EXPERT
Dr. Richard D. Hopgood, DMD, MAGD
Dentist
Dr. Richard Hopgood is a Dentist practicing with Advanced Dental Concepts in Andover, MA. Dr. Richard D. Hopgood is a 1978 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, earning membership in Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor fraternity, and was the recipient of the Pierre Fauchard Award for academic and clinical excellence. Following a one year general practice hospital residency at the Tufts New England Medical Center and a three year association with a general practice in Arlington, Dr.Hopgood established his current practice in Andover in 1982. Dr. Hopgood was appointed to the faculty of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1980, overseeing a clinic in the Shattuck Hospital staffed by dental residents.
Dr. Richard D. Hopgood, DMD, MAGD
- Andover, Massachusetts
- Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
- Accepting new patients
Periodontal Therapy
It is not a given that we must lose teeth as we age. If we maintain good oral hygiene and have regular professional cleanings and oral examinations, chances are we can keep our...
Dental Veneers
What makes a smile beautiful? That's a complex question, but some qualities of a lovely smile are immediately identifiable: Good tooth color, shape, and alignment are a few of...
How many roots does a molar have?
Hi,
It depends on the tooth. Some have two, some have 3, some have 4, and some maybe more. It takes a properly taken X-ray to try to figure it out. If you are concerned about READ MORE
Hi,
It depends on the tooth. Some have two, some have 3, some have 4, and some maybe more. It takes a properly taken X-ray to try to figure it out. If you are concerned about root canal therapy, some of the roots have more than one canal, usually not confirmed until the procedure is under way. Roots can be fused together or separate. It is best to align yourself with a good experienced dentist to properly address your concerns.
Dr. Richard Hopgood
It depends on the tooth. Some have two, some have 3, some have 4, and some maybe more. It takes a properly taken X-ray to try to figure it out. If you are concerned about root canal therapy, some of the roots have more than one canal, usually not confirmed until the procedure is under way. Roots can be fused together or separate. It is best to align yourself with a good experienced dentist to properly address your concerns.
Dr. Richard Hopgood
What is a dry socket?
When a tooth is removed a blood clot will naturally form in the hole in the bone left behind in the days following extraction. The blood clot forms as a means of protection to READ MORE
When a tooth is removed a blood clot will naturally form in the hole in the bone left behind in the days following extraction. The blood clot forms as a means of protection to the nerves and bone underneath, and allow for healing to take place.
However, if the blood clot disappears (or becomes dislodged), dry socket can occur when the the nerves and bone are suddenly exposed to all sorts of painful irritants, including food, fluids, and even air. Unfortunately, dry socket also leaves the area of extraction prone to awful pain and infection.
If pain persists, you should see your dentist right away. If dry socket is diagnosed, your dentist may schedule follow up appointments to clean and pack your socket every few days with a special dressing to help the healing process and relieve pain.
Your dental professional may also prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (i.e., ibuprofen or stronger) to relieve pain and anesthetize the extraction site. If infection is suspected, your dentist may also prescribe a mouthwash or oral antibiotics.
However, if the blood clot disappears (or becomes dislodged), dry socket can occur when the the nerves and bone are suddenly exposed to all sorts of painful irritants, including food, fluids, and even air. Unfortunately, dry socket also leaves the area of extraction prone to awful pain and infection.
If pain persists, you should see your dentist right away. If dry socket is diagnosed, your dentist may schedule follow up appointments to clean and pack your socket every few days with a special dressing to help the healing process and relieve pain.
Your dental professional may also prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (i.e., ibuprofen or stronger) to relieve pain and anesthetize the extraction site. If infection is suspected, your dentist may also prescribe a mouthwash or oral antibiotics.
Food getting stuck behind wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth do not always emerge (erupt) into the mouth properly because there may not be enough room in the mouth for them to fit. Sometimes, a part of the tooth may remain covered READ MORE
Wisdom teeth do not always emerge (erupt) into the mouth properly because there may not be enough room in the mouth for them to fit. Sometimes, a part of the tooth may remain covered by a flap of gum. Food particles and bacteria can get trapped under this flap and cause a mild irritation, a low-grade infection called pericoronitis and swelling. This usually happens with the lower wisdom teeth. Pericoronitis can be tricky to treat because the overlying flap in the tissue won't go away until the wisdom tooth fully emerges naturally — which is unlikely to happen — or is removed by an oral surgeon.
Your dentist, however, may try to treat the problem without extensive procedures. He or she will clean the area thoroughly to remove damaged tissue or pus. If the area is infected, you'll be given oral antibiotics as well.
Your dentist, however, may try to treat the problem without extensive procedures. He or she will clean the area thoroughly to remove damaged tissue or pus. If the area is infected, you'll be given oral antibiotics as well.
I can't fix my teeth sensitivity. What do I do?
Hi... There are many causes for tooth sensitivity. It is not possible to provide you with a reasonable answer without having had the opportunity to examine you to determine READ MORE
Hi...
There are many causes for tooth sensitivity. It is not possible to provide you with a reasonable answer without having had the opportunity to examine you to determine the cause of the sensitivity. Call us at 978-475-2431 and ask Joanne for an appointment. Bring any recent x-rays you have had taken, and after a thorough examination, I should be able to help you.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Hopgood
There are many causes for tooth sensitivity. It is not possible to provide you with a reasonable answer without having had the opportunity to examine you to determine the cause of the sensitivity. Call us at 978-475-2431 and ask Joanne for an appointment. Bring any recent x-rays you have had taken, and after a thorough examination, I should be able to help you.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Hopgood
