ADULT DENTISTRY

Time and again, parents of our pediatric patients have asked us “Can we come here?” We listened and are excited to add Adult Dentistry to our multi-specialty office committed to helping children, teens, special needs, and adult patients on Boston’s South Shore achieve and maintain the healthy, confident smiles they deserve.

Acknowledgement of Receipt of Privacy Practices

Pediatric Patient Registration Form

Norwell Pediatric Dentistry Privacy Practices

Preventative Dentistry

Drs. Coleman and Costa are dedicated to preventing tooth and gum disease before they become problematic.  Regular cleanings and exams, as well as proper home care, are essential components of preventive dentistry.

If previously arranged nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) is available for those patients who are extremely anxious during cleaning appointments.

Recall Exams and Cleanings

During your regular exam, we will:

• Check for any problems that you may not see or feel
• Look for cavities or any other signs of tooth decay
• Evaluate your gums for recession, gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease
• Perform an oral cancer screening of the gums and soft tissues
• Remove any tartar and plaque that has built up on the tooth’s surface
• Prescribe digital radiographs are on an individual basis depending on the patient’s risk factors for tooth decay and/or periodontal disease.

Your regular exam will take between 45-60 minutes.  Visiting our office every six months gives you a chance to talk to the doctor about any questions you have related to your oral health.  It also gives us an opportunity to detect and address oral health issues that could develop into painful or medically serious conditions.

General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Tooth decay, trauma, and general “wear and tear” of the dentition can cause breakdown of the teeth; Drs. Coleman and Costa may recommend restorations to repair these issues.  Treatment may include but is not limited to white or silver fillings (photo);

Implants (photo);

Treatment recommendations will be discussed at your cleaning appointment or at a separate consult appointment if you wish.  If you have questions after receiving a treatment plan please call us!

Tooth whitening

Today’s dental advances allow teeth to be whitened from even intrinsic stains, which gives hope to many who thought teeth whitening was not an option for them. At our practice, Drs. Coleman and Costa offer both in-office and at-home whitening treatments that can help most people achieve remarkable results.

Zoom Whitening (In-Office Treatment)

Our in-office procedure uses an innovative product called Zoom! The procedure begins with a painless preparation that isolates your teeth while protecting your gums and lips. Next, the Zoom! gel is applied to your teeth and treated with the specially-designed light. Together, this helps stains and discoloration break up. The gel is applied in three or four, 15-minute sessions, during which time you can relax and watch TV or listen to music. You’ll be finished in 90 minutes – and will have a brighter, whiter smile to show for it. Patients who Zoom are also provided with custom made take home trays which allows you to continue the process at home or use for touchups later.

Whitening Trays (At-Home Treatment)

We also offer the Opalescence program for those who wish to whiten their teeth in the privacy and comfort of home. When used as directed for 1-2 hours per day, you can have a whiter smile in as little as three days as results vary from person to person. The Opalescence program is customized for your particular needs and is effective and safe. We use Opalescence products in varying concentrations which allows us to customize the right product for each patient.

The difference a whiter smile makes is nothing short of astonishing. The procedure is very simple and will conveniently fit into your schedule and budget, giving you even more reasons to smile.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Sedation dentistry allows our doctor to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. There are several benefits of sedation dentistry, including:

• Relieves fear/ anxiety during treatment
• More comfort during dental procedures
• A more relaxing dental experience

Nitrous oxide, or “ laughing gas” is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety. Administered through a small mask that fits over your nose, it is an effective way to calm anxiety, raises your pain threshold, and may even make time seem like it’s passing quicker than usual. At the end of your appointment, you’ll resume breathing regular oxygen, and all the effects of nitrous oxide will disappear, so you can resume your normal activities immediately.

TMD/TMJ Splints, therapy

Temporomandibular joint disorder occurs when there is a problem with the bones, ligaments, and muscles surrounding the TMJ, the hinge that connects the lower jaw to the skull.  These disorders are most common in people age 20-40, but can occur at any age and can be very uncomfortable.  Symptoms (including pain, clicking, tenderness, headaches, and difficulty opening or closing) may be temporary or last much longer.

Drs. Coleman and Costa will conduct an evaluation and range of motion analysis, and determine the appropriate treatment.  Recommended treatments may include medications, a nighttime appliance called an occlusal splint, or dental work/orthodontic recommendations.