General Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions in Chestnut Hill, MA

The Dental Office At Chestnut Hill Accepting New Patients

The Dental Office At Chestnut Hill has more than 35 years of experience providing family and general dentistry in Chestnut Hill, MA. From preventive dentistry (cleanings, exams, and x-rays) to periodontal and cosmetic dental treatments, we can take care of all your family’s dental needs in one comfortable, state-of-the-art setting. Located in Chestnut Hill, our office welcomes new patients of all ages from the Greater Boston Area. If you’re a new patient, you’ll find everything you need on our website before your first visit, including payment options, insurance, and scheduling information, and patient forms to download. Contact us to schedule an appointment. We’re open six days a week for your convenience!

What Should I Look For When Choosing The Right Dentist?

Choosing a family dentist is a personal decision. You should choose someone you feel comfortable with and trust during your first visit. Ease of scheduling appointments at your convenience, friendliness of the office staff, office location near your home, the dentist’s credentials, and the type of services provided are all good criteria to consider. If you have a family, it’s important to find someone who offers dentistry for children as well as adults. The Dental Office At Chestnut Hill provides quality dental care for men, women, and children of all ages. Find out what to expect during your first visit.

How Often Should I Visit My Family Dentist For Checkups?

You should visit your dentist every six months for preventive checkups to prevent tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, bad breath, and other dental issues. During your routine checkup, our dentist will go over your dental history and address any concerns. Your teeth and gums will be examined and cleaned thoroughly, and we’ll take x-rays if needed. If we detect any issues, dental treatment options will be discussed. Oral cancer screenings are another crucial part of checkups to ensure your oral health. Patients at a greater risk or with chronic health issues already may need to visit the dentist more often. Talk to your doctor and the dental team to establish the best treatment plan for you.

What Is A Cavity? How Is A Cavity Treated?

A cavity is a hole that forms in your tooth because of tooth decay. Plaque buildup caused by the sugars and starches found in the foods you eat is usually the culprit. Acids also eat away your tooth enamel over time. Brushing and flossing can keep cavities at bay, but it’s important to get cavities treated right away. Dental fillings are used to treat cavities. Fillings may be made from various materials, but The Dental Office At Chestnut Hill prefers tooth-colored fillings because they look the most natural.

What Is Gum Disease? How Is Gum Disease Treated?

Periodontal (gum) disease may also be caused by plaque and bacteria buildup inside your mouth. Excessive teeth grinding, tobacco use, certain medications, chronic health conditions, and genetics also cause gum disease. The first signs of gum disease include red, bleeding, or irritated gums, tooth sensitivity, and chronic bad breath. Early gum disease is also referred to as gingivitis, which is treatable with deep dental cleanings. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to receding gum lines, tooth and bone loss, and abscessed teeth. Our office offers periodontics and oral surgeries, including cosmetic gum lifts, bone grafting, and extractions, so you can take care of many of your dental needs in one place.

What Should I Do If I Have Chronic Bad Breath?

Because chronic bad breath could be an early sign of gum disease, you should visit your dentist for a checkup as soon as possible. While it’s normal to experience bad breath from time to time, especially when you wake up in the morning, it is something to keep an eye on with proper dental hygiene. Many people don’t remember to brush their tongues when brushing their teeth. Doing so can remove built-up bacteria and food particles. Certain foods like garlic and onions are also causes of bad breath, so it may be a matter of watching what you eat. Skipping meals, dieting, and not drinking enough water can also leave bacteria lurking inside your mouth. If you’re wondering how to get rid of bad breath, your dentist can advise you on the best ways during your next appointment.

Why Is It Important To Brush And Floss Your Teeth?

Brushing and flossing regularly are essential for preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues. Mouthwash rinses can also help you mask bad breath and kill harmful bacteria inside your mouth. Food particles sometimes get trapped in-between teeth and below the gum line. Brushing and flossing help remove them as well as plaque and tartar. Getting your teeth professionally cleaned during checkups ensures even those hard-to-reach areas are taken care of by our dental hygienists.

My Teeth Feel Fine. Do I Still Need To See A Dentist?

You may think you’re in perfect health, but cavities and other oral issues aren’t always painful or obvious. You should continue to see your family dentist for checkups every six months to ensure everything’s fine. The earlier we detect tooth decay or gum disease, the fewer dental treatments you may require to fix them. Many patients have hard-to-reach areas inside their mouth, usually in the corners, that is easier for our dental hygienists to clean with specialized tools and advanced methods. You may also wish to see us for athletic mouthguards to protect your teeth while playing sports or for cosmetic dental treatments, including teeth whitening, clear braces, bonding, or same-day crowns.

At What Age Should I Start Taking My Child To The Dentist?

Most pediatric dental experts agree upon taking your child to the dentist somewhere between six months and one year of age. It’s essential to establish good dental hygiene habits as soon as the first baby teeth come in to ensure better chances for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Your child will require regular checkups and cleanings every six months at a dental practice that offers dentistry for kids. The Dental Office At Chestnut Hill caters to the needs of patients of all ages in the Chestnut Hill, MA area. Call today to schedule your child’s next dental appointment!