Aug 26, 2025
Celebrating Sue: The Heart of Our Office
September is National Office Manager Appreciation Month, and here at Falmouth Dental Arts, we can’t let it pass without shining a spotlight on someone very special—Sue, our incredible office manager.
A True Team Leader
Sue has been a key part of the Falmouth Dental Arts team for over 35 years, and she brings a level of care and commitment that inspires all of us. She plays a vital role in making sure everything runs smoothly. From managing day-to-day operations to supporting both patients and staff, Sue is truly the glue that holds the office together.
Thank You, Sue!
This month—and every month—we’re grateful for Sue and all that she does behind the scenes. Her leadership, organization, and thoughtful support help create the calm, welcoming environment that makes Falmouth Dental Arts feel like home for both our patients and our team.
Next time you see her, don’t forget to say hi—and maybe give her an extra smile or two. 😊
Aug 26, 2025
It’s back-to-school season! While kids are getting ready with fresh notebooks and new routines, it’s also the perfect time to brush up on the basics of oral health—starting with what’s inside your smile. Understanding the different parts of your teeth can help you take better care of them. So let’s go back to basics with a refresher on the anatomy of your teeth!
What Are Teeth Made Of?
Your teeth are small, but they’re made of several layers that each have an important job. Here’s an explanation of each layer and how they work together.
Enamel
This is the hard, shiny outer layer of your tooth—and it’s the strongest substance in your body! Enamel protects your teeth from chewing, biting, and bacteria. But it can wear down over time, especially if you eat a lot of sugar or skip brushing.
Dentin
Right underneath the enamel is dentin. It’s not as hard, and it’s a little yellowish in color. If enamel wears away, dentin can become exposed—and that can make your teeth feel sensitive.
Pulp
The pulp is in the center of the tooth. It’s soft and full of nerves and blood vessels. The pulp helps your tooth grow and stay healthy. If a tooth gets a deep cavity or crack, the pulp can get infected and may need treatment.
Cementum
This covers the root of the tooth and helps hold it in place. It’s not something you can see, but it works hard below the surface!
Periodontal Ligament
This is the stretchy tissue that connects your teeth to your jawbone. It acts like a cushion every time you bite or chew.
Why This Matters
Just like knowing how your heart or lungs work, understanding your teeth helps you keep them strong. When you brush and floss every day, you’re protecting all those layers—especially your enamel and gums. And remember: your permanent teeth need to last your whole life. The better you care for them now, the happier your smile will be in the future!
Back to School = Back to the Dentist!
The start of the school year is a great time to schedule a check-up. At Falmouth Dental Arts, we make visits easy and comfortable for the whole family. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or heading into high school, we’re here to keep their smiles healthy, strong, and ready to shine in school photos.
Jun 30, 2025
At Falmouth Dental Arts, we believe a healthy smile is about more than just teeth—it’s a vital part of your overall health and well-being. Taking care of your mouth helps protect the rest of your body, too!
Many people are surprised to learn that oral health is closely connected to heart health, diabetes, and more. So brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits aren’t just good for your smile—they’re good for your whole self!
What’s the Mouth-Body Connection?
Your mouth is the gateway to your body. When your gums are healthy and free from infection, it helps keep harmful bacteria in check. But when gum disease (also called periodontal disease) develops, bacteria can travel through your bloodstream and affect other areas of your body.
Research shows that poor oral health is linked to:
- Heart disease: Gum disease may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to have gum problems, and gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control.
- Pregnancy complications: Poor oral health has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
- Respiratory issues: Bacteria from the mouth can reach the lungs, leading to infections like pneumonia.
The Good News: You Can Take Control
Keeping your mouth healthy is one of the easiest ways to support your whole-body health. Here are some simple habits that go a long way:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once a day to clean between teeth
- Eat a balanced diet low in sugar
- Avoid tobacco
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
Our team is here to support your health every step of the way. If you have a health condition like diabetes or heart disease, let us know—we’ll tailor your care to meet your specific needs.
We’re Here to Help You Stay Healthy
We’re not just here to treat teeth—we’re here to care for the whole person. At Falmouth Dental Arts, we understand that your oral health is a key part of your overall wellness. Whether you’re coming in for a routine cleaning or have questions about how your health conditions affect your dental care, we’re always happy to talk.
Jun 30, 2025
Have you ever chipped a tooth or needed a crown—but dreaded the idea of multiple dental visits? Good news: there’s a faster, easier way to restore your smile. At Falmouth Dental Arts, we offer same day crowns—a modern solution that lets you walk in and leave with your crown in just one visit!
What Are Same Day Crowns?
Crowns are used to cover and protect damaged teeth. They’re often recommended after a root canal, for a cracked or broken tooth, or to improve the shape of a tooth. In the past, getting a crown meant at least two appointments and wearing a temporary one in between.
Now, thanks to advanced technology, we can create and place your crown in a single visit—saving you time and hassle.
How Do Same Day Crowns Work?
It’s easier than you might think! Here’s what happens:
- We scan your tooth using a small camera—no goopy impressions needed.
- A digital model is created right in our office.
- We design your custom crown to fit perfectly.
- Your crown is made while you relax—it only takes about an hour.
- We bond the crown to your tooth, and you’re all set!
No second appointment. No temporary crown. Just one comfortable visit and a beautifully restored smile.
Why Patients Love Same Day Crowns
Same day crowns are not just convenient—they’re also precise, strong, and look completely natural. Patients love that they:
- Save time with fewer appointments
- Skip messy impressions
- Avoid wearing a temporary crown
- Get back to smiling, eating, and feeling confident faster
We Make It Easy to Smile Again
At Falmouth Dental Arts, we’re always looking for ways to make your dental experience more comfortable and convenient. Same day crowns are just one of the many ways we bring care and technology together to support your smile.
If you think you might need a crown—or you just want to learn more—we’re here to answer your questions with compassion and clarity. Your comfort and confidence matter to us, and we’re always happy to help.
Jun 1, 2025
We all have heard the basics of good oral health—brushing, flossing, and regular preventative care. However, other everyday habits, even ones that seem harmless, could be damaging your teeth. Here are four surprising ways you might be putting your pearly whites at risk.
Brushing Too Soon After Eating
Brushing right after a meal may sound like a good idea, but if you’ve had something acidic—like coffee, citrus, or soda—acidic foods temporarily soften your enamel, and brushing too soon can wear your enamel away. Waiting 30 minutes before brushing will give your saliva time to neutralize acids and protect your enamel.
Sleeping Face-Down
Guilty as charged! We all have our favorite sleeping positions, but over time snoozing face down can put pressure on your jaw, potentially leading to misalignment, TMJ issues, and even grinding your teeth. If you are a dedicated stomach sleeper, try transitioning to a side or back position to reduce pressure—your jaw (and your dreams) will thank you!
Mouth Breathing
Do you breathe through your mouth while awake or asleep? It is worth paying attention to because mouth breathing can dry out saliva, and our saliva plays a vital role in washing away bacteria and preventing cavities. A dry mouth creates the perfect environment for plaque buildup, leading to bad breath and tooth decay.
Struggling with dry mouth? Stay hydrated, try using a humidifier at night, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. B or Dr. K for personalized solutions. They’re happy to help you keep your smile healthy and comfortable!
Sipping on Acidic or Sugary Drinks Throughout the Day
Even drinks that seem “healthy,” like lemon water, kombucha, or apple cider vinegar, can weaken enamel if you sip them frequently. Constant acid exposure wears down your teeth over time, increasing sensitivity and the risk of cavities. To minimize damage use a straw to reduce direct contact with your teeth, rinse your mouth with water to rid away acids, and limit these drinks to once a day instead of sipping throughout the day.
Protect Your Smile! By making these small changes—waiting to brush after meals, staying hydrated, and being mindful of what you drink—you can keep your smile healthy.
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!
