Services

Feel Confident About Your Smile with Help from the Experienced Professionals at Reading Dental

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:

• Teeth Whitening
• Dental Veneers
• Teeth Bonding
• Dental Crowns and Bridges
• Inlays and Onlays

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.

Reading Dental has Mastered the Art of First Impressions

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.

How Do I Know If Professional Teething Whitening Is Right for Me?

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:

• Age Stains – over time, your teeth can darken to a yellow, brown, green or sometimes even grey hue
• Food Stains – not all foods are created equal and some stain your teeth more than others, with the most notable being coffee, red wine, sodas, and dark-colored vegetables and fruits such as cherries, pomegranates, radishes, raspberries and peppers
• Tobacco Stains – use of any and all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, can leave some pretty serious stains on your teeth

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.

The Teeth Whitening Procedure:

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.

Design Your Perfect Smile with Custom Veneers from Reading Dental

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.

What Are Dental Veneers and How Do I Know If They Are Right for My Teeth?

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:

1. Correct surface flaws such as chips and cracks
2. Conceal dark and stubborn stains
3. Change the shape of your teeth, which is ideal for patients who have small, worn, irregular, pointed teeth

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.

The Veneers Procedure:

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.

1. Be sure to brush and floss at least two times a day
2. Regularly visit Dr. Simons for routine cleanings
3. Avoid chewing hard foods directly on the surface your veneers. The porcelain material that most veneers are made of are actually prone to break under extreme forces, such as biting directly into a crisp apple or chewing on an uncooked piece of pasta.

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.

Whether Your Smile Suffers From a Gap, Chip or Crack, Reading Dental Has a Fast and Beautiful Fix for You

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.

How Do I Know If Dental Bonding is Right for Me?

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:

• Chipped and cracked teeth
• Fractured molars
• Oddly shaped teeth
• Discoloration
• Small gaps

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.

The Teeth Bonding Procedure:

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.

Reading Dental, Your Local Crown and Bridge Expert

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?

How Do I Know If a Crown or Bridge is What I need?

Dr. Simons will typically recommend one of these devices when a patient wants to:

• Replace a large filling when there is not enough tooth remaining
• Cover a dental implant
• Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
• Restore a fractured tooth
• Cover a tooth that has had a root canal procedure

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.

The Crown or Bridge Procedure:

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:

1. Always practice good oral hygiene including brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and flossing daily.
2. Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods, such as salt water taffy, peanut brittle and ice cubes.

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.

Inlays and Onlays, the Cavity Treatment You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

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:

• If your tooth is structurally sound, or free of severe cracking and decay, we will likely prescribe a traditional, or direct, filling to address your cavity.
• If a cavity has damaged a large portion of your tooth, we often propose a dental crown.
• If your tooth is slightly damaged and unable to support a filling, but not quite damaged enough for a full, dental crown, we will likely recommend inlays and onlays.

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.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

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:

1. When the chewing surface of your tooth is either broken, fractured or decayed, but the cusps have not been affected
2. When a large dental filling, also known as an onlay, or a full crown is not deemed appropriate

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:

1. When your tooth is badly decayed
2. When your tooth has a cavity or severe surface damage that extends beyond more than one cusp of your tooth

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.

The Inlay and Onlay Procedures:

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.

Sometimes it is necessary to extract a tooth. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Extractions are commonly performed in cases where a deciduous “baby” tooth is reluctant to fall out, a severely broken down and non-restorable tooth is present, or “wisdom tooth” is poorly positioned and unable to fully erupt into place.

To reduce any anxiety and insure patient comfort whenever a tooth extraction is necessary, the procedure, the post surgical instructions, as well as any restorative follow-up care will be carefully and completely explained.

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.

Together We Can Protect Your Teeth, Gums and Mouth for Years to Come

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:

• Brushing and flossing daily
• Regularly visiting Dr. Simons for routine cleanings and dental exams
• Fluoride treatments

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:

• Diagnostic X-rays: X-rays help us determine your tooth and root positioning, detect any possible signs of decay and bone loss, or, worst case scenario, uncover formations of tumors and cysts.
• Oral Cancer Screening: An experienced dental hygienist will closely examine your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, and gums for any and all signs of mouth cancer.
• Gum Disease Evaluation: We will check your teeth and the gums surrounding them for any possible signs of periodontal disease.
• Tooth Decay Examination: Using specialized dental instruments, we will assess the surface of your teeth for signs of deterioration, including cavities.
• Existing Prosthetic Examination: Assessing the condition of your existing crowns, bridges, dentures, fillings, and implants is equally as important as examining your natural teeth and gums.

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:

• Tartar Removal: Tartar, or hardened plaque, can build up on the surface of your teeth, both above and below the natural gum line. This particular strand of plaque can only be removed with professional dental instruments, which is why dental cleanings are essential to your overall mouth health.
• Plaque Removal: Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that consists primarily of living bacteria, food debris and saliva. When left untreated for an extended period of time, it can lead to serious inflammation of your gums and/or periodontal (gum) disease.
• Teeth Polishing: Professional polishing is essential to remove surface stains and any remaining traces of plaque.
• At-Home Dental Tips: Simons and the team of oral hygienists have a combined 100 years of experience performing professional dental cleanings and exams. So, in addition to cleaning your teeth and ensuring your mouth is healthy, you can also expect tips and instructions on how to keep your smile healthy, bright and beautiful in between appointments.

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:

• Topical fluorides are applied directly to the tooth enamel. Many store-bought toothpastes and mouthwashes have fluoride or you can have it applied professionally right here in our office. The fluoride treatment that we provide to our patients at Reading Dental is a much stronger concentration than what you will find in the store-bought products, which makes it an extremely effective option. And the best part, it only takes a few minutes to apply. Professional fluoride solutions are available in several forms but generally come in a gel, foam or rinse formula. Depending on the formula type, Dr. Simons will either apply it with a cotton swab or brush, or ask you to rinse or bite down on a plastic mouth tray. After application, the only “homework” is to refrain from rinsing, eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to fully absorb into your teeth.
• Systemic fluorides are swallowed, and are most commonly in the form of fluoridated water and/or a dietary fluoride supplement.

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 our office, we take pride in creating and maintaining beautiful and healthy smiles for our younger patients in an environment that is lighthearted and fun. With an emphasis on establishing oral health habits that last a lifetime, we offer a comprehensive program of preventive care and closely monitor the dental health of our pediatric patients as they grow.

As an added level of protection to guard against childhood dental decay, we recommend periodic fluoride treatments and the application of dental sealants on the biting surfaces of the newly erupted permanent back teeth.

Endodontics, or root canal therapy, is employed when the nerve supply to a tooth has been irreversibly affected by damage or decay. It is a way to prevent or help resolve a dental infection and save a natural tooth from extraction. A root canal is performed when there is enough sound root and crown structure remaining to eventually restore form and function to the involved tooth.

Inside every tooth is either a single central chamber or multiple ones that contain connective tissue, a nerve supply, and blood vessels. These core tissues, known as the dental pulp, help your tooth to grow and mature before it emerges into the mouth. A root canal procedure is required when this dental pulp is irreversibly damaged or has died.

Root canal therapy involves cleaning and shaping each canal, and then filling them with a special inert material. Following this they are sealed to prevent any subsequent infection. Once root canal therapy has been completed, the tooth should be fully restored as recommended.

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.

What is the Temporomandibular Joint?

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.

Types and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

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.

Diagnosis and Treatment

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.

A Great Smile Begins with Healthy and Vibrant Gums

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.

• Gum Disease Treatment– includes a professional cleaning to prevent any further damage to your teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. If the decay is extensive, Dr. Rosen may recommend the removal of unhealthy tissue as well as prescribe an antibiotic to fight off infection.
• Dental Implants– are metal posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line. Once in place, Dr. Rosen can insert a replacement tooth or bridge onto them.
• Tooth Extractions– sometimes teeth need to be removed due to decay, disease and trauma. If you are feeling uneasy about this, or any, procedure, Dr. Rosen and his team are available to discuss helpful tips to overcome any worries, concerns or anxieties you may be feeling leading up to and after the treatment.

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.

This remarkable technique requires only 4 implants in either the upper or lower jaw to support all the replacement teeth for that dental arch. All-on-4®* typically involves only one surgery to place all the implants, avoids the need for additional bone grafting procedures, and provides the instant gratification of receiving a full set of temporary teeth immediately on the same day as the initial procedure. As a permanent fixed replacement for all the teeth, the All-on-4 dental implant technique achieves unprecedented results with a minimal number of dental implants and surgical procedures, thereby making it an appealing cost-effective solution for permanently replacing a full set of teeth. Once post-surgical healing is complete and the All-on-4 dental implants have fully integrated with your jawbone, the temporary bridge is permanently replaced by your customized final bridge. These new permanent replacement teeth are completely secure and stable and function in a similar fashion as natural teeth.

*All-on-4 is a registered trademark of Nobel Biocare

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.