Apr 30, 2025
Falmouth Dental Arts has been providing complete, compassionate care for our patients in Southern Maine for over 50 years. We believe in partnering with patients to help them achieve their healthiest, happiest smiles. Have questions? You’re not alone! We’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions we hear in the office—and answered them all in one helpful spot.
Are you accepting new patients?
Absolutely! We would be delighted to provide you with our quality oral health care. Dr. Brunacini, Dr. Karagiorgos, and our entire staff are dedicated to providing the most caring, comfortable environment possible while providing top quality dental care. We offer a range of treatments to help you attain your oral health goals – from routine hygiene visits to cosmetics enhancements. You can fill out our New Patient Form and one of our team members will reach out to get you scheduled! We look forward to being your partner in oral health!
Do you take my insurance?
We can bill most insurance companies. We are out of network with all insurances, so we encourage our patients to check their policy to see if they will work with us as an out of network dentist. It’s important to us that we can provide individualized treatment plans for all of our patients and not let the insurance company dictate the care we provide. This is a value for many of our patients. We are always happy to talk through all the options with our patients, so please call if you have any questions about insurance, billing, or your treatment options.
Do you see kids?
Yes! We see kids of all ages. At FDA, we believe good oral habits start early. We love helping our youngest patients have positive dental experiences both at home and at our office. Our team of caring and compassionate dental care professionals are wonderful at meeting your kids where they are and pay close attention to your child’s comfort level. We’ll work with you and your child to develop proper homecare habits and design office visits around your child’s readiness and needs. It is our pleasure to welcome your children to our practice!
How long has FDA been a practice?
FDA has been a local dental practice in Southern Maine for over 50 years! Our beloved Dr. Knock started it all back in 1974. Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos carry on his legacy of providing compassionate patient care in concert with crest-of–the-wave dental technologies. At FDA, we don’t just see your smile, we see you as a whole person. Our team works to provide a comfortable environment in every aspect of our care, from scheduling and making payments to getting a check up or a cosmetic enhancement. We’ve been a part of the small business community in Falmouth for decades and are dedicated to providing the best oral care possible!
What do you mean by “dental arts”?
As our founder Dr. Knock has said, “There is an artistry to dentistry, if the dentist is conscientious. It is quite aesthetic…the cosmetic dentistry that can be done to help a person.” We continue to provide this conscientious and aesthetic approach to dentistry and are further aided by the cutting-edge technology in our office, like our CEREC Same-Day Crowns. We have a range of cosmetic dentistry procedures that can give you the smile that not only a work of art, but the smile of your dreams!
If you have other questions for our team, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 207.781.5900! We are always happy to answer questions and are here to help!
Apr 29, 2025
Hello, Spring! Ready to give your smile a fresh start this season?
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your health and wellness habits. As you declutter your home and reset your routines, don’t forget about your teeth! At FDA, we often talk about the connection between oral health and overall wellness—because taking care of your smile is an important part of taking care of yourself. To help you bloom into healthier habits, here are 5 simple ways to give your smile a seasonal refresh.
Drink More Water
Want to feel more energized, boost your mood, and take care of your teeth all at once? Grab a glass of water! Drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day is good for your entire body, helping to flush out toxins and support your organs. Water also helps rinse away bacteria in your mouth which prevents tooth decay. Drink a glass of water after every meal and you’ll be doing your teeth and your body a favor!
Incorporate Healthy Dairy Into Your Diet
Want to give your teeth a boost? Incorporate healthy foods into your diet! An easy place to start is with cheese and yogurt – foods that are high in calcium. Calcium is crucial for the health of your teeth because it helps strengthen your enamel and protect against cavities. Cheese packs a double dose of fortification for your teeth because it also contains a protein called casein. Yogurt has an additional benefit as well; it is a probiotic, which will keep your mouth’s microbiome balanced with healthy bacteria. So say yes to cheese and yogurt!
Floss, Floss, Floss!
Want to know the best way you can improve your oral health? Flossing! Flossing will not only improve your gum health, but it will help prevent cavities, too. This is because flossing removes plaque and bacteria in the areas between your teeth that brushing alone misses. It’s one of the best things you can do during your oral care routine! We know it’s a tricky habit for many to stick with, so find what works best for you. Ready to take the flossing plunge? Set a goal for flossing once a week and work up to flossing once a day. You can try Plackers or a water flosser if you find traditional floss is difficult. Another idea – you can try bringing floss to work to take care of it during your lunch break if the morning is too rushed. Your teeth and gums will say thank you!
Brush Up on Your Brushing Technique
Want to get the most out of your brushing? Make sure your skills are up to speed! Proper technique includes brushing gently for 2-3 minutes, twice a day, holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line. Brush every surface of your teeth, both front and back. Also give your entire gum line a little massage as well – this will stimulate circulation and improve your gum health. If you want to take your brushing up another level, consider an electric toothbrush. They will help you get a superior clean every time you brush. Also, our team of hygienists is always happy to demonstrate best brushing techniques so feel free to ask at your next appointment!
Visit FDA!
Want to make maintaining your oral health easy? Come for regular checkups at our office! At FDA, we’re here to be your partner in oral health. Routine hygiene visits that include digital x-rays and cleanings are the best way to maintain your oral health. They also help us with early detection of issues such as oral cancer, tooth decay, and gum disease. Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos, along with our team of compassionate dental care professionals, will help you to develop a hygiene schedule at home, as well as in our office! If you need to schedule your next appointment, please give our office a call at 207.781.5900!
Mar 31, 2025
April 23 is Administrative Professionals Day and we are so lucky to have a fantastic team at the FDA front desk. Chances are you’ve been welcomed and cared for by Eliza, Geena, Camille, and Marlene. They are there to help you feel comfortable and at ease as they get you checked in for your appointment with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos and answer your questions. We consider them the heart of our practice and are so grateful for their commitment to patient care. To celebrate and honor these wonderful women, we share a little about each of them and what they enjoy about their work:
Eliza
“I love working at FDA! I feel accepted and valued as a member of the team. We all collaborate on making FDA a comfortable and relaxing space for our patients to get the care they need.”
Eliza joined FDA in 2024 and has a background in education and insurance. She works with patients to ensure we have the correct information to file insurance claims and communicates about the costs estimates for upcoming treatments.
Geena
“As a kid I remember being so scared of the dentist. Being the first person a patient sees is beyond important and helps set the scene for how an appointment will go.”
With a background in patient care in a hospital setting, Geena joined FDA as our Patient Scheduling Coordinator. She ensures all our patients are able to schedule and reschedule their appointments with ease and is always available to answer questions.
Camille
“Everyone [at FDA] is so incredibly friendly and welcoming. It really feels like being part of a team.”
Camille provides a warm welcome for new patients at Falmouth Dental Arts. As our New Patient Coordinator, she is responsible for making sure new patients have all the information they need for their first appointment.
Marlene
“Everyone works together as a team and we all care about each other, which makes it such a great practice to work at and be treated as a patient. There is such a connection between staff and patients – it is very special.”
Marlene has been working in the dental field since 1990 and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our front desk team.
Thank you, Eliza, Geena, Camille, and Marlene!
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!
Mar 30, 2025
April is Oral Cancer Awareness month and regular visits to the dentist can be your best defense against the most common form of head and neck cancer. That’s because early detection is crucial. At Falmouth Dental Arts, we provide oral cancer screenings – Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos as well as our hygienists perform screenings during your regular check up appointments. To help raise awareness, here’s what you need to know about oral cancer, its causes and common symptoms, and our screening procedure.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a general term that covers cancers in your lips and mouth. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 11 out of 100,000 people will develop oral cancer in their lifetime. If it is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of your head and neck. It’s encouraging to note that when oral cancer is detected and treated early, there is a 80-90% survival rate.
Common Causes of Oral Cancers
For the majority of cases, oral cancer is linked with the following habits:
- Smoke and/or use tobacco
- Drink excessive amounts of alcohol
- Spend long periods in the sun without protection
- Have the Human papillomavirus (HPV).
While smoking is the leading cause of oral cancer, there are increasingly more and more young people developing oral cancer due to the HPV virus.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
If you notice any changes to your mouth or experience any pain or tenderness, you should let us know. Here are some of the common symptoms and warning signs for oral cancer, including:
- White or red patches in the mouth
- Sores that fail to heal
- Abnormal lumps in the gums or neck
- Numbness or pain in the face, mouth or neck without cause
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Chronic bad breath
If you discover an area of concern, please let us know so we can see you promptly for a thorough exam.
FDA’s Oral Cancer Screening
At FDA, Dr. Brunacini, Dr. Karagiorgos, and our hygienists perform oral cancer screenings for our patients at every hygiene appointment. These screenings may include:
Visual Exam
During a visual exam of the mouth, we look at the gum tissue, lips, checks, and tongue. Additionally we gently palpate or press on areas of the face and neck to check for any irregular lumps. If we have any concerns, we may offer to do a screening with VELscope.
VELscope screening
VELscope is a screening device that emits a blue light that quickly identifies abnormal cells before they are visible to the naked eye. It is a safe and non-invasive procedure. We find it to be helpful for early detection of oral cancer.
CBCT 3D X-Ray
We also perform CBCT 3D X-Rays which enables us to better visualize all of the structures within your head, neck, and mouth and assess your oral health. 3D imaging can be helpful in determining subsequent steps for the ideal treatment of an area of concern.
If we have any reason for concern after a screening, our next step would be to refer you to an oral surgeon for additional consultation and a possible biopsy. As your partner in oral health, we will remain involved every step of the way to provide support and follow-up care.
As always, when you have any questions about your oral health or the oral cancer screening process, please don’t hesitate to call us. We are always happy to answer your questions so you feel informed and confident about your oral health!
Mar 4, 2025
We love our team of Dental Assistants! Lindsey, Mary, Mirela, and Pat are the helping hands of our practice, always putting patient comfort first. March 3 – 9 is Dental Assistant Recognition Week, so it’s the perfect time to shine a light on these skilled and compassionate dental professionals. This month, learn more about the role of a Dental Assistant and what a day-in-the-life is like for the FDA Dental Assistant superstars – Lindsey, Mary, Mirela, and Pat.
What is a Dental Assistant?
A Dental Assistant works directly with dentists during procedures and provides support for them. They are Dr. B & Dr. K’s extra hands! They also focus on the smooth operation of the dental office and handle a variety of tasks including, preparing patients, sterilizing instruments, and taking x-rays.
A Typical Day for a Dental Assistant
A typical day for the Dental Assistants at FDA starts at 6:30am. They arrive to get all the equipment turned on and the rooms set up for the day. They ensure all the instruments are clean and sterilized and check with the hygienists to make sure they have everything they need. The schedule is then reviewed with Dr. B & Dr. K and everyone prepares for the day.
“We are all a team when it comes to seeing patients,” shares Lindsey. “We see patients for all different types of situations – from emergency visits to re-cementing an old crown. Being a Dental Assistant is never dull! There is always something to be done.”
Patient Comfort
Patient comfort is a top priority at FDA. Mirela shares, “Anyone can be afraid of going to the dentist – not just children. That’s why we do everything we can here at FDA to make patients feel comfortable and relaxed while they’re in our chairs.” Pat adds, “I love helping patients feel relaxed and at ease during their dental appointments. I hope my presence, compassion, and experience as a Dental Assistant helps everyone have a better experience when coming here.”
A Rewarding Job
One of the most rewarding parts of the job is to see the transformation that can happen during a procedure. Mary shares, “I love knowing that our patients feel good about themselves afterward. They see the success, too.”
Thank you, Lindsey Mary, Mirela, & Pat!!
Our wonderful team of Dental Assistants, along with Dr. Brunacini, Dr. Karagiorgos, will ensure your next procedure is a comfortable and stress-free experience for you. If you need to schedule your next appointment, please call at 207.781.5900.
Feb 2, 2025
February is Gum Disease Awareness month. According to the CDC, nearly 42% of adults over the age of 30 have a form of gum disease, and gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. This is preventable! At FDA, we are your partner in oral health. We love educating our patients about best practices that keep you smiling and healthy. Here are three tips for preventing gum disease:
Have a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
The key to good oral health is to have a good oral hygiene routine. This includes:
- Brush twice a day for two minutes. Gently brush along your entire gumline, massing your gums to improve circulation and gum health.
- Floss every day. Flossing gets into the nooks and crannies between your teeth where food and bacteria hide and brushing alone leaves behind.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
The health of your gums is linked to your overall health, so making healthy choices is a smart idea! In particular think about:
- Quit smoking! This is a no-brainer for your health. Beyond your lung health, smoking weakens your immune system, causes chronic inflammation, and affects the balance of healthy bacteria in your mouth.
- Eat crunchy fruits and veggies. The vitamins and minerals in fruits and veggies are beneficial for your overall health and your oral health. Crunchy fruits and veggies act like a natural toothbrush removing plaque and stimulate saliva rinsing away bacteria. What a win-win!
Come to FDA for Regular Checkups
Regular cleanings and dental checkups with our hygienists and Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos are an important part of your oral health care routine. We love seeing your smiling faces at least twice a year. Among other things, these checksups are a way for us to monitor the health of your gums and assess for any signs of disease. If your gums are bleeding when you brush or floss, that’s a good sign you are due for a checkup. Early detection and treatment of gum disease is the best way to prevent serious outcomes like tooth loss.
If you have questions about your gum health or need to schedule your next appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900, we’re here to help!
