Posted on by AllSmiles.
Hi, Dr. Szarek;
I recently had periodontal scaling done due to gum disease. At my most recent maintenance appointment, however, the probing depths in some areas were not different than my previous appointment. Is this normal? Shouldn’t treatment have reduced the depths of the pockets or does this take more time?
Phyllis in Boston
Posted on by AllSmiles.
Dear Dr. Szarek;
I suffered from bulimia for years, but, with the benefit of counseling and treatment, am now in recovery. The problem is, my illness has severely damaged my upper teeth. They have almost no remaining enamel and are very worn. Also, my upper teeth are very sensitive to hot and cold and this makes it difficult to eat normally. Is there anything that can be done to help? Would the Snap-On Smile be an option?
Thanks,
Liza in Boston
Posted on by AllSmiles.
Hi,
I am scheduled to have a dental bridge placed on Monday. My dentist has assured me that it should have a lifespan of about 10 years. My question is, what happens after that time? Will it automatically need replacing? Will it break? How should I know what to do?
Thanks,
Evelyn in NY
Posted on by AllSmiles.
Dear Dr. Szarek;
I have a basic question. Do Waterpiks and electronic toothbrushes get teeth cleaner than brushing with a regular toothbrush?
– Hannah in Boston
Dear Hannah;
Waterpiks and electronic toothbrushes do not necessarily get your teeth cleaner than brushing with a regular toothbrush. However, they have some features that can make it easier to clean your teeth well. Waterpiks can be useful to clean debris when you have spacing between your teeth. It is a good idea to purchase one that you can use in the shower, however, because Waterpiks can be messy. Also, be sure to only use it at medium pressure since higher pressure can cause gum recession.
Many patients have better oral hygiene when using electronic toothbrushes because most have a timer function that encourages the user to spend sufficient time brushing (three minutes). Of course, if you brush appropriately and for the recommended time with a standard toothbrush you can get the same result.
This post brought to you by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.
See our website for more information on teeth whitening and the Snap-On Smile.
Posted on by AllSmiles.
Hi,
I had a dental bridge placed just over a year ago to replace some teeth that had to be extracted due to significant gum disease. Now, I am experiencing swollen gums and bleeding around the bridge. Should I be flossing between the bridge and the gum? I thought that since the bridge was designed (and does) fit snugly against the gum, it should prevent food from getting trapped underneath. But I am noticing some bleeding of my gums under the bridge when I brush.
Thanks,
Alonse in Boston
