Greenfield Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Bagley, Goodwin, & Hrinda Dental Blog

Greenfield Dental Implants: Explaining Dental Implant Surgery

November 17, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Patient Education,Restorative Dentistry — Tags: Amherst, Bagley Goodwin and Hrinda, comprehensive dentistry, Deerfield, Dr. Christopher Goodwin, Dr. Jenna Bagley, Dr. M Sean Hrinda, Greenfield, Northampton, Shelburne Falls, Turner Falls — tntadmin @ 6:03 pm

Tooth loss can be devastating. Especially if the dentist recommends that you remove a large number of teeth at the same time due to advanced decay or periodontal disease. Fortunately, there are dental treatments available that can fully restore the look and feel of normal teeth. If you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure, dental implants are the best choice for restoring loss teeth. Make an appointment with the gentle and caring dentists of Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda proudly serve patients throughout Greenfield, MA, Deerfield, Conway, Shelburne Falls, Turner Falls, Northfield, Amherst, Northampton, and nearby cities.

Greenfield Dental Implants: The Procedure

The dental implant process can take several months from start to finish. Most of this time is needed for healing and waiting for the growth of new bone in the jaw.

The damaged tooth is removed.
The jawbone is prepared for surgery, a process that may involve bone grafting.
After the jawbone heals, the dental implant titanium post is placed in the jawbone.
The implant is given time to fuse with the jawbone and heal.
The abutment (extension of the implant metal post) and the new artificial tooth (crown) is placed.

Greenfield Dental Implants: What Is Bone Grafting?

If the jawbone isn’t thick enough or hard enough, you may need a procedure called bone grafting before dental implant surgery can be started. The powerful chewing action of your mouth exerts such enormous pressure on the bone. If the existing bone can’t withstand this pressure with the implant, the surgery would likely fail. A bone graft can create a more solid base for the implant. With bone grafting, a piece of bone is removed from another part of your jaw or your body, like your hip and transplanted to your jawbone. It could take up to nine months for the transplanted bone to grow enough new bone to support a dental implant. Sometimes you may need only minor bone grafting, which can be completed at the same time as the implant surgery. The condition of your jawbone determines how you proceed.

Greenfield Dental Implants Appointments

There are many important considerations before deciding upon dental implant surgery. Certain medical conditions may prohibit the procedure. The first step toward successful dental implant treatment is to make an appointment with Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda today. The experienced dentists of Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda proudly restore smiles in Greenfield, MA, Deerfield, Conway, Shelburne Falls, Turner Falls, Northfield, Amherst, Northampton, and nearby communities.

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Do You Have a Tongue Disorder?

October 17, 2014

Most people don’t think much about tongue disorders unless they have a personal experience with them. However, it’s important to be familiar with common maladies of this all too important part of the body. Problems with the tongue generally fall into two categories: injury or illness. Traumatic injury is the most common cause of tongue discomfort. There are however other things that can cause severe discomfort of the tongue. If you live in Greenfield, MA, or the surrounding communities, you can contact the team at Bagley, Goodwin, & Hrinda today to diagnose and treat your persistent tongue disorder.

Types of Tongue Disorder

Disorders of the tongue can be detected by both abnormal appearance or pain and discomfort.

Iron deficiency anemia may make the tongue appear pale and smooth. Pernicious Anemia, caused by a deficiency in vitamin B-12, may alter the appearance of the tongue in the same manner.
Sores on the tongue can be caused by allergic reactions, oral herpes simplex virus infection, canker sores, TB, bacterial infections, or early-stage syphilis.
Sores can also be caused by allergies or other disorders of the immune system. A bump on only one side of the tongue may be cancerous.
Unexplained red or white areas, sores, or painless hard lumps on the tongue may be signs of cancer and should be examined by a doctor or dentist immediately.
Some prescription drugs and antibiotics can cause tongue discomfort, as can injury and infection. A common infection causing tongue discomfort is “thrush” or candidiasis, in which an overgrowth of fungi forms a white film that covers the tongue.
Intense pain of the entire mouth can be caused by “burning mouth syndrome”. It’s a continuous or intermittent painful burning sensation in parts of or throughout the entire mouth. Symptoms also include thirst, dry mouth and altered taste. Burning Mouth Syndrome can be caused by the use of some antibiotics, the over use of mouth rinses and sprays, ill fitting dentures and allergic reactions to dental products, certain food and drugs.

Tongue Disorder Treatment in Greenfield, MA

Dentists use the process of elimination to find out exactly what’s causing the discomfort. Tongue discomfort not caused by an infection is usually treated by eliminating the cause. For example, the person may try changing brands of toothpaste, stop eating irritating foods, or have a sharp or broken tooth repaired by a dentist. Warm salt-water rinses may help. Thrush can be treated with an antifungal drug. Sometimes anti depressants might abate the symptoms as well. You should contact the team at Bagley, Goodwin, & Hrinda today if you are experiencing any symptoms of a tongue disorder. The doctors at Bagley, Goodwin, & Hrinda proudly serve patients in Greenfield ,MA, Deerfield, Conway, Shelburne Falls, Turner Falls, Northfield, Amherst, Northampton, and surrounding areas.

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Fluoride and Dental Sealants Create Healthy Smiles

September 17, 2014

Filed under: Family Dentistry — Tags: Amherst, Bagley Goodwin and Hrinda, children's dentistry, Conway, Deerfield, dental sealants, Dr. Christopher Goodwin, Dr. Jenna Bagley, Dr. M Sean Hrinda, fluoride treatments, Greenfield, Northampton, Northfield, Shelburne Falls, Turner Falls — tntadmin @ 2:48 pm

When dealing with a child’s smile, it is important to keep in mind that their smiles are much more susceptible to decay than an adult’s smile is. Because their young mouths are still developing, it is important to instill healthy oral care routines while they are young. That way, they are more likely to carry those routines with them as they grow. When you child starts to see the dentist, there are many things we can do to ensure their smiles remain as healthy as possible. By offering fluoride treatments and dental sealants, we are able to protect their smiles, promising for a future of great oral health.

Fluoride is a natural mineral that deters the start and progression of tooth decay, such as cavities. Though fluoride is not limited to children, they can benefit the most from the treatment, as their smiles are still young and new. Another wonderful thing about fluoride is that it attracts other minerals to strengthen your child’s enamel. With the fluoride and other minerals working in tandem, your child is sure to have a beautiful, strong smile.

Dental sealants are extremely beneficial to children, as it also prevents the possibility of tooth decay. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are painted in the grooves of your child’s teeth that are located toward the back of their mouths. When your child drinks sugary drinks and eats foods high in starch, dental sealants are able to prevent the bacteria and food particles from setting in the deep grooves of your child’s smile, causing deterioration. If you are interested in fluoride treatments and dental sealants helping your child’s smile, contact our Greenfield, MA dental office today!

Do you want to find out how the doctors at Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda can help you? Call us today for an appointment at our Greenfield office. Our team will be happy to assess your needs and recommend a specific plan. If you have any questions afterwards, do not hesitate to ask. We offer care to patients from Greenfield, Deerfield, Conway, Shelburne Falls, Turner Falls, Northfield, Amherst, Northampton, and beyond.

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Which Toothpaste Is Best For You?

August 15, 2014

Filed under: Patient Education — Tags: Amherst, Bagley Goodwin and Hrinda, Conway, Deerfield, Dr. Christopher Goodwin, Dr. Jenna Bagley, Dr. M Sean Hrinda, general dentistry, Greenfield, Northampton, Northfield, patient education, Shelburne Falls, toothpaste, Turner Falls — tntadmin @ 1:27 pm

Brushing and flossing your teeth is an excellent way to make sure your smile as healthy as possible. Though the acts of brushing and flossing are simple enough, it can really play a huge role in the overall health of your entire mouth as well as your body. When you are down the oral care aisle, you may be overwhelmed by all of the options for toothpastes. Though deciding on a toothpaste may seem to be simple enough, choosing the right one for your smile can take some thought. Our doctors want their patients to be as informed as possible for the optimal oral care, down to the toothpastes they use.

One of the main things to look for when choosing a toothpaste is making sure that it has fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that prevents and fights of dental decay, such as cavities. Fluoride also attracts other minerals that all contribute to a stronger, healthier smile. After you eat or drink, the bacteria in your mouth feed off of the starches and sugars left behind. Fluoride is a great way of fighting the acid that is released when that occurs.

A toothpaste that has tartar control is also very important. Tartar is plaque that has been hardened, and when it is not removed or taken care of, it increases your chances of experiencing gum disease. There are some tartar toothpastes that have triclosan, which is an antibiotic. Triclosan kills some of the bacteria that are in your mouth, making it healthier. Also, finding a toothpaste that is ADA approved should be at the top of your list. By keeping these few tips in mind, there is no doubt you will be on your way to better oral and overall health!

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Celebrate Summer with Teeth Whitening

July 14, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: Amherst, Bagley Goodwin and Hrinda, Conway, cosmetic dentistry, Deerfield, Dr. Christopher Goodwin, Dr. Jenna Bagley, Dr. M Sean Hrinda, Greenfield, Northampton, Northfield, Shelburne Falls, teeth whitening, Turner Falls — tntadmin @ 7:41 pm

One of the things people look for in a beautiful smile in shine. A gorgeous, flawless, bright smile is a feature that many people want to achieve, and they are willing to do almost anything to get it. Whether it is over the counter whitening strips or toothpastes that promise to brighten your smile, people spend a lot of money and a lot of time making sure their smile shines as bright as the sun. Unfortunately, most over the counter products do not yield lasting, or any, results, and you may end up feeling discouraged. Fortunately, our doctors understand the smile goal their patients wish to achieve, which is why they offer teeth whitening and their Greenfield, MA dental office.

We have two options for our patients who wish to whiten their smiles. The first is in-office whitening. With this option, our patients are able have a dramatically whiter smile in as little as an hour. We will apply the whitening gel to your smile and activate it using a light. In about an hour, your smile is light and bright, and you are ready to show the world your new smile! You are able to fit a whitening appointment in while doing your errands, making it simple and convenient, as it will not take a lot of time out of your day.

The second option we give our patients is at-home whitening. Unlike in in-office whitening, this option gives you a more gradual change to your smile. We will supply you with the whitening gel and custom trays or whitening strips. All you have to do to achieve your bright smile is follow the instructions, wear the trays or strips for the allotted amount of time, and over the course of several days, your smile will be noticeably whiter! Highly effective with either option, teeth whitening will be able to restore your confidence in your smile and in yourself in no time! If you want a whiter smile today, contact our office, and we would love to help!

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Give Your Gums Star Treatment with Periodontal Disease Therapy

May 19, 2014

Filed under: Gum Disease,Uncategorized — Tags: Amherst, Bagley Goodwin and Hrinda, Conway, Deerfield, Dr. Christopher Goodwin, Dr. Jenna Bagley, Dr. M Sean Hrinda, Greenfield, Northampton, Northfield, periodontal disease, Shelburne Falls, Turner Falls — tntadmin @ 5:23 pm

People often forget that to have a healthy result, one must have a healthy foundation. Many people believe that as long as your teeth are straight and white, they are healthy. Unfortunately, not much attention is paid to the gums, which are the most crucial contributors to a healthy smile. Gum (periodontal) disease is when your gums are under attack, and it can result in unhealthy teeth. Our experienced doctors are dedicated to making sure your gums are as healthy as they can be, which is why they offer periodontal therapy to their patients.

Periodontal disease affects over 80% of the population, which makes it one of the more common diseases out there. One point that may be shocking is the fact that many people may not even be aware that they are suffering from periodontal disease, leaving their mouths to ongoing infection and deterioration. Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease are swollen gums, gums that bleed when you brush or floss, tenderness, and loose teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to an increased risk in heart disease, stroke, dementia, and much, much more.

When you come in for your appointment, we will tackle your periodontal disease with scaling and root planing. These procedures allow us to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. This way, we are able to remove all of the harmful bacteria in areas that your toothbrush and flossing cannot reach, giving you a clear mouth! We will also be able to smooth the root surfaces, making it more difficult for tartar to build. We will give you antibiotics for your gum disease, helping your mouth heal, then close the appointment with instructions on how to better take care of your gums. If you’re interested in how our doctors are able to help you with your periodontal disease, make an appointment at our office, and we’d be more than happy to help.

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Fillings vs. Crowns

April 21, 2014

Filed under: Preventive Dentistry — Tags: Amherst, Conway, crowns, Deerfield, Dr. Christopher Goodwin, Dr. Jenna Bagley, Dr. M Sean Hrinda, fillings, general dentistry, Greenfield, Northampton, Northfield, preventive dentistry, Shelburne Falls, Turner Falls — bghdental @ 1:15 pm

Dentists have two solutions for treating tooth decay—fillings and crowns. With both, the goal is always the same: stopping decay in its tracks and saving the damaged tooth from being lost.

Fillings are great for treating mild to moderate cases of decay. What’s more, there are two different kinds. Amalgam fillings are made from a variety of metals and have a dark gray color. Composite fillings are made from composite resin and can be shaded to blend in with surrounding teeth. Both can offer patients long-lasting results.

Crowns are made to help patients with more advanced cases of decay. More specifically, they’re used in cases where a tooth is in danger of being lost. Your custom-made crown will be placed over the tooth and permanently attached. Most crowns today are made from porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. With their natural appearance and their strength, crowns can give patients functional, natural-looking results.

Do you want to find out how the doctors at Bagley, Goodwin and Hrinda can help you? Call us today for an appointment. At our Greenfield office. Our team will be happy to assess your needs and recommend a specific plan. If you have any questions afterwards, don’t hesitate to ask. We offer care to patients from Greenfield, Deerfield, Conway, Shelburne Falls, Turner Falls, Northfield, Amherst, Northampton, and beyond.

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Protecting Smiles and Lives with Oral Cancer Screenings

March 10, 2014

Filed under: Preventive Dentistry — Tags: Amherst, Bagley Goodwin and Hrinda, Conway, Deerfield, Greenfield, Northampton, Northfield, oral cancer, preventive dentistry, Shelburne Falls, Turner Falls — bghdental @ 6:19 pm

You already know checkups are important, but they’re about more than just having your teeth checked for gum disease or cavities. Regular checkups also give our doctors a chance to perform regular oral cancer screenings.

Every year, oral cancer claims thousands of lives—more than Hodgkin’s disease, lymphoma, cervical cancer, laryngeal cancer, thyroid cancer or skin cancer. The most common risk factors for it include tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption, though an increasing number of cases—in both women and men—have been linked to the same strain of HPV behind cervical cancer.

All of which explains why it’s important for every patient to be screened.

During regular checkups at the office of Bagley, Goodwin and Hrinda, we’re happy to look for signs of oral cancer with an oral cancer screening. Some of the most common signs include:

A sore or lesion in the mouth that won’t heal
A lump or thickening in the cheek
A patch of white or red on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue and the jaw
Swelling around the jaw
Chronic hoarseness

When oral cancer is treated early, the survival rate for it climbs to as high as 80% to 90%, proving that, as with many other oral health issues, early treatment is vital.

Is it time for your next appointment with our Greenfield dental team? Call Bagley, Goodwin & Hrinda today to schedule a visit. Our doctors serve patients from Greenfield, Deerfield, Conway, Shelburne Falls, Turner Falls, Northfield, Amherst, Northampton, and beyond.

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Designing Quality Crowns with iTero

February 12, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: Amherst, Bagley Goodwin and Hrinda, Conway, dental crown, Greenfield, iTero, Northampton, Northfield, Shelburne Falls, Turners Falls — bghdental @ 6:05 pm

Do you have a tooth that’s cracked, chipped, or badly decayed? At Bagley Goodwin & Hrinda, we can help you protect a vulnerable tooth with a custom-made crown designed using iTero.

In the past, designing a crown meant taking an impression with putty. But now, taking an impression is much simpler. Using the iTero wand, our Greenfield dental team can capture a startlingly clear image of your tooth in a matter of seconds. What’s more, the image produced by iTero’s wand is far more detailed and accurate, ensuring that the finished crown you end up with is a better match for your smile.

How does a crown help your smile? A tooth that’s badly decayed or damaged could develop an infection if it’s not treated. Crowns cover vulnerable teeth to protect them. They can also restore your smile’s appearance and functionality.

Not every crown is the same, though. Some are made of porcelain and others from zirconia, precious metal, gold, or porcelain fused to metal. Which type of crown is right for you? That’s a question we can help you answer during a consultation at our Greenfield. During your appointment, your dentist will look at your tooth and decide exactly what you need.

Do you think you might need a crown? Call Bagley Goodwin & Hrinda today for an appointment. We’re using iTero to design quality crowns for patients from Greenfield, Conway, Shelburne Falls, Turners Falls, Northfield, Amherst, Northampton, and beyond.

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January 10, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: Amherst, Conway, Deerfield, dental implants, Dr. Christopher Goodwin, Dr. Jenna Bagley, Dr. M Sean Hrinda, Greenfield, Northampton, Northfield, restorative dentistry, Shelburne Falls, Turner Falls — bghdental @ 7:43 pm

Are you missing one or more teeth? The team at Bagley, Goodwin & Hrinda in Greenfield, MA can help. Using dental implants, patients who need to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a full upper or lower arch can get the help they need. What’s more, patients who end up with one or more dental implants can look forward to great results that look and feel natural.

With traditional restorative services, it’s much harder to achieve results that feel natural because those methods only restore what’s above the gum line. What they don’t do is replace your smile’s underlying structure.

Tooth roots serve a very important function by securing your teeth to your jaw and encouraging the growth of new bone tissue, keeping your jaw healthy and strong throughout life. They achieve these results using small rods of titanium, which are surgically placed in the jaw. Over time, they’ll bond with the jaw, mimicking the natural structure of teeth.

The surgical phase of a dental implant procedure is called the placement phase. In the restoration phase, your crown, bridge, partial, or full denture is attached to your implant(s). Not every dental office can perform both phases, but at Bagley, Goodwin & Hrinda, our doctors can guide patients through both of them on-site, without the need for a referral.

Not every patient is an ideal patient for dental implants, though. To find out if this revolutionary restorative service is right for you, call Bagley, Goodwin & Hrinda to schedule a consultation. Our doctors are happy to place and restore dental implants for patients from Deerfield, Conway, Shelburne Falls, Turner Falls, Northfield, Amherst, Northampton, and surrounding states.

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