Norfolk County Dental Care

Are you considering cosmetic dentistry near Norfolk, MA? Having a beautiful smile is an asset in every aspect of life. Trends come and go, but a gorgeous smile will always be in fashion and is something you will wear every day. At our dental office, our Norfolk cosmetic dentists combine the art and science of dentistry to help patients feel great about their teeth. Cosmetic dentistry offers both small improvements and full smile makeovers, depending on what you want for your smile. Teeth whitening in Norfolk, MA is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to improve the appearance of your teeth. We provide a range of choices to get the results you want: Powerful white strips Take-home custom whitening In-office whitening for results in a single appointment During your consultation, our dentists will recommend the right option for you that will bleach the stains from your teeth without sensitivity or discomfort. Invisalign® Invisible Braces Many adults and teens would like a straight smile, but don’t want to wear braces for years to complete their treatment. In addition to the aesthetic advantages of straight teeth, correcting misalignment can lead to better oral health and a more comfortable bite. At Norfolk County Dental Care, we offer a variety of options for orthodontics in Norfolk, MA. Invisalign® clear aligners are removable trays that gently move teeth into proper alignment without the need for bracket-and-wire orthodontics. Since trays are removable, it is easy to keep teeth clean and no one will even notice you are wearing your aligners unless you tell them. Orthodontics in Norfolk is a much smoother process because of clear braces! Tooth-Colored Restorations The techniques our dentists use are designed with your smile in mind, and tooth-colored restorations are popular for their natural results. Dental fillings, crowns, bridges, and veneers all match your smile perfectly and blend in naturally. If you want to replace old, metal dentistry with modern materials and brighten your overall look, schedule a consultation with one of our Norfolk dentists. Our patients love their results. Chances are that if you admire a Hollywood celebrity’s smile, it is likely that they have porcelain veneers. Veneers address a number of cosmetic problems using a single treatment: Gaps or uneven spacing Misalignment Stains or discoloration Worn, chipped teeth Veneers are made of translucent, natural-looking porcelain and fit directly over the front of your teeth, covering any flaws. To ensure that porcelain veneers will work well for you, our dentists will precisely plan your new smile. We will also arrange a consultation for you to discuss your ideal smile and go over details, including color, and any oral health issues that need to be addressed first. Getting veneers requires just a few steps: Impressions and models of teeth Bite evaluation Temporary restorations A “try-in” to review your new smile Placement of the final restorations Your new smile will last for many years with proper care. Avoid biting into anything hard that might damage your veneers, and be sure to wear a nightguard if you have a history of teeth grinding. Complete Smile Makeovers Patients are never limited to a single choice when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. We can completely change the appearance of your teeth by combining various services. This comprehensive approach to cosmetic dentistry can give people back their smiles, even after years of neglect or an accident. Are You Ready for Cosmetic Dentistry in Norfolk, MA? Contact Norfolk County Dental Care at (508) 528-6510 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced cosmetic dentists. We also extend our services to patients from Franklin, Wrentham, Foxborough, Medfield, and Walpole. Nothing pleases us more than being able to give our patients the smile they want and deserve.

Let's talk about the advantages of dental implants. If you have lost one or more teeth, you might have begun researching tooth replacement options. Dental implants are gaining in popularity as patients discover the many health and cosmetic benefits of implant dentistry. Choosing an experienced dentist to complete your dental implant treatment is essential for the best results. Our implant dentists in Norfolk, MA all have the training and skills to ensure that your results will last a long time. Our implant dentists will help you find a solution that gives you a confident smile and the ability to eat all the foods you love the most. We invite you to call our dental office at (508) 528-6510 to learn more about implants! Meanwhile, you can peruse the questions we’ve listed below to find answers to some of your inquiries. Replace Missing Teeth with Dental Implants Good Candidates for Dental Implants Near Norfolk Advantages of Dental Implants Procedure for Dental Implants at Norfolk County Dental Care How long does it take for dental implants to heal? Understanding the Cost of Implants Caring For Your Dental Implants Near Norfolk Options for Patients with Low Bone Density Osseointegration for Dental Implants Contact Our Norfolk, MA Dentist Office to Get Started! Replace Missing Teeth with Implants Replacing a missing tooth is about more than just your appearance. When you lose a tooth and don’t replace the gap with a dental prosthetic, you are putting yourself at risk of losing even more teeth. When a tooth is missing, the rest of the teeth in your mouth have a tendency to drift over to fill in the empty space. This changes your bite, and it impacts the way you can chew food. Eventually, you will cause undue wear and stress on your remaining teeth from chewing improperly. This can lead to more tooth loss. Good Candidates for Dental Implants Near Norfolk, MA Dental implants are often considered the most natural tooth replacement option. Nothing beats a dental implant—except your own natural tooth. Patients at our Norfolk, MA dental office who have had dental implants tell us they are thrilled with their results. With dental implants, you can eat all of your favorite foods without restriction. Caring for dental implants is no different from caring for your natural teeth. Advantages of Dental Implants Replacing missing teeth is important to your oral health. When tooth loss occurs, your remaining teeth will often tilt or drift into the gap and cause a negative impact on your bite. Drifting teeth will often have exposed roots, which feel sensitive and are more susceptible to decay. Dental implants hold teeth in place and also prevent bone loss, which occurs when the bone is no longer needed to support the tooth. Other dental implant benefits we share with our Norfolk, MA dental office patients: Appearance and feeling similar to natural teeth Easy home hygiene Don't move or shift Long-term solution No dietary restrictions Extra security for dentures or bridges Procedure for Implants at Norfolk County Dental Care If you are interested in dental implants, contact our Norfolk, MA dental office to schedule a consultation. We will begin with a full evaluation and precise planning so that you get the best results possible. The steps include: Evaluation—Rule out any conditions like gum disease or decay. 3-D cone beam images—Evaluate bone quality and ideal location for your dental implant. Virtual implant placement—Use computer-aided guidance to ensure ideal results. Getting your custom dental implant crown or bridge is the exciting part, and final step of your treatment. Your dental crown or bridge will complete your chewing surface and your smile. Our patients are thrilled with their results. After the dental implants are surgically placed, it takes anywhere from three to four months for the implants to become fully integrated into the bone. Every patient is different, of course, but that is the average time. Smokers or others who suffer from some medical conditions might take a longer time to heal. Understanding the Cost of Implants The cost of dental implants at our Norfolk dental office will vary, depending on your needs as a patient. But it is important to keep in mind that although the up-front investment for dental implants may be higher than dentures or other tooth replacement options, in the long-run, dental implants can save you time and money. Dentures will require adjustments as your jawbone begins to shrink because there are no tooth roots—or dental implants—to stimulate the bone. Dentures will also need repairs and even replacement through the years. Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and no extra maintenance.

General and preventive dentistry refers to the dental care that most families need to stay healthy and comfortable throughout their lifetimes. Unlike specialists, general dentists focus on complete oral health, including prevention, restoration, dental emergencies, and replacing missing teeth. Preventive Dentistry for All Ages Preventive dentistry is the cornerstone of our practice. We believe that stopping dental conditions before they start is the best way to promote a healthy smile. Our dentists in Norfolk use the following services to help you retain and protect your oral health: Nutritional counseling Dental exams Professional dental cleanings Fluoride application Dental sealants Mouthguards and nightguards Dental x-rays We customize treatment plans based on each patient’s needs because everyone is different and your oral health changes throughout your lifetime. We work with children, teens, adults, and seniors to maintain healthy smiles. Restorative Dental Procedures Most people will need to repair a tooth at some point during their lives. Whether it is a filling or crown that is required, you can count on our dentists to make sure you receive the latest that modern dentistry offers. Fillings – repair teeth after a cavity or chip Crowns – cover broken or worn teeth Bridges – replace multiple missing teeth to complete the smile Bonding – reshapes teeth seamlessly Close up of patients smile during dental exam in Norfolk MAYou could say that all of the dentistry we provide is cosmetic since we use beautiful, tooth-colored restorations whenever possible. Dental Emergencies Near Norfolk When you maintain good home hygiene and regular dental exams and cleanings, it is possible to avoid dental emergencies. Sometimes they still happen, and when you find yourself with a toothache or other emergency, we are here for you in Norfolk. Any time you experience pain or swelling, it’s a good idea to contact us right away. That way, we can have you feeling like yourself again quickly while minimizing the amount of time you miss at work or school. Options to Replace Missing Teeth Tooth loss calls both your oral health and your appearance into question. Most patients lose teeth because of neglect or an accident. Sometimes a tooth must be extracted because its condition is to the point where we cannot repair it with a filling, crown, or root canal. Extracting a tooth is the last resort, and we do so comfortably, so you have nothing to worry about. We also offer a variety of tooth-replacement options for patients to choose from: Dental implants Bridges Partial dentures Complete dentures Implant-supported dentures Unless it’s an emergency, we can plan how to replace your tooth before we perform your extraction. You never have to suffer from gaps in your smile. Contact Our Norfolk, MA Dentist Office to Schedule! If you are looking for a team of caring dentists who have your best interest in mind, contact Norfolk County Dental Care at (508) 528-6510 to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning. We welcome children, too!

Dental emergencies can be a stressful experience, but in our dental office, we strive to make emergency dental care as pain-free as possible. Each of our emergency dentists in Norfolk are committed to treating tooth pain fast – usually on the same day. We also make sure you have as many options as possible to eliminate pain and protect your smile. Norfolk's Trusted Emergency Dentists Woman with bad tooth pain from dental emergency near Norfolk MAIf you are unsure whether you have a dental emergency, the best approach is to contact Norfolk County Dental Care at (508) 528-6510 to speak with a member of our knowledgeable staff. When you arrive in our office for your emergency visit, an assistant will take an x-ray of the area to help your emergency dentists make an accurate diagnosis. Many dental conditions are not visible without an x-ray. We always present all treatment options and explain them so you can make the best choice for your oral health. An emergency dental exam helps us relieve your pain and stabilize the area until full treatment can be completed. Sometimes we can accomplish this is a single visit; other times, we will schedule a follow-up appointment. Causes of Bad Tooth Pain Toothaches can happen because of: An acute condition, like an infection A chronic condition, like grinding your teeth An accident or trauma We will perform an emergency evaluation to determine the cause of your pain. One of the most common dental emergencies is an infection in the tooth. Tooth pain does not necessarily mean you need an extraction, however. Often, a root canal can save your tooth. Root canals have an unfair reputation for being painful when in actuality, they feel similar to a filling – only they reduce your pain and set you on the path to healing. We always make sure your tooth is completely numb before we begin. During root canal treatment, we will… Make a small access to the root of the tooth Clean out the infected nerve and tissue Place medication inside the canal to heal the tooth Seal the tooth to keep out food and bacteria Once you have healed and the infection is resolved, we will place a permanent restoration to protect your tooth. When we remove the pulp and nerve, your tooth will become more brittle, and the added protection of a dental crown can add years or even decades to the life of your tooth. Repairing Broken or Chipped Teeth A broken tooth is another common dental emergency. Sometimes a broken tooth occurs because of an accident while other times it is because the structure was already compromised from a teeth grinding habit or previous injury. Either way, repairing the tooth with a filling or dental crown will make it feel comfortable and protect it from food and bacteria. Teeth Extractions In some cases, removing a troubled tooth is the best way to protect your oral health. We offer teeth extractions in Norfolk, MA, and can help you decide which tooth replacement option will work best after your extraction. Give Our Emergency Dentist A Call At (508) 528-6510! If you are experiencing severe tooth pain or symptoms pointing towards a dental emergency, do not wait to seek emergency dental care! Taking action right away can give you more treatment options and make it possible to save your tooth. Contact Norfolk County Dental Care ASAP at (508) 528-6510, and even when it is after hours, one of our dentists will get in touch right away.

Gum disease affects more than half of all American adults, and that number increases with age. If you're looking for gum disease treatment near Norfolk, MA, we welcome your call at (508) 528-6510. For the most part, periodontal disease develops due to poor home care or lack of professional dental cleanings. Other factors also play a role in developing periodontal disease: Medical conditions and diseases Medication and drug use Loss of dexterity needed to clean teeth Dry mouth Smoking or tobacco use Identifying Periodontal Disease When gum disease first develops, it may present few symptoms. Bleeding or redness are often the first signs that your gums have an infection. It is possible to reverse early gum disease (gingivitis) and restore healthy tissue. As gum disease progresses into periodontitis, professional attention can keep the infection under control, but patients will always have the risk of a reoccurrence. Symptoms of Gum Disease Any of the following signs may point to gum disease: Bleeding gums Recession Bad breath Swelling and redness Pain when brushing and flossing Pus at the gumline Bitter taste in the mouth Pocketing between teeth and gums Mobile teeth Advanced periodontal disease can infect the bone that supports teeth. As bone deteriorates, teeth become mobile and can fall out. Periodontal disease is about more than just your teeth and gums, however. It can significantly impact your overall health. Research has linked gum disease to every system in the body, including the heart, kidney, and brain. In pregnant women, periodontal disease can lead to premature births and small birth weight babies. At each checkup, we perform a full periodontal evaluation for our patients by measuring the pocket depths between teeth and gums. Healthy gums are tight against the teeth. Numbers like one, two, or three mean healthy gums with minimal pocketing – anything that is a four or above indicates periodontal disease. Gum disease treatment typically requires a series of dental cleanings designed to remove tartar and bacteria from the gumline and teeth. Our hygienists are gentle yet thorough and also have a wealth of valuable information about products and techniques to use at home when cleaning your teeth. In the event that periodontal surgery is necessary, we use laser gum treatments for more conservative and comfortable treatment. With laser periodontal surgery, patients can enjoy faster healing times and less discomfort. Soft-tissue lasers remove diseased tissue and promote healthy gum regeneration without the cutting and stitches involved with traditional dental surgery. Once the tartar and bacteria are eliminated, your gums will begin to heal. Most patients will need more frequent dental visits to keep the infection under control. This might mean three to four dental appointments per year. We recommend cleanings based on each patient’s needs, and we will be happy to discuss how to best protect your health at our Norfolk office. Contact Our Norfolk Dental Office for Gum Disease Treatment Don’t let dental anxiety keep you from getting the dentistry you need to stay healthy. We offer sedation dentistry options to help our anxious patients relax while we help you achieve a healthy, comfortable smile. Contact Norfolk County Dental Care at (508) 528-6510 today!

According to the American Academy of Oral and Systemic Health, 80% of Americans over the age of 35 have some form of gum disease. Unfortunately for many of these patients, traditional therapies and improved homecare alone have not been enough to resolve this. What else can be done to effectively treat gum disease, then? Introducing the OralDNA High Risk Pathogen Test (you'll hear us refer to it more commonly as a "saliva test"). This simple, yet highly accurate test is one of the newer services we offer as part of our efforts to improve our patients' overall health, not just the health of their mouth. There is a direct connection between oral health and overall health, meaning if the mouth is not healthy, then the body will not be healthy either. Oral bacteria can travel into the bloodstream, potentially putting the whole body at risk. The OralDNA High Risk Pathogen Test analyzes a saliva sample for the top 11 bacterial pathogens that cause patients to be at high-risk for infection, inflammation, and gum disease. These bacteria also put patients at higher risk for serious health problems, such as Alzheimer's Disease, heart attack, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Increased chances of adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth and low birth weight have also been observed in patients with these oral pathogens. We understand that all of that sounds pretty scary. The saliva test is the first step in helping to decrease the harmful bacteria found in the mouth, thus also decreasing the risk of more serious health conditions. Once the results of the saliva test are sent to us, we can get patients started on the best course of treatment possible to help eliminate the bad bacteria while at the same time encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria. The goal is that in treating the pathogens found in the mouth, we also give our patients healthier, longer lives. Currently the OralDNA High Risk Pathogen Test is only available to established patients.

For some patients, fear and discomfort have been serious roadblocks to dental care. Unfortunately, a lack of appropriate dental care (twice-yearly checkups and teeth cleanings can result in severe or intrusive oral health complications, such as: Tooth Decay Oral Infections Gum Disease Chronic Bad Breath Tooth Stains Gum disease is particularly concerning because, left untreated, it can result in tooth loss and even systemic health complications involving the heart and lungs. Newer studies even associate untreated gum disease with Alzheimer's disease risks and autoimmune complications. In our Norfolk, MA, dental office, we aim to make dentistry accessible to as many patients as possible, even those who fear treatment. Using the Solea Laser®, our goal is to bring comfort to dental treatments and ease the anxiety of even the most phobic patients. Laser Dentistry in Norfolk, MA: What Is the Solea Laser? In many cases, the Solea Laser replaces traditional dental tools with advanced technology. Often, dental tools prevent patients from acclimating to the dental setting. Even with a gentle hand, the tools may seem daunting to some. Solea is an advanced, FDA-cleared isotopic CO2 dental laser that works on both teeth and gums. Your Home for Patient-Centered Technology We're pleased to offer a wide range of technologies, including those that contribute to patient comfort and convenience. Below, we share just a few! CEREC Technology CEREC allows us to measure, fabricate, and print your dental crown while you wait. Digital Imaging Digital imaging is safer, more accurate, and more comfortable for anxious patients. 3-D Cone Beam You can relax knowing we're using this technology for implant placement and restorations. Frequently Asked Questions What are the signs of gum disease? More than half of American adults have a form of gum disease, an oral health condition that ranges from inflammation of the gums to advanced periodontitis. Gum disease happens when bacteria combines with food particles to form plaque, a sticky film that hardens into tartar. Tartar is erosive to your enamel and tissue if left untreated. The Symptoms of Gum Disease Sensitive teeth—If you noticed that your teeth are sensitive to temperatures in food and beverages, you might have gum disease. Sensitive teeth during eating can be a result of periodontitis, especially as your enamel starts to weaken Loose teeth—As your gums react to infection, they form pockets around teeth that can quickly collect food particles and bacteria. This often occurs because your body's own immune system tries to attack the bacteria that forms around the soft tissue and jaw bone Chronic bad breath—When bad breath is persistent, even right after you brush your teeth, you may be suffering from a sign of gum disease Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums—Gum disease is often characterized by inflammation of the gums, which make them appear red and swollen. While the swelling may not be painful, it is a clear sign that you should call your dentist in Norfolk, MA Disappearing gums—If your gums appear to have receded, you are noticing a strong indication of periodontitis. When the tissue around the tooth pulls back, it starts to expose the tooth and its root We Can Help You Treat Gum Disease in Norfolk, MA Gum disease can happen to anyone—and we can help you treat it, especially in the early stages. If patients do not recognize the early signs of gum disease, it can start to affect the gum tissue and underlying jaw bone, making it one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. Gum disease treatment in Norfolk, MA starts with routine dental check-ups and exams at Norfolk County Dental Care. Coupled with regular at-home brushing and flossing, patients can help prevent gum disease or reverse early stages of it. Schedule Your Regular Dental Cleaning Today The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) notes that all adults could benefit from an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation. The next best thing is for patients to keep their regular dental cleanings and exam appointments every year.