Dr. Anthony Parrella's Patient Information Hub
Everything You Need for
a Smooth Visit
We’re here to make your dental experience easy, comfortable, and stress-free. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to prepare for your visit—from insurance and payment information to digital forms and helpful FAQs. Let’s get started!
Insurance Info
Insurance & Payment
We make dental care accessible.
Our office proudly accepts most major insurance plans and will gladly walk you through your benefits before any treatment begins. We're committed to helping you understand your coverage and minimize surprises.
Not sure if we take your plan?
Call us at (617) 625-3022 or email us at office@drparrella.com—we’re happy to help!
Insurance taken:
New Patient Form
Skip the clipboard—fill out your forms online.
Complete your new patient paperwork from the comfort of home and save time during your first visit.
Your information is securely submitted to our office team at office@drparrella.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
All the answers to your questions can be found here, and if a new question pops up, don't worry feel free to call us
Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. Many of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but everyone has it from time to time, especially in the morning.
There are various reasons one may have bad breath, but in healthy people, the major reason is due to microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back of the tongue. Some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by as much as 70 percent.
What may cause bad breath?
Morning time – Saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
Certain foods – Garlic, onions, etc. Foods containing odor-causing compounds enter the blood stream; they are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled.
Poor oral hygiene habits – Food particles remaining in the mouth promote bacterial growth.
Periodontal (gum) disease – Colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.
Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances – May also contribute to bad breath.
Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – May be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.
Tobacco products – Dry the mouth, causing bad breath.
Dieting – Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.
Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals – Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.
Certain medical conditions and illnesses – Diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.
Keeping a record of what you eat may help identify the cause of bad breath. Also, review your current medications, recent surgeries, or illnesses with Dr. Parrella or one of our staff.
What can I do to prevent bad breath? (Oral malodor)
Practice good oral hygiene – Brush at least twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gumline. Use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.
See Dr. Parrella or one of our hygienists regularly – Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year. If you have or have had periodontal disease, we may recommend more frequent visits.
Stop smoking/chewing tobacco – Ask one of our staff what we recommend to help break the habit.
Drink water frequently – Water will help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.
Use an oral irrigator- These are frequently called Water Piks. This will flush out bacteria in the deeper pockets and any food debris.
Use Closys toothpaste- This is very helpful in neutrilizing the volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) that most often cause halitosis.
Bana test- If you are uncertain about malodor, we can do a BANA test chairside. Simple and painfree.
In most cases, Dr. Parrella or one of our hygienists can treat the cause of bad breath. If it is determined that your mouth is healthy, but bad breath is persistent, we may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and an appropriate treatment plan.
Brushing and oral irrigation are the best ways to disrupt the bacteria that cause gum disease. This will also help remove food debris. Flosssing is fine too, however we do prefer the oral irrigator. It is much more effective in the maintenance of periodontal disease,(gum disease). Of course you are welcome to do both.
Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). If calculus is not removed it causes irritation of the gum tissues and makes your homecare routine less efficient. It is essential that the bacteria in your mouth be removed. This is the cause of gum disease. Left untreated it acts much like an autoimmune disease. Your bodies immune system starts to pull the ligaments that attach to your teeth away, causing pocketing. In more aggressive infections and/or chronic cases the bone also starts to be lost. In severe cases, the teeth can become loose and even fall out.
Toothbrushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.
- Brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums, gently using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
- Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
- Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside front teeth.
- Use a tongue cleaner to remove bacteria from the top of you tongue and to freshen your breath.
Electric toothbrushes: We here in Dr. Parrella's office prefer the Sonicare toothbrush. It does a more efficient cleaning job than a manual toothbrush. Angle the bristles at a forty-five degree angle to the area where the teeth and gums meet. Apply pressure, enough to splay the bristles between the teeth. Roll the brush toward the chewing surface of the teeth. Make sure to brush the cheek, tongue, and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Concentrate on two teeth at a time. Try to do the same pattern everytime, so you don't miss any areas.
Oral irrigation: To disrupt the biofilm and the bacteria that inhabit the biofilm oral irrigation is ideal. This is the best way we have found to get periodontal disease under control. In order to keep the gums healthy we recommend irrigating daily, this is called maintenance. Fill the tank with warm water and start at about half power. Put the tip between the teeth and hold for a quick four count. Do the cheek and tongue side of the teeth and don't forget behind the last tooth. Lean over the sink and spit out as you go. Work up to full power, this will do the best job. After coming into the office for a full evalution, we will determine an antimicrobial solution suited to your needs.
Flossing: In order to remove food debris between your teeth flossing is fine, however to achieve and maintain good periodontal health oral irrigation gives the most bang for the buck. You can do both if you would like.
Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
- Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
- Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.
Rinsing: If you are unable to brush after meals rinsing is okay to help remove food debris. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you. Most rinsing with mouthwashes is unnecessary, we will discuss this at your appointment.
Over the years there has been some concern as to the safety of amalgam (silver) fillings. An amalgam is a blend of copper, silver, tin and zinc, bound by elemental mercury. Dentists have used this blended metal to fill teeth for more than 100 years. The controversy is due to claims that the exposure to the vapor and minute particles from the mercury can cause a variety of health problems.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), up to 76% of dentists use silver containing mercury to fill teeth. The ADA also states that silver fillings are safe and that studies have failed to find any link between silver containing mercury and any medical disorder.
The general consensus is that amalgam (silver) fillings are safe. Along with the ADA’s position, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization, the FDA, and others support the use of silver fillings as safe, durable, and cost effective. The U.S. Public Health Service says that the only reason not to use silver fillings is when a patient has an allergy to any component of this type of filling. The ADA has had fewer than 100 reported incidents of an allergy to components of silver fillings, and this is out of countless millions of silver fillings over the decades.
Although studies indicate that there are no measurable health risks to patients who have silver fillings, we do know that mercury is a toxic material when we are exposed at high, unsafe levels. For instance, we have been warned to limit the consumption of certain types of fish that carry high levels of mercury in them. However, with respect to amalgam fillings, the ADA maintains that when the mercury combines with the other components of the filling, it becomes an inactive substance that is safe.
There are numerous options to silver fillings, including composite (tooth-colored), porcelain, and gold fillings. We encourage you to discuss these options with your dentist so you can determine which is the best option for you.
You should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year, though your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend more frequent visits.
Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities. Additionally, there are many other things that are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain your dental health. These include:
- Medical history review: Knowing the status of any current medical conditions, new medications, and illnesses, gives us insight to your overall health and also your dental health.
- Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
- Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
- Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
- Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
- Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
- Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
- Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
- Teeth polishing: Removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during toothbrushing and scaling.
- Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
- Review dietary habits: Your eating habits play a very important role in your dental health.
As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care, and to do so will require regular check-ups and cleanings.
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms. Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist.
Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone. Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage.
Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco users are more likely than nonusers to form plaque and tartar on their teeth.
- Certain tooth or appliance conditions – Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings that may trap plaque and bacteria.
- Many medications – Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, oral contraceptives. Some medications have side affects that reduce saliva, making the mouth dry and plaque easier to adhere to the teeth and gums.
- Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty – Can cause changes in hormone levels, causing gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.
- Systemic diseases – Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS, etc.
- Genetics may play role – Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontitis. Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
- Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
- Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
- Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
- New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
- Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
- Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
- Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
- Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
Let’s Connect — We’d Love to Hear from You
Whether you have a question, need to reschedule, or are ready to book your first visit, our friendly team is here to help. Reach out anytime — we're happy to assist you.
Phone: (617) 625‑3022
Email: office@drparrella.com