Martha's Vineyard Endodontics

07/31/2025

We’re excited to announce that Martha’s Vineyard Endodontics now offers LipLase—a non-invasive, laser treatment that enhances lip volume and smoothness naturally, without fillers or injections.
Interested in a subtle, youthful boost? Ask us about LipLase at your next visit!

08/01/2024

While vacation is the perfect time to relax, don't let your dental hygiene take a holiday! If you're in Martha’s Vineyard this summer and need dental attention, contact us at 508-687-9950. We’ll make sure your smile stays as radiant as your holiday adventures!

07/23/2024

Meet Dr. Karen Gear, DDS, a practicing Endodontist for 35 years. She has been here on Martha's Vineyard since 2011. She works closely with other island dentists to provide compassionate care using state-of-the-art technology. Dr. Gear is an active member of the American Association of Endodontists, Massachusetts Dental Society, and the American Dental Association. She is also a newly elected board member of Island Health Care Community Health Center. She’s a past member of the New York Society of Forensic Dentistry, where she was a part of the 9/11 World Trade Center Dental Identification Team. Dr. Gear's dedication and expertise make her a trusted and valued member of the Martha's Vineyard dental community. She looks forward to continuing to serve her patients with the highest level of care.

11/16/2023

❄ DO YOUR TEETH HURT WHEN IT’S COLD OUTSIDE? ❄
❄ How do you know if it’s time to see an Endodontist? ❄

‘Tis the season for cold weather, and your teeth are sensitive. This happens to a lot of people in winter, but what is the cause? Do cold temperatures actually affect your teeth? Yes, they can! If you want to know more about cold weather and tooth sensitivity, here is what we want you to know.
Cold Weather and Tooth Sensitivity
Your teeth can be sensitive to cold weather because when the temperature outside is low, your teeth are exposed to the cold air for a longer period of time.
If you suffer from tooth sensitivity with cold weather, you’re not alone. 4 out of 10 people live with tooth sensitivity, pain that can be triggered when cold weather comes along.
Cold air causes the enamel on your teeth to shrink, and when it shrinks, it exposes the dentin underneath. The dentin is a softer part of your tooth that contains nerve endings. This makes your teeth more sensitive to temperature changes, like cold weather.
The dental pain triggered by extreme temperatures can have several causes such as tooth decay, exposed dentin, upset tooth nerves due to grinding teeth, pulp inflammation or infection.
Treating Cold Weather Tooth Sensitivity
The very best way to proactively treat minor tooth sensitivity at home is by using desensitizing toothpaste. For minor or generalized sensitivity it is recommended you see your General Dentist for evaluation. They may be able to provide you with an in-office treatment that will relieve your pain and prevent it from getting worse. For tooth sensitivity, common treatments include:
Desensitizing toothpaste. This contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, and usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.
Fluoride gel. An in-office technique which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations.
A crown, inlay or bonding. These may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.
A Periodontist may evaluate you for a surgical gum graft. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
An Endodontist may evaluate you for a Root canal. If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, your General Dentist may refer you to an Endodontist to treat and eliminate the problem.
When and Why Should You See an Endodontist?
If you are experiencing severe or prolonged tooth pain or sensitivity when it is cold outside, it is important to see an Endodontist. The symptoms of tooth sensitivity can worsen over time, and may lead to pain when eating and drinking. Endodontists are Dentists with specialized training to eliminate tooth pain. It is also important to seek treatment if you are experiencing any other symptoms, such as:
* A throbbing or tingling sensation in your teeth
* Tooth pain on cold, windy days, or thermal sensitivity to heat.
*Lingering pain when eating or drinking cold foods
*Tooth pain that is keeping you up at night
* Swelling around your gums, teeth or side of your face.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend that you call our office at #508-687-9950 and make an appointment today.

11/16/2023

We want to take a moment to express our gratitude for our exceptional dental colleagues and their dedicated staff to recognize their excellence and hard work in assisting us in caring for our Island patients!

11/15/2023

Have you ever wondered what is the difference between a General Dentist and an Endodontist (Root Canal Specialist)? Check out this link below:

There are many reasons to see an endodontist, the specialist in root canal treatment, to save your teeth. Read more here.

11/14/2023

11/10/2022

Does the thought of a root canal make you fearful or uneasy? There are many common misconceptions that root canals cause pain/ or illness and should be avoided at all costs. The exact opposite is true! Read on to learn more

Is root canal treatment painful? Read on to debunk common myths about root canals, including whether a root canal causes or gets rid of pain. See 3 myths.

11/10/2022

Featured Stories See More More Resources Visit the AAE’s COVID-19 Resource Center As practices continue to reopen throughout the country, we’ve got the very latest guidance and resources to keep patients safe. Get the latest on the AAE’s response to this pandemic, and review resources and tool...