Future of Dentistry, Author at Future of Dentistry

Aching Jaw?

By Future of DentistryCosmetic dentistry, General dentistry, TMJ

In this blog post from Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover, we are going to look at some of the conditions that may result in jaw pain.

The jaw joint is a complex structure. Its made up of muscles, tendons, and bones, which enable us to bite, grind, and chew. Jaw pain is common, and may result from any number of things.

Jaw pain may be caused by sinusitis. Sinusitis is the inflammation of the tissues that line your sinuses, and when these tissues are inflamed, the sinuses exert pressure on surrounding areas. If the inflamed sinus is near the jaw, pain in the jaw joint may result. This commonly happens with a cold or allergies.

Injury or trauma to the jaw can also lead to recurrent, ongoing pain. It may be on one or both sides of the face, pain may come and go, or only occur when chewing.

Jaw pain may be broadly categorized as temporomandibular joint disorder, usually shortened to TMJ or TMD. We can help identify what’s going on and treatment can begin from there. But remember, jaw pain shouldn’t be ignored.

At Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover, our patients come from Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley for restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, and many other services. Please call our office to schedule an appointment today!

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February 17, 2023

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Relieving Your Dental Anxiety At Future of Dentistry

By Future of DentistryGeneral dentistry

If you tense up just thinking about going to the dentist, you may benefit from a calm atmosphere and effective dentist-patient communication. This is what we offer at Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover.

Millions of Americans stress out when they have to see the dentist. It is referred to as dental anxiety. There is a more severe form, too, called dental phobia. In both, some people would rather skip the dentist altogether rather than sit down for a checkup. The problem with that, of course, is it puts their dental health at risk.

There are lots of reasons why people develop anxiety or phobia over dental care. It often stems from a bad experience they had with a dentist as a kid. Fear of pain may be involved, as well as a fear of anesthesia’s possible side effects.

Whatever the cause, at our offices, we prioritize patient comfort and care. Other dental practices rush you through like you’re on a conveyor belt! We take the time to discuss your fears and anxieties prior to your consult. We only proceed at your own pace and with whatever procedures you’re comfortable with.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a more understanding dental team! At Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover, we strive to make the dentist feel like a spa. With our amenities and anesthetic technology, your visit will be a small blip on the radar. Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley come to us for general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

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February 10, 2023

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Think Before You Pierce

By Future of DentistryDental health, General dentistry

If you are considering piercing your lip or tongue, this post from Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover is for you.

Please consider the following potential side effects:

Infection

Your mouth is full of bacteria. Any opening in the tissue carries the risk of infection. The germs from your tongue and mouth can easily get into your bloodstream. Dentists and doctors are continually treating acute infections caused by oral piercings. Oral infections can be a real problem and should be a major consideration before getting an oral piercing.

Tooth Damage

It should come as no surprise that having a piece of metal bang around in your mouth can easily damage tooth enamel. Though tooth enamel is amazingly strong, once it’s chipped or cracked, it can only be restored with artificial material. Fortunately, we offer many tooth restoration options such as crowns and fillings, but our advice is to avoid the problem if you can.

Prolonged Bleeding and Swelling

The blood vessels in the tongue are often damaged when the tongue is pierced, causing prolonged bleeding and possible build-up of scar tissue. In some extreme cases, the tongue swells up enough to block the airway.

Gum Recession

A number of studies have shown that wearing oral jewelry is linked to gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Again, our advice is to avoid the dilemma right from the start.

These are just a few of the dangers or oral piercings. At Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover the oral health of each patient is always our top priority. Patients from Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley come to our office for complete general and cosmetic dentistry. Call to schedule an appointment with us today!

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February 3, 2023

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The 411 on TMJ

By Future of DentistryEmergency dentistry, General dentistry, TMJ

The 411 on TMJ

TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint, which is a big word for your jaw joint. As a hinge joint it can move up and down, forward and backward, and side to side. All that mobility contributes to its vulnerability: it is subject to a painful condition called TMJ disorder, which is treatable at Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover.

Sometimes you’ll hear the disorder referred to as “TMJ,” but strictly speaking TMJ refers to the jaw joint. Even professionals call it TMJ sometimes, but it should properly be called TMJ disorder, or TMD.

There are three common types of TMJ disorder:

Muscular. There are strong muscles on the side of the face and head, and they’re what make all that movement possible. Overuse can lead to tightness or pain. Stress can lead to clenching or grinding. Injuries can also affect these muscles.

Joint and Disc Displacement. There is a disc of soft tissue within the joint’s ball-and-socket portion. It can be damaged from trauma, such as dislocation. This can lead to pain when chewing, or simply opening your mouth. There may be a clicking or popping sound as you move your jaw.

Arthritis. Arthritis can affect any of your joints, including the TMJ. The joint’s cartilage deteriorates.

If any of this sounds familiar, please call us at Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover. We can diagnose the condition and develop a TMJ/TMD treatment plan that works. We’ve treated people from Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley, who also come to us for cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, and restorative dentistry. Call our office to schedule an appointment today!

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January 27, 2023

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Who’s Afraid Of The Big, Bad…Dentist?

By Future of DentistryGeneral dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

Millions of people get so worked up about dental appointments that they skip them. At Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover we understand that dental anxiety is a very real thing, and that for some people it’s more like dental phobia. But skipping the dentist is not a good idea. Sedation dentistry can help.

Survey after survey tells us how common fear of the dentist is. Anywhere from nine to twenty percent of adult Americans cope with it to one degree or another! Many of them exhibit what psychologists call avoidance behavior: they’ll do just about anything to avoid a dentist appointment.

There are lots of reasons why people have dental anxiety or phobia. The more common ones include:

Fear of pain
Fear of injections
Fear of side effects
Fear of helplessness, or loss of control

The trouble with skipping the dentist entirely, of course, is that it puts your dental health at risk. We want you to have healthy teeth and gums. There is also a clear connection between dental health and overall health.

One solution to this is sedation dentistry. We offer:

Nitrous oxide – Laughing gas works quickly, wears off quickly, and is very effective.

Oral conscious sedation – You take a prescribed sedative before your appointment. It puts you in a state of great relaxation. You will need a ride to and from our office.

IV sedation – Administered intravenously, this puts you in the deepest available state of relaxation, though you will not sleep. You’ll need a ride to and from our office with this, too.

If you are coping with dental anxiety or phobia, sedation dentistry from Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover offers hope. We have successfully treated many patients just like you. Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley come to our office for general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and sleep apnea treatment. Call for an appointment today!

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January 20, 2023

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Your Unique Smile, Only Better!

By Future of DentistryClear braces, Cosmetic dentistry, Dental implants, Teeth whitening, Veneers

If you’re not happy with your smile, you can improve it with cosmetic dentistry from Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover.

Cosmetic dentistry is all about using sound dental techniques to make positive changes to your smile. Even a tiny change can make a big difference.

General and family dentistry addresses the health of your teeth and gums, and that is obviously never overlooked at our practice. Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, improves smiles as a complement to your dental health.

There are many procedures that can transform your smile. But before we commit to any one treatment, our team considers the shape, alignment, color, and condition of the teeth. We also take into account your facial shape and skin tone.

Available cosmetic dentistry procedures include:

Porcelain Veneers: Thin shells are affixed to the front of your teeth to cover gaps, cracks, and discoloration.
Teeth Whitening: Professional whitening surpasses any whitening product you’ll find at the grocery store.
Dental implants: One or more titanium posts inserted in your jaw can support one or more replacement teeth.
Invisalign® Clear Braces: Straighten crooked teeth without metal!

Cosmetic dentistry from Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover can transform your smile from dull to dazzling! Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley also come to our practice for restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

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Future of Dentistry serves patients across Middlesex County and the Merrimack Valley with five convenient locations offering general and family dentistry, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry including Invisalign clear braces, veneers, and teeth whitening, oral surgery, and TMJ treatment. With a board-certified prosthodontist on staff and advanced technology in every office, our team handles everything from routine cleanings to full-mouth reconstructions and complete smile makeovers, all under one roof. Our offices in Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, North Andover, and Wakefield bring one-stop dental care to patients in Wilmington, Tewksbury, Lowell, Andover, Methuen, Lynnfield, and Melrose, as well as the surrounding communities of Westford, Burlington, Pelham, Hudson, North Billerica, Bedford, Middleton, North Reading, Lawrence, Stoneham, Peabody, and Woburn.

September 23, 2022

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Suspect A Bite Problem?

By Future of DentistryCosmetic dentistry, Dental health

At Future of Dentistry, we know that a common dental problem tends to go undiagnosed for years. This is because people chalk it up to genetics and don’t even realize it’s a problem. The problem we’re talking about is, of course, malocclusion.

Literally meaning “bad bite,” it is a term coined by Edward Angle, a pioneer in modern orthodontics. Malocclusion is fairly common in the population as a whole but often, the misalignment is so slight that it causes no issues. Sometimes, however, it can cause symptoms like headaches, neck pain, and tooth pain.

When you combine multiple teeth on two arches and a jaw joint with a considerable range of motion, it is easy to see how these elements can fail to align properly. In fact, it is a wonder that they work correctly for most people – allowing them to talk, eat, and breathe without giving it a second thought.

There are many causes of malocclusion – some originating with the teeth and some originating with the jaw. Misshapen teeth, extracted teeth, impacted teeth, crowded teeth, and widely spaced teeth can influence the bite. Injury to the jaw can also cause malocclusion as well as improperly fitting restorations and other dental appliances.

Children with a normal bite can develop bite dilemmas with prolonged pacifier use, thumb sucking, or bottle drinking. In rarer cases, oral tumors can move a bite out of alignment.

The treatment for malocclusion depends on the cause. Invisalign® clear braces can move teeth into alignment to fix bite issues. Overcrowding often requires extraction of one or more teeth. Misshapen teeth that affect the bite can often be corrected with crowns or dental bonding.

At Future of Dentistry, we are ready to discuss your options and design a dental plan to deal with your malocclusion. Don’t hesitate. Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley come to us for cosmetic and general dentistry. Contact us today!

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July 22, 2022

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wisdom teeth extraction in Billerica, Chelmsford, and North Andover

Wisdom Teeth Extraction At Future of Dentistry

By Future of DentistryExtractions, Restorative dentistry

For the 65 percent of adults who detect wisdom teeth in their late teens or early twenties, the team at Future of Dentistry generally recommends removal. This is because wisdom teeth can damage adjacent teeth and nerves. Their awkward positioning can increase risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Moreover, they often come in crooked, crowding the other teeth and affecting the bite.

Wisdom teeth are also difficult to clean, especially if they do not fully erupt, which is a common problem for many of our patients. This can cause an infection, as bacteria can be trapped under the skin where brushing and flossing is difficult.

Our team performs tooth extractions every day. This includes wisdom teeth, as well as other broken or infected teeth.

What Should You Expect?

When you come in, we can talk about anesthetic and management of discomfort. After your extraction, we will provide you with an aftercare plan. If you follow the instructions given carefully, you should heal within a few days.

It is important to remember that bleeding is inevitable and should be expected to last up to three days. Rinsing is counter-productive, but if you apply firm pressure by lightly – and we mean very lightly – biting down on gauze pads, you can help stop the bleeding even quicker.

Swelling following wisdom teeth extraction is a sign that the healing process is progressing normally. Swelling that recedes and then re-appears after a few weeks, however, is a sign of infection. If this happens, it is important that you speak with us as soon as possible.

We recommend an examination seven to ten days after the extraction to make sure the wounds are clean and there are no complications. An antibiotic wash can be applied if infection is present. At Future of Dentistry, we specialize in extractions and other restorative dentistry options. Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley also come to us for general dentistry. We are ready to help you manage discomfort, eliminate pain, and ensure a healthy smile for years to come. Contact us today!

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July 8, 2022

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Sinus Pain Or Abscessed Tooth?

By Future of DentistryDental health, General dentistry

At Future of Dentistry, many patients come in with a toothache. In some cases, the toothache is a secondary symptom of a sinus condition. Let’s discuss the relationship.

Your maxillary sinuses are close neighbors of your top teeth. In some areas, only a sliver of tissue separates the upper tooth roots from the bottom of the sinus cavity. It’s no wonder that, when there is pain in that general area, the specific location can be hard to pinpoint.

Allergies, infections, and the common cold can irritate sinus tissues. When sinus tissues become inflamed and infected, it can impact the teeth.

In extreme cases, swollen sinus tissues can actually move the teeth slightly, changing the bite. The reverse scenario can also take place. The infection surrounding an abscessed tooth can easily travel to the sinus cavity.

An abscessed tooth is a serious condition requiring prompt attention. If you have the slightest concern, call our office right away.

At Future of Dentistry, our services include general and restorative dentistry. Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley rely on us for their dental health, and for procedures like dental implants. Request an appointment now!

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March 11, 2022

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5 Ways To Restore A Tooth

By Future of DentistryCosmetic dentistry, Dental health

There is more than one way to fix a tooth. If you are the fortunate owner of perfectly healthy teeth, you may never need any of these procedures. However, if you are like most, you will need to restore a tooth eventually. Today’s post looks at five cosmetic dentistry options from Future of Dentistry that are routinely used to repair a damaged tooth:

Porcelain Veneers: These wafer-thin covers can hide a chip or crack or fix the alignment of a tooth that is slightly crooked. Dental veneers are quickly becoming one of our most popular services.
Fillings: A traditional filling is shaped and molded after it is applied to the tooth. Because inlays and onlays are produced in a dental lab, they are generally called indirect fillings. Inlays are applied to just the center of the biting surface of a tooth (not to a cusp or point) and are ordinarily smaller than onlays. An onlay restores one or more cusps of a tooth. If you have old silver amalgam fillings, you can replace them with white fillings.
Dental Crowns: Crowns and bridges can help redefine the shape of your mouth and repair any inconsistencies on misshapen or cracked teeth. A crown replaces the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring appearance, stability, and function. They can be made of all metal (such as gold), porcelain-fused-to-metal, all ceramic, or all resin.
Dental Implants: A permanent dental implant is often a great restoration for a tooth that has been extracted. It revitalizes the entire tooth—both root and crown. Most dental implant recipients report that the implant is indistinguishable from a natural tooth. Dental implants are used in a variety of applications, such as anchoring dentures and dental bridges.
Dentures: At our practice, we offer customized, permanent dentures, so you can avoid uncomfortable, loose fitting teeth.

For more specifics on any of these procedures, contact Future of Dentistry. Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley also come to us for restorative and general dentistry. Request an appointment today!

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March 4, 2022

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Future of Dentistry

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Contact Future of Dentistry:

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$97 Cleaning, X-Rays and Exam

Call (781) 925-7386 today to schedule

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Contact Future of Dentistry:

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

Contact Future of Dentistry:

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Contact Future of Dentistry:

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