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Care Accessories to Enhance Your Smile | Tyngsboro Dentist

In the ever-evolving technological age, there are a number of ways you can enhance the hygiene and aesthetic of your smile. There are also a number of gadgets on the market specifically designed to fill whatever gaps you feel are present as you strive to enhance your smile. These means essentially fall into two categories; hygienic and aesthetic. Of course, a well-rounded oral care routine is the first step towards attaining the smile you want, but if your hygiene is quite good, and you still aren’t seeing the results you want, aesthetic additions may do the trick.

Here are a few ways you can upgrade your existing tools or add to your care collection:

Hygienic

Electric Toothbrushes: Do you even complete your two-minute scrub and think “my teeth don’t feel very clean”? It may be because the traditional toothbrush just isn’t cutting it anymore. Electric toothbrushes have gained popularity because they are designed to provide brush strokes that work to give you a better clean in the same amount of time. It can go a long way to providing the basic care your teeth need.

Flossers: There are so many ways to floss available for your choosing. Traditional waxed or unwaxed threads are no longer the only options. Water flossers and plush threads are great alternatives (if not better alternatives) to the floss we commonly associate with.

Tongue Scraper: While there is no definitive rule that these need to be employed in your care routine, the benefit of incorporating one is the added removal of potentially harmful bacteria. Tongue scraping removes the same bacteria that feed on the sugars left between the teeth after a meal from the surface of the tongue, improving overall hygiene.

Aesthetic

At-Home Aligners: At-home aligners are an easy, effective means of straightening out your teeth for an enhanced aesthetic. While they aren’t meant for everyone, and you should speak with your dentist prior to incorporating at-home aligners into your oral care practices, they can gently move your teeth into their proper position and enhance your smile.

Whitening Trays: These work similarly to the teeth aligners mentioned above. Instead of working to straighten your teeth, however, you simply mold the trey to your teeth, brush on the included whitening solution to the inside of the tray and allow it to rest on your teeth for the prescribed amount of time. Kits are easily accessible and when done properly can make your smile up to a few shades whiter.

UV Light: This is another means of enhancing the color and brightness of your teeth. Typically, when you employ a UV light, you first brush on the whitening solution and allow the light to rest on that set of teeth for a number of minutes. The solution and light combination works to enhance your smile and can potentially do so up to a few shades whiter.

To learn more about our practice or view the beautiful smiles Dr. Yankowskas has created, visit us online at www.tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly serves patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Dental Specialists and You | Tyngsboro Dentist

Dentistry, like many healthcare fields, allows practitioners to specialize in a given aspect of their craft. It is important to understand these differences, and to seek the appropriate care for any concerns you may have regarding your oral health.

It’s important to recognize these differences, and seek our directories that bridge the gap between dental specialists and you.

Endodontists diagnose, treat and prevent infections and injuries to the pulp or nerves of teeth. You may seek the opinion of an endodontist if you experience acute pain in your tooth, injure a tooth or notice swelling around the teeth and gums. They perform root canals, treat traumatic dental injuries and apply dental implants.

Orthodontics. An orthodontist specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and correction of misaligned bites, and the neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of orofacial structures. You may visit an orthodontist to evaluate jaw alignment, straighten teeth, close gaps or improve speech. If you are referred to an orthodontist by your dentist, it is important to make a visit to better understand how you may improve your oral alignment as misalignment can lead to serious health concerns later on.

Periodontists are experts on gum health. Your dentist will recommend a periodontist if you show signs of gingivitis (gum disease), have a complex case of gingivitis or are at risk of tooth loss. Periodontists will aid in the prevention of gum disease, and support your natural or manmade teeth as they monitor your soft oral tissues.

Prosthodontist. A Prosthodontist repairs deficient teeth and replaces missing ones. As their name suggests, they work with prosthetics and custom fit dentures and crowns as permanent replacements for missing teeth. 

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Oral surgeons treat diseases, injuries and defects of hard and soft oral tissues. They may work with patients whose cases require work on the jaw, face, and mouth with issues ranging from misalignment to tumors and cysts within this region.

To learn more about the services Dr. Yankowskas provides, or schedule an appointment today, visit us online at www.tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly serves patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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The Positive Effects of Smiling | Tyngsboro Dentist

There is no official evidence supporting the adage “it takes more muscles to frown than to smile” but there is evidence to support the positive effects of a smile. Everything in the human body is connected, and smiles have real-life implications for our physical and mental health. Friends may even encourage one another to smile during difficult times; that is because even a fake smile produces real endorphins. Here are some positive effects of smiling.

Smiling and Our Health. When we smile, our brains release neuropeptides and neurotransmitters that alleviate the stressors of our day. The most common hormones associated with these results are dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Dopamine and serotonin are “happy hormones”, acting as antidepressants. Endorphins offer mild pain relief; together, they have been shown to reduce stress and our heart rate. A smile a day can go a long way to making us feel better and look out onto the world with a positive attitude.

Smiling and Our Relationships. People who smile more often are seen as being more approachable, likable, creative, and productive. Smiling can also have a “ripple effect” as one person’s expression of joy can cause an onlooker to also feel joy and smile too. The next time you are out with friends, or a loved one could use a pick-me-up, remind them of their positive attributes and share a smile with them!

It is important to note that there are individuals who experience smile anxiety and may hesitate to share in this exchange. Smile anxiety occurs when an individual becomes reluctant to smile in public because he or she dislikes, or is embarrassed by, the aesthetic appeal of their smile. There are many factors that may cause someone to feel this way including trauma, decay or the way in which their adult set has grown in.

Its important to retain gentle kindness if you know a loved one struggles with the appearance of their smile, though there are several means of restoration your dentist may accommodate.

To learn more about oral care practices, or to schedule an appointment today, visit us online at www.tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly serves patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Dental Anxiety and IV Sedation | Tyngsboro Dentist

Dental anxiety is common among kids and adults alike. Whether someone has had a bad experience at the dentist or not, it’s good to understand dental anxiety and to learn if IV Sedation may be right for you.

When dentists perform restorative procedures, there are typically a variety of sedation options available to the individual. The two main ones being nitrous oxide or intravenous (IV) sedation. The inhalation of nitrous allows a patient to relax, but IV sedation can guide the patient into a deeper relaxation and in some cases, lull them to sleep.

The following are benefits to utilizing IV sedation for sleep dentistry.

  • Administration of the drug is tailored to the patient’s needs
  • The results of IV sedation are reliable and the most effective means of sedation
  • If you are particularly sensitive to your gag reflex, IV sedation will relax the reaction, but your dentist may recommend nitrous oxide
  • In contrast to general anesthesia, IV sedation is safer and allows you to retain consciousness.
  • Due to the amount of control your practitioner has with the dosage of IV administered, your recovery time is shorter than with oral sedation.

If you do enter into a restorative process, and feel you may have dental anxiety, discuss your concerns with your dentist to see if IV sedation may be right for you.

To learn more about sedation or to schedule an appointment today, visit us online at www.tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly serves patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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A Guide to Wisdom Tooth Removal | Tyngsboro Dentist

Wisdom teeth can crowd valuable gum space and can cause third molars to grow improperly and teeth to overlap one another; for individuals with small mouths and jaws, this is especially detrimental. Wisdom tooth removal is a very common procedure performed on a majority of young adults, and is nothing to be afraid of.

Not everyone gets wisdom teeth, but if your wisdom teeth do grow in, this is the basic process you can expect to go through:

Consultation. If you are feeling the growing pains of new teeth coming in at the back of your jaw, it may be a sign your wisdom teeth are coming in. It is common for this set of teeth to erupt in young adults between one’s late teenage years to their early twenties.

Removal. The removal process will look a little different for everyone depending on the circumstances of tooth positioning, jaw size and angle at which wisdom teeth come in. For some, this set of molars does not impact their jaw or existing teeth and they can safely retain them. Most people however do require removal and have two options:

         IV Sedation. For those with dental anxiety or who are generally concerned about their procedure, IV sedation is a great option. Upon arrival, you are allowed a few minutes to breathe and relax as an IV drip slowly puts you to sleep. When the procedure is over, you will wake up and may experience a somewhat dazed feeling until the solution fades.

         Nitrous Oxide. Commonly known as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide allows one to remain awake during the procedure and is administered as a means of relaxing an individual into their procedure. It’s important to note that nitrous oxide does not work for everyone and that increased amounts do not necessarily mean a more effective result.

Recovery. Initial recovery from the effects of sedation or nitrous oxide after surgery typically only lasts a few hours. Healing time for the gums can take up to two weeks and the reintroduction of certain foods follow this period so as not to further disturb your gums. Your dentist will speak with you about proper cleaning methods for the gums to ensure a safe and effective healing process.

Wisdom tooth removal can be viewed as either a rite of passage into adulthood or terrifying for someone to go through. Either way, the removal of our wisdom teeth for those who attain them is important.

To learn more about wisdom teeth removal, or to schedule an appointment today, visit us online at www.tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly serves patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Veneers vs. Straightening: Which to Choose? | Tyngsboro Dentist

Having the best smile we possibly can is one of the main focuses we have when going to the dentist. Sure, our dental health is important, but people see our smile – we need a nice one. Thankfully, there are loads of dental procedures available to improve your smile, and each has a focus, so the procedure chosen is on a case-by-case basis. Together, you and your dental professional will discuss a treatment plan based on your wishes and your mouth’s health. Yes, your dental efforts every day will dictate what types of procedures you are a good candidate for.

When it comes to straightening, many patients have asked about the benefits of veneers when compared to Invisalign. Both will straighten your smile, but they are very different procedures. While veneers are certainly an option for improving your smile, they only cover up certain dental imperfections, rather than correct them.  This means that some existing periodontal problems could still remain.

Applied to the front side of the teeth only, veneers also require the removal of the surface enamel of each tooth – an irreversible procedure.  Often considered a quick fix, veneers typically need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years – this can become very expensive in the long run.  Coffee, tea and red wine need to be avoided to prevent discoloration, and care must be taken to prevent chipping or breaking the veneer. So, while the surface look of the teeth may improve with veneers, the underlying tooth and gum problems could still exist.

Of course, there’s always the option of not seeking treatment at all.  Ultimately, the choice is yours, but do keep in mind that, if left untreated, many orthodontic issues can often lead to more serious dental and health issues.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Galileo Can Keep Your Smile Healthy | Tyngsboro Dentist

Now, it is obvious that Galileo won’t exactly be at your dental appointment. In fact, his scientific works have little to do with your dental health. With new technology being introduced every day, the field of dental medicine isn’t one to be exempted from the many benefits brought about by new machines. 3D dental imaging, such as the Galileo 3D CT scan, present a clear set of advantages for both dental practitioners and patients alike in improving the overall clinical experience.

3D scans, in a way, provide a live feed of a patient’s dental anatomy from various angles. The various perspectives allow for a better view of the structure of the bones, making it easier to locate root fractures and canals. Even more importantly, 3D scans provide dentists the ability to gain more accurate measurement of their patient’s dental structure. These scans can be used in both diagnosis and treatment planning to increase its possibility of success and allows dental practitioners to be more confident in preparing for various dental procedures, such as extractions, root canals, implants and so on.

The use of 3D dental scans also creates a more engaging environment where dental practitioners and professionals can assess their patient’s dental health, while at the same time the patient can also ask questions about what they see on the screen. This allows for constant communication between patient and doctor, allowing for a more comfortable dental visit for the patient, which may help put them at ease, especially those who suffer from dental anxiety.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro, Lowell, Nashua, Dracut, Chelmsford, Dunstable and all surrounding areas.

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What to Avoid on Halloween | Tyngsboro Dentist

Next time you go fishing for candy in that plastic pumpkin, let us offer a few suggestions for the ‘better’ choice in a sugar snack.

Candy corn. Even though candy corn is a Halloween candy trademark, it is one of the worst Halloween candies for your teeth. Candy corn has lasting negative effects on your teeth because it has a high amount of sugar, which can lead to tooth decay.

Caramel apples. Caramel apples are also a huge symbol of Halloween. However, as good tasting as they are, they are extremely bad for your teeth. Not only do they have a caramel coating that can get stuck in your teeth, but they also have a high amount of sugar that can cause tooth decay.

Chewy candy. Starburst and gummy bears are great for a fruity treat, but are some of the worst candies for your teeth because it gets stuck in the crevices of your teeth, unable to be removed by your toothbrush alone. This can lead to tooth decay.

Chocolate. Candy bars are one of the most popular items, but chocolates filled with caramel, cream, or coconut are bad for your teeth. They stick to your teeth like chewy candy, allowing bacteria to feed on it and cause tooth decay.

When brushing your teeth after eating sugar isn’t an option, rinsing your mouth out with water is a good secondary option. Keep those teeth clean, no one wants to hear the word ‘cavity’ on your next visit!

Call Tyngsboro Dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

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Tyngsboro Dentist | Oral Cancer Month – How to Prevent Oral Cancer

oral cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 48,330 were diagnosed with either oral cavity cancer, otherwise known as just oral cancer, or oropharyngeal cancer. Additionally, around 9,570 died of the said cancers. Mind you, these estimates were from 2016, and the estimated number of deaths and new cases has been projected to only grow in 2017.

Fortunately, oral cancer can be prevented, and treatable, especially if caught very early on, which usually happens during a routine dental checkup at the dentist’s office.

Early Warning Signals, Signs and Symptoms

Mouth cancer can occur on the lips, tongue, throat and even the salivary glands, pharynx, larynx and sinuses. Because early detection is key to the successful treatment of oral cancer, it’s important that you take note of the following symptoms and visit your doctor or dentist immediately if they persist for at least two weeks:

  • Sores, swellings, lumps, or thick patches found anywhere inside or around your mouth and/or throat
  • Clusters of red or white lesions in and/or around your mouth or lips
  • Uncomfortable feeling in your throat, as if there’s a lump or object stuck inside
  • Swellings that make wearing dentures uncomfortable and/or painful
  • Feeling of numbness, tenderness, or pain anywhere in your mouth or your tongue
  • Pain in any one of your ears, but your hearing is unaffected
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or anything that involves moving your jaws or tongue
  • Sudden loose teeth with no apparent cause
  • Hoarseness or a sore throat that lasts for more than a week

Why Frequent Dental Checkups Are Important

According to the American Dental Association or ADA, in addition to checking your teeth and gums for oral disease, your dentist will also check your lips and face for any signs of oral cancer during a routine oral check-up. If the dentist deems it necessary, he or she may palpate your neck and jaw areas, as well as examine your tongue more closely. These dental checkups / oral cancer screenings should be done every six months to increase the chances of oral cancer being caught early on.

If the dentist finds any reason to suspect oral cancer, he or she will recommend a biopsy of the affected area. If the diagnosis is positive, surgery is usually recommended, followed by radiation and/or chemotherapy treatment.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

While oral cancer survival rates hover around the high 80s (90% in the UK) if detected early enough, prevention is and will always be better than cure.

Practicing good oral hygiene at home to prevent tooth decay and gum disease can help lower your risk for gum disease. Making certain lifestyle choices and changes, such as limiting alcohol consumption, abstaining from smoking, eating right, and limiting your exposure to the sun, just to name a few, has the same effect.

Of course, it will help for you to take note of any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above. Knowing where to look and what to look for increases the chances of identifying oral cancer early on and having it treated before it becomes a life-threatening condition.

Call Dr. Yankowskas today for an appointment to have an oral cancer screening at 978-649-7773. Visit the website to learn more about the practice at www.tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

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What Are Porcelain Veneers?

While most people would love to show off their smiles, the truth is, not everyone is blessed with beautiful and healthy pearly whites. More often than not, people are embarrassed of their smiles, either because they have crooked, chipped or discolored teeth.

The good news is that there are plenty of treatment options available today to help treat all sorts of dental problems, with one of the most popular being porcelain dental veneers.

Why Are They So Popular?

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry describes porcelain veneers as a “thin piece of porcelain used to re-create the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel.”

Porcelain veneers are custom-made according to the specifications of an individual’s teeth and are bonded using a special kind of cement to the tooth’s original enamel. They can be used to treat a variety of dental problems, such as close gaps and small misalignments. In addition to that, porcelain veneers are also an effective cosmetic solution and can be used to make teeth brighter, straighten smiles, and fix fractures, discoloration as well as chips.

Why Porcelain?

While Lumineers and composite resin are other materials used for veneers, dental professionals prefer porcelain veneers and can last for as long as 10 to 20 years.

Placing porcelain veneers is fairly simple and usually take only two appointments. But, if it’s already been prefabricated, it will only take one appointment.

The typical process involves the following:

Note: Depending on the patient’s sensitivity, the dentist may opt to use local anesthesia. But, it’s rarely necessary.

  1. The dentist will clean the tooth and determine the correct shade for the veneer. The dentist then removes a very small amount of the enamel of the tooth to make space for the veneer.
  1. An impression of the tooth is then taken and sent to a laboratory. Meanwhile, a temporary veneer is placed on the tooth.
  1. After the laboratory has finished making the porcelain veneer, the dentist removes the temporary veneer and cleans the tooth in preparation for the permanent one. Afterwards, the adhesive is then placed.
  1. To ensure proper attachment to the tooth structure, the veneer is light cured for 60 seconds.
  1. The dentist then removes any excess material and polishes the margins for a more presentable look.

Taking Care Of Veneers

Once you’ve had porcelain veneers placed, you don’t really need to make any changes to your usual brushing and flossing routine. Although, dentists will usually recommend that you avoid using non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste, and limit consumption of coffee and other stain-inducing foods and beverages.

It’s also important to keep in mind that while they’re made to last, veneers will eventually need to be replaced, regardless of how well you take care of them. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should neglect your oral health, because proper oral hygiene is still the best way to make them last as long as possible.

If you’re interested in getting veneers, call Tyngsboro Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. James Yankowskas at 978-649-7773. Or visit his website at https://tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com/.