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
What destroys the enamel on your teeth?
Several things can destroy enamel. Acid whether from food, bacteria, or reflux can dissolve enamel. Biting force can also rub away enamel. READ MORE
Which is quicker Invisalign or braces?
Probably braces, but the best thing would be to ask the orthodontist or dentist which they'd recommend for your needs. READ MORE
How many times can you have a root canal on the same tooth?
A root canal can be retreated. These days having a 3D X-ray of the tooth to try and determine why the root canal failed is the state of the art. The 3D image can show problems that are not visible on regular 2D X-rays. Some of those problems cannot be treated by root canal. READ MORE
Can I brush my teeth after a filling?
Yes! Just be careful if you are still numb, you don't want to scrub your gums, especially if you cannot feel what you are doing. Occasionally, gums can feel irritated after a filling. Keeping your mouth very clean helps everything heal faster. Brush (and floss). READ MORE
Can you kiss someone with a tooth infection?
Can you? Yes. Can infections spread from one person to another? Yes. So, is it a good idea??? Hopefully, partners are concerned with each other's health and don't spread infections. Instead, they get the infection treated. READ MORE
How do I know if my dentures fit properly?
A dentist could evaluate them for you (and should do an annual exam to make sure your gums, jaw, and tongue are healthy). Do the dentures wobble when they are in your mouth if you push on one side then the other? Do the teeth look worn down? READ MORE
How long after getting dentures can I eat solid food?
How many teeth needed to be extracted? How much jaw bone or "ridge" is supporting the denture? The first few days should be very soft food, no chewing needed. As you get more comfortable, you can progress to soft white fish or pasta. READ MORE
How do you clean all on four dental implants?
The dentist who placed it should help you find the best cleaning tools. A water flosser is often a good addition to brushing and floss or mini in-between cleaners. READ MORE
Why do I see some blood when I floss?
Bleeding gums are a sign of infection. If you have a professional cleaning, then start daily flossing, the bleeding should stop within 2 weeks. READ MORE
Should you wet your toothbrush before brushing?
I always had until I lived someplace with bad water. It doesn't make any difference. It doesn't soften the bristles (use SOFT bristles). READ MORE
When can I start eating normal food after dentures?
Were your teeth just extracted? Follow your dentist's or oral surgeon's advice if so. Otherwise, start with very soft foods, take two tiny pieces, try and chew evenly on both sides. As you master yogurt, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes, you can progress to tuna salad, Gradually adding soft fish, stewed meat, or chicken. READ MORE
How do you treat an exposed root of a tooth?
Is it sensitive? How much of the root is exposed? Is it unsightly? I would first want to try and determine why the gum receded. Toothbrush issues and biting issues can cause gum recession. Trying to minimize future recession hopefully. For sensitivity, your dentist can apply one of several medicaments. A gum specialist or periodontist may be able to readjust the gum to the correct height or add a gum graft. READ MORE
Are white spots on teeth cavities?
They may not be cavities. Are there depressions in the tooth surface where they are? If so, they may be cavities. They are weakened spots in the enamel. There is a dental treatment that can minimize the appearance of the spots. READ MORE
How successful are dental bone grafts?
They tend to be very successful. Some positions are even more successful than others. Growing bone width is somewhat easier than growing bone height. READ MORE
Should you floss before or after brushing?
The act of flossing is much more important than the timing. Flossing before brushing can be more motivating, you'd see or taste all the particles that are being removed. Black floss is good for helping plaque show up. As long as you physically dislodge the plaque from in between your teeth daily, your dental and overall health should be better. READ MORE
How long does it take to fill two cavities?
There are big cavities. There are small cavities. They can be close to each other, which makes it faster, they could be in diagonally opposite parts of your mouth. There is a time range from 30 minutes to much longer. Ask your dental team what to expect. READ MORE
Can you sleep with your dentures on?
It is important to let your gums "breathe." I've often said, if you never took your shoes off, in between your toes would eventually not be lovely. Leaving the dentures out overnight is best. Some people with teeth in one jaw bite themselves, some people have jaw or breathing issues without their dentures. For those people, I recommend leaving the dentures out at least an hour a day. READ MORE
Why do teeth move back after braces?
Right after the braces are removed, the ligaments around the teeth are loose. Over time, the ligaments tighten. Pressure from the muscles of the tongue and lips can move the teeth, as could biting habits. READ MORE
Why is polishing done after scaling?
Polishing does final smoothing of the teeth and roots. (If it were done before scaling, it would be more difficult to remove the smoothed deposits.) READ MORE
How long do you have to sleep upright after jaw surgery?
Listen to your surgeon's recommendation. (An extra pillow might be acceptable.) 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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