Like anything, however, too much of a good thing can become not such a good thing. Many physicians recommend taking 3,000 milligrams of fish oil a day. That’s typically a capsule of 1,000 milligrams taken with each meal. If you take more than that, please alert us.

Fish oil has a similar effect to that of aspirin, which can cause prolonged bleeding. When you exceed the recommended 3,000 milligrams, excessive bleeding during some dental procedures can result. For those who already take anticoagulants (such as Coumadin), combining fish oil increases the risk for excessive bleeding even more.

Like any medication or over-the-counter supplement (including herbal types), please update us on those you take at every visit. It is our goal to support your overall health so your oral health enhances your well-being and treatment is always a pleasant experience!

The implanted portion is made from a biologically-compatible material called Titanium. This means that the body does not reject it once it is placed in the bone. It is also designed to last your lifetime.

In the placement procedure, a small incision is made in the gum tissue that covers the jaw bone where the implant will be placed. Then, a slot is drilled into the bone and the implant is positioned to a precise depth and angle. Once in place, the gum tissue is closed back over the area. During this procedure, you are appropriately sedated and numbing medications are applied to ensure your comfort throughout.

For several months, a process called ‘osseo-integration’ occurs, which means the bone is growing around the implant to secure it in place. During this period, you can wear your denture or partial comfortably. Osseo-integration gives the implant the same foundation of the jaw bone as your natural teeth once had. This is why an implant is often described as a ‘tooth root replacement.’

In the restoration process, a small amount of gum tissue is opened to expose the implant. Into its center, a post is secured. This is the part that will hold your replacement teeth. A replacement tooth (or bridge of several teeth) is then attached to the post. In many cases, several implants that are strategically placed can hold a full arch of teeth.

Implants give replacement teeth the sturdy foundation of the jaw bone, restoring biting and chewing stability. Because dentures typically rely on adhesives and pastes to ‘stick’ them to the gum ridge, they can move when biting or chewing many foods that are healthy and fibrous.

It’s not surprising that denture wearers have more gastrointestinal problems and take more medications than those who have their natural teeth. Dental Implants restore the function of natural teeth and allow you to make healthy choices, not just those that your denture can tolerate.

When it comes to what occurs beneath the gums, what you CANNOT see is the most important part! Our commitment to proper placement and a comfortable experience sets the stage for a successful outcome. If you’re ready to eat foods you love without discomfort from slips or rubbing, arrange a private, no-cost consultation by calling 1-855-9-Smiles.

• Munching on apples, carrots or celery can help remove stain from tooth surfaces. To deter stains in the first place, add broccoli, spinach and lettuce to meals. These green veggies actually form a film on teeth that prevents stains.

• If you enjoy dates and raisins, add those to cereals and salads or just eat as a smile-healthy snack. Raisins have phyto-chemicals, which inhibit bacterial growth in the mouth. Raisins also contain a compound that prevents bacteria from sticking to teeth. And, those delicious dates contain fluorine, which is like nature’s fluoride. This compound has been found to actually help reverse tooth decay in early stages.

• Yogurt contains a beneficial bacteria that can help to prevent harmful bacteria from building up. Eating plain yogurt twice a day decreases hydrogen sulfide in the mouth, which helps with fresh breath.

• Green tea seems to prevent cavity-causing plaque through compounds they contain and can help reduce gum inflammation as well. A study has shown that those who drink green tea on a regular basis have better gum health and their gums tend to bleed less in treatment.

• Another tooth-friendly drink is cranberry juice, which has compounds that keep bacteria off tooth surfaces. Be sure to select a red variety with no added sugar.

We want your oral health to stay in good shape between regular check-ups and cleanings. Being conscious of foods that are beneficial to your oral health may help you avoid problems rather than need to repair them.

There are good reasons to use a mouthguard, especially when contact sports are involved.

Because mouthguards separate soft tissues in the mouth from the teeth, they prevent cuts and bruising of the lips and cheeks. They also help to prevent the trauma and costly repair to broken or knocked out teeth. Plus, mouthguards can reduce the severity and incidence of concussions.

However, many people are unaware that, in some sport mishaps, the lower jaw can be jammed into the upper jaw, leading to jaw fractures, cerebral hemorrhage and neck injuries. Mouthguards help to prevent or greatly decrease the severity of these dangers.

We create custom-made mouthguards that provide the greatest protection, fit and comfort. Unlike drug store ‘boil-&-bite’ types, a custom fit doesn’t move around. Typically, the more comfortable the fit, the more willing an individual is to wear it.

Enjoy your summer and play til your heart’s content! With a custom-made mouthguard, you can play with more confidence and comfort. For more about the process for a custom-fitted mouthguard and cost, call us at (586) 739-2155.

Yet, for those who are unable to achieve this goal, the most common obstacle is affordability. Some treatments can be rather costly and strain budgets that have not planned for such expense. This is why we offer several payment options, including CareCredit and Springstone, in addition to accepting major credit cards.

CareCredit and Springstone require no down payments and break your treatment fee down into monthly payments that are practical for your budget. The application process is private and can be completed online, or you can call our office for assistance at (586) 739-2155.

A flattering smile is an investment in your self-esteem, self-confidence, appearance and sense of overall well-being. These payment options provide methods to achieve the smile you desire NOW while making easy payments. Let us know if you have questions!

Crowded, crooked teeth not only detract from the appearance of your smile, they tend to trap food particles. This becomes a haven for bacteria, which forms a sticky film that eventually hardens into plaque. Plaque destroys tooth enamel and causes cavities.

Misaligned teeth also contribute to an improper bite. This can lead to problems with the TMJ, or temporo-mandibular joint. This is your jaw joint, which is on each side of your head just under your ears. It is the joint that connects the lower jaw to your skull. When your bite is misaligned, the result can be frequent headaches, migraines, facial pain, pain when chewing, ringing in the ears and pain in the neck and shoulder muscles.

To correct bite misalignment and straighten teeth, we offer Invisalign, which is a clear mold that moves teeth at a pace faster than traditional braces. Or, if you prefer, we can place porcelain veneers or crowns for an overall smile makeover.

In our office, whatever treatment option you choose, proper alignment is an important part of your overall result. We want your smile to look great, feel great and function fabulously!

When first speaking to a person with dental fear, we can ‘feel’ the trauma they’ve experienced. We’ve heard dreadful stories, many of childhood experiences in the dental chair when they weren’t numb but were held down while treatment was performed. No wonder these people have dental fears! They aren’t cowards, they have endured a traumatic event in their lives that’s created an emotional and uncontrollable reaction as a result. A coward is someone who ‘chooses’ to flee or avoid something. There’s a big difference!

If you or someone you know has been dealing with issues of dental fear, here’s how we begin. We offer a free consultation where we sit in comfy arm chairs in our consultation room. This is not in the treatment area! We’ll talk and I’ll explain our comfort options. One of these is Oral Sedation, which is conscious sedation that gives total relaxation during treatment. Then, you decide how to proceed. You may want just an exam, or you may want to just think about things. We move at the pace that is comfortable for you. You are in control.

Here, all of our patients are respected and appreciated. For those with fear issues, please know that your concerns will be treated respectfully.

Your mouth is warm and moist, a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The crevices of teeth and grooves of the tongue are havens for bacteria to grow and thrive. When you eat, food that is not removed from the mouth feed this bacteria. They reproduce and as they multiply, they deposit waste in your mouth. That’s right – bacteria are living, breathing creatures that are eating and pooping in your mouth! The more that develop, the more you have creating waste!

As the bacteria multiply, a sticky film forms. If not removed, it hardens into plaque. Plaque is impossible to brush away. It cements itself to teeth, constantly eating away at teeth and gum tissues as it reproduces and excretes waste.

If you could look under a microscope at these horrible creatures, you’d certainly want to rid them from your mouth! This makes us perplexed when a patient says they don’t want to floss. We want your hygiene visits to give you a clean mouth and help you understand how to maintain a healthy mouth in-between dental check-ups. First, you must be committed to a daily regimen of oral hygiene. If you want a clean mouth, spend 3 minutes a day flossing your teeth. Not only will your breath be fresher, you’ll avoid more risk of decay, your hygiene visits will be more comfortable and those disgusting creatures won’t be running rampant in YOUR mouth!

While we are all for a more natural approach to treating one’s ailments versus a more-medicated approach, it is important that we are made aware of ALL medications you take, including herbal supplements. Some herbal supplements can interfere with the absorption of medications prescribed before or after treatment. Others can cause blood thinning, which increases bleeding during some dental procedures.

For example, Melatonin, commonly used for insomnia, can increase bleeding if you also take a blood thinner medication. Garlic supplements also act as a blood thinner, increasing your risk of excessive bleeding.

At each appointment, please make us aware of ALL your medications. We want to structure your care so your overall health is protected as we strive to keep your oral health at its best!

• A bright smile sends a message to others about your health standards.

• White teeth can reveal you as a positive, confident individual.

• A white, bright smile tends to give a more-youthful appearance.

• Plus, a white smile creates a ‘best impression’ when meeting others.

If your smile has become brown or yellow due to smoking or from drinking beverages that stain such as coffee, tea and red wine, we offer a quick way to regain a brighter, whiter smile! Zoom II is an in-office whitening treatment that gives a dramatically whiter smile in a little more than an hour. Plus, Zoom II has addressed sensitivity in its unique formula.

Zoom II gives a long-lasting whitening and gives a much deeper level of ‘white’ versus over-the-counter systems.

If you’re ready to enjoy this Summer with a more appealing smile, call (586) 739-2155 for more information.