Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about your dental care at Dental Pro? You are not alone. Below you will find answers to some of the most common questions we receive from patients in Arlington, MA . If you do not see the answer you are looking for, our friendly team is always happy to help — call us at (617) 607-2083 or contact us online today.

How do I schedule an appointment at Dental Pro Arlington?

Scheduling an appointment at Dental Pro is easy. You can call our office directly at (617) 607-2083, use our online appointment request form, or contact us through our website. We offer convenient appointment times to accommodate busy schedules. New patients are always welcome — visit our new patients page to learn about what to expect and to complete your online forms ahead of your first visit.

What should I expect at my first dental visit?

At your first visit to Dental Pro, our team will take the time to get to know you, review your dental and medical history, and perform a comprehensive oral health evaluation. This typically includes a thorough exam of your teeth, gums, bite, and oral tissues, digital X-rays when appropriate, and a professional cleaning. You will also have the opportunity to discuss any concerns or goals you have for your smile. Visit our your first visit page to learn more about what to expect.

How often should I visit the dentist?

Most patients benefit from visiting Dental Pro every six months for a professional cleaning and exam. However, patients with a higher risk for cavities, gum disease, or other concerns may be recommended to come in more frequently — every three to four months. Our team will assess your individual oral health and advise the most appropriate schedule for you and your family.

Does Dental Pro Arlington accept dental insurance?

Dental Pro works with a variety of dental insurance plans to help make quality dental care accessible and affordable for our patients. Our team is happy to assist you in understanding your coverage and maximizing your benefits. Visit our financial information page for details on accepted insurance plans and available payment options, or call us at (617) 607-2083 with any questions.

What payment options does Dental Pro Arlington offer?

In addition to accepting most major dental insurance plans, Dental Pro offers flexible payment options to help make your care fit your budget. We accept major credit cards and work with financing options to help patients manage the cost of more extensive treatments. Visit our financial information page or call (617) 607-2083 to speak with our team about the options available to you.

What dental services does Dental Pro Arlington offer?

Dental Pro offers a comprehensive range of dental services for patients of all ages — all under one roof in Arlington, MA . Our services include general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and advanced dental technology. To explore everything we offer, visit our full dental services page.

Does Dental Pro Arlington see children?

Yes. Dental Pro welcomes patients of all ages, including infants, toddlers, children, and teens. Our pediatric dentistry team is specially trained to care for children’s developing teeth in a comfortable, friendly environment. We recommend scheduling a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears to establish a foundation of healthy oral habits early in life.

Does Dental Pro Arlington offer emergency dental care?

Yes. Dental Pro provides emergency dental care for adults and emergency dental care for children. If you or a family member is experiencing a dental emergency such as a severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, broken tooth, or dental abscess, call us immediately at (617) 607-2083. We will do our best to see you as quickly as possible to relieve your pain and protect your smile.

How can I improve the appearance of my smile?

Dental Pro offers a wide range of cosmetic dentistry treatments to enhance the look of your smile. Popular options include professional teeth whitening for a brighter smile, Invisalign® for straighter teeth without metal braces, ceramic crowns to restore damaged teeth, and white resin fillings for a natural-looking alternative to metal fillings. Schedule a consultation at Dental Pro and our team will help you design a personalized smile improvement plan.

What should I do if I have a toothache?

If you are experiencing a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any food debris that may be causing pressure. An age-appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever taken as directed can help temporarily manage discomfort. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum tissue. Call Dental Pro at (617) 607-2083 as soon as possible — a persistent toothache is often a sign of decay or infection that requires timely treatment. If you are experiencing severe pain or swelling, treat it as a dental emergency and call us right away.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Yes. Professional teeth whitening performed at or supervised by Dental Pro is safe and effective. Before recommending whitening, our team evaluates your oral health to ensure your teeth and gums are in good condition and that whitening is appropriate for your situation. Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity following treatment, which typically resolves within a day or two. Professional whitening delivers significantly brighter and more consistent results than over-the-counter products and is customized to your specific needs.

What is the difference between a crown and a filling?

A filling is used to restore a tooth when the area of decay or damage is relatively small — the decayed material is removed and the space is filled with composite resin. A dental crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth and is recommended when decay or damage is too extensive for a filling to adequately restore the tooth’s strength and integrity. Our team at Dental Pro will evaluate your tooth and recommend the most conservative treatment that effectively addresses the problem.

What is Invisalign® and is it available at Dental Pro Arlington?

Yes. Dental Pro offers Invisalign® clear aligner therapy as a discreet, comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear removable aligners to gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment — without brackets or wires. It is suitable for teens and adults and works for a wide range of alignment concerns including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Schedule a consultation at Dental Pro to find out whether Invisalign is the right solution for your smile goals.

What happens if I do not replace a missing tooth?

Leaving a gap from a missing tooth untreated can lead to several oral health complications over time. Neighboring teeth may shift or tilt into the empty space, altering your bite and potentially causing jaw pain and uneven wear. The jawbone in the area may begin to deteriorate without the stimulation a tooth root provides. At Dental Pro, we offer several tooth replacement options including dental implant restoration, dental bridges, dentures, and denture partials to restore your smile and protect your long-term oral health.

Are dental X-rays safe?

Yes. At Dental Pro, we use digital X-rays, which emit up to 80 to 90 percent less radiation than traditional film X-rays — making them very safe for patients of all ages, including children. We also use protective lead aprons during every X-ray and only take them when clinically necessary. Digital X-rays are an essential diagnostic tool that allows our team to detect problems that are not visible during a visual examination, such as decay between teeth, bone loss, and developing issues beneath the gumline.

How can I prevent cavities?

The most effective cavity prevention combines consistent at-home oral hygiene with regular professional care at Dental Pro. Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss once daily, and limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages. Visit Dental Pro every six months for a professional cleaning and exam, and ask our team about dental sealants and fluoride treatments for additional protection — particularly for children. Our preventive dentistry services are designed to keep your smile healthy and cavity-free at every stage of life.

What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?

If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, act immediately. Pick up the tooth by the crown only — never the root — and rinse it gently with water. Try to reinsert it into the socket or keep it moist in milk or between your child’s cheek and gum. Call Dental Pro at (617) 607-2083 right away — ideally within 30 to 60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth. If a baby tooth is knocked out, do not attempt to reinsert it. Call us for guidance and our pediatric emergency dental care team will advise on the appropriate next steps.

Does teeth grinding damage my teeth?

Yes. Habitual teeth grinding or clenching — known as bruxism — can cause significant damage over time, including worn enamel, chipped or cracked teeth, jaw pain, and headaches. Many patients are unaware they grind their teeth until a dental exam at Dental Pro reveals the signs. A custom night guard is a highly effective solution — worn during sleep, it creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth to absorb the forces of grinding and prevent further damage to your smile.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Common signs that a root canal may be needed include severe or persistent tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, tooth darkening or discoloration, swelling or tenderness in the nearby gum, and a pimple-like bump on the gum near the affected tooth. Some infections cause few or no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular exams at Dental Pro are so important. If you are experiencing any of these signs, call (617) 607-2083 promptly so our team can evaluate the tooth and recommend the appropriate treatment.

What is the best way to whiten my teeth at home between professional treatments?

Between professional whitening treatments at Dental Pro, using a whitening toothpaste and maintaining a thorough brushing and flossing routine can help preserve your results. Limiting staining foods and beverages — such as coffee, tea, and red wine — and rinsing your mouth with water after consuming them also helps. For at-home whitening between office visits, ask our team at Dental Pro about safe, dentist-approved options that deliver results without irritating your teeth or gums. We are happy to recommend an approach that fits your goals and your smile’s needs.