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!
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Greater Boston and Merrimack Valleyendodontists, oral surgeons, and general dentists use dental crowns (sometimes called caps) in many restorative treatments. A crown adds strength to a tooth that has a large filling or has been injured, a crown can correct bite misalignments, and a crown is usually necessary after a root canal. In a dental implant procedure, attaching the crown to the abutment is the final step.
Crowns are also used extensively for purely cosmetic problems: yellow teeth, stained teeth, too-small teeth, and misshapen teeth.
Dental crowns are fabricated from a variety of materials that vary in appearance and strength:
1. All ceramic (porcelain-based)
2. Porcelain fused to metal
3. Gold alloys
4. Base metal alloys
Your dentist can help you determine which type is right for you. Factors to consider are the location of the crown in the mouth, your budget, and any metal allergies.
When many Wakefield dentists provide a crown restoration, they use a process that requires two office visits. On the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth and take an impression for the dental lab. Then, the dentist will make a temporary crown for the patient to use until the permanent crown is ready. Some dentists have special technology that allows them to fabricate and place crowns in one visit.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last? Dental crowns can last for many years but are not designed to last indefinitely. Even with proper care, dental patients should not expect crowns to be trouble-free for decades. There is encouraging evidence, however, that points to a high success rate: a 2009 study found that more than 90% of dental crowns will not require treatment within five years of placement. The study also found that 50% to 80% last from 15 to 20 years.1
At Future of Dentistry in Wakefield, we provide quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry. In addition to dental crowns, we offer emergency, general, and cosmetic dentistry
1Bader JD1, Shugars DA., “Summary review of the survival of single crowns,” PubMed.gov, 2009, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19146146, accessed June 16, 2014
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Looking into how much dental implants cost and getting a straightforward answer can be frustrating. But there is a reason for that.
It can be confusing to research the cost of getting a dental implant and finding nothing solid on the web. Let’s take a moment to discuss why most dental practice websites don’t publish the cost of tooth implants.
1. The Math Might Come Out Higher Than it Should
The number of teeth being replaced may be more than the number of implants needed to cover that section of the mouth. Tooth implant dentists want to offer accurate pricing rather than scare you away with higher estimates. It takes a straightforward consultation to review dental history, analyze needs, and construct a treatment plan. This could mean a more efficient surgery with fewer implants.
2. There Might Be Something Better For Your Mouth
While dental implants are the state of the art in tooth replacement, much better than a bridge or denture, sometimes the protocol won’t be what you thought it was going to be, or maybe you aren’t a good candidate for the service.
3. Supply Costs and Lab Costs Change
A ballpark number might be possible to post on the internet but the changing cost of supplies and lab fees make it impossible to guarantee a specific price for full-mouth dental implants. Dentists who offer implants can precisely calculate dental implant surgery expenses based on current prices when you come in for a consultation.
Please make an appointment to quickly and accurately get these answers. Call Future of Dentistry if you’re in the greater Boston or Merrimack Valley.
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Teeth whitening is one of the easiest cosmetic dentistry procedures we have, at Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover. There are a lot of whitening options out there. How do you find what works for you?
The dental care aisle at the grocery store is filled with whitening products. Rest assured, no strips, gels, or toothpastes can match the results you’ll get from professional whitening.
Having your teeth whitened professionally can be a huge boost for your self-confidence. You’ll look younger, and find it easier to make a positive impression on other people. We offer in-office whitening that can revitalize your smile in one visit.
At Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover, teeth whitening is safe and effective.People from all over Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley are thrilled with their new smiles! Schedule an appointment with us today!
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This article is about some of the most common conditions that should be discussed with us, at Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover.
There is a solution for each one of these issues.
Tooth Decay: This is easily the most common dental problem. Tooth decay (cavities) occurs when plaque combines with the sugars and/or starches in food to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. We can always do a drill-and-fill, but prevention via regular brushing and flossing is best.
Dry Mouth: Also known as xerostomia, this lack of saliva is very bothersome and can predispose you to a host of dilemmas such as decay and gum disease. It’s a common side effect of prescription medications, so make sure to bring a list of current prescriptions with you to your appointment.
Jaw Issues: If you suffer from jaw pain or notice a clicking sound, be sure to schedule an appointment with us immediately. These symptoms can be signs of a condition called temporomandibular disorder, or TMD.
Teeth Grinding: Known as bruxism, this can damage teeth surfaces. If you’ve been stressed out and find that you’ve been grinding your teeth, discuss it with us. An oral appliance can make all the difference.
At Future of Dentistry at Willows – North Andover, the dental health of our patients is always our top priority. Patients from Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley come to our office for general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!
Contact Future of Dentistry:
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I’m Gerry Casazza of Future of Dentistry in Wakefield. Today’s topic is mini dental implants, sometimes called “immediate implants”.
Though they are not as well known as traditional dental implants, mini implants are also being used successfully in the Wakefield area to improve smiles. Like their larger diameter counterparts, mini implants can support a restoration for one or more missing teeth or replace a bridge or fixed denture. Denture wearers benefit greatly from these slip-free dental implants that are anchored securely in the jaw bone.
In some cases, a patient is unable to receive traditional full-size dental implants due to insufficient bone thickness. There are also mini-implant patients who are not able to undergo dental implant surgery due to health issues. These patients are often excellent candidates for the mini version.
The placement of toothpick-size mini dental implants can sometimes be done in one dental visit. The placement usually requires no incisions or stitches. Recovery time, if needed, is frequently very short. Most patients are able to eat dinner that evening.
Future of Dentistry would like to share some exciting office improvements at our Wakefield location. Our goal is to provide exceptional dentistry and an outstanding customer service experience. To that end, we have been working on upgrades and expansion to better serve your needs.
We invite you to check out our new reception and front desk area. It will open on July 29. Be sure to visit the refreshment cart and try out our free WiFi at your next visit, or stop by for a sneak peek! Please note, you will enter the new reception and front desk area from our new main entrance.
We will also be adding additional treatment rooms in what was the old reception and front desk area. This will help our ongoing mission of providing a state-of-the-art dental facility.
Future of Dentistry’s team is committed to providing the very best customer experience. We look forward to caring for you and your family at your next visit.
Dr. Adam Gart, who has been part of our team for the past several years, will be leaving us to embark on a new journey with his fiancée Rana. They are relocating to Denver, Colorado. His last day with us is tomorrow, June 28.
“I want to thank the amazing patients at Future of Dentistry for the trust you’ve placed in me. I’ve been very fortunate to care for you and your families,” said Dr. Gart. “I’d also like to thank Dr. Casazza for his mentorship, and the team at Future of Dentistry for their commitment to providing outstanding dentistry and service.”
If you’ve been seeing Dr. Gart for your dental care, please be assured you will continue to receive outstanding treatment just as you have in the past.
Please join us in wishing Dr. Gart a fond farewell and a wonderful start in Colorado. We invite you to visit our Facebook page to view more photos from the “bon voyage” party we threw for Dr. Gart!
Happy Valentine’s Day! At Future of Dentistry, we’re enjoying the holiday, and we hope you are too. We’re wearing our hearts on our sleeves, literally, as you can see in this photo. Our patients have even been listening to the “Love Songs” station on our Pandora radio!
We’re also enjoying the flowers and candy that arrived today! Some are from our patients – thank you! Others are from our team’s family and friends. Dr. Casazza’s family dropped off some treats and the world’s cutest card! Check it out in the photo.
On a more serious note, February is American Heart Month. You may be wondering, what does my heart have to do with dentistry?! It’s the same reason why a cardiologist may ask about your teeth.
Poor oral health is linked to heart problems like endocarditis and cardiovascular disease. The scientific community continues to uncover further connections between dental care and heart disease and stroke.
Your mouth isn’t separate from the rest of your body. Put simply, oral health is important to your overall wellbeing. We encourage patients to think of dental care as an essential part of a healthy life.
There are hearts everywhere on Valentine’s Day, so it’s a perfect fit with American Heart Month! The team at Future of Dentistry wishes everyone a wonderful holiday, and we encourage all our patients to stay “heart healthy” in 2018.
You don’t find many dental hygienists who can handle a rifle and identify enemy aircraft. Brenda is a unique member of the Future of Dentistry team because she’s also a veteran of the U.S. military.
Like many veterans, Brenda is modest about her service, so Veteran’s Day is the perfect time to recognize her time with the Army and National Guard.
On behalf of Dr. Casazza and the entire Future of Dentistry team, we’d like to thank Brenda for her service, and for sharing how she began her dental career.
Private Brenda
Brenda became interested in dentistry soon after high school. She thought the military would provide an opportunity to learn in a hands-on way. Her plan was to train as a dental assistant and then as a hygienist.
She visited a recruiting office, scored well on the entry test, and became a Private upon enlistment. Her initial commitment to the Army was for four years.
Before her dental education could begin, Brenda had to make it through Basic Training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. Even civilians know that Basic Training is intense!
“They try to break you down and build you back up,” Brenda explains. “It shows you a different way of life.”
In addition to the PT (physical training), Brenda and the other recruits learned rifle marksmanship, grenade throwing, rappelling, and how to recognize different types of tanks and aircraft.
After Basic, Brenda began job training at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. The base is known for its large, world-class medical education campus.
The Army sets an aggressive pace for dental assistants compared to civilian schools. At the time, dental-assistant training was completed in about two months. The recruits were on duty from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting with a five-mile run in the morning — in Texas, in the summer heat.
Brenda learned things like anatomy and how to take an x-ray, but she also continued her non-dental training. The soldiers had to qualify with their rifles, operate generators and portable dental equipment, and set up tents where they’d perform dentistry in the field.
“It was like two different worlds,” she recalls.
Dentistry In The Field
After training, Brenda spent several years at a dental clinic at Fort Knox in Kentucky, helping to treat soldier patients. She was tested every year to demonstrate both physical fitness and proficiency at her job.
She also had to show her ability to perform in the field in certain scenarios. She assisted with fillings and extractions in a tent, with lights and equipment powered by generators. This type of experience is intense, but doable, Brenda says.
“They condition you so you know what to do if you’re in a war zone,” she explains.
When asked how these experiences prepared her for civilian dentistry, Brenda says she’s unlikely to lose her cool in a stressful situation because of her training.
Korea
Brenda always planned to leave the military after her four years were up. She was eager to move on to dental hygiene school and become a practicing hygienist in civilian life. She changed her mind, though, and after Fort Knox she was sent to Korea. She was promoted to the rank of Army Specialist.
Brenda spent a year at Camp Carroll in South Korea. She worked alongside both American and South Korean troops, doing a variety of office and administrative duties at the base’s dental facility.
The soldiers had to adjust to an intensely hot, humid climate where monsoons are common. The soldiers had to adjust to an intensely hot, humid climate where monsoons are common. Outside of the base, they observed that poverty and pollution were widespread.
“It was eye opening,” she says. “It made me appreciate the U.S. even more.”
Brenda has many positive memories of South Korea, however. She had friends at the base, and they were able to experience the country during their off hours. They visited a monastery, beaches and the DMZ. With her blond hair and green eyes, Brenda stood out, but she found the local residents extremely respectful to the U.S. troops.
By the time the year was up, Brenda was excited to come home. She is an only child, and she was especially eager to get home to her parents.
“In the airport when you go though customs, they say ‘welcome home,’ and all that relief hits you,” she recalls.
National Guard
Stateside again, Brenda spent a year at a base in Georgia. She ran a supply center for a 100-chair dental clinic and on weekends worked as an assistant to an orthodontist who treated soldiers’ children who lived on the base.
When her commitment was up, Brenda decided to enlist in the Massachusetts National Guard. This allowed her to serve part-time while remaining in the civilian world the rest of the time.
She worked full-time as a dental assistant while going back to school. The National Guard helped her achieve her goal of becoming a dental hygienist, she points out.
The Gulf War took place during her time in the Guard. Brenda wasn’t deployed, although her unit was active. They conducted medical and dental clearances for the troops who were going to be deployed overseas. In addition to her duties in the dental field, she also administered hearing, eye and blood pressure tests.
Any Guardsman with dental pain or a dental infection was classified as Class 3, unable to fly. “In a war, anything like that flares right up,” Brenda explains.
A military report showed that, among troops who were deployed in the initial conflict but unable to fight, the majority were sidelined due to a dental issue. For the remainder of the war and the reconstruction period that followed, the National Guard used mobile dental clinics to resolve problems before the troops were deployed to the Middle East.
It was stressful to know that her unit could be deployed at any time, but Brenda was happy to help the National Guard during the Gulf War.
Two Decades Of Service
After 21 years in the military, Brenda was proud to have served. She loves her life as a civilian hygienist, but values the part of her life that was dedicated to serving in the military.
“I’m glad I gave to my country,” she says, “and I learned a lot and saw a lot.”
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.
Future of Dentistry would like to share some exciting office improvements at our Wakefield location. Our goal is to provide exceptional dentistry and an outstanding customer service experience. To that end, we have been working on upgrades and expansion to better serve your needs.
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