How has modern dentistry evolved to make visits more comfortable and less stressful for patients? Dentistry has evolved in so many ways. We have eliminated goopy impression material and replaced it with an intraoral scanner, we can fabricate a crown in a single visit, and digital radiographs have taken radiation exposure to almost zero. But what we feel is most important to make visits more comfortable and less stressful is communication and trust in the provider-patient relationship. We want every patient to feel supported and empowered to make informed decisions about their oral health. 

What’s the right age for children to have their first dental visit, and how can parents help make it a positive experience? Children can come in as soon as they have teeth! The first few visits are geared towards introducing them to the dental office. Each time they come in the goal is for them to become comfortable with us and learn that coming to your dental check-ups can be fun! We have cool toothbrushes and a fully stocked prize box for them at the end of their visit. These visits are also a great time for parents to ask any questions they might have about how best to care for their child’s teeth. 

What are some early signs that someone might need more advanced care, such as orthodontics or restorative dentistry? Coming in for routine examinations truly is the best way to detect a need for more advanced care as early as possible. It might feel like your dentist breezes in and out of the room during your checkups but we are actually evaluating a lot more than you think! We check for cavities, defective restorations, chipped or broken teeth, proper tooth alignment, gum disease, TMJ function, and perform a thorough oral cancer screening during each examination. Radiographs scheduled appropriately are also critical to early detection of dental problems. Our goal is to catch and address things early, before they become a problem.

What makes your office the ideal fit for the patients in Cohasset? We grew up watching our families (Dr. Ben’s grandfather, and Dr. Sara’s parents and grandfather) provide dental care to their friends and families in small communities similar to Cohasset, so our goal has always been to have a practice with that same feel. Dentistry is becoming increasingly corporate-run, and patients can tell when they’re a cog in the wheel. Our goal is to establish long-term relationships with our patients, so they become like family to us. We want to see you, your parents, and your kids for years to come! We pride ourselves on our no-pressure, comfortable environment where patients will receive excellent, tailored care. We want only the best for the patients in this special town.

What’s one simple daily habit that can make the biggest difference in long-term oral health? Are we the most stereotypical dentists ever if we say...brush and floss?! It really is true though. With increasing evidence pointing to the influence oral bacteria, inflammation, and disease can have on a patient’s systemic health, maintaining your oral hygiene is crucial not just for long-term oral health but overall health.