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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the practice:

What procedures and services do you offer?
Why choose Harvard Vanguard for your dental care?
Do I need to be a Harvard Vanguard patient?
How do I make an appointment?
Where are the offices located?
What if I have an emergency?
What can I expect at my first visit?
When should my child first visit a dentist?
What dental insurances are accepted?
Are there payment options available?

What procedures and services do you offer?
Harvard Vanguard dentists provide a full range of preventive, diagnostic, restorative, and specialty services to adults and children.

Why choosed Harvard Vanguard for your dental care?
The dental practice at Harvard Vanguard is part of a healthcare organization that is dedicated to clinical excellence and individualized service . We offer several convenient locations that offer early morning, evening, and Saturday appointments in addition to our regular daytime hours. And we have a general dentist, pediatric dentist, and oral sugeon on call 24 hours a day for emergencies. Our experienced dental specialists look forward to building a long-term relationship with you and your family.

Do I need to be a Harvard Vanguard patient?
No, you do not need to be a medical patient of Harvard Vanguard to receive care from our dental practice.

How do I make an appointment?
Call the office that is convenient to you to request an appointment. Appointments are available during many early morning, evening and Saturday hours in addition to regular daytime hours.

Where are the offices located?
We currently have five convenient locations: Boston, Braintree, Chelmsford, Peabody, and Somerville.

What if I have an emergency?
A general dentist, pediatric dentist and oral surgeon are on call 24 hours a day for emergencies. Call the office that is convenient to you with any questions.

What can I expect at my first visit?
Before your first visit, you’ll receive a package outlining our practice policies and a medical history form for you to complete. Please complete the form and bring it with you at your first visit.

Your dentist will ask about your concerns and examine your mouth and teeth. A full series of x-rays will be taken unless you bring a recent set with you.

Your dentist will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that meets your needs and will coordinate care with your primary care physician and other specialists if necessary.

When should my child first visit a dentist?
The American Dental Association recommends that parents take their children to the dentist by their first birthday. At that visit, the dentist will offer advice about nutrition and keeping your child’s teeth healthy. The visit provides both parents and their children with an opportunity to get familiar with the dental staff and equipment in a reassuring environment.

What dental insurances are accepted?
We accept many insurance plans. Contact us by e-mail or call us — our staff will be pleased to assist you with questions. The range of benefits depends on the plan that your employer has chosen. The level of coverage depends on your specific dental plan.

Are there payment options available?
If you have dental insurance, bring your insurance card with you to your first visit. If your insurance does not cover the cost of your care, you will be asked to pay at the time of service. We accept most major credit cards and have financing options available for certain specialty procedures. Please ask our staff about payment options.

What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry includes bleaching or whitening of teeth, placing veneers or straightening your teeth by means of braces (orthodontics).

What is tooth whitening or bleaching?
There are several ways to make your smile whiter. Many of these systems have seen advances in the past several years and are available.

What is a root canal?
Our teeth are meant to last a lifetime; however, if one of your teeth becomes damaged or injured, it can often be saved with root canal (endodontics) treatment. The diseased pulp will be removed, the chamber cleaned, and a temporary filling will be placed in the crown opening. This may take more than one appointment. The final step is to have a gold or porcelain crown placed over the tooth.

What is gum disease?
Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Gum disease is usually painless.

Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that damage the gums. In the early stages of gum disease, gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.