AMG Family Dental is a small, top-rated practice committed to superior dentistry and long-term, patient relationships. We take pride in making every visit pleasant, comfortable and informative. After listening carefully to client concerns, we provide complete diagnosis, skillful care and lasting results. Our focus always includes comfort, health, education, aesthetics and prevention.

AMG Family Dental is located at 71 Concord Avenue in Belmont, Massachusetts. Our office is easily accessible via public transportation and ample

Free parking is available.

When the exterior surface of a tooth becomes cracked, broken or compromised, a crown can be used to replace the surface. The crown can be made from various combinations of metal, porcelain or ceramic materials. First, the surface of a tooth is partially ground to provide an optimum mounting surface. Then, impressions are taken in a closed-mouth position. And finally, a crown is formed from those impressions and cemented to the tooth's ground surface. For natural appearance, the surface of the crown also can be color-matched to the surrounding teeth, When done properly, this solution can last for many years and is essentially unnoticed by the patient or others.

In some cases, a bridge or implant provides the best solution. A bridge is a prosthetic device with one or more artificial teeth in its center, and crowns at both ends used to cement the device onto abutment teeth. An implant is a root-shaped, titanium fixture that replaces the root of the tooth, providing a base for an abutment and crown. After placement into the bone, the implant heals through a process called osseointegration, which creates a very secure, long-last bond.

Both implants and bridges have their advantages and disadvantages, and either can be the best solution depending on patient circumstances. While the choice always should be made by the patient and dentist jointly, the following provides some general guidelines.

1. Advantage: Fixed option to replace missing tooth

2. Advantage: Restores function, aesthetics and phonetics

3. Disadvantage: Hygiene is more difficult and often compromised (requires more time and special floss)

4. Disadvantage: Teeth adjacent to missing tooth must be ground for crown mounting surface.

5. Disadvantage: Problems with adjacent teeth could compromise entire bridge

6. Advantage: Bridge can be made in relatively short time

7. Advantage: No surgeries are required

8. Disadvantage: The bone in pontic area will resorb or weaken over time

9. Disadvantage: Abutment, supporting teeth may decay

1. Advantage: Fixed option to replace missing teeth.

2. Advantage: Restores function, aesthetics and phonetics

3. Advantage: Hygiene is easy (similar to normal cleaning)

4. Advantage: Adjacent teeth are not touched or effected

5. Advantage: Problems with adjacent teeth do not effect crown

6. Disadvantage: Implants require a longer, 6 to 12 month process

7. Disadvantage: May require multiple surgeries if there is bone loss

8. Advantage: Implant will support bone mass in area

9. Advantage: Implant is made from titanium and cannot decay

Gingivitis is a common disease caused by bacteria in the plague, where the gums become inflamed, red and swollen, and easily bleed. The process is reversible if treated on time. This required good dental hygiene; brushing, flossing and regular dental visits.

When left untreated, gingivitis contributes to periodontal disease. Bacterial toxins
in the plague progress downward and weaken bone structure. As the disease progresses, teeth become loose and at some point permanent loss becomes inevitable. Common risk factors include smoking, systemic diseases, medications, genetic susceptibility and poor hygiene.

Through a team approach that includes the patient, hygienist, periodontist and general dentist, the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease can be stopped. Scaling and root planning (deep cleaning) removes bacteria that promote the disease. Laser treatment is available. Medications may be used with treatment that include scaling and root planning (with both topical and oral antibiotics).

If scaling and root planning are not effective, flap surgery is performed. In this process, gums are cut open to remove tartar deposits and bacteria in deeper pockets. Also, bone and tissue graphs can be used in conjunction with surgery as a regenerative procedure to promote bone growth.

Periodontal maintenance is very important. According to studies done at Columbia University's College of Dental Medicine, non-treated periodontal disease can lead to atherosclerosis and heart disease, stroke, premature birth, respiratory diseases, and diabetes can be for difficult to control. 

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