Fillings, Cosmetic Bondings, Crowns, Fixed Bridgework, Dentistry Massachusetts

Fillings / Composites	Partial & Complete Dentures
Cosmetic Bondings	Root Canals
Crowns ("Caps")	Whitening
Fixed Bridgework	Night Grinding Appliance
Veneers	Snap-on-smile
Dental Implants	Preventative services

Fillings / Composites

As soon as your dentist finds a small amount of decay, immediate placement of filling material is recommended to prevent further degradation of the teeth.

The dentist will gently numb the affected tooth, remove all decay, and place a conservative tooth-colored restoration. The majority of cavities start forming between the teeth, and flossing in conjunction with thorough brushing is still the best prevention.

Cosmetic Bondings

In today’s world, esthetics are extremely important. Cosmetics are our passion, and we strive to have patients feeling great about the shape and color of their teeth.

Using tooth-colored filling material on anterior teeth is an alternative and more conservative approach to crowns or veneers. They can be used to fill cavities, rebuild fractured teeth, close spaces between teeth, or idealize tooth shape or color with generally minimal tooth reduction.

Crowns ( “Caps” )

When teeth are badly broken down, have large cavities compromising their ability to hold a filling, or have had root canals performed, a crown is necessary to restore structural integrity.

Crowns cover a tooth fully and can also be used to change the shape or color of a tooth. During the first appointment, any decay is removed and the tooth is repaired and then shaped. An impression is taken to allow the laboratory to fabricate the custom crown from porcelain, gold, or a combination of both materials. A temporary crown is made and the patient returns in two weeks to have the final restoration permanently cemented.

Fixed Bridgework

If one or more teeth are missing, then a non-removable fixed bridge is one option to restore the areas and allow for easier chewing, improved speech, and better distribution of biting forces between natural teeth.

Bridges consist of crowns on either end of the missing space, with an artificial tooth (pontic) suspended between them. Bridges look and feel very natural and patients are shown how to floss under the false tooth to keep the area clean. Two visits are required for bridgework.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers are used as a beautiful facing for front teeth and are bonded in place to improve tooth shape, cover chipped areas, close spaces between teeth, or to mask imperfections in color.

The teeth are slightly shaped, an impression is taken, and in two weeks the permanent natural looking veneers are ready to be cemented.

Dental Implants

Implants are a revolutionary advance for single or multiple tooth replacement. Our dentists work closely together with an oral surgeon or periodontist to determine if the patient is a good candidate for an implant and establish where the implants should be placed. Implants are inserted directly into the bone, acting as an artificial root.

A waiting period of 3-6 months is required for fusion of the bone to the implant. The patient then returns to our office for an impression and fabrication of a custom crown.

The benefit of implants are that they do not require alterations to the neighboring teeth and they are not at risk of decay or fracture like natural teeth may be; especially teeth compromised by large fillings or root canals that can make them brittle. Implants can be made to support single crowns, allow bridges between implants, or even to help retain full or partial dentures.

Partial and Complete Dentures

Dentures are a great option for patients who are missing all of their teeth or multiple teeth in an arch. By closing spaces dentures fill out smiles, aid in chewing and speech, and prevent drifting of remaining teeth.

These prostheses are to be removed nightly and cleaned thoroughly. Partial dentures clasp onto natural teeth for support. Traditionally they were made from metal and acrylic (a strong gum-colored plastic), but today more are being made out of nylon, allowing them to be more durable, lightweight, and completely tissue-colored so that they do not stand out in the mouth. Patients needing extractions can be evaluated for immediate dentures that are created beforehand and worn the same day the teeth are taken out. Patients wanting or requiring extra retention should inquire about implant-retained dentures for additional support and longevity.

Root Canals

When a tooth suffers injury from trauma or a deep fracture, or if there is significant decay extending into or near the nerve, the nerve may become infected and eventually die.

An infected or abscessed tooth may react as a prolonged throbbing sensation to hold, cold, or biting pressure.

Root canals can be performed typically in just one visit, and modern techniques make patient discomfort virtually non-existent. The affected tooth is numbed just like it would be for a filling, the infected nerve tissue is removed from the inside of the tooth, and then the tooth is sealed with material to prevent a re-infection from bacteria. Since after a root canal the tooth no longer has its own blood and nerve supply, it becomes brittle and is often not strong enough to endure strong biting forces over a long period of time. A crown is nearly always recommended for teeth having had root canals.

Whitening

Tooth whitening is one of the most rewarding treatments that can be done in dentistry. It is safe, does not require much maintenance, and is also one of the least costly dental procedures comparatively speaking.

For patients who have dreamed of a whiter and brighter smile, it can be easily achieved in-office or with our home whitening kit. Impressions are first taken to allow custom molded whitening trays to be made. Kits include enough material for several weeks worth of applications, and extra material is always available for purchase for future applications. Yellow teeth and stained teeth respond best to whitening, whereas gray or translucent teeth may not respond as well. We have seen patients lighten up to ten shades in just two weeks.

Night Grinding Appliance

During the night, continuous clenching and grinding can lead to muscle tension and headaches, tooth trauma or mobility, or TMJ (jaw joint) problems.

Untreated grinding leads to erosion and loss of tooth structure, gum recession, and eventually bone loss. Our office offers two types of appliances. A soft appliance can be used to protect restorative work and prevent accidental chipping. For more severe cases, a harder and more durable appliance is warranted. Night guards are also found to be helpful in some cases in regard to snoring and/or sleep apnea.

Snap-On-Smile

Have you ever dreamed of having the perfect smile in just two weeks without needing any shots or drilling? This newly developed technique snaps in place over your upper and lower teeth, concealing missing, crooked, discolored, or broken teeth all while being strong enough to eat with.

These appliances allow you to quickly obtain your perfect smile for any occasion...for your wedding day, the start of a new job...or as a temporary measure until you can have your teeth permanently restored. If all cavities are addressed and proper care maintained, appliances may last 2-5 years.

Preventative Services

Preventative services include a thorough cleaning once every six months and bitewing cavity-checking x-rays and an extensive dental exam once every year. An x-rays series of the full mouth should be done every 3-5 years to monitor bone level, root structure, sinus cavities, and to check for any oral pathology.

The dentist will also review dietary recommendations that will help prevent decay, erosion, or periodontal disease. Patients under the age of 18 should receive routine fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth and decrease the risk of cavities. Treatments are also available to adults upon request. Prescription strength fluoride toothpastes can be dispensed to cavity prone patients.

For patients with periodontal disease, a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing is recommended. Follow-up cleanings every 3-4 months are usually recommended for these patients until good oral health can become stabilized.

In younger patients, sealants are placed to fill in the deep grooves on the biting surfaces of the back teeth. These restorations are usually placed on permanent 1st and 2nd molars and last a long time while helping prevent cavities from forming in these areas.

Dental Services