Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes! If you are looking for a dentist in Wrentham, Norfolk, Foxborough, and Franklin to set up a same-day appointment do not hesitate to contact us. Appointment cancellations do come up and when they do we are happy to give you an appointment the same-day. 

If you are in need of an appointment, contact our office either by calling (508) 528-6510 or sending an email. 

All of the dentistry we provide at Norfolk County Dental Care is gentle and anxiety free.

Often, a fear of dental treatment keeps patients away from the dental chair. As a result, dental conditions can worsen and become more severe. At our Norfolk dental office, we provide comfortable dentistry and offer sedation dentistry in Norfolk for patients who are receiving more complex treatment or who have a fear of the dentist.

Comfortable Anesthetic Options

Some people have difficulty getting numb. To make numbing a tooth more effective and gentle, we apply a topical anesthetic to the gums so you feel minimal discomfort. Most patients don’t feel anything.

Anxiety can interfere with how effective local anesthetic is because stress hormones disrupt the numbing agent. This is one of the reasons why we may recommend sedation dentistry for some patients.

Sedation Dentistry in Norfolk, MA

Sedation dentistry can take the anxiety out of your treatment. Not only does this option offer greater relaxation, but it also makes local anesthetic work better. Most patients report no discomfort and little to no memory of their treatment. It also makes time seem like it just flies by, which is why it's such a great option for more complex treatment options.

For patients who just need a little comfort and help relaxing, nitrous oxide may do the trick. It is our mildest form of sedation dentistry.

Contact us to learn more about anxiety-free dentistry so that you can get the dental care you need to stay healthy.

At Norfolk County Dental Care, our dentists are skilled in a variety of cosmetic services designed to enhance the appearance of your smile. 

Continue reading to learn about some of the cosmetic dental options we offer! 

Professional Teeth Whitening

In-Office Whitening Systems

• This procedure is done by applying a solution every 15 minutes multiple times; with this, we offer the take-home system to enhance the whitening boost from the in-office system.

Take-Home Whitening Systems

• This procedure is done in 2 steps.
• Impressions are taken to create custom molds of your teeth.
• We make the trays, have you back in 1-2 weeks, try them in, and go over the instructions for whitening material use to be done at home.

Crest Professional White Strips

• These strips can only be purchased in the dental office. They do not require any additional visits in the office once purchased. They are the least expensive of all the systems and most likely need to be repeated more often.

With all the whitening systems it is important that you first have a cleaning and checkup to make sure your mouth is in good dental health.

Invisalign in Norfolk, MA

Our Invisalign treatment at our dentist office starts by taking impressions and then a series of custom clear aligners are made to gently move the teeth into proper alignment

Tooth-Colored Restorative Dentistry

Esthetics in dentistry has become increasingly popular and all fillings, crowns, and bridges can be made or replaced without using unsightly metal materials

Porcelain Veneers

Thin, natural-looking porcelain is created to fit directly over the front of your teeth to hide any flaws

Schedule a Consultation with Our Cosmetic Dentists in Norfolk!

A comprehensive treatment plan is created to your liking to achieve the smile of your dreams If you are interested in improving the look of your smile, contact our office and we will gladly walk through or services with you.

By the very nature of their design, dental emergencies are often painful and stressful. Sometimes, in the confusion of the moment, patients become unsure whether they should go to the emergency room or their dentist. 

Common Dental Emergencies

• Injury—Loose teeth from an injury or trauma are not typical and should be looked at immediately. If you have had an accident and are experiencing loose teeth, you should call Norfolk County Dental Care directly. If you are also experiencing bleeding that won’t stop or have had a head injury—you should take yourself to an emergency room right away. Give our friendly dental team a call to let them know what has happened; we may be able to provide advice. ERs don’t commonly have a dentist on staff and may only be able to treat the bleeding or a broken jaw.
• Tooth pain—Most dental problems are asymptotic, meaning that patients are unaware they have an infection, decay, or disease until it has reached critical stages. At this point, pain is often felt. If you are experiencing tooth pain, give our dentist in Norfolk, MA a call immediately so we can manage your pain and provide relief. In the meantime, you can apply a cold compress to the site for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
• Knocked-out tooth—If you have knocked your tooth out of its socket, we may be able to save it if we can see you right away. It’s important not to handle the tooth by the roots; instead, pick it up by the crown. Keep your tooth safe in your mouth or a container of milk; it’s essential not to let the root dry out. This dental emergency is time-sensitive; we have the highest rate of success if we can see you within 30 minutes of the incident.
• Infection—Infections never resolve themselves; it takes a dental professional to treat your dental issue. Over-the-counter medication can provide pain relief until you can see us.
• Sensitive teeth—While a little bit of tooth sensitivity can be standard for some people. It can be unusual if it occurs suddenly or feels extreme. While sensitive teeth themselves are not a dental emergency, they are an indicator of an infection or something equally wrong

Contact Our Emergency Dentist in Norfolk ASAP!

We treat dental emergencies in Norfolk, MA. Give Norfolk County Dental Care a call today so we can help manage your pain. 

Dental implants in Norfolk, MA are a time-tested solution to tooth loss and the option most recommended by our implant dentists.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of solid titanium. A dentist surgically implants this root into your jawbone and allows for a healing or integration period, usually several months. When integration is complete, your dentist caps your implant with a dental crown. The custom crown matches your real teeth for a natural-looking finish.

Dental implants are considered a permanent solution to tooth loss because the implant is technically the replacement root. And this root, with proper care, can last for many years or even for life. Even if you have to replace your crown, your tooth root is often still viable and ready for its replacement crown. 

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Dental Implants

To help ensure the longevity of your dental implant, we recommend:

• Brushing and flossing daily—at least twice or following every meal
• Seeing your dentist regularly for exams and teeth cleanings
• Reporting any oral health issues in a timely manner
• Talking to your dentist if you suspect bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching)

Remember, your gum health plays a critical role in your implant health and longevity. Other factors that may influence dental implant health include tobacco use.

Contact Our Implant Dentists in Norfolk, MA!

If you would like more information about our dental implant options, give us a call today at (508) 528-6510 to schedule a consultation at Norfolk County Dental Care.

We treat patients of all ages, including children, in our Norfolk dental office. In fact, your children are our special guests. We welcome kids from their very first dental appointment, and we are honored to help them develop a positive attitude toward dentistry and caring for their teeth.

Your Child’s First Dental Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry strongly urges that children have their initial dental appointment by age one, or when their first tooth emerges. At this early childhood dental appointment, we will let your little one have a ride in the chair and look at how their teeth are developing.

This is also a great opportunity to discuss healthy diets, good home care, and what will be happening with your child’s smile in the coming months.

Contact Us for Family Dentistry in Norfolk, MA

We offer cleanings, fluoride, sealants, extraction of stubborn baby teeth, and space maintainers to protect your child’s permanent teeth. Our care changes as your child develops, incorporating x-rays and mouthguards for sports as needs arise.

Our dentists are extremely gentle and caring when working with kids. When kids are a little nervous, we can offer happy gas to help your child relax.

You can count on excellent dentistry for patients of all ages at Norfolk County Dental Care. Call us today!

If you have a painful tooth, your thoughts might turn immediately to a root canal in Norfolk, MA Many people fear root canals because they associate them with pain, but root canals are actually teeth-saving procedures. Thanks to advancements in dental technology, your root canal should feel the same as a dental filling.

How does a root canal in Norfolk, MA work?

We use high-tech rotary instruments with small titanium cleaners at the tip to perform root canals in our Norfolk dental office. Once we numb the tooth, we use these small instruments to eliminate infection and remove the painful nerve. Rotary instruments are efficient, meaning less time in the chair for you.

What are the symptoms? 

Symptoms of root canal infections vary. Sometimes we identify the need for a root canal with routine dental x-rays. In other cases, you may experience a surprise toothache that interrupts sleep or work. We welcome you to call us right away so we can evaluate your tooth and determine the best treatment for you.

Root canals are an alternative to an extraction. A root canal and crown are often less expensive and less invasive than removing a tooth and replacing it with a dental implant or bridge.

If you have a toothache, don’t live with pain. Call us right away to learn how we can help. 

We offer many denture options in our Norfolk dentist office. Dentures are still a reliable way to replace missing teeth – either all of your teeth or some of your teeth as needed to complement your smile.

Types of Dentures We Offer in Norfolk

Immediate dentures – Immediate dentures are available immediately after your extractions so you never have to be without teeth. Regular adjustments will be necessary to keep them fitting comfortably and snugly until your final dentures are ready.

Traditional complete dentures – Complete dentures replace all missing teeth at once. Unlike dentures of the past, modern dentures look natural and fit better than ever. We will schedule a consultation to discuss your goals for the appearance of your smile, so the results reflect your wishes and expectations.

Partial dentures – If you still have remaining natural teeth, partial dentures will complete your smile. They are removable and attach to your existing teeth for stability. Over time, adjustments may be needed to ensure comfort and a correct fit. 

Implant dentures – For people who want or need added security, we can place 4 to 6 dental implants on the upper or lower arch to secure dentures in place until you remove them to clean them.

Schedule a Consultation at Norfolk County Dental Care! 

If you want to learn more about dentures and schedule a consultation at Norfolk County Dental Care, we welcome you to call (508) 528-6510! 

More than half of American adults have a form of gum disease, an oral health condition that ranges from inflammation of the gums to advanced periodontitis. 

Gum disease happens when bacteria combines with food particles to form plaque, a sticky film that hardens into tartar. Tartar is erosive to your enamel and tissue if left untreated. 

The Symptoms of Gum Disease

• Sensitive teeth—If you noticed that your teeth are sensitive to temperatures in food and beverages, you might have gum disease. Sensitive teeth during eating can be a result of periodontitis, especially as your enamel starts to weaken
• Loose teeth—As your gums react to infection, they form pockets around teeth that can quickly collect food particles and bacteria. This often occurs because your body's own immune system tries to attack the bacteria that forms around the soft tissue and jaw bone
• Chronic bad breath—When bad breath is persistent, even right after you brush your teeth, you may be suffering from a sign of gum disease 
• Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums—Gum disease is often characterized by inflammation of the gums, which make them appear red and swollen. While the swelling may not be painful, it is a clear sign that you should call your dentist in Norfolk, MA
• Disappearing gums—If your gums appear to have receded, you are noticing a strong indication of periodontitis. When the tissue around the tooth pulls back, it starts to expose the tooth and its root

We Can Help You Treat Gum Disease in Norfolk, MA

Gum disease can happen to anyone—and we can help you treat it, especially in the early stages. 

If patients do not recognize the early signs of gum disease, it can start to affect the gum tissue and underlying jaw bone, making it one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss.

Gum disease treatment in Norfolk, MA starts with routine dental check-ups and exams at Norfolk County Dental Care. Coupled with regular at-home brushing and flossing, patients can help prevent gum disease or reverse early stages of it.  

Schedule Your Regular Dental Cleaning Today

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) notes that all adults could benefit from an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation.

The next best thing is for patients to keep their regular dental cleanings and exam appointments every year. 

Periodontal disease (more commonly known as gum disease) is a condition that develops as a result of the bacteria in your mouth feeding on the food and drinks that are left on and in between your teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day (morning and night) and flossing nightly before bed is a great way to prevent gum disease. 

Another major cause of periodontal disease is smoking, the harsh environment and extreme temperatures caused by smoking cause the periodontium (the bone that holds the teeth in place) to disintegrate or resorb; avoiding tobacco products is necessary to prevent gum disease.

Here are some strategies to prevent periodontal disease:

• Visit your dentist one to two times a year for a cleaning and checkup.
• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste a minimum of two times per day.
• Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three to four months.
• Floss at least once per day.
• Avoid tobacco use.
• Eating a balanced diet.

Signs of periodontitis include:

• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums
• Pockets between the teeth and gums
• Pain when chewing
• Poor tooth alignment
• Sores on the inside of the mouth
• Loose or sensitive teeth

If you think you have gum disease, don't hesitate to contact Norfolk County Dental Care to schedule an appointment.  

SureSmile® is an orthodontic treatment for straightening teeth that is an alternative to traditional wire and bracket braces. So instead of realigning teeth in Wrentham, MA, by tightening the wires at frequent orthodontic visits, SureSmile uses a series of clear aligner trays that work by the same principle but by simply changing trays rather than through inconvenient and uncomfortable wire tightening.

SureSmile is better than braces for correcting specific misalignments because the aligner trays are more comfortable, removable, invisible, and likely to be quicker. Braces may be a better choice for more pronounced or complex misalignments where your teeth need to move in multiple axes to become straightened. But constant improvements in clear aligner technology are making SureSmile more and more effective for patients of all ages.

Do Braces Last Longer Than SureSmile?

When you’ve completed your orthodontic treatment, your orthodontic dentist will advise you on how to make your new smile more permanent. Braces don’t necessarily last longer than SureSmile because both systems use mechanical forces to move teeth to their new and desired positions.

So regardless of your treatment choice, our team will provide you with a retainer tailor-made to your mouth and teeth to make your smile last longer.

Depending on your unique conditions, you may wear your retainer for several months to several years. In some instances, we can place a fixed retainer that will safeguard your new smile for life.

Book an appointment with us today!

The team at Norfolk County Dental Care enjoys helping patients reach their smile goals, and we offer a variety of services to make that happen, including SureSmile® aligners.

When it comes to clear aligners, SureSmile is the most popular and trusted option out there. Patients who are looking for a straight smile often request it by name.

Your dentist in Norfolk, MA offers SureSmile in our dental office, and our patients have loved their results.  

What Is SureSmile Treatment?

SureSmile is a system of clear aligners that allow for discreet orthodontics. You wear custom aligners to gently move your teeth into position across the treatment timeline. With SureSmile, you don’t have to worry about brackets and wires detracting from your smile and scratching and rubbing against oral tissue.

You can laugh, smile, and feel confident during your orthodontic treatment.

Who Is SureSmile Treatment for?

SureSmile is ideal for older teens and adults.

For adults, it allows for discreet treatment, which is important to those who socialize, work outside the home, or often speak with friends and neighbors. Sometimes, adults who had orthodontics during childhood consider SureSmile if they did not wear their retainers and suffered an orthodontic relapse.

For teens, SureSmile is a way for them to straighten their teeth without feeling self-conscious. They’ll not have to worry about brackets and wires as they interact with their peers.

If an orthodontic procedure allows for easier wear and helps our patients feel more confident, that is a system we wholly support!

What Is the Treatment Process at Norfolk County Dental Care?

Everything starts with a consultation in our dental office in Norfolk, MA. Your dentist examines your teeth and gums, takes x-rays if no recent or relevant films are on file, and talks to you about your smile objectives. Your dentist also lets you know what to expect following treatment, how long treatment will take, and answers your questions about SureSmile.

If SureSmile is the right option for you, we take careful impressions of your teeth, send these results on to the SureSmile lab, and they send us your aligners. You come into our dentist's office in Norfolk, MA, and your dentist will fit the first one in your kit. You wear the first one for a week or more and then change to the next one in your series. This is something you can do at home.

You visit your dentist periodically to make sure your teeth are lining up on time, and you can remove your aligners when eating and cleaning your teeth. However, you should keep them in for at least 22 hours per day.

After treatment, we provide a custom retainer to keep your teeth trained in their new straight positions.  

How Do I Take Care of My Aligners?

You can rinse your aligners with very mild hand soap and slightly warm or room temperature water. You never want to use harsh pastes, hot/cold water, or brushes on your aligners.

Schedule A Consultation at Our Norfolk, MA Dentist Office!

Your dentist near me and the entire team love helping patients achieve their dream smile. If you would like to arrange a consultation or have any questions about orthodontics, we would love to hear from you today. 

We provide clear orthodontics to patients in all locales, including our friends and neighbors in Franklin, Walpole, Foxboro, Wrentham, Medfield, and the surrounding communities.

If you are an older teen or adult patient who wants a straight smile, you'll be happy to hear that we offer options that will not affect your appearance.

The options for orthodontics in Norfolk, MA, make it possible for patients to achieve straight smiles without brackets and wires.

SureSmile® and Smart Moves® Clear Aligners

Using clear aligners in Norfolk, we can gently nudge teeth into proper alignment. In some cases, small attachments will be placed on teeth to assist with moving them in the right direction. Attachments are little tooth-colored "buttons" that work with the aligners to assist with moving your teeth more efficiently.

Inman Aligners

Inman aligners look like a retainer and are removable. This treatment options focuses only on moving the front teeth to give your smile a more esthetic appearance.

All of our removable braces options make it possible to eat the foods you enjoy and keep teeth clean without any special tools or flossers. You can also take them out (briefly) for special events and occasions when you want your smile to look its very best.

Retainer Use

No matter which orthodontic option you choose, you will need to wear a retainer as part of your treatment. Otherwise, you risk the chance that your teeth will slowly drift toward their original position. We offer a number of retainer options for your convenience.

Schedule a Consultation with Our SureSmile Dentist in Norfolk!

Contact Norfolk County Dental Care to schedule an evaluation with our SureSmile dentist! We are looking forward to helping you achieve a straight, healthy smile.

We offer orthodontic options for our patients seeking to straighten their teeth with more efficient methods that fit into busy lifestyles. Our three options are more discreet and convenient than conventional braces, and we do offer clear braces in Norfolk, MA!

SureSmile® Clear Braces in Norfolk, MA

We use SureSmile clear aligners in our dental office. Clear aligners often eliminate the need for bracket-and-wire orthodontics. Our aligner systems are also more comfortable and do not involve rough brackets that can irritate the delicate tissue inside the mouth.

Clear aligners are removable for eating and cleaning teeth. This means you can enjoy a straight smile without the dietary restrictions that occur with traditional orthodontics.

Wearing aligners for at least 22 hours per day for two weeks (or according to your Norfolk dentist's instructions) before moving on to the next set will ensure good results and that treatment stays on schedule.

Inman Aligners

We also offer orthodontic treatment with Inman Aligners. Inman aligners are also removable and focus on aligning the front teeth for orthodontic and cosmetic purposes.

Our orthodontic options treat many of the same conditions as traditional braces:

• Overcrowding
• Misalignment
• Protruding teeth
• Overlapping teeth
• Gaps between teeth

To determine if you are a good candidate for clear aligners, contact our Norfolk, MA dental office to learn more about orthodontic treatment. We look forward to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams with orthodontics in Norfolk, MA.

Our goal at Norfolk Dental Care is to preserve and strengthen your natural teeth. However, we also understand that tooth damage happens for many reasons, and we will take every measure possible to save an injured tooth. But when the damage is too much for us to fix, we will recommend removing your tooth, a procedure known as an extraction.

You may have several teeth extracted at once, depending on your unique oral health care needs. If you have a planned extraction, then we will set up your procedures to minimize your pain and promote quicker healing. For example, when we address wisdom teeth, we may remove them in pairs or extract all four teeth at once if they’re causing problems from which you need immediate relief.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Multiple Tooth Extractions?

Tooth extraction recovery depends on how complicated your procedure is. A simple extraction, where your Foxborough, MA dentist may vertically pull your intact tooth, heals most quickly with proper care. For this treatment, we begin by thoroughly numbing the area. We then manipulate the tooth to loosen it. Then we gently pull the tooth, leaving behind the space it used to occupy, called an empty socket. This socket is what heals as it closes, and maintaining the blood clot which closes your socket is a top care priority.

When a tooth is broken off at the gums or is impacted, meaning it has grown in sideways, we may need to perform a surgical extraction. 

For more information, please contact our office now.

In certain cases, a tooth extraction is the best course of treatment and can often be avoided. 

A patient with a severely decayed or damaged tooth may need to have the tooth removed.

Tooth extraction may also be necessary prior to orthodontic treatment if the teeth are crowded in the jawbone. If the jawbone cannot be expanded to allow the teeth to fit in the proper alignment, then tooth extraction offers another option to the orthodontist and patient.

If a tooth fails to erupt properly and becomes impacted, extraction is highly recommended. This often occurs with the third molars, or commonly known as wisdom teeth. Those third molars are prone to infection and other complications when they become impacted, and it’s best to have them removed.

A patient that has no alternative should take comfort in the technology available to replace an absent tooth.

Planning for Tooth Replacement

If your tooth does need to be removed, you should begin to plan the process of replacing it before the extraction takes place. Most patients want to fill in the resulting gap in the smile as soon as possible after they heal from the extraction.

If you think you may need an extraction, contact Norfolk County Dental Care as soon as possible. 

Tooth discoloration is a common problem that makes people dissatisfied with their smile’s appearance. The good news is that we can help resolve most forms of tooth blemishes. We use one of the least invasive Franklin, MA, cosmetic dental treatments available today: professional teeth whitening.

Yellow teeth become white with our high-quality, prescription-strength whitening treatments provided by the Philips Zoom! System for both at-home and in-office treatment options. The causes of yellow teeth that our teeth whitening system may fix are:

• Staining from black coffee, red wine, berries, dark teas, and curries
• Smoking and other tobacco use
• Inadequate at-home oral care
• Too infrequent dental cleanings

By using either Zoom! whitening method, our cosmetic dentists may be able to brighten your yellow teeth by up to eight shades, making them white, bright, and attractive.

Are Teeth Yellow Permanently?

If your teeth are discolored due to staining from food and drinks, smoking, or lower-quality dental care, your teeth don’t have to be yellow permanently. Our professional teeth whitening treatments by Philips Zoom! use a potent whitening formula that breaks up stubborn stains and then carries them away. However, some causes of yellow teeth are beneath the surface.

These stains, called intrinsic stains, result from medication or thinning tooth enamel, which allows the underlying dentin layer to show through. Because dentin is naturally brownish, your teeth appear yellow. Luckily, we offer numerous other cosmetic dental treatments that can eliminate the appearance of intrinsic stains.

Call our office today for more information! If you are also looking for a dentist in Walpole, you can drive to our office in just a few minutes. 

Yes. 

If you’re looking for Norfolk teeth whitening, you have several different options available to you. 

Professional Teeth Bleaching With Phillips Zoom WhiteSpeed

At Norfolk County Dental Care, we like giving our patients the option of whitening their teeth in the way that’s most convenient for them. When you meet with our dentists in Norfolk, you can choose between in-office teeth whitening, take-home whitening trays, and even take-home whitening strips. All of these methods use Phillips Zoom WhiteSpeed teeth whitening products. 

We understand that every patient has different treatment goals. Some people may only want to whiten their teeth by a few shades, while others may be looking for a dramatic smile transformation.

Many of our patients would rather take their time with teeth bleaching and use take-home trays from the comfort of their bedroom; others prefer the powerful and immediate results they can get from having an in-house whitening treatment. Consult with our dentist in Norfolk today.

Start Your Norfolk Teeth Whitening Treatment Today

With multiple types of professional teeth whitening available to you, our dentists in Norfolk will help you decide which method will best suit your smile. No matter which bleaching system you choose, you can rest assured that the process will safely whiten your teeth and leave you with a whiter, brighter smile.

For those who are looking for a dentist in Wrentham, or a dentist in Franklin, when you’re ready to say goodbye to your yellow teeth and get a dazzling smile in Norfolk, call us at (508) 528-6510. 

Choosing to whiten your smile in Norfolk, MA using professional products has several advantages. First, you get stronger whitening gel then over-the-counter gel, which often results in fast and drastic results. Additionally, whitening under the supervision of a professional is just a better choice to protect your oral health. 

Does Whitening Damage Teeth?

This is important since exposure to whitening on your enamel (the outside protective layer of your tooth) does weaken the teeth slightly and prolonged use can cause damage. In-office whitening gets the results you want in minutes and then you can get back to protecting your enamel by avoiding acidic foods and drinks and using fluoride toothpastes and/or rinses.

How Can I Help My Teeth Stay White After Teeth Whitening Treatment?

It's best to avoid the foods, beverages, and lifestyle habits that may have contributed to your stained or yellowed teeth in the first place. If you do indulge, be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward. You can also expect that you'll need to do touch-up whitening treatments in the future. We offer take-home whitening kits just for that purpose.

Schedule an Exam for Teeth Whitening in Norfolk, MA

If you are interested in whitening your teeth, contact Norfolk County Dental Care to learn more!