Find the Caring Touch You Need with Comfort Dentistry from Dr. Papageorgiou

May 22, 2013

Do you often find yourself avoiding the dentist’s office? Did you have a negative experience in the past that left you cringing at the thought of settling back in that big chair? Maybe you’re just anxious about the pain, or you’re embarrassed about the state of your oral health. Whatever the reason is, our dedicated team at Papageorgiou Dental Associates wants to assure you that at our Natick, MA practice, your comfort will always come first. You deserve excellent, thorough healthcare that leaves you with a smile you can feel proud of, and with the help of our comfort dentistry services, that’s just what you’ll get when you come in to visit Dr. Papageorgiou and her staff.

Comfort dentistry isn’t a specific treatment or amenity – instead, it’s an entire atmosphere! At our practice, we don’t just want to fix your teeth and send you on your way; we want you to feel right at home during your visits at our Natick office.  That’s why we’ve spared no expense in outfitting the practice with all sorts of technologies and simple comforts that are guaranteed to make your dental care experience much smoother and more pleasant. For instance, we use intraoral cameras and digital X-rays to take detailed pictures of the inside of your mouth that we can then easily share with you, dispelling any uncertainty or confusion about your oral health problems. We also often rely on air abrasion for procedures, which uses air compression to blast away decay and plaque from your teeth in place of drills.

In order to ensure your comfort, we also offer:

  • Tempurpedic mattress pads
  • Warm towels and blankets
  • Relaxing music and headphones
  • Movies of your choice

Contact our Natick office to learn more about what our patented blend of comfort dentistry can offer you, or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment. Our team is committed to providing you with safe, effective services that are sure to leave your smile healthier and happier. We also serve the areas of Framingham, Wellesley, Wayland, Weston, Ashland, Sherborn, and beyond.

Don’t Forget to Attend Regular Check-Ups at Papageorgiou Dental Associates!

April 5, 2013

Cavities, root canals, TMJ therapy, dental implants – there’s a vast variety of dental procedures out there, ranging from relatively simple fixes to rebuilding smiles from the ground up. But what about the basics of dental care? Where does it all start? Simple – the foundation of every beautiful smile begins with regular check-ups at Papageorgiou Dental Associates. While attending these routine appointments may seem like a no-brainer, many people forget or avoid them due to numerous reasons, only to come in later with serious conditions that take lots of time and money to correct. Routine check-ups at our Natick, MA office can help you avoid all of the frustration that comes with dental problems by keeping your teeth healthy and happy for years to come!

Dr. Papageorgiou wants to give you a reason to smile!

Did you know that oral health can directly affect the rest of your body? It’s been shown that conditions like gum disease can lead to an increased risk of:

  • Heart disease
  • Strokes
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Diabetes
  • Pregnancy complications

That’s why routine check-ups are so important! We want to help you maintain your overall health, not just the health of your teeth and gums. With an oral exam, we’ll be able to spot problem areas an untrained eye is likely to miss, as well as hints of deeper problems such as bruxism, TMJ dysfunction, and oral cancer. Then, a professional cleaning will help us get rid of pesky bacteria and plaque that often form around the teeth and gums and aren’t easily cleared with regular brushing and flossing.

We don’t just provide check-ups for adults, either! Our Natick office actually offers the expertise of a pediatric dentist, Dr. Soncini, who will be happy to offer children’s dentistry services to your son or daughter. Receive check-ups and cleanings for every member of your family at Papageorgiou Dental Associates!

With the help of routine check-ups and cleanings, Dr. Papageorgiou and her team can ensure that you spend less time in the dentist’s chair and more time sharing your beautiful smile with the world. Contact our Natick office to schedule appointments for you and your loved ones today. We also gladly serve patients who hail from Framingham, Wellesley, Wayland, Weston, Ashland, Sherborn, and beyond.

Stop Decay with Fillings

March 1, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , — drpapageorgiou @ 1:57 pm

dental fillingsTooth decay is a common oral health condition that requires attention—fast. That’s because, if left untreated, more advanced decay can lead to more serious issues and will require more advanced care. When caught early on, though, treating decay is as simple as removing the decayed portion of a tooth and replacing it with a filling.

Three Options for a Restored Smile

But there are different types of fillings a dentist may use, not just one. The oldest kind, which has been in use for more than 150 years, is called amalgam fillings. Amalgams are made of a variety of metals and have a dark, grayish appearance.

Though still in use, amalgams are much less popular now than the second option, tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are made from a strong, durable plastic and they bond directly to teeth, supporting their natural structure. What’s more, tooth-colored fillings last as long as amalgam fillings but require fewer changes to your natural smile.

Some dentists also use gold foil fillings. Like amalgams, gold foil fillings have been around a long time. What’s more, they have the longest lifespan of any option.

Your Local Filling Options

Not every dental office offers the same options. To find out what your local dentist office uses, give them a call. Repairing your smile with fillings is important for enjoying great oral and overall health.

Give Your Teeth a Break with TMJ Treatment in Natick, MA

February 21, 2013

In the dentist’s office, you’re probably used to hearing all about the common oral health problems that can affect your teeth, from cavities to gum disease to misalignments. But did you know that one of the most painful and frustrating oral conditions you can experience actually affects an area of the mouth you may have never even heard of before?

We’re talking about the temporomandibular joints, commonly referred to as TMJ. These joints connect your lower jaw to your skull, and they contain crucial elements such as blood vessels, nerves, and bone. However, whenever they’re even slightly misaligned, it can cause debilitating symptoms. Worse, TMJ disorder can often even negatively impact both your dental health and your overall wellbeing. Here at Papageorgiou Dental Associates, we’re committed to providing you with expert, personalized care that serves every part of your mouth, not just your pearly whites. That’s why we’re happy to provide various choices for TMJ therapy at our Natick, MA office.

How do I know if I’m suffering from TMJ disorder?

Here are some common symptoms that often indicate TMJ disorder:

  • Persistent pain in the face, neck, head, shoulders, or back
  • Constant, excessive headaches
  • Jaw joints that pop or click
  • Stiffness in the jaw
  • Constant problems with opening and closing the mouth when chewing
  • Ringing or pressure in the ears

If these sound familiar, please don’t hesitate to come in and see us so that we can inspect your jaw for signs of TMJ disorder. Dr. Christina Papageorgiou and her excellent team can provide you with a complete oral examination, a precise, thorough bite assessment, and then an in-depth discussion about the various kinds of TMJ therapy we can offer you. Your comfort is a top priority for us, so we want to make sure we agree with you on a solution that bests fits your individual needs and desires.

Don’t keep living in constant pain – let us relieve your joints with TMJ therapy and get you back to smiling sooner! Call Papageorgiou Dental Associates today to schedule your consultation visit. Our team serves patients from Natick, Framingham, Wellesley, Wayland, Weston, Ashland, Sherborn, and beyond.

Rest Easier With Sleep Apnea Treatments in Natick, MA

February 1, 2013

Sometimes, it can take years before you find out you have a snoring problem. Someone might let you know at a sleepover when you’re still young, or maybe a significant other elbows you in the middle of the night because you’re keeping them up. You might even wake yourself up once in a while! Most of the time, snoring is just a harmless, if annoying habit – but did you know that it can indicate a deeper problem? Sleep apnea is a condition that results in abnormal pauses in one’s breathing during unconsciousness that can result in gasping, choking, and yes, snoring. If left untreated, sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition to have, which is why, here in our Natick office, Papageorgiou Dental Associates offers diagnoses, tests, and various treatments to combat sleep apnea. After all, you need your rest!

Could you have sleep apnea? Here are some of the symptoms:

  • You wake up often in the middle of the night
  • You feel exhausted during the day, no matter how long you slept the night before
  • You’re often in a bad mood, for reasons you don’t understand
  • You find it hard to concentrate, or you often forget things
  • You gasp, choke, or cough – sometimes so badly that it wakes you up

If you’re experiencing some of the symptoms above, it’s a definite possibility you could be suffering from sleep apnea. Our team here at Papgeorgiou Dental Associates will be happy to give you a definite diagnosis, as well as provide you with various ways to combat your sleep apnea. Let us help you sleep better so you’ll feel more like showing the world your smile! Call us today to schedule an appointment. Our team serves patients from Natick, Framingham, Wellesley, Wayland, Weston, Ashland, Sherborn, and beyond.

Protect Your Mouth by Knowing the Signs of Gum Disease

January 25, 2013

In a previous blog post, we discussed the effects gum disease can have on your health, as well as what our team here at Papageorgiou Dental Associates could do for you in regards to periodontal therapy. But all of your questions might not have been answered. For instance, maybe you’re been wondering if you have gum disease, and if you do, how severe it is. After all, pain isn’t the only indicator that there could be a problem, as some would believe. Here at our Natick office, we offer you personalized and effective care that always puts your needs first – but first, you have to take that first step through the door. Here are some of the indicators of gum disease:

  • If your gums bleed during or after you brush your teeth
  • If you have bad breath that persists even after using mouthwash and other treatments
  • Tenderness, swelling, or discoloration
  • A bite that feels strange, or teeth that start to feel loose, like they’re shifting around
  • Pockets of pus that ooze around your teeth
  • If chewing is painful
  • Receding gums or teeth that are no longer appearing

In addition, there are also a number of factors that indicate a much higher risk of gum disease than normal. These are:

  • If you use tobacco
  • If you have diabetes
  • If you’ve undergone therapy for cancer of any kind
  • If you’ve taken steroids at any point in time

If any of these categories or symptoms seem to fit you, don’t panic – using either traditional tools or our soft-tissue laser, our team at Papageorgiou Dental Associates will help ease your gum disease symptoms and improve your overall health through periodontal therapies, giving you a reason to smile.

Gum disease can worsen if not treated, so don’t hesitate! Call Papageorgiou Dental Associates today to schedule your consultation visit. Dr. Christina Papageorgiou would be happy to assess your oral health and recommend a treatment plan. Our team serves patients from Natick, Framingham, Wellesley, Wayland, Weston, Ashland, Sherborn, and beyond.

Everything You Need To Know About Root Canals

January 24, 2013

root_canal2Out of all the dental procedures you could undergo as a patient, root canal treatment seems to be the one that makes the most people cringe in fear. Maybe that’s because of the longstanding rumor about it being unbearably painful, or simply because it’s a long procedure that seems incredibly invasive. Whatever the case is, root canals are not as bad as they’ve been built up to be over time. In fact, they’re a crucial and effective treatment that can save your natural teeth from having to be extracted due to extensive decay or infection.

Are you suffering from one or more of these symptoms?

  • Severe tooth pain when chewing
  • Prolonged sensitivity to excessively hot or cold temperatures
  • Your tooth has darkened a shade
  • Swollen or tenderness in the gums
  • A persistent pimple on the gums that keep recurring

If so, then you may be in need of root canal treatment.

When undergoing a root canal procedure, your dentist or endodontist will first take X-rays so as to see if there are any infections in the bone that surrounds your tooth. Then, a hole will be drilled into the affected tooth and the pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and related debris will be cleaned out. Your tooth is then sealed, either directly after the cleaning or at a second appointment in a week, depending on your dentist’s preferences (if if it’s the latter, you’ll be provided with a temporary filling to keep out contaminants). All that’s left after that step is for your dentist to see if any further restoration is needed to restore your tooth to full functionality.

Root canal treatment is highly successful, and many teeth that have undergone a root canal last a lifetime. Additionally, a root canal doesn’t hurt anymore than a common filling does, according to most people.

In the case of a root canal, seeking immediate treatment is crucial if you want to save your natural tooth. Call your local dentist if you’re exhibiting any of the symptoms above, or if you have any questions about the procedure.

Emergency Dentistry

January 3, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , — drpapageorgiou @ 8:08 pm

emergency dentistryDental emergencies strike without warning. Do you know what to do when one hits you? Many don’t, which is why we’d like to use today’s post to briefly explain what you should do if you find yourself facing a dental emergency. Below are some of the most common reasons patients have for seeking emergency dental care, followed by tips on how to handle them.

Knocked Out Tooth

Sometimes a knocked out tooth can be reattached if treatment happens soon enough. To increase the likelihood that your tooth can be reattached, gently clean the tooth and try to put it back in the socket it came from. If you can’t do that, store the tooth in a bag of milk. Call your local emergency dentist as soon as possible for an appointment.

Broken Tooth

As with a knocked out tooth, save as much of your broken tooth as you can and clean the area gently with water. To ease pain and swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. Call your dentist for help.

Toothache

Toothaches can be caused by a variety of things. If you have a toothache, try flossing around the tooth that hurts to see if there’s any debris lodged nearby. If you find something that looks like a pimple near the tooth that hurts, that could be a sign that you have an abscess. If left untreated, the infection from an abscess can become more serious. Call your dentist as soon as possible if your pain doesn’t go away.

Lost Crown

If you have lost a temporary or permanent crown, your first step should be to clean the crown and temporarily put it back in place with toothpaste or denture adhesive. These are just short-term fixes, though. Call your dentist as soon as possible for a reattachment appointment.

Bit Lip or Tongue

In cases where you have injured your lip or tongue, clean the area and use ice to reduce pain or swelling. If you’re experiencing serious bleeding, visit your local emergency room.

Broken Jaw

As with an injured lip or tongue, a broken jaw will require a visit to your local emergency room. If you have lost any teeth as a result of your injury, call your dentist after you have sought care for your jaw.

These are just a few of the problems that patients can face. If you’re having an emergency that is not mentioned here, or if you want to learn more about one that is, call your local emergency dentist. Seeking immediate care in any of these cases is important. Call your dentist.

Enjoy Relief for Gum Disease with Periodontal Therapy from Dr. Papageorgiou

November 15, 2012

As important as cavity-free teeth are, your teeth aren’t the only important aspect of your smile.  Healthy gums are just as essential. Recent medical studies have linked poor gum health to a wide range of other health problems in the rest of the body, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Pneumonia

Thankfully, with the periodontal therapies you’ll find at Papageorgiou Dental Associates, patients from Natick and beyond have somewhere to turn when faced with such a common condition like gum disease.

It’s been estimated that gum disease affects 75% of American adults. But not every one of those cases is the same. For some, treating gum disease may only mean spending more time brushing and flossing every day. In other cases, a more advanced procedure, like scaling and root planing, may be necessary. Using either traditional dental tools or a soft-tissue laser, our team at Papageorgiou Dental Associates will help you remove bacteria and calculus from your smile, easing your gum disease symptoms and improving your oral health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Do your gums routinely bleed during or after brushing? Do you struggle with frequent bad breath? Are your gums extremely red, discolored, or sensitive? All of these are a sign that you might have gum disease.

Call Papageorgiou Dental Associates today to schedule your consultation visit. Dr. Christina Papageorgiou would be happy to assess your oral health and recommend a treatment plan. Our team serves patients from Natick, Framingham, Wellesley, Wayland, Weston, Ashland, Sherborn, and beyond.

Dentistry for the Whole Family

July 13, 2012

Welcome to the blog for Papageorgiou Dental Associates! This is where you’ll find information and news about our Natick office, including info about our services and great oral care tips you can share with friends or family.

We’ll kick things off today by talking about our comprehensive family dentistry services. As your Natick family dentist, Dr. Christina Papageorgiou offers helpful general, cosmetic, and restorative services.

But we don’t just offer services for adults. Papageorgiou Dental Associates also serves children with children’s dentistry. All of which makes our office a great place for you to bring your whole family.

How often should your child come in for a visit?

We recommend scheduling a regular exam and cleaning twice a year, or about every six months. Such visits are important, because they give Dr. Papageorgiou a chance to check your smile for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and an even more serious problem like oral cancer. By putting off or ignoring important visits like these, you could be setting yourself up for more advanced cases of decay and gum disease. But you can help yourself avoid that through regular care and great brushing and flossing at home.

Are you ready to schedule your visit with Papageorgiou Dental Associates? Call our Natick office today to set up your appointment. We serve families from Framingham, Wellesley, Wayland, Weston, Ashland, Sherborn, and beyond. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

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