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How Can Dental Lumineers Benefit You?
Dental Lumineers are used to address a number of problems so that you can have a beautiful white smile. Maybe you’ve looked at others and wondered how they got their teeth so pretty, white, and straight. You might be surprised to find out how many of them rely on Lumineers to get their great smile.
What are Dental Lumineers?
Lumineers are thin shells that fit over teeth. They are a type of dental veneer. There are various materials used to make Lumineers. Some are made from composite resin; others are made of porcelain. If your teeth are slightly misshapen or discolored, dental Lumineers can make a huge difference in your smile.
Benefits of Dental Lumineers
One of the best benefits of dental Lumineers is that they are reversible. There are no needles or drills involved and the process is a relatively simple one. Dr. Petinge will take impressions of your teeth and send them to the lab where custom-fit Lumineers are constructed. Once the custom-crafted dental Lumineers are made, they are placed on your teeth. Lumineers are made of strong, thin porcelain. For comparison, they are about the same thickness as a contact lens. Some of the benefits of dental Lumineers include:
Brighten Stained or Discolored Teeth
It’s common for teeth to become stained. While professional teeth whitening is a common option, some stains may not be eliminated that easily. Lumineers can give your teeth a bright, natural look.
Restore Chipped Teeth
Do you have a chipped tooth, especially right out front where everyone can see? Dental Lumineers are a painless way to repair the chipped tooth or teeth for good.
Eliminate Gaps and Spaces
Do you have a gap or obvious spacing problem in your front teeth? Lumineers are a quick way to eliminate gaps between teeth. Your teeth can be reshaped, and gaps eliminated in just a couple of visits to your Saugus, MA dentist. The procedure is non-invasive and painless so there is no need for any medications.
Realign Crooked Teeth
Dental Lumineers are often used to give your teeth a perfectly aligned look. If your teeth are slightly out of alignment, adults often choose Lumineers over wearing traditional braces. They can close the gaps between teeth and can be used to make the teeth look more uniform. They also help fix chipped, worn down, or broken teeth. They are often as effective as braces for making teeth look straighter and more aligned.
Renew Older Dental Work
Crowns and bridgework can add years to your face no matter what your age. Lumineers can be placed on crowns or bridgework to provide you a beautiful smile.
What’s the difference between Lumineers and veneers?
Veneers require each tooth to be prepared for the veneer. Since some of the enamel has to be removed to fit the veneer, the procedure is not reversible. However, Lumineers are bonded directly to the surface of the teeth and do not require any prepping of the tooth. This also means there is no need for any drilling or anesthetics during the procedure. The existing tooth remains intact. If for some reason you wanted them removed, Dr. Petinge can do that.
Contact Petinge Dental
If you are interested in dental Lumineers, contact Dr. Petinge to discuss if they are the right option for restoring your smile. They can be an effective treatment for stained, crooked, damaged or other cosmetic dental flaws. Call us today to schedule your consultation!
Want a dazzling smile? Here’s how cosmetic dentistry can help
Most people want a perfect set of teeth and a winning smile. There can be a lot of roadblocks that prevent them from having the smile they want. That’s where cosmetic dentistry comes in. There are many advanced techniques and procedures to help improve dental health and smiles. If you want a dazzling smile, Dr. Stephen Petinge and his dental team can help you achieve it.
How can cosmetic dentistry help your smile?
Cosmetic dentistry incorporates improving the appearance of your teeth and gums. There are various treatment options that your Saugus, MA dentist can use to reposition, reshape, align, or color teeth to improve their appearance and your smile. With all the advancements in modern dental technology, these procedures are faster, more effective, and pain-free. Here are some of the cosmetic procedures the Petinge Dental team may recommend for improving your smile.
Teeth Whitening
One of the least expensive ways to get a dazzling smile is to have your teeth professionally whitened. The process removes stains and discolorations, so your teeth are left bright and white. You may try over-the-counter teeth whitening products, and they may help slightly. Having a Saugus, MA dental professional clean your teeth will mean a deeper, more thorough whitening.
Teeth Straightening
The days of traditional braces are fading away. Invisalign is a clear aligner that can help straighten teeth without having a lot of metal in your mouth. The see-through aligners work to straighten your teeth and improve your smile. They are not attached to your teeth like braces are and can be removed for oral hygiene and eating.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells that are placed permanently over the fronts of teeth. They can dramatically improve your smile by covering small flaws. Veneers are natural-looking. Dr. Petinge customizes them so they look like your natural teeth. They can be used to correct many flaws like improper alignment, shape, color, size, and length of a tooth.
Dental Crowns
Crowns are a restorative treatment for teeth. Each crown is custom-designed to fit over a tooth. They will look and feel like natural teeth and are also used with implants. A crown does more than restore the shape of a tooth. It also restores the tooth’s strength and function. Crowns are durable and not subject to decay. They are able to withstand years of wear and tear.
Dental Implants
Cosmetic dentistry helps create dazzling smiles with dental implants. This procedure is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Implants are also a good option for teeth that have been severely damaged. The procedure will require more than one visit to the dentist’s office. But once the crown and surgically implanted artificial root are placed and have healed, they are permanent. They will feel almost like natural teeth. Dental implants remove the gaps and look and feel like natural teeth.
Beyond a Dazzling Smile
The wide range of procedures a cosmetic dentist can provide can give you a dazzling smile. But there is more! When your teeth are straightened using Invisalign, your bite will improve too. A properly aligned bite can prevent damage to the teeth over time. Cosmetic procedures can help you smile with new confidence. Feeling like you can smile confidently in front of others boosts your self-confidence and can help you nail that job interview. You are likely to see improvements in your overall health as well.
Are you ready for a dazzling smile? Contact us!
Cosmetic treatment can take care of many issues including cracks, gaps, misshapen teeth, misalignment, chips, and discoloration. Call us today to schedule an appointment with your Saugus, MA dentist. Dr. Petinge will listen to your concerns and recommend the appropriate cosmetic dental treatment to restore your smile.
How can you prevent canker sores? Here are five tips.
If you’ve ever had a canker sore, you know how painful they can be. They often just appear seemingly for no reason. These uncomfortable sores are often found on the inside of the cheek or along the gumline. But they can be anywhere in the mouth. They usually heal without requiring any help from a dentist in Saugus, MA. However, there are a few steps you can take to help prevent them from occurring. The way to prevent canker sores is to find out what it is that triggers them.
What Causes Mouth Sores?
There is no single cause that leads to canker sores. They often occur following trauma to the soft tissues in the mouth such as when you bite your cheek by accident. A flare-up may occur during a time of extreme stress. For some people, eating acidic foods like strawberries, coffee, tomatoes, and citrus fruits can lead to sores. It can also occur as a result of vitamin deficiency. Some diseases can make you more susceptible to developing canker sores such as celiac disease. If you have mouth sores that do not go away on their own, discuss them with your doctor.
How to Relieve and Treat Canker Sores
A canker sore usually only lasts a few days, but it can be painful and uncomfortable. They should be completely healed in a week or two without any type of medical or dental treatment. There are a few ways you may be able to find some relief while you wait for it to heal.
- Antibacterial mouthwashes can be used as a rinse to help soothe and promote natural healing when mouth irritations are minor.
- If the sore is extremely painful, over the counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen can offer some relief from the pain.
Five Tips for Preventing Canker Sores
Since each person may have a different cause behind the occurrence of canker sores, try to identify what is causing them. If you know it is the result of trauma to your mouth or they appear after you eat acidic foods, then making changes is easy. Here are a few tips to help you reduce or prevent canker sores.
- Get adequate sleep, rest, and relaxation as emotional stress and fatigue are often associated with canker sores.
- A canker sore often occurs after you bite the inside of your cheek or your tongue. To prevent this, eat slowly, chew your food carefully, and don’t talk while you are eating.
- Avoid spicy or acidic foods if you think they are responsible for the development of canker sores. If you already have a sore, these types of foods can make them feel more painful. Avoiding acidic foods and drinks hot, spicy foods can prevent them from getting worse or more painful.
- Canker sores are sometimes the result of a vitamin deficiency. Make sure to eat a diet that includes foods high in iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and folic acid. You may also take vitamins or nutritional supplements to help prevent deficiencies.
- Oral health habits can help keep the mouth free from bacteria and can bring some relief if you get a canker sore. Brushing your teeth two times a day and flossing once daily can help your sores in your mouth heal properly.
Contact Petinge Dental
If you have questions about frequent or severe canker sores in your mouth, contact our offices in Saugus, MA to speak with Dr. Stephen Petinge, DMD. He will be happy to speak with you about possible treatment and strategies for preventing or reducing their occurrence.
Five reasons why Cavitron Ultrasound Dental Scaling can Work Better for You
Scaling is a dental procedure used by your dentist in Lynnefield, MA. It is a type of periodontal therapy that involves removing dental plaque that can lead to gum disease. Thanks to the advancement of dental technology and techniques, Cavitron ultrasound dental scaling can provide effective treatment and enhance the patient experience. There are also some distinct benefits for patients and dental professionals alike.
What is a Cavitron?
A Cavitron is a state-of-the-art ultrasonic scaling system used to clean teeth. The machine uses oscillating sound waves to produce gentle vibrations that vibrate plaque and tartar off the teeth. Once removed, a steady flow of water washes away the loosened debris. The actions reach areas that toothbrush bristles cannot quite reach. This is most beneficial in fighting periodontal disease and is an effective preventative treatment used by your Lynnefield, MA dentist.
Can a Cavitron Ultrasonic Scaler be used If I already have signs of gum disease?
When the ultrasonic scaler was first being used in dental offices, only the visible tooth surfaces were treated. Now, it is understood that they can also be used to remove calculus deposits from below the gum line too. They are capable of gently cleaning exposed tooth roots without causing damage to their softer surfaces. Ultrasonic scalers are a great tool for preventing gum disease, but they are also useful if there are already signs of gum disease.
A Cavitron Ultrasonic Scaler can help remove calculus in gum pockets that have formed. These are often seen when there are infections and inflammation of the gums. Spaces start to form when gums begin to recede or pull away from the teeth. Ultrasonic scaling is beneficial especially for those who need more frequent cleanings to help control gum disease. Treatment is typically much faster than when done manually. The Cavitron is also gentle on tooth structure. The smaller sized tips are effective for cleaning in challenging areas and help eliminate more bacteria that can lead to gum disease.
5 Reasons the Cavitron Ultrasound Scaler is a Good Choice
Ultrasound scaling is effective at removing calculus from the teeth without causing any damage to gum tissue or roots. Other ways you may benefit from Cavitron Ultrasound dental scaling include:
- The ultrasonic scaler can be used to reach areas unreachable using hand tools. Specifically, the Cavitron can reach areas between teeth and gums at 4mm and greater.
- The ultrasonic scaler uses specially designed tips that are able to get into corners and crevices for a deep clean of areas that are often missed.
- Cavitron systems do not use sharp edges so there is no scraping sound. Also, most patients find it to be more comfortable than scaling with hand dental instruments.
- Using the ultrasonic scaler is faster than when it is done by hand. This saves the hygienist and patient time.
- Since the scaling device is ergonomically sound and uses vibration for removing plaque and tartar, there isn’t any need to exert pressure on the teeth.
Because of these and many other benefits for patients and hygienists, many dental offices are choosing to use ultrasonic systems like the Cavitron.
Learn More About the Cavitron Ultrasonic Scaling System
If you have more questions or would like to know if you are a good candidate for the Cavitron scaling system, please give us a call. We will be happy to discuss the dental scaling process with you and provide you with more information. Call us today!
Is It Better to Get a Dental Implant or a Bridge?
Losing a tooth, or teeth has a significant influence on your smile’s appearance. It can also create issues with functionality like speaking and eating. This can cause problems with self-confidence. Two common solutions a dentist in Revere, MA may discuss with you are a dental implant or a bridge. Either of these treatment options can address the problem, but they have many differences worth considering. It is important to understand these two options and what they entail to be sure they meet your individual needs.
What is a dental implant?
Most people are surprised to learn how complicated the structure of a tooth is. When the tooth’s structure is removed, which includes bone, nerves, and ligaments, the surrounding areas start to deteriorate slowly. Dental implants provide a replacement for this structure. An implant involves placing a metal post in the jaw. Once it is healed, a crown is placed on top of the implant. It is then sealed in place.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
One of the main advantages of dental implants is that they help heal and maintain the gums and bone structure under the teeth. They are also useful for reducing long-term risks a missing tooth poses to the jaw. An implant can be expected to last a lifetime. The disadvantage of a dental implant is they are expensive. However, here at Petinge Dental, we offer CareCredit financing so that you can budget the cost of care over time. .. When replacing numerous teeth, your dentist near Lynn, MA will likely recommend a bridge instead. Implants also take longer to complete. Oral surgery is needed in most cases and it can take the mouth quite a while to heal after the initial procedure. To complete the entire process, it can take months.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a treatment used to fill in a gap where teeth used to be. Most of the time, a bridge is anchored to two teeth located either side of the gap. A cap is placed on the two teeth to accompany the bridge which contains replacement teeth. There are different types of bridges used to fill the gap depending on the number of teeth missing and the condition of the anchoring teeth. In some cases, there might not be teeth on either side of the gap. Then the dentist can install a cantilevered bridge that is attached to just one tooth allowing the structure to hand over the gap.
Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges
The primary advantage of a dental bridge is that they are a cost-effective solution for missing teeth. Another advantage is that they don’t require surgery like bone grafting if there has been bone loss. Bridges are also a much faster solution. The biggest disadvantage is that it can put more strain on the structures around it. This is typical if two teeth are used to secure the device. A bridge isn’t expected to last a lifetime like an implant. Bridges don’t address any concerns surrounding structural deficiencies. Long-term issues as a result of bone loss may arise even though the gap was filled. A cantilevered bridge can put a lot of stress on the single tooth used to anchor it. This can lead to problems. Bridges must be properly maintained or it can lead to the loss of more teeth.
Contact Petinge Dental
If you are missing teeth, contact your local dentist, Dr. Stephen Petinge, in Lynn, MA. Our dental professionals can perform an exam to determine the best treatment for you. Let us help you replace missing teeth with a dental bridge or an implant.
COVID-19 Pandemic – When is it Safe to Go to the Dentist?
Dentists have always followed strict guidelines to protect the health and safety of patients. Dr. Stephen Petinge, as a dental healthcare provider, will continue to follow the recommendations of the American Dental Association (ADA) the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). As your Peabody and North Boston Area dentist, we have been seeing patients to provide dental care on a case-by-case and emergency basis as needed. However, services are only offered if you are feeling well and are not displaying any Covid-19 symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent cough, or a fever.
New Check-in Policies for Dental Care During Covid-19
When you visit your Peabody, MA dentist, check-in may look a bit different than before the pandemic. We have instituted new policies and we will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office.
- We will be making hand sanitizer available to all patients in the office
- There will be no magazines or toys in the waiting area as they cannot be sanitized
- We will be optimizing appointment times to follow social distancing guidelines
- All team members will be wearing additional PPE (personal protective equipment)
Precautions Petinge Dental is Taking to Prevent the Spread of Infection
Prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, our dental office took precautions to ensure the safety of our patients as well as our dental team. We observe strict infection control measures that follow the guidelines put forth by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA). We will continue to observe these types of practices.
- Sanitizing Best Practices: Our personnel regularly cleans all public spaces in our offices. This includes restrooms, waiting rooms, and treatment rooms.
- Use of Disinfectant Sprays: We apply medical-grade disinfectants to operator rooms after each patient has been seen per the guidelines set forth by the CDC and OSHA. This includes spraying all high-touch areas like chairs, equipment, and counters.
- Protective Barriers: We place protective barriers on armrests, overhead lights, suction tips, computer keyboards, and curing lights.
- Sterilizing Dental Instruments: We sterilize our dental instruments after each patient. Protocols issued by the CDC are strictly observed ensuring dental instruments are properly sterilized.
Other Questions About Dental Care During Covid-19
Patients have many questions as we’ve watched the spread of Covid-19 in the state of Massachusetts. Here are the most common questions we hear and our answers to them.
Is it dangerous to go to the dentist during the pandemic?
Dr. Petinge and the staff at our dental office will continue to adhere to best practices when it comes to your dental care. We also follow closely the guidelines provided by the ADA, CDC, OSHA, and applicable state and federal regulations. Our goal is to make sure you and your family receive safe and compassionate care. If for some reason we are not able to safely render dental care to your or your family, we will keep you updated and informed.
Is Petinge Dental taking any extra precautions during this time?
Yes. We are aware of the seriousness of the pandemic and are doing our due diligence to prevent its spread. Our staff understands the need to stay home if they are showing any symptoms including difficulty breathing, sneezing, coughing, or running a fever. Team members who have traveled to a Level 2 or 3 region per the CDC’s classification are required to self-quarantine before they can come to work. We are also encouraging our staff members to refrain from traveling during this time.
We are also implementing screening procedures for patients. Each patient is screened when they make an appointment with us, and when they arrive at our dental office, so please understand the questions we ask are to ensure your safety, the safety of our other patients, and the safety of the dental team. We are also implementing more space between patient appointments.
Should I reschedule dental treatments?
In general, there is no need for rescheduling dental appointments for routine exams and treatment. However, if you come into close contact with someone who has traveled to a region with a large outbreak of Covid-19, if you’ve been exposed to the virus, or been around someone who is quarantined due to exposure, then you should wait 14 days for a dental appointment. If you are healthy, you do not need to reschedule your regular dental appointments. We will reach out to you if there is some other reason the appointment needs to be rescheduled.
Contact Our Offices
If you have more questions about Covid-19 and dental care, please contact our office. Thank you for your patience during this difficult time. If you have a dental concern or a dental emergency, please don’t hesitate to call us to ask how to best proceed. Once we have established and normalized new routines and begin opening the office to more than emergency procedures, we still suggest you schedule routine exams twice a year as part of your preventative dental care.
COVID-19 Pandemic – When is it Safe to Go to the Dentist?
Dentists have always followed strict guidelines to protect the health and safety of patients. Dr. Stephen Petinge, as a dental healthcare provider, will continue to follow the recommendations of the American Dental Association (ADA) the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). As your Peabody and North Boston Area dentist, we have been seeing patients to provide dental care on a case-by-case and emergency basis as needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, services are only offered if you are feeling well and are not displaying any Covid-19 symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent cough, or a fever.
New Check-in Policies for Dental Care During Covid-19
When you visit your Peabody, MA dentist, check-in may look a bit different than before the pandemic. We have instituted new policies and we will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office.
- We will be making hand sanitizer available to all patients in the office
- There will be no magazines or toys in the waiting area as they cannot be sanitized
- We will be optimizing appointment times to follow social distancing guidelines
- All team members will be wearing additional PPE (personal protective equipment)
Precautions Petinge Dental is Taking to Prevent the Spread of Infection
Prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, our dental office took precautions to ensure the safety of our patients as well as our dental team. We observe strict infection control measures that follow the guidelines put forth by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA). We will continue to observe these types of practices.
- Sanitizing Best Practices: Our personnel regularly cleans all public spaces in our offices. This includes restrooms, waiting rooms, and treatment rooms.
- Use of Disinfectant Sprays: We apply medical-grade disinfectants to operator rooms after each patient has been seen per the guidelines set forth by the CDC and OSHA. This includes spraying all high-touch areas like chairs, equipment, and counters.
- Protective Barriers: We place protective barriers on armrests, overhead lights, suction tips, computer keyboards, and curing lights.
- Sterilizing Dental Instruments: We sterilize our dental instruments after each patient. Protocols issued by the CDC are strictly observed ensuring dental instruments are properly sterilized.
Other Questions About Dental Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Patients have many questions as we’ve watched the spread of Covid-19 in the state of Massachusetts. Here are the most common questions we hear and our answers to them.
Is it dangerous to go to the dentist during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Dr. Petinge and the staff at our dental office will continue to adhere to best practices when it comes to your dental care. We also follow closely the guidelines provided by the ADA, CDC, OSHA, and applicable state and federal regulations. Our goal is to make sure you and your family receive safe and compassionate care. If for some reason we are not able to safely render dental care to your or your family, we will keep you updated and informed.
Is Petinge Dental taking any extra precautions during this time?
Yes. We are aware of the seriousness of the pandemic and are doing our due diligence to prevent its spread. Our staff understands the need to stay home if they are showing any symptoms including difficulty breathing, sneezing, coughing, or running a fever. Team members who have traveled to a Level 2 or 3 region per the CDC’s classification are required to self-quarantine before they can come to work. We are also encouraging our staff members to refrain from traveling during this time.
We are also implementing screening procedures for patients. Each patient is screened when they make an appointment with us, and when they arrive at our dental office, so please understand the questions we ask are to ensure your safety, the safety of our other patients, and the safety of the dental team. We are also implementing more space between patient appointments.
Should I reschedule dental treatments?
In general, there is no need for rescheduling dental appointments for routine exams and treatment. However, if you come into close contact with someone who has traveled to a region with a large outbreak of Covid-19, if you’ve been exposed to the virus, or been around someone who is quarantined due to exposure, then you should wait 14 days for a dental appointment. If you are healthy, you do not need to reschedule your regular dental appointments. We will reach out to you if there is some other reason the appointment needs to be rescheduled.
Contact Our Offices
If you have more questions about the Covid-19 pandemic and dental care, please contact our office. Thank you for your patience during this difficult time. If you have a dental concern or a dental emergency, please don’t hesitate to call us to ask how to best proceed. Once we have established and normalized new routines and begin opening the office to more than emergency procedures, we still suggest you schedule routine exams twice a year as part of your preventative dental care.
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