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All About Hybrid Dentures

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What Are They?

A hybrid dental implant before it's placed in the patients mouth.

A hybrid denture before it has been placed.

Occasionally, we have a patient that’s been wearing dentures for so long that their mouth is a complete disaster. Their face has sunken in, their dentures can’t function properly, and it’s nearly impossible for them to eat. This is the result of a bone atrophy commonly known as facial collapse– which is a side effect of dentures. If you’re in this situation, hybrid dentures may be your solution. Hybrid dentures replace your missing teeth and gums, as well as the bone in your mouth. The hybrid is anchored to your mouth using dental implants.

Types

A completed hybrid implant.

Hybrid dentures look and work just like your regular teeth.

There are two types of hybrid dentures we place– fixed and removable. Both types will be anchored by six to ten dental implants. While they do replace missing gum tissue, they don’t rely on any tissue support and are entirely supported by implants. This makes them very comfortable and natural-feeling, all while being extremely stable.

 

 

Fixed

When we place a fixed hybrid denture, screws hidden inside your teeth anchor the restoration to the implants. The screws are then covered with resin so they’re completely invisible and inaccessible. However, they CAN be taken out by a dentist.

Removable

Removable hybrid dentures use the same process as fixed, but they’re anchored by fewer implants. As a result, they’re much easier to remove and replace– if needed.

Implant Specialist

There’s not a recognized specialty in dental implants, so no dentist can actually be a dental implant specialist. Yet, some dentists have had so much advanced post-graduate training, that they’re technically specialists without the title. Dr. Burba took the 3i Institute for Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry (IIRD) courses and has extensive experience and expertise in this clinical area. You can rest assured you’ll be under the best care with Dr. Burba.

Make an Appointment

If you’ve lost bone structure in your teeth because of dentures, it can be disheartening and embarrassing. If you’d like to find out if you’re a good candidate for hybrid dentures, call our office or request an appointment online. We look forward to working with you and restoring your smile.

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, with a practice in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Pregnancy and Your Oral Health

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Pregnant? Congratulations!

A pregnant bare belly.

Being pregnant can be exciting, but it also brings on a whole new set of challenges. When it comes to your oral health, pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase your chances of developing gum disease. If this occurs, it can have serious effects on your unborn baby. Luckily, there’s a number of things you can do to help reduce the risk. Here are 6 things you need to know about pregnancy and your oral health.

1.) Prenatal Care.

If your pregnancy is planned, one thing you can do for the health of yourself and your baby is to stay on top of your dental health before you get pregnant. That way, your pearly whites can be professionally cleaned, gum tissue can be examined, and any oral health problems can be addressed and treated ahead of time.

2.) Check With Your Doctor.

Routine dental care can be done at any time during your pregnancy, along with anything urgent. But, any elective dental procedures should be done after your baby is born.

According to the American Dental Association, having dental x-rays during your pregnancy is considered safe with appropriate shielding. Just be sure to let us know.

Additionally, before you have your dental appointment, talk to your OBGYN to see if they have any special instructions for you.

3.) Pregnancy Gingivitis.

When you’re pregnant, it’s important to pay even more attention to your teeth and gums. Pregnancy causes changes that put you at an increased risk for gum disease and for tender gums that bleed easily– a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. Pay particular attention to any changes in your gums during pregnancy. If tenderness, bleeding, or gum swelling occurs at any time– contact us as soon as possible.

4.) Morning Sickness.

If morning sickness is keeping you from brushing your teeth, try changing to a bland-tasting toothpaste. In addition, if you suffer from morning sickness and vomit frequently– rinse your mouth out with water or a mouth rinse. If you brush right after, you’ll risk damaging your tooth enamel.

5.) Diet.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet while pregnant is key. Believe it or not, your baby’s first teeth begin to develop about three months into your pregnancy. We highly recommend a healthy diet that contains dairy, since it’s a great source of essential minerals that will help to develop your baby’s teeth, gums, and bones.

For the sake of your own dental health, try and avoid sugary snacks as much as possible. Sweet cravings are common during pregnancy, but it’s important to keep in mind that the more frequently you snack– the greater your chances are of developing tooth decay.

6.) After Birth.

After you’ve had your bundle of joy, soon after delivery you should schedule an appointment to have your entire mouth examined and periodontal health evaluated.

From there, you can resume your normal dental care routine and continue to see us once every six months.

Make an Appointment

If you’re pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant, or just need a check-up– you can make an appointment here. We look forward to seeing you!

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, with a practice in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

6 Foods/Drinks That Fight Bad Breath

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Woman covering her mouth.

Combat bad breath with food.

Most people assume that after they eat, no matter what they consume- it will affect their breath in a negative way.

While it’s obvious that eating onions and garlic will contribute to bad breath, lesser-known culprits are foods that are found in many people’s daily diets. These include starches, refined foods, and candies. They all increase plaque formation, which in turn makes your breath stink.

The good news is, there are actually certain foods and drinks that can help your body fight bad breath. Let’s take a look at seven of the best bacteria-busting foods.

1.) Citrus Fruits

First, citrus fruits that are high in vitamin C are great at getting rid of the bacteria that causes bad breath. This is because bacteria cannot thrive in environments that are high in vitamin C. In addition, citrus fruits have a high water content, which helps to hydrate your mouth and keep bacteria at bay. As an added bonus, vitamin C assists in fighting gingivitis.

2.) Water

Keeping hydrated is an essential part of fighting halitosis (the medical term for bad breath). This is because dry mouth creates an environment in which bacteria thrive. Water acts as a cleanser that encourages saliva production, which is crucial for cleansing your mouth of food particles and bacteria. The next time you finish your meal, follow it with a cool glass of h20.

3.) Ginger

Ginger isn’t only good for upset stomachs– it also has the effect of neutralizing bad breath. We recommend using pressed ginger combined with lemon juice mixed in equal parts with warm water. This creates a great natural at-home rinse to keep any bad odors away.

4.) Green Tea

Next, green tea is great at fighting bad breath because it’s high in polyphenols, which are antioxidants that fight the growth of bacteria and also help reduce sulfur compounds. One downside of green tea is that it can stain your teeth. To reap the benefits of it without staining, green tea extracts can be taken as a supplement– or you can drink it with a straw.

5.) Leafy Greens

As a general rule of thumb, if a food is good for your overall health, it will be good for your dental health, as well. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, and kale are great for your overall health as well as your oral hygiene. Green vegetables keep your internal pH levels balanced and alkaline levels low, which in turn help to prevent dry mouth.

6.) Apples

Finally, apples are a wonderful choice for keeping your oral hygiene in check. This is mostly because of their natural detergent properties. When you bite into an apple, you’re pushing plaque away from your teeth and eliminating the food particles that cause bacteria in your mouth.

Make an Appointment

Calendar with a reminder to make a dentist appointment every six months.

While it’s not ideal, one of the best things you can do for your breath is to brush your teeth and tongue after every meal. When foods get trapped in the pockets surrounding your teeth, halitosis can develop as bacteria grows– which can lead to gum disease.

It’s also important to remember to see us twice a year for an appointment. If it’s time for your bi-annual cleaning, schedule it today.

 

 

 

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, with a practice in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! In his free time, he often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

The Truth About Dental Myths

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The internet is a great resource, but sometimes it gives us conflicting information. When it comes to your dental health, there’s a lot of advice– so how do you know what’s true and what’s not?

We’ve compiled a list of 8 common myths regarding your oral health.

Myth #1: Bleeding gums are healthy.

Bleeding gums are the first stage of gum disease.

Truth:

Bleeding gums are actually caused by inadequate plaque removal. Plaque contains germs which attack the healthy tissue around your teeth, and cause your gums to become inflamed and irritated. As a result, they tend to bleed when you brush or floss. This is called gingivitis, and it’s actually the first stage of gum disease.

The good news is, if we catch it early– it’s easy and painless to treat.

Myth #2: Children don’t need to see the dentist until they’re toddlers.

Your child should see a dentist by the time they celebrate their first birthday.

Truth:

The American Dental Association recommends that a child be taken to the dentist by the age of one for a quick wellness check-up.

In addition, you’ll receive advice on how to care your toddler’s teeth going forward.

Myth #3: The more I brush, the healthier my teeth with be.

More isn’t better.

Truth:

Over-brushing your teeth can wear on them due to the abrasiveness of toothpaste, which could lead to problems with your tooth enamel.

Instead of brushing every time after you eat, try rinsing your mouth out and chewing sugar-free gum to avoid plaque build-up.

Myth #4: Cavities are only caused by sugar.

Cavities develop as a result of bacteria.

Truth:

Acid produced by bacteria in your mouth is what causes cavities. Although, when you eat anything with carbohydrates (sugar is carbohydrate), these bacteria are triggered to produce acid.

Be sure to rinse out your mouth after you eat anything sugary or acidic to help avoid cavities.

Myth #5: Harder is better.

A gentle touch is all you need to clean your pearly whites.

Truth:

It may seem like brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush would clean your teeth most effectively, but the truth is it can actually hurt your gums and enamel.

Soft-bristled toothbrushes are the best kind for you to use to care for your teeth and gums. Look for the “ADA Seal of Acceptance” to find a brush that’s approved by the American Dental Association.

You don’t need to press hard either– a soft touch is fine.

Myth #6: If I don’t have cavities, I don’t need to visit the dentist.

Seeing us on a regular basis will allow us to catch any issues before they develop into anything serious.

Truth:

If your teeth feel okay, great! However, regular cleanings and checkups every six months are still a vital part to maintaining your oral health. Many dental issues can be symptomless, so it’s important have a dental exam every 6 months. If we find any issues, it’s much easier and more cost-effective to treat in its early stages.

Myth #7: If I ignore my toothache, it will go away.

A toothache will only get worse.

Truth:

Toothaches are often caused by an infection, and an infection can’t go away on its own. You may need a prescription or other intervention to take care of the cause of the toothache. Ignoring it will only make the problem worse.

Myth #8: If you’re pregnant, you should avoid the dentist.

Don’t avoid us if you’re pregnant.

Truth:

It’s actually very important to continue your regular dental care while pregnant since pregnant women are more likely to develop gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums and bones that surround your teeth, and it can lead to pregnancy complications.

Always be sure to mention your pregnancy at your visit so we can take any necessary precautions to protect your baby while providing you with the care you need.

Now You Know

Dental myths can affect your perception of the dentist and can cause you to put off going– which can lead to serious oral health issues and long-term dental problems. Education is the key to prevention.

Now that we’ve debunked these common myths, have you fallen for any of them in the past?

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Everything You Need To Know About Your Teeth

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Most of us take our teeth for granted … until something goes wrong. Our teeth help us chew and digest food, play an important role in speech, and impact our overall health in a big way. The best way to give them the attention they deserve is by brushing up on your dental health knowledge.

How much do you know about your pearly whites?

Development

Humans have two sets of teeth, primary (or baby) teeth, and then a permanent set– which develop in stages. Although the timing is different, their development is similar.

Tooth development begins long before your first tooth becomes visible. For example, a baby’s first tooth appears at around six months of age, but those teeth actually begin developing during the early second trimester of pregnancy.

The crown forms first, while the roots continue to develop even after the tooth has erupted through your gums.

Your primary set is in place by age 3, and will remain there until around 6 years of age when they begin to fall out to make way for your permanent set.

Your adult set will start to grow in between 6 and 12 years of age. Each tooth has different parts, with each part serving a different purpose.

Parts

Enamel

Your tooth enamel is the hard, white, outer part of your tooth that’s mostly made of calcium phosphate. It’s actually the strongest substance in your body.

Dentin

The dentin is the layer of your teeth that underlines your enamel. It’s made of living cells, which secrete a hard mineral substance.

Pulp

The softer, living inner structure is called the pulp. Blood vessels and nerves run through the pulp of your teeth.

Cementum

The cementum is a layer of connective tissue that binds the roots of your teeth firmly to your gums and jawbone.

Periodontal ligament

Finally, the tissue that helps to hold your teeth tightly against your jaw is called the periodontal ligament.

The crown of each tooth projects into your mouth, while the roots descend below your gum line– into your jaw.

Types

Incisors

Incisors are the eight teeth in the front and center of your mouth. You have four on the top and four on the bottom, and you use them to take bites of your food. Incisors are usually the first to erupt, when you’re about 6 months old for your first set of teeth, and anywhere from 6-8 years old for your adult set.

Canines

Your four canines are the next to develop. These are your sharpest teeth and are used for ripping and tearing your food apart. Primary canines generally appear between 16 and 20 months of age, with the upper canines coming in just ahead of the lower canines. For your permanent teeth, the order is reversed. Your lower canines come in around the age of 9, with the uppers arriving when you’re about 11 or 12 years old.

Premolars

We use our premolars for chewing and grinding food. You have four premolars on each side of your mouth– two on the upper, and two on the lower jaw. The first premolars appear when you’re around 10 years old, and the second premolars come in about a year later.

Molars

Primary molars are also used for chewing and grinding food. These appear between 12 and 15 months of age, and are eventually replaced by the first and second permanent premolars. The permanent molars do not replace, but come in behind the primary teeth. The first molars erupt around the age of 6 (before the primary molars fall out), while the second molars come in between the ages of 11-13.

Third Molars (Wisdom Teeth)

Third molars are more commonly known as wisdom teeth. These are the last to develop and don’t typically erupt until your late teens or early twenties. Some people never even get third molars at all, and for those who do– they can cause problems and may need to be removed.

Every Six Months

Schedule your appointment today.

Now that you know everything there is to know about your pearly whites, make sure you’re always keeping them in tip-top shape. If it’s been over 6 months since your last cleaning/exam request an appointment today.

 

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

15 Of The Friendliest Foods For Your Teeth

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Your Diet Matters

What you eat matters!

What you eat matters!

Did you know the foods you eat, and how often you eat them, can greatly affect your general health– as well as the health of your teeth and gums? It’s not just about healthy food for your body– your mouth matters too.

Eat this, not that

There are so many foods that can benefit both your body and mouth. It’s very important to eat foods that are high in Vitamin C and D, and foods that contain polyphenals. Polyphenals slow the growth of bacteria leading to plaque– preventing gum disease, bad breath, and even cavities.

In addition, you should also eat foods containing anthocyanins. These are thought to fight oral cancer, and prevent the attachment of plaque on your teeth. Let’s take a look at 15 of the best food choices that benefit your oral health the most.

1- Cranberries

cranberries-1714174_960_720

Cranberries contain lots of polyphenals, which keep plaque away. Fresh cranberries are even better at effectively disrupting the process of plaque formation.

The next time you have a sweet tooth, grab some cranberries and eat up!

2- Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are high in calcium, and great for scrubbing plaque off your teeth while you chew them. They’re an awesome snack for when you aren’t starving, but want something to hold you over until your next meal.

3- Gum

Chewing sugar free gum can help to eliminate bad the bacteria that causes bad breath.

Always chew sugar free.

Gum isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of oral health. However, gum is good for your mouth because it removes food particles that can become stuck in hard to reach places. Always choose a sugar free gum, since too much sugar will rot your teeth.

4- Sweet Potatoes

If you want perfect teeth, eat sweet potatoes! They’re filled with vitamin A, which will work wonders for your enamel and gums.

5- Raisins

While it’s true that raisins are sticky and can become stuck in between your teeth, they’re also a wonderful source of phytochemicals like oleanolic, which can kill cavity causing bacterias. They’re also rich in antioxidants, which makes them very good for you. Make sure to brush and floss thoroughly after snacking on raisins.

6- Strawberries

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Strawberries are one of our favorite snacks! They have Vitamin C, antioxidants and also malic acid, which works as a natural teeth whitener.

7- Yogurt

Yogurt has tons of calcium and probiotics. These help to protect your teeth and gums against bad breath, cavities, and even gum disease.

8- Carrots

Carrots have some of the best vitamins and minerals for your mouth, and they come highly recommended by dental proffesionals.

9- Apples

apple

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but how about the dentist? You’ll still need to see us twice a year, but your teeth will be healthier. Apples have a plethora of vitamins and nutrients that your body and mouth need.

10- Raw Onions

If you want perfect teeth, eat onions! When eaten raw, onions have amazingly powerful antibacterial properties that work to fight against the bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities.

11- Pears

Most fruits are pretty acidic, but that’s not the case with pears. They work well to neutralize acids, so the next time you’re craving some fruit– reach for the pears.

12- Shiitake mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are fighters! They contain lentinan, which is a natural sugar that interrupts the formation of plaque on your teeth. Anything that can help fight plaque naturally is always recommended.

13- Garlic

Garlic contains strong antimicrobial properties. In other words, by eating garlic– you fight tooth decay and periodontal disease. Just be sure to brush your teeth after you eat it, so you don’t have bad breath.

14- Whole Grains

rice-315239_960_720

Studies show that eating whole grains can have a tremendous impact on your oral health. This is because they lower the risk of gum disease. Try oatmeal or brown rice for the biggest impact.

15- Kiwis

Kiwis are good for you since they have one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C. This makes them a perfect snack at any time– day or night.

Eat up!

Keep your smile looking healthy and beautiful by eating the right foods.

Keep your smile looking healthy and beautiful by eating the right foods.

We hope you’ve found some snacks on this list that you enjoy. Cooking your foods in different way helps to mix things up a little. For example, if you always eat your carrots raw, try steaming them. Keeping things new and different prevents you from getting tired of certain foods.

Not only will your oral health be better, you may be able to prevent two of the most common diseases: tooth decay and periodontal disease– simply by improving your diet!

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.