Sensitive teeth often come from the fact that your gums have slightly receded. This recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through which allows water and liquid easier access to the sensitive nerve. To manage this, there are a number of toothpastes, gels and even some dental procedures that can be applied. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.

Great teeth and gum care start at home. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis is the best way to take care of your teeth and gums.   By keeping to a daily routing you will greatly minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as you age.

Gingivitis is a condition caused when bacteria surrounds the teeth and causes inflammation of the gums.  The gums become irritated, inflamed and often bleed.  In order to prevent the condition from worsening, regular hygiene visits are highly recommended.  During your visit, our Hygiene team will teach you the proper flossing techniques and Oral Hygiene protocol for Home Care that will prevent the gingivitis from progressing to periodontal disease.

Periodontal Disease is a quiet disease that begins with little or no symptoms.  It is caused by bacteria that surrounds the teeth next to the gums.  The immediate condition is known as ‘gingivitis’.  The gums become irritated, inflamed and often bleed.  If not properly treated, the condition worsens.  Noticeable symptoms now appear.  They include:

• Bad Breath
• Gum Recession
• Gum Sensitivity to Acidic Foods
• Abscesses
• Tooth Mobility
• Tooth Pain

• Tooth Loss

Periodontal Disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention.  Through a series of Periodontal Cleanings, Root Planing & Scaling, Laser Therapy and Local Antibiotics, this condition can be controlled.  Periodontal Surgery is only necessary for severe cases.

Metal fillings contain mercury and other materials that create an alloy called Amalgam. A major disadvantage is that Amalgam expands and contracts with hot and cold food--which leads to fractures of the tooth structure that surrounds the Amalgam. And then there's the way it looks--another major disadvantage.

White Fillings, also known as composites, are made of resin and glass polymers. These cosmetic fillings allow us to fill a cavity with a substance that will look and feel just like your existing tooth structure.  Rather than a gray or silver material in your mouth, the composite color will match the natural tooth color. 

There are several methods that we use at Pioneer Valley Dental to enhance your smile.  Certain procedures include:  

• Tooth Whitening
• Bonding
• Porcelain Veneers
• Porcelain Crowns
• Orthodontics (braces)
• Dental Implants (for missing teeth)

We have the capability to improve your smile using all or some of these procedures. For an exact consultation, please contact our office so that we may provide you with a customized treatment plan.

Tooth Whitening is a cost effective and safe procedure to create a beautiful, healthy smile.  Over the years, flouride has been added to the whitening product.  This reduces the risk of tooth and gum sensitivity.  
Tooth Whitening must be monitored by your dentist and only done after a comprehensive exam and hygiene cleaning.

The whitening process can last for a number of years if maintained properly.  Beverages such as coffee, tea, cola and wine will reduce the lasting effect.  Remember, if it could stain a white shirt, it will stain your smile!

Bonding is a cost effective procedure used to fill gaps in front teeth and to change a tooth’s color.  The immediate results are amazing.  After consulting with you followed by a short procedure, you will have a great smile!  Bonding, like Tooth Whitening, may change color over time due to coffee, tea, cola and wine.

Porcelain Veneers are thin coverings made of porcelain that bond directly to your natural teeth. . This entire procedure can take as few as two visits.   Veneers change the size, shape and color of a patient’s teeth.  This procedure is used to repair fractured teeth, teeth darkened by age or medication, or a crooked smile.  Many times, patients ask for Porcelain Veneers to simply feel and look younger with a straighter, whiter smile!

Dental crowns are porcelain "caps" that go over the entire tooth to strengthen a weakened tooth, or to cosmetically change it. 

Crowns are a permanent and will change the size, shape and color of the teeth in as few as 2 visits.  

A Dental Implant is a “man-made” replacement for a missing tooth or tooth root.  Made from titanium, this screw-like post is inserted under the gum tissue and directly into the upper or lower jaw bone.  There is usually minimal discomfort involved with this procedure.  After a period of a few months, the Dental Implant and the bone fuse together.  This creates an anchor for the new tooth to be placed onto the dental implant.  

• Dental Implants look and function like your natural tooth.
• Dental Implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth.
• Dental Implants are maintained by routine hygiene visits to your dental office.
• Dental Implants decrease the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease,  tooth movement, and further tooth loss.
• Dental Implants replace the need for a Removable Full or Partial Denture.
• Dental Implants focus only on the tooth or teeth that are missing.  A traditional bridge would involve the two or more adjacent teeth being compromised to create a false tooth in between.
• Dental implants can last indefinitely.

With major advancements in Dentistry and Dental Implants, most people are candidates for Dental Implants.  There may be exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease, and severe osteoporosis.  
What does the Dental Implant Procedure Involve?

The average Dental Implant Procedure takes 3 - 4 visits.  At the first visit, we take a 3D X-ray , using our CT Scanner, of the jawbone to plan the implant placement.  
The next visit is to place the Implant. A local anesthetic is applied to the area. The implant is placed into the jaw bone, usually without an incision.  The procedure is usually completed with only minor discomfort--or non at all!!!

You will next return in approximately 3 months to begin creating the Porcelain Crown to place over the Implant.

With routine dental checkups and cleanings, and proper home care, a Dental Implant can last indefinitely.

Yes we do!

Please contact us to discuss the options we have available to make your perfect smile today!