Apr 2, 2023
April is Oral Cancer Awareness month and regular dental care is a first line of defense against oral cancer. Falmouth Dental Arts is committed to helping raise awareness about the importance of oral cancer screenings. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, about 54,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year in America. Smoking is the leading cause of oral cancer, but there are increasingly more and more young people developing oral cancer due to the HPV virus. The good news is that when treated early, oral cancer has a 80-90% survival rate and regular screenings assist with early detection. At FDA, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos as well as our hygienists perform oral cancer screenings during your regular check-up appointments. With the goal of raising awareness, we thought it would be helpful to discuss some of the common warning signs related to oral cancer and the different types of screenings available at FDA.
Warning Signs of Oral Cancer
A good rule of thumb is to let us know if you notice any recent changes to your mouth, teeth or gums, or experience any pain or tenderness. Beyond that, there are a few warning signs linked with oral cancer to be aware of:
- White or red patches in the mouth
- Sores that fail to heal
- Abnormal lumps in the gums or neck
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
If you discover something on your own, don’t panic. As your dental care partners, we are an essential part of your healthcare team! You can schedule an appointment with us for a prompt examination. You may wonder how Dr. Brunacini, Dr. Karagiorgos and our hygienists perform oral cancer screenings. Here is some more information on the different types of screening we perform at FDA:
Visual Oral Cancer Screening
We screen our patients for oral cancer at every hygiene appointment. Our screening methods typically include a simple visual exam of the soft tissues of the mouth. We will examine the gum tissue, lips, cheeks, and tongue. We will also palpate (gently press on) areas of the face and neck to check for any nodules or lumps. If there is an area of concern, we may offer to do a VELscope screening.
VELscope Screening
VELscope is a safe, non-invasive early detection screening device that emits a blue light that quickly allows our clinicians to identify abnormal cells before they are visible to the naked eye. The graphic below demonstrates the difference between healthy cells (Normal Epithelial Cells) and abnormal cells (Abnormal or Dysplastic Epithelial Cells), that become visible under the Blue Excitation Light.
CBCT 3D X-Ray
3D x-ray or CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) technology allows us to better visualize all of the structures within the head, neck, and mouth so that we can better assess our patients’ oral health. 3D imaging can be helpful in determining subsequent steps for the ideal treatment of a lesion.
If we have any reason for concern, the next step would be a referral to an oral surgeon for additional consultation. An oral surgeon may decide to perform a biopsy of the area for further evaluation. Most of the time, a biopsy will rule out oral cancer. However, if the biopsy is positive for precancerous or cancerous cells, additional treatment may be necessary. Throughout the evaluation and referral process, we will remain involved every step of the way to provide support and follow-up care.
If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health or the oral cancer screening process, please don’t hesitate to call us! As your dentist, we are part of your healthcare team and always happy to answer your questions!
Apr 1, 2023
Each year, National Dental Hygienist Week falls on the second week in April, which is a great time to celebrate FDA’s wonderful and amazing team of hygienists! Alex, Ashley, Diann, Erin, Jean, Kelly, and Lydianne are the caring professionals you see the most when you come to our office. From removing plaque and tartar to taking digital x-rays, they are experts in oral health care and help assess your health at each visit. Our dental hygienists also love to help our patients set up a home health routine and are always happy to demonstrate the best way to brush or share their flossing tips! We asked this dynamo group of women what they love most about their job…here’s what they said.
Alex:
“Oral hygiene plays such an important role with overall systemic health. Every patient is different and unique in their own way, and I am passionate about finding a routine that works for his or her lifestyle. Helping patients feel confident about their smile is such a rewarding experience! I love motivating patients to keep up with their oral care. Also, my goal is always to help patients feel relaxed at their appointment…I want patients to enjoy their visits here at FDA.”
Diann:
“I love the enthusiasm created by the whole team learning together. We can branch off and learn about other things and then come back and share. I [also] love laughing with my patients. We all have better days when we laugh a lot.”
Erin:
“FDA takes the time to get to know patients to create individual treatment plans based on their needs and wants. I love educating my patients about the new developments in dentistry. It’s such an honor to take care of generations of the same family.”
Jean:
“The teamwork at FDA is unmatched. Helping hands are everywhere. The dental care is modern, conservative, and thorough; and it’s what I want for my own family.”
Kelly:
“Our doctors are always a step ahead in adopting useful technology which makes for a comfortable dental practice for our patients and an exciting work environment and culture for the staff. We go above and beyond for our patients. In fact, I’ve built up a clientele that I’ve seen for so long, I just can’t wait to catch up with them during their next visit.”
Lydianne:
“I love the team at FDA! Everyone is highly trained and are the best at what they do. We all really care and put our patients first. I especially enjoy working with patients who have dental anxiety. Meeting them where they are, addressing their concerns, and identifying what I can do to make them more comfortable is my favorite part of the job.”
Thank you, Alex, Ashley, Diann, Erin, Jean, Kelly, and Lydianne!! You are the heart of FDA!
Do you need to schedule a visit to see one of our hygienists for a cleaning? Give our office a call today – 207.781.5900. We’re here to help!
Mar 3, 2023
March 5 – 11 is Dental Assistant Recognition Week, and it’s the perfect time to acknowledge and celebrate the versatile, multi-talented, compassionate, and amazing Dental Assistants we have at FDA! Our team – Caitlin, Mary, Mirela, and Pat – excel at creating a caring and supportive environment for our patients! We are so grateful for the hard work and dedication to continually learning the latest dental skills and techniques. They help make FDA the best dental practice in Maine! Here are some quotes from the team on why they love what they do!
Caitlin received her dental assistant training while serving in the United States Air Force. “I enjoy learning about dental procedures and helping patients. Even after four years, I still learn something new every day!”
Mary has worked in the dental field since 1995, many of those years at FDA. For Mary, the dental care here is excellent in part because of the encouragement and support that staff members receive to take continuing education classes. “We’re constantly improving our knowledge,” she explains. “These courses help us to communicate well together, which is very important.”
Mirela has worked in the dental field since 2003 and spent years in pediatric dentistry. “Everyone at FDA really cares – about patients and each other – and that’s what makes it work. When your co-workers create a comfortable environment for you then you can make it more comfortable for your patients in turn. It makes for a very warm and caring atmosphere.”
Pat has been a Certified Dental Assistant for over 17 years and loves helping patients feel relaxed and at ease during their dental appointments. “There are people who dread coming and some are very fearful. I understand the anxiety of these patients. I hope my presence, compassion, and experience as a Dental Assistant helps everyone have a better experience when coming here.”
Thank you, Caitlin, Mary, Mirela, & Pat!
If you need to schedule your next appointment, please call at 207.781.5900. Our wonderful dental assistants, along with Dr. Brunacini, Dr. Karagiorgos, and the rest of the team, are here to provide you with the best oral care possible!
Mar 1, 2023
National Dentist’s Day is March 6th. While we don’t need a holiday to sing our praises for our beloved dentists, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos, we’ll take any opportunity to highlight how wonderful they are! They are two of the most caring, compassionate and thoughtful dental professionals out there…dedicated to providing our patients with the best oral care possible. But you don’t have to take our word for it! We regularly receive 5 star reviews from happy patients who have positive experiences with our dentists. Let’s hear from a few of them!
“For years, the care I receive has been the best I’ve ever encountered (at 50, and having lived all over the country, I’ve been to a number). Here’s what you probably want to know: Nothing has ever hurt! Really. Secondly, I’ve had a lot of work. Regular cleanings, crown repair, Invisalign… lots. It has all been wonderful. My teeth are totally straight now (no dinosaur teeth!), beautifully white, and really healthy. What’s more, they really care. The Drs (both of them) feel like they’re at the top of their game, and spend time, EVERY time. The facility is super clean, remarkably modern as far as scanning/diagnostic tech, and the people who take care of you really take CARE of you. I couldn’t be happier, and my teeth are no longer a liability.” – Peter L.
“I have been with Falmouth Dental Arts for many years when Dr. Knock was there. He made a wonderful choice by having Dr. Brunacini take over the practice. I had a crown installed yesterday. I hadn’t had a crown in years, so I was completely blown away by the latest technology! The whole process only took about 2 1/2 hours and I had a permanent crown in one sitting. It is all done digitally with virtual photos and drawings that communicate with another machine that fashions the crown out of porcelain. Dr. Brunacini and Mary took their time and explained every part of the process and made sure I was comfortable at all times. I was fascinated watching the computer programs, the different tools that were used, and the perfect symphony that they had as a team working together in tandem. It was an educational and an enjoyable experience! All of the staff that work here are knowledgeable, professional, and personable. I highly recommend Falmouth Dental Arts.” – Cheryl C.
“Dr. K is the best. Exceptionally competent. Laser focused. Creative, communicative, thoughtful, pragmatic. Great ‘chair side manner.’ Couldn’t ask for a better dentist/partner.” – Scott B.
“This office was incredibly thoughtful and respectful. Dr. Brunacini was wonderful, provided information that was comprehensive and understandable. He is so extremely respectful and incredibly knowledgeable. Jean, the dental hygienist, was the best I’ve ever had. She was very thorough and professional. This is the best dental experience I’ve had in 50 years!!!” – Dotsy
“Falmouth Dental Arts and all the staff are absolutely wonderful!!! Dr K is the best! He is professional, has a great sense of humor, and knows how to make your visit a comfortable one! I would recommend them to anyone looking for a high quality experience.” – Nancy C.
Thank you to Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos for all you do to take excellent care of our patients!
Haven’t seen Dr. B or Dr. K for a while? Schedule your appointment with us today by calling 207.781.5900. We are here to provide you with the best oral care possible and to help you have your best smile!
Feb 2, 2023
February is Gum Disease Awareness month and we at FDA are here to help spread the word on how important it is to keep your gums healthy. We are always looking for ways to educate our patients about the importance of oral health and best practices, and learning more about gum disease can be a great motivator for taking better care of your gums and teeth. Here are three facts about gum disease that you may not know:
1) Almost 50% of Adults in the US Have Gum Disease
A recent report by the CDC showed that almost 50% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. The cause is bacteria in the mouth, which infects the tissue surrounding the teeth and leads to inflammation. Warning signs of gum disease include:
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Sensitive teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together
If you notice some of these warning signs, talk to Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos at your next appointment. We’ll work with you to find a home care routine and treatment plan that will support your oral health…with a focus on gum health.
2) Gum Disease is Linked to an Increase Risk in Heart Disease and Stroke
We often talk about the link between your oral health and your overall health, and this is particularly true with gum disease. Research has shown a correlation between gum disease and a whole host of health issues such as heart disease and stroke. People with gum disease are 2x as likely to have heart disease. People diagnosed with an acute ischemic stroke are more likely to have gum disease. While research is ongoing, the theory is that oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the gums and cause blockages and inflammation elsewhere in the body. Let us know if you have either of these health issues; we are here to be part of your health care team.
3) Gum Disease is the Leading Cause of Tooth Loss in Adults
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the most common cause of tooth loss is gum disease. While this is the result of severe gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, it is still a good reminder to pay attention to your gum health.
What is the best way to take care of your gums? Practice good oral hygiene – brush and floss every day – and come see us for regular check ups. Aside from the fact that we love seeing your smiling faces at least twice per year, it is also a great way for us to monitor the health of your gums and look for any signs of disease. Is it time for your routine hygiene appointment? Give us a call at 207.781.5900, as we’re here to help!
