Edward J. Welch, Jr., DDS

Dentists, Dental Clinics, Dental Labs

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Map & DirectionsDirections264 Elm St Ste 11Northampton, MA 01060 Write a ReviewWrite Review

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Primary: Dentist

Sub-Specialty: Primary Dental Care

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Fax: (413) 584-1301

Phone: (413) 585-0039

Phone: (413) 584-3223

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Welch Edward J Jr

Welch Jr, Edward J

Welch Edw J

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Dentists, Dental Clinics, Dental Labs, Endodontists, Implant Dentistry, Orthodontists, Physicians & Surgeons, Oral Surgery, Prosthodontists & Denture Centers

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Phone: (413) 584-1301

Address: 264 Elm St Ste 11, Northampton, MA 01060

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Edward J. Welch, Jr., DDS

Dental Examination
Some easily observable signs discovered during the dental exam include a large tongue or enlarged tonsils and certain jaw relationships. Additional examples of evidence include worn, cracked or chipped teeth as a result of bruxism (grinding/clenching the teeth together) and dry mouth due to mouth breathing.
X-rays
Patients often ask questions regarding their concerns about exposure to radiation from dental x-rays. We share your concern! After all, we work with dental x-rays all day. Included below in this section is a table borrowed from the Heath Physics Society that shows average exposure levels for different types of dental radiographic exams relative to the background radiation absorbed from just natural environmental sources. The data in this table describe radiation exposures when x-rays are used to expose standard dental film. While these levels are very low, the better news is that use of digital dental sensors lowers the necessary exposure levels even more. When we made the decision to invest in digital technology for our office, we chose a sensor/software system that we believed would provide the best comfort and clearest, most diagnostic images possible. We were pleasantly surprised to find that we could get those picture-perfect images at 50% less radiation exposure than was required for our old film-based system. During the updating, we invested in new x-ray machines which are inspected annually, and we self-monitor monthly with use of radiation badges worn by staff, ensuring that
Oral Cancer Screening
One of the reasons for such a poor survival rate is that many of these cases are not detected earlier. This makes it critically important for routine oral cancer screenings.

Fillings
Composites are made of resin with silica (glass) filler which provides wear resistance. Unlike amalgam, composite materials are bonded to the enamel and dentin of the tooth; therefore, they do not require a specific shape or size of the cavity preparation. This conserves tooth structure and protects the nerve. Because composite bonds to the walls of the tooth, the tooth and filling move as one cohesive unit during chewing. This prevents flexure of the tooth walls around the filling and ultimate fracture of the tooth, a common problem often seen with aging amalgam fillings.
Veneers
A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain or similar material which is bonded to the fronts of existing teeth to change the shape, size and/or color. Veneers can make short teeth longer, long teeth shorter, crooked teeth appear straight, improve the smile line, close gaps, improve shape and cover white spots and other discolorations. Veneer cases require planning and good communication to achieve spectacular results. As such, several consult appointments are usually best to ensure that what the patient desires is achievable and well-understood by the dentist. Impressions and photographs are taken at the first consult. After the models are ready and the case has been mounted and studied, the dentist will then revisit with the patient to show mock-up models and before/after photos. Patients often get a clearer idea of what they want when they can see the possibilities. Final tooth color, size, shape and position can then be selected. After the plan is finalized, the patient is scheduled for the prepping of the teeth (if necessary) and the final impression is made and sent to the dental laboratory. Temporary restorations which mimic the final veneers will be cemented into place. When the veneers are ready, the patient returns for final try-in and cementation of his/her new smile.
Crowns
A crown is necessary when a tooth has fractured or when enough tooth structure is missing that the tooth requires full coverage to maintain its strength and function. Crowns are made from a wide range of different materials, each chosen for a specific characteristic which would meet the clinical situation. Choosing the correct material requires a dentist’s expertise and experience; however, a patient’s input is often important where esthetics are concerned. Good communication is important and encouraged between doctor and patient to best select a material that meets all clinical, functional and esthetic requirements.
Bridges
Dental Bonding

Root Canal Treatment
We find that this most dreaded of procedures is usually pretty anti-climatic. So try not to get too worried about it ahead of time. Only a very small percentage of root canal procedures are painful; mostly they are just long and boring for the patient because they are so technique sensitive for the dentist. A root canal consists of the removal of the inflamed or dead nerves from inside the roots of the tooth, disinfection of the empty canals, and filling/sealing of the clean canals. If a tooth is very infected, sometimes medication will be placed inside the tooth with a temporary filling and a second visit scheduled to fill and seal. During the procedure, the tooth is numbed, and the patient is given the option to use a mouth prop for better comfort. In our office, we do most of our patients’ root canals. We use a state-of-the-art rotary system and warm fill technology to achieve optimum shape and disinfection of canals and the tightest seal and most homogenous fill possible. There are situations, however, when we will refer a patient to an endodontist. This decision is made based on the tooth anatomy, diagnosed obstruction of the canals, or unclear symptoms. Most modern endodontists perform root canals under microscopy which improves their ability to navigate more difficult anatomy/structural defects. We are happy to share our patients with these skilled practitioners when we feel that their advanced skills are required for the best outcome for our patients.

Dentures
No teeth, not a substitute for teeth”. This is because “false teeth” function completely differently than do real teeth. As such, it takes a true understanding of edentulous (toothless) anatomy and function to properly fabricate dentures that fit properly, function properly and look natural. This process takes time; opportunities for try-ins to assess fit, speech, and esthetics prior to final processing are critical to the final result. Anyone can make dentures in an hour, but few would want to wear them. Dr. Cochrane has had advanced training in prosthodontics and is comfortable with the extra steps that it takes to make a well-fitting denture.

Dental Implants
When a tooth is missing and the patient is motivated to replace it, an implant is an ideal treatment, provided there is appropriate amount of healthy bone in which to place it. The implant itself is a screw-like cylindrical construct made out of titanium, ceramic or both which serves as the replacement of the tooth root. Once the bone has integrated with the implant surface, the implant is ready to be restored. An abutment is secured into the internal screw inside the implant and sits above the gumline as if it were a tooth that had been shaped for a crown. Then impressions are taken and a crown is fabricated and cemented onto the abutment. When this process is completed, the patient has a “tooth” which is not only functional, but is also not susceptible to decay.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral Surgery

Orthodontics
Oral appliance therapy is not for everybody. One form of therapy that is starting to garner more attention in the dental field is myofunctional therapy, which helps to correct the root causes of sleep issues, like underdeveloped jaws and airways. Myofunctional therapy is not just for adults — children with sleep issues can benefit from it, too. The theory behind this form of therapy is that it can “encourage the development of the jaw to improve breathing, make room for teeth, and more.” For children, it often utilizes a combination of both exercises and orthodontics.

General Dentistry
Prior to practicing general dentistry, Dr. Cochrane invested a year in a prosthodontics residency at the University of Connecticut as well as two years in a post-doctoral research fellowship studying osteoporosis/bone biology. While at UConn, she was part of a team that invented a new approach to implant science and holds a patent for a procedure now moving toward clinical trials at the university.

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