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
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Is it okay to take ibuprofen before oral surgery?
Speak with your dentist or surgeon. As ibuprofen can potentially increase bleeding, they may want you to avoid it pre-op. Plenty of numbing should keep you comfortable.
Do dental implants last forever?
Implants are the longest lasting restoration. That said, they still need to be cleaned, daily at home and several times a year by the dental office. They should also be checked READ MORE
Implants are the longest lasting restoration. That said, they still need to be cleaned, daily at home and several times a year by the dental office. They should also be checked annually to be sure they are not biting too hard. (Teeth move, implants do not, the bite can change.) If you take good care of them, they should last. They will NEVER get cavities.
Can TMJ make chewing difficult?
TMJ dysfunction can make chewing difficult or painful. Stay with small bites of soft food until you can see a dentist.
How long does it take for a dry socket to heal?
Typically the dentist will place a medication into the socket, which definitely provides some relief. It takes over a week. You may want to check back with the dentist or surgeon READ MORE
Typically the dentist will place a medication into the socket, which definitely provides some relief. It takes over a week. You may want to check back with the dentist or surgeon on Monday. Dry socket is NOT treated with antibiotics.
Why are my gums still swollen from having my teeth pulled?
I would recommend going back to the oral surgeon. That is the best way to determine the cause of your swelling.
Do wisdom tooth abscesses take a long time to heal?
Typically, improvement should start quickly. If you do not think things are healing as well as they should, contact your surgeon. Complete healing and filling of the socket takes READ MORE
Typically, improvement should start quickly. If you do not think things are healing as well as they should, contact your surgeon. Complete healing and filling of the socket takes months.
Do I need antibiotics for a tooth extraction?
Your dentist or oral surgeon can give you the best advice. If you are healthy, have no artificial heart valves, artificial joints, and your face is not swollen, probably you do READ MORE
Your dentist or oral surgeon can give you the best advice. If you are healthy, have no artificial heart valves, artificial joints, and your face is not swollen, probably you do not need antibiotics.
Can teeth grinding cause headaches?
Tooth grinding can cause muscle spasms. Muscle spasms hurt and can trigger headaches. We now know that many people grind their teeth in an unconscious effort to open their airway. READ MORE
Tooth grinding can cause muscle spasms. Muscle spasms hurt and can trigger headaches. We now know that many people grind their teeth in an unconscious effort to open their airway. You may want to look into a sleep study before getting a custom occlusal guard.
Is my jaw pain from wisdom teeth?
It is possible the pain may be from a wisdom tooth. Seeing a dentist who can take an X-ray should give you the answer.
Is tooth whitening safe?
Most lightening products, including all those available from your dentist, are safe.
Is it possible to brush my teeth way too much?
If you are using a brush with soft or extra soft bristles, a minimal amount of a non-abrasive toothpaste (or none at all), and not scrubbing hard, you should be fine. Brushing READ MORE
If you are using a brush with soft or extra soft bristles, a minimal amount of a non-abrasive toothpaste (or none at all), and not scrubbing hard, you should be fine. Brushing too forcefully can damage the teeth and gums. The gums can be scraped away. Exposed root could then be abraded. Some electric toothbrushes let you know if you are using too much pressure. I see more people with disease from inadequate cleaning.
What is the best whitening toothpaste?
Basically, no toothpastes actually lighten the color of teeth. Toothpaste can remove surface stain from teeth, as can a visit to your dentist. Custom fitted trays to hold a dental READ MORE
Basically, no toothpastes actually lighten the color of teeth. Toothpaste can remove surface stain from teeth, as can a visit to your dentist. Custom fitted trays to hold a dental lightening solution on the teeth is the most effective way to lighten teeth. Avoid coarse, abrasive toothpastes. They can thin the enamel. That allows the darker internal dentin to show.
How can I tell if I'm grinding my teeth?
Waking with aching jaws is a strong indication that you are clenching or grinding your teeth. Prolonged grinding does tend to wear down the teeth. The edges of the teeth may look READ MORE
Waking with aching jaws is a strong indication that you are clenching or grinding your teeth. Prolonged grinding does tend to wear down the teeth. The edges of the teeth may look flat, or they may have a very translucent appearance if just the back of the tooth is worn. Clenching may not appear as obvious. However, the teeth may eventually crack, develop notches by the gum line (which can cause sensitivity), or they get loose. We now know that some people grind their teeth in an attempt to open the airway. A sleep study may be a good first step. The jaw hinges open. Store bought mouth guards are the same thickness front and back. As the back teeth do not open as widely as the front teeth, store bought mouth guards can cause further jaw problems.
My child accidentally ate toothpaste. What should I do?
The question is: how much toothpaste did she eat? If she placed no more than the size of a baby pea on her brush, and neglected to spit that out, I would not be overly concerned. READ MORE
The question is: how much toothpaste did she eat? If she placed no more than the size of a baby pea on her brush, and neglected to spit that out, I would not be overly concerned. If she took the tube of toothpaste and started eating, that would not be good. As with almost anything, including water, too much is toxic. The toxic dose for regular toothpaste is fairly
high. At lower doses, mottling of developing enamel can occur if the overexposure is frequent.or prolonged. No more than a baby pea-sized drop of toothpaste should be used each
brushing.
high. At lower doses, mottling of developing enamel can occur if the overexposure is frequent.or prolonged. No more than a baby pea-sized drop of toothpaste should be used each
brushing.
When should I consider porcelain veneers?
Veneers may be one possibility. Why have your teeth moved? If the gums are healthy enough, it is possible you would be better off having the teeth moved into alignment with aligners READ MORE
Veneers may be one possibility. Why have your teeth moved? If the gums are healthy enough, it is possible you would be better off having the teeth moved into alignment with aligners or braces. Are you happy with the color shape of your teeth? If so, you may not need veneers.
Does an impacted tooth require surgery?
Leaving an impacted tooth often leads to problems. Pressure from an impacted tooth trying to grow into the mouth can damage neighboring teeth. A partially exposed tooth is impossible READ MORE
Leaving an impacted tooth often leads to problems. Pressure from an impacted tooth trying to grow into the mouth can damage neighboring teeth. A partially exposed tooth is impossible to clean, so it is prone to gum infection. A completely impacted tooth can develop a cyst, or rarely cancer. Most impacted teeth should be removed.
Do cavities ever need to be refilled?
Fillings do wear out. However, a tooth in a lot of pain may have more involved needs. A tooth can crack, that would hurt during biting and chewing. If the decay was deep, the nerve READ MORE
Fillings do wear out. However, a tooth in a lot of pain may have more involved needs. A tooth can crack, that would hurt during biting and chewing. If the decay was deep, the nerve or pulp of the tooth can deteriorate and develop an abscess. See a dentist soon, immediately if there is any swelling in your mouth.
Can my silver fillings be replaced with white fillings?
As long as the roots of the teeth are healthy, better looking (mercury-free) fillings could probably be placed. If the fillings are very large, or if the teeth have cracks, something READ MORE
As long as the roots of the teeth are healthy, better looking (mercury-free) fillings could probably be placed. If the fillings are very large, or if the teeth have cracks, something stronger might be recommended. The stronger restorations would also be tooth colored.
How often can I use a mouthwash in a day?
Mouthwashes containing alcohol should not be used frequently. When was your last professional dental cleaning? If it was within the last three months, you might want your primary READ MORE
Mouthwashes containing alcohol should not be used frequently. When was your last professional dental cleaning? If it was within the last three months, you might want your primary care physician to rule out any metabolic or digestive disorders. Daily flossing is a big help for bad breath. Xylitol containing mints or gum do not cause decay, and freshen breath. Do NOT use hard candies with sugar!
How often do you need your teeth cleaned?
If your gums are very healthy, twice a year is enough. Your dentist can determine how healthy your gums are. Some people need cleanings every 3 months. Floss and careful brushing READ MORE
If your gums are very healthy, twice a year is enough. Your dentist can determine how healthy your gums are. Some people need cleanings every 3 months. Floss and careful brushing make a big difference.
