Existing Patients: (978) 454-9332 | New Patients: (877) 790-5172 |
Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Get rid of abscess without dentist?

Posted on by .

I have a tooth abscess. I know it because I’ve had one before. This is definitely not in my budget to get it fixed. What can I do to get rid of it without a dentist? V.C.

V. C. – A tooth abscess is caused by a bacterial infection. You need the help of a dentist to drain the abscess, perform a root canal treatment, and get rid of the infection. It’s not something that you can do yourself.

It’s important that you get dental treatment right away before the infection spreads. An infection that is left untreated can be life threatening.

If you don’t have a regular dentist, contact an emergency dentist for an appointment.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Cost of dentist’s visit?

Posted on by .

I haven’t been to the dentist in 3 years. I have been putting it off because I don’t have dental insurance, but I know I need to go. What is the cost of a dentist’s visit for a cleaning and exam? I know you can’t give me an exact cost for the dentist I choose but an average cost is okay. Thanks. Judy.

Judy – The cost of a dentist’s visit for an exam and cleaning can vary depending on whether a general cleaning or a deep cleaning is needed. Where you live in the country can also affect the cost.

If you don’t have dental insurance, the average national cost for a cleaning and exam is about $180. Of course, the cost can vary. If you need a deep cleaning, it’s more expensive—$400 to $1800.

You can call a few dental offices and inquire about the cost for an exam and cleaning without insurance, so you can plan in advance. You may also want to ask about your payment options.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Do dental implants break easily?

Posted on by .

I got my braces removed last month. Now that my teeth are straight, I am ready for a dental implant. I have a tooth that has been missing my entire life. It just never grew in. I know implants are not cheap but I am willing to make the investment. I would like to know how durable they are though. Do they break easily? – Diana

Diana – Dental implants are very durable. They are made of either titanium or zirconia. Although they do not break easily, they should be treated with care, just as you would care for a natural tooth.

Hard objects should not be bitten with an implant tooth. Nor should you use the tooth to open anything that requires force.

When dental implants are properly placed, they withstand normal day-to-day wear.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek

I smoke. How can I keep my teeth white?

Posted on by .

I am a smoker. I know that it stains my teeth and makes them yellow. I have no plans to quit smoking but I do want white teeth. What can I do to try to keep my teeth reasonably white? – Thomas

Thomas – Teeth whitening from your dentist will break down the yellow stains and make your smile brighter. It is unlikely that you will get good results from whitening strips.

Your dentist has professional-strength whitening gel to give you a white smile. Your teeth will continue to stain as you smoke, but you can do periodic touch-ups as instructed by your dentist.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek. Dr. Szarek is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Dental Implants vs Crown and Bridge?

Posted on by .

I recently had one of my tooth extracted and I am not going to leave the space open. My dentist said that I could either get a bridge or a dental implant. The cost of the implant helped me decide to go with the bridge, but my dentist says a bridge is not as durable as an implant and it will probably need to be replaced in about 10 years. I’m thinking that she is trying to discourage me from getting the bridge because the amount of the implant is twice the cost and it’s more money for her. Is my dentist right? Vanessa

Vanessa – A dental implant is the most effective means of replacing a missing tooth. It is a permanent form of tooth replacement. It will look and function as a natural tooth, and you care for it just as you do your natural teeth.

A dental bridge lasts an average of ten years, but depending on how well it’s made and taken care of, it can last longer. A bridge requires that the teeth on either side of the missing one be shaved down to accommodate porcelain crowns. An implant requires no work on adjacent teeth. Care must be taken to floss around and beneath a dental bridge.

If your budget permits, you will be thrilled with the completely natural-looking and long-lasting results of a dental implant. If you choose an implant, be sure that a skilled implant dentist is performing the surgery, and ensure that an experienced cosmetic dentist provides the implant crown.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.