shorter than treatment with traditional braces. You will need a new set of aligners every few weeks as your teeth shift according to your treatment plan. My office will be happy to work with you to schedule progress checkups around your work and personal commitments.

If you are ready to fall in love with your smile again, please contact my office to schedule your free Invisalign consultation.

Your mouth and body are connected. Let us tell you how!

Posted November 9, 2010

Here at Brighton Family Dental Group, we are dedicated to keeping your mouth healthy, but this is actually more important than you may have thought. A number of recent studies have proven that a direct correlation between oral health and overall health exists. My team and I want to educate you and your family on how good oral health paves the way for a long, healthy life.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a prime example of how connected oral health and overall health is. The mouth is more or less the portal to the body, and through it, our bodies are exposed to countless bacteria and germs. Bacteria from gum disease enters through the mouth, gets into the bloodstream, and increases a person’s risk for heart disease, lung disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia, not to mention the common cold and other mainstream sicknesses.

About 80% of Americans have some form of gum disease, and many don’t know it. In the early stages, most people probably won’t notice any symptoms or anything out of the ordinary. The best way to prevent gum disease is by brushing and flossing daily. Gum disease, however, is just one example of how strong the connection between the mouth and the rest of the body is.

Here at Brighton Family Dental Group, we are proud to offer our patients information about the mouth/body connection. The protection and insurance to having a healthy mouth is to attend regular six-month cleanings and appointments. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office.

Durable Fillings Without the Metal

Posted November 2, 2010

Thanks to today’s technological advances, we have durable, safe dental materials that imitate nature. Here at Brighton Family Dental, we are proud to offer them to you.

Filling cavities has been a duty of dentists for quite some time. My team and I offer an equally strong, natural-looking alternative to traditional metal fillings: Composite dental fillings.

Composite fillings are made with composite resin, a strong plastic, rather than dark amalgam. These fillings repair dental cavities in the same way traditional fillings do, but without the harsh look of heavy metals. As they are placed, each filling is custom tinted to blend in with the surrounding tooth structure and color. This gives you a beautiful, white, healthy, and natural-looking smile without all of the metal. (more…)

Getting Your Gums Healthy

Posted October 26, 2010

Do you have red, swollen, tender gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? How about bad breath and hardened plaque build-up at the gum line? If so, you might suffer from gum disease and not even know it.

If you have gum disease, be assured that you are not alone. Eighty percent of Americans have gum disease, resulting from the emission of bacteria from plaque and tarter build up at the gum line. The bacteria irritate sensitive gum tissue and promote infection.

Once gum disease sets in, the bacteria eat away at the bonds between the teeth and gums. The human mouth is moist, dark, and warm, making it the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.

Here at Brighton Family Dental Group, we make your health our top priority. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious overall health problems, such as increased risk of heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and respiratory disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among American adults, as well.

We don’t want you to suffer now and have long-term effects later, so my team and I will design a custom treatment plan to fit your particular needs. At each appointment, I’ll screen for signs of gum disease. In the moderate to mild stage, gum disease can be treated with antibiotics and procedures such as scaling (removal of tartar from below the gum line) and root planing (smoothing teeth roots to eliminate areas of high plaque concentration). This process is called deep cleaning. After your deep cleaning appointment, frequent follow-up visits are required to monitor progress and prevent a recurrence.

If the disease progresses, specialist treatment may be required. Dr. Richard M. Kondrat is a partner in Brighton Family Dental Group, and he is our on-staff periodontist. Dr. Kondrat will evaluate your case and, if needed, perform special procedures, such as gum surgery, right here in our office.

Gum disease is not curable. However, with frequent dental cleanings and diligent oral care, your oral health can be restored. It is our goal to get you there.

To schedule an appointment, please contact my office

Welcome to Brighton Family Dental Group!

Posted October 26, 2010

We have been welcoming and treating our patients with skilled dental care, reasonable prices, and a comfortable atmosphere since 1994. Recently, however, we decided to extend our reach by starting a blog! We hope this tool offers our patients, both current and potential, in-depth information and a closer look into our practice.

Our mission here at Brighton Family Dental Group is to provide excellent care to the families of Brighton and surrounding communities. I, Dr. Thomas M. Villani, have put together a top-notch team of dental professionals to ensure your dental health and personal satisfaction during every interaction you have with us.

In addition to general appointments and consultations, we offer gum disease treatment, endodontic and root canals, porcelain veneers, composite dental fillings, porcelain dental crowns, dental bridges, and oral cancer screening. We are also proud to offer mouth and body connection services because it is proven that dental health is a key component to your overall health. We do offer dental implants and Invisalign clear braces, as well.

Brighton Family Dental Group wants to be your home for your family’s dental care. We are constantly welcoming new patients to our practice and we enjoy seeing the familiar faces of long-time patients. We hope to welcome you and your family soon, as well!

If you would like to schedule your initial appointment or want more information please call, email, or visit our newly renovated office.

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