Future of Dentistry, Author at Future of Dentistry

Saving Teeth at Future of Dentistry in Wakefield

By Future of DentistryDental health, Restorative dentistry

When a tooth is threatened by acute decay, periodontal disease, or damage from an injury, a skilled dentist or endodontist must make a judgment call concerning the course of treatment. If the pulp of the tooth is infected or inflamed, a root canal is generally the only way to save the tooth.

During a root canal dental service (or endodontic treatment), the soft tissue in the root of the tooth is removed. This tissue contains veins, arteries, and lymph vessels. Once the roots are taken out and widened, they are filled with a special rubber material.

The root canal is only the primary step in the complete tooth restoration. After the root canal, without a crown, the tooth will become dry and brittle. The concluding steps are the core build-up and crown.

At Future of Dentistry, we engineer strong, natural-looking crowns that blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. With proper oral hygiene and twice-yearly visits to your dentist, a tooth with a filled root can often function problem-free for the rest of a patient’s life.

I am Doctor Gerry Casazza, DMD, of Future of Dentistry. I have been practicing dentistry since 1991. During that time I have seen hundreds of teeth saved by this effective dental procedure. Root canal therapy has a very high success rate.

Because teeth with infected pulp tissue often do not create symptoms, it is critical to have regular dental examinations. I can determine which (if any) teeth have infected roots. If the infection in the soft pulp tissue is left untreated, it can progress to a point where the tooth cannot be saved.

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July 12, 2024

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Gap-Tooth Smiles Aren’t Quite As Adorable Anymore

By Future of DentistryCosmetic dentistry, Dental implants, General dentistry

Have you lost teeth? It’s a lot different than when you lost your baby teeth way back in the day. Unfortunately, these don’t grow back. (And a gap-toothed smile doesn’t look as adorable as it did when you were in elementary school.)

If you have had teeth extracted or if your teeth are compromised by staining, decay, chipping, or brittle aging, then it’s time to visit Doctor Gerry Casazza at Future of Dentistry.

Since 1991, doctor Casazza has built a practice teeming with experience, filled with kindness, flowing with a gentle touch, and carrying all the wisdom of expert professionals.

When it comes to the prospect of losing your adult teeth, the preference is always to save your natural teeth. If this is not feasible, we offer several ways to maintain your ability to eat, drink, speak, laugh, and smile in selfies.

Dental Veneers

If you still have your teeth but are not satisfied with them, these might be your answer. Stunning porcelain veneers offer a competitively-priced approach to cosmetic adjustments—uneven color, size, or shape. These are very thin shells bonded to the front of the teeth. They enhance unsightly, but structurally sound teeth.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is used where a tooth is missing. It “bridges” a gap between teeth. It is a restoration with a false tooth (or teeth) attached to the surrounding teeth. Dental bridges have been used with success for generations of people who have lost teeth.

Dental Implant

A dental implant is a more extensive replacement for a missing tooth. An implant consists of an artificial tooth PLUS an artificial root (usually biocompatible titanium). With local anesthesia, the artificial root is inserted into the jaw bone where it integrates with the bone tissue. There are three parts to a dental implant: the artificial root, the connecting abutment, and the final crown or denture. An implant is often the optimal restoration as it offers beauty, strength, natural function, and protection from bone recession that often transpires at the site of a missing tooth.

Dentures

Most men and women have heard of dentures: a plates holding artificial teeth that can be removed by the wearer. These are custom-made and can contain varying numbers of teeth. Sometimes the entire set of upper and lower teeth have to be pulled and a denture created. Modern dentistry offers a myriad of custom dental implant-denture combinations to restore missing teeth.

Don’t worry about losing your grip on the adult teeth you’ve been enjoying all these years. We have experience and training in many critical services to meet your dental needs including implants, emergency, family/general, and cosmetic dentistry.

Schedule your initial consultation today!

Your consultation will include a customized treatment plan for restoring teeth, an outline of the cost of desired care, and a schedule for completing the work. Come with questions and leave with answers.

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July 5, 2024

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How Does Your Overall Health Affect Your Smile?

By Future of DentistryDental health, General dentistry, Uncategorized

Hi! I’m Doctor Gerry Casazza, DMD. Most every day, I can be found at my Wakefield dental practice treating dental patients with tooth and gum problems or helping patients prevent them. Many common medical conditions pose a risk to oral health.

1) Wakefield diabetes patients with high blood glucose often have a higher risk of dental issues. If you have diabetes, let’s talk.

2) A persistent dry mouth due to an inadequate amount of saliva can accelerate tooth decay, cause or contribute to gum disease, and trigger chronic bad breath. Many medications used by thousands of Dracut and Billerica folks, including those for high blood pressure and depression, cause dry mouth. This side effect is not only unpleasant, it is dangerous. Anti-depressants (especially SSRI’s) and anti-psychotic drugs can also trigger tooth grinding (bruxism).

3) Acid reflux in children and adults is associated with a host of dental problems such as decay and periodontal disease.

I help many patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley prevent problems associated with medical conditions that sometimes seem unrelated to dental health. Regular professional dental care is essential for oral health, and an important part of your overall physical health. Reach out today to set up an appointment!

Contact Future of Dentistry:

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June 28, 2024

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Protecting Your Precious Pearls And How to Safeguard Your Teeth from Damage

By Future of DentistryDental health, General dentistry

Your teeth are invaluable assets, and their well-being is vital to your overall health and quality of life.

However, they are not invincible and susceptible to various damage forms. Understanding the factors that can compromise your teeth and knowing how to prevent them is essential for maintaining a healthy, radiant smile. Here are some of how teeth can be damaged and a few practical tips from Future of Dentistry on how to protect your teeth from harm throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley.

Common Causes of Dental Damage

Tooth Decay: Dental cavities, often caused by poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates, are a leading cause of tooth damage. Bacteria produce acid that erodes the enamel, leading to cavities.
Gum Disease: Neglecting gum health can result in gum disease, causing gum recession and ultimately exposing the roots of your teeth, which can lead to pain and sensitivity.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Clenching or grinding your teeth, especially at night, can cause significant wear and tear. This condition is often linked to stress.
Acid Erosion: Frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks can weaken the enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to damage and sensitivity.
Physical Trauma: Accidents or sports injuries can cause chips, cracks, or even the loss of teeth.

Preventing Dental Damage

Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles. Regular dental check-ups at Future of Dentistry in Wakefield, Massachusetts can catch issues early.

Healthy Diet: Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy. Limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages.
Wear a Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth, a custom-fitted mouthguard can protect your teeth from further damage.
Limit Alcohol and Tobacco: Alcohol and tobacco can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay. Reducing or quitting these habits can safeguard your oral health.
Regular Dental Visits: Routine check-ups at Future of Dentistry in Wakefield, Massachusetts are essential for early detection and intervention. Your dentist can recommend appropriate treatments and preventive measures.

Taking Action for a Healthy Smile

Your teeth are not only essential for your physical health but also play a significant role in your self-esteem and overall well-being. The experts at Future of Dentistry in Wakefield, Massachusetts are here to support you in safeguarding your teeth from damage and ensuring a radiant smile for years to come. Regular dental check-ups, combined with a commitment to good oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle, can go a long way in protecting your precious pearls.

Don’t wait until dental damage occurs; take proactive steps to protect your smile and invest in a lifetime of dental health.

Contact Future of Dentistry:

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June 21, 2024

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What is a Beautiful Smile Worth?

By Future of DentistryCosmetic dentistry, Teeth whitening

What is a beautiful smile worth? Men and women who have received a smile makeover at Future of Dentistry throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley say it was worth every penny.

Your smile is a part of you that you share with your family, friends, and colleagues every day. An attractive smile creates confidence. If you are uncomfortable with your smile, you waste mental and physical energy trying to hide it.

How would your life improve if you felt comfortable in every social and professional setting?

If you have been trying to hide your smile for years, what inaccurate assumptions have others made about you? Do you come across as self-conscious or distant because you hardly laugh at jokes and barely crack a smile when you meet someone for the first time?

A smile makeover can completely change your life and self-image. When you quit trying to hide your teeth, you are free to put all your energy into your work, play—everything!

At Future of Dentistry in Wakefield, doctor Gerry Casazza carefully contours perfect smiles for our smile-design patients.

We also make sure our smile makeover patients are completely relaxed during treatment. If you are afraid of dentists or have had negative experiences in the past, rest assured that we understand how you feel and our caring dental team will do our best to relieve your concerns.

Life is better when you love your smile. Call Future of Dentistry in Wakefield today!

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June 14, 2024

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6 Easy Ways To Eat Like A Dentist From Future of Dentistry

By Future of Dentistrydental education, Dental health

Hello, friends of Future of Dentistry! In today’s article, we are talking about nutrition. There is nothing that impacts your smile throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley as much as your eating habits. Develop good eating practices and your dentist will smile down on you too.

1. Rinse after eating

Rinse your mouth with a sip of water or brush your teeth after meals. People who snack all day long subject their teeth to sugars and food debris. Planned meals with brushing in between keep your oral health on top.

2. Skip sugary gum

Sugar-free gum doesn’t leave sugar to break down on your teeth and jeopardize your hard-earned healthy gums. If you are gum chewer, do your smile a favor and go sugarless.

3. Avoid sticky foods

Sticky foods have a habit of clinging to your teeth, which puts you at risk of decay. Toffee, gummy candy, fruit snacks, and even excessive dried fruit can be dangerous for smiles. Brushing doesn’t always get rid of the obstinate particles, so remember to floss after eating sticky items.

4. Consume nutritious foods

A balanced diet with a variety of vitamins and minerals can keep the immune system strong and able to resist infection.

5. Say ‘cheese!’

Cheese contains calcium and protects teeth from acid that weakens tooth enamel. (It’s critical not to go overboard as cheese is high in fat.)

6. Avoid acidic foods

Acid will eat away enamel over time: lemons, red wine, soda pop. Limit direct, constant, consistent exposure. All things in moderation.

If you have questions about enamel damage that’s already taken place on your teeth or need help with crooked, chipped, or missing teeth, call Future of Dentistry today. We’ll answer your questions about emergency, cosmetic dentistry, and implants. Make an appointment today to consider your dental goals.

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June 7, 2024

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Want To Keep Your Enamel Healthy? Avoid Doing These 11 Things

By Future of DentistryDental health, General dentistry

Want to keep your enamel healthy throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley? Follow these helpful dental tips from Future of Dentistry.

1. Chewing on hard foods

Want to keep your enamel healthy throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley We’re looking at you Unpopped popcorn kernels and hard or stale bread.

2. Chewing on hard things

This includes fingernails, pencils, pen caps, and ice.

3. Grinding your teeth

If you grind your teeth, talk about it with your dentist. An appliance can shield your smile.

4. Eating too much sticky food

Gummy candy, dried fruit, and even protein bars can chip teeth.

5. Drinking anything besides water frequently

If your teeth are bathed in soda (sugared or diet), juice, coffee, or sports drinks habitually, you are asking for dental problems.

6. Playing sports without a mouthguard

Sports pose a major risk of tooth damage. Most kids are required to wear a protective mouthguard on the playing field. But fewer adults wear mouthguards for recreational activities like mountain biking and skiing. The stock mouth protectors are pre-formed and ready to wear. Unfortunately, they rarely fit well. Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist are more comfortable than the cheap boil-and-bite type.

7. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush

A hard-bristled toothbrush can weaken teeth and cause gums to pull away. Remove food bits and plaque with a soft (or extra-soft) toothbrush.

8. Ignoring dry mouth

Saliva is important. Saliva is necessary to neutralize acids and rinse bits of food off of teeth. It also helps clean the teeth of leftover food bits, helping to prevent plaque buildup. Constant dry mouth, or xerostomia, can lead to decay. Talk to your dentist if you have a dry mouth often.

9. Using teeth as tools

Take a minute to find a pair of scissors before you tear open a package of lunch meat or pry the lid of a medicine bottle. Use a Nutcracker if you are eating unshelled nuts. A quality dental crown can cost over eight hundred dollars.

10. Ignoring bad breath

Bad breath is often associated with bacteria build-up in the mouth. It might be a symptom of accelerating decay. Discuss it with your dentist. (Don’t be embarrassed. We treat bad breath all the time.)

11. Ignoring jaw pain

If you notice inexplicable jaw pain or notice a clicking sound, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately! These symptoms can be signs of a serious condition called temporomandibular disorder or TMD.

Is it too late? Have you already broken or chipped a tooth? We can repair it at Future of Dentistry. There are a number of restorative and cosmetic dental treatments for chipped or cracked teeth.

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May 31, 2024

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Daily Oral Hygiene: Put Your Heart Into It

By Future of DentistryDental health, General dentistry

Attention dental patients: brushing twice daily may help reduce your risk of heart disease. At Future of Dentistry, we strongly urge our patients to stay on top of their oral health. Scientists, dentists, and cardiologists have known for many years that there is a link between inflammation in the mouth (gum disease) and heart problems, However, a recent study analyzed oral health habits and heart disease risk. Science Daily reported on the study which was published in the British Medical Journal.

I quote from the Science Daily article:

“The authors, led by Professor Richard Watt from University College London, analyzed data from over 11,000 adults who took part in a Scottish Health Survey. The research team analyzed data about lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, physical activity, and oral health routines.”

The Scottish survey is one of many that substantiates the link between oral health and overall fitness. Simply put: you aren’t healthy unless your gums and teeth are healthy.

It doesn’t matter if you are a lean-distance runner with a pulse of fifteen beats a minute and a blood pressure of 100 over 60. It doesn’t matter if you are a vegan who has eaten a nutritionally balanced, low-fat diet for the past five years. If you have inflamed gums and cavities, you are at risk for dangerous problems in other areas of the body.

Perhaps your teeth and gums are healthy but you wish your smile was more attractive. We can help you there also with a smile transformation. Porcelain veneers, crowns, inlays/onlays, and orthodontia are all available to solve any cosmetic dilemmas you wish to have repaired.

If you have a small child who has not yet visited a dentist, it is important to schedule an exam today. My committed team and I will help keep your child’s smile beautiful for life.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100527204227.htm

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May 24, 2024

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How To Make Brushing Your Teeth A Habit

By Future of DentistryDental health, General dentistry

Brushing your teeth on a regular basis is one of the best things you can do for your smile. Healthy teeth make a beautiful smile. Brushing can also help with gum health and even keep your breath smelling sweet. At Future of Dentistry, we aim to instill great oral health habits in our patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley.

For some of us, brushing can be a loathsome chore that gets in the way of a good time. Hopefully, you don’t think of brushing in such dire terms, but I know it happens.

The best way to build brushing into your routine is to make it a habit. A habit is an automated practice that becomes hard to give up. Some habits can be bad, of course. Brushing can be a good habit.

If you can make brushing your teeth a habit, you’ll be one step closer to a life of successful checkups.

Here are some tips for creating a good habit that you can teach to your kids. These tips will also work on teens. And they work on adults, too:

Keep It Simple

One of the best ways to create a habit is to keep the requirements simple. Brushing teeth is already a simple task, but we can focus on the simplicity to help it stick as a habit.

Don’t complicate the instructions for your kids. Keep it as simple as possible at the start. A small amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush, brush for about two minutes and rinse with clear water. Simple.

Regular Timing

One of the cornerstones of a habit is routine. Routine is rooted in consistent timing. Choose at least two, or three regular times to brush your teeth. Set a timer if you have to, but it’s best to create a habit around other regular activities. “First thing in the morning” or “after breakfast” are good times. After dinner or just before getting into bed are also good times.

Regardless of when you choose, make sure it is a daily activity, and that it is tied to another routine or habit as a reminder. In this way, you are actually appending an existing habit or routine, and that makes it easier.

Stick To It

Research indicates it takes about two weeks to create a habit. You have to do a task for at least two weeks in a row before your brain will turn it over to auto-pilot and make it into a habit. Your brain tries to do this with routine things so you don’t have to keep the task in your short-term memory.

If you can stick with a task for two weeks, you’ll be well on your way to creating a good habit. If you can hold on for 30 days, you’ll imprint your new habit as a reflexive routine. You may never have to think about it again!

Improve It

Finally, any good habit needs constant improvement. You can improve your habit of brushing your teeth by working on proper form, or by adding a little bit of time. Work toward the two-minute mark; any longer and it may start to cause damage. You can also make sure you are using a soft or medium brush, and that you are using fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth healthy.

Start Today

There’s no time like right now to get started on creating healthy habits for your teeth. If you are having trouble with brushing, make a commitment to work on it starting now. If you are caring for a child, or working with a teenager, help reinforce good habits with reminders, positive support, and a leading example.

Once you have created a healthy habit around brushing your teeth, you’ll have plenty of reason to smile. I look forward to seeing it!

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May 17, 2024

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Are Your Eating Habits Sabotaging Your Oral Health?

By Future of Dentistrydental education, Dental health, public health

Most residents throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley know that frequently eating foods high in sugar can cause cavities. Therefore, it’s important to limit candy, soda, cookies, etc. Also, remember that frequency is as dangerous as the amount of sugar. At Future of Dentistry, we believe in the importance of preventative dentistry.

Research has found that a higher frequency of sugar consumption may lead to demineralization more than the amount of sugar consumed. In other words, eating sugary foods in small amounts on a regular basis can do more harm than eating the occasional sugar-laden dessert. (Healthline)

Tooth Enamel Varies in Density

Before we discuss the issue further, let’s review the miracle substance that protects our teeth: enamel. While enamel is the hardest substance in the body, it’s not invincible. In fact, it demineralizes (loses some of its density) when it comes in contact with sugar, acids, and bacteria.

Let’s consider additional eating habits and how they can affect oral health.

Acid is as Bad as Sugar

First, let’s talk about acids. A plethora of both healthy and unhealthy foods and drinks are acidic. Soda pop and energy drinks are especially harmful because they have sugar and acid, a dangerous combo. Plus, they provide virtually no nutrition. However, you probably don’t want to limit all acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes. Many acidic foods and beverages are high in Vitamin C and other nutrients.

You can shield your teeth by eating these things as part of a meal to reduce the acidic effects. It is a good idea to eat a variety of healthy foods such as chicken, cheeses, chicken, other meats, nuts, and milk. The calcium and phosphorus will advance tooth remineralization.

Meal Timing Makes a Difference

The more often you eat the more frequently your teeth are subject to the decay process. This can be moderated by choosing healthy snacks. And keep in mind, the later at night you eat, the more likely you will skip brushing and flossing altogether.

Enamel Erosion

While the enamel is soft, the tooth is exposed to losing a microscopic outer layer of enamel. If the onslaught continues, the much softer dentin underneath is exposed. The dentin erodes more quickly. Eventually, you may lose the tooth.

Understand Which Foods are Acidic

Broadly speaking, the typical diet is becoming more acidic. The list of acidic foods may surprise you. They include eggs, gravy, asparagus, chicken, cottage cheese, honey, fish, ham, butter, sour cream, aged cheese, and yogurt with active cultures. Generally, foods with a high sugar or artificial sweetener content are especially acidic. We don’t recommend cutting out the healthy foods. We just want you to be aware of them so you can make better choices.

If your teeth have become more sensitive in general, or in response to hot or cold foods or beverages, you may have enamel erosion. Call us to schedule an appointment and Doctor Casazza can examine your teeth and discuss it with you.

Is Your Go-To Beverage Affecting Your Teeth?

Now let’s talk about drinks. You probably already know that soda pop and wine are not good for your teeth. Wakefield teenagers who sip soda all day can have acid erosion while their young teeth should be at their strongest. As mentioned, energy drinks have a multitude of teeth-damaging ingredients. Dentists are noticing the effects of their increasing popularity.

If you drink soda or energy drinks often, you may want to drink water or chew sugarless gum after downing a can. Increasing saliva production can stimulate the remineralization process.

Xylitol Gum

If you choose to chew gum to stimulate saliva production, a good choice is gum with Xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually useful for your teeth.

Several clinical studies have established that xylitol prohibits the growth of the bacteria that initiates decay. It also minimizes plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.

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May 10, 2024

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Dental Veneers

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1. Chewing on hard foods

2. Chewing on hard things

3. Grinding your teeth

4. Eating too much sticky food

5. Drinking anything besides water frequently

6. Playing sports without a mouthguard

7. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush

8. Ignoring dry mouth

9. Using teeth as tools

10. Ignoring bad breath

11. Ignoring jaw pain

Contact Future of Dentistry:

Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):

Contact Future of Dentistry:

Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):

Contact Future of Dentistry:

Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):

Tooth Enamel Varies in Density

Acid is as Bad as Sugar

Meal Timing Makes a Difference

Enamel Erosion

Understand Which Foods are Acidic

Is Your Go-To Beverage Affecting Your Teeth?

Xylitol Gum

Contact Future of Dentistry:

Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):

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