Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes! Harte Dental is currently accepting new patients here in Milton MA! We welcome you to experience our over-the-top, patient-focused service that has led to Harte Dental being awarded Best Dentist in Milton (in the Milton Times), Favorite Dentist in Milton (Milton Scene), and Top Dentist (Boston Magazine)! 

So check us out at 480 Adams Street Milton, MA or see what we're up to around the office and around town at http://www.facebook.com/hartedental or http://www.instagram.com/hartedental

Harte Dental is wheelchair accessible office located in East Milton Square. 

Dental X-Rays allow your dentist to detect problems that can't be seen during a visual exam, including cavities between teeth, bone loss, infections, impacted teeth, and other hidden issues. Annual X-rays help catch dental problems early—often before they become painful or require more extensive treatment. At Harte Dental, we use modern digital X-rays, which expose patients to SIGNIFICANTLY LESS radiation than traditional film X-rays while providing highly detailed images to help keep your smile healthy.

Yes. Harte Dental in Milton, MA takes patient and team safety seriously. We follow current infection-control and sterilization standards for dental offices, including guidance from the CDC and American Dental Association (ADA). Our safety measures include proper sterilization of dental instruments, thorough cleaning and disinfection of treatment areas between patients, hand hygiene, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and precautions designed to reduce the spread of respiratory and other infectious illnesses.

Many of these measures are not specific to COVID-19—they are part of the standard infection-control practices used every day in modern dentistry to provide a clean, safe environment for our patients and dental team.

If you are experiencing COVID-19, flu, or other respiratory symptoms before your dental appointment, please contact Harte Dental so our team can help determine the best next step.

Following the WHO and America declaring the end of the Public Emergency on 5/12/23, we DO NOT REQUIRE MASKS for our patients. Of course, you are more than welcome to wear a mask here if you wish! We will still offer masks as well.

No. Dental X-rays are not dangerous. Dental X-rays are considered very safe and use extremely low levels of radiation. At Harte Dental, we use modern digital X-ray technology, which significantly reduces radiation exposure compared to traditional film X-rays. X-rays allow our dentists to detect cavities, infections, bone loss, and other problems that may not be visible during a routine exam. We only recommend X-rays when they are clinically appropriate, helping us diagnose issues early and provide the best possible care while keeping your safety our top priority.

A single digital dental X-ray exposes you to about the same amount of radiation you naturally receive in less than one day. 

A cross-country airplane flight generally exposes you to more radiation than a routine set of dental bitewing X-rays, because you're at a higher altitude where there's less atmospheric shielding from cosmic radiation.

Harte Dental in Milton, MA accepts most major dental insurance plans. We are in-network with Delta Dental (excluding EPO plans) and Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental. Every day, we see many patients with out-of-network dental insurance from Metlife and Guardian to Principle and Altus. Depending on your individual plan, your insurance may still cover some or all of your dental treatment. Harte Dental can also submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance company to help you understand your estimated benefits before treatment.

Harte Dental is proud to be in-network with Delta Dental and Blue Cross Blue Shield dental plans. We also work with (sending out your claims) most other dental insurance companies, including MetLife, Altus, Cigna, Aetna, Guardian, United Concordia, and many more. While out-of-network plans may not include the discounted fees offered by in-network providers, thousands of our patients successfully use their benefits at Harte Dental each year. Our knowledgeable team is happy to help you understand your coverage, provide you with pre-treatment estimates from you insurance, and answer any questions before your visit.

Not directly—but the bacteria that cause cavities can spread throughout your mouth. If decay-causing bacteria aren't removed with good brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings, they can build up on nearby teeth and increase the risk of new cavities developing.

A cavity itself doesn't "jump" from one tooth to another like an infection, but the conditions that caused the first cavity can affect surrounding teeth. That's why treating cavities early is important. Small cavities are often easier and less expensive to repair than larger ones.

At Harte Dental in Milton, MA, we help patients catch cavities early with routine exams, digital X-rays, and preventive care. We're accepting new patients and are here to help keep your smile healthy for years to come. Happily treating wonderful patients from Milton, Greater Boston and the South Shore.

Yes! At Harte Dental, giving back to the Milton community is one of our core values. Throughout the year, we're proud to host community events like Harte Dental Movie Night, award the Harte Dental Scholarship, and support local baseball and softball teams. We also coordinate appreciation lunches for our firefighters, police officers, and teachers, partner with the Milton Early Childhood Alliance for Countdown to Kindergarten, and proudly support Milton Glows Gold to help children and their families fighting cancer.

We love being more than just your family dentist—we're honored to be part of the community we serve. For the latest community events and updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @HarteDental. We're also accepting new patients and would love to welcome your family to ours.

Yes! At Harte Dental, giving back to the Milton community is one of our core values. Throughout the year, we're proud to host community events like Harte Dental Movie Night, award the Harte Dental Scholarship, and support local baseball and softball teams. We also coordinate appreciation lunches for our firefighters, police officers, and teachers, partner with the Milton Early Childhood Alliance for Countdown to Kindergarten, and proudly support Milton Glows Gold to help children and their families fighting cancer.

We love being more than just your family dentist—we're honored to be part of the community we serve. For the latest community events and updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @HarteDental. We're also accepting new patients and would love to welcome your family to ours.

Dental implants have several advantages over other tooth replacement options:

• Dental implants appear the most life-like and natural.
• The actual implant piece of the dental implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible metal.
• Dental implants are the most secure and stable.
• Dental implants prevent bone loss, keeping your jaw tissue healthy and preventing changes in the shape of your face.
• With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Yes! Harte Dental provides dental implant treatment, including restoring dental implants with custom implant crowns to replace missing teeth and restore your smile!

We are also currently exploring expanding our services to include in-house dental implant placement, allowing patients to receive both the implant placement and the final restoration under one roof. Contact our team to learn about your implant options and whether dental implants are right for you. 

Call (617) 696-5257 or email ContactUs@hartedental.com

Dental implants are fixed in the jawbone, helping preserve bone, improve chewing ability, and provide a more natural feel than removable dentures.

Yes, on certain patients depending on the severity of the case. 

Harte Dental currently restores dental implants with beautiful, custom-made implant crowns designed to blend naturally with your smile. The surgical placement of the implant is generally coordinated with a trusted South Shore periodontists or oral & maxillofacial surgeons, and our team works closely with these offices throughout your treatment.

Stay tuned—as Harte Dental continues to expand, we may be offering regular dental implant placement right here at our office!

The total cost of dental implant treatment varies because every patient’s needs are different. Fees may include the diagnostic imaging, tooth extraction, bone grafting, surgical implant placement, abutment, and custom implant crown.

At this time, because implant placement is generally completed by a dental specialist and the final implant crown is restored at Harte Dental, different portions of treatment may be estimated or billed separately. Dental insurance coverage also varies by plan. Our team can review the recommended treatment, explain the Harte Dental portion of the cost, and help obtain insurance estimates when appropriate so you can make an informed decision.

Dental implant treatment usually involves several carefully coordinated stages:

1. Evaluation and planning: Harte Dental will examine your mouth, review your health history, and take any necessary digital images to determine whether an implant is a suitable option.
2. Implant placement: A trusted dental specialist surgically places the implant post into the jawbone.
3. Healing and osseointegration: The surrounding bone gradually heals and bonds with the implant, creating a stable foundation.
4. Abutment placement: An abutment is attached to the implant to connect it to the replacement tooth.
5. Custom implant crown: Harte Dental creates and places a custom crown designed to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth.

Our team works closely with the implant specialist to coordinate your treatment from the initial evaluation through placement of your final crown.

Whether you need a filling, dental crown, or root canal depends on how much of the tooth is damaged and whether the nerve inside the tooth is affected. At Harte Dental in Milton, MA, your dentist will examine the tooth and may take an X-ray to determine the most appropriate treatment.

A filling is commonly used for a smaller cavity or minor tooth damage. A crown may be recommended when a tooth has a large cavity, significant fracture, or is too weakened for a filling alone. A root canal may be needed when decay, a crack, or an injury reaches the pulp—the nerve and blood supply inside the tooth—and causes inflammation or infection.

Symptoms such as tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or pain when biting should be evaluated by a dentist. Early treatment can sometimes help preserve more of your natural tooth and prevent the problem from becoming more serious.

Not necessarily. Yellow teeth can be completely healthy. Natural tooth color varies from person to person, and teeth often become more yellow over time as enamel becomes thinner and the naturally yellowish dentin underneath becomes more visible.

Yellowing can also be caused by coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, certain foods, medications, and normal aging. However, a noticeable change in the color of one tooth or new discoloration can sometimes indicate decay, trauma, or another dental problem.

At Harte Dental in Milton, MA, we can evaluate tooth discoloration to determine whether it is simply cosmetic or related to your oral health. If your teeth are healthy but you'd like a brighter smile, we can also discuss professional teeth-whitening and cosmetic dentistry options.

Invisalign has a number of advantages over traditional braces:

• Invisalign is practically invisible.
• Invisalign can be cleaned quickly and easily.
• No wires need to be tightened.
• You have fewer visits to the dentist.
• You remove the aligners to eat, so Invisalign doesn't limit the foods you can enjoy. 

Yes! Harte Dental offers Invisalign® clear aligners to help straighten teeth comfortably and discreetly. Invisalign treatment uses a series of custom-made, removable clear aligners to gradually move your teeth into their ideal position. During your consultation, our team will evaluate your smile, discuss your goals, and determine if Invisalign is the right option for you.

If you're looking for a more confident smile without traditional braces, contact Harte Dental to schedule an Invisalign consultation today! (617) 696-5257 or email ContactUs@hartedental.com

Invisalign works by using a series of custom-made, clear aligners that gradually move your teeth into their ideal position. Each set of aligners is worn for a few weeks before switching to the next, creating small, controlled tooth movements over time.

At Harte Dental in Milton, MA, we'll create a personalized Invisalign treatment plan using advanced digital technology to map your smile from start to finish. The aligners are removable, making it easy to eat, brush, and floss while straightening your teeth comfortably and discreetly. Most patients wear their aligners for 20–22 hours per day, with treatment time varying based on individual needs.

Considering Invisalign? Harte Dental is accepting new patients and would be happy to help you determine if clear aligners are the right choice for your smile.

Whether you need a filling, dental crown, or root canal depends on how much of the tooth is damaged and whether the nerve inside the tooth is affected. At Harte Dental in Milton, MA, your dentist will examine the tooth and may take an X-ray to determine the most appropriate treatment.

A filling is commonly used for a smaller cavity or minor tooth damage. A crown may be recommended when a tooth has a large cavity, significant fracture, or is too weakened for a filling alone. A root canal may be needed when decay, a crack, or an injury reaches the pulp—the nerve and blood supply inside the tooth—and causes inflammation or infection.

Symptoms such as tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or pain when biting should be evaluated by a dentist. Early treatment can sometimes help preserve more of your natural tooth and prevent the problem from becoming more serious.

Harte Dental makes every effort to provide same-day emergency dental appointments for patients! If you are experiencing toothaches, broken teeth, lost fillings or crowns, dental infections, or other urgent dental problems, send us a call. If you're having a dental emergency, call our office as soon as possible so our team can evaluate your situation and schedule you at the earliest available time. Our goal is to relieve your pain quickly, protect your smile, and help you avoid more serious dental complications. 

Sensitive toothpaste can help reduce discomfort from cold, hot, sweet, or acidic foods, especially if the sensitivity is mild. However, tooth sensitivity can also be a sign of a cavity, cracked tooth, worn enamel, gum recession, or another dental problem. If your sensitivity is severe, lasts more than a few days, is getting worse, or is accompanied by pain when biting, it's best to schedule a dental exam. Your dentist here at Harte Dental can identify the cause and recommend the most effective treatment.

Send us a call at (617) 696-5257 or email ContactUs@hartedental.com . We can often fit in your visit same-day!

If you crack or break a tooth, Harte Dental in Milton, MA offers emergency dental care to evaluate the damage, relieve discomfort, and determine the best way to restore your tooth. During your emergency visit, one of our dentists will examine the tooth and may take a dental X-ray to see how deep the crack or damage extends.

Treatment depends on the severity of the damage. A minor chip may be repaired with cosmetic bonding or a filling, while a larger fracture may require a dental crown to protect the tooth. If the crack reaches the nerve inside the tooth, root canal treatment may be necessary. In some cases, a severely cracked tooth may need to be removed.

If you've cracked or broken a tooth, contact Harte Dental at 617-696-5257 as soon as possible. We make every effort to accommodate dental emergencies promptly for patients in Milton and the South Shore of Massachusetts.

A dental emergency is an oral health problem that requires prompt professional attention to relieve severe pain, control bleeding, treat infection, or prevent permanent damage. Examples include:

Severe or persistent tooth pain
Facial or gum swelling
Signs of a dental infection or abscess
A knocked-out or displaced permanent tooth
An adult tooth that suddenly becomes loose
Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
A cracked, fractured, or badly broken tooth
A lost or damaged crown, filling, bridge, or other restoration causing pain or exposing the tooth

If you are uncertain whether your symptoms require urgent dental care, call Harte Dental in Milton, MA, at 617-696-5257. Our team can ask about your symptoms and help you determine the appropriate next step.

Most toothaches, broken teeth, lost fillings, lost crowns, and localized dental infections should be evaluated by an emergency dentist such as us here at Harte Dental. A dentist can diagnose and treat the underlying dental problem, which an emergency room may not be equipped to correct.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience:

Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Rapidly spreading swelling of the face, jaw, eye, or neck
Major facial or jaw trauma
Bleeding that will not stop with firm pressure
Loss of consciousness or other potentially life-threatening symptoms

For urgent dental problems that are not life-threatening, call Harte Dental at 617-696-5257 for guidance and an emergency dental appointment in Milton, MA.

Harte Dental makes every effort to accommodate dental emergencies with a same-day or next-day appointment whenever scheduling and the patient’s condition permit.

When you call, describe your symptoms, when they began, whether you have swelling or fever, and whether the tooth was injured. This information helps our team assess the urgency of your situation. During your emergency visit, we will focus on diagnosing the problem, relieving discomfort, and protecting your oral health. If the complete treatment cannot be performed that day, we will explain the next steps and create an appropriate treatment plan.

Call 617-696-5257 as early as possible if you need an emergency dentist in Milton, MA.

Swelling of the gums, jaw, or face may be a sign of a dental abscess or another infection and should be evaluated promptly. Other warning signs may include tooth pain, tenderness when biting, fever, drainage, swollen lymph nodes, or a persistent unpleasant taste or odor in the mouth.

Do not attempt to squeeze or drain the swollen area yourself. Call Harte Dental as soon as possible for an evaluation. A dental infection generally will not resolve without treating its source.

Call 911 or go to an emergency room if the swelling is spreading rapidly, extends toward the eye or neck, or is accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing.

A knocked-out permanent tooth requires immediate attention because prompt care may improve the chance of saving it.

Pick up the tooth by its crown—the white portion normally visible in the mouth—and avoid touching the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it very gently without scrubbing or removing attached tissue. If possible, carefully return it to its socket without touching the root. Do not force it into place.

If reinsertion is not possible, keep the tooth moist in milk or an ADA-accepted tooth-preservation product. Call Harte Dental or an emergency dental provider immediately. Do not reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth.

A cracked or broken tooth should be evaluated promptly, even when it does not initially hurt. Untreated damage can expose the inner tooth, worsen over time, or allow bacteria to enter.

Rinse your mouth gently with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your face if swelling is present. Save any broken pieces you can locate and bring them to your appointment. Avoid chewing on the affected side and do not attempt to repair the tooth yourself.

Treatment depends on the location and extent of the damage. Options may include dental bonding, a tooth-colored filling, a crown, or other treatment intended to protect or save the tooth.

Save the filling or crown if you can locate it, place it in a clean container, and contact Harte Dental. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth because the exposed tooth may be sensitive or vulnerable to additional damage.

Do not use household glue or another non-dental adhesive to reattach a restoration. These products can damage the tooth and surrounding tissues. Temporary dental cement may sometimes protect the area until your appointment, but it should be used only according to the product’s instructions and is not a substitute for professional care.

Depending on its condition, the restoration may be recemented, repaired, or replaced.

Antibiotics alone generally cannot correct the underlying cause of a dental infection. They may be prescribed when an infection is spreading, produces systemic symptoms such as fever, or presents another clinical concern. However, the affected tooth or gum tissue usually still requires dental treatment.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve drainage, restorative care, root canal treatment, periodontal treatment, or extraction. Taking antibiotics without treating the source may allow the infection to return or worsen.

Never take leftover antibiotics or medication prescribed to someone else. A dentist must evaluate the problem and determine whether antibiotics and additional dental treatment are appropriate.

An emergency dental appointment begins with a review of your symptoms, medical history, medications, and the circumstances surrounding the problem. Your dentist will examine the affected tooth and surrounding tissues and may take digital X-rays when necessary to identify decay, infection, fractures, or other concerns.

The immediate priorities are to diagnose the problem, relieve pain, control infection or bleeding, and prevent further damage. Depending on the diagnosis and available appointment time, treatment may begin during the same visit. If the condition requires additional care or coordination with a dental specialist, Harte Dental will explain the findings and help develop the appropriate longer-term plan.

Call a dentist promptly if your child chips, breaks, loosens, or knocks out a tooth. Rinse the mouth gently, apply clean gauze with light pressure if bleeding is present, and use a cold compress on the outside of the face to reduce swelling. Save any tooth fragments and bring them to the appointment.

Treatment depends partly on whether the injured tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth. Do not attempt to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth, as doing so could harm the developing permanent tooth. A knocked-out permanent tooth requires immediate attention and should be handled only by its crown, not its root.

Seek emergency medical care for serious facial trauma, loss of consciousness, uncontrollable bleeding, or breathing difficulty.

YES! Our office here at 480 Adams Street is fully wheelchair accessible with a ramp and elevator! Right across the hall there are also wheelchair accessible bathrooms! We are proud to be a dentist in Milton MA that is wheelchair accessible, and several of our patients use their wheelchair right up to the dental chair!

Harte Dental is proud to serve people from all different backgrounds, and we are handicap accessible to allow everyone into the office! 

We want your first visit to be comfortable, easy, and stress-free. Before your appointment, we'll send you a secure link by text and email to our convenient Patient Portal, where you can complete your medical history and new patient forms online. During your visit, you'll meet our friendly award-winning team, discuss your dental goals and concerns, receive a comprehensive exam & any necessary digital X-rays, a thorough cleaning, and we'll review our findings and personalized treatment recommendations with you.

Our goal is to help you feel informed, comfortable, and confident about your smile from the moment you walk through our doors. Many patients leave with a simple cleaning scheduled in 3 or 6 months, depending on their overall oral health. 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends bringing your baby/child to the dentist by their first birthday or after their first tooth erupting—whichever comes first. Early dental visits help monitor healthy tooth development, prevent cavities, and give parents guidance on brushing, nutrition, and oral habits. At Harte Dental, we're happy to help your child build a healthy smile from the very beginning.

Early exposure to a friendly, award-winning dentist eases your child into a lifelong partnership with their dentist!

When choosing a new dentist, look for a practice with experienced providers, outstanding patient reviews, modern technology, convenient appointment options, and a friendly team that takes the time to listen to your concerns. It's also helpful to choose a dentist who offers comprehensive care for your entire family and works with your dental insurance whenever possible. At Harte Dental in Milton, we're committed to providing personalized, compassionate care to help patients of all ages achieve healthy, confident smiles. Just call us with any questions at (617) 696-5257 or email ContactUs@hartedental.com .

Harte Dental has been voted Best Dentist in Milton since 2017 in the Milton Times, Top Dentist in Boston Magazine, and Favorite Dentist in Milton in the Milton Scene. We've also been voted Neighborhood Favorite on Nextdoor. We have over 760 5-Star Google Reviews from happy patients. 

Both electric and manual toothbrushes can effectively clean your teeth when used correctly. However, many patients find an electric toothbrush makes it easier to brush thoroughly and consistently, especially models with built-in timers and pressure sensors. We recommend placing the electric toothbrush over the surface of the tooth approximately 3 seconds before slowly moving it to the next surface! Let the electric toothbrush do the work!

Electric toothbrushes can be particularly helpful for people who brush too hard, have difficulty reaching certain areas, have limited hand dexterity, or simply want help improving their brushing technique. A manual toothbrush can also do an excellent job when you brush properly for two minutes, twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste.

At Harte Dental in Milton, MA, our dentists and dental hygienists can recommend a toothbrush and brushing technique based on your individual oral health needs. Ultimately, the best toothbrush is one you can use correctly and consistently every day.

Harte Dental is a family dentist who loves working with children! We know that convenience is important for today’s busy families. That is why we offer dentistry for the whole family including your children! We begin seeing kids at a young age to make sure they have a healthy dental foundation. ADA recommends starting trips to the dentist when your little one has their first tooth erupt or at their 1st birthday!

We make scheduling easy! Send us a call to set up your child's appointment! Harte Dental has been voted Best Dentist in Milton (The Milton Times) and Favorite Dentist in Milton MA (Milton Scene). Dr. Kimberly Harte has also been voted Top Dentist in Boston Magazine.

Not directly—but the bacteria that cause cavities can spread throughout your mouth. If decay-causing bacteria aren't removed with good brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings, they can build up on nearby teeth and increase the risk of new cavities developing.

A cavity itself doesn't "jump" from one tooth to another like an infection, but the conditions that caused the first cavity can affect surrounding teeth. That's why treating cavities early is important. Small cavities are often easier and less expensive to repair than larger ones.

At Harte Dental in Milton, MA, we help patients catch cavities early with routine exams, digital X-rays, and preventive care. We're accepting new patients and are here to help keep your smile healthy for years to come. Happily treating wonderful patients from Milton, Greater Boston and the South Shore.

For your child's first dental visit, bring their favorite doll or toy! They can even have their favorite toy have their teeth cleaned as a demo. For any medications or medical conditions, you can conveniently complete their medical history through our secure Patient Portal, sent by text or email before your visit.

We have water here and a handicap accessible bathroom, along with toys to play with in the reception area. 

We also recommend bringing your child with a positive attitude! Our friendly team takes the time to help children feel comfortable, making their first dental experience fun, relaxed, and stress-free.

We also recommend framing the dentist as "the hero of the story!" A lot of times, adults accidentally say "If you don't brush your teeth, you'll have to go to THE DENTIST." This makes the dentist seem like the "bad guy." Flip the script and make CAVITIES the bad guy! Dentists are the heroes who defeat the cavities or "sugar bugs" as we call them! 

Harte Dental in Milton, MA is accepting new patients, and we look forward to helping your child build a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Both electric and manual toothbrushes can effectively clean your teeth when used correctly. However, many patients find an electric toothbrush makes it easier to brush thoroughly and consistently, especially models with built-in timers and pressure sensors. We recommend placing the electric toothbrush over the surface of the tooth approximately 3 seconds before slowly moving it to the next surface! Let the electric toothbrush do the work!

Electric toothbrushes can be particularly helpful for people who brush too hard, have difficulty reaching certain areas, have limited hand dexterity, or simply want help improving their brushing technique. A manual toothbrush can also do an excellent job when you brush properly for two minutes, twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste.

At Harte Dental in Milton, MA, our dentists and dental hygienists can recommend a toothbrush and brushing technique based on your individual oral health needs. Ultimately, the best toothbrush is one you can use correctly and consistently every day.

Coming in for regular cleanings with one of our excellent dental hygienists will help keep your gums in great shape, but what you do at home matters as well. Brush twice daily and floss every evening. Our hygienists will be happy to show you good brushing and flossing technique.

Other steps you can take to prevent gum disease include:

• Don't smoke or chew tobacco
• Eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash. We'll be happy to recommend one.
• If you have a health condition that can affect your dental health such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, please let us know so that we can take extra steps to help keep your gums healthy.

Yes! Harte Dental provides periodontal maintenance.

A periodontal maintenance visit is a specialized cleaning appointment for people who have been diagnosed with gum disease (periodontitis) and have already completed treatment such as scaling and root planing ("deep cleaning" or SCRP) or other periodontal therapy.

It takes about the same amount of time as a regular cleaning!

Unlike a routine cleaning, periodontal maintenance focuses on preventing gum disease from returning.

Typical steps include:

Periodontal measurements

Measure gum pocket depths around teeth.
Check for bleeding, inflammation, gum recession, and mobility.

Removal of plaque and tartar

Clean both above and below the gumline.
Remove bacterial deposits from periodontal pockets where disease can recur.

Polishing and stain removal

Polish teeth when appropriate to remove surface stains and plaque.

Periodontal maintenance helps:

Prevent gum disease from becoming active again.
Reduce the risk of further bone loss.
Control inflammation and bleeding.
Remove bacteria from areas that are difficult to clean at home.

A regular dental cleaning, also called a prophylaxis, is preventive care for patients with generally healthy gums. It removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains from the teeth and helps prevent cavities and gum disease.

Periodontal maintenance is designed for patients who have been treated for periodontal (gum) disease, often after a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing). These visits focus on controlling gum disease by carefully cleaning above and below the gumline and monitoring areas where periodontal pockets and bone loss may be present.

Periodontal maintenance is typically recommended more frequently than a regular cleaning—often every 3 to 4 months, depending on your individual needs.

At Harte Dental in Milton, MA, our dentists and dental hygienists evaluate your gums and recommend the type and frequency of cleaning that will best protect your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.

Understanding the process can often remove a great deal of the fear surrounding dental procedures. During a root canal, the goals of treatment are to stop the infection, prevent further damage, and relieve your pain.

We begin by making sure that you are numb and comfortable. The next step is to use special instruments to carefully and thoroughly clean out the infection from your tooth and remove the infected or damaged nerve. If necessary, we may place an antibiotic treatment to prevent re-infection.

The cavity in your tooth will be filled and sealed, and a crown may be placed. You may experience some soreness following the procedure as part of your body’s natural reaction to any type of perceived injury, but this will quickly fade and you will feel much better.

A dentist determines whether you need a root canal by reviewing your symptoms, examining the tooth and taking dental X-rays. The dentist may also test the tooth’s response to temperature, biting pressure or gentle tapping. A root canal may be recommended when the pulp—the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth—has become irreversibly inflamed, damaged or infected.

Possible signs include persistent tooth pain, pain when biting, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, a pimple or bump on the gums, tooth discoloration, or a chipped or cracked tooth. However, an infected tooth does not always cause obvious symptoms. A dental examination and X-rays are necessary to determine whether root canal treatment is appropriate.

During root canal treatment, the tooth is numbed with local anesthesia. The inflamed or infected tissue is removed from inside the tooth, and the canals are carefully cleaned, disinfected, filled and sealed. A temporary or permanent restoration is then placed. Depending on the tooth, a dental crown may be recommended afterward to protect it from breaking and restore normal function. We receive a letter from the endodontist and schedule your beautiful crown appointment here!

Many root canal procedures take approximately 60 to 90 minutes, although treatment time varies according to the tooth and the complexity of its roots. Some teeth can be treated in one appointment, while others may require two or more visits. Molars, severe infections and teeth with complicated root anatomy may require additional time or treatment by an endodontist.

Modern root canal treatment is performed with local anesthesia, so most patients feel pressure or movement rather than sharp pain. The procedure is intended to relieve pain caused by an inflamed or infected tooth. Some tenderness or sensitivity when biting is common for several days afterward, but it should gradually improve. Contact your dentist if discomfort becomes severe, worsens or does not begin to resolve.

No. Harte Dental currently refers patients who need root canal treatment to trusted endodontist offices on the South Shore. We are exploring the possibility of adding a Harte Dental endodontic specialist in the future so patients can receive this specialized care within our practice.

Yes! We offer in-office whitening, and you will leave the office to dazzle your friends and family. All in an hour! After your appointment you do not need to come back to the office, and your smile will be brighter! 

Sometimes, a simple teeth whitening procedure is all it takes to put the sparkle back into your smile.

If your staining or discoloration is resistant to whitening, however, we have other ways of improving the appearance of your teeth using cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers, bonding, or porcelain crowns.

Call us to find out which of our services is right for you.

Not necessarily. Yellow teeth can be completely healthy. Natural tooth color varies from person to person, and teeth often become more yellow over time as enamel becomes thinner and the naturally yellowish dentin underneath becomes more visible.

Yellowing can also be caused by coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, certain foods, medications, and normal aging. However, a noticeable change in the color of one tooth or new discoloration can sometimes indicate decay, trauma, or another dental problem.

At Harte Dental in Milton, MA, we can evaluate tooth discoloration to determine whether it is simply cosmetic or related to your oral health. If your teeth are healthy but you'd like a brighter smile, we can also discuss professional teeth-whitening and cosmetic dentistry options.