Uncategorized Archives - Page 9 of 9 - Bagley, Goodwin, & Hrinda Dental Blog

How to Fix Your Missing Teeth

June 17, 2015

feardentist Whether you just lost your tooth, or you have a tooth that hasn’t been replaced after an extended period of time, it is essential for your dental health that you replace missing teeth. At Bagley, Goodwin, & Hirinda we help you find a tooth replacement solution that fits your needs, budget and schedule. Call our friendly staff today to schedule your tooth replacement consultation. Our family-friendly Greenfield, MA dental practice will work with you to quickly replace your missing teeth and restore your beautiful smile.

Why Replace Missing Teeth

Replacing missing teeth is not just about restoring your beautiful, healthy smile. Replacing missing teeth is beneficial to your overall dental health. Spaces left by missing teeth can allow dental drift where your surrounding teeth move to fill the space. Dental drift can completely change your bite, leave gaps in teeth, undo pricey orthodontic straightening, and a misaligned bite puts you at risk for TMJ.

Another effect missing teeth have on oral health is the deterioration of gum tissue and bone density. Without the root to support gum tissue and stimulate the jawbone to maintain density, rapid deterioration can be seen. Depending on age, in just a few months you can see a noticeable change of your facial features due to the change in gum tissue and bone density.

Our Tooth Replacement Options

Whenever possible, we want to preserve your original tooth. This is often difficult due to the extremely time sensitive nature of lost tooth replacement. If you do loose a tooth, clean both the tooth and the socket and try to replace the tooth and hold it in place by biting down on gauze. Always handle a tooth by the crown, and avoid touching the root. If you are unable to replace the tooth, hold the tooth between your cheek and gums or store in a glass of milk until you can get to our office. Call us as soon as possible, so we can prepare to see you immediately. If the tooth can be replaced in about an hour, we are generally able to reattach it with no problem.

If we are unable to replace your natural tooth, there are numerous other tooth replacement options that will look and feel great. Our practice offers dental implants, bridges, partials and dentures to meet any tooth replacement needs.

To maximize gum tissue and jawbone density retention, dental implants are highly effective. The implant is a titanium post set in the gum to replace the root. A crown is anchored to the post to create a permanent replacement tooth that functions just like a natural tooth. Implant technology can also be used on multiple teeth or a full arch. Implant supported dentures are semi-permanent and help many denture wearers regain the ability to eat their favorite crunchy, sticky or chewy food. Additional, because implant supported dentures do not block the pallet, patients are able to taste more flavors in their food.

If implants are not a viable option for you, single tooth and multiple tooth replacement can be done using crowns and bridges. Because you do not have a root or implant to anchor a crown, a bridge connects a crown to the surrounding teeth. This is an effective tooth replacement option that is minimally invasive and can help restore your bite to full strength.

Partial dentures or partials are a good option when you might need multiple crown and bridge treatments. Partials are made up of a set of customized artificial teeth that are attached to a plastic support that is made to resemble your gum line. Like a crown and bridge, partials are anchored to surrounding teeth for stability.

Finally, traditional dentures are made to replace an upper or lower arch or a full-set of teeth. Traditional dentures attach to your gums using adhesive, and provide facial shape and support to those who have lost all of the teeth in one or both arches. This is an effective method of returning a patient’s ability to articulate and thoroughly chew their meals.

Schedule an Examination

If you are missing one or more teeth, don’t waste another minute trying to decide whether you should replace them. Let the professionals at Bagley, Goodwin & Hirinda PC help you find the best tooth replacement treatment for you. Call to schedule a consultation with the knowledgeable dental staff at our Greenfield, MA office. We welcome patients form surrounding areas including Deerfield, Conway, Shelburne Falls, Turners Falls, Northfield, and Amherst.

Enjoy Fantastic Dental Implant Care in Greenfield, MA

May 28, 2015

ThinkstockPhotos-480246305 People lose their teeth for a variety of reasons: injury, trauma, dental caries (tooth decay), and gum (periodontal) disease. Drs. Bagley, Goodwin & Hrinda offer citizens in Greenfield, MA replacement teeth that look gorgeous and function just like healthy, natural teeth. Say goodbye to traditional dentures, partials or bridges to replace teeth and say hello to more contemporary versions of these prosthetics, as well as dental implants.

Replacing Missing Teeth

Common tooth-loss factors:

Tooth decay
Root canal failure
Large cavities
Dental injuries
Gum disease (Periodontitis)
Trauma to the mouth (tooth injury)
Excessive wear and tear
Congenital defects

If it’s the finest services you are looking for, you have come to the right place. Below is a detailed list of the services we offer our patients:

Implants
Bridges
Partials
Dentures

One of our services in particular, dental implants, is one of our most popular. To explain what dental implants are, we will have to dig deeper.

Dental Implants

Advances in dentistry have made replacing teeth easier than ever. Dental implant technology enables us to place a small, titanium wire in the space left by a missing tooth. This post can support a crown, bridge, partial or denture. Healthy teeth adjacent to the space are uninvolved, which is not the case with other prosthetics. Because dental implants feature a crown-and-root structure like natural teeth, they offer patients a prosthetic that feels totally natural.

The benefits to having dental implant dentistry are many including properly aligning your bite, natural-looking teeth, better oral health, bone loss prevention and so much more. Dental implant patients enjoy restored function, which allows a healthy diet of hard-to-chew foods, improved speech and more. Your new smile will boost your confidence, enhance your appearance and improve your quality of life.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Drs. Bagley, Goodwin & Hrinda have been providing dentistry to patients of the Pioneer Valley and Franklin County for over 40 years. Our office is located in Greenfield, MA, and we proudly serve the surrounding communities of Deerfield, Conway, Shelburne Falls, Turners Falls, Northfield, Amherst and beyond.

Porcelain Veneers from your Cosmetic Dentist in Greenfield, MA

April 17, 2015

78294804 When you see your smile in a photograph, are you gazing at the smile you have or the smile you truly want? If you don’t have the smile you want, then there are a number of cosmetic dentistry treatments that can help. One of the most popular is porcelain veneers. These modern dental wonders allow you to conceal the smile you have and create the smile you want. The cosmetic dentists at Bagley, Goodwin & Hrinda have used porcelain veneers to give many people in Greenfield, MA, new smiles and the can give you a beautiful smile, too.

Porcelain veneers can cover a number of smile imperfections including:

Teeth that are chipped or slightly cracked
Stained or discolored teeth that have not responded to teeth whitening
Teeth that have gaps in between them
Somewhat crooked teeth
Misshaped teeth

Although porcelain veneers are certainly cosmetic, they also fall into the category of restorative dentistry, because they help protect the teeth they cover from sustaining any further damage.

The Porcelain Veneer Process

The first step in getting your new smile involves meeting with one of our dentists and determining if there are any oral health concerns that need to be addressed before your veneers are placed. Once cleared, then you and the dentist will discuss the kind of smile you want. We’ll likely need to take x-rays, photos, and impressions of your teeth that will be sent to our cosmetic dental lab to fabricate your custom designed porcelain veneers.

To prepare your teeth for veneers, a minimal amount of enamel will be removed from the facial surface of the teeth in your smile zone. Then, your veneers—which are ultra-thin layers of dental porcelain—are adhesively bonded to your teeth. The dentist carefully trims and sculpts the veneers for a perfect finish. When the procedure is complete, you’ll have a new and photogenic smile.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you’d like to learn more about porcelain veneers, then call the office of Bagley, Goodwin & Hrinda and ask for a consultation. We serve patients in Greenfield, MA, as well as the surrounding areas of Deerfield, Conway, Shelburne Falls, Turner Falls, Northfield, Amherst, and Northampton.

Family Dentistry in Greenfield, MA

March 17, 2015

465162307 When it comes to taking care of your family’s health, you often need to enlist the services of several different physicians. When it comes to dentistry, however, you only need to enlist the services of one family dentist in order to take care of all the dental needs of everyone in your family. At Bagley, Goodwin & Hrinda, we practice family dentistry to protect and enhance the smiles of people in and around Greenfield, MA.

First and foremost, our dentists and the team at Bagley, Goodwin & Hrinda want to help you and each member of your family enjoy the best of oral health; and this is not only for the sake of having healthy teeth and gums, but also for the sake of a healthier you. Studies show that there is a direct link between oral health and overall health. In fact, several bodily ailments ranging from high blood pressure and stroke to osteoporosis and diabetes may be caused by the same bacteria that leads to gum disease.

The Family Dentist Greenfield, MA, Trusts

Therefore, to maintain your good health, we’d like to see you and your family at least twice each year for dental checkups. With this consistency we can keep close tabs on the health of your teeth and gums, and we are more likely to notice any changes that may be cause for concern. At these checkups, we’ll clean your teeth and remove any plaque buildup. We’ll also ascertain the health of your gums and examine your teeth for signs of decay. When necessary, we’ll take digital x-rays to uncover any hidden spots of decay or infection below the gum line.

Call Our Office Today

If you or any member of your family needs to see a family dentist, then schedule an appointment with Bagley, Goodwin & Hrinda. Many families in and around Greenfield, MA, count on us to care for their dental health. We’d be happy to have you join our family of happy patients. We also serve families from Deerfield, Conway, Shelburne Falls, Turner Falls, Northfield, Amherst, and Northampton.

Straighten Your Teeth Quickly with Orthodontics in Greenfield, MA

February 17, 2015

92589293 If you’re all grown up, but still have the same crooked teeth you had when you were younger, don’t despair. You can still straighten your teeth, but you don’t have to contend with metal brackets and wires. The dentists at Bagley, Goodwin & Hrinda in Greenfield, MA, offer two kinds of orthodontics and both are very inconspicuous.

Invisalign®

As the name implies, Invisalign straightens teeth almost invisibly. With clear plastic aligners, Invisalign uses low force to gradually move your teeth into place. When you come to Bagley, Goodwin & Hrinda for Invisalign, we’ll first meet with you to discuss your smile goals and assess your oral health to address any concerns before you begin orthodontic treatment. Then, with digital x-rays, photos and impressions, we’ll develop a treatment plan that will allow you to see how your teeth will move. This same treatment plan is also what the Invisalign lab will use to make your custom designed aligners.

These smooth, clear plastic aligners come as a series of sets. You’ll wear each set for about two weeks and then move on to the next set. As you move through the series, you’ll begin to see your teeth move and your smile change. The entire treatment takes approximately one year.

Six Month Smiles®

Braces with Six Month Smiles are designed to straighten only the teeth that are in your smile zone. Six Month Smiles uses clear brackets and tooth-colored wires to shift your teeth into position. These braces standard orthodontic mechanics, but focus on the appearance of your teeth rather than the position of your bite. As such, with Six Month Smiles your orthodontic treatment will usually be complete in about half a year. Of course, as with any orthodontic treatment, you’ll want to wear a retainer to maintain your straight smile.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you’d like to learn more about orthodontics at Bagley, Goodwin & Hrinda in Greenfield, MA, then call our office today. We also serve patients in Deerfield, Conway, Shelburne Falls, Turner Falls, Northfield, Amherst, and Northampton.

Complete Your Smile with a Crown and Bridge in Greenfield, MA

January 17, 2015

If you are missing even one tooth—to say nothing of several teeth—then you know how difficult chewing, speaking and smiling become. Replacing those teeth, therefore, is more than just a matter of appearance. There are also concerns about nutritional health and self-esteem. Fortunately, Bagley, Goodwin & Hrinda in Greenfield, MA, offer crown and bridge work, an excellent choice for tooth replacement.

Whether fixed or removable, a bridge consists of a pontic, or prosthetic tooth, and the anchors that hold it in place. In the case of a crown and bridge, those anchors are dental crowns (also called abutments) that are placed on the teeth that sit on either side of a missing tooth or teeth. As such, the bridge is a permanent and secure tooth replacement option.

The Crown and Bridge Procedure

Once you and your dentist at Bagley, Goodwin & Hrinda decide that crown and bridge is the best option for you, we’ll take x-rays, impressions and photos of the area where the bridge will be placed in order to design the best fitting bridge for you. Then, the teeth that will support the bridge will be prepared for crowns. Once again, we’ll take an impression of these prepared teeth, so the crowns can be precisely fabricated in a dental lab. While your permanent bridge is made, we’ll give you a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and gums.

Finally, you’ll return to our office for a final visit when your crown and bridge will be cemented into place.

Caring for Your Crown and Bridge

Once your crown and bridge are in place, you will need to brush twice a day as usual and floss with a special bridge floss threader that will allow you to floss around and under the prosthetic tooth. With proper hygiene, your crown and bridge will last for many years.

Call Our Office Today

For more information about crown and bridge, or to schedule an appointment, call the office of Bagley, Goodwin & Hrinda. We serve patients in Greenfield, MA, as well as the surrounding areas of Deerfield, Conway, Shelburne Falls, Turner Falls, Northfield, Amherst, and Northampton.

Give Your Gums Star Treatment with Periodontal Disease Therapy

May 19, 2014

People often forget that to have a healthy result, one must have a healthy foundation. Many people believe that as long as your teeth are straight and white, they are healthy. Unfortunately, not much attention is paid to the gums, which are the most crucial contributors to a healthy smile. Gum (periodontal) disease is when your gums are under attack, and it can result in unhealthy teeth. Our experienced doctors are dedicated to making sure your gums are as healthy as they can be, which is why they offer periodontal therapy to their patients.

Periodontal disease affects over 80% of the population, which makes it one of the more common diseases out there. One point that may be shocking is the fact that many people may not even be aware that they are suffering from periodontal disease, leaving their mouths to ongoing infection and deterioration. Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease are swollen gums, gums that bleed when you brush or floss, tenderness, and loose teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to an increased risk in heart disease, stroke, dementia, and much, much more.

When you come in for your appointment, we will tackle your periodontal disease with scaling and root planing. These procedures allow us to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. This way, we are able to remove all of the harmful bacteria in areas that your toothbrush and flossing cannot reach, giving you a clear mouth! We will also be able to smooth the root surfaces, making it more difficult for tartar to build. We will give you antibiotics for your gum disease, helping your mouth heal, then close the appointment with instructions on how to better take care of your gums. If you’re interested in how our doctors are able to help you with your periodontal disease, make an appointment at our office, and we’d be more than happy to help.

Do you want to find out how the doctors at Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda can help you? Call us today for an appointment at our Greenfield office. Our team will be happy to assess your needs and recommend a specific plan. If you have any questions afterwards, do not hesitate to ask. We offer care to patients from Greenfield, Deerfield, Conway, Shelburne Falls, Turner Falls, Northfield, Amherst, Northampton, and beyond.

Designing Quality Crowns with iTero

February 12, 2014

Do you have a tooth that’s cracked, chipped, or badly decayed? At Bagley Goodwin & Hrinda, we can help you protect a vulnerable tooth with a custom-made crown designed using iTero.

In the past, designing a crown meant taking an impression with putty. But now, taking an impression is much simpler. Using the iTero wand, our Greenfield dental team can capture a startlingly clear image of your tooth in a matter of seconds. What’s more, the image produced by iTero’s wand is far more detailed and accurate, ensuring that the finished crown you end up with is a better match for your smile.

How does a crown help your smile? A tooth that’s badly decayed or damaged could develop an infection if it’s not treated. Crowns cover vulnerable teeth to protect them. They can also restore your smile’s appearance and functionality.

Not every crown is the same, though. Some are made of porcelain and others from zirconia, precious metal, gold, or porcelain fused to metal. Which type of crown is right for you? That’s a question we can help you answer during a consultation at our Greenfield. During your appointment, your dentist will look at your tooth and decide exactly what you need.

Do you think you might need a crown? Call Bagley Goodwin & Hrinda today for an appointment. We’re using iTero to design quality crowns for patients from Greenfield, Conway, Shelburne Falls, Turners Falls, Northfield, Amherst, Northampton, and beyond.

Greenfield Dentists Share the Dental Benefits of Pumpkins

November 27, 2012

The last three months of the year are prime pumpkin season. From Halloween jack-o-lanterns to pumpkin pies at Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is easy to enjoy all the tasty goodness the large orange staple provides. The even better news is that pumpkins are extraordinarily healthy, as well. Your Greenfield dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda, want to remind everyone of the dental and other health benefits that eating pumpkin can bring.

Zinc For Your Teeth

Both pumpkins and their seeds are high in zinc. Among the health benefits that zinc provides is strong teeth. A lack of zinc in the diet can lead to a wide range of serious health issues, including poor oral and dental health. Other problems associated with zinc deficiency include weakened bones, a loss of hair, and anemia. Consuming pumpkins and other sources of zinc will help teeth stay strong for many years to come. (more…)