Gums. They’re the kind of thing you don’t think about when they’re healthy — but as soon as they start to cause problems, you quickly realize just how important they are. Unfortunately, sometimes that’s already too late. Did you know that nearly half of Americans suffer from some form of gum disease? And that the infection can have serious repercussions on the rest of the body? Keep reading to learn more about the condition — from its causes and prevention to the gum disease treatment. Dr. Carolyn and Walter McGinn, your Quiet Corner dentists, are in.
Gum Disease: Learn the Causes, Treatment & Prevention
October 30, 2015
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Teeth Whitening Putnam Residents Prefer
September 8, 2015
For teeth whitening Putnam, CT residents trust, Drs. Carolyn and Walter McGinn offer pateints who wish to brighten their smiles two simple, convenient at-home teeth whitening options: crest white strips and custom, at-home whitening trays. While these whitening options are available in over the counter versions, working with the Drs. McGinn, patients are fully educated and able to choose the whitening option that works for them. To find out more, we recommend scheduling a teeth whitening consultation. Our dentistry team will examine your teeth, and determine the cause and severity of your dental discoloration. Then, our dentists make recommendations for optimal results. Call your Putnam, CT dentists to find out more today.
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Dental Implants Rebuild Smiles in Putnam, CT
May 14, 2015
Summer is just around the corner. Time for family picnics, long hikes, an evening of catch and many other enjoyable activities with family and friends. Naturally, there will be plenty of smiles to go around and you certainly want yours to be one of them. However, if you’re missing teeth, then you might be reluctant to share your smile. Have you considered dental implants? With dental implants, Dr. Carolyn McGinn or Dr. Walter McGinn in Putnam, CT, can replace your missing teeth in the most natural way possible.
People lose teeth for a number of different reasons:
- Severe decay that demands tooth extraction
- Periodontal disease
- A serious injury to the tooth
- Abnormal wear and tear
- Root canal failure
- Congenital defects
Regardless of the reason, replacing even one missing tooth—to say nothing of more than one—is critical for oral and general health concerns. Missing teeth can cause adjacent teeth to shift out of position, which might lead to bite problems. Eating a nutritious diet of fresh fruits and vegetables can be difficult. Furthermore, there may be bone deterioration around the area of missing teeth, which can cause facial sagging and a look of premature aging.
Putnam, CT, Dental Implants
If Dr. McGinn or Dr. McGinn determines that you are a candidate for dental implants (and most people are), then you are likely only two appointments away from a restored smile. At the first visit, we’ll surgically implant a small titanium post in your jaw. Basically, this post becomes the root of your new tooth. With time, the post and surrounding bone tissue work together—your jawbone anchors the post, and the post helps generate healthy, new bone growth. After a few months of healing, you’ll return to our office for your second appointment when a porcelain crown will be attached to the post. When completed, your new restoration will look and function similarly to a natural tooth.
Call Our Office Today
Be ready for summer smiles. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about dental implants from Drs. McGinn. We conveniently serve patients in Putnam, CT, as well as the surrounding communities of Woodstock, Thompson, Pomfret, Brooklyn, Killingly, Eastford, Plainfield, Webster, Dudley, Douglas, Burrillville, Gloucester, and Foster.
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Family Dentistry with Drs. Carolyn and Walter McGinn
March 15, 2015
Because your family is made up of people young and old, Dr. Carolyn McGinn and Dr. Walter McGinn in Putnam, CT, have a family dentistry practice that serves patients of all ages. If you have a toddler in the family, then we have just the right touch and approach to help them feel comfortable at the dentist, so they can begin to build a solid foundation of oral health care for a lifetime. If you look after elderly parents, we are experienced in caring for older patients whose teeth may need restorative procedures, such as crowns or dentures. Drs. McGinn have the family dentistry practice that can accommodate the needs of all the members of your family.
Family Dentistry in Putnam, CT
Of course, the cornerstone of family dentistry is the dental checkup. Drs. McGinn would like to see each member of your family every six months for checkups. So, whether you’re bringing your child for his very first checkup or your Dad for his 101st checkup, we set out to accomplish the same goals with our checkups. First, we’ll clean your teeth and remove plaque, which is that sticky substance that can harden and trap decay causing bacteria.
And speaking of bacteria, we always check your teeth for signs of decay and, when necessary, take digital x-rays to find hidden spots of decay below the gum line. We’ll also evaluate the health of your gums, screen for oral cancer—a particular concern for older patients—and check for any indication of TMJ, temporomandibular joint disorder, which is a painful condition of the jaw joints that can lead to other problems such as bite misalignment.
Schedule an Appointment Today
For family dentistry designed to serve all the members of your family, call the office of Dr. Carolyn McGinn and Dr. Walter McGinn. We conveniently serve patients in Putnam, CT, as well as Woodstock, Thompson, Pomfret, Brooklyn, Killingly, Eastford, Plainfield, Webster, Dudley, Douglas, Burrillville, Gloucester, and Foster.
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Restore Form and Function with a Porcelain Crown in Putnam, CT
February 15, 2015
If you have a tooth that is severely decayed or cracked, or a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy, then you want a tooth restoration that looks as natural as possible. Porcelain crowns are designed for form and function: they look like real teeth and they are just about as strong, too. Dr. Carolyn McGinn and Dr. Walter McGinn use porcelain crowns to reconstruct confident and healthy smiles in Putnam, CT, and throughout our state’s Quiet Corner.
When other conservative tooth restoration treatments such as cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers are not an option, porcelain crowns will likely be the treatment of choice. In addition to restoring a damaged tooth, porcelain crowns are also used to complete the look of dental implants.
The Porcelain Crown Procedure
Crowns, which are also called dental caps, are made to encapsulate the entire visible portion of a tooth. In order to fabricate a crown that is a perfect replacement, Dr. McGinn or Dr. McGinn will need to take an impression of the tooth in need of restoration, as well as the teeth that are adjacent and above. Then, the tooth will need to be prepared and another impression taken in order to build a crown that properly fits the tooth. While your custom crown is made, you’ll wear a temporary.
When our dental lab has sent us your permanent porcelain crown, you’ll return to our office for the dentist to fit and adhesively bond the crown in to place. Caring for your crown is not different than caring for your other teeth. Brush and floss twice each day in order to remove food particles and plaque from the space where the crown and gum meet. If you grind your teeth at night, then we may prescribe a nightguard to protect your new crown while you sleep.
Call Our Office Today
If you would like to learn more about how a porcelain crown can renew your smile, then schedule an appointment with Dr. Carolyn McGinn or Dr. Walter McGinn. We conveniently serve patients in Putnam, CT, as well as Woodstock, Thompson, Pomfret, Brooklyn, Killingly, Eastford, Plainfield, Webster, Dudley, Douglas, Burrillville, Gloucester, and Foster.
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Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants in Putnam, CT
January 15, 2015
If you’re missing a tooth, or more than one tooth, then you know what kind of difficulties come with that. Obviously, just one missing tooth can have a detrimental effect on your smile. Beyond that, there are nutrition concerns; you might not be able to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet if you have missing teeth. Many people with missing teeth resort to soft foods. Finally, even one missing tooth can impede your ability to speak. Fortunately, there’s a viable and lifelike solution to these problems. Dental implants from the Putnam, CT, dental practice of Dr. Carolyn McGinn and Dr. Walter McGinn restore your smile with the tooth restoration that most closely mimics your real teeth.
Teeth go missing for a variety of reasons:
- Severe decay necessitating extraction
- Gum disease
- A traumatic injury to the tooth
- Unusual wear and tear
- Failure of a root canal
- Congenital defects
Whatever the reason, it is important to replace a missing tooth for cosmetic and health concerns. Furthermore, just one missing tooth can cause adjacent teeth to shift out of position leading to bite problems, and there may be bone deterioration around the area of missing teeth.
The Dental Implant Procedure
After you and one of our dentists determine that a dental implant is the best tooth replacement option for you, you’ll come to the office for the first appointment. At this time, the dentist will implant a small titanium post into the bone beneath the open socket of the missing tooth. Over time, the post becomes anchored into the bone in a process called osseointegration. After a few months, this process is completed and you’ll return to the office for the finishing touch to be attached—the abutment and crown. Once in place, your dental crown will look and function like a natural tooth, giving you years of smiles and good oral health.
Schedule an Appointment Today
To learn more about dental implants, call our office today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Carolyn McGinn or Dr. Walter McGinn. We conveniently serve patients in Putnam, CT, as well as the surrounding communities of Woodstock, Thompson, Pomfret, Brooklyn, Killingly, Eastford, Plainfield, Webster, Dudley, Douglas, Burrillville, Gloucester, and Foster.
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Family Dentistry in Putnam, CT
December 12, 2014
As the husband and wife dental team serving Putnam, CT, and the surrounding areas, Dr. Carolyn McGinn and Dr. Walter McGinn certainly know something about family. Moreover, they also know a lot about family dentistry. As your family dentist, the McGinns will provide comprehensive dental care for you and for the people you care about the most.
Along with good oral hygiene at home, family dentistry, also called general dentistry, is the foundation of oral health. As family dentists, Drs. McGinn place a premium on prevention—preventing tooth decay, gum disease and other conditions that are compromising to your oral health as well as your overall health.
An Ounce of Prevention with Family Dentistry
Thus, with prevention in mind and in keeping with the recommendation of the American Dental Association, our dentists would like to see you and your family members at least twice every year for checkups. At these checkups, we will clean your teeth, remove any plaque build-up, monitor for decay and when needed, take x-rays to see decay in locations where dental caries can go unnoticed. Of course, if we find a cavity, then we will treat with a dental filling, thereby preventing a more involved procedure such as root canal therapy, a crown or dental implant, or even extraction.
In addition, Drs. McGinn may occasionally recommend fluoride treatments and dental sealants. These procedures are particularly important for children whose dental habits may be, well, less than perfect. Fluoride has been proven to strengthen teeth’s enamel, your smile’s first line of defense against decay. Dental sealants literally provide an added layer of protection. These modern wonders are a thin plastic coating that is applied to teeth—most often those deeply grooved molars—to create a barrier between acid-causing decay and your teeth.
Call Our Office Today
To schedule an appointment with the family dentistry team of Dr. Carolyn McGinn and Dr. Walter McGinn in Putnam, CT, call our office today. We also serve families from Woodstock, Thompson, Pomfret, Brooklyn, Killingly, Eastford, Plainfield, Webster, Dudley, Douglas, Burrillville, Gloucester, and Foster.
Head into the Holiday Season with Cosmetic Dentistry from Drs. Carolyn and Walter McGinn
November 11, 2014
If you’re already thinking about the gifts you’ll give this year, why not think about a gift you can give yourself? A radiant and beautiful smile. With the magic of cosmetic dentistry, you can have that smile. Drs. Carolyn and Walter McGinn in Putnam, CT, have been practicing the art of cosmetic dentistry for years, and they can help you have a smile that will be a gift you’ll enjoy for years.
The Cosmetic Dentistry You Need
Drs. McGinn offer several cosmetic dentistry services. They will consult with you and examine your oral health to determine which option is best suited to your needs. Their services include:
Teeth Whitening
If your smile has become discolored due to staining or as a result of the natural aging process, then you might want to consider teeth whitening. Drs. McGinn offer two kinds of at-home teeth whitening. The first is the familiar Crest White Strips. With the other option, you’ll use the custom-fitted trays and professional strength whitening gel we supply. Either choice will give you a whiter smile in about two weeks.
Cosmetic Bonding and Shaping
For a smile that is marred by teeth that are chipped, slightly cracked, or misaligned, cosmetic bonding and shaping may be the solution. In this case, the doctor molds a tooth-colored composite resin over the existing tooth and shapes it to complete your smile naturally. Cosmetic bonding and shaping is usually a one-appointment process to repair a damaged smile.
Porcelain Veneers
For more severely damaged smiles, there are porcelain veneers. These dental wonders are micro-thin sheets of dental porcelain that are bonded to the teeth to conceal flaws. The veneers are fabricated in a cosmetic dentistry lab to our exacting specifications, so you can be certain that yours will look and feel like your natural teeth.
Call Our Office Today
If you think you might be a candidate for one of our cosmetic dentistry treatments, then schedule an appointment today with Drs. McGinn and McGinn in Putnam, CT. We also serve patients in Woodstock, Thompson, Killingly, Danielson and other nearby Connecticut towns.
When Are Children Due for a First Checkup?
November 4, 2014
There is no minimum age for a child’s first dental visit. Cavities can develop as soon a tooth erupts. Most dentists are happy to evaluate a child at any age. In the past the rule of thumb was to start dental visits at age 3, but not anymore. It is possible, with the help of a parent or guardian, to examine a child at any age. A problem detected early is much easier to treat.
It is very important for parents to monitor a child’s oral health. Parents can do this by beginning to brush a child’s teeth as soon as they erupt. Children learn an important habit by this parental example and parents have an opportunity to monitor for oral problems. It is time for a dental visit if something does not look right.
Cavities: Something We Don’t Want
February 7, 2014
Cavities, decay and dental caries all mean the same thing. It is something we want to avoid, but still occurs. At times during a lifetime we may experience a greater risk of cavities. There are many reasons for this. We are currently emphasizing ways to reduce the risk of cavities. At a recall visit we will, as always, review brushing and flossing with you as needed. If you are experiencing more decay or we notice something that increases your risk of decay we will make some additional suggestions for you.
Fluoride is an important component of the minerals that make up the enamel on the surface of our teeth. Teeth with the right amount of fluoride incorporated into their enamel are more resistant to cavities. Most everyday toothpastes contain some fluoride. When this is not enough it is possible to provide toothpastes with increased fluoride and other enamel strengthening materials. Rinses and gels containing fluoride are also available. This extra assistance is available to you as needed to help reduce the risk of those things we don’t want.