The Dental Office at Chestnut Hill

When bone mass is too thin or too soft to keep a dental implant in place, a bone graft will help the bone fuse to the implant and keep it secure.

Crowded teeth can make it hard to brush and floss well. Then it’s easier for plaque, tartar, and harmful bacterial to build up — and down the line, this can lead to tooth decay and gum disease1,2. Your crowded teeth can also get worse over time. We like to address dental problems before they become a bigger issue. Point out the teeth in question at your next visit to us.

When looking for a dentist, there are a few factors to take into consideration. Location and office hours to fit your lifestyle will make scheduling appointments easier for you and your family. Check the dental office's website to see if your dentist is someone you can relate to. A good dental office will have bio's and information about your dentist. Take a scan of social media pages as that is a way to get a quick summary of services they offer, members of the dental team, and a snap shot of the philosophy of the office.

Our dentists will look for inflammation of the gums and plaque or tartar at the base of the teeth. Using a probe, we will determine if the beginning stages of gum disease exist by measuring pockets in your gums and decide if further tests are required. Typical signs include: Gums bleeding when brushing or flossing ‍ Gum discoloration and inflammation‍ ... Gum tenderness and sensitivity ‍ ... Gum recession (Teeth look longer) ‍ ... Halitosis (Bad breath) ‍

In many cases, dental implants are considered an elective procedure by many dental insurance providers. Because of this, dental insurance typically doesn’t cover dental implant placement. Although, lately we are seeing some insurances covering some or all of the dental implant costs. Check with your plan provider to determine your specific benefits including any deductible or co-pay requirements.

The average cost of a dental implant can depend on various factors including the region or area where a patients lives and the dental professional performing the procedure. The average cost of dental implants range from $3,000 to $4,500. This includes the implant surgery, all the necessary components including the implant crown.

Dentures require a great deal of work. Because a denture is not permanent it will need to be removed and cleaned. You will need to purchase and use adhesives to keep it in place. Lastly, dentures may not stay in place when you are eating such foods as apples, corn, meat or sticky foods. Dental implants are implanted into the bone of your jaw. A natural looking tooth is attached to it and it is firmly in place. Eat, speak, and smile with your dental implants for a lifetime.

People with missing teeth have problems eating certain foods such as meat, vegetables and fruits, which can compromise their nutrition. In the case of denture wearing patients they may lose the sense of taste. Because dental implants function more like teeth, they offer the benefit of better health due to eating the foods you want for better quality of life.

Research shows that once the teeth are removed, the jaw bone shrinks and changes shape. Typically, dentures should be checked every year, and often they should be remade when they lose their fit and are loose in your mouth after 5-10 years of use. By using dental adhesive, you may have masked the loose fit of your dentures. Even though you have adapted to these dentures, you are not receiving the function and appearance you deserve. Also, it is important that you take your dentures out at night to allow your gum tissues to rest and decrease the possibility of sore spots.

1. What do you like or dislike about your teeth regarding color, size, shape and spacing? 2. Are you pleased with how much of your teeth show when your lips are relaxed and when you smile? 3. Do you want teeth that are perfectly aligned and white or more natural looking with slight color, shape and shade variations? 4. Are you happy with the amount of gum tissue you show when smiling? The answers to these questions will give your dentist an understanding of your vision and goals and be able to create the smile you want and deserve.

Dental implants are designed to be a long lasting solution if you are missing one tooth, several teeth or all your teeth. You can maintain the same type of care for your dental implants as you would for natural teeth. Brushing and flossing each day plus regular dental check ups with our office.

Most patients need to learn how to use dentures properly and as a result, it takes a little time to get used to them. After a while, you should be able to eat fairly normally, but it may take more time to get comfortable with harder foods or sticky foods. Using a small amount of denture adhesive (no more than three or four pea-sized dabs on each denture) may help stabilize the dentures and help hold them in place while you learn how to get comfortable with them and may make the learning process easier. Chewing gum: Dentures and chewing gum do not usually work well together, no matter which brand of chewing gum you decide to try. The gum typically sticks to the acrylic plastic in the denture and may break a seal on the dentures, which will loosen them as a result. Gum may remain stuck to the denture and eventually harden and discolor. Ultimately, if you wear dentures, you should avoid chewing gum.

Yes, most dental insurance plans are accepted. Call us (617) 831-4534 to confirm that The Dental Office at Chestnut Hill is part of your provider network and have your insurance card in front of you during your call. Please plan to pay your copay or deductible portion at time of service.

Yes, our team regularly places dental implants to help improve bite, appearance, and teeth function. Call our office (617) 831-4534 today to see if you are a good candidate for dental implants!

No, we do not offer sedation at this time. Most of our patients find that they do not need it due to the nature of our services, our caring dental professionals, and our relaxing office!

Yes, with help. Managing shifts of your teeth typically requires the use of orthodontic or dental appliances. You may have to wear a removable retainer or have a permanent one installed. Additionally, if this issue is caused by tooth grinding, wearing a mouth guard while you sleep can help.

When you’re first fitted for new dentures, it’s normal to experience minor irritation, which should fade as your mouth becomes accustomed to them. The period of pain varies. If you’ve previously worn dentures and now have a new set it may take longer. Similarly, if you had some natural teeth present that were removed at the time of the new dentures, the areas where the extractions were performed may be painful or uncomfortable for up to several weeks after the removal of the teeth. Regular visits to your prosthodontist to adjust the dentures as you go through the normal healing process are recommended.

Dentures may replace all or only some of the teeth. The dentures that replace all the teeth are known as complete dentures and they rest on the gums that cover the jawbones. The stability and retention of these dentures can be improved by attaching them to dental implants. Dentures that replace some but not all of the teeth are known as partial dentures. They attach to the teeth that are still present and also cover and rest on the gums and bone where the teeth are missing. Dental implants can also be used to restore and stabilize partial dentures as well.

YES!

Yes, but only use a pea sized amount, because they do not know to spit it out yet.

YES!

Yes, we welcome patients and family members of all ages.