Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At Castleberry Dental, Dr. C uses several types of bone grafting materials to help rebuild your jawbone and prepare it for dental implants or other procedures. Each material has unique benefits, and we'll recommend the best option for you.

Bone Grafting Options

Autografts use bone harvested from your own body, typically from another area of your jaw or, in some cases, from your hip or shin. Since this bone comes from you, it integrates exceptionally well and carries no risk of rejection.

Allografts are derived from human donor bone that has been carefully processed, sterilized, and tested for safety. This eliminates the need for a second surgical site while still providing excellent results.

Alloplastic grafts are synthetic materials made from biocompatible substances, such as calcium phosphate or hydroxyapatite. These lab-created options are readily available and eliminate any concern about biological transmission.

Learn More About Your Options

During your consultation at our Ellsworth office, Dr. C will discuss which bone grafting material is most suitable for your specific situation. Factors such as the size of the graft required, the location in your mouth, and your personal preferences all play a role in this decision. We're committed to helping you understand your options and feel confident in your treatment plan.

Talk with our team at (207) 374-5538.

Don't panic! At Castleberry Dental, we understand that clear aligners are small and can occasionally be misplaced. Dr. C and our team are here to help you get back on track with your treatment.

Talk with Our Team

First, contact our Ellsworth dental office right away. The sooner we know about your lost aligner, the faster we can determine the best solution for your specific situation. Time is crucial because you don't want your teeth to shift back out of position.

Your next step depends on where you are in your treatment. If you've been wearing the lost aligner for most of its recommended time (usually about two weeks), Dr. C may advise you to move forward to your next set of aligners. However, if you just started wearing that particular aligner, you might need to temporarily switch back to your previous set to maintain your progress.

We may need to order a replacement aligner from the manufacturer. While this typically takes a few weeks, we'll provide clear instructions on what to do in the meantime to prevent any setback in your treatment.

How to Protect Your Clear Aligners

Prevention tips: Always store your aligners in their protective case when not in use, never wrap them in napkins at restaurants, and avoid placing them in pockets where they could fall out. Consider keeping your previous set of aligners as a backup. 

Remember, losing an aligner occasionally happens to many patients. Just reach out to us at Castleberry Dental at (207) 374-5538, and we'll work together to keep your smile transformation on schedule!

When you're missing a tooth, Dr. C can help restore your smile using either a dental bridge or a dental implant. Both are excellent options, but they work in different ways and offer distinct advantages. 

Bridging the Gap

A dental bridge literally "bridges" the gap left by a lost tooth. This restoration attaches to the natural teeth on both sides of the gap, using them as anchors. The bridge includes a prosthetic tooth (or teeth) that fills the space, creating a seamless appearance. While bridges are a time-tested solution, they do require reshaping the adjacent teeth to support the restoration.

Understanding Dental Implants

A dental implant is a standalone replacement that doesn't rely on neighboring teeth. Dr. C places a biocompatible titanium post into your jawbone, which acts as a prosthetic tooth root. Once your implant is fully integrated with your bone, a custom crown is attached to the implant, giving you a replacement tooth that functions independently.

Key differences include:

• Impact on adjacent teeth — Bridges require altering healthy neighboring teeth, while implants preserve them completely.
• Bone preservation — Implants stimulate the jawbone like natural tooth roots, preventing bone loss. Bridges don't provide this stimulation.
• Longevity — Implants can last a lifetime with proper care, while bridges typically need replacement after 10-15 years.
• Treatment time — Bridges can be completed in a few weeks, while implants require several months for full integration.

Contact Castleberry Dental

During your consultation at our Ellsworth dental office, Dr. C will evaluate your specific situation and help you choose the best option for your smile, health, and lifestyle.

Dental implants are an excellent solution for many patients at Castleberry Dental, but they're not right for everyone. Dr. C carefully evaluates each patient to determine if implants are the best choice for restoring their smile and oral health.

What Makes a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Good candidates typically have adequate jawbone density to support the implant. Since the titanium post needs to fuse with your bone, having sufficient bone structure is essential. If you've experienced bone loss, don't worry! Dr. C may recommend a bone grafting procedure first to build up the area.

Overall health plays an important role. Ideal candidates are in good general health without conditions that impair healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders. If you have any chronic health conditions, we'll discuss how they might affect your treatment.

Healthy gums are a must. Active gum disease can compromise implant success, so Dr. C will ensure any periodontal issues are addressed before proceeding with implant placement.

Non-smokers tend to have better outcomes. Smoking can significantly slow healing and reduce implant success rates. If you smoke, we'll discuss strategies to improve your chances of a successful result.

Commitment to oral hygiene is essential. Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth, regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings at our Ellsworth dental office.

Talk with Our Team

During your consultation, Dr. C will perform a thorough examination, review your medical history, and may take x-rays or 3-D scans to assess your bone structure. We'll create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Contact Castleberry Dental at (207) 374-5538 to book an evaluation with Dr. C.

Unfortunately, no, a tooth infection will not get better on its own. It's essential to recognize that dental infections necessitate professional treatment and can become severe if left untreated.

Understanding Tooth Infections

Tooth infections don't heal without intervention because the bacteria causing the problem are trapped inside your tooth or in the surrounding tissues. Unlike minor cuts or scrapes that your immune system can handle independently, dental infections are isolated from your body's natural defenses and will only worsen over time.

You might experience temporary relief from symptoms as the infection drains or as your pain threshold adjusts, but this doesn't mean the infection is gone. In fact, the bacteria continue multiplying and can spread to other areas, including your jawbone, nearby teeth, and even into your bloodstream.

What Happens If I Don't Treat a Tooth Infection

The risks of untreated infections are serious. Without treatment, a tooth infection can lead to abscess formation, bone loss, tooth loss, and, in rare but severe cases, life-threatening complications such as sepsis or infections spreading to your brain or heart.

Treatment is straightforward and effective. Dr. C can typically address tooth infections with root canal therapy, antibiotics, or, in some cases, extraction if the tooth cannot be saved. These treatments eliminate the infection and relieve your discomfort. 

Contact Our Ellsworth Dental Office

If you're experiencing symptoms like tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth, please contact our Ellsworth dental office at (207) 374-5538 immediately. Dr. C and our team are here to help you get prompt care to protect your health and save your tooth whenever possible!

Yes, dental x-rays are very safe! At Castleberry Dental, Dr. C uses modern digital x-ray technology that minimizes radiation while providing the detailed images necessary to diagnose and treat dental problems effectively.

What You Should Know about Dental X-Rays

Radiation exposure from dental x-rays is extremely low. With today's digital x-ray systems, the amount of radiation you receive is comparable to the natural background radiation you're exposed to in everyday life. A full set of dental x-rays exposes you to less radiation than a day spent outdoors in the sun. 

Digital x-rays emit 90 percent less radiation than traditional x-rays. Our Ellsworth dental office is equipped with advanced technology to ensure your safety while capturing high-quality images that help Dr. C detect cavities, assess bone health, and identify concerns that may not be visible during a regular examination.

The benefits far outweigh the minimal risks. X-rays enable us to detect dental problems early, often before they cause pain or become more severe. Detecting issues like hidden cavities, infections, or bone loss early can save you from more extensive and costly treatments down the road.

Give Us a Call

If you have concerns about x-rays or are pregnant, please inform Dr. C. For further assistance, contact Castleberry Dental at (207) 374-5538. We're always happy to discuss your specific situation and address any questions you may have!

The good news is that root canal treatment itself should not hurt! Dr. C uses modern techniques and effective anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the entire procedure.

Root canals actually relieve pain rather than cause it. The procedure is designed to eliminate the infected or damaged nerve tissue that's causing your toothache. Many patients are surprised to find that the treatment is far more comfortable than they expected, especially compared to the pain they were experiencing before.

What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment in Ellsworth

You'll be thoroughly numbed during the procedure. Dr. C will administer local anesthesia to ensure the tooth and surrounding area are completely numb before beginning. You may feel some pressure or movement during the treatment, but you shouldn't feel pain. If you do experience any discomfort, let us know immediately so we can provide additional anesthesia. 

Modern technology makes a difference. Our Ellsworth dental office uses advanced equipment and techniques that make root canal therapy more efficient and comfortable than ever before. What once took multiple appointments can sometimes be completed in a single visit.

Mild discomfort after treatment is normal. Once the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some tenderness or sensitivity for a few days as your tooth heals. This is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, and Dr. C will provide specific aftercare instructions to keep you comfortable.

If you're experiencing tooth pain, don't let fear of root canal treatment keep you from getting relief. Contact Castleberry Dental at (207) 374-5538. We're here to help!

No, you don't! At Castleberry Dental, Dr. C understands that getting quality sleep is essential to your overall health, and we've made it easier than ever to find out if sleep apnea or other sleep disorders might be affecting you.

We offer convenient take-home sleep studies right here at our Ellsworth dental office. This means you can skip the hassle of scheduling appointments with a sleep specialist or spending an uncomfortable night in a sleep lab connected to numerous wires and monitors.

How Does a Sleep Study Work?

Our take-home sleep studies are comfortable and straightforward. Dr. C will provide you with a portable monitoring device and clear instructions on how to use it. You'll wear the device while sleeping in the comfort of your own bed, where you can follow your normal nighttime routine. The device records essential data about your breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns throughout the night.

Once you return the device, our team will have the results analyzed by a board-certified sleep physician. Dr. C will then review the findings with you and discuss any treatment options. If you're diagnosed with sleep apnea, we can often provide oral appliance therapy right here at Castleberry Dental, which is a comfortable, effective alternative to CPAP machines for many patients.

This streamlined approach saves you time and provides answers faster, allowing you to start feeling more rested and energized sooner.

Talk with Our Team

If you're experiencing symptoms such as snoring, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, or gasping for air during sleep, please contact our dental office at (207) 374-5538. Dr. C and our team are here to help you get the restful sleep you deserve!

Yes, it's essential to be cautious about what you eat after a tooth extraction. At Castleberry Dental, Dr. C wants to help you heal quickly and comfortably. Choosing the right foods plays a vital role in your recovery.

What to Eat After Oral Surgery

Choose soft foods for the first few days. Your extraction site requires time to form a protective blood clot and begin the healing process. Good options include yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and soup (make sure it's not too hot). These foods provide nutrition without disturbing the healing area.

Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods like chips, nuts, popcorn, crusty bread, and tough meats. These can dislodge the blood clot or become stuck in the extraction site, potentially causing pain or complications such as dry socket.

Avoid sticky foods such as caramel, taffy, or gummy candies. These can pull at the extraction site and interfere with proper healing.

Skip very hot foods and beverages for at least the first 24 hours. Hot temperatures can dissolve the blood clot and increase bleeding. Let your coffee, tea, or soup cool to a comfortable temperature before consuming.

Don't use straws for drinking, as the suction can disturb the blood clot and lead to a painful condition called dry socket that delays healing. 

Gradually reintroduce regular foods as you feel comfortable, typically after a few days. Listen to your body and don't rush the process.

We're Here to Help!

Dr. C will provide specific aftercare instructions at our Ellsworth dental office. If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, don't hesitate to contact Castleberry Dental at (207) 374-5538. We're here to support you every step of the way!