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At Reading Dental, we are dedicated to giving our clients something to smile about, which is why we offer a wide range of cosmetic services that will not only restore your pearly whites, but have you confidently showing them off to all your friends, co-workers, and family members.
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Simons and his skilled team specialize in quality cosmetic dental care for patients with a variety of dental issues, including discoloration, fractures, cracks, gaps, and misalignment.
We have helped thousands of patients, just like you, address painful, and sometimes even embarrassing, issues with their teeth. But, more importantly, we have provided each of them with the knowledge and resources they need to feel more in control of, and confident in, all of their dental decisions.
Our educational process begins with clearly explaining each one of the cosmetic procedures that we perform right here in our Reading, MA office, including:
Of course, no two patients, teeth or smiles are the same, so we want to meet with you in person to give you our best advice. To get Dr. Simon’s personalized professional recommendation for your specific smile issue, call us at (781) 205-4149, or fill out our quick form on the right to set up your complimentary consultation.
Our experienced team understands how critical first impressions can be, both in your personal and professional life, which is why we’ve worked tirelessly over the years to create a tooth whitening service that delivers results fast.
If you are currently supporting a heavy coffee addiction, or fancy a glass of red wine after a long day in the office, your lifestyle and the choices you make can leave their mark on your teeth. Which is why we recommend our in-house teeth whitening procedure to our patients, especially those that are eager to remove pesky and stubborn tooth stains once and for all.
Store-bought whitening pastes, washes, gels and strips, that only partially work and don’t prevent stains from coming back, are simply a waste of your time and money. Whereas our custom, in-house procedure was expertly designed to combat the most common and persistent stains, including:
We are often asked by our clients if our teeth whitening treatment is permanent, and the simplest answer to that question is no. Our treatment does remove prominent stains for good, however, it is essential that you continue to maintain proper oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing, avoid dark colored and acidic foods, and refrain from tobacco use, to ensure that your teeth stay bright and white long after the procedure is complete.
Number of Appointments Required: Approximately one visit
Below is a step-by-step description of what you can expect:
Step 1: Dr. Simons will perform a quick mouth exam. During this exam, he will be looking for any signs of decay, cracking and/or gum disease. This is a critical step because any of these issues can directly affect the success of the whitening process as well as cause varying degrees of irritation and discomfort during treatment.
Step 2: Your teeth will be cleaned to make sure that all debris and plaque have been removed.
Step 3: A photo of your teeth will be taken which will serve as a benchmark for assessing your future progress.
Step 4: Your teeth will be fit for custom, airtight trays.
Step 5: Our professional whitening formula will be deposited inside your custom trays.
Step 6: Depending on the shade of your teeth and your goals, you may need to wear the trays for up to 60 minutes.
As incredible as it may seem, once this simple six step process is complete, you will have a beautiful and bright smile that you can feel proud of.
Of course, no two patients, teeth or smiles are the same, so we want to meet with you in person to give you our best advice. To get Dr. Simon’s personalized professional recommendation, call us at (781) 205-4149, or fill out our quick form on the right to set up your complimentary consultation.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, life can begin to take its toll on the look and feel of our skin, hair and nails, and our teeth are no exception.
And even though it is all a part of the natural aging process (and we think you look great just the way you are) we understand if you are eager to revamp your smile! It may seem like an impossible feat now, but that’s probably because you haven’t heard about the perks of dental veneers, and how our expert team can have you looking and feeling your best in no time.
Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are placed over your natural teeth, giving them that clean, even and natural look that you may desire.
Below are just a few of the aesthetic benefits that veneers can provide:
Veneers may be perfect you if you are looking to enhance the overall brightness of your teeth, straighten your smile, fix a fractured or chipped tooth, or close a noticeable gap.
It’s clear that dental veneers can solve a variety of aesthetic woes in addition to completely transforming your smile. Although, it is important to also point out that they can be a bit of a commitment, especially if your goals are purely aesthetically motivated.
A single veneer may make sense for you if you have sustained an injury to the mouth, however, if you are looking for a full smile makeover, four or more veneers are a common recommendation.
Number of Appointments: Approximately two visits (depending on the number of veneers)
Below is a step-by-step description of what you can expect:
During your first appointment:
Step 1: Dr. Simons and his staff will take preliminary photos of your mouth, teeth and smile, as well as discuss your specific smile goals.
Step 2: Your teeth will be cleaned and Dr. Simons will determine the correct shade of the temporary veneer(s).
Step 3: A small amount of enamel will be removed to ensure there is sufficient room for the placement of the veneer.
Step 4: An impression of each tooth will be made and sent to a ceramist, so they can create your custom, permanent veneer(s).
Step 5: Dr. Simons will adhere the temporary veneer(s) in place to cover your prepared tooth.
Step 6: Before you leave, we will schedule your second and final appointment.
At Reading Dental, we take great pride in our quality care and customer service, and our craftsmanship is no exception. That is why we only partner with the very best ceramists when creating your veneer(s) or any other prosthetic for that matter. Our experienced ceramists will work on creating your veneer(s) immediately following your first appointment. This process can take up to ten business days.
During your second appointment:
Step 7: Dr. Simons will remove the temporary veneer(s) and clean your teeth with pumice and water.
Step 8: With delicate hands, the doctor will etch your permanent veneer(s), rinse them in water, and let them air-dry before cementing them in place to ensure an exact fit.
Step 9: Your new veneer(s) will be adhered to your tooth, hardened under a bright light, and polished.
With the proper post-treatment care, properly placed veneers can last you a lifetime. Here are three simple ways to preserve the quality and increase the longevity of your new and improved teeth.
Of course, no two patients, teeth or smiles are the same, so we want to meet with you in person to give you our best advice. To get Dr. Simon’s personalized professional recommendation, call us at (781) 205-4149, or fill out our quick form on the right to set up your complimentary consultation.
Even though your dentist tells you twice a year that you have healthy and strong teeth and gums, you may not be completely pleased with your smile. One or more aesthetic things could be bothering you, like a life-long gap between your front teeth or a small, but noticeable – at least to you – chip or crack.
That’s why we offer a variety of cosmetic dental options to our patients, including dental veneers, inlays and onlays, and bridges and crowns, which can address an array of tooth imperfections. However, of all the cosmetic dental procedures we provide, dental bonding is perhaps the simplest and most cost-effective one.
Dental bonding is the application of a tooth-colored composite resin, also known as white filling, to repair a variety of functional and aesthetic issues, including:
It’s clear that this cosmetic dental procedure can improve your appearance and fix a whole host of aesthetic issues. But, now you may be wondering how involved this procedure is and we think you will be pleasantly surprised to hear that is actually quite simple.
Number of Appointments: Approximately one visit
Below is a step-by-step description of what you can expect:
Step 1: Dr. Simons will use a shade guide to select the appropriate color of composite resin to match your natural teeth.
Step 2: The surface of your teeth with be lightly etched and then coated with a conditioning liquid to ensure the bonding adheres properly.
Step 3: The tooth-colored composite resin will be applied directly to your teeth.
Step 4: After the putty-like resin is applied, Dr. Simons will mold, sculpt, and smooth the resin into the proper shape to ensure a flawless fit.
Step 5: Using an ultraviolet light, Dr. Simons will harden the resin. The light will be pointed directly at the treated tooth for about 30 seconds.
Step 6: Once hardened and set in place, Dr. Simons will polish the tooth to make sure that it matches the shine of your natural teeth.
If you’ve been hoping for an easy solution to your tooth woes, then dental bonding could be the procedure to fulfill those wishes. The only way to know for sure, though, is to set up a consultation appointment with Dr. Simons so that he can assess your teeth and your smile goals. Then, he will be able to provide you with his personalized professional recommendation as well as answer any questions you may have.
Of course, no two patients, teeth or smiles are the same, so we want to meet with you in person to give you our best advice. To get Dr. Simon’s personalized professional recommendation, call us at (781) 205-4149, or fill out our quick form on the right to set up your complimentary consultation.
While dental crowns and tooth bridges are common procedures here at Reading Dental, we find that patients come into our office pretty confused about the difference between the two processes. As your trusted dental expert, this is something we are determined to change by providing a detailed, yet simple, explanation of each procedure below.
Dental crowns and tooth bridges are both fixed prosthetic devices that are cemented onto your existing teeth and/or dental implants, but how do you know if this is the right procedure for you?
Dr. Simons will typically recommend one of these devices when a patient wants to:
So, how does Dr. Simons determine if your particular tooth situation warrants a crown or a bridge, or something else altogether, like teeth bonding?
A crown is generally used to cover or cap an entire tooth providing 360 degrees of strength and structure. In addition to this coverage, a crown can aesthetically change the look of a damaged tooth.
A bridge is recommended if you’re missing one or more teeth. In this procedure, a custom prosthetic is adhered to the natural teeth or dental implants that surround an empty space or gap in your mouth. Then, a replacement tooth (or in some situations teeth) is attached to the newly adhered prosthetic forming a bridge.
Ultimately, Dr. Simons will make a decision to use a crown or a bridge based on two things: (1) if you have any missing teeth and (2) how damaged your natural teeth are. Dr. Simons will be happy to give you his professional recommendation on what you need for your specific issue when you come in for a consultation appointment.
Number of Appointments: Approximately two visits
Below is a step-by-step description of what you can expect:
Step 1: Before a custom crown or bridge can be made, your tooth (or teeth) will need to filed down to ensure that the prosthetic fits properly.
Step 2: After this tooth reduction is complete, Dr. Simons will take an impression of your newly shaped tooth, which will be used as a mold to make your crown or bridge.
Step 3: While your personal prosthetic is being made, a temporary crown or bridge will be put in place to cover your teeth.
Step 4: Before you leave, we will schedule your second and final appointment.
Step 5: Once Dr. Simons receives your permanent solution from the off-site ceramist, which can take up to ten business days, he will remove the temporary fix and cement your permanent one in its place.
With the proper post-treatment care by you, properly placed crowns and bridges can last your entire life. Below are two simple ways to preserve the quality and increase the longevity of your prosthetic teeth:
Of course, no two patients, teeth or smiles are the same, so we want to meet with you in person to give you our best advice. To get Dr. Simon’s personalized professional recommendation, call us at (781) 205-4149, or fill out our quick form on the right to set up your complimentary consultation.
Over the past 25 years, Dr. Simons and his team of experienced hygienists have helped thousands of patients, just like you, treat their cavities as well as prevent new ones from forming.
From traditional fillings, to dental crowns, to inlays and onlays, we have many options for taking care of your cavities. So, it’s no wonder that many patients are confused as to which cavity treatment is right for them.
However, there is actually a fairly simple process that Dr. Simons will use to determine which procedure is right for you:
Now, that you have a better understanding on how we traditionally determine which cavity treatment option is best for our clients, it is essential that you understand what inlays and onlays are to know if they may be right for you.
An inlay is a pre-molded filling fitted to the top of your tooth, but does not extend over the cusps of your tooth.
Not sure what and where your tooth cusps are? No worries, here’s an easy way to find them. Take your fingers (after a good hand washing of course) and feel around the top chewing surface of your tooth for the pointed features. Feel them? These are the cusps.
There are two scenarios for which Dr. Simons will generally recommend an inlay:
An onlay, also referred to as a traditional filling, is a method used to repair a tooth that has more extensive damage. This type of filling is generally recommended for the following tooth scenarios:
The only way to know for sure which option is right for you is to meet with Dr. Simons so he can properly assess your teeth. After he gets a good look inside and all around your mouth, he’ll walk you through what he thinks the best next steps should be and why.
Number of Appointments: Approximately two visits (depending on severity)
While we often refer to inlays and onlays together, because they are so similar, when it comes to their procedures, their differences become a bit more prominent.
Below is a step-by-step description of what you can expect:
If an inlay makes the most sense for you
Step 1: Dr. Simons will likely use some local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding gums.
Step 2: Using a dental drill, the doctor will clean out any decay that has formed in the tooth.
Step 3: Once the decay has been removed, Dr. Simons will take an impression and expertly craft an inlay to cover the now treated area. Inlays are generally manufactured from porcelain or composite resin, and are expertly matched to the color of your tooth.
If an onlay makes more sense for you
Step 1: Dr. Simons will numb the entire tooth and surrounding gums with a local anesthesia before drilling the tooth to remove decay.
Step 2: Once your tooth has been cleaned out, an impression will be taken before a temporary onlay is inserted.
Step 3: During your next appointment, Dr. Simons will remove the temporary onlay and adhere your new, permanent one in its place.
If you have a toothache, or think you might have a cavity, we encourage you to contact Reading Dental today to set up a consultation appointment with Dr. Simons. It’s essential to take care of these kinds of dental issues promptly, especially if you are in pain or experiencing some discomfort.
When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Simons will thoroughly evaluate the tooth that is causing you problems, as well as provide you with his professional opinion on whether a traditional filling, inlay and onlay, or a crown is right for you.
Of course, no two patients, teeth or smiles are the same, so we want to meet with you in person to give you our best advice. To get Dr. Simon’s personalized professional recommendation, call us at (781) 205-4149, or fill out our quick form on the right to set up your complimentary consultation.
Dental emergencies can come about in any number of ways. Your discomfort may be due to an injury to the oral facial area, the acute flare up of a longstanding problem, or the result of the sudden onset of seemingly inexplicable pain. Whatever the case may be, urgent dental care is needed to provide you with relief and to avoid any further consequences to your oral health or function, as well as your overall well being.
There are many reasons to seek emergency dental care, including severe toothaches, chipped or fractured teeth, a dental abscess, impacted teeth, loose or broken fillings, lost or dislodged crowns, broken dentures and more. While the pain of a toothache is one of the more common reasons that patients come to our dental office for emergency dental care, we also promptly treat emergencies that are not necessarily painful like crowns that have been dislodged and broken dentures that leave embarrassing gaps in one’s smile.
Whether your dental emergency is painful, if it affects the appearance of your smile, or if you suspect that an infection is present, contact our office immediately for care. We will make every effort to see you as promptly as possible.
At the office of Reading Dental, PC, our patients' care and well-being are our top priorities. Every member of our skilled and experienced team strives to ensure patient comfort and a stress-free dental experience. Our dedication to the consistent provision of compassionate and personalized attention along with gentle, precise care has earned our office the respect and trust of our patients.
While we do everything we can to preserve the integrity of your natural smile, it's sometimes necessary to extract a tooth to protect your oral health and overall well-being.
A "baby" or deciduous tooth that is over retained (reluctant to fall out), severely decayed, or damaged
In most cases, a baby tooth will fall out as scheduled as the underlying permanent one begins to erupt into place. However, occasionally a baby tooth continues to remain firmly attached to the bone. Either the roots of the baby tooth have failed to resorb and shrink as intended, or the baby tooth has become anklylosed and fused to the supporting bone. The problem is that over-retained baby teeth can disrupt the development and alignment of your child's smile. As we monitor your child's smile as they grow, we'll advise you if and when an extraction of a baby tooth is required to facilitate the eruption of its underlying permanent successor.
A permanent tooth that has extensive decay and is deemed non-restorable
Beginning as a simple pinpoint defect on the outermost enamel layer of your tooth, untreated dental decay will continue to compromise healthy tooth structure as it works its way to the inner layers of the tooth. Without proper care, a cavity can lead to significant damage to tooth structure, irreversible damage to the nerve of the tooth, a dental infection, and serious consequences to your oral health and overall well-being. When the tooth has sustained far too much structural damage and cannot be restored, a dental extraction may be required.
A permanent tooth that has been severely fractured or cracked and can not be restored
There are many different types of chips, cracks, and fractures that can affect your teeth. The extent of the damage that it causes will determine if there is enough intact tooth structure to save the tooth and the type of treatment required. In cases where too much tooth structure or the root of a tooth has also been compromised, an extraction may be necessary.
Advanced gum disease that has significantly compromised the tooth's supporting tissues
The most common cause of tooth loss in adults is gum disease. When left untreated, periodontal disease, which affects the hard and soft tissues supporting your teeth, can lead to gingival pocket formation, gum recession, and diminishing alveolar bone. As advanced and untreated gum disease progresses, the teeth ultimately loosen, fall out, or require extractions.
Poorly positioned, impacted, or decayed wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth, which are also known as the third molars, are the last permanent teeth to develop in the oral cavity and the final ones to come into place. However, as is often the case, many wisdom teeth do not have sufficient room to erupt, are not developing correctly, develop extensive decay, or cause issues for the adjacent teeth and the surrounding tissues. Although the extraction of wisdom teeth sometimes gets recommended for an older patient, the early removal of troublesome or potentially problematic third molars in young adults is more often the case.
Overcrowded Teeth
A tooth size to jaw size discrepancy often results in a crowded and misaligned smile. More simply put, the upper and lower jaws are not large enough to accommodate all the permanent teeth. As part of an orthodontic treatment plan to optimally align teeth and establish an attractive, healthy, and functional bite, the extraction of select permanent teeth may be required.
Whatever the reasons for a dental extraction may be, you can rest assured that your care is in the best of hands at our office. As the first step in care, our dentist will review your medical and dental histories and discuss any special considerations in care.
It's essential to inform our office of any existing medical conditions or medications you are currently taking. In some situations, extra precautions, including premedication with antibiotics, a change in medication, and a medical clearance may be required. Follow all our pre-surgical directives and let us know if you are sick or have developed other symptoms on the day of surgery.
Our goal is to reduce any anxiety and help ensure patient comfort whenever a tooth extraction is necessary. In advance of the procedure, we'll discuss any medical considerations or precautions and go over our pre-surgical instructions. We'll also discuss post-surgical recommendations, including whether replacing the extracted tooth or teeth is needed and the best options in care.
To thoroughly assess the tooth and the type of extraction required, we perform a comprehensive examination and take digital radiographs as indicated. Extractions are typically categorized as either "simple" or "surgical extractions."
When the tooth is clearly visible in the mouth and the root anatomy is not extensively hooked, fused to the surrounding bone, or otherwise unusual, it usually falls into the category of a simple extraction. Once the tooth and the surrounding tissues get sufficiently numbed with a local anesthetic, our dentist will loosen any attached periodontal tissues and apply forceps to remove the tooth. As with all dental procedures, we do all we can to help ensure your comfort and relaxation throughout every step in care. For patients who are anxious about dental work or certain procedures, we can discuss additional options in dental sedation.
For teeth that are severely broken down, anklylosed, or impacted, a surgical extraction is often indicated. We may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to perform this procedure. During a surgical extraction, a small incision in the soft tissues and localized, precise removal of overlying bone provides greater access to remove the tooth. As with all tooth extractions, patients are given a local anesthetic to completely numb the involved tooth and the surrounding tissues. Once again, additional options in dental sedation, pre-surgical considerations, and directives are thoroughly discussed and explained.
As skilled and experienced providers of care, we recognize that every case is different and provide treatment that addresses the unique requirements of each patient. Depending on a patient's specific needs, we provide post-operative instructions, including special instructions, limitations on activities, medications, and follow-up care that support optimal recovery and healing. In some cases, post-op care may also include the involvement of a patient's physician. In general, and unless modified otherwise by our office, the following post-operative guidelines apply to simple extractions.
Maintaining gauze pressure
Following your extraction, some gauze to bite down on will be placed over the extraction site. By biting down and maintaining pressure on the gauze as instructed, any active bleeding should stop. You may change the gauze pad after the first hour. Continue to bite down for another 45 minutes if heavy oozing continues. While it's normal for a little oozing to continue for 24 hours, contact our office if you are still experiencing profuse oozing or bleeding.
Until the local anesthesia wears off
Until the local anesthetic has completely worn off, it's essential to protect yourself from unintentionally biting or injuring your lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue.
Antibiotics:
If you have been given a prescription for antibiotics, be sure to take the correct dosage and full course of medication as prescribed.
Pain management:
It's helpful to take a pain reliever before the local anesthetic completely wears off. Over-the-counter (non-aspirin) pain medication may be taken to relieve discomfort. Any prescription pain medication should only be taken as directed.
To facilitate healing
Do not rinse your mouth, spit, drink through a straw, or suck on candies. It's essential to allow the extraction site to clot and not dislodge the new clot once it has formed.
Applying ice
An ice-pack held in place in the facial area overlying the extraction site helps to control swelling. Apply the ice for 10-minute intervals during the first day following your procedure.
Avoid smoking
Smoking not only prevents clot formation, but it also interferes with healing. Avoid smoking and tobacco products for the first week.
Watch what you eat and drink
Stay away from hot or spicy foods and drinks for the first day or two. Also, refrain from drinking any carbonated or alcoholic beverages. Stick with a diet of soft foods and liquids for the first couple of days following surgery. Drink plenty of fluids.
Oral hygiene
Brush gently; it's essential to take great care not to disturb or irritate the extraction site for a few days. A very mild lukewarm saltwater solution can be used to freshen your mouth. Remember not to rinse or spit that first day or two. Simply let any liquids gently fall from your mouth into the sink.
An appointment for a follow-up visit
If sutures (stitches) were placed, or if a complex extraction, an infection, or other issues requires a visit to monitor your healing and progress, you will be given an appointment for follow-up care. It's essential that you keep this appointment as provided.
If you experience continued bleeding, ongoing pain, more swelling, have a bad taste in your mouth, or other unusual symptoms, contact our office.
You deserve quality care that's personalized to meet your individual needs, and at the office of Reading Dental, PC, you can rest assured your smile is in the best of hands. We deliver precise and gentle care, keeping you informed and relaxed throughout your procedure. If your tooth needs to be replaced, we'll discuss your best options, including dentures, fixed bridges, and dental implants. As the most advanced method of tooth replacement available, dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of a natural smile.
The most common reasons for tooth loss include advanced periodontal disease, extensive tooth decay, and facial trauma. According to statistics, gum disease is responsible for close to 70% of tooth loss in adults. Although less frequent than the preceding three reasons, it should also be noted that specific diseases, drugs, smoking, and poor nutrition contribute to the risk of tooth loss.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in the United States, an average of 12 teeth (including the wisdom teeth) are lost by the age of 50. Also, 26% of adults between 65 and 74 years of age have lost all their teeth.
Every patient and every situation is different. However, when a tooth and the surrounding tissues are numbed with a local anesthetic, you should only expect to feel a bit of pressure, but no pain as the tooth is being loosened from the surrounding tissues and extracted. For patients who are apprehensive and for some surgical extractions, our office will discuss our options in dental sedation to provide further relaxation and reduce any sense of discomfort.
While it's normal to feel some tenderness and swelling following an extraction, the degree of these sensations can vary. It mostly depends on the complexity of the extraction and the body's response to the procedure. We'll recommend or prescribe the appropriate pain medication to help ensure your comfort and give you specific instructions for maximum effectiveness and safety.
Typically, the recovery period following a simple extraction is shorter than a surgical extraction. However, a patient's overall health, habits, and the size and location of the tooth, and other variables can influence recovery and healing. To speed up the recovery and avoid any complications, patients must follow the given at-home instructions diligently. We'll carefully review what to expect following your procedure and go over your post-op instructions.
Smoking interferes with blood clot formation, which is an essential first step in the healing process. Blot clot formation not only provides a protective layer to cover the underlying exposed bone and nerve endings, but it also supports the growth of new tissue. Cigarette smoke also contains chemical toxins that can disrupt the healing process and lead to problems such as continued inflammation, infection, or dry socket.
In a very small percentage of cases, a condition known as dry socket can develop in the aftermath of a dental extraction. This painful condition can arise when the blood clot in the extraction site doesn't form properly or gets dislodged. With dry socket, you may experience throbbing pain and symptoms such as bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. As skilled providers of care, our office will provide immediate treatment to alleviate your discomfort and promote healing.
The last teeth in your mouth to develop, wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to fully erupt or may be positioned in the wrong direction. These issues can affect your dental health as well as overall wellbeing. While some individuals never develop all their wisdom teeth, and a few have sufficient space for them, there are many people with partially or fully impacted third molars. Our office will monitor the development, position, and health of your wisdom teeth and will advise you if and when extractions are indicated.
After a tooth is removed, bone-grafting material is sometimes placed in the socket to promote healing and encourage new bone development. This procedure is often performed to support the eventual and successful placement of a dental implant.
At the office of Reading Dental, PC, we strive to make dental care affordable and accessible. Depending on the type or complexity of the extraction and other variables, the cost of the procedure can vary. Based on our diagnostic findings, our office will inform you of the healthiest choices in care, explain the fees, discuss insurance coverage, and explain your payment options.
Many dental plans offer some level of coverage for tooth extractions. We'll advise you if your plan covers the full cost of the procedure and if there is any out-of-pocket expense. Our business office will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits as much as possible while helping you minimize any out-of-pocket expenses.
Invisalign is a form of orthodontic treatment that works to correct many different types of malocclusions through the use of a series of clear plastic trays called aligners. In many cases it provides an excellent treatment alternative to traditional orthodontic braces and metal wires.
Invisalign utilizes 3-D computer imaging technology to correct problematic bites or malocclusions by planning a complete sequence of custom-made clear aligners. This series of clear aligners, each of which is worn for a couple of weeks, incrementally move the teeth into place until the final desired corrections are reached.
The advantage and appeal of Invisalign appliances is that they are more cosmetic and more comfortable than most other orthodontic appliances. With Invisalign appliances orthodontic treatment is practically “invisible.”
*Invisalign is a registered trademark of Align Technology, Inc.
At Reading Dental, we offer all of our patients’ a comprehensive preventative dental care plan that is expertly designed to keep their teeth, gums and mouth healthy now, as well as in the future.
Our approach to preventative dentistry is a team effort, and will require you to commit to three things:
When you become a patient at Reading Dental, our preventative dental care plan begins with a complete oral exam and dental cleaning. Once this essential exam and initial cleaning is complete, Dr. Simons may request that you visit the office for a routine dental cleaning every 3, 6 or 12 months, based on what is uncovered during your preliminary exam.
Additionally, we offer in-office fluoride treatments and dental sealants to further protect your molars.
During your scheduled cleaning, a member of our experienced dental staff will first perform a complete oral exam, where we will closely observe and assess the condition of your teeth, mouth, and gums.
Our comprehensive exam includes all of the following services:
Once your dental exam is complete, one of the experienced hygienists, along with Dr. Simons, will review their findings with you, before gently, but thoroughly, cleaning your teeth and gums.
During your cleaning, you can expect the following services to be completed by Dr. Simons or one of his experienced hygienists:
Once your teeth have been cleaned, Dr. Simons will sit down with you one-on-one to discuss the entire exam and cleaning, as well as share his professional recommendations.
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly are three great ways to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. However, there is one additional treatment that we feel is essential to keeping your teeth healthy – and that’s fluoride.
Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay and can actually repair your teeth in the very early, microscopic stages of a cavity. Additionally, it helps to repair tooth enamel – the substance responsible for keeping your teeth strong – by replenishing lost calcium and phosphorous.
There are two forms of this essential and fortifying mineral that you can try:
In order to minimize your exposure to possible tooth decay, it is our professional recommendation that you receive fluoride via both methods. If you are interested in learning more about this critical treatment, Dr. Simons and his hygienists are more than happy to discuss the benefits of fluoride with you during your next appointment.
Your back teeth, also known as your premolars and molars, are generally rough and uneven. They are also a common place for your favorite foods and cavity-causing bacteria to live. Of course, preventative methods like brushing, flossing and fluoride treatments will combat against the build-up of bacterium; however, a dental sealant is an additional way to fortify your back teeth.
Dr. Simons often likes to describe dental sealants as individual raincoats for your teeth. That’s because they are thin, plastic coatings that are placed on top of the chewing surface of your permanent back teeth. This extra layer of protection makes it much harder for a cavity to form, and, ultimately, keeps your molars clean and dry, even while eating and drinking.
While both children and adults can benefit from dental sealants, the sooner these coatings are adhered to your teeth the better. That’s why this procedure is most commonly recommended for children. If you have young ones at home, then you may want to consider having their molars sealed as soon as they poke through their gums. Their first molars usually appear around age six to seven, and their second molars around age twelve.
The sealant process can be done in just one, quick visit. Dr. Simons will brush the sealant directly on the surface of each molar and then, using an ultra violet light, adhere it to your teeth. As soon as the sealant hardens, and is evaluated by Dr. Simons, you or your loved one, will be able to enjoy eating and drinking immediately following.
Of course, no two patients, teeth or smiles are the same, so we want to meet with you in person to give you our best advice. To get Dr. Simon’s personalized professional recommendation, call us at (781) 205-4149, or fill out our quick form on the right to set up your complimentary consultation.
Chronic jaw clenching and grinding one’s teeth is called bruxism. While it can happen any time of day, it often occurs at night causing an individual to wake up with any number of symptoms including jaw pain, headaches, and sore teeth that may feel loose. Although, stress and anxiety are the most common causes of bruxism there may be other contributing factors such as a sleep disorder, an abnormal bite, as well as teeth that are missing or poorly aligned.
To alleviate the symptoms of bruxism, wearing a night guard while sleeping is frequently recommended. This appliance is designed to fit over the teeth and to keep the jaws slightly apart. Wearing a night guard prevents a number of damaging events, including muscle strain, excessive pressure on the jaw joint (the TMJ), and such dental damage as chipped or cracked teeth resulting from the teeth grinding against each other.
In addition to preventing damage to the soft and hard tissues surrounding the orofacial cavity, a custom night guard fabricated at the dental office can help curb a bruxism habit and give the wearer a better night’s sleep.
Getting a full night of sleep is essential to your overall health. Being well rested helps you to feel good and to function at your best. One of the most common problems that can affect the quality of your sleep is snoring. According to statistics, about 90 million individuals in the United States snore while they sleep. While for about half of these people the problem is simply snoring, the others may be afflicted with a serious disorder known as sleep apnea. Therefore, before any type of treatment can be prescribed, it must be determined whether the problem is sleep apnea or “simple” snoring.
If it is determined that your problem is simply snoring, and you are what is known as a primary snorer, then an oral appliance can help you as well as any of your roommates enjoy a quieter and more comfortable sleep. A custom fabricated oral appliance to address snoring fits somewhat like a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer and is only worn while you sleep. As a removable and non-invasive treatment for snoring, your appliance slightly repositions your jaw to allow for a less restricted airflow to promote a quieter and more restful sleep.
Every year millions of cases of dental and facial injuries occur as the result of sport-related trauma. While all sports have some risk of oral injury, it is especially prevalent in recreational activities that involve frequent body contact with other players or the ground, as well as the possibility of being struck by other objects such as, balls, bats, or sticks.
One way to significantly reduce the risk of damage to your teeth, cheeks, lips, tongue, face, or jaw as the result of a sports-related injury is to wear a mouthguard. A mouthguard is a removable appliance made of a sturdy plastic that sits comfortably over your teeth. Typically, mouthguards are designed to cover just the top teeth but may also be fabricated to include the lower teeth as well depending on your particular situation. Individuals who wear braces or have some types of dental work may require a specific type of mouthguard that provides more coverage.
There are three types of sports mouthguards on the market, including pre-formed and ready to wear stock mouthguards, boil and bite mouthguards, and custom mouthguards fabricated by your dentist. Our office will help you to select just the right sports mouthguard to protect your smile. While the first two choices offer some level of protection, the best and most comfortable mouthguards to safeguard your smile are the ones individually designed and customized by your dentist.
At the office of Reading Dental, PC, the health and development of your child's smile are our top priorities. Our goals are to help children establish a strong foundation for a lifetime of good oral health and experience the benefits of healthy, beautiful smiles.
All parents want what's best for their families. When good oral care, including routine dental checkups, start at an early age, our office can closely monitor the development and health of your child's smile as they grow. It's essential to keep in mind that preventive care and timely treatment for any emerging dental issues not only helps to ensure ongoing oral health but also supports overall well-being, and contributes to a positive self-image.
You can rest assured that your child's smile is in the best of hands at our office! We provide gentle and precise care in an environment that's comfortable, warm, and engaging. At the office of Reading Dental, PC, we offer a comprehensive range of dental services designed to address the dental needs of children of all ages. Whether it's your little one's first trip to the dentist, a routine visit, treatment for a dental emergency, or more, we're well equipped to provide the care that's needed.
We take a proactive approach and emphasize the importance of dental prevention as the key to good oral health. We provide you and your child with the resources as well as the tools to establish an effective brushing and flossing routine and offer nutritional guidance and advice on potentially harmful oral habits. Our entire team strives to make each visit with your child a positive, informative, and beneficial experience.
Studies show that children and teens lose an estimated 51 million school hours each year to dental problems. To help your child maintain optimal oral health and a smile that's healthy and bright, we recommend dental checkups and cleanings twice a year.
As skilled and compassionate providers of care, we understand all aspects of dental development and are sensitive to the unique needs of children. At each periodic exam, a member of our professional team will review your child's medical and dental history and then perform a thorough clinical assessment of the teeth, gums, jaws, and the surrounding oral tissues. We'll also check your child's bite, jaw alignment, and function.
Because it's vital to see what's going on below the surface, we'll take digital radiographs as needed, to check for the presence of any cavities, or infection and to evaluate the position of your child's developing teeth and the health of jaw bone. We'll also perform a professional dental cleaning to eliminate any plaque or debris that has accumulated between the teeth or in hard to reach places.
At every stage of your child's development, we'll advise you on the most effective methods of keeping his or her teeth clean and discuss the foods, beverages, and harmful oral habits that can lead to problems. While it can be difficult sometimes to get children into a regular oral hygiene routine, we'll give you tips and advice on how to make brushing and flossing a fun part of their daily activities. As your trusted partner you can rely on the office of Reading Dental, PC to keep a close watch on your child's oral health and development.
Establishing a dental partnership when your child is small
Keeping your baby's and toddler's teeth clean
Not allowing your baby to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice.
Bringing your child to the dentist for routine checkups and care
Leading by example and encouraging the recommended tooth brushing and flossing routine
Promoting wise dietary choices and healthy snacking, including replacing sugary drinks with water and limiting sweets
Providing supportive guidance to help your child put away their pacifier and stop thumb or finger sucking at the appropriate time
Making sure your child wears a mouthguard when playing specific sports
Even before your child is born, your little one's first set of teeth is already forming. As a matter of fact, by the time your baby is a year old, some of the front teeth will have already emerged into place. For this reason, it's essential to establish an oral care routine at an early age. As per the recommendations of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, parents are encouraged to have their baby see the dentist around the time of their first birthday.
Childhood is a time of incredible physical and emotional changes. As kids go through several stages of development, so do their teeth. Many things, including both genetic and environmental factors, contribute to the health and appearance of your child's smile. While some issues cannot be prevented, there's still a lot you can do to help ensure your child experiences optimal oral health and develops an attractive, functional smile. Our office will make sure your children are instructed in the best methods for caring for their teeth and will provide them with useful, age-appropriate information on following a healthy diet as well as make them aware of which oral habits and activities may be harmful to their teeth and overall well being.
In addition to checking for the presence of dental disease, we also monitor your child's facial growth, jaw development, and alignment of their smile. If orthodontic treatment is indicated, we'll advise you of our recommendations for care. Since many children and teens wear braces, paying extra attention to what they eat and how they maintain their oral hygiene is of the utmost importance.
Beyond good oral hygiene and routine dental care, a balanced, nutritious diet is essential for a healthy smile in a growing child. Sticky, sugary foods and drinks are not only harmful to children's oral health but also detrimental to their overall well-being. A diet rich in nutrients is critical for optimal growth and development and keeping the teeth and gums strong.
A baby's first teeth begin to appear in the 6 to 12-month range. Typically, it's the two lower front ones that appear first. The baby teeth come into place from the front of the mouth and then on to the back. With that said, most children will get all of their baby teeth by the time they are three.
For babies with new teeth just emerging, we may recommend just a washcloth or infant toothbrush to start. As your baby grows and more teeth come into place, an age-appropriate soft bristled brush, and a tiny dab of toothpaste will be recommended. One word of caution; be careful that your child does not swallow the dab of toothpaste. When your child gets older, we will teach him or her more about the responsibilities of self-care and oral hygiene.
While getting teeth is an important milestone in a baby's development, it's essential to be aware that teething can make a baby quite irritable. Your little one may act fussy, have trouble sleeping, avoid eating, and drool quite a bit. While you are powerless to speed up the process of teething, there are a few things that you can do to soothe your baby as their new teeth are erupting into place. Common approaches to helping your baby feel more comfortable while getting their new teeth include safe teething rings, a cold spoon, or a moist gauze rubbed over their gums. Remember, you can always call our office if you have any concerns.
The first set of teeth not only makes it possible for your baby to smile, eat, and speak, but they also play the critical role of serving as placeholders for the permanent teeth. Losing a baby tooth too early can potentially result in a misaligned smile.
When caring for your child's smile, it's important to remember that baby teeth are just as susceptible as the permanent teeth to decay. In fact, more than 50% of children develop cavities before the age of five. Not only does tooth decay pose a risk to the health of the involved baby teeth, but untreated cavities can also have consequences for your child's overall well-being and the permanent teeth that are yet to come into place.
Baby bottle syndrome, which is also known as nursing bottle syndrome, refers to the rampant tooth decay that results from babies sleeping with a bottle containing milk or juice. While the damage is most prevalent in the front teeth of the upper jaw, extensive dental work is typically required to restore the toddler's oral health and prevent infections. New parents are advised not to let their baby sleep with a bottle or at least swap the juice or milk for water.
Some children persist in sucking their thumbs or fingers beyond their preschool years. For these children, the activity continues to be a source of comfort, relaxation, and security. It may even help them fall asleep at night. However, it's essential to be aware that in the long-term, a finger sucking habit is not healthy.
If your child is still thumb or finger sucking by the age of five or six years, it's time to constructively help them stop the habit. If it has caused any alterations to the alignment of the teeth or jaws, or if it is affecting your child's speech or swallowing patterns, it's likely your child requires orthodontic care.
The American Dental Association advises parents to bring their kids in for a routine checkup and preventive care once every six months. At this time, our dentist will examine the teeth, gums, and jaws to assess your child's overall dental health and development. Your child will also have a dental cleaning performed in addition to receiving age-appropriate oral hygiene instructions and nutritional guidance. If any emerging issues are detected, our office will provide the treatment required to address these problems early in their onset.
At the office of Reading Dental, PC, we take pride in providing gentle, compassionate care in an environment that is designed with comfort in mind. However, every child is different. While for some children, a trip to the dentist is taken in stride; for others, it can present challenges and produce significant anxiety. If your child is apprehensive, has a medical condition, special needs, or difficulty sitting in a dental chair, we can discuss the best choices for the provision of care and options in dental sedation.
Helping your child start the school year on the right foot not only means getting the correct school supplies, but it also involves making sure your child is in the best of health. One key to avoiding setbacks during the academic year is to make sure your child's smile is in tip-top shape! At the office of Reading Dental, PC, we specialize in addressing the dental needs of children as well as helping them establish a strong foundation for a lifetime of optimal oral health.
Cavities develop when plaque is not consistently removed from around the teeth and gums. Due to inadequate oral hygiene practices and dietary habits, children are especially prone to developing cavities. As an added level of protection against tooth decay in children, our office typically recommends periodic fluoride treatments and dental sealants.
Sometimes, due to tooth decay or a traumatic injury, a child may lose a primary tooth early, before the permanent one underneath is ready to come into place. When this happens, our dentist will consider the best way to hold the space left by the baby tooth in order to maintain a clear path for the succeeding adult tooth. Sometimes a small dental appliance, known as a space maintainer, is required to make sure the permanent tooth does not become crowded out of the dental arch or impacted by shifting adjacent teeth.
In addition to checking for the presence of dental disease, harmful oral habits, as well as the presence of other unhealthy activities or conditions, our office will also monitor your child's facial growth, jaw development, and alignment of their smile. If orthodontic treatment is indicated, we'll advise you of our recommendations for care. One common misconception regarding orthodontic treatment is to wait until all of the permanent teeth (except the wisdom teeth) are present. However, most problems involving the alignment of the teeth and jaw growth can be identified by the time a child is in the first or second grade. For this reason, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have a check up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.
If your child or teen plays sports, a sports mouthguard is an excellent idea. Properly fitted, mouthguards are a fundamental component of protective athletic gear and have been demonstrated to reduce trauma to the teeth, tongue, lips, and jaws. Based on your child's involvement in a particular sport, we'll advise you on the most appropriate mouthguard to protect his or her smile.
After your child's permanent molars and premolars come into place, we typically recommend the placement of dental sealants. As an ultra-thin, clear coating that is painlessly applied to the biting surfaces and grooves on the back teeth, dental sealants block the bacteria and acids that cause decay.
Wisdom teeth, which are also known as the third molars, are the last permanent teeth to develop in the oral cavity as well as the final ones to come into place. However, as is often the case, many wisdom teeth do not have sufficient room to erupt, are not developing correctly, or are causing issues for the adjacent teeth and the surrounding tissues. If the wisdom teeth are not fully or partially impacted, they tend to emerge between the ages of 17 and 21 years. At every checkup visit, our office will monitor the development and position of your child's wisdom teeth recommend if and when any extractions are indicated.
Recognizing the fact that children have active lifestyles means there is always a chance an accident involving a hit or blow to the mouth or teeth can occur. These traumatic injuries can happen at home, in the playground, or on the playing field. Common injuries to the teeth and oral cavity seen in a pediatric dental office include everything from soft tissue lacerations of the lips, cheeks, or tongue to chipped, fractured, dislodged, or "knocked out" teeth.
Equally frequent reasons for children to require urgent dental care are painful toothaches, dental infections, and mouth ulcerations. Whatever your child's dental emergency may be, you can rely on our office to provide skilled, compassionate, and reliable care. Our goal is to get your child back on the road to oral health while alleviating any associated discomfort and preventing more serious consequences to their dental health and overall well-being.
At the office of Reading Dental, PC, we welcome patients of all ages for care and provide a comprehensive range of services designed to address the needs of every member of your family. We're passionate about what we do and maintain a position at the forefront of advances in dentistry to offer our patients the best options in care. You can depend on our office to help you and your children enjoy good oral health. To schedule an appointment, or to learn more about our office, give us a call today.
If you are told that a tooth requires a root canal procedure, there’s no need for alarm. Today, a root canal procedure is as routine and comfortable as receiving a dental filling. As a matter of fact, a root canal procedure is typically the best way to relieve toothache pain, save a damaged tooth, and preserve your natural smile.
At the office of Reading Dental, PC, we use the latest technology to provide precise and gentle care to help patients maintain healthy, beautiful smiles. Patient care and comfort are our top priorities, and you can rest assured your oral health is in the best of hands.
With a demonstrated success rate of well over 90%, root canal procedures remain the most effective way of saving and retaining a tooth that has been severely compromised by dental decay or injury. Because having a healthy natural dentition supports your oral health and overall well-being, root canal therapy, as opposed to having the involved tooth extracted, is a routine and widely recommended procedure. Across the United States alone, root canal procedures are routinely performed almost 41,000 times daily and close to 15 million times per year.
Your teeth are much more than just the hard outer biting surfaces and the roots. Inside each one is a central chamber containing connective tissue, a nerve supply, and blood vessels. Collectively, these core tissues, known as the dental pulp, help your tooth to grow and mature before it emerges into the mouth. Once your tooth is in place, the dental pulp provides nourishment, keeps the tooth vital, and alerts you of problems.
Having sensitivity to various stimuli like biting down and eating or drinking hot or cold items is a warning from the nerves inside your tooth that dental decay is present, dental trauma has occurred, or infection is brewing. The degree of pain that you experience depends on the extent of the damage and nerve involvement.
When a tooth needs a root canal, it is because the dental pulp has become irreversibly damaged or has died. However, if enough intact tooth structure remains, and there’s good bone support around the compromised tooth, you do not need to have the tooth extracted. A fully developed tooth does not require the dental pulp to remain functional. You can preserve your natural tooth by having your dentist perform a root canal on the tooth.
Although not every instance of dental discomfort indicates the need for root canal therapy, some of the warning signs that you might require this procedure include the following:
Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something is amiss. Although, there are many explanations for oral pain, one of the most common reasons is a toothache caused by decay or damage that has affected the tooth’s inner vital tissues. Patients in need of root canal therapy often report dental pain that wakes them up at night.
If the pleasure of sipping hot beverages or foods are overshadowed by dental pain that makes you wince, it's time to contact our office. Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks can indicate an inflamed, irritated, or non-vital dental pulp.
If it hurts when you bite and chew or when you just touch the tooth, it may indicate pulpal involvement, irreversible damage to the inner vital tissues of the tooth, or the presence of an infection.
A discolored tooth is often a message that the inner vital tissues, including the tooth’s nerve and blood supply, have been compromised. Teeth that have sustained an injury may demonstrate discoloration as the internal tissues have devitalized.
An injury that chips or fractures a tooth can also traumatize the dental pulp or even compromise so much tooth structure that a root canal procedure is required to save the tooth.
Swelling of the gums around a tooth may indicate that an infection has developed. While the swelling can worsen and cause more harmful consequences, sometimes a dental abscess starts to ooze pus and drain. In either case, prompt care is required.
The pathology associated with a tooth need of root canal therapy can damage the bone supporting the tooth and produce some mobility. Root canal therapy can often resolve this issue as tissue healing occurs.
While some of the above signs and symptoms can indicate other dental problems, they all require prompt evaluation and care. In some cases, a tooth in need of root canal therapy has not yet demonstrated overt symptoms. It may first get diagnosed and brought to your attention following a comprehensive, routine exam. Typically, these teeth show radiographic evidence of periapical pathology (root end pathology) or other types of structural damage.
It is essential that when a root canal is recommended that you receive timely care. Delaying the procedure increases the risk of more widespread and severe symptoms developing. A dental infection can pose significant consequences to your oral health and even threaten your overall health and well-being.
With the modern dental instruments and advanced techniques available today, having a non-surgical root canal procedure is often as comfortable as getting a routine dental filling.
While some root canals can be completed in one visit, others may involve 2 or 3 appointments. How long it takes depends on factors such as the number of canals in a tooth, its anatomy, and whether an active infection is present.
During a root canal procedure, our dentist will remove the diseased dental pulp, clean the internal portion of your tooth, and then fill all the prepared canals with a biocompatible filling material. Root canal therapy is typically performed under local anesthesia, but additional options in dental sedation are available to reduce any anxiety associated with dental procedures.
At the office of Reading Dental, PC, the care and comfort of our patients are our top priorities. Our goal is to help our patients enjoy optimal oral health and to keep them well informed every step of the way.
After your root canal procedure, you may experience the following:
Immediately following your dental visit, you may experience a period of lingering numbness. Normal sensation typically returns within an hour or two. However, until the anesthetic has completely worn off, it’s essential to protect yourself from unintentionally biting or injuring your lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue. Be mindful of chewing, drinking hot beverages, or smoking.
A root canal procedure will alleviate the pain of a toothache. However, you may still experience some mild to moderate discomfort in the immediate aftermath when the anesthesia wears off. These feelings should subside within days. To help prevent any undue pressure, which may cause pain, the biting surface of the involved may be slightly filed and taken out of occlusion. Our office will also recommend appropriate over-the-counter pain medications and provide a prescription if indicated.
If you have been given a prescription for antibiotics to treat or prevent an infection, it’s essential to complete the course of medications as prescribed.
Even with a temporary filling, a tooth with a root canal remains vulnerable to stress and can fracture until a permanent crown or suitable permanent restoration is placed. In the interim, be mindful of the involved tooth. Try to chew on the opposite side of the mouth and avoid hard and sticky foods.
While you need to be mindful of a tooth that has received root canal therapy, it’s essential to continue to brush and floss. By maintaining proper oral hygiene, you’re preventing further problems as well as supporting healing and optimal oral health.
To rebuild the strength and integrity of a tooth that has received a root canal therapy, it needs to be restored with a permanent crown or suitable restoration. Until that time, the remaining tooth structure is weak and vulnerable to fracture. The sooner a permanent restoration is placed, the sooner you can bite and chew with confidence and ease.
With proper maintenance and care, a tooth that has been treated with root canal treatment can last a lifetime.
At the office of Reading Dental, PC, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. If you have any additional concerns, continuing discomfort, or signs of an infection, or concerns following your procedure, contact our office for prompt attention and care.
A root canal procedure is the best way to save a tooth that has been damaged by decay or injury and preserve your natural smile. The alternative is an extraction and treatment to replace the tooth. While at times a tooth is non-restorable and an extraction is the only option, when possible, it’s best to try and save your natural tooth. With proper care, a tooth with root canal therapy care can serve your smile well for many years to come.
Despite lingering myths from before the age of modern dental anesthesia and technology, having a root canal procedure today is as routine and comfortable as visiting the dentist for a filling. While the procedure is performed under local anesthesia with your tooth completely numbed, we can also discuss options in dental sedation.
Whether the symptoms of a dental infection subside after a course of antibiotics, a draining abscess provides you with some temporary pain relief, or a tooth with radiographic evidence of pathology has not yet developed symptoms, it’s essential, before an infection worsens or occurs, to have a root canal procedure performed. In this way, the tooth can be disinfected, filled, and sealed to protect your health and avoid further problems.
If you have sustained a dental injury, have a toothache, jaw pain, swelling, or are experiencing any other unusual and uncomfortable oral symptoms, contact our office immediately for care. Dental problems that have not been evaluated and treated can significantly worsen, producing more severe damage and consequences for the involved teeth, your oral health, and even your overall wellbeing. Once you get in touch with our office, our friendly and compassionate office team will get you in for care at your earliest convenience.
While some root canal procedures can be completed in one visit, others may involve 2 or 3 appointments. How long it takes depends on various factors, including active infection, the number of canals in the tooth, and the tooth’s location or anatomy.
With a success rate that exceeds 95%, root canal therapy remains the most effective procedure to save a tooth in which the inner vital tissues have been damaged. However, as with all healthcare procedures, there are a small percentage of cases where the teeth become symptomatic a second time. The good news is that many of these teeth can still be saved with root canal retreatment or a minor surgical procedure known as an apicoectomy.
The best ways to maintain a tooth with root canal therapy are to get the proper restoration required to rebuild and protect the tooth, maintain proper oral hygiene, and schedule appointments for routine dental checkups and care.
Saving a tooth with root canal therapy is a wise investment that, in the long run, is typically less costly and invasive than having the tooth extracted and replaced with a fixed bridge or implant. As far as the exact cost of care, it can vary depending on which tooth is being treated. Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for root canal therapy. At the office of Reading Dental, PC, we do our best to optimize your dental benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. Our staff answer all your questions about the cost of care and discuss all your payment options.
At the office of Reading Dental, PC, we use the latest technology and most effective methods of care to provide precise and gentle care. Our reputation for excellence is based upon a consistent record of achieving successful treatment outcomes while providing prompt, stress-free, and convenient treatment for every type of dental need.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), also referred to as temporomandibular disorders (TMD), are the most common source of chronic facial pain and jaw dysfunction. It is estimated that more than 10 million people in the United States are affected by temporomandibular joint problems.
There are two temporomandibular joints that connect the left and right sides of the lower jaw to the temporal bone. Both joints and their associated muscles, ligaments and tendons work together to allow for all manner of oral function as the jaw moves up and down, front to back and from side to side. Containing a shock-absorbing, soft disc that sits between the rounded condyles of both sides of the lower jaw and the corresponding concavities in the skull’s temporal bone, the TMJ makes chewing, speaking, yawning and all jaw movements possible.
Since the TMJ is a joint with both up and down hinge-like movements, as well as side to side and front to back sliding motions to perform, it is often considered one of the most complicated joints in the body and one of the most difficult to treat when problems arise.
TMJ disorders can fall into one or more of the following three categories:
Myofascial pain- Refers to pain in the area of the jaw joint due to various causes of increased muscle tension and spasm
Internal derangement-Involves displacement of the disc, jaw dislocation or trauma to the condyles of the jaw
Degenerative joint disease -Arthritis
The risk for developing a TMJ problem is greater in the presence of long-term teeth grinding or bruxism, a jaw injury or various types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Furthermore, the manifestations of a TMJ disorder can vary from person to person with a wide range of symptoms possible, including earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), headaches, back and neck pain, vertigo, muscle spasms and joint tenderness as well as jaw pain, popping or grating sounds with jaw movement, jaw locking and limited jaw movement. For some people a TMJ disorder can be resolved within a relatively short period of time, while for others it will continue to persist despite extensive therapy.
When evaluating for the presence of a TMJ disorder, the dentist will perform a thorough clinical assessment of joint symptoms and function. Special radiographic imaging and other diagnostic tests will be ordered as needed. The treatment of a TMJ disorder may include oral appliances such as night guards or stabilization splints to alleviate strain on the joints. Other types of therapy may include steroid injections, occlusal adjustments as well as orthodontic or prosthodontic treatment to improve occlusion. In cases of persistent and serious TMJ problems, surgery may be recommended.
Methods of self-care can be helpful in alleviating some of the symptoms of a TMJ disorder. Patients are typically advised to eat soft foods, avoid extreme jaw movement such as wide yawning and gum chewing, to practice stress reduction and relaxation techniques and applying ice packs or moist heat as directed. If recommended, a patient should follow the dentist or therapist’s instruction for gentle stretching exercises. The short-term use of over-the-counter, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medications may provide relief. If not the dentist or physician may prescribe stronger pain or anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants or anti-depressants.
Your gums are the foundation for your teeth, and when they are weak, damaged or diseased, they can significantly impact the integrity of your pearly whites, not to mention, your overall health.
However, over 75% of Americans suffer from gum disease and are completely unaware.
After reading this shocking statistic, we made it our responsibility to ensure our patients are not only educated on the various types of gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, but that they also understand the importance of proper gum care and know how to identify early signs of the infection.
With over 100 years of combined experience, Dr. Simons and the entire Reading Dental team have observed, cleaned and assessed hundreds of mouths, thousands of teeth, and countless sets of gums. And as a result, we are confident that our comprehensive preventative dental care treatment plan can keep your gums healthy, strong, and vibrant for years to come.
However, a preventative approach may not be enough for those who are already suffering from inflamed, receding and/or bleeding gums. The good news is that, when treated early enough, gingivitis and periodontitis are reversible with the assistance of a professional gum and implant specialist.
If you are worried about the health of your gums, fear not. As a Reading Dental patient, you will gain immediate access to an entire team of compassionate and experienced doctors, dental hygienists and, gum and implant specialists, who are prepared and eager to support you no matter your situation.
Dr. Rosen, our in-house gum and implant specialist, also known as a periodontist, is available to not only provide you with the essential gum and tooth care that you need now, but also to help you prevent future damage and decay through a personalized treatment plan and continued education.Our comprehensive periodontal services, much like all of our preventative and cosmetic dental services, begin with a thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums and mouth. Once complete, Dr. Rosen will speak with you one-on-one about his recommended treatment plan based on your specific situation.
Below is a brief description of the essential periodontal services that we provide in-house daily.
No matter your situation, whether you’re in need of a dental implant, or an extensive cleaning to remove traces of gum disease, the team at Reading Dental, has you and your mouth covered.
It is important to note that due to the specialized nature of periodontal dentistry, a consultation appointment is required prior to receiving any kind of treatment by Dr. Rosen and his team.
Of course, no two patients, teeth or smiles are the same, so we want to meet with you in person to give you our best advice. To get Dr. Rosen’s personalized professional recommendation, call us at (781) 205-4149, or fill out our quick form on the right to set up your complimentary consultation.
A high-tech alternative to traditional dentures, the ALL-On-6 technique creates a comfortable and stable full set of upper and/or lower teeth using six strategically placed specialized dental implants. While conventional removable dentures can effectively replace a full complement of lost or missing teeth, ALL-On-6 dental implants provide a fixed and permanent method of reestablishing a complete set of teeth. This restores patients with a sense of having their own teeth and offers an improved quality of life as they can once again eat and speak with confidence. With ALL-On-6 dental implants the need for messy denture adhesives or having to take one’s dentures out to clean and sanitize them is eliminated. The replacement teeth are cared for in very much the same way as a set of natural teeth.
All-On-6 dental implants offer a less invasive and quicker way to restore a full upper or lower set of teeth than treatment with conventional dental implants. Requiring just six implants per jaw for a complete set of functional teeth, All-On-6 treatment may reduce the need for preliminary bone grafting surgery. Utilizing the All-On-6 method, temporary teeth can often be placed right away with a permanent set to follow within just a few months after the implants become fully integrated with the surrounding bone.
Cone-beam computed tomography systems are radiographic systems used by dental professionals to analyze and reconstruct 3D images of a patient’s teeth, jaws and surrounding anatomy. The information obtained by means of CBCT imaging is useful in both diagnosis and precise treatment planning when two-dimensional diagnostic films are insufficient. Dental CBCT is useful for multiple types of analyses as well as the assessment of maxillofacial disorders or pathology. It is also most useful in surgical planning, including the accurate placement of dental implants.
Sedation dentistry offers individuals with general anxiety about going to the dentist or fears about a specific dental procedure the opportunity to have a stress free and more comfortable experience. Utilizing safe and controlled sedation techniques prior to the dental procedure the patient is eased into a state of complete relaxation. This eliminates any discomfort, pain, and preoperative anxiety that may be associated with a particular dental visit. With sedation dentistry patients typically feel more at ease post-operatively as they have little or no memory of the actual moment-to-moment dental procedure
Nitrous Oxide
Commonly referred to as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is used as a mild sedative to reduce anxiety and allow a level of relaxation during a procedure. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask over the nose. It is administered for the duration of the procedure and is turned off as the procedure is coming to an end. The effects of this method of sedation wear off very quickly.
Digital radiography utilizes computer technology and digital sensors for the acquisition, viewing, storage, and sharing of radiographic images. It offers several advantages over the older traditional film based methods of taking x-rays. The most significant of these advantages is that digital radiography reduces a patient’s exposure to radiation. Other benefits are that images can be viewed instantly after being taken, can be seen simultaneously as needed by multiple practitioners, and can be easily shared with other offices. Digital x-rays are also safer for the environment as they do not require any chemicals or paper to develop.
An electronic pad, known as a sensor is used instead of film to acquire a digital image. After the image is taken, it goes directly into the patient’s file on the computer. Once it is stored on the computer, it can be easily viewed on a screen, shared, or printed out.
