Metered, street-parking available. Can be accessed via MBTA bus, 67, 77, 79.
Metered, street-parking available. Can be accessed via MBTA bus, 67, 77, 79.
Arlington
Great Staff and technicians. The technician that took my bite wing X-rays was very caring, professional and helpful. The doctor provided expert counsel and advice on my dental health & care. Kayla, my hygienist did a terrific job in cleaning and caring for my teeth and gums. Likewise providing recommendations on dental care. Overall I was very pleased with overall experience at Gentle Dental of Arlington, MA🦷
Arlington
I'm very satisfied with all aspect of this location of Gentle Dental in Arlington from the attention and quickness at the front desk to the great dental work done from assistant and Doctor in the back I would recommend this place to all my family and friends. I got full dentures and my smile looks amazing now . thank you
Arlington
The desk staff, the hygienists, the assistants, and the providers, are so kind! Every single person in this office has treated me with so much care and patience. Highly recommend!
Cavities, cracked teeth and early gum disease often don't cause pain until they've progressed. A dental exam lets your dentist spot these issues while treatment is typically more straightforward, rather than after discomfort sets in.
Your dentist doesn't just look at your teeth. Oral cancer screening and a check of your gums, tongue and throat are a standard part of a dental exam, and your dentist will also ask about health conditions and medications that can affect your oral health, such as diabetes.
Most people do well with an exam twice a year, but your dentist may suggest more frequent visits if you have a history of gum disease, cavities or certain medical conditions. Persistent tooth pain, bleeding or swollen gums, ongoing bad breath, or a tooth that feels loose are also reasons to schedule an exam sooner rather than waiting for your next routine visit.
A comprehensive exam establishes a baseline for patients who are new to the Arlington office or who have not received dental care for an extended period. The dentist reviews your medical and dental history and performs a detailed evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite and existing dental work.
Digital X-rays may be recommended based on your previous records, current condition and the information needed to complete the evaluation.
A routine exam allows your dentist to monitor your oral health between preventive visits. The dentist checks for changes involving your teeth, gums, restorations and other oral structures.
The frequency of these exams will depend on your oral health, cavity risk, gum health, medical history and your dentist’s recommendation.
You do not need to wait for a routine checkup when you have tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, a damaged restoration or another dental concern. A focused examination concentrates on the affected area and may include targeted digital X-rays.
After the evaluation, the dentist will explain the likely cause and recommend the appropriate next step. Additional treatment may require a separate appointment depending on the procedure and office availability.
Your dental team will review your medical and dental history before the clinical examination. Tell the team about new medications, recent procedures, pregnancy, allergies and health conditions that may affect your dental care.
You should also describe any sensitivity, discomfort, changes in your bite or concerns about previous dental work. This information helps your dentist focus the examination on the areas that matter most to you.
The dentist will visually and physically examine your teeth, gums and oral tissues. The assessment may include checking individual teeth for decay or damage, measuring areas around the gums and evaluating the condition of fillings, crowns or other restorations.
Your dentist may also review your bite, jaw movement and signs of tooth grinding or abnormal wear. Changes involving the lips, tongue, cheeks or other oral tissues may require monitoring or further evaluation.
Digital X-rays can provide information about areas that cannot be fully evaluated through a visual examination. These images may help the dentist assess cavities between teeth, supporting bone, tooth roots, developing teeth and areas beneath existing restorations.
X-rays are not automatically required at every appointment. Your dentist will consider your age, dental history, previous images and current clinical findings before recommending them.
After completing the examination, your dentist will review the findings with you. You may receive preventive recommendations, instructions for home care or a treatment plan for conditions that require attention.
When more than one treatment option is available, your dentist will explain how the approaches differ. The team can then help you plan follow-up appointments according to your treatment priorities and office availability.
Bring information about your current medications, allergies and relevant health conditions. New patients should provide available dental records or recent X-rays when possible, although the dentist will determine whether additional images are needed.
You should also bring your insurance information and prepare a list of questions or concerns. Tell the office before the appointment when you need accommodations or feel anxious about dental visits so the team can discuss available support.
The examination itself usually does not require special recovery or aftercare. You can generally return to your normal routine after the appointment unless you receive another service that has separate instructions.
Your dentist may recommend a cleaning, preventive treatment, additional imaging or restorative care. Follow-up timing will depend on the findings and the type of treatment being considered.
A professional cleaning removes plaque and hardened tartar from areas that are difficult to clean at home. The hygienist may also polish and floss your teeth and provide recommendations for brushing, flossing or caring for dental restorations.
The type of cleaning you need will depend on the condition of your gums and the amount of buildup present. A routine cleaning and periodontal treatment are not the same procedure.
An examination of the lips, tongue, cheeks and other oral tissues can help identify changes that may require further evaluation. Your dentist may incorporate or recommend an oral cancer screening based on your history and clinical needs.
A screening does not provide a final diagnosis. Any unusual finding may require monitoring, additional testing or referral to an appropriate specialist.
Fluoride treatment may be recommended to strengthen tooth enamel for patients with an increased risk of cavities. Dental sealants may be considered for teeth with deep grooves that are difficult to clean.
These preventive treatments are not necessary for every patient. Your dentist will determine whether either option is appropriate after reviewing your teeth and cavity risk.
Our Arlington office brings together general dentistry, oral surgery and orthodontics, so a need identified during your exam can often be handled without sending you to another practice.
Digital X-rays and electronic patient charts give your dentist a clear, low-radiation view of what's happening beneath the surface and quick access to your history during your visit.
If a dental concern comes up between scheduled exams, our Arlington office accepts same-day appointments for urgent issues like a severe toothache or a chipped tooth.
Our Arlington office is open Monday through Friday with flexible hours and also sees patients on Saturdays, making it easier to fit an exam around a busy week.
We accept most dental insurance plans, and our team can help you understand your coverage before your visit. Flexible payment options are also available for care that falls outside your plan.
Our Arlington office has served the community for more than 50 years and holds a 4.5-star rating from 279 or more patient reviews, along with past recognition through the Wicked Local Readers' Choice Awards.
Gentle Dental Arlington offers preventive, restorative, emergency, and specialty dental care to help patients protect their oral health and maintain a confident smile.
Yes. Our Arlington office provides dental exams for children, teens and adults, and our team is equipped to make checkups comfortable for patients at every age.
Most people benefit from an exam twice a year, though your dentist may recommend more frequent visits based on your oral health history and any risk factors, such as gum disease or diabetes.
Yes. We accept same-day appointments for urgent issues like a severe toothache or a chipped tooth, so you don't have to wait for your next scheduled exam if something comes up.
Our team walks you through each step of the exam and answers your questions along the way. Digital X-rays also mean less time spent on imaging compared with older X-ray equipment.
We accept most dental insurance plans. Coverage for exams varies by plan, so our team can help you review your benefits before your appointment.
Your dentist will explain what they found and go over your options with you. Many follow-up needs, from fillings to specialty care, can be handled at our Arlington office without an outside referral.
Yes. Regular exams help track how a child's teeth and bite are developing and give the dentist a chance to catch early issues, such as cavities, while they're still easy to address.
New patients should bring a photo ID, insurance information if applicable and a list of current medications. Completing your health history form ahead of time can also help your visit run smoothly.
If your request is a dental emergency, or you would like to call and schedule your dental appointment, contact information for our offices can be found here: Gentle Dental Locations. New patient offer not valid for emergency appointments.
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