Salem NH Crowns & Bridges

Dental crowns are restorations that are designed to cover a decayed or damaged tooth. Dental crowns give structural strength to the tooth, improves functionality, and prolongs the tooth's life. Crown restoration are also placed over teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, and attached to dental implants. Crowns are fabricated from several types of materials such as tooth-colored resin, porcelain, ceramic, or even gold. A dental crown needs to fit perfectly for comfort and to prevent the buildup of bacteria under the crown. Dr. Seth Paparian can evaluate your case and offer dental crown treatment that is both aesthetic and functional.  

A dental bridge is a false tooth or teeth used to replace one or more missing teeth. The false tooth (called a pontic) is centered between two attached porcelain crowns, creating a fixed bridge.  The fixed bridge is permanently cemented to the two teeth on either side of the tooth gap.

There are several different types of dental bridges:

• Traditional - A traditional bridge is a false tooth centered between two attached porcelain crowns.
• Resin bonded - Also known as a "Maryland" bridge, a resin bonded bridge is comprised of false teeth that are fused together to metal bands and bonded to the back of the teeth on either side of the gap. This type of bridge is ideal for when the missing teeth are in the front of the mouth.
• Cantilever – A cantilever bridge attaches to only one tooth on either side of the tooth gap.
  

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Salem NH Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is used in many dental treatments, including the restoration of chipped, broken or decayed teeth, reshaping or whitening your smile, or filling in gaps between the teeth.  Bonding can also be used to attach bridges, and orthodontic appliances and fillings onto the teeth.

First the dentist scoops a soft composite resin filling onto the teeth.  The dentist sculpts and shapes the composite filling.  Next, a high intensity light is applied to the resin, to harden the material.  Finally, the dentist polishes the surface to obtain a natural looking appearance that blends with the tooth.

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Salem NH Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry focuses on restoring teeth and enhancing the aesthetic appearance, while also maintaining the health and function of the teeth.  By enhancing a person's smile, there is a positive emotional and psychological impact which can improve a patient’s self-image.

There are many new procedures and techniques used in cosmetic dentistry today. They include but are not limited to:

Dr. Seth Paparian can provide you with customized cosmetic treatment plan that will transform your smile. Make an appointment at Paparian Dental Associates for a consultation today!

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Salem NH Oral Surgery/Extractions

A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions can be performed for several reasons including severe tooth decay or infection, tooth damage due to breakage, severe gum disease, impacted wisdom teeth, and removal of teeth to make space for orthodontic treatment.

Extractions can be simple or surgical. Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are visible and easily accessable in the mouth. Simple extractions do not require an incision, and are performed under local anaesthetic. Surgical extractions involve the removal of teeth that are hard to reach because they have broken under the gum line or because they have not erupted fully. Surgical extractions require an incision, and may be performed using nitrous oxide.

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Salem NH Complete & Partial Dentures

Patients who have lost most of or all of their natural teeth from periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, may be a candidate for complete dentures.  A complete denture will allow your smile to appear and function in a normal manner. An immediate complete denture is custom made by the trained staff at Paparian Dental Associates during preliminary visits and immediately placed in the patient’s mouth after any remaining teeth are removed. This type of denture can be worn while tissues are healing, which can take up to several months. Usually, an immediate complete denture will require relining within six months, since the gums will shrink while healing.

If the patient has some healthy teeth left, removable partial dentures may be a viable option. A partial denture consists of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored bases, all connected by metal framework. Removable partial dentures attach to the natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called “precision attachments”, which are nearly invisible. Partial dentures are attached to neighboring crowns for support.

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Salem NH Root Canal Therapy

The root canal is a hollow space located in the center of the tooth.  It contains the nerve tissue (pulp) that gives the tooth the ability to feel hot and cold. There may be up to four root canals in the human tooth. When the root pulp becomes damaged from cavity decay or fractures, tooth ache usually results due to the increase in blood flow and cellular activity of the tooth. Bacteria can enter and multiply in the tooth, causing infection. If the tooth is not treated the pain can get worse, and infection will spread.

During root canal therapy, the dentist will create an opening in the crown of the tooth to reach the infected/decayed pulp.  The pulp is carefully removed, and the hollow canal is cleaned out. The dentist may re-shape the canal and insert medication to kill bacteria, if necessary. Once the dentist has determined that all infection has been cleared, the canal will be filled with gutta percha (a rubber-like material). The tooth then will be permanently sealed with porcelain or with a permanent crown. Root canal therapy may take between one to three sessions, depending upon the condition of the patient's tooth.

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Salem NH Occlusal Guards (Night/Day guards)

An occlusal guard (also known as a night or day guard) is a flexible appliance made of plastic that is placed in the mouth during athletic activities to protect the teeth from trauma and accidental tooth and jaw damage. It is also used to protect the teeth from excessive grinding during sleep.  Mouth guards that are custom made by a dentist offer the best protection, fit and comfort level since they are carefully made from a mold taken from the patient’s mouth, and custom fitted.

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Salem NH Teeth Whitening

Yellowed or discolored teeth can make anyone self conscious and reluctant to smile. Teeth whitening is a process that bleaches the enamel to lighten and remove tooth discoloration and stains from teeth. Tooth discoloration can be caused by many factors, including: beverages that stain (such as coffee, teas, and colas), tobacco, trauma, tetracycline (antibiotic) staining, excessive fluoride, and nerve degeneration.

Many dentists consider teeth whitening the safest cosmetic procedure available today. While under the supervision of your dentist, whitening teeth with carbamide peroxide and/or hydrogen peroxide is safe for both teeth and gums. These whiteners usually come in a gel form and are applied by the use of a custom-fitted mouth guard. This mouth piece will be made by the staff at Paparian Dental Associates, and it will fit your teeth precisely.

If you are a candidate for tooth whitening, you should consider chair side tooth whitening at Paparian Dental Associates. Sessions generally take between 45 minutes to one hour. The dental office can also provide you with a bleaching kit for home use.

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Salem NH General Dentistry

At Paparian Dental Associates, we offer the latest procedures in general dentistry.  As your primary dental care provider, Dr. Seth Paparian is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to the oral health needs for patients of all ages—for everyone in your entire family.  Dr. Seth Paparian is highly educated and trained on all dental procedures, and will develop the best course of treatment for your dental needs. Give us a call to schedule an appointment today!

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Salem NH Family Dentistry

At Paparian Dental Associates, we believe that good dental care starts early.  We treat patients of all ages.  From cosmetic dentistry to dental cleanings, we provide a full range of dental treatments that will maintain the health of your teeth, and bring out the best in your smile. 

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Salem NH Implant Restoration

If you are having a implant surgically placed, once your gums have healed, you will also need a permanent restoration to complete the replacement of your missing tooth or teeth. Fixed bridges, over dentures and single tooth restorations are all forms of dental implant restorations that we offer. At Paparian Dental Associates, we are dedicated to helping our patients feel confident and comfortable not only when they smile but also when they eat and drink and go about their daily lives.

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Salem NH Vizilite Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screening check ups should be a routine part of a patient's dental maintenance. Regular check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions.

Common symptoms of oral cancer or pre-cancerous cells include:

• Tiny, white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth.
• A sore that bleeds easily or refuses to heal.
• A color change of the oral tissues.
• A lump, thickening, rough spot, or crust.
• Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue.
• A change in the way the teeth fit together.

People who are at greater risk for oral cancer include users of tobacco in any form, people who consume heavy amounts of alcohol combined with smoking, people over the age of 40, and those who have prolonged exposure to the sun (lip cancer).  Patients who fall into this high risk category should have an annual ViziLite Plus exam in combination with a regular visual examination. ViziLite Plus uses technology that identifies soft tissue abnormalities.

The ViziLite Plus exam is painless and fast. First, the patient will be given a mouth rinse solution. The dentist will then dim the light and examine the patient’s mouth using a specially designed light wand. If any suspicious tissue is detected, a biopsy can be performed.

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Salem NH TMJ Treatment

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that allows us to chew.  This joint lets your jaw to open and close, and permits jaw movement forward, backward, and sideways. However, the TMJ only works properly if the lower jaw and its movements are synchronized.

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) is a condition that can be caused by strenuous physical activities, stressful situations, overuse of the muscles, and grinding of the teeth. TMD affects jaw muscles, the temporomandibular joint, and nerves where movements become out of synch. 

These habits wear out the jaw muscles and lead to headache or neck pain. TMD can also result in sensitive teeth, injured soft tissues, muscle soreness, jaw discomfort, and headaches.  Other symptoms may include difficulty opening and closing your mouth, and locking of the jaw when talking, yawning or eating.

TMD is treatable. Dr. Seth Paparian can create a nighttime mouth guard to help stop the teeth grinding. More severe cases are treated with physical therapy, ice and hot packs, and posture training. TMD is usually cyclical and may return when you experience stress.  Dr. Seth Paparian can determine the proper TMJ therapy for you.

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Salem NH Periodontics - Gum Disease

Gum disease is the infection and inflammation of the gums.  Usually resulting from a buildup of bacterial plaque, it is the biggest cause of adult tooth loss.  If left untreated bacterial plaque will harden into tartar, which is a mineral buildup that is usually yellow or brown in color.  Tartar forms right above and underneath the gum line, Tartar also excretes certain toxins that cause gum inflammation, which can result in the development of periodontal pockets.  These pockets harbor even more toxins and bacteria which can lead to the loosening of the teeth.   And as the condition worsens, the accumulated toxins and bacteria move deeper into the jaw to destroy the bone that holds the tooth in place.

Signs of gum disease can include:

• Red, inflamed gums
• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Receding gums
• Loosening teeth
• Pus between the gum and tooth
• Bad breath
  

Periodontics is the focus in treatment of gum disease.  Gum disease is reversible if it is caught while in the early stages. The dental hygienist will scale the tooth to remove plaque and calculus, and plane the tooth roots to smooth them. The dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to clear up any infection or inflammation. Advanced cases may require the dentist to surgically trim the gums, remove the hardened plaque build-up, and re-contour the damaged bone.

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Salem NH Tooth Colored Fillings

Also known as White composite fillings, tooth colored fillings are usually an acrylic/glass blend. White composite fillings offer several advantages over silver fillings. White fillings blend in with the natural tooth enamel and bond to the tooth, giving it added strength. Unlike silver fillings, they do not contain mercury which is a toxic material. White composite fillings also reduce the sensitivity of the teeth to hot and cold so that you can enjoy your favorite foods and beverages pain free. 

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Salem NH Laser Dentistry

With the advances in technology, lasers are being used for many types of dental treatments. Each laser has a different design, emits a different wavelength and pulse, and is used for many different dental procedures. Lasers can be used in gum and bone surgery, for curing fillings and activating tooth whitening agents, and effectively and conservatively removing decayed tooth structure.

Laser dentistry offers many advantages over traditional dentistry, including:

• Increased precision
• Reduction in recovery time
• Minimally invasive - reduced discomfort and pain.
• Minimizes risk of infection - the laser light beam sterilizes the treatment area.
• Lasers can bond cavity fillings to the teeth more securely than traditional cavity filling techniques.
• Reduced need for local anesthesia.

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Salem NH Porcelain Veneers

A porcelain veneer is a thin ceramic shell that covers the natural tooth surface. Veneers are used to cover discoloration and imperfections, and change the size, color and shape of the teeth.  Porcelain veneers can also be used instead of crowns for the front teeth.  Porcelain veneers are resistant to staining – including stains from coffee, tea, and cigarettes, and last for years.

The dentist will first prepare the tooth by removing half a millimeter of the natural tooth, to allow for the thickness of the veneer. Next the dentist will take a mold of the teeth, and the veneers will be custom fabricated from the mold.  Finally, the veneers are permanently bonded to the natural tooth.

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Salem NH Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics is the dental specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of oral ailments. Missing, broken, chipped teeth and facial deformities are treated with the help of prosthodontic reconstructive surgery. A person trained in prosthodontics is called a prosthodontist. Prosthodontists are trained for procedures such as restoring natural teeth, crowns, veneers, cosmetic dentistry, bridges, as well as partial and complete dentures.

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Salem NH Lumineers

Lumineers are a type of porcelain veneer used in cosmetic dentistry to correct stained, chipped, discolored or misaligned teeth.  Lumineers are unique in that less of the natural tooth needs to be removed, since Lumineers are much thinner than traditional veneers.  With less tooth removal, the need for dental anesthetic is minimized.  Lumineers are made out of Cerinate porcelain, which is extremely durable.  This allows the veneers to be fabricated as thin as .2 to .3 millimeters.

Give us a call at Paparian Dental Associates to schedule a consult, to see if you are a candidate for lumineers.

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Salem NH Hard Tissue Laser

At Paparian Dental Associates, we offer endodontic treatments using hard tissue lasers. Hard tissue lasers can be used for:

• Cavity preparation – low-intensity dental lasers detect cavities and remove even the most minor decay from the teeth.
  
• Porcelain veneers – Lasers are used for etching and roughening up the tooth surface so that the veneer adheres more securely.
• Root canals- Dentists can use lasers to clear the decayed material and bacteria in a tooth cavity to prepare it for filling.
• Treating sensitive teeth – Lasers can be used to treat sensitive teeth.They promote fluoride absorption by the teeth.

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Salem NH Fillings without anesthesia

In most cases, hard tissue lasers eliminate the need for local anesthesia. Traditional drills emit an irritating whining sound and create vibrations that can cause discomfort, pain and possibly even create micro cracks and fissures in the tooth.  On the other hand, hard tissue lasers only emit a popcorn popping sound whenever the laser pulse encounters water, and are less invasive to the tooth structure.

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