Welcome to General Dentistry of Cape Cod, P.C.

Posted January 15, 2016

Bone graft surgery restores lost bone structure to allow for the anchoring of a dental implant or other piece of dental work. Thoughtful preparation and quality aftercare will help a speedy and successful recovery.

At the initial appointment you should let your surgeon know about any medications you are taking or medical conditions. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and requires deep sedation. This means you will need to arrange for someone to drive you and help you out for a while, until you are back on your feet.

Using tobacco slows the healing process and increases the risk of infection. If you use tobacco on a regular basis you might want to talk to your primary physician in advance about a cessation program. It’s a good idea to look for a program that doesn’t involve lozenges or nicotine gum as these can also irritate the gums.

While your gums are healing you will need to eat a soft foods diet. It’s a good idea to stock up in advance on soft foods like applesauce, mashed potatoes and yogurt. Proper hydration is important to recovery. Try to drink plenty of lukewarm liquids and avoid using a straw. The suction can harm the incisions or pull blood clots loose.

It’s a good idea to keep some sterile gauze on hand. It’s not uncommon for the incisions to weep a little blood for a couple of days afterward. You can lightly pack the area with sterile gauze. After the bleeding stops you can gently rinse your mouth with salt water to cleanse the area and soothe the gums.

If you have questions about planning for your procedure or things you can do to help the recovery process, please call us at 508-790-8300 to schedule an appointment.

Posted January 12, 2016

It is important to us that you feel comfortable and safe at General Dentistry of Cape Cod, PC. We understand that dental phobia is a real problem, and we are here to help you in any way we can. So, if you are a victim of this anxiety, we recommend doing the following things so you can finally be happy in the dental chair:

Talk to the Dentist
If you tell your dentist how you feel in the dental chair, they will know how to manage and help with your dental phobia. Your dentist will be extra careful and extra gentle as they performs the needed treatment.

Bring Music
Feel free to bring an iPod or CD player into the office with you. You can listen to music throughout your treatment and it will help you stay distracted. We recommend bringing in a new artist or new album to listen to, particularly one that relaxes you, so you will focus on the music rather than your treatment.

Discuss Dental Sedation
Many dentists offer dental sedation in their offices to help their patients get through the treatment. The most common sedatives found are nitrous oxide sedation, oral sedation, and IV sedation. Talk to your dentist about your options and see if sedation is something that will help during your visit.

Determine a “stop” signal
If you and your dentist determine a stop signal before you begin treatment, you will have the control you need during your dental appointment. Your signal could be anything from raising your hand, making a coughing sound, or blinking three times.

Plan Breaks
Ask your dentist what your treatment will consist of. Have them give you specific details on what is going to happen and how long it’s going to take. Better yet, plan breaks before you begin treatment so you know you will have time to take a deep breath while the treatment is in progress.

As you do these five things, you will feel more in control and you will also feel safer. We want you to have the best experiences possible with Dr. Andy Uzpurvis and Paul Booth and our entire dental team, so if you have any suggestions or if you would like to talk to us about more tips involved with overcoming your dental phobia, call us now at 508-790-8300. General Dentistry of Cape Cod, PC should be a place that makes you happy and healthy—not scared and nervous!

Posted December 21, 2015

Advanced gum disease, injuries or severe tooth decay can result in a loss of material in the bones that anchor your teeth. In some cases, your dentist might recommend that you have a bone graft procedure before getting a dental implant or being fitted for a permanent set of dentures. The graft will insure that there is enough healthy bone to anchor the implant for years to come.

At the initial appointment, your oral surgeon or periodontist will probably want to perform a series of X-rays or a CT scan. This will give them a clear picture of how much healthy bone is available or any other structural issues there might be in your jaw. The initial consultation is also a good time to let them know about any medications you are taking or medical conditions that might cause bleeding or issues with sedation.

Bone graft surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis and often requires deep sedation. So you will need to arrange for someone to drive you. It would also be helpful to have someone at home for a few days while you are getting back on your feet.

The bone material for the graft can be extracted from your chin or a cadaver sample. The bone can then be surgically implanted into your jaw.

If you have questions about dental implants and bone grafts please feel free to call us at 508-790-8300 to schedule an appointment.

Posted December 14, 2015

Are you thinking about improving your smile for the New Year? If so, you are not alone. Many people wish for straighter teeth. That is why more people are turning to Clear Correct than ever before.

Clear Correct are clear braces you can wear to straighten your teeth. The good news is they are clear so they are discreet and hard to see by others. With this series of aligners, you begin to wear them as they add gentile pressure to your teeth, so they move where they need to go. Over time, your doctor will check the progress of the movement of your teeth, and give you new sets of aligners to wear throughout each stage of the process. As long as you take proper care and wear them at least 22 hours a day, you can have a successful transformation to the smile you always dreamed of.

These aligners are also easily removable. This will help as you eat and clean your teeth each day. There are no wires to trap food particles, which makes your aligners easy to clean and your teeth easy to care for.

If you have any questions about Clear Correct, and if they are right for you, please call our office. We would be happy to schedule you a consultation to see if this would be an excellent option for you. So, call us today and schedule an appointment. Let us give you the straight smile you always dreamed of. 

Posted November 11, 2015

A dental bridge is a strong, reliable appliance that replaces your teeth for many years. It can finally give you the smile you want and the bite you need. It is a great option if you have one missing tooth or several consecutive missing teeth in a row. It is also a great option if you wish to:

• Restore your smile
• Have the ability to properly chew and speak
• Maintain the shape of your face
• Improve the force in your bite
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of place

A dental bridge is generally made of two or more dental crowns and false teeth. The dental crowns anchor the bridge into place by being cemented to the remaining natural teeth that lie on both sides of the gap in your mouth. Between the crowns are false teeth that will fill the hole and improve your smile.

If you take good care of your dental bridge, it could last more than 15 years! To care for your appliance, simply brush your teeth every morning and every night, floss your smile at least once a day, and rinse your mouth daily with beneficial mouthwash. It is also very important that you attend your six month checkups.

Call our office today if you would like to know more about dental bridges! We are happy to help you.

Posted October 23, 2015

Did you know that a root canal is technically just a different name for the nerve (also called pulp) in the center of a tooth? Or that root canal therapy is simply removing that pulp if it is damaged or infected, then sealing your tooth again? While root canal therapy is dreaded, it is also very important to prevent the spread of infection. But how can you know if you need root canal therapy? Granted, a dentist will be able to give you a precise answer, but we’re happy to offer a few signs you should watch for.

As a general rule, if you have a toothache you should call a dentist. If you have intense pain that refuses to subside, you may need root canal therapy. This is especially true if you experience pain or sensitivity to temperature while you’re chewing.

Similarly, if your gums swell you may need root canal therapy. In reality, it doesn’t matter how sever the swelling is, or if it visible outside of your smile or not. Another sign related to this problem is a painful, potentially recurring, pimple on your gums.

Finally, if one or more of your teeth start to take on a different shade, there may be a problem with your pulp. Because the outer layer of your teeth is transparent, if you pulp becomes infected it can be visible on your smile.

Have you noticed any of these signs? Or are you interested in learning more about the need for root canal therapy? Are you simply interested in scheduling an appointment with our team? If you said yes to any of these questions, please feel free to contact us today. We will gladly answer any questions you may have.

Posted October 7, 2015

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, right? While apples certainly have many health benefits, have you ever wondered what eating an apple a day will do for your need to visit the dentist?

Just like you shouldn’t completely avoid your doctor even if you eat an apple every day, you’ll still need to visit your dentist occasionally. In fact you’ll still need to visit your dentist every six months to remove plaque and tartar buildup that can’t be removed without a dentist’s specialized tools. But still, there are a few dental benefits provided by something as simple as eating an apple—or other crunchy fruits and vegetables.

Typically, your dentist will tell you to avoid sweet foods because they can promote tooth decay. Apples however, are an exception to the rule for a variety of reasons. For example, though they are sweet, they are also high in water and fiber. Even better, the action of chewing an apple will produce saliva, which will then carry away bacteria and food particles. Typically, both bad breath and tooth decay are caused by bacteria and food particles. In other words, chewing an apple can hold off tooth decay, cavities, and improve your breath. Eating an apple can also stimulate your gums, which promotes their health.

Please note that while eating an apple does provide quite a few dental benefits, it is not a substitute for maintaining good oral hygiene. You will still need to brush, floss, and visit your dentist every six months. Essentially, eating an apple is a good way to hold off plaque and bacteria until you’re able to brush your teeth.

If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to contact us soon. We are excited to hear from you.

Posted September 8, 2015

Your teeth have three layers: the enamel, dentin, and pulp. If your pulp—the soft center layer of your tooth—becomes infected, an abscess could form. This pocket of pus can appear at the root tip and on the gums. Typically, abscesses are caused by an untreated dental cavity or by inadequate dental care. If an abscess is not treated, serious complications could follow.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to recognize an abscess, and there are several treatments your dentist can do for you.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, we recommend visiting your dentist soon:

• Sensitivity to temperature and when chewing

• Redness in your mouth and face

• Persistent, throbbing toothache
• A fever
• Afoul-smelling, foul-tasting fluid followed by pain relief
• Swelling

Your dentist will need to remove the infection in order to treat your abscess. At times, this may mean a root canal—which is relatively painless and can preserve your natural tooth—or having your tooth extracted. If an extraction is necessary, a dentist may recommend one of several restorations to restore your smile to its optimal comfort and function.

If you are worried about abscesses or are interested in scheduling an appointment with our dentist, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. We are excited to hear from you.

Posted August 11, 2015

Crown lengthening is a procedure that reshapes gum and bone tissues to make the crowns of your teeth appear taller. This periodontal surgery is used for:

• A “gummy smile.” Excess gum tissue that makes the teeth appear short.
• Application of a dental restoration (like a crown). Crown lengthening is needed if the tooth has damage below the gum line or there is too much gum tissue for the restoration.
• Improves gum health. Excess gum tissue increases your risk for periodontal disease. A crown lengthening procedure may even be used to treat this condition.

After injecting an anesthetic, your dentist will make incisions to the gum tissue. He will then remove some of it or repair the tooth, depending on what you need the crown lengthening procedure for. Your dentist will stitch your gums together and apply a bandage to the area.

You should experience very little pain after this surgery. Other common symptoms include some bleeding and increased sensitivity. Symptoms that are not common after this procedure include:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop
• Severe pain that pain medication cannot relieve
• Excess swelling or discharge
• The bandage becomes loose or falls off

If you develop any of these symptoms, then call your dentist immediately. However, most of the time you should experience no problems; especially if you follow the aftercare instructions your dentist gives you.

Posted August 4, 2015

Gum recession, a process in which gum tissue that surrounds the teeth pull away from a tooth, exposing the roots. If left untreated, your dentist may recommend surgery to repair the damage. Often times, your dentist will tell you a gum graft is needed. Don’t panic, our team is going to give you the facts first.

Soft tissue grafts are also known as connective-tissue grafts

A connective-tissue graft is a common procedure used to treat root exposure. In this procedure, a piece of skin is cut from the roof of your mouth, where tissue will be removed from. Once the tissue is removed, it is then stitched to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed tooth’s root. The skin from the roof is also stitched back to its original place.

Your insurance can help

Cost plays a big role in any dental or medical procedure, we know that. Thankfully, many dental insurance providers will pay a portion of the cost for your soft tissue graft procedure. If you aren’t sure if your insurance company covers this procedure, it may be a good idea to speak with a representative as well as your dentist.

Soft tissue grafts don’t guarantee future damage

Soft tissue grafts are effective in treating gum recession and preventing further damage, however there is no guarantee that problems won’t develop again in the future. It’s important to have regular dental checkups, brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, eating well and not smoke.

By practicing healthy habits, you can ensure your soft tissue gum graft for years to come. Call our office today with any of your questions of concerns at 508-790-8300!

Posted July 13, 2015

Despite your best efforts, your tooth may become damaged or discolored. Because of an injury, your tooth may become chipped, cracked, or broken. Perhaps you have decay or a large dental filling that has severely weakened your tooth. In some cases, a tooth may be irregularly shaped or discolored. If you have any of these dental problems, never fear! Dental crowns are here! You will not have to live with a weakened or otherwise damaged tooth.

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over your tooth to repair and strengthen it. Dental crowns are used by dentists to restore teeth. Dental crowns can restore or fix the shape, size, strength, or appearance of your tooth. Your dental crown can save your tooth by doing one or more of the following:

• Protect your tooth from breaking if it is weak
• Restore your tooth if it is broken or worn down
• Cover, protect, and support your tooth if it has a large dental filling
• Cover a tooth that is misshapen or stained
• Improve the appearance of a tooth

Your dental crown may be constructed of metal, porcelain fused to metal, porcelain, or ceramic. Ask your dentist which type of dental crown is best for you.

Posted June 12, 2015

Are you considering getting a piercing in your tongue, cheek, or lip? Before getting an oral piercing, there are a few things you need to know about how it can negatively affect your oral health.

• Because your mouth is full of bacteria, the risk for infection and swelling from a piercing increases.
• You can crack your teeth with the constant clicking of a piercing or if you bite down on it.
• Your sense of taste can be altered.
• Piercings can interfere with speech, chewing, and swallowing.
• You could choke on a piece of jewelry if it breaks of in your mouth.
• You may experience an allergic reaction to the metal of a piercing.
• A pierce can cause increased saliva production which can lead to excessive drooling.
• A tongue piercing can caused prolonged bleeding.
• Your mouth and tongue can swell so much that they can block your airway.
• A piercing can cause nerve damage, permanently numbing the tongue and affecting how you move your mouth.
• Oral piercings can damage gum tissue and lead to gingival recession.
• Oral piercings can result in more serious infections like endocarditis or hepatitis.

Posted May 21, 2015

You’re not alone if you’re afraid to visit the dentist. Even though most dental appointments aren’t painful, it is common for patients to be fearful of dentistry, so it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

Dental anxiety and dental phobia are unpleasant and uncomfortable and will adversely affect your oral health, which can ultimately affect your overall quality of life. If you suffer from dental anxiety or phobia, we want you to meet two genuinely friendly dentists who cater to the faint of heart.

Dr. Uzpurvis and Dr. Booth are both excellent dentists who specialize in helping their patients to feel comfortable while leading them gently back to oral health. Dr. Uzpurvis is well known for his ability to help his patients relax and to address the special needs of his elderly patients. And Dr. Booth is also known for his remarkable capacity to ease the concerns of patients who struggle with dental anxiety. Both doctors are two of the friendliest dentists you could ever hope to meet!

So, what’s the secret to maintaining a bright, “movie star” smile? Here at General Dentistry of Cape Cod, we recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each brushing session with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, eat a well-balanced diet and come to visit us for your regular checkups and cleanings.

Dr. Booth and Dr. Uzpurvis and their caring staff members are all here to accommodate you and your dental health needs. We are proud of the personalized care that we provide for each patient, every time you visit. Regardless of whether you’ve been a long-time patient with us, or it’s your first time at our office, our team will take good care of you every time.

Posted May 19, 2015

More than 700 different strains of bacteria have been found colonizing in the human mouth. As a patient gets older, his or her mouth changes, in turn affecting the amount of microorganism colonies living in the oral cavity at one time.

Some bacteria are worse than others, but scientists have identified a few specific diseases that have developed through these specific bacteria living in the mouth. The top two bacteria found in patients’ mouths are Streptococcus Mutans and Porphyromonas Gingivalis (try to say those ten times fast!). These can each lead to Periodontitis and other gum diseases, tooth decay, tooth loss, and even root canals.

Streptococcus Mutans is a bacteria that lives in the mouth and feeds on the sugars and starches the individual has eaten throughout the day. These bacteria are the main cause of tooth decay in humans today.

Porphyromonas Gingivalis is an oral bacterial disease that can lead to the development of the gum disease, Periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a common infection developed by bacteria in the mouth and infects supporting structures of the teeth. It can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss if not properly taken care of.

Once an oral bacterial infection is developed, it is very unlikely that the individual will be able to rid themselves of it. Rather, preventative care assures that these diseases will not get out of hand.

Managing Bacteria

The best way to manage a bacterial infection is to eat a well-balanced diet and brushing and flossing daily. If the bacteria get worse, an oral, antibacterial mouthwash cleans out the bacteria to the extent of which it is capable.

The health of the back teeth of the mouth is often reflected in the front teeth. Consistent brushing and flossing will help build a healthy mouth from the ground up, so you can smile confidently.

For more information on oral bacterial infections, treatment plans, or preventative options, visit with your dentist or oral surgeon today.

Dental Bonding

Fixing a chipped tooth, cracked tooth or a gap in your teeth is fast, easy and affordable with dental bonding. Dental bonding can also be used to improve the appearance of slightly discolored teeth and to change the shape of teeth, but it is typically recommended only for small cosmetic changes. Unlike other cosmetic treatments, dental bonding can be performed with little to no advance preparation. Dental bonding is also convenient and durable, taking just 30-60 minutes per tooth and lasting from 3-10 years.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are an extraordinary blend of science and art. Made of titanium, dental implants are securely anchored into the jaw and serve as roots for dental crowns. In many cases, dental implants – and mini dental implants, the smaller version -- are considered the best option for replacing missing teeth. They are also used to replace dental bridges or partial dentures, or to provide support for dentures. Dental implants offer several advantages over other tooth replacement options. They look, feel and function just like real teeth! With dental implants, surrounding teeth are left untouched. Finally, dental implants are exceptionally reliable. Year after year, dental implants have had high success rates and typically last 15-20 years.

Single Tooth Implants

If you're missing a tooth and want the very best dentistry has to offer, you could be the perfect candidate for single-tooth implants. Single-tooth implants act as tooth roots for replacement teeth. They are securely anchored into the jaw and topped with a dental crown for the very best in look, feel and function. Single-tooth implants offer several advantages over other tooth replacement options, such as dental bridges and partial dentures. Surrounding teeth and the jawbone are better preserved. Single-tooth implants are also easier to clean. And they can also outlast bridges and dentures by about 10 years!