What We Treat
Tips From MA Dental Care
At MA Dental Care, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating a wide range of dental conditions. Here’s a closer look at the issues we address, including what symptoms to watch for, how to prevent them, and how we treat them.
List of Services
-
Cavities and Tooth DecayItem Link List Item 1
Symptoms:
You may experience tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, visible holes or pits in your teeth, brown or black staining, and pain when chewing or biting down.
Prevention:
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages, and schedule professional cleanings every six months. Dental sealants may also be recommended for additional protection.
Treatment:
We remove decayed areas and restore the tooth using composite (tooth-colored) fillings. In more advanced cases, crowns or root canal therapy may be necessary to save the tooth.
-
Cracked and Chipped TeethItem Link
Symptoms:
Patients often report sudden pain while chewing, sensitivity to temperature changes, or feeling a rough or jagged edge with the tongue. Cracks may be visible or hidden beneath the gumline.
Prevention:
Avoid chewing ice, pens, or hard candy. Wear a mouthguard during sports or at night if you grind your teeth. Address any bite misalignment that may be putting stress on your teeth.
Treatment:
Minor chips are repaired with bonding. Larger cracks may require veneers or crowns for protection. Severely cracked teeth might need a root canal if the pulp is involved, or extraction if the damage is too extensive.
-
Missing, Failing, or Knocked-Out TeethItem Link
Symptoms:
Gaps in your bite, shifting of neighboring teeth, difficulty speaking or chewing, or pain from decaying or failing dental work.
Prevention:
Protect teeth during sports with a mouthguard, treat gum disease early, and maintain good hygiene. Avoid using teeth as tools or chewing on hard objects.
Treatment:
We offer dental implants as a permanent solution, bridges to close gaps, or dentures for multiple missing teeth. Emergency care is available for recently knocked-out teeth if treated promptly.
-
Toothaches and Sensitive TeethItem Link
Symptoms:
Persistent or throbbing tooth pain, sharp discomfort when exposed to heat, cold, or sweet foods, or aching around a specific tooth or the jaw.
Prevention:
Good oral hygiene, using desensitizing toothpaste, and avoiding acidic foods and aggressive brushing can prevent sensitivity. Routine exams can catch decay before it causes pain.
Treatment:
Depending on the cause, we may place a filling, treat the nerve with a root canal, or use fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel. If sensitivity is caused by gum recession, we may recommend protective dental bonding.
-
Stained and Discolored TeethItem Link
Symptoms:
Teeth appear yellow, brown, gray, or blotchy. Discoloration may be caused by staining foods or beverages, smoking, aging, trauma, or certain medications.
Prevention:
Limit coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. Brush after meals and use whitening toothpaste as recommended. Maintain regular cleanings.
Treatment:
We offer professional in-office and at-home whitening treatments. For deep stains or internal discoloration, veneers or cosmetic bonding may be advised.
-
Misaligned TeethItem Link
Symptoms:
Crooked or crowded teeth, bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite), difficulty flossing, or jaw discomfort. You may also notice uneven wear on certain teeth.
Prevention:
Early orthodontic assessments can catch issues in childhood. Use retainers as prescribed after braces or Invisalign.
Treatment:
We offer Invisalign clear aligners for a discreet and comfortable way to straighten teeth and correct bite issues without metal braces.
-
Bad Breath (Halitosis)Item Link
Symptoms:
Persistent foul odor from the mouth that doesn’t improve with brushing, often accompanied by a bad taste. It may be related to food, poor hygiene, gum disease, or dry mouth.
Prevention:
Brush and floss thoroughly, clean your tongue, drink plenty of water, and avoid tobacco and odorous foods. Regular dental visits help catch underlying problems.
Treatment:
We diagnose and treat the root cause, whether it's gum disease, decay, or dry mouth. Recommendations may include improved hygiene practices, antibacterial rinses, or tongue cleaning.
-
Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis)Item Link
Symptoms:
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, or teeth that feel loose. Gingivitis is the early stage and is often painless, making regular checkups vital.
Prevention:
Floss daily, brush properly along the gumline, avoid smoking, and schedule routine dental cleanings.
Treatment:
For gingivitis, a professional cleaning and improved at-home care may be enough. More advanced cases may require scaling and root planing, laser therapy, or referral to a periodontist.
-
Clenching, Grinding, and TMJ DisordersItem Link
Symptoms:
Patients commonly experience tight or sore jaw muscles, headaches, neck tension, and clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth. Teeth may appear flat, worn, or chipped. In more severe cases, symptoms can include jaw pain or stiffness, limited jaw movement, facial fatigue, difficulty chewing, or even jaw locking.
Prevention:
To minimize strain on the jaw, avoid habits like clenching, grinding, excessive gum chewing, or resting your chin on your hand. Manage daily stress with relaxation techniques, maintain good posture, and wear a custom night guard at night to protect your teeth from grinding damage.
Treatment:
Our team provides custom-fitted night guards and bite adjustments to relieve pressure on the jaw and prevent tooth wear. For moderate to severe cases, treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, guided jaw exercises, muscle relaxants, or referral to TMJ specialists for physical therapy and advanced care when needed.
-
Headaches (Jaw or Bite-Related)Item Link
Symptoms:
Dull, aching pain in the temples, forehead, or behind the eyes, often occurring in the morning or after periods of jaw use. May be accompanied by jaw tension or pain while chewing or speaking.
Prevention:
Use a night guard to minimize nighttime grinding, reduce stress, and avoid chewing on hard objects. Early orthodontic evaluations can help address bite issues before they contribute to chronic headaches.
Treatment:
We assess jaw function and bite alignment to determine the cause of your headaches. Treatments may include oral appliances, bite correction, and muscle relaxation techniques. We may also collaborate with medical providers if symptoms are persistent.
-
Facial PainItem Link
Symptoms:
Aching, pressure, or sharp pain in the cheeks, jawline, or around the eyes. Pain may worsen with chewing, speaking, or touching the face, and can mimic sinus or ear issues.
Prevention:
Prevent jaw overuse by avoiding hard foods and limiting gum chewing. Address grinding or clenching early and maintain good oral hygiene to avoid infections that could radiate pain to facial muscles.
Treatment:
We perform a thorough evaluation to determine if the pain is joint, muscle, or tooth related. Treatment may include night guards, anti-inflammatory medication, or TMJ-focused therapy. For dental causes, restorative care may be recommended.
-
Nerve Pain (Orofacial Neuralgia)Item Link
Symptoms:
Sudden, sharp, or electric shock–like pain in the face or jaw, often triggered by brushing, chewing, talking, or light touch. Pain is typically localized and may come and go without warning.
Prevention:
Protect the face from trauma, treat dental infections early, avoid chronic grinding or clenching, and maintain consistent oral hygiene to prevent nerve-related complications.
Treatment:
We use advanced imaging and exams to identify the cause. If dental, root canal therapy or bite correction may relieve pressure on affected nerves. For neurological cases, we coordinate care with medical specialists and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Let Us Help You Feel Better, Smile Brighter
Understanding your symptoms is the first step. Getting the right treatment is the next. Whether you are experiencing pain, discomfort, cosmetic concerns, or ongoing dental issues, our team is here to provide compassionate and personalized care. Take the next step toward better oral health by booking a visit with us today.