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Preventive Hygiene

Going to the dental office for regular checkups is one of the most effective ways to keep your teeth, gums and bone supporting tissue healthy. This is done by a close examination, x-rays if needed, and regular removal of plaque, tartar, and stain.

Fillings and Cosmetic work

Fillings are required when decay is present, tooth structure is broken, or small parts of fillings are broken. A restoration can be done when the doctor believes it will be adequate to restore the tooth to its original structure. Amalgam or resin (tooth colored) fillings are determined by the doctor and patient.

Cosmetic/Esthetic work can be done in this office. If you are interested in changing the appearance of your smile and if our doctors believe this can be accomplished without orthodontics, treatment plan options will be presented to you. Since cosmetic or esthetic treatment is an elective procedure it is not generally covered by insurance. Bleaching teeth is also an option and is determined by your dental professional. It may be done by the patient in their home. Existing fillings and crowns will not change color when bleaching. In some cases the fillings would need to be replaced to match the new shade of the teeth.

Sealants

Sealants are an excellent way to reduce the incidence of cavities in a young persons mouth. A sealant is simply a very thin layer of material that is bonded to the biting surface of the back teeth creating a barrier that protects the teeth from getting cavities. No anesthetic is necessary for this procedure.

Grinding Teeth or TMJ (joint pain)

Bite adjustment and night guards, or splints are some of the options that may help with these conditions. The dentist would determine what course of treatment is best for you.

Veneers

These are thin porcelain or pressed ceramic facings that are bonded over the front tooth surface. Very little tooth reduction is needed in order to have a veneer made. Veneers can be used to restore aging teeth that are worn down or chipped, to close spaces, and change the color of teeth.

Crowns (Cap)

Capping requires minor reduction of the tooth on all sides and provides an esthetic full coverage protection for the tooth. These are recommended when a tooth has a very large restoration and the chance of breaking more tooth structure is possible. They are also indicated when a person has a crack in their tooth, or has had a root canal done. Crowns are either made of porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. In some cases gold crowns are recommended for back teeth.

Bridges

Bridges are fixed restorations designed to replace missing teeth. It involves reducing the size of the teeth on each side of the empty space and using these teeth to support the pontic between them. Metal is used to cover the span and porcelain covers the metal and is shaded to match existing teeth.

Implants for Crowns, Bridges or Dentures

This type of surgery is often performed in the oral surgeons office or a general dental office. This office has qualified personal and the appropriate equipment to perform implant surgery. This type of tooth replacement involves the placing of a titanium metal root within the bone. This artificial root is allowed to integrate into the bone for a number of months before a crown or bridge or attachments for a denture are placed. During the healing phase, a temporary crown or bridge or denture restores your smile. The success rate for implants is over 95%.

Periodontal Therapy

The major reason for tooth loss in the adult population today is due to periodontal disease (not tooth decay). To prevent or stabilize this disease, a patient will require a full-mouth series of x-rays and a comprehensive examination. This may be followed by deep scaling or more specialized therapy.

Root Canal Therapy

When an abscess has occurred or the nerve inside a tooth is dying a root canal is a way of keeping a tooth and should be determined by your dentist. The amount of tooth structure left, and surrounding bone are a few considerations in determining whether a root canal is the right decision. The nerve is removed from the root or roots of the tooth which is then filled and sealed with dental materials. This can often be done in one visit. A permanent filling would be placed on a second visit after a period of healing.

Partials

Partials are an effective way to replace missing teeth. They are removable appliances and are either made with a plastic or cast metal base. They have metal clasps that attach to existing teeth, and the artificial teeth attached are made to appear the same size and color of your natural teeth.

Dentures

Dentures can be made to duplicate existing dentures or when it is necessary to remove all existing teeth. It takes several visits from start to finish and then adjustment appointments. Implants under dentures are also available in certain cases and would need to be discussed with your dentist.

Extractions

Extractions are done in this office on a case to case basis. After viewing an x-ray the dentist decides if it can be done here or if it would be better to have this done at an Oral Surgeons office.

Monadnock Dental Associates PLLC, 123 Main Street Jaffrey, New Hampshire 03452. (603) 532-8720