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Boston Smile Center Blog

Keep Your Teeth Healthy and Happy with Root Canal Therapy from Dr. Sasson

March 6, 2013

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Dr. Alan Sasson @ 10:36 pm

tooth painOut of all the dental procedures a person can undergo, “root canal” always seems to be the phrase that strikes the most fear in patients’ hearts. While it may be true that in the past, root canal therapy was a painful procedure to undergo, its bad reputation is completely unwarranted today, what with the help of advanced anesthesia and technology options.  In fact, the procedure can rescue severely injured or decayed teeth that are facing extraction and restore them to full functionality! Here at Boston Smile Center, Dr. Sasson understands how important it is for patients to retain their natural pearly whites; that’s why he offers root canal therapy to patients at his Brookline, MA office. With the help of root canal therapy, your smile will stay safe and whole for years to come!

One procedure, several lasting benefits

So what exactly happens during root canal therapy? It’s simple enough – we simply clean bacteria and pulp out of the diseased canals within the affected tooth, seal the area so that further infection can’t reach it, and then, if necessary, restore the tooth with a custom-made crown. By the time Dr. Sasson is done, you won’t even be able to tell there was anything wrong with the tooth in the first place!

Okay, but it will hurt?

Our Brookline office hears this question from patients all the time. We have good news for you – most people who undergo root canal therapy report that the procedure hurts no more than a common filling. Better yet, root canal therapy has an incredibly high success rate, and many teeth that have undergone the treatment go on to last a lifetime.

Don’t let an injured or diseased tooth damage your smile and put a damper on your day – Dr. Sasson and his accomplished staff want to restore much-needed form and function to your mouth! Here at Boston Smile Center, we’re known for comprehensive, compassionate care that puts your unique needs first each and every time you come in. Contact our Brookline office today to schedule an appointment!

Pregnancy and Your Oral Health – Part 1

February 25, 2013

Filed under: Dentist — Tags: , , , , — Dr. Alan Sasson @ 3:46 pm

What You Need to Know – Dental Visits

Take Time to Take Care of Yourself

If you are pregnant or planning to become so, now is the time to pay close attention to your teeth and gums as an important part of your overall health.  It’s important for both you and your baby.  Pregnancy and the changing hormone levels that occur with it can make some dental problems worse.  Taking good care of your mouth benefits your overall health.  And, clearly if you are healthy, it is more likely your baby will be healthy, too.shutterstock_7618078

Dental Visits

If you are planning to get pregnant, schedule a dental checkup with us so that we can assess the current health of your teeth and gums and address any needs or concerns in advance.  We can also schedule you for an extra dental hygiene visit to keep your oral health at an optimal level during this important time in your life.

Inform us if there is any change in your general health, and change in the medications you may be taking, or any special advice your physician has provided to you.  This information will help us plan your treatment.  We would also be happy to speak directly with your OG-GYN doctor to coordinate any needed treatment.

It is important that you continue with regular dental visits during your pregnancy.  Having a dental cleaning every three months during your pregnancy can be very helpful to control gingivitis that frequently occurs because of normal hormonal changes.  Preventing periodontal gum disease is very important to you and your baby.

During the last months of pregnancy, it may be uncomfortable lying in the dental chair during your visit so let us know.  We have many options available in the office such as lumbar pillows, head, neck and back chair supports that adjust to many positions in order make you as comfortable as possible.

Together we can work together to make sure you maintain optimal oral health before, during, and after your pregnancy.

Dr. Sasson’s goal at Boston Smile Center is for you to maintain a radiant and healthy smile for a lifetime!

In an upcoming blog, I will discuss pregnancy as it relates to tooth decay and gingivitis.

Straighten Your Smile Stress-Free with Invisalign in Brookline, MA

February 21, 2013

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , — Dr. Alan Sasson @ 10:59 pm

invisaligntrioIf you’re an adult with gaps or misalignments hindering their oral health, it can seem like only an impossible dream to find a solution that can help you achieve a perfectly straight smile. There are always traditional metal braces, sure, but what about that polished, professional image you’ve worked so hard to establish over time? You don’t deserve to have it damaged by a look that’ll make you feel like you’re back in junior high. Here at Boston Smile Center, we understand your hesitation, and we want to be the ones who provide you with an easy, effective solution. That’s why Dr. Sasson is happy to offer you Invisalign as a cosmetic option at his Brookline, MA office. With the help of Invisalign, you’ll soon have a beautiful, smile straight you won’t be able to help from showing off!

Beautiful Benefits, One Simple Solution

The procedure for Invisalign is simple enough – you’ll be provided with a set of custom-made, clear aligners. These will be made by the Invisalign lab after we’ve taken detailed impressions of your teeth, and they’ll each represent a different stage of your teeth as they move into their ideal alignment. There are no uncomfortable wires, no ugly brackets, and no pain with Invisalign – you simply wear each aligner for around two weeks and then switch to the next one. They can easily be removed when you eat, brush, or floss, meaning that neither your eating habits or your oral hygiene routine have to be altered in any way. Better yet, if you’ve got a big event like a wedding or graduation coming up where you want to look your absolute best, simply leave out the aligner while you’re there and slip it back in when you’re done. It really is that simple.

There’s no tightening or adjustments with Invisalign, either – you’ll only need to come in every four-six weeks so that Dr. Sasson can check to make sure your teeth are moving properly. Invisalign will take around 12-18 months to complete your treatment. In many cases, this is a much shorter time than traditional braces take, which often need to stay on for two years or more.

Are you ready to finally have the straighter smile you’ve always dreamed of? Invisalign can treat your teeth, improve your self-confidence, and more. Call Boston Smile Center in Brookline, MA today to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Sasson.

Treat Your Teeth to a Smile Makeover from Dr. Sasson

February 19, 2013

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — Dr. Alan Sasson @ 10:51 pm

smile and dental mirrorNo matter how diligent we are with our oral hygiene routines or how many regular check-ups we attend, many of us are still unhappy with the smile we see in the mirror. Maybe you wish your teeth were straighter, or that extra cup of coffee every morning before work has left them duller than you’d hoped they be. Whatever the case is, there’s no reason to believe that your dental care has to be finished simply because your mouth is at optimal health. Here at Boston Smile Center, we want to give you the five-star smile you deserve, no matter what it takes. That’s why Dr. Sasson is proud to offer smile makeovers as part of his cosmetic dentistry care in Brookline, MA.

What is a smile makeover?

Smile makeovers aren’t one specific service – instead, they’re a combination of cosmetic procedures that’s specifically designed for each individual patient to fit their needs and desires. By choosing a smile makeover, you no longer need to wonder about what treatments you need or what order you should have them completed – Dr. Sasson will figure out a plan for your teeth upfront after a thorough discussion concerning how you want your smile to appear. No two smile makeovers are quite the same; after all, we’re all unique, with different outlooks. One person might want to look like a movie star, while another may just want to replace unnatural-looking fillings and crowns with more seamless solutions. Our team will work hard to make sure you get the results that you’re hoping for.

Here are some of the services we can offer as part of your smile makeover:

Are you ready to rejuvenate your smile and your self-confidence? Let us treat your teeth with a smile makeover at Boston Smile Center and get you to your perfect look that much faster. Call us in Brookline, MA if you have any questions, or if you’re ready to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Sasson today.

Treat Your Teeth Well with Mercury-Free Fillings from Dr. Sasson

February 14, 2013

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , — Dr. Alan Sasson @ 10:56 pm

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems patients face on a regular basis, and for over 100 years, dentists have been treating them by providing amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings, which are created by combining elemental mercury, silver, tin, and copper, are a tried-and-true method for repairing the destruction left by decay; they can withstand a lot of pressure, and tend to last for a long time. But they also have some decidedly negative qualities, the worst concerning their cosmetic nature. The fillings can be painfully obvious to those around you if they’re in your front teeth, causing you potential embarrassment. There’s also the threat of a health hazard, especially concerning the mercury used.  Never fear – while the ADA’s official stance is that the mercury levels in amalgam fillings are safe, Dr. Sasson and his excellent team don’t feel comfortable taking any chances with your health. That’s why we’re happy to offer you mercury-free fillings here at Boston Smile Center in Brookline, MA.

Keep Your Smile Safe, Stable, and Stunning

Instead of the material found in amalgam fillings, our mercury-free fillings are made of safe, durable composite resin and beautiful dental porcelain. Combined, you’ll  have a stunning outcome that traditional fillings can’t offer – a seamless new look that hides all evidence of dental treatment and keeps your smile whole and happy. For patients who need their cavities treated but that don’t want to sacrifice their polished professional image to do so, mercury-free fillings are a perfect choice.

Other benefits of mercury-free fillings include:

  • They’re bonded directly to teeth with adhesive, which strengthens the tooth for a significant amount of time (often 7-10 years!) without needing to be fixed or replaced.
  • Amalgam fillings often are cracked or bend through biting or chewing over time, allowing bacteria and infection to sneak into the tooth; our mercury-free fillings don’t wear down or change shape, keeping your teeth completely protected.
  • We’re committed to practicing conservative dentistry, meaning that during procedures, we want to preserve as much of your natural teeth as possible. Mercury-free fillings allow us to accomplish this by requiring much less reduction of the affected tooth than amalgam fillings.

If you’ve already had traditional fillings placed and would like to replace them with mercury-free fillings, we’re happy to do that for you as well. Don’t let cavities get out of control – Dr. Sasson and his team are eager to provide you with expert, personalized care that sends you off with a smile. Feel free to call Boston Smile Center in Brookline, MA if you have any questions, or if you’re ready to schedule your FREE consultation today.

Make Your Smile Shine with Porcelain Veneers

February 7, 2013

Filed under: Boston Dentist — Tags: , , , , — Dr. Alan Sasson @ 7:55 pm

A beautiful smile can go a long way towards helping your confidence. Straight, white teeth suggest youth, success, and vitality to those around you – but as an adult, it can feel like you’ve missed your chance to undergo treatments like braces and teeth whitening, or maybe you just don’t have the time to wait on results to gradually appear. Here at Boston Smile Center in Brookline, MA, we understand the pressures and expectations of your daily life. Dental care should accommodate your needs, not the other way around. That’s why Dr. Sasson is happy to offer you the option of porcelain veneers, a cosmetic treatment that can cover up stains, cracks, chips, or even stubborn misalignments.  With porcelain veneers, you’ll have a four-star smile you can’t wait from sharing with the world!

What are porcelain veneers, exactly?

Porcelain veneers are a wafer-thin piece of porcelain that, in most cases, is fitted in the “smile zone” – the teeth people always see when you smile.  They aren’t one-size-fits-all, though; your veneers will be crafted so as to enhance your own unique smile. Using his patented Ceramel® technique, Dr. Sasson designs veneers that mimic the translucency, color, and shape of beautiful, natural teeth. With SmileMagic software, you can see how your new smile will look before treatment even begins!

Porcelain veneers are also:

  • Virtually undetectable by those around you
  • Resilient to nearly all foods and drinks ingested on a daily basis
  • Available after only two appointments, including a in-depth consultation that addresses your wishes concerning the look of your new veneers, and a personalized fitting

The beautiful look of white and straight teeth doesn’t have to feel out of reach – with Dr. Sasson and his team on your side, you’ll have the smile you deserve before you know it with the help of porcelain veneers. Call Boston Smile Center today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Sasson.

Sport a New, Even-Colored Smile with White Spot Removal from Dr. Sasson

February 5, 2013

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , — Dr. Alan Sasson @ 10:47 pm

You’ve straightened your smile, polished it, kept it healthy – but what about those ugly white spots that you can’t seem to get rid of, no matter how much you brush? White discoloration is a common problem, not to mention a frustrating one. They normally form because of calcium loss in the enamel of your teeth, which can be caused by eating foods and drinks high in acid as a child or even by wearing orthodontic braces when you were a teenager. Here at Boston Smile Center, our team definitely doesn’t think you should be punished with unsightly spots simply because you wanted to better your smile. You deserve flawless, even-colored teeth that you’ll be proud to share with the world around you. That’s why Dr. Sasson and his team are happy to offer white spot removal as one of several cosmetic procedures in Brookline, MA.

Keep Your Smile Stunning and Your Self-Confidence High

White spots don’t only ruin the beauty of your smile – they can also make your teeth too sensitive and open them up to further decay. In order to get rid of them, we use Icon, a revolutionary new tool that makes white spot a quick and painless process. By utilizing a gel that opens the pore system of the white spot lesions, our team can bring back your natural tooth color as well as permanently build new enamel, keeping your new results long-lasting and lovely.

This form of white spot removal treatment is quick, easy, and affordable. No shots, drills, or surgery is required to achieve noticeable results, and the entire appointment can be finished in as little as twenty minutes!

Are you in need of white spot removal? You can learn more about the process here, and feel free to peruse our website for more information about the other cosmetic dentistry techniques we can offer you. Feel free to call Boston Smile Center in Brookline, MA if you have any questions, or if you’re ready to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Sasson today.

Teeth Whitening Can Make Your Smile Sparkle

January 31, 2013

Filed under: Boston Dentist,Free Consultation — Tags: , , , , , — Dr. Alan Sasson @ 7:37 pm

Here in Brookline, MA, we see several patients who are dreaming of beautiful, white teeth – and it’s not hard to understand why. White teeth can suggest youth, charisma, attractiveness, wealth, and a variety of other positive attributes to people you meet before you even speak. Talk about a good first impression! But of course, that dream isn’t always possible, whether because of age, medication, or simply because you like to have a cup of coffee in the morning. At Boston Smile Center, we want to make your smile shine no matter what, which is why we offer teeth whitening as a treatment option.  As a leading cosmetic dentist, Dr. Sasson can offer you several methods that will result in a brand-new, glowing look.

In-Office Whitening

With the help of the patented Zoom! Teeth whitening system, we’ll treat you here in the office. After only around an hour, your teeth can be lightened up to ten shades, with minimal sensitivity afterwards. We’ll also provide you with a teeth whitening kit to take home, for results that are both beautiful and long-lasting.

Customized Take-Home Whitening

If you’d prefer to whiten your teeth at home, we can provide you with a choice of a thirty-minute system that will perfectly fit both your routine and your mouth. When choosing this option, Dr. Sasson will create a customized tray that fits to the contours of your mouth specifically, and in addition, you’ll be given prescription-strength teeth whitening gel. Use these tools daily and you’ll see significant results in no time.

Take Home Whitening Tray

For those of you with little time and a tight budget, you can still undergo teeth whitening! Although Trèswhite disposable trays aren’t customized to fit your mouth, they still produce stronger results than over-the-counter brands will. Simply wear the tray for sixty minutes a day and you’ll see whiter teeth in the mirror before you know it!

Are you ready to pursue your dream of a whiter smile? Let us help you look your best, here at Boston Smile Center. Call us today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Sasson, or feel free to peruse our website to learn about other dental procedures we can offer you.

Sedation Dentistry – Do I Need It?

January 24, 2013

Filed under: Boston Dentist,Dentist,Sedation Dentistry,Uncategorized — Dr. Alan Sasson @ 3:22 pm

After 28 years of clinical practice, I have found that the major reasons for patients’ anxiety and phobia to dental treatment come from their previous traumatic experiences and their inability to tell the dentist just what bothers them about their dental situation.  These patients tend to believe that once they are in a dental chair, they are at the mercy of the dentist and the staff.

Building trust with the patient is the key to overcoming this anxious handicap.  And, it can be overcome!  Countless times in my dental career, I have encouraged patients to tell me the reasons for their anxiety and have worked with them to find suitable solutions to alleviating their phobia.  Any patient consenting to conscious or intravenous sedation only allows the dental care to be completed in the short-term, but will not help eliminating dental phobia overall.

Instead, a mild medication can relieve much of the anxiety while the patient remains totally alert.  This way, the needed dental care can be performed while helping the patient gradually overcome dental phobia permanently.  The patient controls the appointment entirely since he can inform the dentist of his anxiety level during the procedures.

(What does this have to do with anything?)  Dental anesthesia is very predictable and can be given painlessly.  When you need to break or just need some space during the procedure, the dentist and staff must be respectful, supportive and back off immediately.

At Boston Smile Center, we pride ourselves in being respectful of your needs and concerns at all times.  Sometimes a little help with and an anxiety reducing medication will give us a little extra help in the beginning until we gain your trust and confidence which I know we will! Call us to schedule an informational interview.

Keep Your Gums Happy with Laser Periodontal Therapy™ in Brookline, MA

January 22, 2013

Filed under: Boston Dentist — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Dr. Alan Sasson @ 4:50 pm

In an earlier blog post, we discussed the dangers of gum disease, as well as what symptoms and risk factors you should be aware of when going through your daily oral health routines. If you’ve just discovered that you’re suffering from the disease, the idea of pursuing treatment can make you anxious. After all, you might remember that dentists used to get rid of infected tissue by cutting it out with sharp tools – a terrifying thought, especially if you’re suffering from tenderness and pain already. At Boston Smile Center in Brookline, MA, we don’t want you to have to worry about messy consequences like blood and stitches.  You deserve treatment that is both quick and effective, while still holding your comfort as a top priority. That’s why Dr. Sasson is happy to offer Laser Periodontal Therapy™ to his patients. With Laser Periodontal Therapy™, your gums will be cared for much faster, no cutting, scalping, or stitching required!

A Pain-Free Alternative to Conventional Surgery

The way it works is simple – instead of using a scalpel, Laser Periodontal Therapy™ employs a dental laser that removes infection in the spaces between your teeth and your gums. The laser also seals each new, healthy site with a clot, altogether eliminating the need for pesky stitches, as well as leading to a quicker healing time.

There are several benefits to using Laser Periodontal Therapy™ besides the obvious ones – for instance, the treatment is much more conservative than traditional surgery, meaning that we won’t have to compromise your teeth in order to ensure your gums are healthy. In addition, Laser Periodontal Therapy™ has also been proven through several studies to not only heal tissue, but also to reconnect it.  Best of all, there’s no downtime required after the procedure takes place. You’ll be able to return to work, drive yourself home, or even go to lunch once you’re finished!

Our team wants to give you a reason to smile, here at Boston Smile Center. Call us today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Sasson, or to learn more about Laser Periodontal Therapy™. Our Brookline dental office is easily accessible from Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, and Newton as well.

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