Dangers of Dental Plaque

Plaque is constantly forming on our teeth, especially after the meals we eat. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria and sugars that can cause periodontal disease and cavities if not adequately removed by brushing and flossing. If you take your finger and scrape your nail against your enamel, do you notice any plaque? If so, our doctors at Chapel Street Dental encourage you to brush it away to avoid its consequences.

When we eat, plaque uses the sugars in food to produce acids that eat away at tooth enamel. If plaque isn’t brushed away, it can harden into tartar which only our team of hygienists will be able to remove. As the plaque and tartar buildup increase, gum tissue can become red, swollen, and may bleed when you brush your teeth. To avoid the dangers of dental plaque, it’s critical to brush at least twice a day, floss at least once a day and visit us twice a year for professional cleanings.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral hygiene or oral care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.newhavendentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Chapel Street Dental in New Haven, CT, call 203-772-1000.

Facts on Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a mineral that has earned the title of nature’s natural cavity fighter. Fluoride can be found in almost all water sources and aids in protecting tooth enamel and reducing the risk of developing cavities. In our Chapel Street Dental office, fluoride is utilized in children as well as adults to help speed remineralization and disrupt acid production.  

It’s most important that children are exposed to fluoride between the ages of six months and teenage years. This is because the permanent teeth are still growing and fluoride helps fight the tooth decay process while strengthening enamel. In our office, we utilize fluoride as a topical gel but you can receive fluoride outside of the office in toothpaste and mouth rinses. Fluoride supplements are also available as liquids or tables but must be prescribed by the dentist.

If you have questions or concerns regarding fluoride treatment, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.newhavendentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Chapel Street Dental in New Haven, CT, call 203-772-1000.

Reasons a Tooth May Need Extraction

If you suffer a toothache, your first thought might be that you need it removed. Fortunately, that isn’t the case. Teeth are extracted for a variety of reasons but primarily include wisdom teeth and/or an overcrowded mouth. Depending on the way they are positioned, wisdom teeth can increase a person’s risk of developing an infection. At Chapel Street Dental, one of our doctors will make an effort to restore the tooth without extraction. Other reasons for extraction may include:   

• Severe tooth damage/trauma – some teeth have such extensive decay and damage (broken or cracked) that repair is not possible.


• Orthodontic treatment – people getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for teeth that are being moved into place.


• Some teeth may need to be extracted if they have the potential of becoming infected.


• Extra teeth – extra teeth may block other teeth from erupting, therefore will require extraction.

If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth extraction, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.newhavendentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Chapel Street Dental in New Haven, CT, call 203-772-1000.

Reasons for a Root Canal

A root canal may sound frightening but in all honesty, the pain that a patient may experience before the procedure is much more terrifying. Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with endodontic, or root canal treatment. If the pulp inside your tooth has become inflamed or infected, our doctors at Chapel Street Dental can remove it and revitalize the tooth with a root canal.

Inflammation of a tooth’s pulp can have many causes, such as deep decay, a crack or chip in the tooth, or from sensitivity caused by repeated dental procedures. A root canal can be performed in one or two visits and involves our doctor removing the infected pulp. Once the tooth is cleaned, it will be sealed and fitted with a temporary dental crown. You will wear this crown until the permanent one is ready to be placed.

If you have questions or concerns regarding endodontics, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.newhavendentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Chapel Street Dental in New Haven, CT, call 203-772-1000.