Sep 5, 2024
At Falmouth Dental Arts, patient care is our top priority, and for us a big part of that is making sure you are comfortable. This approach extends to all aspects of our dental practice – from scheduling and payments to the waiting room and the dental chair. Our goal is to develop a partnership with you so you feel connected to our compassionate team and to your oral health care. Let us count the ways we strive to make your oral health care as comfortable as possible.
Our Team
We have the best and most caring dental professionals! Everyone at FDA is committed to patient care and comfort and we all strive to make your visits to our office as easy as possible. From Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos and our front desk team to our Hygienists and Dental Assistants, we love helping you smile! Our compassionate team is always happy to answer questions about your oral health care, demonstrate proper oral health techniques, and go the extra mile so you feel relaxed and comfortable.
Our Approach
Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos don’t just see your smile, they see you as a whole person. We follow an Integrative Dentistry philosophy, which takes your entire wellbeing into account when providing oral care. By approaching dentistry with the whole body in mind, we can better educate and communicate with our patients about their care. Our goal is to form a partnership with you and design a dental plan together that fits your needs and budget. We believe that when you are actively involved in your treatment plans and oral health care, you feel more comfortable and more confident.
Our Technology
Being committed to utilizing the latest dental technologies in our practice means our patients have more options and more solutions in their dental care. From 3D X-Rays to our innovative in-house laboratory that makes same-day crowns for our patients, we are always looking for the best ways to accommodate our patients.
At FDA, we are here to help you get the best and most comfortable dental care possible. If you have any questions or need to schedule an upcoming appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900. We are your partner in oral health!
Jan 20, 2021
As we begin a new year, one cannot help but think about the future. What lies ahead? How will things change? How will our lives improve? When it comes to oral health care, there are a lot of interesting developments in the works and on the horizon. To gain a better understanding of what the future may hold for dentistry, we spoke with Dr. Brunacini.
1.When you think of the future of dentistry, what is most inspiring to you?
Itero Element 2 Digital Scanner
Dr. Brunacin: The digital workflow in dentistry will be a significant gamechanger. By using a digital scanner (pictured, right) instead of traditional impressions, we can achieve better fitting crowns and dentures in a much more efficient and comfortable manner. Digital scanners are a wand-like device that allow us to capture a 3D image of a patient’s mouth.
We can now begin planning oral rehabilitations digitally before performing any surgeries as well. This helps us better anticipate any challenges that may arise and creates improved predictability, which also helps us achieve one of our top priorities: a much better patient experience!
Also, replacing teeth with dental implants will continue to increase in prevalence because they combine both great esthetics and function for the patient. There are so many advances to look forward to in dentistry!
2. Have there been any takeaways from the COVID-19 pandemic that you think will impact the future of oral health care?
Dr. Brunacini: During the pandemic, I’ve been struck by the power that stress has on our bodies. The increase in stress and anxiety that we all feel has correlated to a significant increase in TMJ symptoms and broken teeth. Of course, we need to treat teeth with cavities due to decay, but broken teeth due to bruxism (grinding/clenching) is new to a lot of people and really can do significant damage to the teeth and gums over time. As we’ve discussed before, it will continue to be important for patients to consider their whole body health as part of their oral health. It’s all connected…when you’re stressed, it shows in your mouth.
3. Integrative Dentistry is an important part of the oral health care philosophy at FDA. How do you see that evolving in the years to come?
Dr. Brunacini: Integrative Dentistry is a care philosophy that views the oral cavity – mouth, teeth, and gums – as another system in the human body that requires a whole body approach when thinking about care. I’m looking forward to the continued increase in collaboration between medicine and dental care. For so many years, dental care has always been separate from the medical model. Over time, I expect more connections between oral health and overall health to increase, which will create more motivation for both the patient and provider to improve oral health.
4. Technology is advancing all the time. What are some of the exciting technological advances taking place in oral health care?
Dr. Brunacini: As I’ve mentioned before, the digital workflow using digital scanners and 3-D printers will continue to improve in quality; therefore, it will soon become the preferred way to fabricate crowns and dentures. This will create a more efficient and more effective treatment for the patient, which is really sensational!
5. What’s one thing patients can do to improve the future of their oral health?
Dr. Brunacini: Proper homecare and diet continue to be the best way to improve oral health. I tell patients repeatedly that the best dentistry is no dentistry. If a patient can maintain proper oral hygiene plus a healthy diet to minimize decay risk, then a majority of dental problems can be prevented. So keep brushing, flossing, and eating healthy!
Thank you, Dr. Brunacini!
Your teeth have a lot to look forward to in the future! As Dr. Brunacini recommends, keep those teeth healthy and happy by following a proper home care regimen: brush twice-a-day, floss daily, and come in for your regular check ups! And don’t forget to eat well and find ways to reduce stress in your life, too. If you have any questions about your oral health care, or need to schedule an appointment, call us today at 207.781.5900.
*Scanner image courtesy of www.itero.com
Jan 8, 2021
The start of a new year is a great time to incorporate healthy new habits into your routine…hello new year’s resolutions! This year, we want to encourage you to take a holistic approach to your oral health. Yes, we still would love if you started flossing every day, but we also want you to think bigger. That means going beyond the toothbrush and thinking about how your mouth is connected to the rest of your body. From your mind to your stomach, how you treat yourself impacts the health of your teeth and mouth. Chances are, you’ve heard Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos talk about this oral health care philosophy before, or read about holistic oral health care on our blog. But it is a message worth repeating! We thought it would be useful to share 3 tips to help you begin practicing more holistic oral health care in 2021.
1. Meditate
More and more, we see signs of stress are showing up in dental exams. Not only does stress increase the likelihood of clenching or grinding teeth, but it can also cause dry mouth, a neglect of oral hygiene, and decreased immune function. While we can help address the symptoms that arise with these issues, it is just as important to think about the root cause and find ways to lower your stress levels. One of the most effective ways to reduce stress is to meditate. Meditation not only helps reduce stress, but it also improves your oral health by boosting your immune system, reducing chronic inflammation, and increasing saliva production. There are loads of resources out there to help you get started and please feel free to ask our team of compassionate care providers to recommend an app or breathing technique at your next appointment. We are here to support you! So breathe in…and breathe out for a healthier mind and a healthier mouth.
2. Eat Your Greens
Perhaps eating more vegetables was already on your list of new year’s resolutions, which is great! Eating a healthy diet is not only good for your body, it’s good for your mouth too. In particular, leafy greens like kale and spinach pack a real punch! These superfoods are full of calcium which support teeth enamel, and folic acid which may help treat periodontal disease. We love to recipe share, and there are plenty of tasty options like blueberry-spinach smoothies and kale pesto that will make incorporating more greens into your diet a cinch!
3. Turn to Tea
Fancy a cup of tea? Go for the green! Dating back some 4,000 years as a popular and medicinal beverage enjoyed in China and Japan, recent studies have shown that green tea protects against cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. The tasty beverage is full of antioxidants and compounds called polyphenols, which help reduce bacteria and promote the health of gums. Studies have also shown a decreased risk of oral cancer in green-tea drinkers, another important reason to incorporate a cup into your day. It’s important to remember that sweeteners can still erode your teeth, so for the best health benefits skip the sugar and honey.
While these tips are a great way to more holistically support your oral health, they are no replacement for the tried-and-true routine of brushing twice-a-day, flossing daily, and coming to see us for regular check ups. If you have questions about how you can incorporate more holistic health habits into your oral health care routine, please let us know! We are your partner in your oral health care and want to support you. Call our office at 207.781.5900.
Feb 26, 2019
Can you handle the truth? Good, because we are here to set the record straight on oral health care! There are some widely held, but false, ideas about dental health out there. Some are silly, but some could lead to potential problems down the road. We decided to debunk five common dental myths and discuss the right way to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Myth: The harder you brush, the cleaner your teeth will be.
Brushing your teeth regularly is important–twice a day for two minutes–however brushing harder doesn’t mean you’re brushing better. In fact, brushing too hard with an abrasive brush or toothpaste can erode enamel and push back the gums. That’s why we recommend using a soft-bristled electric toothbrush.
A quick refresher on proper brushing technique: move the toothbrush with short strokes and a polishing motion and use the full two minutes to make sure you’ve thoroughly and gently brushed all your teeth surfaces. A good rule of thumb: if you’re squashing your toothbrush bristles into your teeth and gums, you’re pushing too hard.
Myth: Tooth decay is caused mostly by sugar.
While too much sugar can lead to cavities, it isn’t the only culprit. Starchy carbohydrates like chips and crackers are just as harmful to your teeth as candy. These carbohydrates also have sugars which can break down the teeth. It’s even worse for your teeth when starchy snacks stick to the teeth as this creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Follow a healthy diet where you eat lots of fruits and veggies and protein and your teeth will be happy. For more tips, see our blog post from last November for foods and drinks that can benefit your teeth!
Myth: Gum disease is only a problem for your teeth.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, your oral health is an important part of your overall health. As Dr. Brunacini discussed on the blog last month, the health of your mouth can affect your body’s other systems. Case in point, gum disease has been linked to diabetes and hypertension. In fact, research has shown that when people with diabetes keep their blood sugar under control, their gum disease symptoms improve as well. It’s important to have your dentist be a part of your healthcare team and come in for regular cleanings and checkups. We believe in a holistic approach to dentistry with the whole body and whole person in mind. Here’s to happy smiles and healthy bodies!
Myth: If your gums bleed when you floss, you should leave them alone.
Bleeding is a sign of inflammation and that your gums need attention. If you’re experiencing this symptom, come in for a checkup and cleaning. We can help determine if you have gum disease or a more serious condition that requires more attention. For most minor bleeding, daily flossing and proper brushing can help improve the health of your gums and the bleeding will eventually go away.
Myth: If you brush and floss regularly, and nothing is bothering you, then you don’t need to see the dentist.
Regular dental check-ups are an important part of oral health care. Often dentists can help prevent problems before you have painful symptoms. For example, if you wait until a cavity hurts, you may then need a root canal or extraction rather than a simple filling. With regular check-ups, we can help patients maintain their good oral health, as well as screen for early signs of problems such as cavities and oral cancer. Our mission is to build partnership with all our patients so they are connected to quality dental care and compassionate dental professionals. Let’s work together to keep you smiling and healthy!
If you need a possible dental myth busted or have questions about dental best practices, give us a call at 207.781.5900. We’ll always give you the facts and provide the best oral health care possible!
*Image courtesy of www.pctechmag.com
Jan 22, 2019
January is a great time to think about your health…and why not take an integrative approach and think about your oral health as well. Poor dental care has been linked to cardiovascular disease and complications in diabetes. Your dentist can be a part of your health care team and help you set up an oral health plan that takes your whole body’s well-being into account. This methodology is called Integrative Dentistry. We offer an Integrative Dentistry approach for our patients and are committed to learning our patient’s health history, needs, and questions as we put together a treatment plan with them. However, for some of our patients, Integrative Dentistry is still an unknown term. We talked with Dr. Brunacini to learn more about Integrative Dentistry and how this approach can impact you and your oral health.
1. What is Integrative Dentistry?
Dr. Brunacini: Integrative Dentistry is an approach that simply views the oral cavity– or the mouth, teeth, and gums–as another system within the human body. By approaching dentistry with the whole body in mind, we can better educate and communicate with the patients. Building a partnership with our patients is paramount for us in giving them the best oral health care possible.
2. Why is a holistic approach important in dentistry?
Dr. Brunacini: For so long, dentistry has always been separate from the rest of the medical field. There is more and more awareness of oral health and its connection to overall health. By taking this integrated approach with patients, they can better understand how their oral health can affect the rest of their body’s systems. In this way, a holistic approach helps patients improve the health of their smile while also improving their overall health. It’s a win-win!
3. What are some integrative oriented procedures at FDA?
Dr. Brunacini: We use water treated with ozone at FDA to sterilize our water and water lines. Also, we can use ozone gas to sterilize teeth prior to cementing crowns or placing fillings or as part of our periodontal program. This is an effective and nice alternative to using disinfectants and antibiotics with patients.
4. What does the future of Integrative Dentistry look like?
Dr. Brunacini: I see more integration with physicians to provide custom treatments for patients, such as finding the best materials to use in fillings and root canals for an individual person. This means better care for patients, which is something we are always striving for.
Thank you, Dr. Brunacini!
If you would like to learn more about our integrative approach to dentistry, give us a call at 207.781.5900. We look forward to helping you have the best health care possible for your whole self.
Image courtesy of www.seattlemag.com
