expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Brenda D. Berkal

Dentist

Dr. Brenda Berkal is a Dentist practicing in Derry, New Hampshire. Dr. Berkal 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. Brenda D. Berkal
  • Derry, New Hampshire
  • Tufts University
  • Accepting new patients

Can you leave Invisalign in all the time?

The recommended wear time is 22/7. The aligners should be removed to eat, and NEED to be removed to clean your teeth. Unless your dentist or orthodontist gave you different advise READ MORE
The recommended wear time is 22/7. The aligners should be removed to eat, and NEED to be removed to clean your teeth. Unless your dentist or orthodontist gave you different advise that is the recommendation.

What is the best treatment for a gap between teeth?

It depends. Is it a single gap? Is it between your front teeth? How big is it? If it isn't too big, bonding may be an option. Veneers last much longer than bonding, they are more READ MORE
It depends. Is it a single gap? Is it between your front teeth? How big is it? If it isn't too big, bonding may be an option. Veneers last much longer than bonding, they are more of an investment. Sometimes the ideal option is braces or aligners. As long as you wear retainers as directed, moving the teeth is permanent fix.

Does an overbite need to be corrected?

How do you feel about the way you look? Can you chew okay? Can you breathe through your nose, or do you snore? Are any of your teeth crowded? If you like your smile and your profile, READ MORE
How do you feel about the way you look? Can you chew okay? Can you breathe through your nose, or do you snore? Are any of your teeth crowded? If you like your smile and your profile, function well, can breathe and don't snore, and don't have teeth out of alignment, then no. It would be a choice not a necessity.

Can Invisalign make your teeth fall out?

Aligners are intended to move teeth. Having a dentist examine your teeth before getting aligners is critical to make sure your teeth are anchored in your jaws well enough to withstand READ MORE
Aligners are intended to move teeth. Having a dentist examine your teeth before getting aligners is critical to make sure your teeth are anchored in your jaws well enough to withstand the movement. Starting with healthy gums, and keeping up with dental visits and your home care are important to protect your teeth. A well trained dentist will monitor and help ensure that your teeth do not fall out.

How long should you swish coconut oil in your mouth?

Coconut oil pulling does not seem to have any negative effects, and may be helpful. From what I have read, it is recommended to swish a spoonful of oil for 15 minutes! Personally, READ MORE
Coconut oil pulling does not seem to have any negative effects, and may be helpful. From what I have read, it is recommended to swish a spoonful of oil for 15 minutes! Personally, I'm too impatient.

Is anesthesia needed for wisdom tooth removal?

Wisdom teeth CAN be removed with only local anesthesia. My recommendation would depend on the length and shape of the root (long roots with bends do not come out as easily as short, READ MORE
Wisdom teeth CAN be removed with only local anesthesia. My recommendation would depend on the length and shape of the root (long roots with bends do not come out as easily as short, straight, tapered roots). Numbing should prevent pain. You will hear some noises and feel a little pressure. Some people cope fine, others are bothered. It is your choice.

Is Sensodyne Pronamel good for sensitive teeth?

I find a prescription strength fluoride toothpaste more effective.

How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth?

A very definite, it depends. What shade are your teeth now? Do you have well-fitting custom trays to keep the peroxide on your teeth? Were your teeth professionally cleaned reasonably READ MORE
A very definite, it depends. What shade are your teeth now? Do you have well-fitting custom trays to keep the peroxide on your teeth? Were your teeth professionally cleaned reasonably close to the time you started lightening? What lightening, and what percentage of peroxide are you using? Many people notice some improvement whitening 2 weeks. Grayer teeth take
longer than yellower teeth.

How long do you have to rest after wisdom teeth removal?

Your surgeon will know how involved the extraction will be and can give you the best answer. The shape and length of the roots, whether the teeth were impacted, all play a part. READ MORE
Your surgeon will know how involved the extraction will be and can give you the best answer. The shape and length of the roots, whether the teeth were impacted, all play a part. You should certainly just "chill" the day of the extractions. Reduced physical activity will probably be recommended for several more days.

Should old amalgam fillings be replaced?

Some people feel that any amalgam should be removed. Many feel that there is no proof that mercury leaches out of set fillings. Are the fillings still smooth and well sealed at READ MORE
Some people feel that any amalgam should be removed. Many feel that there is no proof that mercury leaches out of set fillings. Are the fillings still smooth and well sealed at the edges? Can your dentist show you a photograph of your filling? If the edges are rough or dark, decay is getting underneath the filling. If your tooth shows craze lines or cracks, the metal filling may be contributing to the cracking. Metal expands and contracts more than tooth when you eat hot and cold foods. If the fillings were placed when you were a teen, chances are the edges are no longer sealed. My answer is a very definite, "It depends."

Which is better Emax or zirconia?

Knowing what tooth you are having restored would help. E.max looks better, bonds well and is pretty strong. Some types of zirconia are extremely strong. The strong zirconia doesn't READ MORE
Knowing what tooth you are having restored would help. E.max looks better, bonds well and is pretty strong. Some types of zirconia are extremely strong. The strong zirconia doesn't look as good.

How do I know if my tooth extraction is infected?

If you develop a fever, or if swelling develops several days after the extraction, see the dentist who did the extraction as soon as possible. If a few days after the extraction, READ MORE
If you develop a fever, or if swelling develops several days after the extraction, see the dentist who did the extraction as soon as possible. If a few days after the extraction, you develop pain, you may have what is known as a dry socket. Your dentist or surgeon can provide a treatment that brings very quick relief.

How do I keep my teeth clean after a teeth cleaning?

Using a soft toothbrush and dental floss is the best way to maintain your clean teeth. Start your home care routine the same day as your dental cleaning, before any film calcifies READ MORE
Using a soft toothbrush and dental floss is the best way to maintain your clean teeth. Start your home care routine the same day as your dental cleaning, before any film calcifies onto your teeth. Carefully wrap the floss around the sides of the teeth daily. Brush twice a day, clean all the way to the gum line with your brush.

What to eat after filling a cavity?

Depending on the type of filling you are getting, the filling MAY be completely "hardened" before you leave the dental office. Ask your dentist. The issue is not biting, or burning, READ MORE
Depending on the type of filling you are getting, the filling MAY be completely "hardened" before you leave the dental office. Ask your dentist. The issue is not biting, or burning, yourself where you are numbed. Smoothies are generally safe. Having a meal before your appointment (and then brushing) is also good.

How long does a periodontal treatment take?

Your treatment time will depend upon the condition of your mouth (does the periodontitis affect all your teeth or just some?), and the type of treatment being done.

Can you get a cavity under a crown?

The edge of the root, where the crown ends, can decay. Careful cleaning at home with brush and floss, and regular visits to your dentist are the best ways to ensure that your crown READ MORE
The edge of the root, where the crown ends, can decay. Careful cleaning at home with brush and floss, and regular visits to your dentist are the best ways to ensure that your crown lasts a very long time.

Why are my gums aching?

When was your most recent dental evaluation and cleaning? Is it most of your mouth or around a single tooth? If a single tooth, have you had popcorn lately? How do you typically READ MORE
When was your most recent dental evaluation and cleaning? Is it most of your mouth or around a single tooth? If a single tooth, have you had popcorn lately? How do you typically clean your teeth? Do your gums bleed? Hormonal changes and some medical issues can also cause gum problems. I recommend seeing a dentist.

Is it time for new dentures?

It is certainly time to see a dentist. Without knowing how worn down the teeth are, or how long you have been wearing them, I cannot say whether or not they could be refitted by READ MORE
It is certainly time to see a dentist. Without knowing how worn down the teeth are, or how long you have been wearing them, I cannot say whether or not they could be refitted by relining. Evaluating how they chew is also important.

Do all dentists provide anesthesiology for nervous patients?

All dentists provide local anesthesia. Not all dentists provide "laughing gas" or sedation. Many dentists are happy to take extra time with nervous people.

How many dental x-rays are safe per year?

Your dentist generally will try and minimize the number of "scans" taken of you to the smallest number that provide the needed information. The amount of radiation from each image READ MORE
Your dentist generally will try and minimize the number of "scans" taken of you to the smallest number that provide the needed information. The amount of radiation from each image has dropped dramatically over the years.