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Dr. Alice Marie Charland bassford, D.M.D.

Dentist

Dr. Alice Marie Charland bassford D.M.D. is a top Dentist in Silver Spring, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Alice Marie Charland bassford D.M.D. is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Alice Marie Charland bassford D.M.D. is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Alice Marie Charland bassford D.M.D. is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Silver Spring, MD, Dr. Alice Marie Charland bassford D.M.D. is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
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35 years Experience
Dr. Alice Marie Charland bassford, D.M.D.
  • Silver Spring, MD
  • Siena College, Loudonville, NY
  • Accepting new patients

Is jaw pain normal after tooth extraction?

Yes, some amount of discomfort is normal after an extraction. warm salt water rinses are helpful the day after the extraction for several days. you might also find ibuprofen READ MORE
Yes, some amount of discomfort is normal after an extraction. warm salt water rinses are helpful the day after the extraction for several days. you might also find ibuprofen (anti inflammatory) to be helpful.

How do you pop a gum abscess?

My recommendation would be to rinse with warm salt water. If the area is fluctuant (soft) you could apply gentle pressure to see if it drains. Continue to do warm salt water READ MORE
My recommendation would be to rinse with warm salt water. If the area is fluctuant (soft) you could apply gentle pressure to see if it drains. Continue to do warm salt water rinses multiple times a day and contact your local dentist.

How can I strengthen my teeth?

By brushing and flossing regularly and having periodic exams and cleanings you will help strengthen your teeth. The mineral content of your teeth can be affected negatively by READ MORE
By brushing and flossing regularly and having periodic exams and cleanings you will help strengthen your teeth. The mineral content of your teeth can be affected negatively by acidic beverages(carbonated beverages etc) and positively by calcium rich foods. If you brush and floss you reduce inflammation in your mouth which strengthens the periodic ligament which holds your teeth in the socket.

How long should you wait to eat after brushing your teeth?

There really is no need to wait after brushing your teeth, unless you are using a prescription strength toothpaste or a floured varnish. Why not try brushing and flossing after READ MORE
There really is no need to wait after brushing your teeth, unless you are using a prescription strength toothpaste or a floured varnish. Why not try brushing and flossing after you eat?

Can surrounding teeth hurt after an extraction?

It is not uncommon to have surrounding teeth 'hurt" after an extraction. Part of the healing process involves inflammation which can involve the neighboring teeth. This should READ MORE
It is not uncommon to have surrounding teeth 'hurt" after an extraction. Part of the healing process involves inflammation which can involve the neighboring teeth. This should remove as the area heals. Warm salt water rinses could aid in the healing and an anti-inflammatory OTC medication (ibuprofen) could be helpful for both the inflammation and the pain.

What is the best medication for an abscess tooth?

Treatment would depend on the etiology(source). Is the infection a gingival(gum) abcess or a Pulpal (nerve of the tooth/necrotic nerve) access (draining fistula. If it is from READ MORE
Treatment would depend on the etiology(source). Is the infection a gingival(gum) abcess or a Pulpal (nerve of the tooth/necrotic nerve) access (draining fistula.
If it is from your gums warm salt water rinses and brushing and flossing and an exam and cleaning(when COVID 19 restrictions are lifted) might be all you need. If it is from your nerve(pulp) than you would need wither a root canal(pulpal extirpation) or an extraction.

How do you clean under a dental bridge?

There are a variety of floss threaders that can help you get under a bridge. There is also threader Floss that has a stiff end that can be used to get under a bridge. Soft Pics READ MORE
There are a variety of floss threaders that can help you get under a bridge. There is also threader Floss that has a stiff end that can be used to get under a bridge. Soft Pics are another option.

Can you have anesthesia for tooth sealants?

There would be no need for anesthesia. The procedure only involves applying an acid(etc h), rinsing and drying the tooth and light curing the sealant. Generally, soft cotton READ MORE
There would be no need for anesthesia. The procedure only involves applying an acid(etc h), rinsing and drying the tooth and light curing the sealant. Generally, soft cotton rolls are used to keep the sight dry. It is a totally non-invasive procedure.

Does food get under implants?

Food can get stuck between the implant crown and its neighbor. The shape of a crown may be a little different than a natural tooth which can often times cause food impaction. READ MORE
Food can get stuck between the implant crown and its neighbor. The shape of a crown may be a little different than a natural tooth which can often times cause food impaction. A skilled dentist and lab technician can help to make sure this does not happen. Also good oral hygiene to the area is very important. the firmer the tissue is, the more resistant to food it will be. A rubber tip stimulator is very helpful for the gum tissue around an implant. It helps to keep the tissue firm.

Do braces permanently straighten teeth?

No. Retention is the only way to prevent orthodontic relapse in the majority of cases. However, with clear aligners, retention is very convenient. Also, hard acrylic occlusal guards READ MORE
No. Retention is the only way to prevent orthodontic relapse in the majority of cases. However, with clear aligners, retention is very convenient. Also, hard acrylic occlusal guards (night guards) could also function as a retainer.

How long after gum surgery can I drink alcohol?

Ask your periodontist. It might depend on the materials that were used, including suture material.

Is it normal for wisdom teeth to come in at 17?

There is a wide age range for teeth to erupt. Certainly it isn't unusual for a 17 year old to feel his wisdom teeth start to erupt. Might be a good time to have a discussion READ MORE
There is a wide age range for teeth to erupt. Certainly it isn't unusual for a 17 year old to feel his wisdom teeth start to erupt. Might be a good time to have a discussion with your dentist if there is room for them to erupt or if they need to be extracted.

Is a crown necessary after a root canal?

Not always but most of the time. it depends on the location of the tooth(how much force it takes) and the amount of tooth that might have been compromised by trauma or decay.

Can coconut oil cure periodontal disease?

It probably can help with regular brushing and flossing and dental cleanings and exams. I would think it could supplement a good oral hygiene regimen.

How do you stop a hole in your tooth from hurting?

Normally, I would say see your dentist for an exam and treatment. In COVID 19 times, dentists are limited to emergency care. There is some thought that a dentist could apply READ MORE
Normally, I would say see your dentist for an exam and treatment. In COVID 19 times, dentists are limited to emergency care. There is some thought that a dentist could apply Silver Diamine Flouride to the tooth as an interim treatment. I could be done without instrumentation, with cotton isolation and perhaps in the parking lot while you are in your car-just a thought,

Do I need a dental follow up after getting dental implants?

Ideally, your implant treatment should be coordinated between the surgeon who places the implant and the dentist that restores the implant. The restoring dentist should have input READ MORE
Ideally, your implant treatment should be coordinated between the surgeon who places the implant and the dentist that restores the implant. The restoring dentist should have input into placement of the implant. The surgeon should re-evaluate the implant and test it before it is restored. In COVID 19 times, the best thing to do is keep the areas clean and contact the surgeon after restrictions are lifted. Generally, the implant is torque tested 3 months after is is tested to determine restorability.

Can flossing whiten your teeth?

If you pick up stain between your teeth, as added benefit of flossing could "whiten" the inter proximal (between the teeth) area.

What causes dental caries?

Actually it is a simple equation: Food + bacteria (Strep Mutans) + tooth surface = dental caries So, to control dental caries, brush your teeth and floss after eating (or chew READ MORE
Actually it is a simple equation: Food + bacteria (Strep Mutans) + tooth surface = dental caries
So, to control dental caries, brush your teeth and floss after eating (or chew xylitol gum), drink (fluoridated) water, choose foods that are lower in sugar (carbohydrates) and/or less retentive (sticky). Control the food (what you eat) and clean the surface (remove the bacteria), drink fluoridated water and use fluoridated toothpaste.

What is the best painkiller for nerve pain?

Sounds like you need a root canal or an extraction. But during the COVID 19 dental restriction times ibuprofen is effective for inflammation and pain. if the pain persists you READ MORE
Sounds like you need a root canal or an extraction. But during the COVID 19 dental restriction times ibuprofen is effective for inflammation and pain. if the pain persists you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol ) at the same time. this generally is effective for dental pain. A combination drug, ibuprofen and acetaminophen is said to be coming out later in the year.