Dental Services in Burlington, MA

Professional cleanings and comprehensive exams are the foundation of your oral health. At every visit, we perform a full cleaning (scaling and polishing), a comprehensive periodontal assessment, and a thorough oral exam.

We use digital X-rays — lower radiation than traditional film and instantly viewable on screen, so we can show you exactly what we see. Our intraoral cameras let us photograph the inside of your mouth in high detail, giving you a clear picture of your oral health and any areas of concern.

Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars) to prevent cavities. The grooves of back teeth are deep, narrow, and nearly impossible to clean fully with a toothbrush, making them prime real estate for decay-causing bacteria.

Sealants fill in these grooves, creating a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. The application is quick, painless, and highly effective — studies show sealants can reduce the risk of decay in treated teeth by nearly 80%. We recommend them for children and teens, and for adults at elevated risk of decay.

Dental emergencies happen when they happen, never at a convenient time. We prioritize dental emergencies and will do everything we can to see you same-day. Call us at (781) 552-3365.

Common emergencies we treat:

• Severe toothache or abscess
• Knocked-out or loosened tooth
• Broken, chipped, or cracked tooth
• Lost crown, filling, or restoration
• Soft tissue injury (gums, cheek, tongue)
• Swelling or infection

If you experience a knocked-out adult tooth, keep it moist (in milk or between your cheek and gum) and call us immediately — time is critical.

When a tooth has a cavity, we restore it with tooth-colored composite resin fillings that match your natural tooth color and blend in completely. Unlike old silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings require less removal of healthy tooth structure and bond directly to the tooth for a stronger result.

The procedure is straightforward: we remove the decay, apply bonding materials, add the composite in layers, shape it to fit your bite, and harden it with a curing light. Most fillings are completed in a single visit.

We also offer replacement of old amalgam fillings with tooth-colored composite if you prefer a more natural appearance.

Professional fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent cavities. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that remineralizes weakened enamel, making teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and food.

Applied as a varnish, gel, or foam after your cleaning, fluoride treatments take just a few minutes and provide lasting protection — especially for children, teens, and adults at elevated risk of decay. We'll recommend a treatment frequency based on your individual cavity risk.

Oral cancer is one of the most preventable — and most survivable — cancers when caught early. We perform a thorough oral cancer screening at every comprehensive exam, looking for early signs of abnormal tissue in the mouth, throat, lips, tongue, and floor of the mouth.

If we find anything of concern, we'll discuss next steps and, if needed, refer you to a specialist promptly.

Early detection saves lives — and it's just part of what we check at every exam.

We welcome patients of all ages at Protego Dental — from your baby's first tooth to great-grandparent's dentures. Family dentistry means building a relationship with the whole family, not just adults.

For our youngest patients, we create a calm, non-intimidating environment with a gentle approach, lots of explanation, and as much patience as needed. Our kids' nook and streaming TVs in every room help ease first-visit nerves.

For adult patients, we build individualized care plans that evolve with your life. We look at the whole picture, not just the tooth in front of us.

Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved — due to severe decay, fracture, advanced gum disease, or crowding. When extraction is the right choice, we perform it with your comfort as the highest priority.

We'll fully numb the area, walk you through what to expect, and proceed only when you're comfortable. After the extraction, we'll provide detailed aftercare instructions and discuss replacement options so you understand your path forward.

Wisdom tooth extractions are handled on a case-by-case basis. If surgical extraction is needed, we'll refer you to a trusted oral surgeon.

Straighten your teeth discreetly with clear aligner therapy. Nearly invisible and removable, aligners let you eat, drink, and maintain your oral hygiene routine without any of the dietary restrictions or brushing challenges of traditional braces.

We take digital scans (no goopy impressions) and can show you a preview of your projected results before you commit. Treatment timelines vary from a few months for minor cases to over a year for more complex alignment. We'll give you an honest assessment of what's achievable and how long it will take.

Professional whitening delivers results that over-the-counter products simply can't match. We offer both in-office whitening treatments (dramatic results in about an hour) and custom take-home tray systems (gradual whitening over one to two weeks at your own pace).

Our whitening systems are safe and proven, and we'll assess your teeth first to make sure whitening is the right option for you. Note that whitening works on natural tooth enamel but doesn't affect crowns, veneers, or composite fillings — we'll discuss this if it's relevant to your situation.

A smile makeover is a customized plan that combines multiple cosmetic treatments to create the smile you've always wanted. It might include whitening, veneers, clear aligners, bonding, gum reshaping — or some combination of all of the above.

We start with a detailed consultation to understand your goals, assess your current dental health, and discuss what's achievable. From there, we build a roadmap with clear steps, realistic timelines, and transparent costs. You'll know exactly what to expect before we begin.

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells custom-crafted to fit over the front surface of teeth. They're ideal for correcting chips, gaps, discoloration, size irregularities, and minor alignment issues — and they're stain-resistant and natural-looking. The process typically takes two visits.

Composite bonding is a quicker, less invasive option that uses tooth-colored resin applied and sculpted directly onto the tooth surface. It's excellent for minor corrections — small chips, surface staining, slight shape adjustments — and can often be completed in a single visit with minimal to no removal of tooth structure.

Dr. Serena will help you understand which option makes the most sense for your goals, budget, and timeline.

Chipped and cracked teeth are among the most common dental issues we see. Depending on the extent of the damage, we'll recommend the most conservative solution that restores both function and aesthetics.

Minor chips are typically repaired with composite bonding in a single visit. More significant fractures may call for a veneer or crown to fully protect and restore the tooth. If the crack extends into the nerve, we'll discuss root canal treatment or extraction if necessary.

A dental crown (or cap) covers the entire visible portion of a tooth, restoring it to its natural shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are recommended for teeth that are too damaged for a filling — severely decayed, fractured, cracked, or weakened by a large old filling or root canal treatment.

Modern crowns are made from tooth-colored ceramics/zirconia and are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. We take impressions or digital scans, and the crown is fabricated to precisely fit your tooth. Most crown procedures take two appointments.

A dental bridge is a permanent restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth (or teeth) to crowns placed on the adjacent natural teeth. The result is a seamless, permanent restoration that looks and functions like real teeth.

Bridges help restore your ability to chew and speak normally, maintain the shape of your face, and prevent neighboring teeth from drifting into the gap. We'll evaluate whether a bridge or implant restoration is the better choice for your specific situation.

Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement. A post/screw is surgically placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial root, and a crown (or bridge) is then attached on top. The result is a permanent, natural-looking, and natural-feeling replacement tooth. Implants are typically the most durable long-term solution for missing teeth, often lasting decades with proper care.

At Protego Dental, we handle the restorative phase — the crown or bridge that sits on top of the implant. For the surgical placement of the implant itself, we work closely with trusted local oral surgeons and coordinate care seamlessly from start to finish.

Full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth (upper, lower, or both). Custom-fitted to your mouth, they restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Modern full dentures are more comfortable and natural-looking than the dentures of a generation ago.

Partial dentures replace several missing teeth when some natural teeth remain. They hook onto existing teeth and are removable for cleaning. Like full dentures, they restore function and aesthetics while preventing remaining teeth from shifting.

We also discuss implant-supported dentures for patients who want a more secure fit — these snap onto implants for dramatically improved stability, eliminating the need for adhesive.

Before we can fit you with an oral appliance, a formal diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is required. We make that step easy. We coordinate an at-home sleep study so you can complete the testing in the comfort of your own bed — no overnight lab stay, no intimidating equipment, no inconvenience.

The study monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns overnight. Once results are reviewed by a sleep physician and a diagnosis of mild-moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is confirmed, we can proceed directly to treatment. The entire pathway — from initial consultation to appliance fitting — is managed from our Burlington office.

If you've already been diagnosed with OSA, we can skip straight to the appliance phase. Bring your sleep study results to your first visit.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing disrupted breathing and chronic poor-quality rest. Left untreated, OSA is linked to hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

We offer custom mandibular advancement devices (MADs) — precision-fitted oral appliances worn during sleep that gently advance the lower jaw to maintain an open airway. Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are silent, portable, and require no mask or tubing. Most patients find them far easier to tolerate for long-term nightly use.

Custom appliances are fabricated from digital impressions of your teeth and fitted to your exact bite, making them far more comfortable and effective than over-the-counter alternatives. We provide ongoing follow-up to ensure the appliance is working and to fine-tune the fit over time.

Dr. Serena holds advanced training in dental sleep medicine from Tufts University and is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). We work collaboratively with your physician or sleep specialist to coordinate care throughout the treatment process.

Nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") is a safe and effective form of sedation that helps anxious patients relax during dental procedures. Inhaled through a small, comfortable mask placed over the nose, it takes effect within minutes and wears off just as quickly.

Unlike other forms of sedation, nitrous allows you to remain awake and responsive throughout the procedure while feeling calm and at ease. Once the mask is removed, effects fade rapidly. Most patients can drive themselves home without issue.

Nitrous is available for both adults and children. Nitrous is awaiting a facility permit and is the only service on this page not yet live.

Nightguards are custom-fitted oral appliances worn during sleep to protect teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching). Grinding wears down enamel, causes jaw pain (TMJ), and can crack or fracture teeth over time. A custom nightguard creates a cushioned barrier between upper and lower teeth, absorbing force and preventing damage.

Custom guards fit far better and last significantly longer than over-the-counter versions. They're made from impressions of your own teeth, so they're accurate, comfortable, and effective.

Sports mouthguards protect against impact injuries during contact sports. We make custom-fitted guards for athletes of all ages — from youth football and hockey to adult martial arts and cycling. A well-fitting custom guard is more comfortable and protective than anything from a sporting goods store, and it's worn more consistently because of it.

Dentists are among the most qualified practitioners for Botox injections. We have deep knowledge of facial anatomy, nerve locations, and muscle function, making us ideally suited for precise, safe administration.

Therapeutic Botox is used to treat TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction and teeth grinding. By relaxing the masseter muscles responsible for jaw clenching, Botox can significantly reduce jaw pain, headaches, and the grinding forces that damage teeth.

Cosmetic Botox is also available for patients who want to address fine lines and facial rejuvenation in the same office visit as their dental care. Dr. Serena administers all Botox treatments personally, with a focus on natural-looking, conservative results.