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Stephen Black

Bio

Dr.Stephen Black, DMD, has provided excellent therapeutic and cosmetic dentistry to the residents of the Brocktoon area since 1981. His education at the Boston University Goldman Schol of Dentistry, a strong commmitment to continuing education and his affiliation with many dental associations have kept him abreast of the most modern techniques of dentistry as well as ways to ease the anxiety of his patients. He is an active member of several charitable societies and also volunteers for town organizations. He is active in many sports and enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons.

Specialties:

  • dentistry

Affiliation:

  • Massasoit Dental Associates

Location:

Group Memberships:

Activity

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Dentistry:
    Annual Dental Cleaning May Be Enough for Some: Study

    MONDAY, June 10 (HealthDay News) -- For many people, once-a-year dental cleaning may be enough to prevent gum disease that leads to tooth loss, according to a new study.

    "Twice-yearly cleanings have been recommended for over 50 years without supporting evidence,...Full Article

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Dentistry:
    Diet Soda Habit as Bad for Teeth as Meth Addiction, Study Claims

    THURSDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- Heavy consumption of diet soda can damage teeth as badly as methamphetamine or crack cocaine, a new study contends.

    "You look at it side-to-side with 'meth mouth' or 'coke mouth,' it is startling to see the intensity and extent of damage more or less t...Full Article

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Dentistry:
    Alligator Study Gives Clues to Regrowing Lost Teeth

    TUESDAY, May 14 (HealthDay News) -- Dentists, as it turns out, may have one more reason than the rest of us to be wary of alligators. The toothy reptiles may one day put those who install implants, bridges and dentures out of their jobs.

    Alligators continually make new teeth to replace t...Full Article

  • Stephen Black
    Stephen Black answered:
    Are denture adhesives necessary?

    Denture adhesives can be helpful to make dentures feel more secure. However, it could also mean its a sign of ill-fitting dentures that need treatment. Too much adhesive can bunch up on the plate and cause sore spots. If adhesive is being used and the denture still moves around, it could be an in

    ...  Full Post
  • Stephen Black
    Stephen Black answered:
    Are women's dentures different from men's dentures?

    The shape of teeth on a denture typically follow the shape of the patients face: soft, rounded features would have soft rounded teeth or hard, angular features would have bold, square teeth. It doesn't necessarily follow that there are "women's dentures" that are appropriate to only women or that

    ...  Full Post
  • Stephen Black
    Stephen Black answered:
    How are oral health problems diagnosed?
    The first step is to have a discussion with your dentist as to what is your chief concern, your needs and your desires. A comprehensive oral exam including an evaluation of your teeth, gums and occlusion (your bite) with x-rays will reveal much information about your oral health. Follow up tests...  Full Post
  • Stephen Black
    Stephen Black answered:
    How does stress affect oral health?

    Stress in our culture is so underestimated as a source of health problems and oral health is no exception. There are a number of connections between stress and oral health:

    1. Joint problems leading to headaches, jaw, back and neck pain. During the day or at night, we can clench or grind
    ...  Full Post
  • Stephen Black
    Stephen Black answered:
    Can a dental hygienist check for oral cancer?

    Absolutely! Hygienists are trained to do a thorough oral exam that includes checking for suspicious oral lesions along with your dentist. Together, they will make an assessment if any follow up care is advisable - such as a referral to an oral surgeon for evaluation or biopsy. There are many aids

    ...  Full Post
  • Stephen Black
    Stephen Black answered:
    What kind of crown is best for the back teeth?
    Dental research has been looking for the strongest material and that looks the best. All metal crowns have traditionally been the strongest, but today most people want a more cosmetic alternative. Porcelain to metal or all ceramic crowns offer high strength with better cosmetics - a crown that...  Full Post
  • Stephen Black
    Stephen Black answered:
    Are there multiple steps in the implant process?
    There are several steps in the implant process. The first is making sure that you are a candidate with the proper amount of bone. Then, the titanium implant is surgically placed in the jaw and allowed to heal - to fuse with the bone. After 3-6 months, the area is uncovered and a healing "cap" is...  Full Post
  • Stephen Black
    Stephen Black answered:
    What's the closest thing to a natural tooth?
    At this point in time, dental titanium implants covered by a crown are the closest thing to a natural tooth. They are fixed in place and need to be maintained like a natural tooth. Some day, we may be able to "harvest" natural teeth and reimplant them into the jaw making that type of "implant"...  Full Post
  • Stephen Black
    Stephen Black answered:
    Will dentures change my appearance?

    Yes, it most certainly can! An important part of the denture process is trying in the denture before it’s finished. In this way, you can get a "sneak peak" of how the finished process will look. It’s important before you get started to identify with your dentist what your expectations are and what

    ...  Full Post
  • Stephen Black
    Stephen Black answered:
    Can stress cause teeth grinding (bruxism)?

    Yes it can! Stress can come and go as can grinding. We all can go through stressful times when we grind our teeth as a result - often subconsciously. Any technique that reduces stress can help reduce grinding. In the meantime, a night guard can be worn that would protect the teeth from wearing down

    ...  Full Post
  • Stephen Black
    Stephen Black answered:
    Can teeth grinding (bruxism) be prevented?

    Grinding that is caused by stress is certainly difficult to prevent. Any technique that reduces stress can help:  biofeedback, meditation, massages, hobbies, or even 6 months at a tropical resort! Some night guards, in addition to protecting the teeth, can help prevent grinding by allowing the jaw

    ...  Full Post
  • Stephen Black
    Stephen Black answered:
    Does my snoring mean that I have obstructive sleep apnea?

    Not necessarily. Snoring is the noise that is created when you are breathing and air is flowing past the soft palate and back of the throat area causing vibrations in the tissue. If the airway gets completely blocked, air doesn't get into the lungs and you have a moment when you stop breathing -

    ...  Full Post