expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Barry Cunha, D.D.S.

Dentist

Dr. Barry Cunha is a Dentist practicing in Lexington, MA. Dr. Cunha specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Dr. Barry Cunha, D.D.S.
  • Accepting new patients

Should I drink hot or cold after tooth extraction?

Cold is best. Hot may increase bleeding, but not ice cold.

Can a dental bridge be whitened?

Not typically. There are temporary fixes, but ideally it should be replaced

Does Invisalign make your teeth yellow?

No, but it may be that you have not been able to keep up with hygiene as you should. A thorough cleaning at your dentist and/or bleaching to supplement should correct this

What happens if tartar is not removed?

Tartar, or Calculus contain millions of bacteria that metabolize the food and as a byproduct can destroy the periodontal or supporting tissue for your teeth leading eventually, READ MORE
Tartar, or Calculus contain millions of bacteria that metabolize the food and as a byproduct can destroy the periodontal or supporting tissue for your teeth leading eventually, if not checked, can lead to tooth loss

What should I do for tooth pain after a filling?

Some pain after a filling, especially if it was deep is known as hyperemia and should subside within 24 to 48 hours. PaOTC pain killers should resolve this. If the pain is severe, READ MORE
Some pain after a filling, especially if it was deep is known as hyperemia and should subside within 24 to 48 hours. PaOTC pain killers should resolve this. If the pain is severe, unmitigated with pain medication or worsens and/or lasts beyond 48 hours you should see your dentist.

Can I get dental implants if I have bone loss?

The simple answer is yes in most cases. A thorough evaluation of you dental, medical history is imperative to rule out any mitigating factors, but bone grafts have been improved READ MORE
The simple answer is yes in most cases. A thorough evaluation of you dental, medical history is imperative to rule out any mitigating factors, but bone grafts have been improved to the point that bone in many cases can replace the missing bone creating a foundation for the implant

What can the dentist do about sensitive teeth?

There are OTC products such as Sensodyne that may work, but if this is not the case your Dentist does have medication that can be applied to mitigate sensitivity. Sensodyne takes READ MORE
There are OTC products such as Sensodyne that may work, but if this is not the case your Dentist does have medication that can be applied to mitigate sensitivity. Sensodyne takes about 2 weeks to feel the effects. You should see your dentist anyway to make sure there is not a more serious problem causing the issue such as receding gums exposing sensitive root areas of the teeth

Can your gum get infected after tooth implants?

Implants like natural teeth if not cared for can lead to bone loss and infection in some cases. It is important to care for them. You have invested a lot so maintenance is critical READ MORE
Implants like natural teeth if not cared for can lead to bone loss and infection in some cases. It is important to care for them. You have invested a lot so maintenance is critical

Do gums heal faster with dentures in or out?

Tissue in the mouth like everywhere else needs to "breathe". That is why in most cases it is recommended that you keep dentures an average of 8 hours every 24. A fungal infection READ MORE
Tissue in the mouth like everywhere else needs to "breathe". That is why in most cases it is recommended that you keep dentures an average of 8 hours every 24. A fungal infection called Candida can result from the lack of oxygen on tissues under a denture in some cases where dentures are worn all day

How is dental calculus removed?

The only way to remove calculus is through a thorough cleaning and/or a procedure called root planing and scaling. Because it is so tenacious you can not remove it with just toothbrushing. READ MORE
The only way to remove calculus is through a thorough cleaning and/or a procedure called root planing and scaling. Because it is so tenacious you can not remove it with just toothbrushing. think of barnacles on a boat as a good analogy and how you need to scale the barnacles than plane the surface smooth as a final procedure

Can I wait a month to fill a cavity?

The simple answer is no. A cavity will only get worse and the longer you wait the greater chance that more serious complications may arise resulting possibly in the need for a READ MORE
The simple answer is no. A cavity will only get worse and the longer you wait the greater chance that more serious complications may arise resulting possibly in the need for a root canal or extraction. Having said that only your dentist can make that decision. Some small cavities can be scheduled out a month with no long term effects

Is it normal for new dentures to hurt?

No, please see your dentist. It is very common for a need for one or several follow up adjustment appointments to finally get them fitting properly and comfortable

Can a gum graft move?

The first 24 hours are critical for a graft to "set". Care should be made to treat the area gently, following your dentists recommendations for care. If traumatized in that short READ MORE
The first 24 hours are critical for a graft to "set". Care should be made to treat the area gently, following your dentists recommendations for care. If traumatized in that short period the graft could be lost or displaced

Can you crown a tooth broken at the gum line?

Check with your dentist. Yes, in some cases a crown can be placed, but in most cases a root canal and a post and core along with crown lengthening of the tooth would be necessary READ MORE
Check with your dentist. Yes, in some cases a crown can be placed, but in most cases a root canal and a post and core along with crown lengthening of the tooth would be necessary to ensure the tooth can support the crown long term. adding the expenses up and depending on the situation removal of the root an implant sometimes is the better option

How long does it take to extract a molar?

This depends on many factors, i.e., density of the person's bone in the jaw, length and diversion of the roots, the location and others, but in the hands of a skilled practitioner, READ MORE
This depends on many factors, i.e., density of the person's bone in the jaw, length and diversion of the roots, the location and others, but in the hands of a skilled practitioner, it should only take a few minutes.

Are dental implants as strong as real teeth?

Nothing is as good as a "real tooth," although implants are one of the greatest alternatives we have.

What does deep cleaning teeth involve?

It is a scaling of the "tartar" or plaque subgingivally or below the gum line, along with a root planing to smooth the rough root surface caused by the plaque so as to make it READ MORE
It is a scaling of the "tartar" or plaque subgingivally or below the gum line, along with a root planing to smooth the rough root surface caused by the plaque so as to make it harder to accumulate any more plaque. A routine prophylaxis or cleaning is done above the gum line

Is 5 days of antibiotics enough for tooth infection?

The general consensus is that in order to avoid bacterial resistance seven days is considered the normal low end although often ten days is recommended depending on the type and READ MORE
The general consensus is that in order to avoid bacterial resistance seven days is considered the normal low end although often ten days is recommended depending on the type and severity of the infection

Are braces stains permanent?

Staining caused by braces may be two types. One is simple staining caused by food and other oral causes which is easily removed by a thorough cleaning, and perhaps augmented by READ MORE
Staining caused by braces may be two types. One is simple staining caused by food and other oral causes which is easily removed by a thorough cleaning, and perhaps augmented by bleaching. the other "white" stains is due to a demineralization of the outer layer or enamel of the tooth. These white spots are more difficult to remove. they are usually not deep and sometimes your dentist can remove them with a more aggressive etching of the tooth. Bleaching can also help. Ultimately if it is too severe some sort of cosmetic bonding or veneers may be necessary depending on the patients preference

How do I know if my toothache is serious?

Any toothache is serious and should be attended to immediately. The longer you wait for treatment the more likely the extent and price for fixing the problem becomes