Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry
What is a Prosthodontist?
A Prosthodontist is an Americal Dental Assocation (ADA) specification for a dentist who specializes in the replacement and restoration of teeth, gums and jaw structures. A highly trained restorative and cosmetic dentist, a Prosthondontist plays a crucial role in helping people achieve and enjoy a natural and healthy smile. Smileboston Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry is fortunate to be led by an accomplished Prosthodontist, Dr. Steven D. Spitz who received his advanced degree from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. In honor of National Prosthodontics Awareness Week, help us in thanking Dr. Spitz for integral part he plays in helping our patients achieve optimal oral health.
A Prosthodontist undergoes an additional three years of training after earning their dental degree, as well as at least one additional residency. This means they are well-equipped to work on crowns and are experts in the placement of dental implants, and other procedures related to the replacement or repair of teeth. Because they are entirely focused on tooth repair and restoration, they are well suited to identify which treatment methods work best for each unique situation.
A Prosthodontist can also deal with more complex tooth and jaw structure issues thanks to their advanced training and technological expertise. They design bridges, crowns, and other restorative items that fit perfectly in your mouth, or they can recommend other, more advanced procedures when needed.
By leveraging his years of training and his commitment to cutting-edge procedures, Dr. Spitz and the Smileboston team are successful in helping patients eliminate any pain, chewing problems, and other issues associated with damaged or missing teeth. Best of all, treatments will leave you with a healthy and confident smile!
For more information, please visit Smileboston online or call 617-277-4100 to schedule an appointment.
Dental Treatments That Make a Difference
Here at Smileboston Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, we know that “Confidence Begins with a Great Smile!” And thanks to advancements in modern dentistry, having a healthy smile is now more attainable than ever. Whether you suffer from receding gums or discolored and/or misaligned teeth, the experts at Smileboston can help!
How to Treat Four Common Dental Issues
Gum Recession – Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue is pushed back to expose more of the tooth or the tooth’s root and causes sensitivity and pain. Gum recession becomes a health concern when the roots are exposed and teeth at risk for infection or tooth loss. When diagnosed with gum recession, your dentist will recommend treatments that can help to slow its progression. One of these, the Pinhole Surgical Technique, can replace traditional gum grafting. Smileboston is one of the only practices in Greater Boston to offer this minimally invasive procedure.
Discolored Teeth – A whiter smile is one of the easiest ways to refresh your look. At Smileboston Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry we offer professional in office or at home teeth whitening that can remove surface stains to reveal a brighter smile. And now, through the end of June, Smileboston is participating in the Smiles for Life campaign. There’s never been a better time to whiten your teeth as 100% of all whitening proceeds will be donated to children’s charities. Call us today, to schedule your whitening treatment.
If the discoloration of your teeth is not superficial, it may be the result of age, certain diseases, medication, or trauma. In these cases, porcelain veneers are an option that can help to restore the shape and color of your teeth.
A Crooked or Misaligned Smile – There are a number of ways to repair crooked or misaligned teeth. Smileboston proudly offers Invisalign clear braces that can straighten teeth without the use of traditional “wire and bracket” braces. Invisalign works through a series of invisible, removable and comfortable clear aligners that transforms your teeth and smile. Depending upon severity, porcelain veneers may also be an option. Veneers are often an ideal solution for problems such as spaces between teeth, and chipped or broken teeth.
Missing or Damaged Teeth – Successfully replacing missing or damaged teeth depends on a variety of factors including the tooth’s location and the health of any surrounding teeth. Possible options include dental implants, dental bridges, crowns, and dentures. A dental implant with a restoration that includes a crown, bridge or denture, is the closest thing to your natural teeth and are designed to last a lifetime with proper care.
Steven D. Spitz, DMD, the founder of Smileboston Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, is one of a limited number of prosthodontists in the Boston area who has the necessary education and training to surgically place an implant and restoration.
Smileboston Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry is a full-service cosmetic dentistry practice located in Brookline, MA. Smileboston specializes in cutting edge technology, optimal oral health and patient care. Visit Smileboston online to learn more about our team & the services we offer or contact us to schedule your next appointment!
Root Canal Myths Dispelled
Have you ever heard someone say, “I’d rather have a root than…”? The common and negative portrayal of root canal treatment isn’t just a cliche, it’s a myth! Root canals save teeth and that’s why we’re using this blog post to dispel the most common root canal myths that exist.
Myth 1: “Root Canal Treatment Is Painful” – It’s a fact that many adults struggle with dental anxiety. For these individuals, the prospect of going to the dentist may fill them with dread, even for a simple cleaning appointment, so we understand why a patient might expect something horrible and painful when they get the news that they need root canal treatment. However, thanks to modern technology and anesthetics, root canal treatment can be performed quickly and comfortably. And the best part is that the pain of your infected tooth will be gone immediately after treatment.
Myth 2: “If My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt, I Don’t Need Root Canal Treatment” – A common assumption people make is that if their teeth aren’t hurting then their teeth are healthy. Unfortunately, this isn’t always accurate. In some serious cases, the tooth may already have died, but it still needs root canal therapy in order to prevent a dangerous infection.
Myth 3: “Root Canal Treatment Is Only A Temporary Fix” – Some patients are skeptical of root canal treatment because they think the benefits won’t. This is not true. A restored tooth after root canal therapy can last a lifetime with proper care and regular checkups. While forces from grinding, chewing and talking may cause the crown on the tooth to break, this is only a problem with the restoration, not the root canal itself.
Myth 4: “It’s Better to Just Pull The Tooth” – While technically it may be easier to yank a problem tooth rather than carefully remove the infected pulp, fill in the root, and place a new crown, that doesn’t mean it’s better. Our natural teeth are nearly always preferable to any kind of false teeth.
The Root Canal Reality – The “tooth” is root canal therapy is a great way to save a tooth, and modern dentistry has made the process comfortable and pain-free. If you’re having pain or if you’ve been avoiding root canal treatment, do the best thing for your oral health and schedule an appointment at Smileboston today!
Smileboston Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry is a full service dental practice in Brookline, Massachusetts with services ranging from general and cosmetic procedures to root canal therapy and full smile makeovers – all under one roof! Call 617-277-4100 and check out the Smileboston experience, first hand. We love our patients’ healthy smiles!
Is Your Mouth Ready for Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day is here and your friends at Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry want to make sure that you don’t scare away your Valentine with bad breath.
Halitosis, more commonly referred to as bad breath, is thought to affect over 80 million Americans. According to a study conducted by Match.com, bad breath is among the three most unattractive traits in dating prospects. And while halitosis comes in varying degrees and levels of persistence, here are some of the main culprits.
- Strong smelling food and drink such as garlic or coffee;
- Smoking and use of tobacco products;
- Poor oral hygiene:
- Tooth decay or periodontal disease;
- Dry mouth resulting from the use of certain medications;
- Illness such as diabetes, liver disease or kidney disease.
Stopping Bad Breath
Millions of bacteria live in the mouth (especially on the back of the tongue) and in most cases, they are the primary cause of bad breath. This can be solved easily by improving oral hygiene – brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and using mouthwash to ensure that all food particles are removed from your teeth and tongue. Additionally, brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper can help to scrape off odor-causing bacteria from the surface of the tongue.
Bad breath can also be kept at bay by drinking plenty of water. Not only does water keep your body stay hydrated, it helps to produce the saliva that washes away bacteria causing food particles. Chewing sugar-free gum also helps with saliva production as well as keeps your breath smelling fresh.
Smileboston Can Help!
Call a dental professional if you are experiencing bad breath along with loose teeth, painful swollen gums or fever. Even if you have none of these symptoms, call your dentist if your bad breath continues despite a good diet and proper dental hygiene. Chronic bad breath can indicate a medical condition that requires immediate attention. If you have diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or chronic liver or kidney disease, ask your doctor what bad breath might mean for your condition.
The best way to keep your mouth healthy for Valentine’s Day and beyond is keeping regular visits to the dentist and practicing good oral hygiene. Not to worry, Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry can help! With two beautiful offices in Brookline, MA and on Boston’s South Shore, Smileboston offers comprehensive dental care ranging from general and implant dentistry to full smile makeovers. Visit Smileboston online to view our full menu of services.
Oral Health & Weight Loss Go Hand in Hand
When embarking on a new weight loss journey, you probably have your skinny jeans in mind, not your teeth. However, a healthy lifestyle is the best prevention for illness and chronic disease. And the good choices you’re making positively affect your body, your overall health, and also your smile!
Congratulations on Making Better Food Choices
Oral health depends on more than how many times a day you brush your teeth, your diet also plays in important role! When you choose healthier foods for your body, you are also choosing better foods for your teeth. Likewise, when you swap chips and fruit snacks for healthier snacks like cheese, veggies and nuts, you’ve made the right choice. A diet low in sugar and processed foods helps to trim your waistline, fend off illness and prevent cavities.
We See You’re Drinking More Water… Great Job!
Perhaps before you started your weight loss journey you would reach for a soda rather than water at mealtime. Did you know that one in four Americans get at least 200 calories a day from sugary drinks like soda – Yikes! You probably don’t need us to remind you that frequent soda consumption lead to weight gain and contribute to tooth decay.
Eliminating soda from your diet, or at least consuming it in moderation, is a good way to cut back on calories and cavities. And now that you’re drinking more water, you probably realize how good it makes you feel, especially since it is calorie-free.
Sweating with a Smile
By maintaining a healthy weight, you protect yourself from serious health conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, just to name a few. As we’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, these diseases often go hand in hand with periodontal, or gum disease. In fact, 91 percent of patients with heart disease and 22 percent of those with diabetes also have gum disease. In addition to weight loss, your commitment to regular exercise will help to decrease stress, weather those winter blues and your smile will reap the benefits too!
One Last Word of Advice
It is widely known that almost nothing tastes good after you brush your teeth, so your friends at Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry recommend that you let good oral hygiene help stave off food cravings! Brushing your teeth or chewing a piece of sugar-free gum can help cravings to pass and you’ll be less inclined to eat with a minty fresh mouth. In addition to enjoying clean teeth, two minutes of brushing burns around 5 calories. It’s not much, but it’s something!
Congratulations on your commitment to good health. Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry is here to help you ensure that your teeth and gums are tip top shape. With two beautiful offices in Brookline, MA and on Boston’s South Shore, Smileboston offers comprehensive dental care ranging from general and laser dentistry, to dental implants and full smile makeovers. Visit Smileboston online to view our full menu of services.
5 Signs of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease—an infection of the gums—can be a severe problem if left untreated, causing a number of issues ranging from gum recession to an increased risk of heart disease. Fortunately, regular dental checkups may reveal the disease early so you can take the necessary steps to protect your gums. However, the experts at Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry encourage patients to be aware of their oral health and look for signs of gum disease. If you notice any of the following red flags, our Boston-area dental care team recommends seeing your dentist as soon as possible.
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
1. Halitosis
Occasional bad breath, or halitosis, can be related to something you’ve eaten. However, if the problem is persistent, the odor may be a result of excessive oral bacteria or infection in the gums.
2. Your Gums
As oral bacteria infect gum tissue, they start to change the way it looks. Often, red or swollen gums are a sign of gingivitis—the first stage of periodontal disease. In more advanced cases, inflammation may cause the gum tissue to bleed. Over time, tissue will wear away, causing gum recession.
3. Pustules
If gingivitis is not treated in time, it can progress into periodontitis. When your mouth tries to fight off the infection, dead cells will cause a pustule to form along the gum line. This growth resembles a pimple and may secret a yellow-white discharge.
4. Tooth Sensitivity
As gum recession progresses, the roots of teeth may be left exposed. Without proper protection, dental nerves will be easily irritated by various actions, such as eating sweets or consuming hot and cold beverages.
5. Misaligned Smile
When gum disease is advanced, the gum tissue deteriorates and loses its ability to hold teeth in place. This gum recession will cause teeth to shift out of alignment. In severe cases, teeth eventually fall out.
While a gum disease diagnosis is alarming, it can be reversed if caught in its early stages. Whatever symptoms you’re concerned about, Dr. Steven D. Spitz of Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry offers expert treatment to stop infections and protect your oral health. From deep cleaning to the revolutionary Pinhole Surgical Technique, a non-invasive gum recession therapy, our team will deliver comfortable care every step of the way. To learn more about how we can help, check out our services online or call (617) 277-4100 to schedule an appointment at our Brookline, MA, office. For our South Shore location in Pembroke, MA, call (781) 826-7577.
What’s on Tap in 2018
Happy New Year (albeit a bit belated) from Smileboston Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry! A new year marks a new beginning, which is why so many of us make New Year’s resolutions. If there’s something we want to change or to accomplish, a fresh year seems like the perfect time to start. So here at the beginning of 2018, our practice is taking stock of last year and looking forward to this one!
The Successes Of 2017
2017 was a milestone year for Smileboston as we celebrated being in business for 20 years! While we have moved offices and expanded during that time, we remain a small family-run practice committed to patient comfort and innovation. We look forward to serving our Boston area patients for another 20 years…at least!
Last year, our team worked hard to keep their skills fresh. Smileboston South Shore’s, Dr. Kyle Findly, is now certified to preform the Pinhole Surgical Technique, a non-invasive alternative to treat gum recession. He joins Dr. Steven D. Spitz, Smileboston’s founder, as one of the few cosmetic dentists in New England who are certified to perform this life changing procedure.
Additionally, Dr. Spitz was nominated by his peers and named as a Top Dentist and Top Doctor by Boston Magazine.
Our Goals For 2018
This year promises to be equally exciting for Smileboston. We’re moving forward with plans to expand our Brookline location to include brand new operatories, a renovated waiting area and a patient recovery suite. Stay tuned…
We are also excited to announce the addition of Dr. Ken Marsh to the practice. Dr. Marsh specializes in Dental Sleep Medicine, which concentrates on treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. He completed a comprehensive fellowship in Dental Sleep Medicine at Tufts University Dental School and is currently available to help patients alleviate their sleep disorders. Please contact Smileboston for more information.
Finally we are looking forward to achieving our ultimate goal – helping our patients maintain a natural, healthy and attractive smile.
What About Your Resolutions?
We’ve shared our resolutions, but we’d love to hear about yours. Studies have shown 80% of resolutions fail by February, so let’s all help each other stick to our goals.
Have you resolved to take better care of your oral health this year? Look no further than Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry. With two beautiful offices in Brookline, MA and on Boston’s South Shore, Smileboston offers comprehensive dental care ranging from general dentistry to full smile makeovers. Visit Smileboston online to view our full menu of services.
Men’s Oral Health
MAINTAINING GOOD ORAL HEALTH is crucial for everyone, but that can mean different things for men and women. That’s why the team at Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry has put together a handy list of concerns men should particularly watch out for, as well as some tips for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and clean!
Brush That Charming Smile!
Many women say a man’s most attractive feature is his smile. However, on average, men don’t take care of their teeth as well as women do, and that puts those charming smiles at risk! According to a national survey, men were 20% less likely than women to brush their teeth twice a day, and they also change their toothbrushes less often. Make sure you’re brushing two minutes twice a day and replacing that toothbrush every three to four months.
Minimizing Risk Factors For Disease
Because men tend to chew tobacco, smoke, and drink more than women, they are more susceptible to the oral health consequences associated with these habits, such as periodontitis, tooth loss, and even oral cancer. You don’t need us to tell you that it’s best for your health to cut down on drinking and stop using tobacco. A gleaming white smile and good breath is just an added benefit.
Greater Risks Of Dry Mouth
Men are statistically more likely to suffer from high blood pressure and heart disease than women, and with these kinds of diseases comes the need for medication. One very common side-effect of many such medications is dry mouth.
Saliva is crucial to good oral health because it washes away bacteria and regulates the mouth’s pH. When the saliva runs dry, there’s an increased risk of cavities, gum disease, and even bad breath. If you’re experiencing problems from dry mouth, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment – we can help.
Be A Man: Go To The Dentist
This leads us to another problem that impacts men more than women, and that is the tendency to neglect regular dental visits. Prevention is crucial to good oral health, which is why we recommend that all patients schedule an appointment every six months, whether or not anything seems to be wrong with their teeth.
Don’t take the “tough guy” approach with your dental health by holding out until you’re experiencing significant tooth pain. Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry has two beautiful offices in Brookline, MA and on Boston’s South Shore. Smileboston offers a wide array of services ranging from general dentistry and laser dentistry to full smile makeovers. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Dairy Free Alternatives to Calcium
Calcium and milk go together like fluoride and toothpaste. And just like fluoride, calcium is essential to our overall oral health.
How Calcium Benefits Your Oral Health
We know that calcium is the main component of our teeth and jaw bones, but our mouths are also made up of gum tissue, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Calcium is important for these things as well because it helps them function as they should.
How Much Calcium Do We Need?
The range of daily calcium intake recommended for the average person is between 1000 -1300mg, based upon on age and gender, from the age of four on. Children younger than four need about 700mg or less of calcium, per day.
This scary thing is that most people are getting less than 500mg of calcium a day, putting them at greater risk of developing gum disease and other ailments. Take a look at the foods you’re eating and make sure you’re including at least 800mg of daily calcium to keep your teeth and oral health in great shape!
Non-dairy Calcium Sources
While most people can get their daily calcium from milk and other dairy products, others might be looking for dairy free options. Luckily, there are many alternative sources of this crucial mineral.
- Canned fish with the bones in. The bones of small, canned fish are an excellent source of calcium, and they’re soft enough to eat! It’s up to you whether you eat them straight from the can or mix them into a larger meal.
- Dark leafy greens. Starting at 180mg and reaching about 350mg, kale, spinach and collard greens are the three leafy greens with the highest calcium content.
- Beans and black-eyed peas. Legumes such as beans and black-eyed peas contain an impressive amount of calcium, with 350mg to 515mg in just one cup!
- Fortified drinks. Fortified orange juice contains around 1500mg and soy milk has 340mg per cup.
- Tofu. Most tofu has added calcium, giving it about 860mg per half cup, but you’ll still get between 100-200mg per serving with no calcium added!
- Broccoli and broccoli rabe. Broccoli rabe (rob) has about 80mg of calcium per 2/3-cup serving and broccoli has about 100mg per 2cup serving.
- Edamame. With 98mg in just one cup of cooked edamame, it’s a good source of calcium as well as protein!
- Almonds. Out of all the nuts, almonds contain the highest level of calcium, with 8% of the recommended daily intake in a single ounce.
- Dried Figs. Figs have a sweet, dessert-like flavor, so eating the half cup it takes to get the calcium from them will feel like indulging in a treat!
How Smileboston Can Help
If you think you may be prone to gum disease or have further questions about how you can improve your daily calcium intake, we’d love to talk to you about it. Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry has two beautiful offices located in Brookline, MA and on Boston’s South Shore. We offer a full array of services ranging from general dentistry to dental implants, laser dentistry and full smile makeovers. Visit Smileboston online for more information or contact us to schedule an appointment.
We love helping our patients keep their teeth healthy and strong!
3 Ways Pregnancy Can Affect Your Teeth
Pregnancy is an exciting time but it also causes a variety of hormonal changes that may impact a woman’s oral health. That’s why it’s important to understand the conditions pregnant women might be most susceptible to and how to prevent them. Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry has provided general and cosmetic dentistry services in the greater Boston area for 20 years. Now their expert team discusses a few of the ways pregnancy can impact teeth and gums.
Gum Disease
While many women make it through their entire pregnancy without experiencing any dental issues, some women develop a condition called “pregnancy gingivitis.” This is attributed to rising levels of progesterone and causes bleeding or swollen gums, especially when brushing. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious complications and gum disease. In addition to regular flossing and brushing twice a day, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings.
Tooth Decay
Pregnant woman are also more prone to cavities for a variety of reasons. One of these is food cravings and increased consumption of junk food and carbohydrates. While okay in moderation, in excess can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Not surprisingly, pregnant woman should try to eat a well-balanced diet full of lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits that offer fiber and other nutrients.
Tooth Enamel Erosion
Morning sickness, an unfortunate but common occurrence during pregnancy, can lead to an increase in the amount of acid that your mouth is exposed to. After a time, acid can eat away at a tooth’s enamel. You can help prevent erosion by reducing the acid level in your mouth using a homemade concoction of baking soda and water. Simply swirl in your mouth after vomiting and spit out.
Pregnancy is a busy time but it’s important not to neglect your oral health. If you are pregnant and need to schedule an appointment with a trusted dentist, turn to the team at Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Brookline, MA and on Boston’s South Shore. Smileboston offers a wide range of services ranging from general and laser dentistry to Implants and full smile makeovers. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or visit our website for more information.