For many, dry mouth is just annoying, and not a serious problem. But for some it can lead to other serious conditions. Saliva keeps the tissues in our mouths well lubricated, keeps out teeth clean, and helps digest food.Inadequate saliva can be uncomfortable, lead to problems eating and speaking, and contribute to tooth decay.
While aging itself is responsible for some dry mouth,most cases are due to the side effects of medications. There are literally hundreds of medications that list dry mouth as a side effect. Dr. James Sparaga can help determine the particular causes of your dry mouth, and help rule out rarer but more serious conditions.
If a medication is the cause, your physician may be able to prescribe an alternate medication. Many common sense approaches will also help, including taking frequent sips of water and stimulating saliva with sugar free gum or candy. Reducing your intake of caffeine, carbonated beverages and alcohol may also help.
Consult Dr. James Sparagato rule out some serious conditions that reduce the flow of saliva. Once he has ruled out other causes, Dr. James Sparaga will recommend some simple remedies. There are also some oral rinses and artificial saliva products available. He will recommend that you be especially vigilant about oral hygiene, since inadequate saliva can increase your chance of tooth decay.
Kathleenis our Office Manager. She attended the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC and received a Certificiate of Oral Hygiene from the University of Pittsburgh. She entered the dental field in 1974 and has been with Machias Dental since 1979.
Janetis our Patient Care Coordinator. She graduated from the University of Maine with an Associate of Science Dental Hygiene degree. She entered the dental field in 1993 and has been with Machias Dental since 1999.
Kathrynis our Dental Hygienist. She received her Bachelor of Arts Biology degree from St. Josephs College in Standish, Maine and her Associate of Science Dental Hygiene degree from the New Hampshire Technical Institute. She entered the dental field in 1997 and joined Machias Dental in 2010.
Im going to be very happy with the dental treatments at Machias Dental. As a new patient today I had a full exam by Kathryn and a cleaning. She was gentle and very communicative regarding my dental health. I left feeling very comfortable that I was in good hands with her. Everyone I met at the office was friendly, competent and professional. I could not ask for a better experience.
I had a comprehensive exam performed by Janet and found her to be competent, professional and friendly! She explained each procedure to me and I was pleased at her thoroughness! I have been to Machias Dental twice before for cleanings and have always found the personnel at this modern dental office to be caring, professional and genuinely friendly. I would recommend Machias Dental to anyone searching for the very best dental care in the area. Cheryl T.
Janet is the best! I had a great visit, Janet definitely knows what shes doing and having difficult teeth you can tell who has the experience because its a less painful experience, especially with xrays. I really appreciate her attention to detail. Charlene N.
It was time for my cleaning and exam today. As always, I was greeted by the very friendly receptionist then given excellent care by the hygienist. With some upcoming changes in my insurance, the staff took their time explaining how those changes would affect my future care. I am thankful this team works so well together to provide excellent patient care.
My favorite..A Waiting room without waiting. Check in was done quick and efficiently and I was in the chair being attended by Kathryn, my hygienist, in no time at all. She appears very dedicated in what she does. Her good explanation of the process and recommendations to prevent possible future problems was greatly appreciated. Although I was there for only a Cleaning and Oral Cancer screening, everything was completed quickly, efficiently and without discomfort. I give this Establishment a Big YES
Yes, I used the word enjoyable in reference to my recent dental visit. The staff, as always, were friendly, professional, and helpful. Kathyrn helped make the visit a success. I really like the lemon scented spa cloths given at the end of the visit. I gave the gift card to a friend of mine who needs a new dentist.
Kathryn is absolutely the best dental tech I have ever had. I have been treated in excellent practices in North Carolina, New York City, and Boston and no other hygienist can match her professionalism. Your state of the art equipment is very impressive too. Thank you. Virginia S.
Katherine always is amazing. She has positive relaxing energy that helps you with the dentist nervousness. She is knowledgeable and an awesome member of your team. We also LOVE Janet and Heather! Give them all a raise or a Christmas bonus!! PS I love the referral bonus too.
Thank you to all the staff at Machias Dental. The staff were punctual, so pleasant and could not have been more helpful. My hygienist (Cathy) was the best I have ever ever had she was so professional, well informed, and explained everything. She was gentle and very careful, thank you. Clearly a dental practice that prides itself on leading edge technology and patient first. Thank you.
I enjoy this dentist office. Clean, comfortable atmosphere. Dr. Sparaga is easy to talk to, he makes jokes and thats fun. My hygienist was also very nice and easy to talk to. Id recommend this dentist office.
I trust the dental team, they are professional, skilled and compassionate . Katryn, my hygienist is excellent, she is passionate about her profession and relates so well to her patients, she makes you feel special everytime . The entire staff is very welcoming . Thank you Dr. Sparaga and Kathy for offering high quality services in Machias! Louise F.
After having the same dentist for 30 years I have been pretty apprehensive about finding a new one. My hygienist Janet was wonderful and I felt the dentist was very good. He really made me feel welcome. Jennifer Q.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 102 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestKatlyn Risbridger
2 years ago
Amazing friendly staff. Top notch service. Machias Dental sets a very high standard that all dental facilities should look to be.
boo beallombard
2 years ago
I have a dental phobia, due to traumatic dental experiences in my younger days.With the aid of sedation therapy I can now maintain my dental care needs. Dr. Sparaga and his team go the extra mile for their patients. Thank you You are all super!
Brooke Mercier
2 years ago
I have never had a more overall positive dental experience for my family. Janet was WONDERFUL. She was so helpful with my littlest who often struggles with doctor appointments. Thanks to Janet's kindness and encouragement, he walked through his xrays and cleaning without a hitch. He also saw Dr. Sparaga, who was so gentle with him. I appreciate the way you all conduct appointments to make them comfortable and informative.
Gene Covey
2 years ago
This is a first class operation. The staff is of the highest quality. They must be really valued by their boss. Any dental office that can retain quality employees in this pandemic is impressive.
hendee bradin
2 years ago
Machias Dental is an immaculate modern facility with state of the art equipment located on the river in Machias. There you will see beautiful views of the wetlands.. Dr. Sparaga and staff are top notch Dental care professionals and dental surgery experts who care about their patients. Highly recommended .
Richard Nowak
2 years ago
the lack of communication by this organization is unbelievable. Do not waste your time sending emails or filling out their webforms --- they will not reply get everything in writing. I was "told" that, prior to the dentist extracting one of my molars, the Machias Dental staff would contact the VA and obtain approval for an implant. After the extraction, the staff now refuses to contact the VA --- and even if I obtain the approval for the implant, Machias Dental will not do the implant because the VA payment is insufficient money. I now have no molar and will never have an implant from Machias Dental. Please consider going to another dental service.
janet driensky
2 years ago
Painless dentistry in a beautiful setting! Thank you for repairing my tooth!
Frederick Gralenski
2 years ago
They took us in at our appointed time, and all employees met were cheerful and capable. A possible problem was noted and a recommendation was given for me to consult my medical physician.
janet driensky
3 years ago
Painless dentistry in a beautiful setting! Thank you for repairing my tooth!
Anne Favolise
3 years ago
Professional, caring, and knowledgeable service. I've tried other dentists, but Machias Dental has been the best for me.
Richard Nowak
3 years ago
the lack of communication by this organization is unbelievable. Do not waste your time sending emails or filling out their webforms --- they will not reply get everything in writing. I was "told" that, prior to the dentist extracting one of my molars, the Machias Dental staff would contact the VA and obtain approval for an implant. After the extraction, the staff now refuses to contact the VA --- and even if I obtain the approval for the implant, Machias Dental will not do the implant because the VA payment is insufficient money. I now have no molar and will never have an implant from Machias Dental. Please consider going to another dental service.
Jeannette Polhamus
3 years ago
Okay I confess, I hate going to the dentist. Fear, anxiety, bad experience, you know the history, many of us have it. BUT, Machias Dental is different. The staff, Dr. S, are wonderful. No anxiety. Best dentist office I have ever been too, at the young age of 64.
Martha Metzler
3 years ago
You all are handling the Covid 19 situation beautifully. Thank you for the peace of mind.
Frederick Gralenski
3 years ago
They took us in at our appointed time, and all employees met were cheerful and capable. A possible problem was noted and a recommendation was given for me to consult my medical physician.
Dan Halter
3 years ago
best dental care I have ever received...clean and relaxing decor, personable, pleasant caregivers and staff.
Melanie Mace
3 years ago
The service, facilities, and atmosphere at this practice are truly exceptional. We have found this to be the case from scheduling and reception to treatment and billing. We are very happy to have found such a high caliber of care!
Nicole S Ball
3 years ago
For over 20 years I have had very good experiences at Machias Dental. I have always been comfortable with all my procedures. I do not dread going there as I know I will be well cared for and pain free. The staff are respectful and professional and meet all your needs. On one occasion I had an emergency when the office was scheduled to be closed; Dr. Sparaga didn't hesitate in opening his office to help me. I am ever thankful for that. I recommend Machias Dental to anyone who wants quality dentistry from professionals who apply the latest advancements in their field.
Elyse Rudner
3 years ago
The office folks were friendly, relaxed, knowledgeable and welcoming. The hygienist was excellent, checked in about my comfort and informed me of the work as she proceeded. The facility was clean and well cared for.
Martha Metzler
3 years ago
You all are handling the Covid 19 situation beautifully. Thank you for the peace of mind.
Anne Favolise
3 years ago
Professional, caring, and knowledgeable service. I've tried other dentists, but Machias Dental has been the best for me.
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