Amherst Dental Group

: Allison van der Velden, D.M.D. Arsen Bagdasarov, D.M.D. Shari Weldon, D.M.D. Fred Perry, D.D.S.

Crowns are recommended to restore broken/fractured teeth, or when teeth have an increased chance of fracturing, and full coverage of the tooth is necessary. Crowns can be done with a variety of materials, including all porcelain - which is matched to the shade of the surrounding natural teeth.

Dr. Shari Weldon is a graduate of Boston University School of Dental Medicine. She has been at Amherst Dental Group since 1979. She practices general dentistry with a special interest in cosmetic dentistry. She is an avid reader, exerciser and a practitioner of yoga. Dr. Weldon is on the Board of Directors of Friends of Children, a child advocacy agency serving the needs of children and families in western Massachusetts. She was on the 2012 winning team of the Northampton Adult Spelling Bee Championship.

Dr. Arsen Bagdasarov graduated with honors from Boston University School of Dental Medicine in 2003, when he joined Amherst Dental Group. His special interests include endodontics, dental surgery, cosmetic and implant dentistry. Dr. Bagdasarov lives in Amherst with his wife Anna and their three children. He is fluent in Russian, loves history and books, is a big fan of classical music, and a regular patron of art museums. He enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors. "My own experience as a patient has greatly influenced my philosophy as a doctor. I always strive to achieve a collaborative relationship with my patient, while offering my compassion, care and respect."

Dr. Fred Perry graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1994. He completed a General Practice Residency in 1995. Dr. Perry is currently a member of the American Dental Association, Mass Dental Society and the Valley District Dental Association. He has a special interest in implants, CEREC (CAD/CAM) restorations. He and his wife, Sarah, moved to Amherst in 1996 and he has been at Amherst Dental Group since 1997. Dr. Perry enjoys basketball, golf, and most other sports. He and his family are members of Grace Episcopal Church and he enjoys coaching his three sons in baseball and basketball.

We perform routine and surgical extractions, following an evaluation and diagnosis. For wisdom tooth extraction we often refer to several of our local specialists with whom we have the pleasure of working closely.

The Amherst Dental Group does provide root canal therapy, on a case by case basis. We also have the option of having several expert specialists that we refer to in our area

After establishing a good foundation of healthy teeth and gums, we can perfect your smile with many common practices if needed. Some of these techniques include: porcelain restorations, veneers, whitening, and other state-of-the-art treatments.

Some causes of the discoloration of your teeth are coffee, cigarettes, medication or just getting a little older. At Amherst Dental Group, we have a potential solution that will make you proud to smile again. Our newest whitening product is an in-house system called Sinsational Smiles. The initial treatment is performed in the dental chair, followed up with brush applications at home. We also offer custom whitening trays with a take-home solution, as well as Crest Whitestrips.

Dental implants are the next best thing apart from your natural teeth. Implants are crowns that are permanently anchored to your jaw allowing you to maintain a customary lifestyle. They can replace ill-fitting dentures or missing teeth.

Symptoms of TMJ can range from popping or clicking when you open your jaw, to head and neck aches. Normal treatments can range from bite guards to muscle relaxants. A thorough dental exam will usually reveal any TMJ problems.

We recommend fillings for small to moderate areas of decay. They can be silver (amalgam) or composite - matched to the shade of your natural tooth.

Unhealthy gums are a major warning to problems ahead, including but not limited to future tooth loss. Receding gums and periodontal disease can be indicators of a potential for stroke and heart disease. A periodontal exam is one of the most important things you can do for yourself.

1. Digital Impression After examining and determining the course of treatment, we will prepare your tooth for restoration, similarly to traditional treatment methods. Your prepared tooth will be coated with a safe, tasteless powder. CEREC then uses a state-of-the-art digital 3D camera to create an optical impression. This image replaces the physical impression required in traditional procedures. No more long waits while a tray of impression goop hardens in your mouth. 2. Computer Aided Design (CAD) State-of-the-art CAD software allows us to design every precise detail of your restoration with the accuracy you've come to expect from us. The software allows us to customize the shape of the restoration to exactly fit your specific clinical needs. 3. Mill and Place While you wait, exact design specifications are sent to our on-site milling machine to create your restoration. About 15 minutes later, your all-ceramic, color-matched restoration is ready for placement

Dr. Allison van der Velden grew up in Amherst, attending Amherst Public Schools from kindergarten through high school. She graduated from Hampshire College in 2007 and lived in Amherst until she left to attend Midwestern University's College of Dental Medicine in Glendale, Arizona. Despite her enjoyment of the Valley of the Sun, upon earning her DMD she returned to the Pioneer Valley eager to work in the community she has always called home. Dr. van der Velden performs general dentistry with an emphasis on good communication and patient education. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. She enjoys spending her free time with her family and taking her dog Ramona on exciting outdoor adventures.

We are a general dentistry practice located on the outskirts of downtown Amherst. We offer a variety of services that range from simple fluoride treatments and digital radiography, to major restorative procedures such as CEREC (CAD/CAM) crowns, bridges, and implant restoration. Our skilled clinical team consists of 4 doctors, 10 hygienists, and 10 assistants who have a variety of specializations and areas of focus. We tailor to the needs of every patient on an intricate and individual basis. Our staff strives to ensure each patient's experience is of the utmost quality.

Below is a partial list of several of the services that we offer to our patients. In order for us to better service your dental needs, we recommend a complete examination followed by a free consultation during which we will create a detailed dental plan that suits your dental health and lifestyle. Cosmetics Fillings Crowns & Bridges CEREC (CAD/CAM) Implant Restoration Root Canal Therapy Extractions Teeth Whitening TMJ Treatment Preventative Care