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Smiles by the Toothboss dental practice gets a cleaning…South Weymouth dental practice switches to paperless records, renovates office space.

Dr. Richard Wolfert
Dr. Richard Wolfert, "The Toothboss"

SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA

Some people just don’t like to go to the dentist’s office. While that’s a fact professionals like Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD, accept, he’s doing everything in his power to make the visit to the dentist a more comfortable experience by undergoing a number of cosmetic and operational improvements to his Smiles by the Toothboss dental practice located at 1121 Main Street in South Weymouth.

The renovations began with a conversion to digital radiography so that all X-rays and records are now stored electronically. This makes treatments easier to diagnose and record-keeping more efficient. Also, removing large filing cabinets from the work area enabled the construction of a more spacious, ergonomically sound space for Wolfert’s staff, which has grown in numbers over the years.

“The apprehensions people have about coming to the dentist are based on their own fears, but how an office appears and how work flows can affect how patients perceive the experience and exacerbate those feelings,” said Wolfert. “These improvements have made us more efficient and ergonomically sound as we now have reception desk that can comfortably seat two staff members who aren’t reaching over each other while serving patients and that puts everyone at ease.”

Adds Wolfert, “Being paperless is another huge benefit. Beyond the storage issues, just not having a paper record makes for a much more hygienic environment, as well as being more private.”

Wolfert anticipates the renovations being completed over the next month. Though he realizes improved appearance and efficiency may not help all patients get over their apprehension about visiting the dentist, Smiles by the Toothboss does offer one service that can help: sedation dentistry.

“We do offer sedation dentistry for patients who do have a fear of going to the dentist,” said Wolfert. “It’s not like the old days where dentists used nitric oxide or ‘laughing gas’. The new oral sedatives leave patients or patients who have a severe fear of the dentists feeling relaxed and calm—and conscious—throughout the appointment.”

In addition to sedation dentistry, Dr. Wolfert offers a wide range of dental services, including comprehensive examinations, cosmetics, tooth-colored restorations, partial and full dentures; dental implants, periodontics (early cases treated) and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

Dr. Wolfert’s practice, Smiles by the Toothboss, is located at 1121 Main Street in South Weymouth, Massachusetts. For more information, you can visit Dr. Wolfert’s website at www.toothboss.com or call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

About Smiles by the Toothboss

Smiles by the Toothboss offers: comprehensive examinations (written treatment and treatment plan provided); cosmetics; crowns, bridges and tooth-colored restorations; partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated); oral surgery; restoration of conventional and small diameter implants; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

Smiles by the Toothboss accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. They also accept all major credit cards and have arranged payment plans through CareCredit.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 781-335-0604. For more information, visit www.toothboss.com.

Smiles by the Toothboss dental practice gets a cleaning…South Weymouth dental practice switches to paperless records, renovates office space.Read More

Missing a tooth or need one replaced? Dental implants provide a permanent solution.

Dental implant
Smiles by the Toothboss, located in South Weymouth, MA, performs dental implants

SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA

As a child, a missing tooth is a rite of passage and cause for children to celebrate an anticipated visit from the Tooth Fairy. As adults, a missing tooth or tooth that might need to be replaced is cause for discomfort on many levels, most notably emotional and financial. Unfortunately, many people opt for a quick fix or least costly fix and that can lead to more problems.

“The emotional impact of losing one of your teeth combined with the financial cost associated with repairing it leads people to some rather hasty decisions without considering all the factors,” said Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD and owner of Smiles by the Toothboss in South Weymouth. “We recommend dental implants because it offers a permanent solution without altering any teeth besides the missing one.”

Treatments for missing teeth or teeth that need replacing include:

  • Transitional replacement – Merely an aesthetic solution that offers limited functionality.
  • Bridge – This involves a tooth replacement and trimming adjacent teeth to transition smoothly with the false tooth. Trimming teeth can increase risk of the tooth abscessing or gum disease.
  • Dental implant – A Titanium based cylinder that replaces the missing tooth root. After a period of time and when the implant has integrated other parts will be placed on the implant, enabling your dentist to eventually place a crown (cap) on the implant.

The process of replacing a tooth via dental implant takes three to six months. An oral surgeon performs the initial phase, which involves replacing the root. Typically, your regular dentist will complete the remainder of the procedure, placing the crown/cap on the implant.

The cost of a dental implant can vary depending on the extent of the repair. Most dental plans will not cover the surgery portion of the procedure. Most plans will cover the crown portion of the procedure up to a certain amount (for most plans, it’s around $1500). You should check with your dental plan provider before committing to a dental implant to be certain of exactly how much is covered. 

“A dental implant is certainly a conservative approach,” said Wolfert. “More and more dentists are recommending dental implants as the preferred method of tooth replacement because of its durability and the lack of potential side effects.”

In addition to crowns for dental implants, Dr. Wolfert offers a wide range of dental services, including comprehensive examinations, cosmetics, tooth-colored restorations, partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated) and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

Dr. Wolfert’s practice, Smiles by the Toothboss, is located at 1121 Main Street in South Weymouth, Massachusetts. For more information, you can visit Dr. Wolfert’s website at www.toothboss.com or call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

About Smiles by the Toothboss

Smiles by the Toothboss offers: comprehensive examinations (written treatment and treatment plan provided); cosmetics; crowns, bridges and tooth-colored restorations; partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated); oral surgery; restoration of conventional and small diameter implants; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

Smiles by the Toothboss accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. They also accept all major credit cards and have arranged payment plans through CareCredit.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 781-335-0604. For more information, visit www.toothboss.com.

Missing a tooth or need one replaced? Dental implants provide a permanent solution.Read More

Brushing up on your holiday eating. How to brush to keep holiday sweets from leading to a trip to the dentist

Dr. Richard Wolfert
Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD, "The Toothboss"

SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA

When it comes to holiday sweets, most people worry about what it will do to their waist line. Not much thought is given about what an increase in sweets can do to their teeth. While you might assume a few extra trips to the gym after the holidays will take care of the sweets, the potential damage to your teeth from an increase in sweets can be more troublesome.

“If you are continually eating sweets all day long because candy or other sugary treats are available, it raises the acid levels in your mouth to a higher than normal level and that can lead to an increase in demineralization of the enamel and cavity formation,” said Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD. “Also, the sticky nature of most candy provides the bacteria with more opportunity to create the acid that causes all the problems. And, it goes without saying that sticky candies and sweets are not the best thing to be eating if you have crowns, bridges or other prosthetic appliances in your mouth that can be ‘pulled’ out.”

Does that mean you shouldn’t have any sweets during the holidays? According to Dr. Wolfert, sweets in moderation are fine. The real issue stems back to people’s brushing habits in general.

“The simple fact is most people do not know how to properly brush their teeth, both from a technique standpoint, length of time and frequency,” said Dr. Wolfert.  

After selecting a good toothbrush and toothpaste (Dr. Wolfert recommends a soft brush and any toothpaste with fluoride), a good brushing should take at least two minutes and as many four. While there are many different techniques for brushing, here is one of the more popular ways:

  • Hold the brush on two to three teeth with a 45 degree angle on the teeth and under the gum. Gently press against the gum so the tips of the bristles go in between the gum and the teeth.
  • Apply lateral pressure, making the motion of little circles with the final stroke away from under the gums in order to sweep the plaque away from the teeth and the gum.
  • Repeat this motion six to 10 times and move on to the next area of two to three teeth. If your mouth is full of foam, rinse out with water and continue brushing. Your brushing is completed when you have brushed all the surfaces of your teeth; the front, backs and tops of all teeth.

“As far as frequency of brushing is concerned, ideally you want to brush your teeth after each meal. This isn’t always easy to do if you’re out at a party or gathering during the holidays,” said Dr. Wolfert. “If you can’t brush right after you eat, you should, at the very least, brush thoroughly twice a day, after breakfast and before going to bed.

The holidays are not a good time to get a toothache, with many dentists spending time with THEIR families. Often times you will have to be treated by a covering dentist who doesn’t know your dental issues as well as your primary dentist. Therefore, adds Dr. Wolfert, “A checkup prior to the holidays is a very good idea. That way if there are any existing problems, you can address them before you start eating those rich desserts and sweets at the holidays that can aggravate an existing condition.”

Dr. Wolfert’s practice, Smiles by the Toothboss, is located at 1121 Main Street in South Weymouth, Massachusetts. For more information on correct brushing and flossing technique, you can visit Dr. Wolfert’s website at www.toothboss.com or call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

About Smiles by the Toothboss

Smiles by the Toothboss offers: comprehensive examinations (written treatment and treatment plan provided); cosmetics; crowns, bridges and tooth-colored restorations; partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated); oral surgery; restoration of conventional and small diameter implants; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

Smiles by the Toothboss accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. They also accept all major credit cards and have arranged payment plans through CareCredit.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 781-335-0604. For more information, visit www.toothboss.com.

Brushing up on your holiday eating. How to brush to keep holiday sweets from leading to a trip to the dentistRead More

Is whitening frightening? “Tooth Boss” Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD, demystifies teeth whitening.

Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening services offered by Dr. Richard Wolfert

SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA

Smiling shouldn’t be painful, right? Yet for some people whose teeth are not quite as bright as they’d like, picture time at family functions or during the holidays can be a source of high anxiety. While over-the-counter whiteners can offer modest results, most people are looking for a brighter smile but are fearful of the process and the price tag.

Dr. Richard Wolfert offers teeth whitening at his South Weymouth dental practice, Smiles by the Toothboss, located at 1121 Main Street. “Who doesn’t want whiter teeth, particularly if you’re a big coffee or soda drinker?” said Dr. Wolfert. “With the new technology of teeth whitening out today, dentists can safely whiten teeth without any change or damage to the tooth structure.”

The two main methods of professional whitening are tray whitening and in office whitening. Tray whitening is when a custom tray is made for the patient after an impression is taken, then a supply of whitening gel is given to the patient and he/she will wear the tray for a few hours a day (techniques differ) for a period of time until an acceptable result is achieved. Sensitivity of the teeth is a normal complication of this method of whitening and is transitional.

In office whitening on the other hand is the most effective method of whitening. There are a few different ways that are available for example, Crest White Strips, Britesmile, Zoom, or Laser whitening. The process is similar with all these methods and you can have your teeth whitened in one session with great results.

How much teeth whitening costs depends on the treatment and the dentist. At Smiles By The Toothboss, that can range from $250 to $500 and interest-free payment options are available through CareCredit. But Dr. Wolfert contends price should be a secondary consideration when whitening your teeth.

“Having a dentist whiten your teeth ensures that you use the procedure that works best for your mouth and gets you the best result,” said Dr. Wolfert.

For more information on teeth whitening, you can visit Dr. Wolfert’s website at www.toothboss.com for call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

About Smiles by the Toothboss

Smiles by the Toothboss offers: comprehensive examinations (written treatment and treatment plan provided); cosmetics; crowns, bridges and tooth-colored restorations; partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated); oral surgery; restoration of conventional and small diameter implants; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

Smiles by the Toothboss accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. They also accept all major credit cards and have arranged payment plans through CareCredit.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 781-335-0604. For more information, visit www.toothboss.com.

Is whitening frightening? “Tooth Boss” Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD, demystifies teeth whitening.Read More

I want to be sedated…’Tooth Boss” Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD, offers sedation dentistry.

The Toothboss
Dr. Richard Wolfert AKA “The Toothboss”

SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA

His name is Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD, and the name of his practice is “Smiles by the Toothboss”. More than 20 years of serving patients on the South Shore earned Wolfert that moniker. He even plays another boss’s song on his website. Yet with the popularity of the Toothboss’s newest offering, sedation dentistry, Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” might soon be replaced on the website with The Ramones’ “I Wanna Be Sedated”.

While dentists have used sedatives like nitric oxide or “laughing gas” for decades, current sedation dentistry involves giving the patient an oral sedative or pill either the night before their appointment or just before the appointment. The new oral sedatives leave anxious patients or patients with a severe fear of the dentists feeling relaxed and calm—and conscious—throughout the appointment.

“Sedation dentistry is a godsend for many patients who have an extreme fear of going to the dentist. For starters, knowing they have this option makes them more likely to visit the dentist on a regular basis, which can only benefit the long-term health of their teeth,” said Wolfert. “From a dentist’s perspective, a relaxed patient enables us to complete all the work we need to do without having to cut the visit short because the patient won’t or can’t keep their mouth open or are simply too afraid to continue.”

Patients who are candidates for sedation dentistry include those who:

  • Have high levels of fear
  • Have had traumatic dental experiences
  • Have difficulty with Novocain
  • Have a bad gag reflex
  • Have sensitive teeth
  • Have a fear of needles and shots.
  • Have an intense aversion to the noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care
  • Are too afraid or embarrassed about their teeth to go visit a dentist

Patients who wish to pursue sedation dentistry must schedule a separate consult with the dentist prior to their appointment to determine the appropriate medication. While some practitioners may consider that consultation a separate charge, Wolfert does not charge for the pre-appointment consult for selfish reasons.

“Working on a patient who’s afraid of you can be frightening for the doctor as well,” said Wolfert, an active member of the National Guard since 1981. “I was deployed to Iraq in 2004 and I’d have to say I’ve probably been more frightened treating a scared patient who might bite me than treating patients in a war zone. Sedation dentistry calms all involved down.”

For more information on sedation dentistry, you can find an informational video on Dr. Wolfert’s website at www.toothboss.com.

Conveniently located at 1121 Main Street (Route 18) in South Weymouth, Smiles by the Tooth Boss has been serving patients on the South Shore since 1988. In addition to Dr. Richard Wolfert’s 20-plus years as a dentist, many of his staff have been with the Tooth Boss for most of his 23 years in practice.

About Smiles by the Toothboss

Smiles by the Toothboss offers: comprehensive examinations (written treatment and treatment plan provided); cosmetics; crowns, bridges and tooth-colored restorations; partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated); oral surgery; restoration of conventional and small diameter implants; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

Smiles by the Toothboss accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. They also accept all major credit cards and have arranged payment plans through CareCredit.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 781-335-0604. For more information, visit www.toothboss.com.

I want to be sedated…’Tooth Boss” Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD, offers sedation dentistry.Read More