Aug 12, 2022
At Falmouth Dental Arts, we’re all about our patients’ comfort! From start to finish, we want your entire experience to feel comfortable both physically and emotionally. Many patients feel anxiety around their oral health care appointments and we’re here to help. That’s why we approach dentistry with the whole body in mind, so we can better educate and communicate with our patients. Our goal is to create a partnership where you feel heard and respected. So let us help you relax and receive the best oral health care possible! Here are some of the ways we support our patients to find their inner Zen!
It all starts when you walk through the door. From our friendly front desk staff to our comfortable waiting area, we have created an environment that is meant to help soothe and relax you. We want to make each visit to the dentist as calming and stress-free as possible. We will always explain what to expect during your visit and our up-to-date anesthesia techniques make dental treatments a breeze.
If you are feeling nervous before or during your visit, we recommend that you try relaxation techniques, such as breathing and visualization. Taking slow, deep breaths and visualizing yourself in a peaceful, relaxing place is helpful for many people. Also, many patients like to have something to distract them and bring their earbuds to listen to music or a podcast during their appointment. Breathe in, breathe out…and find what works best for you!
If you experience anxiety during dental procedures, please discuss this with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos, or another member of the FDA team as we have options to help you stay calm, cool, and collected. We offer nitrous oxide as well as anxiolysis sedation for our patients who need a little more help with staying comfortable and relaxed before and during their visits. Patients that have mild to moderate dental anxiety are good candidates for sedation, as well as patients that have a harder time getting numb.
So…relax! We’re here to help make your oral health care experience supportive, soothing, and comfortable! If you’re interested in learning more about sedation options or other ways for you to prepare for your next dental visit, give us a call at 207.781.5900 to schedule your baseline appointment.
Aug 11, 2022
Summer is a time to kick back, relax, and enjoy, but it’s still important to keep up with your oral health routine, even during the hottest days. Here are some tips to keep your pearly whites in tiptop shape during the dog days of summer and beyond.
1) Skip the Sugary Drinks
Instead of reaching for a sugary drink to quench your thirst, stick to beverages with no added sugar whenever possible. Skip the soda (not only do sodas have high sugar content, but the carbonation is also acidic and can harm tooth enamel). While sports drinks contain electrolytes, which are helpful in preventing dehydration, did you know that they also contain more than 30 grams of sugar and 250 grams of sodium? Stick to sugar-free versions instead.
2) Drink More Water
A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water. Some ideas to help you reach your water goal are to find an insulated, refillable water bottle you like, infuse your water with lemon or use flavor drops for a little pizazz. Drinking is not only good for your metabolism, it’s also good for your teeth!
3) Prevent Tooth Discoloration
Many of us love an iced coffee or tea on a hot day but if you drink them frequently, there is a chance this can lead to tooth discoloration. Other summer favorites like cola, red wine, grape juice, cranberry juice, and blueberries are also common causes of tooth staining.
There are a few things you can do to keep your smile whiter, however, such as adding milk to your iced coffees and drinking out of a straw. It is also helpful to drink a glass of water after consuming one of these foods or beverages or rinse with a mouthwash. If you are concerned about the stains you already have, we’d be happy to discuss your options for teeth whitening. We offer both in-office whitening and at-home options and Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos would be happy to recommend an option that is best for you.
4) Don’t Bite the Ice
We know how satisfying it is to chew the ice left in the bottom of your drink, but this is a common cause of tooth breakage. If you are looking for a safer alternative, try adding crushed ice to your drinks instead. Try mixing ice with your beverage of choice or some fresh fruit in a blender and until smooth.
5) Protect your lips with SPF Lip Balm
Any time you are outside enjoying the sun, remember to wear sunscreen on any exposed areas, including your lips! Choose a lip balm with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply often, especially after swimming or drinking.
6) Keep Your Regular Hygiene Appointments
We know summer gets busy, but the best way to ensure good oral health in any season is to keep your regular hygiene appointments. If you have any questions about your oral health or need to schedule an appointment, call us today at 207.781.5900.
May 16, 2022
With winter finally in the rearview mirror, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather. Like typical Mainers, we can’t wait to get outside and create new spring memories with photos of fun, outdoor activities with our friends and family. Are you excited for spring, but you feel self-conscious about the brightness of your smile? Luckily, there are a variety of tooth whitening options that you can use at home or that can be applied in our office. If you are hoping to achieve a bright, new smile, Dr. Brunacini, Dr. Karagiorgos, and our team of compassionate dental professionals are here to help you decide which treatment is right for you!
Over-the-Counter Whitening Treatments
There are many teeth-whitening products available at your local grocery store or pharmacy that promise amazing results, but just how good are they?
Activated charcoal for tooth whitening is available as a powder or toothpaste. Use of these products may be effective in whitening the surface of your teeth, but do not remove the deeper stains. They are also messy and tend not to be formulated with fluoride. Here at Falmouth Dental Arts, we recommend charcoal products for adults only and caution against daily use. We are happy to provide more information about whether charcoal products are a good choice for you – feel free to ask!
There are many different toothpastes on the market that claim to whiten teeth and they can make a difference with minor surface stains over time. However, some whitening toothpastes contain ingredients that can cause tooth sensitivity. Watch out for brands that contain abrasive ingredients, such as activated charcoal, microbeads, or other natural exfoliants, as they can damage the enamel of your teeth. We are happy to provide a recommendation for a whitening toothpaste that is safe for you; just give us a call or inquire at your next appointment.
Our Treatments
Teeth whitening is one of our most popular cosmetic dentistry options as just a few treatments can make a world of difference to your appearance! At Falmouth Dental Arts, we offer several whitening options that can be done while you are in the office or can be taken home with you. Professional teeth whitening is a very safe way to achieve a brighter smile and Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos will be happy to consult with you to determine which option is best for you.
Laser teeth whitening is a quick and easy in-office procedure that can be completed in just over an hour in our office. The process for laser whitening is simple and the results can be seen immediately. After removing any plaque from your teeth and gums, a bleaching agent is applied with a laser. This laser allows the bleaching agent to penetrate the tooth enamel, removing even the deeper stains, leaving you with a whiter, brighter smile. If you are wondering if you are a good candidate for laser teeth whitening, give us a call or talk to us at your next appointment!
At-home whitening strips are an affordable option that can be applied at your convenience and in the comfort of your own home. It may take some time for the results to become noticeable, but whitening strips are still a good option for many people. They are most effective with surface discolorations, but if used correctly, they may be able to penetrate the tooth enamel to remove deeper stains as well. We will be happy to discuss whether whitening strips would be a good choice for you.
At Falmouth Dental Arts we are your partners in dental health. We’d love to talk with you about your goals for teeth whitening and about which treatment will give you the results you’ve always wanted. Give us a call at 207.781.5900 so we can go over your options and answer any questions you may have!
May 13, 2022
The process of getting a crown just became a whole lot easier for our patients! The team at Falmouth Dental Arts is excited to offer same-day crowns, also known as Dentistry Powered by CEREC®—(Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics). With this advanced technology, we can now provide same-day crowns and other dental restorations right in our Falmouth, Maine dental office. The CEREC® Primemill, developed by Dentsply Sirona, is a state-of-the-art piece of equipment that allows us to mill, bake, and stain your new crown all in one visit – so there is no more need for a temporary crown. Because of this exciting upgrade, getting a crown will now be a faster and more comfortable experience. The cost of same-day crowns is also on par with traditional crowns. Always seeking to expand our knowledge in the field, our team has participated in extensive training to be able to offer this convenient new option to our patients. Let’s take a deeper look at what this technology means for you, our patients.
Benefits of Same-Day Crowns
We are pleased to be one of just a handful of family dentistry practices in the Portland, Maine area to offer same-day crowns, as they offer many benefits for our patients:
- Less time at the dentist
- A permanent solution in just one visit – no need for temporary crowns
- Minimally invasive
- Highly precise and custom-made for an optimal fit
- Natural-looking
- Made from safe material
- Durable and long-lasting
How Do CEREC® Dental Crowns Work?
This new technology is exciting for many reasons, one of them being how much easier it will make dental restoration for our patients. The same-day crown procedure is a simple four-step process:
1) Scan
We use digital scans to create a 3D model of your teeth. This is an easier process than traditional impressions, which means less discomfort for you.
2) Design
We use CEREC® Software to design your customized restoration right here in the office. The designs are extremely accurate and can be created very quickly.
3) Manufacture
Next, the design is sent to the milling machine to create your custom crown. The process is very precise and allows us to create a very smooth and realistic result in just one visit.
4) Heat
Your custom ceramic dental crown is then sintered (baked) and glazed using a special sintering furnace made just for dental restorations.
Like any dental restoration, your new ceramic crown may be sensitive for the first few days after your visit. If you have any questions about same-day crowns, would like to make an appointment, or want to become a new patient, give us a call, or fill out a new patient form today!
Apr 18, 2022
At FDA, our goal is to provide the best oral care possible and that starts as soon as our patients walk in the door. Our front desk team is there to help our patients immediately feel comfortable and welcome. We are so lucky to have such a great group at the front desk, and we are excited to welcome a new member to the team – Amy! You’ve likely experienced the compassionate care of Sue, Marlene, Lauren, and Amy as they help you get checked in for your appointment with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos, answer your questions, and make sure you are scheduled for your next check up. They are at the heart of our practice and we are so grateful for their hard work and commitment to patient care. In honor of these wonderful women, let’s hear what they have to say about their work:
Sue
“Over the past 30 years I have seen many changes in dentistry. I am so happy to work with doctors who keep us current with the latest techniques and technologies.”
Sue is our office manager as well as a hygienist. Known for her excellent listening and communication skills, Sue is always available to help patients learn about the treatment options that will meet their needs. She has been a part of our team for close to thirty years!
Marlene
“I love seeing our patients and building a connection with them. I try to help them feel at ease right away, from their very first phone call and when they walk in the door.”
Marlene has been working in the dental field since 1990. She completed business school in New York and brings much experience and knowledge to our caring front desk team!
Lauren
“Our team is what makes FDA feel unique beyond other practices. I have the pleasure to work with people who are good humored, warm hearted, and great educators.”
Before joining FDA, Lauren worked in social services as a supervisor at a homeless shelter and as an administrative specialist at a psychiatrist’s office. Providing patients with support and care fills Lauren with a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Amy
“There is an amazing group of people at FDA. Everyone is willing to jump in and help each other out.”
Always interested in the dental field, Amy became a member of the front desk team in 2022. Prior to joining FDA, she worked as a cosmetologist for 17 years, as well as a preschool teacher and certified nursing assistant.
Thank you, Sue, Marlene, Lauren, and Amy! We are appreciative of all you do to help our practice run smoothly and our patients get the best care possible!
If you have questions or need to schedule your next check up, please give us a call at 207.781.5900. We look forward to helping you have a healthy, happy smile!
