Keeping up with dental care can be challenging, especially when you're juggling the needs of multiple family members. A family dentist makes it easier by offering care for patients of all ages, from toddlers getting their first checkup to grandparents needing routine maintenance or restorative work.
At Soft Touch Dentistry, Dr. Nazila Bidabadi and our associate doctors bring a patient-centered approach to family dental care. Dr. Bidabadi and her team have many years of experience providing dental services for families and individuals in Newton and Brighton, Massachusetts.
What Is Family Dentistry?
Family dentistry provides care for patients of all ages, making it easier for everyone in the household to keep their smiles healthy. From routine cleanings to more complex treatments like fillings, bridges, and implants, family dentists handle a wide range of dental needs. They also keep an eye on everyone's oral health changes over time.
Seeing the same dentist over the years also creates a sense of trust and comfort, which can be helpful for kids or anyone who feels anxious about dental visits. With a family dentist, each member of the household gets care for their needs – all in one familiar place.
Our Family Dentistry Services
At Soft Touch Dentistry, we offer the following services to keep your family’s smiles healthy and bright:
- Children & Teens: We see children as young as two and provide preventive care, dental education, and treatments like sealants and fluoride. For teenagers, we offer sports mouthguards, Invisalign®, and referrals to orthodontists when needed.
- Adults: From routine cleanings to restorative care like fillings, crowns, and implants, we help adults maintain strong teeth.
- Expecting Mothers: Pregnancy can affect oral health, so we offer specialized care and guidance to support both mother and baby.
- Seniors: We provide dentures, partials, and routine dental care to help older adults keep up with their oral health.
- Emergency Care: Whether it is a toothache, a chipped tooth, or a dental injury from an accident or sports event, we are here to provide urgent care when needed.
- Cosmetic Treatments: We offer in-office teeth whitening, veneers, and other cosmetic enhancements to help you feel confident in your smile.
Benefits of Family Dentistry
Having one trusted provider for the whole family comes with plenty of advantages, such as:
- Convenience: Everyone can visit the same office, often with the option to schedule multiple appointments together.
- Comprehensive care: From preventive cleanings to restorative treatments like fillings and crowns, a family dentist covers a wide range of services.
- Early detection of dental issues: Regular visits help catch problems like cavities or gum disease before they become more serious.
- Education on oral health: Patients of all ages receive guidance on proper brushing, flossing, and other good habits.
- Long-term relationships: Seeing the same dentist over the years builds trust and makes visits more comfortable, especially for children or anxious patients.
What to Expect During a Dental Visit
A typical visit at Soft Touch Dentistry will be smooth and thorough. When you arrive, our friendly team will check you in and review any necessary paperwork. If it’s your first visit, we will take the time to get to know you, discuss your dental history, and address any concerns you may have.
For routine checkups, your visit will usually include a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, a comprehensive exam to check for any dental issues, and, if needed, X-rays to get a clearer look at your teeth and jaw.
If you need a specific treatment, we will explain your options so you know exactly what to expect. We understand that some patients feel anxious about dental visits, so we take a gentle approach and ensure you feel at ease throughout your appointment.
Why Choose Soft Touch Dentistry?
At Soft Touch Dentistry, our team of highly skilled professionals care deeply about your comfort and health. Dr. Nazila Bidabadi, a clinical instructor at Harvard University, leads our practice with expertise in cosmetic and general dentistry. Alongside her, Dr. Jacqueline Jacobson specializes in endodontics, ensuring gentle, effective root canal treatments, while Dr. Mingfang Su, a periodontist with over 40 years of experience, provides expert gum care and implant treatments.
Our Newton and Brighton offices offer a welcoming environment where you'll feel right at home while getting quality dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is Family Dentistry Different From General Dentistry?
Family dentistry treats patients of all ages, offering care that grows with you. General dentists often focus on adult care and may not treat young children. A family dentist provides continuity and convenience by treating the whole household in one place.
How Often Should Family Members Have Dental Checkups?
The average checkup times are once every six months. However, this could change depending on the specific cases of every individual. We provide preventative care at every checkup in addition to the general examination. Some individuals may need up to four times a year for their checkups.
Are Family Dentists Equipped to Handle Dental Emergencies?
Yes, family dentists handle a wide range of dental emergencies, from sudden toothaches to broken or knocked-out teeth. We provide prompt care for urgent dental issues, whether caused by an accident, injury, or infection.
Do Family Dentists Offer Pediatric Dentistry Services?
Yes! At Soft Touch Dentistry, Dr. Nazila Bidabadi provides pediatric dental care for children as young as two years old. Our team understands how to create a positive experience to make children feel comfortable during their visits.
For more complex needs, such as advanced orthodontic treatment or specialized pediatric procedures, we may refer patients to another specialist. However, most children’s dental care can be handled right here in our Newton and Brighton offices.
What Is Preventive Dentistry, and Why Is It Important for Families?
Preventive dentistry focuses on maintaining your oral health by stopping problems before they start, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and more serious dental issues. During preventative care, we remove all plaque and calculus. We’ll also review proper brushing and flossing techniques to make sure you’re protecting your teeth at home.
More importantly, we’ll examine your teeth and your mouth for anomalies. In case any issues are discovered, we can address them before they become more extensive dental problems. Everyone should prioritize keeping up with their preventative care visits.
Are Family Dentists Experienced in Working With Anxious or Fearful Patients?
In our practice, we have seen many patients that started with dental anxiety. We explain and provide care at a rate that you feel comfortable with to put you at ease. Many people return after their initial visit because they feel comfortable with our staff.
Are All Family Members Scheduled Together?
It depends on the family. When multiple young children are involved, we advise parents to attend or break the family visits into multiple visits.
Does Insurance Cover Family Dentistry Services?
Yes, most family dentistry services are covered by dental insurance, though coverage can vary depending on your specific plan. Dr. Bidabadi accepts and files claims with most insurance providers.
For any out-of-pocket costs, we offer multiple payment options, including credit card payments and in-house financing, so financial concerns do not prevent you from getting the care you need.
How Can I Prevent Cavities in My Family?
Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and regular dental checkups are key to cavity prevention. Limiting sugary foods and drinks, drinking water, and eating tooth-friendly foods like dairy and vegetables also help. Fluoride treatments and sealants provide extra protection, especially for kids.
Schedule an Appointment
At Soft Touch Dentistry, we care for patients of all ages and strive to make every appointment a positive experience.
If you are looking for family dental care, contact us at 617.782.9250 to schedule an appointment today. We proudly serve families in Brighton, Newton, and the surrounding Boston area.
