Treatment for Abscessed Teeth

Learn more about the treatment for abscessed teeth.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Connecticut Family Dental  
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103  
Waterbury, CT 06708  
(203) 574-2725  
www.CTFDental.com

Good Food for Dental Health: Water

Water Rules
Water, especially fluoridated water, is the best beverage for maintaining your oral health. That's because fluoride helps to make teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that can cause cavities. As of 2012, nearly 75 percent of the U.S. population had access to fluoridated water, so drinking water from your own kitchen sink can help prevent dental problems. 

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Connecticut Family Dental  
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103  
Waterbury, CT 06708  
(203) 574-2725  
www.CTFDental.com

Good Food for Dental Health: Fruits & Veggies

Fruits and Veggies Pack an Extra Punch
Fruits and veggies are an important part of any balanced diet, and they are also good for your teeth. Since they are high in water and fiber, they help to balance the sugars they contain and help to clean your teeth. Chewing also helps to stimulate saliva production, which washes harmful acids and food particles away from your teeth. 

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Connecticut Family Dental  
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103  
Waterbury, CT 06708  
(203) 574-2725  
www.CTFDental.com

Good Food for Dental Health: Nuts

Nourishing Nuts
Nuts contain protein which help strengthen and protect your teeth. Also, chewing helps to stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleans your mouth. Remember: Not only is a balanced, nutritious diet essential to healthy living, your eating patterns and food choices play an important role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. You may eat with your eyes first, but your mouth, teeth, and gums are more than just tools for eating.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Connecticut Family Dental  
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103  
Waterbury, CT 06708  
(203) 574-2725  
www.CTFDental.com

Tooth Abscess Symptoms And Treatment

Symptoms And Treatment Of Tooth Abscess
If you have a toothache that goes beyond mild to moderate tooth pain and reaches a level of severe, throbbing pain, it could be a sign of a tooth abscess. A tooth abscess is a pus-filled lesion at the roots of a tooth, and is caused by an infection. The first sign is a throbbing toothache that won’t go away.

At first, the tooth will likely be sensitive to chewing and biting, as well as to heat and cold. You also may develop a fever, swollen lymph nodes in your jaw or neck, or swelling on your face.

If the abscess ruptures, you’ll know because of the nasty-tasting discharge in your mouth. Although the pain may recede if the abscess ruptures, you still need to be treated by a dentist in order to get rid of the infection, save the tooth and avoid complications. If the abscess doesn’t rupture, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. This is not a problem to ignore.

Treatment will likely include draining the abscess if it hasn’t ruptured. Your dentist also may recommend that you take over-the-counter pain relievers, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and take antibiotics. More severe abscesses may require a root canal to remove infected tissue, and the worst cases require extraction of the tooth.

A tooth abscess can get its start as an untreated tooth cavity, so the best way to prevent an abscess is to prevent the cavity in the first place by following a consistent oral health routine of twice daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. Regular visits to your dentist are important too, especially if you’ve been treated for an abscess. This allows your dentist to confirm that the infection has cleared.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Connecticut Family Dental  
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103  
Waterbury, CT 06708  
(203) 574-2725  
www.CTFDental.com

Six Month Smiles Dentist Waterbury CT - Dental Patient Testimonial

Dental Implants Dentistry Waterbury CT - Patient Testimonial

Dentist Waterbury CT - Dental Patient Review

Pregnancy & Oral Health

Learn more about the risks to your oral health during pregnancy.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Connecticut Family Dental  
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103  
Waterbury, CT 06708  
(203) 574-2725  
www.CTFDental.com

Causes and Treatment of Canker Sores

Cold Sores and Canker Sores Compared
It’s easy to confuse cold sores and canker sores.

Unlike a cold sore, a canker sore is not contagious, and it appears on the inside tissues of the mouth rather than the outer surface of the lip (which is where cold sores appear). A canker sore, also known as an apthous ulcer, looks like a small, round or oval lesion that has a white or yellowish center surrounded by red. They tend to be indented, like a crater, rather than raised, like a bump.

Canker sores most often appear on the inside of the cheeks and lips or at the base of the gum. Canker sores are not usually associated with bleeding gums, so if you are experiencing bleeding gums you should see your dentist to be evaluated for possible gum disease.

The majority of canker sores are mild. Mild canker sores are less than one-third of an inch long and usually heal on their own after a few weeks.

But major apthous ulcers, defined as larger than 10 mm in size, can take more than a month to heal and can cause scarring when they finally do heal. So it’s important to visit your doctor or dentist if you have a canker sore that has persisted for more than a few weeks. These large ulcers are most common in young adults after puberty, and they are more likely to recur than smaller sores. Older adults are more prone to herpetiform lesions, in which dozens of tiny lesions group together to form a large ulcer.

The exact cause of canker sores remains uncertain, but possible factors include an allergic reaction to bacteria in the mouth, a minor injury to the inside of the mouth due to dental work or poorly fitting dental appliances, food allergies or health problems, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Although most canker sores resolve on their own, if you have a large or stubborn lesion, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic mouth rinse, topical paste to apply to the lesion, or a nutritional supplement if poor nutrition may be the cause of the canker sore.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Connecticut Family Dental  
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103  
Waterbury, CT 06708  
(203) 574-2725  
www.CTFDental.com

Dentist Waterbury CT - Dental Patient Review

Special Care Dentistry

Learn more about dental care for people with special needs.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.


Connecticut Family Dental
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103
Waterbury, CT 06708
(203) 574-2725
www.CTFDental.com

What To Know About TMJ

What Are TMJ Diseases And Disorders? 
TMJ diseases and disorders are a group of conditions that cause pain in and around the jaw joint (called the Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ) and nearby muscles. Jaw problems affect a person's ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow and even breathe.

What Are Symptoms Of TMJ?
Pain is the most common symptom of TMJ; however, some people have no pain but still have problems using their jaws. Specific symptoms include:
Face pain
Pain in the jaw joint and nearby areas, including the ear
Back pain
Inability to open the mouth comfortably
Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint
Locking of the jaw when attempting to open the mouth
Headaches
A bite that is uncomfortable or feels “off”
Swelling on the side of the face, neck or shoulder

Other symptoms may include ringing in the ears, decreased hearing, dizziness and vision problems.

Keep in mind that occasional discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is common and is not a cause for concern. Many people with TMJ problems get better without treatment. Often the problem goes away on its own in several weeks to months.

To read the entire article please visit: OralB.com

Connecticut Family Dental  
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103  
Waterbury, CT 06708  
(203) 574-2725  
www.CTFDental.com

What is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that is constantly forming on the tooth surface. Saliva, food and fluids combine to produce these deposits that collect where the teeth and gums meet. Plaque buildup is the primary factor in periodontal (gum) disease, including gingivitis.

How to Get Rid of Plaque

To help prevent plaque buildup, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with an anti-plaque toothpaste such as Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste for around the clock protection against plaque buildup, and floss once a day.

Adding a mouth rinse such as Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Rinse to your routine can help against plaque buildup, without the burning sensation of alcohol. Eating well-balanced meals and brushing after snacks will reduce the formation of plaque. Visit your dental office regularly for oral exams and cleanings, during which your dental professional will scrape away any accumulated plaque with a special instrument.

Above article from: Crest.com

Connecticut Family Dental  
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103  
Waterbury, CT 06708  
(203) 574-2725  
www.CTFDental.com

Bad Breath (also known as Halitosis)

Learn more about Bad Breath, which is also known as Halitosis.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Connecticut Family Dental  
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103  
Waterbury, CT 06708  
(203) 574-2725  
www.CTFDental.com

Sports Safety: Avoiding Tooth and Mouth Injuries

A few years ago, a dental newsletter published what seemed like an unusual story. A boy snagged his teeth on a basketball net while doing a slam-dunk.

A freakish accident? Not quite. After the article appeared, nearly 40 dentists wrote in with their own stories. They all told of would-be Michael Jordans who sacrificed their front teeth in pursuit of the perfect dunk.
In older children and adults, sports injuries are common. Dentists estimate that between 13% and 39% of dental injuries occur while playing sports.
About 80% of all dental injuries affect at least one of the front teeth. Damage to the tongue or cheek is common, too.
Basic Protection
Even if a tooth has been knocked out, it often can be saved if you get to a dentist quickly enough. Minor chips and cracks can be repaired. Dentists use tooth-colored materials that are nearly as strong as the original tooth. However, even "minor" injuries can cause serious and costly damage. If you enjoy sports or other high-risk activities, protect yourself. The use of mouth guards among football players, for example, is believed to prevent about 200,000 mouth injuries a year.
Depending on the sport, two types of protection are available:

• Helmets- A helmet is a must for activities that involve speed or impact. These include football, hockey, skating and bike riding. The helmet should fit correctly. It should also be appropriate for the sport you are playing.
• Mouth guards - Wearing a mouth guard is one of the best ways to prevent injury to your teeth, tongue and lips. A custom-fit mouth guard from your dentist is recommended. This type of mouth guard usually fits better than a ready-made one (found in sporting-goods stores). That means it may protect your teeth better.

If a custom-fit mouth guard isn't an option, try a "boil-and-bite" mouth guard. You can buy one in a sporting-goods store. You place the mouth guard in boiling water. Once the plastic is soft (but not too hot), you bite down on the mouth guard and mold the softened plastic around your teeth. If the mouth guard doesn't fit comfortably the first time, you can reheat it and do it again.

©2002-2013 Aetna, Inc. All rights reserved.
09/25/2013

The above article is from: Colgate.com

Connecticut Family Dental  
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103  
Waterbury, CT 06708  
(203) 574-2725  
www.CTFDental.com

Six Month Smiles

Straight Teeth in Just Months!
Don't think because you are an adult you can't straighten your teeth. If you worry about the appearance of metallic braces, or can't commit to long-term treatment times, we may have a suitable alternative for you.

Six Month Smiles™ is a revolutionary idea that changes only the teeth that are visible in your smile. It is an accelerated technique that takes care of gaps, overlapping, and crowding in six months or less! Another advantage is they are hardly noticeable. The brackets are clear with white or clear wires. This is a quick method that is comfortable, using a low-force method. It is easy to keep teeth clean during such a short treatment time.

What could possibly top all that off? Six Month Smiles is generally less expensive than traditional braces, veneers, or aligners. It is just that easy now to have a smile full of straight teeth.

Connecticut Family Dental  
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103  
Waterbury, CT 06708  
(203) 574-2725  
www.CTFDental.com

Tooth Anatomy

What Are the Different Parts of a Tooth?

• Crown- the top part of the tooth, and the only part you can normally see. The shape of the crown determines the tooth's function. For example, front teeth are sharp and chisel-shaped for cutting, while molars have flat surfaces for grinding.
• Gumline- where the tooth and the gums meet. Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up at the gumline, leading to gingivitis and gum disease.
• Root- the part of the tooth that is embedded in bone. The root makes up about two-thirds of the tooth and holds the tooth in place.
• Enamel- the outermost layer of the tooth. Enamel is the hardest, most mineralized tissue in the body - yet it can be damaged by decay if teeth are not cared for properly.
• Dentin- the layer of the tooth under the enamel. If decay is able to progress its way through the enamel, it next attacks the dentin - where millions of tiny tubes lead directly to the dental pulp.
• Pulp- the soft tissue found in the center of all teeth, where the nerve tissue and blood vessels are. If tooth decay reaches the pulp, you usually feel pain.

What Are the Different Types of Teeth?
Every tooth has a specific job or function (use the dental arch in this section to locate and identify each type of tooth):

• Incisors- the sharp, chisel-shaped front teeth (four upper, four lower) used for cutting food.
• Canines- sometimes called cuspids, these teeth are shaped like points (cusps) and are used for tearing food.
• Premolars- these teeth have two pointed cusps on their biting surface and are sometimes referred to as bicuspids. The premolars are for crushing and tearing.
• Molars- used for grinding, these teeth have several cusps on the biting surface

 

The above article is from: Colgate.com

Connecticut Family Dental  
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103  
Waterbury, CT 06708  
(203) 574-2725  
www.CTFDental.com

Teeth Whitening Dentist

Brilliantly White Teeth in a Matter of Hours!
Maybe you've seen the amazing results of ZOOM! Advanced Power™ Whitening in popular magazines such as InStyle and Rolling Stone. Teeth that were stained or yellowed return to brilliant whiteness! In just one visit, you too can see the startling difference that turns your smile from unremarkable to dazzling!

We also make custom whitening trays in our lab. With the instructions and supplies we give you, you complete the process at home. This safe and effective technique will give the desired results within 1 - 14 days! What a difference it makes in how you feel about your smile! 

Connecticut Family Dental  
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103  
Waterbury, CT 06708  
(203) 574-2725  
www.CTFDental.com

Tooth Decay and Sensitivity

What Causes Tooth Enamel Damage?

What happens when tooth enamel is damaged? The exposed part underneath becomes vulnerable to decay. Cavities aren't the only problem.

Teeth with damaged enamel can become sensitive to extreme temperatures. Suddenly, eating ice cream or sipping hot coffee can be painful or unpleasant.

 

Above article from: WebMD.com/oral-health

Connecticut Family Dental  
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103  
Waterbury, CT 06708  
(203) 574-2725  
www.CTFDental.com

Tooth Cavities

Tooth cavities aren't uncommon - but with the right dental health know-how, you can help prevent them. It all starts with proper brushing, daily flossing, and fluoride. Get the details right here.

What Causes Tooth Cavities?
Cavities are holes in the teeth resulting from acid attack. They generally start in the enamel, but can spread to the softer inner layer of the tooth. Tooth cavities are caused by decay that can occur when foods containing carbohydrates become trapped between teeth, and are not completely removed with brushing and flossing. Bacteria living in the mouth digest these foods, generating acidic byproducts that can eat away at tooth enamel.

Help Prevent Tooth Cavities
Fluoride, which is found in most public drinking supplies, some mouth rinses, and Crest toothpastes, helps prevent tooth cavities by slowing the breakdown of enamel and speeding up the remineralization process. Check with your dental professional to see if your drinking water is fluoridated. If it isn't, he or she may recommend that you use high concentration fluoride treatments.

To help strengthen weak spots in tooth enamel, and help prevent the early stages of tooth decay, brush regularly with a fluoridated toothpaste, floss daily, and visit your dental office regularly for professional cleanings.

Above article from: Crest.com

Connecticut Family Dental  
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103  
Waterbury, CT 06708  
(203) 574-2725  
www.CTFDental.com

Preventive Dentistry

Gum Disease Can Mean Lost Teeth
The most common reason people lose teeth is because of gum disease, not decay. Sometimes symptoms are not apparent, but bleeding gums while brushing or flossing and shifting or loose teeth are indications of some level of infected gums. If you have already been told you need gum surgery, you will be pleased to know if the infection is not advanced, there are nonsurgical methods that can reverse the problem.

Beyond the Obvious IssuesRecent research has revealed that gum disease is more serious than losing your teeth. Periodontal (gum) infection is linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. These conditions can be fatal, and dentists now regard gum infection as a more serious matter. The American Dental Association has projected that nearly 80% of all Americans have gum disease at some stage, which puts it at epidemic proportions.

The American Academy of Periodontology reports that "studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases." The bacterial infection of the gums travels throughout the bloodstream, reaching vital organs and contributing to serious health problems.

There Is Hope!
Gum surgery is the treatment for periodontal infection in the advanced phase. It is mostly successful in stopping the condition. We emphasize if you have any gum bleeding or loose teeth to let us know, because in the milder stages of gum disease, there are options of nonsurgical procedures. Together with better daily dental care, the disease will be halted. Both surgical and nonsurgical procedures are covered by most dental insurance plans.

The Truth About Lost Teeth
Do you know what problems can result when you lose a tooth? Having even just one missing tooth can cause the other teeth to shift or move. This will affect chewing and the amount of nutrients you absorb from your food. It becomes more difficult to chew healthier food choices like fresh fruit and vegetables, so softer foods with higher calorie content may be favored. This will result in unwanted weight gain. The appearance of your face may change, taking on a hollowed look in the jaw and mouth areas and adding years to your appearance. We can take care of these problems with dental implants. They can replace as many teeth as are missing. They function just like real teeth and look so good, a dentist would have a hard time telling they are not your own.

A Painless Treatment for Gum Disease
The primary cause of tooth loss is gum disease. Our doctors combat this infection with a very effective antibiotic called ARESTIN™. It is a powder that contains invisible microspheres that are time released and delivered directly to the infected areas. It is powerful, yet painless in the fight against periodontal (gum) disease. 

Connecticut Family Dental 
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103 
Waterbury, CT 06708 
(203) 574-2725 
www.CTFDental.com

Dental Root Canal Treatment

We Don’t Give Up on Infected or Damaged Teeth
In the past, teeth that had infected or damaged roots were simply extracted. Today, it is recognized that it is important to save teeth, as missing teeth can cause other dental problems. Our doctors are well experienced in the most advanced procedure of root canal therapy. During this treatment, the interior of the pulp chamber of a tooth is removed and replaced with a filling material that is different from a filling for a cavity restoration. Sometimes the tooth will need more strength for full functioning, so a crown is placed over the tooth. When root canals were first performed, they acquired a dreaded reputation among patients. But all that has changed. Today, modern technology and anesthetics make the procedure easy for a patient, with little or no pain. 

Connecticut Family Dental 
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103 
Waterbury, CT 06708 
(203) 574-2725
 www.CTFDental.com

Children's Dentistry

Compassionate Care for Our Youngest Patients

Your kids will feel comfortable in our office, as we put them at ease with our caring and friendly team. We use the latest techniques in children's dentistry, and they forget their worries in our compassionate care. We teach them good daily hygiene for their teeth and gums so they will have their own teeth for a lifetime. We enjoy their first visit at one year, and every year thereafter as they grow and change.

We want all children of this and future generations to be able to come to their dental appointments without any fear. Our parents have informed us that we are accomplishing this goal! We are a happy office to visit, and your children will enjoy their appointments even if they have had traumatic experiences in the past. 

Connecticut Family Dental 
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103
 Waterbury, CT 06708
 (203) 574-2725
 www.CTFDental.com

Dental Implants Dentist

Replace Missing Teeth with Natural-Looking Dental Implants
With dental implants, you can have missing teeth replaced whether they are located in the front or back of your mouth. They will function like your own teeth so you may chew all types of food. They even look like natural teeth because they actually come up through the gums, unlike bridges or removable dentures that only sit on the gums. They are so life-like, you will forget they are not your own teeth.

Those without any teeth can benefit from implants too. They can replace dentures with teeth that are secure in your mouth, and they never need to be removed. We take care of the entire procedure of implants from post to crown placement, so you will not have to go to another dentist.

Connecticut Family Dental
 171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103
 Waterbury, CT 06708
 (203) 574-2725
 www.CTFDental.com

Cosmetic Dentistry

Never Hide Your Smile Again
We want you to look your best and feel good about your appearance. Our combination of dental health care and restorative techniques will give you your best smile. Please ask us how bonding, crowns, veneers, and whitening can enhance your smile. With modern advancements, smile makeovers are both less time consuming and more affordable than you may realize! Today's dental technologies give you all the more reason to improve your smile.

Connecticut Family Dental 
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103
 Waterbury, CT 06708
 (203) 574-2725
 www.CTFDental.com

Dentists Waterbury CT

The doctors and team at Connecticut Family Dental are pleased to be able to offer beautiful smiles to their neighbors in Waterbury and the surrounding communities.

Tulasi Vikram, DDS
Originally an aspiring artist, Dr. Tulasi Vikram was drawn to dentistry after a chance visit to the dentist as a child. The daughter of a general physician, Dr. Vikram has an inherited passion for helping people that's a perfect match when combined with the meticulous craftsmanship of dentistry. In pursuit of her career, she studied for five years to become a dentist in Bangalore, India. She then moved to the U.S., where she graduated from New York University with a doctor of dental surgery degree. Her postgraduate education includes training in endodontics (root canal treatment) and composite (white) fillings, as well as Six Month Smiles orthodontics that allow her to provide her patients with a picture-perfect smile in a very short time. Dr. Vikram is very active in the community, volunteering as an oral educator for the Salvation Army, providing free dentistry through the Connecticut Mission of Mercy free dental clinic (CT MOM), and taking time to visit local schools to educate children on dental health. She also serves as a dental consultant for Lighthouse Day Care Centers. She and her husband Amit have one child, and in her spare time, she enjoys painting and music.


Usha Balla, DMD

Dentistry is not simply something that Dr. Balla does. It is how she has chosen to live her life, ensuring healthy smiles, painless teeth, and healthy gums. She believes that when patients are educated and knowledgeable, they begin to take charge of their dental well being. While urgent care, pain relief, and aesthetics are important factors, she has made prevention the focus of her care. After receiving her dental degree from Vishnu Dental College in India, Dr. Balla graduated from the New Jersey Dental School (UMDNJ, now the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine). In her spare time, she enjoys photography and traveling.


Sylvester E. Parker III, DDS

The son of a medical doctor and a dentist, Dr. Parker shadowed his father in his dental office as a child and knew at an early age that he would be a professional in medicine. After receiving his bachelor's degree at Xavier University of Louisiana, he graduated from Meharry Medical College with his degree in dental surgery. Influenced by his mother's emphasis in geriatrics, he has gained extensive experience in treating geriatric and special needs patients. When not in the office, Dr. Parker provides free dental services and exams at various dental missions and community health centers, along with volunteering time to provide dental care for nursing staff in assisted living facilities. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and relaxing at home with his dog, Bella.


Sujata Pradhan, DDS
Serious about her work, Dr. Pradhan is a doctor who is uncompromising in her ethics and principles. She always takes into consideration the best interests of each of her patients before prescribing treatment. Kindhearted, lively, loving, caring, and honest, Dr. Pradhan is a well-rounded general dentist with a penchant for endodontic treatment. A practicing dentist for several years, she graduated from New York University with her doctor of dental surgery degree. Recent training in esthetic restorations allows her to apply artistry and technology to the repair of damaged teeth, to ensure your most beautiful smile. When she isn't working, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and family.

Connecticut Family Dental
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103
Waterbury, CT 06708
(203) 574-2725
www.CTFDental.com