Generations Dental Care Blog

Relieve Painful Symptoms with TMJ Therapy in Concord, NH

March 10, 2015

167121308We know what you’re thinking… thank goodness for my temporomandibular joints. Where would I be without them? No, you’re not thinking that? Well then, perhaps now you’re wonder what are and where are my temporomandibular joints. These joints are positioned on either side of your face just in front of your ears. They allow you to open your mouth so you can speak, eat, yawn and laugh. Unfortunately but like other bodily joints, your temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, can malfunction. Fortunately, however, there is TMJ therapy from Generations Dental Care in Concord, NH, to help relieve what can often be painful symptoms.

When your TMJs malfunction, the condition is called TMJ disorder or dysfunction. Although symptoms can vary from patient to patient, the most common is pain in the jaw joint. Other symptoms include:

  • A clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth
  • The feeling of an earache in the absence of infection
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Swelling on the side of your face
  • Headaches or pain around the ears, neck and shoulders
  • Changes in you bite or the alignment of your teeth
  • Stiffness or a locked feeling in your jaw

TMJ Therapy from Generations Dental Care

The most frequent cause of TMJ disorder is stress, which leads to teeth clenching and grinding, especially at night. If you are diagnosed with TMJ disorder, then Generations Dental Care can prescribe a custom-designed nightguard to reduce teeth clenching and grinding. This helps to alleviate muscle tension and pain. Most TMJ therapy patients have relief from their symptoms almost immediately, with the best results occurring after a few weeks of continued use.

Call Our Office Today

If you are experiencing any of the painful symptoms of TMJ disorder listed above, then schedule an appointment at Generations Dental Care. Our TMJ therapy in Concord, NH, will provide relief. We also serve patients from Penacook, Bow, Canterbury, Chichester, Pembroke, Manchester, Hooksett, Boscawen, Epsom, Hopkinton and Loudon.

Replace Missing Teeth with Dental Implants from Generations Dental Care

February 25, 2015

184898853Even if you’ve been “managing” with one or more missing teeth for some time, you should consider tooth replacement. Just one missing tooth can lead to a number of concerns, including shifting teeth and consequently an improper bite; difficulty chewing and speaking; and of course the appearance of your smile. While there are a number of tooth replacement options, perhaps the best is a dental implant. With dental implants from Generations Dental Care in Concord, NH, you can complete your smile and avoid long-term problems.

Other tooth replacement options, such as bridgework or dentures, only replace the crown of your missing teeth. Dental implants, on the other hand, replace the crown and the root. By replacing the root as well, a dental implant offers greater stability. Furthermore, the “root” of the implant stimulates the jaw bone, thereby averting bone deterioration and the associated facial sagging. And in fact, dental implants can be used to tightly secure bridgework and dentures, so they don’t slip.

Dental Implants in Concord, NH

The first step in your procedure requires the dentist to perform a minor surgery to implant a titanium post in the bone beneath the open socket of your missing tooth. This post serves as the “root” of your new tooth. Over a few months of healing, the post and surrounding bone tissue fuse together to create a solid foundation. Most patients wear a temporary crown while they heal. In the meantime, your permanent crown will be fabricated in a dental lab. Once healed, you’ll return to Generations Dental Care for your custom-designed crown to be cemented into place.

Call Our Office Today

If you’re ready to replace your missing teeth with the most lifelike tooth replacement, then call Generations Dental Care in Concord, NH, and ask about dental implants. We also serve patients in Penacook, Bow, Canterbury, Chichester, Pembroke, Manchester, Hooksett, Boscawen, Epsom, Hopkinton and Loudon.

Enjoy a New Smile with Porcelain Veneers in Concord, NH

February 10, 2015

100047604You know the feeling you have when you put on a new outfit? It’s a feeling of confidence, happiness and satisfaction. Now, imagine the intensity of that feeling when you’re wearing a new smile. With porcelain veneers from Generations Dental Care in Concord, NH, you can repair the smile you have with the designer smile want.

Porcelain veneers are modern dental wonders that essentially cover up the minor flaws in your smile. If you have teeth that are permanently stained, chipped, slightly cracked, somewhat misaligned, misshaped or irregularly spaced because of gaps, then porcelain veneers may be the solution you need in order to have a beautiful smile. And in most cases, you can have your new smile is just two appointments at Generations Dental Care.

Porcelain Veneers for You

The first step toward having a new smile is a consultation with one of the dentists at Generations Dental Care to discuss your smile goals and evaluate your oral health in order to address any concerns before your veneers are placed. Once you and the dentist determine that porcelain veneers are the best option for you, a customized plan is devised, including the shape, size, and color of your veneers.

At your first appointment, we’ll prep your teeth, which requires removing a very thin layer of your front teeth’s enamel, so the veneers will adhere better and lay flush with your other teeth. While your custom-designed, permanent veneers are fabricated in a cosmetic dental lab, you’ll wear temporaries. Once your own porcelain veneers are ready, you’ll return to Generations Dental Care for the dentist to bond the veneers to your teeth. With precision and care, we’ll trim and polish your veneers so they look completely natural and beautiful. Congratulations—that new smile looks great on you!

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you want to learn more about porcelain veneers, then call Generations Dental Care and schedule an appointment for a consultation. We serve patients in Concord, NH, as well as the surrounding communities of Penacook, Bow, Canterbury, Chichester, Pembroke, Manchester, Hooksett, Boscawen, Epsom, Hopkinton and Loudon.

Protect Your Long Term Health with Routine Oral Cancer Screenings in Concord, NH

December 24, 2014

179318324Has it been more than six months since your last dental visit? If it has, and you’re over 40, you could be putting more than just your dental health at risk. You could be skipping out on the oral cancer screening that could one day save your life. Oral cancer is a deadly form of the disease, but it can often be spotted in its earliest stages during a routine dental examination. If oral cancer is caught early, the chances of a positive treatment outcome are dramatically increased.  Unfortunately, many patients have wait too long to see a dentist, jeopardizing their ability to fight the disease. Don’t take chances with your good health; make an oral cancer screening appointment with Generations Dental Care today. Generations Dental Care can help you protect your long term oral and overall health. The experienced dentists of Generations Dental Care proudly serve patients of all ages daily throughout Concord, NH, Manchester, Epsom, Loudon, Canterbury, Hooksett, Bow, Pembroke, Boscawen, Penacook, Hopkinton, and surrounding communities.

Who Needs Regular Oral Cancer Screenings?

The risk for developing oral cancer is higher for men, but increases for both men and women with age. However, research shows that oral cancer is becoming more common among younger patients and women. Behavioral risk factors include:

  • Tobacco Use: The majority of oral cancer cases are a direct result of smoking and tobacco use.
  • Alcohol Use: Drinking alcohol in excess is another major risk factor for oral cancer. While an occasional glass of wine is safe, drinking an entire bottle in a single evening would put you at higher risk.
  • HPV: Many experts believe the Human papillomavirus (HPV) will soon overtake tobacco use as the number one cause of oral cancer.
  • Poor Nutrition: Up to half of all oral cancer cases can be due in part to poor nutrition.  A diet rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants will keep your body fit and help reduce the risk of developing oral cancer.

What Are the Warning Signs of Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer can become evident in many places including: the lips, tongue, gums, cheek, and throat. It’s critically important to make an immediate appointment for an oral cancer screening if you experience any of the following:

  • Mouth ulcers which do not heal after a few weeks
  • Red or white spots or bleeding anywhere in the mouth
  • Lumps or swellings in the mouth, head, or neck area
  • Persistent sore throat or earaches
  • Sudden unexplained weightloss

Concord Oral Cancer Screenings

While it’s always important to visit a dentist regularly to maintain healthy teeth and gums, it could also be a vital step in protecting your long term health from serious conditions like oral cancer. Make your appointment for an oral cancer screening with Generations Dental Care today. Generations Dental Care is a trusted Concord family dentistry. Generations Dental Care supports the health of patients daily throughout Concord, NH, Manchester, Epsom, Loudon, Canterbury, Hooksett, Bow, Pembroke, Boscawen, Penacook, Hopkinton, and nearby areas.

Enjoy Faster Smile Fixes with Six Month Smiles Clear Braces in Concord, NH

December 22, 2014

179095608Do you need orthodontic treatment? Studies show that most adult patients are actually unwilling to undergo the orthodontic therapy they need. This is due to the perceived costs of treatment including the potential embarrassment of having to wear bulky metal bracket and wire braces for two years or more. Adults who need orthodontic treatment want a fast and convenient orthodontic solution that won’t interfere with their busy lifestyle or broadcast their dental problems to the world. To address these concerns, Generations Dental Care now offers the Six Month Smiles orthodontics solution. Six Month Smiles is a discrete clear braces system that focuses on quickly correcting cosmetic orthodontic problems, such as misaligned front teeth. In less than a year, you could finally have the straight, perfectly aligned smile you’ve always wanted. To get started, make your Six Month Smiles consultation appointment with Generations Dental Care today. Generations Dental Care proudly restores smiles daily throughout Concord, NH, Manchester, Epsom, Loudon, Canterbury, Hooksett, Bow, Pembroke, Boscawen, Penacook, Hopkinton, and surrounding communities.

What Is Six Month Smiles?

Six Month Smiles braces are made with clear (invisible) brackets and wires designed specifically to address short term orthodontic treatment goals. These unique brackets and wires are engineered with a specific prescription, and the average course of treatment is generally completed in 4-9 months. These short term orthodontic treatment goals are different than those of conventional orthodontics. The most time consuming orthodontic changes are left out of Six Month Smiles treatment plans. The goal of Six Month Smiles is to create a new smile by tackling the most noticeable orthodontic issues.

Is Six Month Smiles Right For You?

Traditional orthodontics, when performed properly, can look fantastic.  However, traditional orthodontic treatment typically takes more than two years to complete. The Six Month Smiles orthodontics system is faster because it only deals with your chief orthodontic complaints, such as: crowded, crooked, and spaced teeth. These problems can easily be corrected in about six months. In addition to the speed of treatment, Six Month Smiles is also discrete and hardly noticeable. The clear brackets blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth, and the tooth-colored shape memory wires actively provide consistent forces to gently straighten and realign your teeth.

Why Choose Six Month Smiles?

Six Month Smiles is the cosmetically-driven, short-term orthodontics solution for busy adults. Other clear aligners are made out of clear plastic that can be easily removed; however, Six Month Smiles utilizes clear bonded brackets and tooth-colored wires. Because other clear aligners can be removed, interruptions in treatment can occur, ultimately slowing or disrupting tooth movement. Therefore Six Month Smiles works 2-3 times faster than other clear aligners to successfully treat the same issues. Other clear aligners can also be inefficient in achieving some desired tooth movements. With Six Month Smiles, a wider range of treatment types can be administered, as well as greater flexibility in addressing unexpected tooth movements. Six Month Smiles gives Generations Dental Care greater control over the outcome of your treatment. Additionally, Six Month Smiles is typically more affordable than other clear aligner options.

Concord Six Month Smiles Consultations

Don’t put off the orthodontic treatment you need another day. Make an appointment with Generations Dental Care for your Six Month Smiles consultation. Generations Dental Care proudly serves families daily throughout Concord, NH, Manchester, Epsom, Loudon, Canterbury, Hooksett, Bow, Pembroke, Boscawen, Penacook, Hopkinton, and nearby areas.

Children’s Dentistry is a Priority at Generations Dental Care

November 10, 2014

469174173Your children are your priority and your children’s teeth are our priority at Generations Dental Care in Concord, NH, where children’s dentistry is practiced with gentle care. Just like adults, children should see the dentist twice a year, too. At Generations Dental Care, we recommend that you begin bringing your child to the dentist around the age of three. At that age, they are likely capable of sitting in the dentist’s chair for the brief time we’ll need to conduct an exam. Of course, if there is something that concerns you, then please bring them earlier.

Children’s Dentistry: The Foundation of Good Oral Health

Actually, your child’s dental health begins at home with you. Did you know that you can help your child avoid cavities as they grow? First, if your child uses a pacifier, never “clean” that pacifier in your mouth. Likewise, don’t share eating utensils with your children. When you do, you may be transferring decay-causing bacteria from your mouth directly to theirs.

Around the age of four to six months of age, your baby’s teeth will begin to appear. When they do, cleaning is simple. Take a soft cloth or gauze dipped in warm water and gently wipe their teeth clean. Don’t neglect those baby teeth that allow your child to chew, talk and smile.

When you bring your child to Generations Dental Care, we will count their teeth at their first appointment, and at all of their ensuing visits, we’ll clean their teeth, check for proper development, and examine for signs of tooth decay. We may also recommend dental sealants—a thin plastic coating that is “painted” on molars to seal them against decay causing bacteria—or fluoride treatments to strengthen their teeth’s enamel, the first line of defense against decay.

Call Our Office Today

If the time has come for your child to visit the dentist, then schedule an appointment today with Generations Dental Care in Concord, NH. We also serve children (and adults) from Manchester, Bow, Loudon, and Canterbury, Hooksett, Pembroke and the surrounding areas.

Bruxism Treatment: Find Lasting Relief from Teeth Grinding in Concord, NH

September 22, 2014

465464685Bruxism, or teeth grinding, affects approximately 20 percent of the adult population in America. Because the majority of bruxism patients are not aware that they are engaging in this destructive behavior, the damage caused by the grinding goes unnoticed until a dentist discovers it at a routine checkup. A Generations Dental Care in Concord, NH, our team of experienced doctors and dental staff offer a variety of preventive and general family dentistry solutions, including treatment for bruxism.

Why is Bruxism Treatment Important?

The forces exerted by the muscles of the jaw are intense in a patient with bruxism. While the patient is asleep, the teeth are forcibly ground together, back and forth as well as side to side in some cases. This action not only damages the surfaces of your teeth, but may also cause cracks to restorative and cosmetic dentistry work like crowns or veneers. Approximately 20 percent of people with bruxism also develop a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ disorder. This musculoskeletal issue leads to pain in the jaw, head, neck, and shoulders, and may cause serious damage to the joint that connects the jaw to the skull.

Fortunately, there is a way to prevent the damage associated with bruxism. Our doctors will assess your case and may recommend the use of a customized nightguard, also known simply as a mouthguard. This comfortable, custom-fitted oral appliance keeps the teeth from grinding against one another by keeping the jaw in its proper position. Most patients report feeling relief from their symptoms after just one night!

Get the Bruxism Relief You Need

Has your partner ever told you that the sound of your teeth grinding at night keeps them from getting the sleep they need? Perhaps you’ve noticed that your teeth appear worn or flat along their top surfaces. If you suspect that you may be suffering from bruxism, please don’t hesitate to contact our office in Concord, NH today to schedule your appointment with our doctors at Generations Dental Care. We want to help you find a bruxism treatment plan that best suits your lifestyle and individual situation. Our warm, welcoming office proudly serves families from throughout Concord, Pembroke, Hooksett, Manchester, Bow, Loudon, Canterbury, and beyond.

Protecting Your Child’s Teeth with Custom Mouthguards

September 10, 2014

144320704If your children are participating in a sport this fall, you should consider getting them fitted for a custom mouthguard. Custom mouthguards are comfortable dental appliances that protect the teeth, gums and jaw from injury if you are hit in the head or mouth. Whether your child plays sports recreationally or competitively, there is always a risk of dental injury. Protect your child’s teeth by making an appointment with Generations Dental Care today. The experienced and caring dentists at Generations Dental Care will work with you to find the perfect mouthguard solution for your family. Generations Dental Care proudly serves families from Concord, NH, Manchester, Epsom, Loudon, Canterbury, Hooksett, Bow, Pembroke, Boscawen, Penacook, Hopkinton and surrounding communities.

Types of Mouthguards

There are three basic types of mouthguards. You may have already purchased a standard stock mouthguard. These are the least effective for preventing injuries because they are not fitted for the unique shape and size of the wearer’s bite. This can cause the wearer to clench down with the front teeth to hold the device in place.  This leaves the back teeth unprotected. The next type of mouthguard is the “boil and bite” variety. While slightly more customizable than the stock mouthguards, they essentially pose the same problem. The best choice is to visit the dentist to get a mouthguard custom fitted.  A custom fitted mouthguard will ensure that the entire mouth is protected and that the mouthguard fits comfortably. This is essential for children who wear braces or need other types of dental appliances.

Get a Custom Mouthguard in Concord, NH

Studies show that you are sixty times more likely to sustain an oral injury if you don’t wear a mouthguard while participating in athletic activity. By getting a custom mouthguard now, you could save thousands of dollars in dental bills from dental injuries resulting from the lack of protection of ill fitting mouthguards.  In addition to protecting the teeth, custom mouthguards can also help to protect the head in case of concussions or neck injuries. Make an appointment with the family dentists at Generations Dental Care today to get your child custom fitted for a mouthguard. Generations Dental Care is conveniently located in Concord, NH and serving patients in Manchester, Epsom, Loudon, Canterbury, Hooksett, Bow, Pembroke, Boscawen, Penacook, Hopkinton and surrounding areas.

How Porcelain Veneers Can Help You Achieve the Smile of Your Dreams

August 18, 2014

164125777Do you often wonder how your favorite movie stars and celebrities manage to sport beautiful, flawless smiles without the need for braces and other procedures? When you look in the mirror or at photos of yourself, does your own smile leave something to be desired? At Generations Dental Care in Concord, NH, our team of skilled doctors offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry solutions that help you enjoy the full benefits of a gorgeous, natural-looking smile, including porcelain veneers.

The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin, customized shells of durable dental porcelain that are affixed to the front surfaces of your teeth. They are shaped and sized specifically to blend in with your smile for an improved appearance that still looks entirely natural. Because the porcelain used to fabricate your veneers is incredibly stain resistant, you won’t have to worry about common issues like discoloration caused by coffee, tea, red wine, and dark foods. Porcelain veneers are often used to correct the following problems:

  • Deep stains that are resistant to teeth whitening treatments
  • Mild to moderate crowding and misalignment
  • Chips or fractures in enamel
  • Excessively visible gum tissue
  • Gaps between the teeth that show when you smile
  • Teeth that appear too small or too large in relation to surrounding teeth

Our doctors are always happy answer any questions you may have about our cosmetic dentistry services, so please feel free to ask. Our primary objective at Generations Dental Care is to provide you with effective, state-of-the-art dental care in an environment that makes you feel welcomed as a member of our family.

Reveal Your Most Beautiful Smile Yet

If you’ve been searching for a way to correct multiple cosmetic flaws with minimal time in the dental chair, the doctors at Generations Dental Care can help. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and to learn more about porcelain veneers. Our team looks forward to providing you with the exceptional oral healthcare and cosmetic dentistry services you need to show off a radiant, healthy smile for life. Conveniently located in Concord, NH, our practice gladly serves patients in the surrounding communities in Manchester, Canterbury, Loudon, Pembroke, Boscawen, Chichester, Penacook, Epsom, and beyond.

Invisalign Clear Braces in Concord, NH: The Smile You Deserve with Generations Dental

August 10, 2014

487780771Are you one of the millions of Americans who longs for straighter teeth and a more confident smile? If you are an adult or teen who would love a more beautiful smile without traditional metal braces, Generations Dental Care can help. Conveniently located in Concord, NH, our state-of-the-art practice offers a wide range of cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic services, including the widely popular clear braces system known as Invisalign.

Will Invisalign Work for Me?

Invisalign is capable of correcting an extensive array of orthodontic issues, including mild to moderate misalignment, gaps, uneven spacing, crowding, overbite, and underbite. While extreme cases of malocclusion may require the use of traditional braces, many patients are pleasantly surprised to learn that they are candidates for Invisalign. A one-on-one consultation here at our office will help determine which option is best for your unique case.

If you are a candidate for Invisalign, we’ll start by gathering data by taking precise measurements of your current dentition. This information will be sent to a dedicated Invisalign lab where your customized aligners will be fabricated using virtually invisible acrylic, a clear and comfortable plastic. Our doctors will dispense your aligners in the proper order over the course of your orthodontic treatment, monitoring the progress of your teeth as they shift into their proper positions.

Typically, treatment with Invisalign takes approximately 12 to 18 months. As you move from one set of aligners to the next in the series, you’ll see your new smile gradually take shape. In the meantime, you’ll love the confidence you feel and the freedom you experience knowing that you’re straightening your teeth without metal brackets and wires.

Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation Today

Finally discover the possibilities afforded by advanced cosmetic dentistry technology at Generations Dental Care in Concord, NH. Contact us today to schedule your visit with our caring, skilled team of doctors and our compassionate, experienced staff. We genuinely look forward to helping you absolutely love your smile as we work to improve your oral health as well with Invisalign clear aligners. Our family-friendly dental practice is privileged to serve patients from throughout Concord, Canterbury, Loudon, Pembroke, Epsom, Hooksett, Bow, and beyond.

« Newer PostsOlder Posts »
Request an Appointment
Review us on Google
Like Us on Facebook
$
Make an Online Payment
Request Like UsReviews