Services - Welch Dental Care

Comprehensive Dental Care

At your comprehensive dental visit, Dr. Welch and our skilled hygienists, will perform a thorough exam, oral cancer screening, digital x-rays and photos, periodontal evaluation and a dental cleaning. Also, known a Dental Prophylaxis. This visit takes approximately an hour and a half. We ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to fill out our registration forms. We do have electronic forms available for your convenience on our home page.

Cosmetic Dentistry

A beautiful smile can enhance a person’s self-confidence and appearance. Dr. Welch performs many cosmetic services to help you achieve your dental goals. Some of the cosmetic services Dr. Welch performs are:

Porcelain Veneers, Crowns and Bridges, Options for missing teeth including bridges and partials, restorations for Implants, composite restorations (commonly known as white fillings) and teeth whitening.

Crowns and Bridges

Crowns: If a tooth is threatened by a large cavity or fracture a crown is typically used to improve the strength of the tooth. There are several types of crowns mostly made of porcelain or gold. Crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of teeth. The procedure consists of making the tooth comfortable with an anesthetic. Once the tooth is numb a mold of the tooth will be taken and approximately 1-2 mm of enamel will be removed from the surfaces of the tooth to make room for the permanent crown. A temporary crown will be made and worn by the patient for approximately two weeks until the crown is finished. A final impression of the tooth will be sent to the lab for crown fabrication. At the insert appointment the crown is bonded to the tooth with a dental cement.

Bridge: A bridge is commonly used to replace a missing tooth or several teeth by placing crowns joined by an artificial tooth to fill the space of the missing teeth. Just like crowns bridges can be made of porcelain or gold. A bridge is a fixed restoration that is bonded with dental cement.

Custom Mouth Guards

A mouth guard is used to prevent and reduce injury to teeth, lips and gums. It is also used to prevent injury in contact sports including concussions. The fabrication of a mouth guard requires a simple dental impression. The mouth guard is usually available within 1-2 days.

Dentures and Removable Partials

Another way to replace missing teeth is the use of dentures or removable partial dentures (RPD). Conventional dentures and partials are removable appliances. A partial denture relies on existing teeth to clasp on to for retention. Dr. Welch can help you decide which option is best for you.

Emergency Care

Occasionally unforeseen trauma does happen, Dr. Welch is available to help you with emergency situations that include; cracked or broken teeth, avulsed tooth (tooth knocked out), lost crown or filling, dislodged/loose teeth and other emergency situations that may arise.

Extractions

An extraction may be required if a tooth has extensive decay, is abscessed, or fractured beyond repair. Dr. Welch will keep you as comfortable as possible during this procedure. Occasionally, patients are referred to an oral surgeon for more complex treatment needs.

Fillings

A dental filling is a dental restoration used to replace missing tooth structure from decay or external trauma. Typical dental materials used are composite resin (white fillings) or amalgam alloy (silver fillings). Dr. Welch can discuss with you which is best for your specific treatment needs.

Root Canal Therapy (Endodontic Treatment)

A root canal may be recommended if the nerve of the tooth is damaged by trauma, decay or infection. Occasionally, a root canal may need to be performed by a specialist. Dr. Welch will discuss the best treatment options with you.

Sealants

Sealants are a non-invasive preventative dental treatment where a resin material flows into the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of the molar teeth. Molar teeth are susceptible to decay because of the pits and fissures in the tooth anatomy. These grooves collect food and bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Once the grooves are sealed the pits and fissures can no longer collect cavity causing bacteria.

Whitening

Sealants are a non-invasive preventative dental treatment where a resin material flows into the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of the molar teeth. Molar teeth are susceptible to decay because of the pits and fissures in the tooth anatomy. These grooves collect food and bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Once the grooves are sealed the pits and fissures can no longer collect cavity causing bacteria.