A New Year, a New Smile: Make Your Resolutions Count with Cosmetic Dentistry

January 9, 2015

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — tntadmin @ 6:59 pm

157247370Happy New Year from all of us here at Complete Dental Care! We hope everyone has enjoyed a safe and joyous holiday season, and that all of our patients are looking forward to a year full of healthy, beautiful smiles. To help start the New Year out right, we’d like to center our first post of 2015 around the ways our team can help you get the bright, gorgeous smile you deserve. With the most advanced technology in the industry and a gentle, caring approach, the office of Dr. James P. Kostas offers cosmetic dentistry to patients in Burlington, MA and beyond.

How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Help You?

Do you ever look at your teeth in photos or in the mirror and wish that they were whiter? If so, you certainly aren’t alone. Millions of Americans are dissatisfied with the shade of their teeth and the way it affects their self-confidence. Whether it’s red wine, tea, tobacco, or your morning cup of coffee, surface stains add up over time and cause your smile to look less than luminous. Whitening toothpastes and over-the-counter products claim to brighten enamel, but achieving truly noticeable results requires a professional grade whitening formula. At Complete Dental Care, we personalize our teeth whitening treatments to create dazzling smiles both in our office and with custom at-home whitening kits. You’ll love how quickly and easily we can lift years of deep stains from your teeth, allowing you to show off a superstar smile not only in 2015, but for years to come!

Are you looking for a way to completely transform the appearance of your smile without extensive dental work? Porcelain veneers may be the perfect solution for you. These wafer-thin shells of dental porcelain are meticulously crafted to look and feel completely natural, correcting a wide variety of common aesthetic flaws. Chips, gaps, cracks, misalignment, and deep stains become a thing of the past in as few as two visits to our office. We also offer CEREC same day crowns, dental implants, full mouth reconstruction, and invisible braces with Six Month Smiles. Whatever your smile needs to look its absolute best, you’ll find it here at Complete Dental Care, your local Burlington, MA dentist.

Kick Off 2015 with a Smile

This year, resolve to have the brightest, most confident smile in the room wherever you go. While crash diets and extreme workout goals virtually always end in broken resolutions, it’s easy to keep this one at Complete Dental Care. Give us a call today to schedule your consultation and to learn more about how our team can give you the flawless, radiant smile you’ve always wanted. Our conveniently located office in Burlington, MA happily welcomes families from throughout communities in Billerica, Bedford, Woburn, and the surrounding areas.

Dr. Kosta’s Top Tips for Better Oral Health this Holiday Season

December 8, 2014

Filed under: general dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — tntadmin @ 4:32 pm

154311641December is upon us, and with the end of 2014 quickly approaching, families from across America are well into the festivities of the holiday season. Today, we’d like to take a moment to talk about a few ways you can keep your family’s smiles shining brightly throughout the merriment of December and on into the New Year. At Complete Dental Care in Burlington, MA, Dr. James P. Kostas and his caring team invite you to enjoy the bounties of this holiday season with these healthy smile tips.

  1. Indulge in holiday favorites – in Moderation! This time of year is well-known for its abundance of delicious treats, including everything from decadent dinners and desserts to candy canes and Christmas stocking surprises. We’d never tell you to abstain from your favorite goodies, but it is important to remember that moderation is key. Rather than graze all day on crackers, candy, cakes, and other popular holiday fare, try to stick to your regular three meals a day, always brushing and flossing twice a day as usual.
  2. Keep your sugar intake in check. The holidays simply wouldn’t be the same without pies, cakes, strudels, pastries, cookies, and so much more. Unfortunately, these sweet treats are full of the sugars oral bacteria love. The bacteria that live in our mouths convert sugars and starches to acid, and this acid is the cause of tooth decay and other serious oral health problems. Try to drink plenty of water while you eat and throughout the day, and try to avoid foods that are excessively sticky, chewy, or gummy.
  3. You can eat great food and still take care of your smile. Many of the foods we love to eat around the holidays are actually good for your teeth! Eyeing that assorted cheese platter? Go for it! The enzymes in many cheeses – including aged cheddar, Swiss, Gouda, Monterey Jack, and even processed American cheese – have actually been shown to reduce the acidity of the mouth, leading to a lower instance of dental caries. Milk, yogurt, and kefir are also great choices, as the calcium they contain strengthens tooth enamel.
  4. Schedule your routine visit to Complete Dental Care. Though the holiday season is undoubtedly a busy time for everyone, there’s always room for a simple, one-hour visit to our office for an exam and professional cleaning. These biannual preventive care appointments help to keep your smile strong and looking its best all year long, and they present the perfect opportunity to bring up any questions or concerns you might have about your oral health.

Schedule Your Visit Today

Celebrate this holiday season in style with a brilliant smile that’s as healthy as it is radiant. Contact us today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Kostas and his friendly, experienced team. We can’t wait to serve you and your family! Our Burlington, MA dental office warmly welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas of Bedford, Woburn, Billerica, and beyond.

Make the Most of Your Dental Benefits Before They Expire: It’s Not Too Late!

November 7, 2014

Filed under: general dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — tntadmin @ 8:25 pm

513884757November is officially here, and the end of the year will be here before we know it. While we know that this time of year can be busy – what with holiday season upon us and plenty to do in preparation – we do want to take a moment to remind our valued patients of one important factor regarding dental insurance benefits. To make sure that you’re getting the most from your hard-earned money this year, Dr. James P. Kostas and the team at Complete Dental Care offer this vital information about dental benefits, just in time to beat the December 31st deadline.

Why Use My Benefits Now?

Most dental benefits plans run on a calendar year, which means that they effectively reset as of January 1st. Any unused benefits, although they have been paid for all year, are forfeited when the plan starts over. Because your benefits don’t carry over into the New Year, it’s important to use them now before they expire.

Another primary consideration is your deductible. This is the amount of money that a policy holder must pay out of pocket before benefits become effective. Just like your benefits, your deductible resets at the beginning of each year. If you have already paid your deductible but haven’t been back to the dentist, you could be missing out on all of the benefits that are available to you. We want to make sure that doesn’t happen!

In addition to ensuring that you get your money’s worth before time runs out, maximizing your dental benefits can prevent serious oral health issues like tooth decay and periodontal disease. With routine exams and cleanings, our team can help you avoid more costly dental concerns in the future.

Dental Benefits: Use It, Don’t Lose It!

The majority of working American men and women devote a portion of their paycheck every month toward a dental plan, though many never end up visiting a dentist! Why not take advantage of the great dental benefits you’ve been paying for all year long? Contact our office today to schedule your visit with the caring, experienced team at Complete Dental Care. We’ll even help you with your claims so you can rest assured that all of your paperwork is properly filed. Our warm, welcoming Burlington, MA dental office also offers financing through CareCredit, and we happily serve families from the surrounding areas of Bedford, Billerica, Woburn, and more. We look forward to helping you take full advantage of your dental benefits and to providing your entire family with exceptional dental care.

Get Your Little One’s Smile Ready for Halloween! Children’s Dentistry in Burlington, MA

October 20, 2014

Filed under: Children's dentistry,general dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — tntadmin @ 7:04 pm

160141018Halloween is just around the corner, and children from across the country are gearing up to head out and stock up on the season’s tastiest sweet treats. While candy and Halloween undoubtedly go hand in hand, it is important to consider the dental damage your child’s holiday haul may cause.

Fortunately, this fun and festive fall holiday is the perfect time for children to get a head start on maintaining their oral health for the new year to come, and the team at Complete Dental Care is here to help. With a comprehensive range of preventive children’s dentistry services, Dr. James P. Kostas helps families from throughout Burlington, MA protect their precious smiles from common problems like gum disease and tooth decay.

Protecting Tiny Smiles with Preventive Children’s Dentistry

When it comes to your child’s smile, prevention truly is the best medicine. Keep cavities at bay this holiday season with protective dental sealants, fortifying fluoride treatments, and a solid home hygiene routine. Dental sealants help ward off cavities by keeping bacteria and food debris out of hard-to-reach crevices, and fluoride actively strengthens tooth enamel. Both treatments are safe and effective, proven to reduce the risk of developing cavities in conjunction with regular dental checkups.

Halloween Candy Buy Back

After the costumes have been put away and all of your child’s favorite treats have been carefully selected, you can bring the excess in to Complete Dental Care and give the gift of generosity to our troops overseas. With our Halloween Candy Buy Back program, your child will receive $2.00 per pound of donated candy (up to 5 pounds) during the week of November 3rd, 2014. We’ll send all of the goodies to the brave men and women of our military; now that’s a reason to smile!

Schedule Your Child’s Visit Today

You do everything you can to keep your children healthy, happy, and safe. This holiday season, make sure your little one’s teeth and gums are protected from oral health concerns with preventive children’s dentistry at Complete Dental Care. Conveniently located in Burlington, MA, our family-friendly dental practice is privileged to serve patients from throughout the surrounding areas as well, including Woburn, Bedford, Billerica, and beyond. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to serving your entire family’s oral healthcare needs!

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.

« Newer Posts — Older Posts »