Samantha J. Billings was born April 30, 1976 and is a Bucksport, Maine native. After graduating Bucksport High School she was accepted into the Dental Hygiene Program at the University of Maine, Orono. Samantha graduated hygiene school Cum Laude with an Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene in May of 1997. She immediately began working as a full-time hygienist for a practice in Bar Harbor, ME. After relocating in 2001, due to her husbands work, she took full-time employment as a dental hygienist in Lincoln, then in Greenville, ME.

In 2001 she began her prerequisite schooling for dental school at the University of Maine, Orono, by being accepted into the Microbiology program. During her time at the University she continued working part-time and summers as a dental hygienist. In 2003 Samantha was offered a chance to attend Dalhousie University in their Dental Program. Only two spots were reserved for Maine residents and due to exceptional studies and her background in hygiene, she was allowed to attend the Dental Program without completing and graduating the Microbiology program at the University of Maine.

Samantha accepted Dalhousie University's offer and began Dental classes in September of 2004. With her husband still working and living back home in Maine, she completed two and-a-half years of school before her husband, Mike, relocated with Samantha in Halifax. During her remaining time at Dalhousie, Samantha gave birth to two beautiful daughters, graduated Dalhousie as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.), and accepted a full-time dentist job in her home town of Bucksport, Maine.

Currently Samantha, Mike, and their two daughters live in Holden, Maine where the girls attend elementary school. Samantha is affiliated with the American Dental Association and the Maine Dental Association. She donates her free time to the elementary school, volunteering in her daughters classrooms and participating in the Parent Volunteer Association.

Here at Lasting Impressions Family & Laser Dentistry, our great dental team is one of the most important parts of our practice that results in a great patient experience. Here, dental worries are alleviated, and dental problems are solved. When you come in, you'll immediately be put at ease by their caring and thoughtful demeanor, and your visit with our dentist will become something you look forward to.

Brooke grew up in Millinocket, Maine. She has spent her life enjoying the great northern outdoors with her family and friends. Brooke graduated Stearns High School in 2011 upon which she began her training as a certified dental assistant at the University of Maine, Bangor campus. In May of 2015 Brooke graduated with an Associates Degree Certified Dental Assisting and received her State of Maine license in radiology. Brooke has always had an interest in the dental field and is excited to be part of the Lasting Impressions Family & Laser Dentistry team.

Have Dental Questions? We Have the Answers! Want to know more about your dentist in Hermon and Bangor, ME? Check out the most frequently asked questions of Dr. Samantha Billings and the team at Lasting Impressions Family & Laser Dentistry!

Born in Maine, Dr. Billings began her dental career as a hygienist. During her time working for dentists, she discovered that she had a true passion for treating patients. In 2001, she entered the Microbiology program at the University of Maine. Thanks to her stellar studies and background, she was one of two Maine dental students given the opportunity to relocate and attend the prestigious Dental Program at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She graduated with a D.D.S. from Dalhousie and moved back to her hometown state where she began practicing.

Dr. Billings is affiliated with the American Dental Association and the Maine Dental Association. She has a husband and two daughters, who are often featured in pictures on the Lasting Impressions Family & Laser Dentistry Facebook page!

Lasting Impressions Family & Laser Dentistry has always been patient centered. We offer beverages and heated massage chairs, for instance. These are not standard dental office inclusions; however, we feel it is important for all of our patients to be relaxed!

In general, it is important for you to visit the dentist in Hermon, ME at least two times every 12 month period. This enables our team members to evaluate you, and to prevent problems. If an issue does occur, we can intervene before it becomes bigger. Patients with gum disease may need more frequent visits, however, as the tissues require additional maintenance to remain healthy.

Approximately 75 percent of American adults have some form of gum disease that can be linked to serious health problems. For patients with signs of gum disease, such as loose teeth, it is imperative to seek treatment as soon as possible.

The three stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. The beginning stage, gingivitis, begins with a bacterial buildup at the gum line that causes inflammation. The gum tissue will appear red and swollen and will bleed easily. At this stage, gum disease can easily be reversed with thorough home care and regular, professional dental cleanings.

If gingivitis is not attended to properly it will advance to periodontitis. At this stage, the supporting tissue and bone are showing signs of damage. Pockets that harbor bacteria form between the teeth and gum allowing gum disease to advance quickly. You may notice gum recession or gaps between your teeth. Immediate professional treatment is imperative at this point.

Periodontitis will quickly progress to advanced periodontitis without professional treatment. In this final stage of gum disease, supporting bone and tissue has been destroyed and you may notice shifting or loose teeth. The earlier gum disease is diagnosed and treated, the more likely you will be able to save your natural teeth.

Gum disease not only wreaks havoc on your oral health, it also increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, uncontrollable diabetes, and premature birth. Gum disease bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to other organs. Maintaining your oral health is very important to your overall well-being.

The inflammation caused by gum disease has been linked to the inflammation of heart disease and increased risk of stroke. For diabetics who already have a difficult time fighting off infection, gum disease has also been linked to difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels.