At Lifetime Family Dentistry, in Collinsville CT, we provide a full range of dental care services and treatments. Our services include: children's, cosmetic, family, general, implant, preventive and restorative dentistry.
Although some practices still use silver-mercury amalgam fillings, we do not. They have been the standard type of filling for a number of years, but provide only a reasonable restoration. As metal does not bond well to tooth structure, eventually the fillings loosen and allow decay to set in. The main objection patients have about amalgam fillings is the appearance of a dark patch in a light-colored tooth. This can be very noticeable and detracts from a pleasing smile.
We offer the latest types of filling materials that do not have any metal. They bond very well to a tooth, diminishing the chances of loosening and the onset of decay. They are made to match the shade of the tooth and provide additional strength to the natural tooth structure. Lifetime Family Dentistry Elena Bielawski, DDS, FICOI, FMIII 66 Maple Avenue Collinsville, CT 06019 (860) 605-2075 LifetimeFamilyDentistryCT.com
The habit: Grazing all day, especially on sugary foods and drinks, puts you at a higher risk for cavities. When you eat, cavity-causing bacteria feast leftover food, producing an acid that attacks the outer shell of your teeth. The solution: Eat balanced meals to feel fuller, longer. If you need a snack, make sure it's low in fat and sugar. If you indulge in the occasional sugary treat, follow it with a big glass of water to wash away leftover food. To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org
As children's teeth are more susceptible to cavities, we advise a quick and easy treatment that will help them keep their teeth for a lifetime. The back teeth are difficult to clean with all the grooves and contours. With one thin application of a dental sealant, these teeth can be protected to greatly reduce the chance of decay setting in.
Each molar is thoroughly cleaned and one thin coating of this mineralizing sealant is applied. It is not noticeable, being clear or white in color. To bond the sealant to the tooth's surface, Dr. Bielawski uses a curing light. This is the entire procedure that takes just minutes and does not require a shot, drilling, or tooth removal. It is an easy preventative technique that takes just minutes, but can provide adequate protection to help children and adolescents keep their adult teeth for a lifetime.
The habit: Your teeth were made for eating, not to stand in as a pair of scissors or hold things when your hands are full. When you do this, you put yourself at a higher risk of cracking your teeth, injuring your jaw or accidentally swallowing something you shouldn’t. The solution: Stop and find something or someone to give you a hand. Your mouth will thank you. To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org
If you have had dental check-ups at regular intervals but learn at a new appointment that you have a large cavity, you may be wondering how it became so big so fast. Most likely the cavity was there before but wasn't noticeable on X-rays or with visual examination.
Dr. Bielawski uses the laser scanner to find a cavity when it is in the beginning stages. It pinpoints the source of the problem, so the proper treatment can be given. Some cavities are even reversible if identified early, and Dr. Bielawski will place them "on watch" instead of immediately placing a restoration.
The habit: This nervous habit can chip teeth and impact your jaw. “Placing your jaw for long periods of time in a protruding position can place pressure on it, which is associated with jaw dysfunction,” says Dr. Ruchi Sahota. The solution: Bitter-tasting nail polishes, stress reduction and setting small, realistic goals can help. If certain situations are triggers, hold something to keep your fingers busy. To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org
Although some practices still use silver-mercury amalgam fillings, we do not. They have been the standard type of filling for a number of years, but provide only a reasonable restoration. As metal does not bond well to tooth structure, eventually the fillings loosen and allow decay to set in. The main objection patients have about amalgam fillings is the appearance of a dark patch in a light-colored tooth. This can be very noticeable and detracts from a pleasing smile.
The habit: Grazing all day, especially on sugary foods and drinks, puts you at a higher risk for cavities. When you eat, cavity-causing bacteria feast leftover food, producing an acid that attacks the outer shell of your teeth.
As children's teeth are more susceptible to cavities, we advise a quick and easy treatment that will help them keep their teeth for a lifetime. The back teeth are difficult to clean with all the grooves and contours. With one thin application of a dental sealant, these teeth can be protected to greatly reduce the chance of decay setting in.
The habit: Your teeth were made for eating, not to stand in as a pair of scissors or hold things when your hands are full. When you do this, you put yourself at a higher risk of cracking your teeth, injuring your jaw or accidentally swallowing something you shouldn’t.
If you have had dental check-ups at regular intervals but learn at a new appointment that you have a large cavity, you may be wondering how it became so big so fast. Most likely the cavity was there before but wasn't noticeable on X-rays or with visual examination. 
The habit: This nervous habit can chip teeth and impact your jaw. “Placing your jaw for long periods of time in a protruding position can place pressure on it, which is associated with jaw dysfunction,” says Dr. Ruchi Sahota.