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

Should you wet your toothbrush before brushing dentures?

How wet is the denture when you brush it? Is the cleaner that you place on the brush creamy, not powdery? It may not be necessary, or wouldn't hurt.

Can you still get dental implants with bone loss?

It depends on how much bone loss. Often bone can be grafted

Is lemon bad for your teeth?

A little bit of lemon juice can be fine. Leaving a wedge of lemon inside your cheek can be extremely damaging. The "dose" and "duration" of lemon exposure determine whether or READ MORE
A little bit of lemon juice can be fine. Leaving a wedge of lemon inside your cheek can be extremely damaging. The "dose" and "duration" of lemon exposure determine whether or not it is harmful.

Can you have tooth pain without an infection?

If the gums recede, the exposed root can be very sensitive. If you have bitten hard and a tooth has a crack, that can be extremely painful.

Can a toothache last for months?

A toothache can last for months if the source of infection that causes the pain is not treated. The infection can also travel to other parts of the body, potentially with fatal READ MORE
A toothache can last for months if the source of infection that causes the pain is not treated. The infection can also travel to other parts of the body, potentially with fatal results. Please seek dental care.

How can I speed up bone graft healing?

Be patient and eat a well-balanced, healthy diet with adequate calcium and other nutrients.

How long does it take for jaw pain to go away after surgery?

Ask your surgeon what to expect. Your particular surgery will determine the expected healing time.

Does massaging gums help toothaches?

A toothache is usually an infection. Treatment by a dentist is needed. Massaging the gum might get some pus out of a swollen area, that would give slight, brief pain relief. It READ MORE
A toothache is usually an infection. Treatment by a dentist is needed. Massaging the gum might get some pus out of a swollen area, that would give slight, brief pain relief. It would not cure the infection.

What happens if antibiotics don't work for a tooth infection?

If the 1st antibiotic doesn't work, the infection can be cultured to determine a more effective antibiotic for you. Seeking care as soon as you know that the infection is worsening READ MORE
If the 1st antibiotic doesn't work, the infection can be cultured to determine a more effective antibiotic for you. Seeking care as soon as you know that the infection is worsening is very important.

How long can you go without a teeth cleaning?

How long CAN you and how long SHOULD you could be very different. When your teeth are freshly cleaned is the best time to start a meticulous tooth cleaning regimen to be able to READ MORE
How long CAN you and how long SHOULD you could be very different. When your teeth are freshly cleaned is the best time to start a meticulous tooth cleaning regimen to be able to go somewhat longer between professional cleanings. Careful brushing for 2 minutes twice daily and *flossing* daily can help you keep your teeth clean much longer. Once plaque calcifies onto your teeth and turns to tartar or calculus, you need a professional cleaning.

What home remedy kills bacteria in teeth?

Physically removing the bacteria with brush and floss is better than trying to poison them inside your mouth.

Can dental implants get infected years later?

Yes! How have you been cleaning the implant(s)? Have you been getting professional cleanings?

Can you drink coffee after dental implant surgery?

You should wait till the anesthetic has worn off so you do not burn yourself. Unless your surgeon says differently, coffee that is not scalding hot should be okay after that. Post READ MORE
You should wait till the anesthetic has worn off so you do not burn yourself. Unless your surgeon says differently, coffee that is not scalding hot should be okay after that. Post surgery, typically, ice is applied to the surgical area.

Can you crown a back tooth?

As long as enough of your natural tooth remains, absolutely YES. Back teeth can be crowned.

How long should your gum be sore after a tooth extraction?

The duration of soreness depends on how easily the tooth came out and on how well you cared for it after the surgery. If you think it has been sore too long, call your dentist READ MORE
The duration of soreness depends on how easily the tooth came out and on how well you cared for it after the surgery. If you think it has been sore too long, call your dentist or surgeon.

Are antibiotics necessary after a dental bone graft?

Antibiotics are generally recommended after a bone graft. Speak to your surgeon about your particular case.

What is the best permanent dental cement?

That depends on what the crown is made of, the shape of the prepared tooth, the patient's decay rate... Your dentist should be able to recommend the best cement. Resin cements READ MORE
That depends on what the crown is made of, the shape of the prepared tooth, the patient's decay rate...
Your dentist should be able to recommend the best cement. Resin cements are very common. Resin Modified Glass Ionomer cements are also useful. These are probably the most common.

Can tartar buildup on dentures?

Yes, tartar can and does build up on dentures. Dentures should be brushed daily with a specific denture brush. They should be soaked when they are out of the mouth. For most people, READ MORE
Yes, tartar can and does build up on dentures. Dentures should be brushed daily with a specific denture brush. They should be soaked when they are out of the mouth. For most people, dentures should be out of the mouth during sleep. The cleaning tablets are helpful but do not replace brushing. There are also ultrasonic cleaners that can be helpful. It is advisable to have your dentist evaluate your mouth once a year. The tartar can be removed from the denture, the health of your mouth and gums is checked, and the fit of the denture.

Should you brush your teeth with salt water?

Most commercial toothpastes are ideal for brushing. Dissolved salt (i.e., salt water) should not be harmful, unless you have high blood pressure, kidney issues, or some other medical READ MORE
Most commercial toothpastes are ideal for brushing. Dissolved salt (i.e., salt water) should not be harmful, unless you have high blood pressure, kidney issues, or some other medical conditions. Fluoride has been proven to be safe at the recommended doses. Fluoride is excellent at minimizing decay.

What type of anesthesia is used for wisdom tooth removal?

A number of different types of anesthesia are possible. Your oral surgeon can evaluate your X-ray and recommend the best choice for you. Options range from just numbing the teeth READ MORE
A number of different types of anesthesia are possible. Your oral surgeon can evaluate your X-ray and recommend the best choice for you. Options range from just numbing the teeth (similar to for fillings), to being sedated. Sedation is very common.