Repair Your Smile in One Visit with CEREC Same-Day Crowns in Burlington, MA

September 20, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , — tntadmin @ 1:33 pm

134124545A dental crown is a restoration that fits over a damaged tooth like a cap, providing structural stability, aesthetic improvement, and protection from infection. Traditionally, the process of creating and placing a crown could take weeks and require multiple appointments, making it an inconvenient and expensive process for the patient. With CEREC same-day crowns, Dr. James P. Kostas helps patients in Burlington, MA communities reclaim their smiles in just one visit to Complete Dental Care.

The CEREC Same-Day Crowns Process

First, we’ll capture a three dimensional image of your prepared tooth using digital impression technology. This means that there’s no messy impression material, and the modeling process takes less time than ever before. The CEREC software then uses the digital data we’ve captured to create a computerized model of your tooth, ensuring accuracy of your restoration’s precise measurements. Within about an hour, your beautifully customized crown will be milled and completed, ready for placement.

With CEREC same-day crowns, there’s no need for temporary crowns, and you don’t have to wait weeks for your final restoration to come back from an off-site laboratory. You come in for your appointment at our state-of-the-art Burlington, MA dental office and leave with a completely restored smile that you’ll love showing off to the world.

Because the CEREC machine mills your crown from a single block of dental porcelain meticulously measured to fit your tooth, we’re able to preserve more of your enamel during the preparation process. In addition to being an incredibly durable and conservative treatment, CEREC same-day crowns are aesthetically superior as well. The porcelain chosen is exactly matched to the color of your existing teeth, resulting in a gorgeously restored smile that looks completely natural.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Whether you are in need of a new dental restoration or you’d simply like to learn more about the possibilities afforded by CEREC technology, our skilled and experienced team can help. Contact our office in Burlington, MA today to schedule your visit, and see what a difference CEREC same-day crowns can make in your smile. Our practice warmly welcomes families from throughout Burlington and the surrounding areas, including Bedford, Woburn, Billerica, and more.

Laser Periodontal Therapy: Protect Your Health from Gum Disease in Burlington, MA

August 22, 2014

Filed under: general dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — tntadmin @ 6:17 pm

185594294When you think of gum disease, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Perhaps you envision the tell-tale symptoms associated with periodontal infection, picturing bleeding gums, sensitivity, or even tooth loss. While these are certainly a few of the effects of gum disease, there are even more serious complications associated with the condition that are far less conspicuous. At the Burlington, MA dental practice of Dr. James P. Kostas, we help our patients substantially reduce their risk of developing systemic health conditions linked to periodontal disease with laser periodontal therapy.

Advantages of Laser Periodontal Therapy

When an infection in the gum tissue is attacked by the body’s immune system, disseminated toxins and inflammatory compounds are released into the blood stream. These compounds are capable of causing damage to organs and tissues throughout the body, leading to potentially fatal health conditions if not treated in a timely manner. Some of the complications associated with periodontal disease include:

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Pregnancy complications, including low birth weight and premature birth
  • Cancer of the blood and/or pancreas
  • Complications with the treatment of diabetes

Fortunately, laser periodontal therapy can help to drastically reduce your risk of developing these and other serious health conditions. While traditional gum disease treatment involves the use of a scalpel and sutures to remove infected tissue, laser periodontal therapy utilizes the proven effectiveness of a focused laser to cauterize the area even as it eliminates infection. Recovery time is significantly reduced, and our patients love that the procedure is considerably more comfortable.

Healthy Smile, Healthy Life

Whether you are currently suffering from signs of gum disease or you’d simply like to learn more about the benefits of soft tissue laser technology, my team and I are here to help. Contact our office in Burlington, MA to schedule your visit with Dr. Kostas and our dedicated team today. We look forward to helping you secure a lifetime of excellent oral health and overall wellness with our comprehensive menu of services and treatments. Our state-of-the-art dental practice proudly serves patients from throughout Burlington, Woburn, Billerica, Bedford, and the surrounding areas.

Fortify Your Smile with Fluoride Treatments

July 20, 2014

Filed under: general dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , — kostas @ 1:41 pm

Shutterstock Pretty Woman SmileYour tooth enamel is the strongest natural substance in your body, but it can still fall prey to acid-causing bacteria if not cared for properly. Knowing how to protect your smile from tooth decay is one of the best ways to keep your pearly whites looking and feeling their best. At Complete Dental Care in Burlington, MA, my team and I offer a comprehensive selection of general and preventive dentistry solutions that help keep your families smiles safe from cavities, including fluoride supplements.

How Does Fluoride Affect Teeth?

Over the course of each day, the hard enamel of your teeth is attacked by bacteria that thrive within the mouth. The starches and sugars in the food we eat are, in turn, consumed by these bacteria. The bacteria then produce acid that is capable of eroding tooth enamel, leading to decay. While brushing and flossing are certainly integral steps in protecting your smile, regular visits to my office for checkups and professional cleanings are crucial as well. It is during this kind of general checkup that we may suggest fluoride supplements.

Fluoride effectively replaces minerals lost each day, fortifying your teeth and further protecting them against damage. While small amounts of fluoride can be found naturally in tap water and some of the foods we eat, topical application of this compound directly to the teeth has been shown to be most effective in cavity prevention. If you have more questions about how fluoride works to keep your smile healthy, give me a call or send me an email; I’d love to help!

Strengthen Your Smile with Fluoride

At Complete Dental Care, we strive every day to provide our patients with the preventive tools and treatment they need to maintain optimal oral health. We look forward to doing the same for you! Contact our office in Burlington, MA today to schedule your visit and to learn more about how fluoride plays a pivotal role in the health and appearance of your smile. Our family-friendly office warmly welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas as well, including Billerica, Woburn, Bedford, and beyond.

How Does Smoking Affect My Oral Health? Vital Information from Dr. Kostas

June 23, 2014

Filed under: general dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — kostas @ 3:40 pm

shutterstock_175855586While it is common knowledge that tobacco use can cause your teeth to turn yellow, many patients don’t realize that there are a number of other serious problems directly associated with smoking cigarettes. From my patient focused dental office in Burlington, MA, I strive to not only help my patients achieve optimal oral health and wellness, but to provide them with important information that can help them make informed decisions as well. Today, I’d like to explore some of the lesser known effects of tobacco use.

More Than Bad Breath and Stained Teeth

Discoloration of the teeth and foul breath are common among longtime smokers, though the real threat posed by tobacco use may not be as readily apparent. The nicotine and additives in cigarettes can lead to inflammation of the salivary gland openings located on the roof of the mouth. When the pH balance within the mouth is disrupted, the patient’s chances of developing gum disease are increased. Add to this the inherent dangers of increased plaque and tartar buildup, and you have a recipe for advanced periodontal issues down the line. With periodontal disease come the increased risks of tooth loss, heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, and even some forms of cancer.

The risk of developing oral cancer itself is a prime motivating factor for quitting smoking, as tobacco users are significantly more likely to suffer from this aggressive disease. If you notice any abnormalities of any kind – including white or red patches in the mouth, unexplained bleeding, unusual pain or tingling, or ulcers that do not heal – it is important that you contact my office for an evaluation. My goal is to ensure your lifelong oral health and comfort, and I will always provide you with the information and tools you need to achieve just that.

Healthier Mouth, Healthier Body

Over the past several years, more and more studies have concluded that there is a definitive link between oral health and overall physical wellness. When your teeth and gums are in great shape, your chances of maintaining good systemic health are considerably higher. If you’d like to learn more about how smoking affects your oral health and how treatment at my office can help you keep your smile shining brightly, contact my office in Burlington, MA today. My staff and I happily welcome patients from throughout the surrounding areas as well, including Billerica, Woburn, Bedford, and beyond.

Periodontal Disease and Pocket Depth: What You Need to Know

May 20, 2014

Filed under: general dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — kostas @ 1:29 pm

Shutterstock Happy Dental Patient (2)When you think of periodontal disease, what is the first thing that comes to mind? You may envision images of bleeding gums when you brush or floss, or imagine the chronic bad breath that comes with an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. At my office in Burlington, MA, I help my patients prevent and treat gum disease, as well as educate them regarding the ways they can keep their gums healthy between visits to my practice, Complete Dental Care.

Understanding Pocket Depth

When bacteria accumulate on the surfaces of your teeth, a sticky substance known as plaque begins to form. When plaque isn’t removed properly, it hardens into a substance known as tartar. Tartar forms along the gum line, causing inflammation of the gingival tissue. As more of this tartar builds and continues to irritate the gums, the tissue pulls down and away from the enamel surface and deep pockets begin to form.

The cycle continues for as long as the infection is left untreated, and gum recession worsens. This weakening of the connective tissues can eventually result in loose teeth and even complete tooth loss. Fortunately, I offer comprehensive periodontal therapy to aid in halting this process before it becomes more serious. I feel that every patient deserves to enjoy the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile, and I’m always happy to walk you through the steps of your treatment until you fully understand the procedure. Give me a call today to learn more!

Schedule Your Visit Today

Do you suspect that you or someone in your family may be suffering from periodontal disease? Perhaps you simply have some questions about how gum disease can be treated and prevented. My team and I are here to help. Please contact my office today to schedule your appointment, and we’ll get started on your path toward optimal oral health and overall wellness. From our conveniently located practice in Burlington, MA, I warmly welcome patients from throughout the surrounding areas of Bedford, Woburn, Burlington, Billerica, and more.

Get to Know Me

April 29, 2014

Filed under: general dentistry — Tags: , , , , , — kostas @ 8:03 pm

shutterstock_139186010When visiting a new dental office for the first time, it’s natural to want to know something about the dentist who will be helping you. So, for today’s post, I’d like to talk a little about myself for those who don’t know me.

Every dentist has a story about what made them want to pursue dentistry as a profession. My own interest in dentistry goes back to when I was in the first grade. I already knew, at that young age, that I wanted to help people with their teeth. Then, two years later, a harrowing experience during one of my own dental appointments helped me see that I didn’t just want to be a dentist—I wanted to be a great dentist who would put the comfort and wellbeing of patients first.

That led to me attending Tufts Dental School, where I graduated in 1989. Since then, I have been in practice, providing my hometown with patient-centered care for more than 20 years. When you come to see me, you’re coming to see a dentist who wants to know you not just on a dentist-patient level, but also on a personal level.

What’s more, I believe in giving back through contributions to local, national, and international charities. One way I’ve done this is by offering free rehabilitative care to children in the Chernobyl Children’s Project, USA. This organization dedicates itself to helping those affected by one of the worst nuclear disasters in world history.

When I’m not at the office, I’m spending time with my wife and children in our Bedford home. I also enjoy hobbies like boating, fishing, and leisurely bicycling around Cape Cod.

If you need general, cosmetic, or restorative help, I hope you’ll contact my Burlington office for an appointment. I genuinely look forward to seeing new faces and getting to know new patients.

Single Tooth Implants

January 6, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , — kostas @ 6:02 pm

Dental ImplantDo you have a full smile, or is a missing tooth threatening to sideline your confidence and good oral health? At my Burlington dental office, I offer a restorative dental service that can help you replace what you’ve lost. That service is known as dental implants.

With a dental implant, I can help you bridge the gap from one tooth to another, restoring your good health and your confidence. A dental implant can also help you prevent the loss of other teeth later on. That’s because dental implants are structured like natural teeth, with a crown on top and a prosthetic titanium root underneath.

Replacing a missing tooth and its root is important, because your roots play a very important role. Besides anchoring your teeth to your jaw, they also stimulate bone growth. When you have a missing root, the jaw can atrophy. As it does, nearby teeth can become weak and eventually shift or fall out. Dental implants help prevent this by replacing your natural root with one made of titanium, a biocompatible metal. Once in place, your implant will form a natural bond with the jaw, anchoring your new tooth and keeping the jaw strong going forward.

A dental implant takes two phases: the placement phase and the restoration phase. I perform both at my Burlington dental office. Many other dentists will refer their patients to an outside doctor for the placement phase, but at Complete Dental Care you’ll be surrounded by a dental team you already know and trust.

Is a dental implant the best way for you to fix the gap in your smile? Call my Burlington dental office today to schedule a consultation. I’ll assess your health and your needs and answer any questions you might have before helping you decide on a customized plan that’s exactly right for you.

My office happily serves patients from Bedford, Billerica, and Woburn.

Avoid the Long-Term Commitment of Conventional Brace with Six Month Smiles

October 17, 2013

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — tntadmin @ 8:48 pm

Six Month SmilesWe know how important a straight, beautiful smile is to a busy professional. We also know how much you want to avoid a long-term treatment like conventional braces. That’s why, at Complete Dental Care in Burlington, MA, I offer Six Month Smiles.

Are you one of the millions of adults in need of adult braces who are unhappy, self-conscious or even embarrassed about your smile?

Many adults spend their entire lives covering their mouths when they laugh, smile or talk.  They feel stuck because they do not want to wear adult metal braces for years or they are concerned that other corrective teeth straightening procedures could be too invasive or too expensive.  Six Month Smiles provides an effective, safe and affordable cosmetic braces solution that fits your lifestyle.

A revolutionary combination of proven orthodontic techniques, modern materials, and innovative thought – Six Month Smiles® utilizes specialized clear braces to gently straighten and align teeth in an average time of just six months

This clear braces approach takes just about half a year to complete and serves as a discreet alternative to traditional bracket and wire braces. With a straighter smile, you can look forward to enjoying a better sense of confidence, and even a better sense of health and wellbeing.

That’s because a straight smile isn’t just good for your self-esteem—it’s good for your oral health, too. When teeth are misaligned, they become repositories for food and bacteria. Straight teeth, on the other hand, are easier to keep clean with normal brushing and flossing.

But is this clear braces system right for you?   I am happy to answer that question during a visit to my Burlington, MA dental office. If an oral exam reveals that it is, we can start working on your treatment plan immediately. In just a matter of months, you can have a more beautiful and confident smile.

Call Complete Dental Care today to reserve an appointment with me and my Burlington, MA dental team. We also serve patients from Bedford, Billerica, Wilmington, and Woburn.

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