Sleep apnea is a condition that affects millions of Americans (18 million) and is diagnosed in mass quantities each and every year. Most often, the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is recommended for patients suffering from sleep apnea. However, not everyone enjoys the treatment. In some cases, patients will completely object to CPAP treatment. There’s a reason it is the gold standard for sleep apnea cases, but sometimes it’s just too much for some people. There are plenty of alternatives to curb sleep apnea without incorporating any CPAP treatment. Our office in Natick, MA wants you to know that you have choices when it comes to receiving treatment for your condition. Dr. Papageorgiou attacks sleep apnea the way it should, with aggressive treatment that inches you closer to enjoying a night filled with wondrous sleep. Are you ready to ditch the CPAP and take back your nights?
(more…)
Papageorgiou Dental Associates Blog
Sleep Apnea and Getting Relief From Your CPAP Machine
August 1, 2015
Preventive Dentist, Natick, MA
July 13, 2015
Did you ever play would you rather as a child? The point of the game is to offer a person two equally terrible activities, and see which of the two the person chooses. When it comes to caring for your teeth, would you rather stop problems before they start, or treat dental health issues after they’ve done damage? Most people wouldn’t even hesitate on this extremely simple round of “would you rather”: stopping problems before they start is the clear choice. Luckily for us, this doesn’t have to be only a game. The choice is truly yours. Preventive dental treatments from Papageorgiou Dental Associates in Natick, MA stop dental damage before it starts. Call to schedule an appointment today.
Dental Health Habits
The best way to ensure continued oral health, is to remember to visit our office twice a year, and brush twice a day. By committing to these two simple steps, you commit to lifelong oral health. It’s as easy at that. Humans are creatures of habit. Some habits we want to break like always eating a bag of chips in front of the tv after work, but others we work hard to establish and maintain. Eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and caring for our teeth building these habits help us to feel better, look great, and live a longer, happier life. At Papageorgiou Dental Associates, we’re here to help you achieve your oral health care goals.
Twice a Year
Every six months, we look forward to seeing your smiling face, and we hope visiting our office is something you look forward to. Our dedicated staff strives to make every visit comfortable and beneficial. Your consistent hygiene appointments support your at home dental health care routine so teeth stay clean and healthy. At your regular checkups one of our skilled dentists will thoroughly examine your teeth and mouth. We’ll look for tooth decay and other damage, but our doctors also screen for periodontal (gum) disease, bruxism (grinding/clenching teeth), TMJ disorder, and oral cancer. Because our team examines your bite every six months, we are able to spot irregularities quickly and determine if treatment is necessary. The more familiar our knowledgeable staff becomes with your oral health the better able we are to treat you, and best of all prevent many oral health issues from ever happening.
Twice a Day
Preventive dental care starts at home. Your regular checkups would do you little good, if you never brushed or flossed your teeth between visits. Establishing thorough, consistent home cleaning habits is essential to maintain oral health. Adult patients may benefit from re-examining their brushing habits to get the most out of their twice daily routine. One great method for brushing your teeth is referred to as the “Bass method” this style of brushing allows patients to maximize the benefits of their daily brushing. Here’s how you can use the Bass method:
- Always brush for at least 2 minutes using a toothpaste with 1000ppm to 1100ppm of fluoride
- Starting on the top, back teeth, placed your tooth brush at a 45 degree angle along the gum line
- Gently move your toothbrush back and forth along the gum line in a vibrational motion staying on the same set of teeth
- Count to ten
- Sweep your tooth brush quickly downward on the outside of the set of teeth you were cleaning
- Reposition on the next set of teeth and repeat for front and backs of top and bottom arches
- For the biting surface of teeth, use a quick back and forth motion to loosen matter, and a sweeping motion to remove it
- Don’t forget to gently brush the inside of the mouth and the tongue
Find out More
We want you to have the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted, and the best place to start is with your own teeth. Whatever your dental health care needs, Papageorgiou Dental Associates is here to help. Call to schedule an appointment at our convenient Natick, MA office. We welcome patients from surrounding areas including Ashland, Wayland, Newton, and Weston.
Dr. Christina Papageorgiou: The Cosmetic Dentist Framingham, MA, Loves
June 24, 2015
When you see your smile in the mirror or in a photograph—such as that latest “share” on Facebook—do you “like” what you see? If there’s something you’d like to change about your smile in order to improve your smile, then you should consider one of the cosmetic dentistry treatments available at Papageorgiou Dental Associates. From our office in Natick, MA, Dr. Christina Papageorgiou is the cosmetic dentist near Framingham, MA, who enhances the smiles and boosts the confidence of many people in and around this area. Find out how we can do the same for you!
Teeth Whitening in Framingham, MA
If you’ve decided that you’d like to have a whiter and brighter smile, then we can help you achieve your smile goal. For many people, maintaining a white smile is a daily struggle—and we do mean daily. Every day people eat and drink many foods and beverages that are prone to stain their teeth: coffee, tea, red wine, cherries, tomatoes and chocolate just to name a few. Your smile can also become stained or discolored from smoking or chewing tobacco, certain medications such as the antibiotic tetracycline, injury to a tooth, or your age and genetics.
For the fastest results, we offer KöR® Whitening Deep Bleaching System for our in-office whitening service. We’ll apply the safe and effective whitening gel to your teeth, and just as your teeth’s enamel can absorb stains, it will absorb the gel deeply into the tooth and dissolve those stains. Very little tooth sensitivity results from whitening with KöR, so the only thing you’ll be left with after your teeth whitening treatment is a dramatically rejuvenated smile.
For our patients who would prefer to whiten their smiles in the comfort and privacy of home, we offer either NiteWhite or DayWhite teeth whitening systems. With custom-fitted trays and professional grade whitening gel, you’ll have that beautiful smile in two weeks or less.
Invisalign in Framingham, MA
If the smile you desire necessitates having straighter teeth, then Papageorgiou Dental Associates can take care of that, too. With Invisalign, your teeth will gradually move into proper alignment as you progress through a series of clear plastic aligners designed just for your smile. Except for mealtime and when you need to brush and floss, you’ll wear your aligners all day and every day. At the end of treatment, you’ll have straight teeth and a more beautiful smile.
Call Our Office Today
If you are searching for the cosmetic dentist or the family dentist Framingham, MA, depends on for oral health and a sparkling smile, then schedule an appointment with Papageorgiou Dental Associates in Natick, MA. We also happily serve the surrounding communities of Ashland, Wayland, Newton, Weston and beyond.
Family General Dentistry Is Here For You and Yours
May 29, 2015
If you thought regular dental care was a big part of your life, you’re right! Oral exams are great because they help our dental team identify and diagnose common oral health conditions like tooth decay, periodontal disease, and more. TMJ dysfunction and oral cancer are also conditions that can pop up that need attention. When it comes to providing the best oral health care possible, early diagnosis and treatment is essential. Our office in Natick, MA offers general dentistry services that are meant to keep your family orally healthy for years. We always have your family’s utmost care in mind. Dr. Christina Papageorgiou and Dr. Meha Singh want you to know that your family is in great hands when you come to our office. Our dental exam will provide a detailed examination and cleaning of you and your family’s smiles. You know who to trust your teeth to — Dr. Papageorgiou and Dr. Singh!
(more…)
Effective Sleep Apnea Therapy in Natick, MA
April 17, 2015
Do you snore while you are in a deep sleep? Many Americans snore while they drift off into dreamland, waking their partner in the middle of the night. However, frequent, loud snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea, a common and, in some cases, a potentially serious disorder. If you feel tired after a night of rest or irregular throughout the day, you may have sleep apnea. Papageorgiou Dental Associates, which houses phenomenal dentists and their expert staff, has a solution for those who deal with this sleeping disorder.
How Do I Know if I Have Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that affects your breathing patterns while you sleep. Breathing is briefly interrupted or becomes shallow. The pauses last for seconds, but they can occur hundreds of times throughout the night, pulling you out of your natural sleep cycle. In result of this interruptions and erratic breathing habits, you spend less time in a deep sleep and your day suffers because of it. Symptoms and signs of sleep apnea include morning headaches, irritability, random mood swings, dry mouth or sore throat when waking, difficulty concentrating throughout the day, daytime drowsiness, and moments where you feel as if you could rapidly fall asleep.
How Do I Treat It?
Our sleep apnea therapy is simple, yet effective. After an initial consultation with the doctor, we will determine if you have sleep apnea. If diagnosed, we will make an impression of your mouth and craft a mouth appliance for you to wear at night. This mouthpiece slightly opens the mouth, allowing for better air intake throughout the night, discontinuing the obstructions from the sleeping condition. With continued use of the appliance, you will retain regular breathing while you sleep and will no longer experience interruptions while Mr. Sandman gives you a dream.
I Think I May Need to see a Doctor.
Our staff and dentists are available to see you when you schedule an appointment. We understand the seriousness of this condition and we are ready to help those who have it. Our office is available to Natick, MA, Framingham, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley, and the surrounding communities.
Re-Establish Your Healthy Smile with a New Porcelain Crown in Natick, MA
March 17, 2015
Your natural teeth are surprisingly resilient. But sometimes, they need a little help to maintain proper form and function. That’s why Dr. Papageorgiou offers comprehensive tooth restoration using custom fabricated porcelain crowns. You may need a new crown to help restore a damaged or decayed tooth, or to make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance. Porcelain crowns can also be used to cover teeth that are severely discolored or misshapen. Dr. Papageorgiou will examine your teeth to determine if a new porcelain crown is the best restorative option. If you need to rehabilitate a vulnerable tooth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Papageorgiou and Papageorgiou Dental Associates for your new porcelain crown today. Dr. Papageorgiou is a skilled restorative dentist, now proudly serving patients daily throughout Natick, MA, Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley, and the surrounding communities.
Do You Need a New Porcelain Crown?
Porcelain crowns not only duplicate the original tooth in function, but also in form. A new porcelain crown may be required to:
- Replace a large filling when there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure remaining
- Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
- Restore an already fractured tooth
- Complete a dental bridge
- Complete a dental implant
- Correct a discolored or misshapen tooth
- Protect a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy
Natick Porcelain Crown Appointments
Porcelain crowns are superior to metal (amalgam) crowns in both appearance and long term health benefits. On average, you can expect your new porcelain crown to last about fifteen years. The life span of your new crown will depend largely on how well you keep up good oral hygiene practices, and how often you attend routine dental checkups and cleanings. If you need a tooth restored, or if you need to replace an old restoration, schedule a porcelain crown appointment with Dr. Papageorgiou and Papageorgiou Dental Associates today. Dr. Papageorgiou is an experienced restorative dentist, now delivering quality care daily throughout Natick, MA, Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley, and the neighboring areas.
Eliminate Pain and Discomfort with TMJ Disorder Therapy from Dr. Papageorgiou in Natick, MA
February 17, 2015
Do you have a TMJ disorder? Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders most commonly occur in women between the ages of 20 and 40, but may develop in anyone at any age. Your TMJ connects your lower jaw bone to your skull in front of each ear, and controls the facial muscles in charge of chewing. Problems with your TMJ can cause head and neck pain, facial pain, ear aches, headaches, locked jaw, bite problems, and jaw clicking or popping sounds. If you have persistent jaw pain, or if you can’t open or close your jaw comfortably, it’s time to take action. Make a TMJ disorder appointment with Papageorgiou Dental Associates today. Dr. Papageorgiou is the leading Natick TMJ disorder specialist. Papageorgiou Dental Associates delivers quality care daily throughout Natick, MA, Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley, and the surrounding communities.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
Your TMJ acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. A TMJ disorder can cause pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control your jaw movement. The exact cause of TMJ disorder development is often difficult to determine. Your pain may be due to a combination of problems, including arthritis or jaw injury, or bruxism (nightly teeth grinding).
Do You Have A TMJ Disorder?
If you have experienced any of the following symptoms, you should make an immediate appointment for a TMJ disorder examination:
- Pain or tenderness of your jaw
- Earaches
- Difficulty chewing
- Aching facial pain
- Locking of the jaw
How Does Dr. Papageorgiou Treat TMJ Disorder?
Oral Appliance Therapy (Night Guards): If you are suffering from TMJ disorder, you may benefit from wearing a custom oral appliance at night. The night guard fits securely over your upper and lower teeth, much like an athletic mouth guard. The oral appliance can help reduce clenching and teeth grinding, and ease muscle tension by relieving jaw joint stress and pressure.
Natick TMJ Disorder Therapy Appointments
To determine the presence of TMJ disorder, Dr. Papageorgiou will listen to and feel your jaw when you open and close your mouth, observe the range of motion in your jaw, and press gently on areas around your jaw to identify sites of pain and discomfort. Don’t go another day without seeking treatment for your TMJ disorder symptoms. Make an appointment with Dr. Papageorgiou at Papageorgiou Dental Associates today for the TMJ disorder therapy you need to restore your quality of life. Dr. Papageorgiou is a trusted family dentist, now proudly serving families throughout Natick, MA, Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley, and the neighboring areas.
Effective and Reliable Natick Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatments
January 17, 2015
Does loud snoring keep you up at night? If you, or someone close to you, suffer from chronically loud snoring, intermittent choking, or other sleep disturbances, you may need sleep apnea and snoring therapy. Sleep apnea and snoring are separate but related conditions stemming from the interruption of airflow as you sleep. Untreated sleep apnea and snoring not only rob you of a good night’s rest, but could also pose serious health risks. Make an appointment with Dr. Papageorgiou at Papageorgiou Dental Associates today for the sleep apnea and snoring treatment you need to finally get a good night’s sleep. Dr. Papageorgiou is an experienced sleep apnea doctor. Papageorgiou Dental Associates proudly serves families throughout Natick, MA, Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley, and the surrounding communities.
What Causes Sleep Apnea and Snoring?
While we’re awake, our throat muscles keep our airway open so that air can flow freely in and out of our lungs. But as we sleep, these muscles can relax, narrowing our airway. Normally, this narrowing doesn’t prevent air from flowing into and out of our lungs. However, if you have sleep apnea, your throat muscles and tongue relax more than normal, and your airway could become partially or fully blocked as you sleep. As a result, loud snoring and drops in blood oxygen levels can occur. If the oxygen drops to a dangerous level, it triggers your brain to interrupt your sleep to reopen your windpipe. Normal breathing then starts again, but with a loud snort or choking sound.
Why Is Untreated Sleep Apnea And Snoring So Dangerous?
These frequent drops in your blood oxygen levels and reduced sleep can trigger the release of stress hormones in your body. These hormones then raise your heart rate and increase your risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and irregular heartbeats. The hormones also can raise your risk for heart failure. Untreated sleep apnea may lead to changes in how your body uses energy, increasing your risk for obesity and diabetes.
What Are Your Sleep Apnea And Snoring Treatment Options?
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure): CPAP is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. A CPAP machine uses a small mask that fits over your mouth or nose as you sleep. However, CPAP treatment is not well tolerated by many patients and can cause side effects including: a dry or stuffy nose, irritated skin, dry mouth, headaches, stomach bloating and other discomfort.
Oral Appliance Therapy: Oral appliance therapy is the less invasive alternative for sleep apnea and snoring treatment. A custom fitted oral appliance could help if you have sleep apnea, or if you snore loudly but don’t have sleep apnea. Either way, Dr. Papageorgiou can diagnose your case and design and fabricate a custom-fitted solution. The oral appliance will adjust your lower jaw and your tongue to help keep your airways open while you sleep, thus eliminating the effects of the conditions.
Natick Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment Appointments
Don’t lose anymore sleep unnecessarily. Make your sleep apnea and snoring therapy appointment with Dr. Papageorgiou at Papageorgiou Dental Associates today. Dr. Papageorgiou is a highly qualified family dentist. Papageorgiou Dental Associates proudly serves patients of all ages daily throughout Natick, MA, Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley, and nearby cities.
Who Can You Call for Dental Emergencies in Natick, MA?
December 17, 2014
Most people know automatically to call 911 in case of a medical emergency. But do you know who to call in case of a dental emergency? If you don’t, you could be setting yourself up for a rude awakening. Most hospital emergency rooms don’t have the qualified staff to treat complex dental emergencies. Furthermore, they’re not equipped to replace or restore teeth that have been knocked out or need to be removed. You can save yourself, time, money, and headaches, by building a relationship with a dentist that your family can turn to during dental emergencies. Make an appointment to get to know Dr. Papageorgiou at Papageorgiou Dental Associates today. If you do so, you’ll know exactly who to call during a dental emergency. Dr. Papageorgiou wants to help you keep your family safe and healthy. Papageorgiou Dental Associates proudly serves families throughout Natick, MA, Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley and surrounding communities.
Common Dental Emergencies
- Extreme pain from tooth ache
- Infection
- Bleeding or swelling
- Injuries to the teeth or gums
- Lost or cracked fillings
- A chipped or broken tooth
- Knocked out tooth
- Partially dislodged tooth
- Crowns that have fallen out or broken
- Broken braces or wires
- Abscess
- Severe cut on the tongue, cheeks, gums, or lips
Dental Emergencies in Natick, MA
Remember that it’s important to address a dental emergency as soon as possible, to reduce the possibility of permanent damage to your teeth, gums, or facial structures. Even with good oral hygiene habits, you can’t fight decay or treat dental injuries without the help of a qualified family dentist. Make an appointment with Dr. Papageorgiou at Papageorgiou Dental Associates today to get the preventive dental care you and your family need to stay healthy. Dr. Papageorgiou wants to partner with you for a lifetime of good dental health. Papageorgiou Dental Associates restores smiles daily throughout Natick, MA, Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley and nearby areas.
How Can You Whiten Your Smile for the Holidays?
November 17, 2014
For many of us, the holidays are an extremely busy time of year full of preparations for celebrations and get-togethers with our families and friends. But you may forget about giving yourself a gift. Give yourself the gift of a bright new white smile this holiday season. Even if you have tried whitening toothpastes or strips before, you should know that professional teeth whitening will yield much better results. Make an appointment with Dr. Papageorgiou at Papageorgiou Dental Associates to get your teeth whitened for those holiday gatherings. Dr. Papageorgiou wants to help you achieve the brighter whiter smile you’ve always wanted. Papageorgiou Dental Associates proudly serves patients throughout Natick, MA, Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley and surrounding communities.
Whiten Your Smile With:
- KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System- This system works by restoring your teeth’s natural ability to absorb oxygen. The oxygen from the whitening gel is absorbed deeply into the tooth, dissolving stain any molecules.
- NiteWhite or DayWhite– If you prefer an at home whitening treatment you will love this whitening system. These systems include comfortable, custom-fitted trays filled with a minty gel to whiten your teeth in just a few days. NiteWhite and DayWhite use the same trays and the same active ingredients. NiteWhite trays are worn overnight, while you sleep and DayWhite trays are worn for 30 minutes twice a day.
Whiten Your Smile in Natick, MA
Professional teeth whitening can be incredibly quick and easy. Our teeth can stain and discolor because we consume a lot of coffee, tea and carbonated drinks throughout the year. Smoking and alcohol can also cause staining. Let a bright new smile become a part of your holiday tradition and make an appointment with Dr. Papageorgiou at Papageorgiou Dental Associates today. Dr. Papageorgiou can whiten your teeth in just one visit. Papageorgiou Dental Associates whitens smiles everyday throughout Natick, MA, Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley and nearby cities.