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Patient Resources

We believe informed patients make the best decisions. Browse our collection of resources created to help the Westerly community stay informed, comfortable, and confident about their dental care.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Answers to the most common questions about dental care, oral health, and
finding the right practice within the Smart Dental Network.
 
 

Why are regular dental visits important?

Regular dental visits allow your provider to catch small issues before they become bigger, more expensive problems. Cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer are all easier to treat when detected early. Most patients benefit from visiting their dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam, though your provider may recommend a different schedule based on your individual needs.

What is preventive dental care and what does it include?

Preventive dental care refers to the routine treatments and habits that help you maintain a healthy mouth and avoid more serious dental issues down the road. At Smart Dental Network, preventive care includes professional cleanings, comprehensive exams, dental X-rays, oral cancer screenings, fluoride treatments, and sealants. Combined with good daily habits at home like brushing, flossing, and a balanced diet, preventive care is the most effective way to protect your long-term oral health.

How do I know when it is time to see a dentist?

While routine visits every six months are recommended for most patients, there are signs that you should schedule an appointment sooner. If you are experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swollen or bleeding gums, a cracked or broken tooth, or any unusual changes in your mouth, do not wait for your next scheduled visit. Catching and addressing these signs early can prevent more serious and costly treatment down the line. When in doubt, it is always better to call your Smart Dental Network practice and let your provider take a look.

At what age should children start seeing a dentist?

The American Dental Association recommends bringing your child to the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Starting early helps establish healthy habits, allows your provider to monitor jaw and tooth development, and makes dental visits a comfortable and familiar experience for your child from a young age. Smart Dental Network practices welcome patients of all ages and are experienced in providing gentle, age-appropriate care for children.

What are the most common causes of tooth decay and cavities?

The American Dental Association recommends bringing your child to the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Starting early helps establish healthy habits, allows your provider to monitor jaw and tooth development, and makes dental visits a comfortable and familiar experience for your child from a young age. Smart Dental Network practices welcome patients of all ages and are experienced in providing gentle, age-appropriate care for children.

How frequently should I schedule a dental cleaning and exam?

For most patients, visiting the dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam is the standard recommendation. However, the right schedule depends on your individual oral health needs. Patients with a history of gum disease, frequent cavities, or other ongoing concerns may benefit from more frequent visits, while those with consistently healthy checkups may be able to visit less often. Your Smart Dental Network provider will assess your oral health at each visit and recommend a schedule that makes the most sense for you.

What is the difference between a general dentist and a specialist?

A general dentist is your primary dental care provider, handling routine cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns, and most everyday dental needs. A specialist is a dentist who has completed additional years of advanced training in a specific area of dentistry, such as orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, or periodontics. At Smart Dental Network, many of our locations have in-house specialists or work closely with specialists within the network, so you can often get the care you need without being referred outside of your practice.

How do I find the right Smart Dental Network practice for my needs?

Smart Dental Network has practices across Rhode Island and Connecticut, each with its own team, hours, and specialty services. The best way to find the right location for you is to visit our Locations page, where you can browse all of our practices by state, view contact information and hours, and link directly to your local practice page. If you are unsure which location is the best fit for your needs, you can also use the form on our Locations page and a member of our team will help point you in the right direction.

Insurance and Payments  

We accept most major insurance plans across all Smart Dental Network locations.
 
 

Most major plans accepted

Including Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and more.

Dental savings plans available

No insurance? Flexible in-house savings plans are available at most locations.

Financing options

Payment plans and third-party financing available to help make care affordable.

Not sure what your practice accepts?

Coverage details vary by location. Visit your practice page to see what your office accepts.

Find a location

Post-Visit Care

Helpful tips, dental insights, and updates to keep your smile healthy between visits .
Post-Care Instructions for Extractions
Post-Care Instructions for Fillings
Post-Care Instructions for Flexible Partial Wearers
Post-Care Instructions for Temporary Crowns and Bridges
Post-Care Instructions for Scaling and Root Planing

Patient Blog and Education

Helpful tips, dental insights, and updates to keep your smile healthy between visits.

What Is a Periodontist and Why Are They Important?
Electric Toothbrush vs Manual: Which Is Better for You?
Dental Emergencies: What to Do Before You Reach the Office
Are Sugar-Free Snacks Actually Better for Your Teeth?
Why Are My Gums Swollen? Six Possible Reasons and What to Do
How Staying Hydrated Can Improve Your Dental Health
Can Taking Care of Your Teeth Help Protect Your Brain?
How Overjet Helps Our Dental Practice Provide the Best Care for You
Restorative vs. Cosmetic Ceramic Crowns: Understanding the Key Differences
The Importance of Preventive Dental Care: Why Regular Checkups Matter
Everything You Should Know About An Orthodontist
Sealing the Cracks: How Dental Sealants Work
Testimonials - Dentist Near Me in Mansfield, CT
Mansfield Family Dental - Dentist in Mansfield CT
The Ultimate Guide to Dental Cleaning in Glastonbury, CT
Post-Op Instructions for Your Oral Surgery in Cranston RI
What to Expect At Your First Visit with Dr. Judson Dacher-Shapiro, DMD
Pre-Op Instructions for Your Oral Surgery in Cranston RI
The Importance of Bringing a Current Medication List to Your Oral Surgery Appointment
Testimonials - Dentist Near Me in Rocky Hill, CT
Testimonials - Oral Surgeon Near Me in Cranston, RI
Diving Deep into Fluoride: Benefits, Myths, and Facts
Teeth Whitening Secrets for a Radiant Smile in Rocky Hill
Testimonials - Dentist Near Me in West Hartford, CT
Your Smile Makeover: Full Mouth Reconstruction in Cranston RI
Understanding Fixed Bridges: Types, Materials, and Benefits
Tooth Saver: What's an Endodontist?
Abscess Tooth: Symptoms and Treatment
Implant-Supported Dentures and Dental Implants: The Perfect Solution for Secure and Natural Tooth Replacement
Everything You Need to Know About Dentures
12-year Molars
Wisdom Teeth: What to Expect Before & After Removal
Why Oral Health is Important During Pregnancy?
What is Transient Lingual Papillitis and How is it Treated?
How to Prevent Receding Gums?
How to Fix Your Overbite
Malocclusion Uncovered: What You Need to Know
What You Need to Know About Oral Thrush
Foods that are good for your teeth
Why Do Baby Teeth Matter?
Gingivitis: Symptoms and Treatment
Understanding the Importance of Dental X-Rays in Maintaining Oral Health
How to Treat a Dead Tooth?
Throbbing Tooth Pain: What Are the Potential Causes?
Say Goodbye to Cavities: Proven Prevention Techniques
How to Stop Jaw Clenching
5 Dentist Recommendations for Sensitive Teeth
How to Stop Grinding Teeth
How to Identify and Get Rid of Plaque on Teeth
Tartar 101: What You Need to Know About this Dental Menace
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Symptoms and Treatments
Waterpik vs. Flossing: Which Is More Effective for Oral Health?
Maintaining Dental Health with Braces: The Importance of Flossing
Best way to floss your teeth
Crowns vs. 4 Surface Fillings
Why Spend Money on Chipped Tooth Repair?
Your Guide to Root Canals: What You Need to Know
Stay Safe in Sports: The Importance of Sports Mouthguards
How to Clean Your Retainer
Maintain Healthy Teeth with Regular Teeth Cleaning: A Comprehensive Guide
Halloween (Cavity Prevention)
How to Choose a Family Dentist in 8 Simple Steps
Frequently Asked Questions - Children's Dentistry
Tooth Brush Timer
Healthy Habits Contract to Wean Thumbsucking or Pacifier
Home Care Instructions After Your Child's Tooth Extraction
Teeth Eruption Chart
Plaque Chart for Your Child's Daily Brushing and Flossing
Books To Read Before Your Child's First Dental Visit
What is the Best Pain Relief for a Toothache?
Same Day Dental Crowns
From Crooked to Captivating: How Braces Can Enhance Your Smile
What is a Dry Socket and How to Treat It
Do You Need An Emergency Dentist?
Everything You Want to Know About Veneers
Orthodontist vs. Dentist: What's the difference?
Sanibel Dental - About Our Office
Sanibel Dental - Your First Visit
Sanibel Dental - Financial Information
Plainville - Testimonials
Plainville - Patient Forms
Plainville - Our Office
Smart Dental FAQs
Why Children May Be at Risk for Gum Disease
Periodontists Are Crucial to Your Oral Health
Conquer Your Fear of Dental Treatment
How Can I Make My Teeth Whiter?
How to Deal with Your Child's Fear of the Dentist
Loose Teeth in Adults: What You Need to Know
Bleeding Gums: When Should You Worry and What to Do About It
The Ultimate Guide to Conquering Chronic Bad Breath
Flossing Is A Must For Good Oral Health
Smoking Poses a Risk to Your Lungs—and Your Gums!
Men's Oral Health: Battling Gum Disease
What Does A Periodontist Do?
Should I See a Periodontist?
Frequently Asked Questions at Our Practice
Post-Care Instructions for Extractions
Post-Care Instructions for Fillings
Post-Care Instructions for Flexible Partial Wearers
Post-Care Instructions for Temporary Crowns and Bridges
Post-Care Instructions for Scaling and Root Planing
Holiday Guide to Dental Care

Latest News and Updates

Helpful tips, dental insights, and updates to keep your smile healthy between visits.

Children's Dentistry Wakefield RI Office Relocating on November 1, 2023
Capalbo Dental Group of Wickford RI Welcomes Dr. Mia Baker DMD
Cranston Dental Associates Welcomes Dr. Mia Baker DMD
Westerly Dental Group Welcomes Dr. Hannah Tarpey, DMD
East Greenwich Family Dental Welcomes Dr. Jordyn Vivian, DMD
Rocky Hill Dental Group Welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Banister, DMD
Care During COVID-19

Start With a Practice Near You

 
Smart Dental Network has trusted dental practices across Rhode Island and Connecticut. Find the location closest to you and take the first step toward better oral health.