Restorative dentistry
A tooth that broke, a filling that failed, a plan on paper before anything else.
Nobody wants a crown. People want the chipped tooth fixed, the ache gone, and to know what it will cost before they agree to anything.
That is how restorative work runs here: an exam, a plain explanation of the options, a written estimate, and then the work, by Dr. Marsh or Dr. Pelletier. Results depend on the exam, and we will tell you what to expect for your tooth, not a brochure's.
- Fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions and dentures by two general dentists
- A written estimate with options, including what can wait
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for anxious patients
- Implant crowns made here; implant placement referred to an oral surgeon and said so
- Same-week visits when a tooth hurts
Or call (207) 555-0164 Monday to Thursday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Friday 7:00 am to 1:00 pm
Why people call
Three reasons most restorative visits start.
Something broke
A chipped tooth at dinner, a corner off a molar, an old filling that fell out. Call; emergency time is held every day.
Something hurts
A tooth that aches with cold, with sweets, or on its own at night. The exam and an X-ray usually tell us which of three or four things it is.
Something was found
Your hygienist saw a cavity or a cracked filling at a cleaning and you got a written estimate. This page explains the words on it.
The work, explained once
Each thing we do, in a line.
The clinical word, then what it means. The estimate uses the same words.
| Treatment | What it is | Usually |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth-colored filling | A cavity or small break is cleaned out and filled with a resin matched to the tooth. | One visit |
| Crown | A cap over a tooth that has lost too much to be filled, or has had a root canal. Made to match your bite and colour. | Two visits, a few weeks apart |
| Bridge | A false tooth held by crowns on the teeth either side of a gap. | Two visits |
| Root canal | The infected nerve inside a tooth is removed and the space sealed, so the tooth can be kept rather than pulled. Usually followed by a crown. | One or two visits |
| Extraction | A tooth removed when it cannot be saved. Wisdom teeth and difficult cases are referred to an oral surgeon. | One visit |
| Dentures | A removable set of teeth, full or partial, fitted over several visits and adjusted until it is right. | Several visits |
| Implant crown | A crown fixed to an implant (a titanium post placed in the jaw by an oral surgeon). We plan and restore; the surgeon places. | After healing, two visits |
Results depend on the exam. The dentist tells you what to expect for your tooth, including how long a repair is likely to last.
How the estimate works
From "we found something" to "here is what it costs" in one visit.
The finding, shown to you
The dentist shows you the tooth on the screen and explains what is wrong in plain words.
The options, usually two
The recommended treatment and the reasonable alternative, which can include watching it for now. We say which we would choose and why.
The written estimate
Our fee, what your plan is expected to cover, what you pay, and what can wait. Printed before you leave. Nothing is booked unless you ask.
The work, when you are ready
Book from home or at the desk. Larger plans can be split over visits and over the year.
What to expect in the room
Numb first, explained as we go, and a way to raise your hand.
Every restorative visit starts with local anaesthetic (numbing) and does not continue until it has worked. Anxious patients, adults and children, can have nitrous oxide, a mild gas breathed through a small mask that wears off within minutes of stopping.
You agree a hand signal with the dentist before anything starts. Raise it and we stop.
Most fillings take under an hour. Crowns take two visits a few weeks apart, with a temporary in between. Root canals are usually one visit, sometimes two. We tell you what to expect afterwards and what would be a reason to call.
A tooth broke, or something hurts right now? Call. Emergency time is held every day and we will tell you what to do before you get here.
(207) 555-0164Monday to Thursday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Friday 7:00 am to 1:00 pm
Before you book
Questions people ask about fillings, crowns and root canals.
Anything else, call (207) 555-0164.
Will I know the cost before you do anything?
Yes. Every restorative treatment gets a written estimate at the exam, with our fee, expected plan coverage and what you pay. Dr. Marsh reviews every estimate before it goes out.
Does a root canal hurt?
The tooth is fully numbed first and most people describe the visit as similar to a long filling. The ache that brought you in usually eases quickly afterwards. Some tenderness for a few days is normal and we tell you what is not.
Do you place dental implants?
We plan the case and make the crown that goes on the implant. The implant itself is placed by an oral surgeon we refer you to. We say this plainly because some practices do not.
How long does a crown last?
It depends on the tooth, the bite and how it is cared for, which is why we do not quote a number on this page. The dentist will tell you what to expect for your tooth at the exam.
I am anxious. What are my options?
Nitrous oxide is available for adults and children, you can agree a stop signal, and we go at your pace. Sedation beyond nitrous oxide is referred out; we tell you if that is the better route.
Next step
Get the tooth looked at and the cost on paper. Then decide.
Call for same-week time, or send the form and Naomi replies within one business day.
or call (207) 555-0164
Monday to Thursday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Friday 7:00 am to 1:00 pm