Dr. Brenda D. Berkal DMD
Dentist
4 Birch Street Derry New Hampshire, 03038About
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.
Education and Training
Tufts University
Tufts College Dental School - D.M.D. DMD 1977
Board Certification
Dentistry
Provider Details
Dr. Brenda D. Berkal DMD's Expert Contributions
Should I get a second opinion about having a root canal?
If you are not having symptoms, can your dentist show you your X-ray? A dark space at the tip of the root is a likely indication of needing a root canal. Many abscessed teeth have no symptoms and are picked up on routine films. If you are still not feeling right, then get a 2nd opinion. Brenda Berkal, DMD READ MORE
Can toothache cause an earache?
If you have a toothache, see a dentist! A toothache is an infection. Infections that are not treated can spread. The back teeth are close to the ear, the pain could be"referred" or it could be a separate infection. Seek care. READ MORE
How do you soothe an irritated tooth?
Pain on biting or releasing the bite may mean there is a crack in the tooth. A dentist can evaluate how severe the crack is, and what the best option is. There are no home remedies that would fix this. READ MORE
How do you rebuild tooth enamel?
You can strengthen remaining enamel with some fluoride and calcium toothpastes and topically applied gels. Enamel that is missing cannot grow back. Enamel can be protected or sometimes replaced, depending on how your teeth fit together. READ MORE
Which are the best dental implants?
There are many good, reputable implant brands. The one that best fits your circumstance, and with which your surgeon is most familiar is probably the best for you. The major brands should be the easiest to add the teeth. READ MORE
How long does a dental bone graft last?
Your surgeon can give you the most accurate answer, knowing the extent of the graft that is needed. The time to place the graft is probably less than you expect. Several days your mouth may be somewhat sore. I expect there will be stitches for possibly up to 2 weeks. The bone should be durable. (Following up with implant placement in 3 or 4 months is usually ideal.) Brenda Berkal, DMD READ MORE
Do wisdom teeth always hurt when they come in?
Wisdom teeth do NOT always hurt when they come in. Teething at any age, can be annoying. It should not be extremely painful. Some wisdom teeth can push against the tooth in front which can prevent them from erupting completely. Wisdom teeth can be hard to clean, which makes gum infection more likely. For major pain, you should see a dentist. READ MORE
When should I be concerned about bleeding gums?
Healthy gums do not bleed. You should see a dentist! READ MORE
Can an x-ray show if you need a root canal?
If the nerve or pulp of a tooth has been unhealthy for over a month, "stuff" (a technical term) leaks out of the tip of the root and starts to eat away the jaw bone. A black space by the tip of the root indicates missing bone. Early in the course of an abscess, before the "black hole" shows up, looking VERY closely at the X-ray, a very thin white line just outside the entire surface of the root may "disappear" at the tip of the root. So, yes, X-rays can show that a root canal is needed. Brenda Berkal, DMD READ MORE
How do you take care of a dental bridge?
There are fixed bridges, which you cannot remove. There are also removable partial dentures which should come out for sleeping. You can always ask your dentist what is recommended. For a fixed bridge: brushing and using a threader to floss underneath and clean the internal surfaces of the neighboring teeth is best. For a removable partial: careful brushing and flossing of the neighboring teeth, cleaning the appliance with its own brush (it can be bigger and slightly firmer than a brush for teeth), as well as soaking the appliance in an appropriate solution while you sleep. Brenda Berkal, DMD READ MORE
Can I drink water after wisdom teeth removal?
Your surgeon should give you personalized instructions. Typically, drinking water after the first 1/2 hour, when you stop biting on gauze is fine. You should not use a straw or drink carbonated beverages. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
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 on Monday. Dry socket is NOT treated with antibiotics. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
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 months. READ MORE
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 not need antibiotics. READ MORE
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. You may want to look into a sleep study before getting a custom occlusal guard. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Awards
- Top Dentist 2011 New Hampshire Magazine
- Top Dentist 2010 New Hampshire Magazine
- Top Dentist 2013 New Hampshire Magazine
- Top Dentist 2012 New Hampshire Magazine
- Top Dentist 2014 New Hampshire Magazine
- Top Dentist 2015 New Hampshire Magazine
Treatments
- Tooth Lightening
- Veneers & Laminates
- Tooth Colored Fillings
- Dental Hygiene And Periodontal Health
- Occlusion
- Snore Therapy
- Removable Dentures/implant Supported Dentures
- Implant Crowns, Bridges, And Dentures
Professional Memberships
- Past President Greater Salem Dental Society 1986
Experience & Accolades
- dentist1977 - 1980U.S. ArmyCaptain/ dentist
- Dentist1986Brenda Berkal DMDDentist
- Associate Dentist1981 - 1986Cabot Dental AssociatesAssociate Dentist
Professional Society Memberships
- American Dental Association, National Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, Past President of the Greater Salem DS
What do you attribute your success to?
Maintaining Integrity, Continuing Education
Hobbies / Sports
- Bicycling, Skiing, Martial Arts
Dr. Brenda D. Berkal DMD's Practice location
Derry, New Hampshire 03038Get Direction
Dr. Brenda D. Berkal DMD's reviews
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