We Heart Our Hygienists!

We Heart Our Hygienists!

It’s National Dental Hygiene Month!

Get out your toothbrush and floss..it’s National Dental Hygiene Month! This month-long campaign is focused on raising public awareness about oral health and hygiene as well as a reminder to practice daily habits that promote healthy teeth and gums. At FDA, we have an amazing team of hygienists who are wonderful ambassadors of excellent oral health care: Alex, Diann, Erin, Jean, Kelly and Lydianne. They are always putting their patients’ comfort first and they love educating others about setting up a personalized and effective oral health routine. We heart our hygienists!! In honor of our rock star hygienists and National Dental Hygiene Month, here are our top three – hygienist-approved – tips for daily oral health care!

Brush!

It’s not rocket science, just good old-fashioned oral hygiene. Get yourself an ADA-approved toothbrush with soft bristles and treat your teeth and gums to a gentle massage twice a day for two minutes. Bonus points if you upgrade to an electric toothbrush – they are more effective at removing plaque. Think of your daily brushing routine as an important part of your self-care routine. If you’d like a demonstration of the best way to brush, ask your hygienist at your next appointment. They are experts!

Floss!

We know this can be a tough one to incorporate into your daily routine, but flossing once a day is a crucial component of oral health. Flossing gets into all the nooks and crannies where the brush doesn’t reach and cavity-causing bacteria can hide. If you find flossing difficult, try a water flosser or use a product like ‘Go-Betweens’ or ‘Plackers.’ Find an option that works for you and stick with it! Your gums and teeth will be grateful!

Eat well!

Oral health and hygiene are one part of a self-care routine for your overall wellness. Eating a healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals is not only good for your body, but it’s good for your teeth and gums, too! There are lots of ways to pack your plate with mouth-friendly food: load up on crunchy veggies and leafy greens, grab a hunk of cheese for extra calcium, sip on green tea for extra antioxidants. Need more ideas? Chat with Alex, Diann, Erin, Jean, Kelly, or Lydianne at your next appointment…think of them as your partners in oral health and hygiene!

While good oral hygiene is important every month, we hope you help us spread the word about the easy ways you can incorporate mouth-friendly daily habits into your self-care routine this October. Also – give some gratitude to your hygienist at your next appointment. They are truly compassionate professionals and work hard every day to make sure our family of patients feel cared for and comfortable. If you have questions or want to go over your healthcare routine, give us a call: 207.781.5900. We are here to be your partner in excellent oral health care!

Wiggly-Tooth Tips for Back-to-School!

Wiggly-Tooth Tips for Back-to-School!

At Falmouth Dental Arts, we believe that good oral health habits start early. We love helping children learn to take care of their teeth and it’s always an exciting time when a little one has his or her first loose tooth! Your child may have questions about having a wiggly tooth and may be wondering what to do if he or she loses it at school. Here are six tips that will make having a loose tooth a fun and stress-free experience!

 

1)    Be Prepared

Most children have their first loose tooth between the ages of 6-7, although some may lose a tooth earlier and some later. It is very likely that once your child reaches kindergarten age, he or she will find themselves heading to school with a loose tooth. Prepare your child for this possibility by telling them that it’s okay – this is a completely normal and exciting milestone! This handy tooth chart, created by the American Dental Association, will help give you (and your child) an idea of what to expect and when! 

 

2)    Tell Your Child’s School 

It’s a good idea to let your child’s teacher know if your child has an extremely wiggly tooth, especially if he or she is feeling nervous about it. Elementary-level teachers have lots of experience with their students losing teeth at school and can refer your child to the nurse to rinse their mouth or get cleaned up if the tooth does come out. Let your child know he or she can bring the tooth home in a plastic baggie or wrapped in a tissue to put under their pillow for the Tooth Fairy’s visit later on. 

  

3)     To Pull or Not to Pull – Let Your Child Take the Lead

 You may be wondering if you should pull out your child’s loose tooth at home or let it fall out on its own. The answer is…let your child decide! If the tooth is really wiggly or is causing them discomfort, your child may just want to get it over with and ask for your help. If they do, place a tissue over the tooth and gently squeeze. If it’s ready, it should just come right out. Tell him or her how brave they were and how the Tooth Fairy recognizes extra courage!

 

4) Keep Calm and Continue Your Child’s Dental Routine

Tell your child that they should not touch or prod the space where their tooth used to be. The area should heal up quickly, although he or she may want to eat on the other side of their mouth if the gum area is still feeling sensitive. Your child should continue their regular dental routine – brushing twice a day and flossing daily – as usual and should rinse or brush gently around the area to make sure it stays clean and no food gets stuck.

 

5) Bring on the Tooth Fairy!

If you’re open to a little make-believe, a visit from the Tooth Fairy can become a really special tradition for your child. Check out our past post about fun Tooth Fairy traditions from around the world. Encourage your child to write a note to the tooth fairy, letting her know that he or she lost her tooth at school or that they asked you to pull it out at home. Have them leave the note under their pillow, or on their door so the tooth fairy doesn’t forget to visit (wink, wink). Consult other parent friends to determine “the going rate” for a gift from the Tooth Fairy, or set your own rate and explain that every child has his or her own special fairy that’s just right for them.

 

6) Get in Touch with Us if You Have Questions!

If your child seems to be very early or late in losing a baby tooth or loses a tooth due to injury, do not hesitate to give us a call at 207.781.5900. Our team of compassionate dental professionals would be happy to answer any questions you may have or can schedule an exam for your child with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. While your child is here for his or her appointment, we can also go over their dental routine to make sure they are taking care of their baby teeth as well as the new permanent teeth growing in!



Yes, The Dentist Can be Relaxing!

Yes, The Dentist Can be Relaxing!

At Falmouth Dental Arts, we’re all about our patients’ comfort! From start to finish, we want your entire experience to feel comfortable both physically and emotionally. Many patients feel anxiety around their oral health care appointments and we’re here to help. That’s why we approach dentistry with the whole body in mind, so we can better educate and communicate with our patients. Our goal is to create a partnership where you feel heard and respected. So let us help you relax and receive the best oral health care possible! Here are some of the ways we support our patients to find their inner Zen!

It all starts when you walk through the door. From our friendly front desk staff to our comfortable waiting area, we have created an environment that is meant to help soothe and relax you. We want to make each visit to the dentist as calming and stress-free as possible. We will always explain what to expect during your visit and our up-to-date anesthesia techniques make dental treatments a breeze. 

If you are feeling nervous before or during your visit, we recommend that you try relaxation techniques, such as breathing and visualization. Taking slow, deep breaths and visualizing yourself in a peaceful, relaxing place is helpful for many people. Also, many patients like to have something to distract them and bring their earbuds to listen to music or a podcast during their appointment. Breathe in, breathe out…and find what works best for you!

If you experience anxiety during dental procedures, please discuss this with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos, or another member of the FDA team as we have options to help you stay calm, cool, and collected. We offer nitrous oxide as well as anxiolysis sedation for our patients who need a little more help with staying comfortable and relaxed before and during their visits. Patients that have mild to moderate dental anxiety are good candidates for sedation, as well as patients that have a harder time getting numb. 

So…relax! We’re here to help make your oral health care experience supportive, soothing, and comfortable! If you’re interested in learning more about sedation options or other ways for you to prepare for your next dental visit, give us a call at 207.781.5900 to schedule your baseline appointment.





Spring Refresher! Teeth Whitening 101

Spring Refresher! Teeth Whitening 101

With winter finally in the rearview mirror, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather. Like typical Mainers, we can’t wait to get outside and create new spring memories with photos of fun, outdoor activities with our friends and family. Are you excited for spring, but you feel self-conscious about the brightness of your smile? Luckily, there are a variety of tooth whitening options that you can use at home or that can be applied in our office. If you are hoping to achieve a bright, new smile, Dr. Brunacini, Dr. Karagiorgos, and our team of compassionate dental professionals are here to help you decide which treatment is right for you!

Over-the-Counter Whitening Treatments

There are many teeth-whitening products available at your local grocery store or pharmacy that promise amazing results, but just how good are they?

    • Activated Charcoal      

Activated charcoal for tooth whitening is available as a powder or toothpaste. Use of these products may be effective in whitening the surface of your teeth, but do not remove the deeper stains. They are also messy and tend not to be formulated with fluoride. Here at Falmouth Dental Arts, we recommend charcoal products for adults only and caution against daily use. We are happy to provide more information about whether charcoal products are a good choice for you – feel free to ask!

    • Whitening Toothpaste

There are many different toothpastes on the market that claim to whiten teeth and they can make a difference with minor surface stains over time. However, some whitening toothpastes contain ingredients that can cause tooth sensitivity. Watch out for brands that contain abrasive ingredients, such as activated charcoal, microbeads, or other natural exfoliants, as they can damage the enamel of your teeth. We are happy to provide a recommendation for a whitening toothpaste that is safe for you; just give us a call or inquire at your next appointment.

Our Treatments

Teeth whitening is one of our most popular cosmetic dentistry options as just a few treatments can make a world of difference to your appearance! At Falmouth Dental Arts, we offer several whitening options that can be done while you are in the office or can be taken home with you. Professional teeth whitening is a very safe way to achieve a brighter smile and Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos will be happy to consult with you to determine which option is best for you.

    • Laser Teeth Whitening

Laser teeth whitening is a quick and easy in-office procedure that can be completed in just over an hour in our office. The process for laser whitening is simple and the results can be seen immediately. After removing any plaque from your teeth and gums, a bleaching agent is applied with a laser. This laser allows the bleaching agent to penetrate the tooth enamel, removing even the deeper stains, leaving you with a whiter, brighter smile. If you are wondering if you are a good candidate for laser teeth whitening, give us a call or talk to us at your next appointment!

    • At-Home Whitening Strips

At-home whitening strips are an affordable option that can be applied at your convenience and in the comfort of your own home. It may take some time for the results to become noticeable, but whitening strips are still a good option for many people. They are most effective with surface discolorations, but if used correctly, they may be able to penetrate the tooth enamel to remove deeper stains as well. We will be happy to discuss whether whitening strips would be a good choice for you.

At Falmouth Dental Arts we are your partners in dental health. We’d love to talk with you about your goals for teeth whitening and about which treatment will give you the results you’ve always wanted. Give us a call at 207.781.5900 so we can go over your options and answer any questions you may have!

Same-Day Crowns: Faster and More Comfortable for Our Patients

Same-Day Crowns: Faster and More Comfortable for Our Patients

The process of getting a crown just became a whole lot easier for our patients! The team at Falmouth Dental Arts is excited to offer same-day crowns, also known as Dentistry Powered by CEREC®—(Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics). With this advanced technology, we can now provide same-day crowns and other dental restorations right in our Falmouth, Maine dental office. The CEREC® Primemill, developed by Dentsply Sirona, is a state-of-the-art piece of equipment that allows us to mill, bake, and stain your new crown all in one visit – so there is no more need for a temporary crown. Because of this exciting upgrade, getting a crown will now be a faster and more comfortable experience. The cost of same-day crowns is also on par with traditional crowns. Always seeking to expand our knowledge in the field, our team has participated in extensive training to be able to offer this convenient new option to our patients. Let’s take a deeper look at what this technology means for you, our patients.

Benefits of Same-Day Crowns

We are pleased to be one of just a handful of family dentistry practices in the Portland, Maine area to offer same-day crowns, as they offer many benefits for our patients:

  •  Less time at the dentist
  • A permanent solution in just one visit – no need for temporary crowns
  • Minimally invasive
  • Highly precise and custom-made for an optimal fit
  • Natural-looking
  • Made from safe material
  • Durable and long-lasting

How Do CEREC® Dental Crowns Work?

 This new technology is exciting for many reasons, one of them being how much easier it will make dental restoration for our patients. The same-day crown procedure is a simple four-step process:

1)      Scan

We use digital scans to create a 3D model of your teeth. This is an easier process than traditional impressions, which means less discomfort for you.

2)      Design

We use CEREC® Software to design your customized restoration right here in the office. The designs are extremely accurate and can be created very quickly.

3)      Manufacture

Next, the design is sent to the milling machine to create your custom crown. The process is very precise and allows us to create a very smooth and realistic result in just one visit.

4)    Heat

Your custom ceramic dental crown is then sintered (baked) and glazed using a special sintering furnace made just for dental restorations.

Like any dental restoration, your new ceramic crown may be sensitive for the first few days after your visit. If you have any questions about same-day crowns, would like to make an appointment, or want to become a new patient, give us a call, or fill out a new patient form today!

We Love Our Front Desk Team!

We Love Our Front Desk Team!

At FDA, our goal is to provide the best oral care possible and that starts as soon as our patients walk in the door. Our front desk team is there to help our patients immediately feel comfortable and welcome. We are so lucky to have such a great group at the front desk, and we are excited to welcome a new member to the team – Amy! You’ve likely experienced the compassionate care of Sue, Marlene, Lauren, and Amy as they help you get checked in for your appointment with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos, answer your questions, and make sure you are scheduled for your next check up. They are at the heart of our practice and we are so grateful for their hard work and commitment to patient care. In honor of these wonderful women, let’s hear what they have to say about their work:

Sue

“Over the past 30 years I have seen many changes in dentistry.  I am so happy to work with doctors who keep us current with the latest techniques and technologies.” 

Sue is our office manager as well as a hygienist. Known for her excellent listening and communication skills, Sue is always available to help patients learn about the treatment options that will meet their needs. She has been a part of our team for close to thirty years! 

Marlene

“I love seeing our patients and building a connection with them. I try to help them feel at ease right away, from their very first phone call and when they walk in the door.”

Marlene has been working in the dental field since 1990. She completed business school in New York and brings much experience and knowledge to our caring front desk team!

Lauren

“Our team is what makes FDA feel unique beyond other practices. I have the pleasure to work with people who are good humored, warm hearted, and great educators.”

Before joining FDA, Lauren worked in social services as a supervisor at a homeless shelter and as an administrative specialist at a psychiatrist’s office. Providing patients with support and care fills Lauren with a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Amy

“There is an amazing group of people at FDA. Everyone is willing to jump in and help each other out.”

Always interested in the dental field, Amy became a member of the front desk team in 2022. Prior to joining FDA, she worked as a cosmetologist for 17 years, as well as a preschool teacher and certified nursing assistant. 

 

Thank you, Sue, Marlene, Lauren, and Amy! We are appreciative of all you do to help our practice run smoothly and our patients get the best care possible!

If you have questions or need to schedule your next check up, please give us a call at 207.781.5900. We look forward to helping you have a healthy, happy smile!