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Referring Dentists

Why Patients Travel for Treatment

Patients travel when the treatment problem is significant enough that expertise matters more than proximity. For some, it is a full-arch case that needs careful planning. For others, it is an implant that is failing, an esthetic result that has not met expectations, or a treatment plan they would like a specialist to look at again.

At The Face Dental Group in Boston, complex cases are planned and led by Prof. Dr. Wael Att, a board-certified prosthodontist, former chair of prosthodontics at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, author of 170+ publications and co-developer of the STAR Concept with David Norré.

Request a Consultation or Travel Planning Information, or call our office at (617) 236-5969.

Why Patients Travel for Treatment

Travel is rarely a first choice. It is usually a response to complexity, to high esthetic expectations, or to disappointment with earlier treatment. The patients who make the journey to Boston tend to share one goal: they want their case planned carefully by a specialist before anything irreversible is done.

Advanced full-arch treatment

Replacing all the teeth in an arch is a major decision. Full-arch treatment is a spectrum of prosthetic options. An FP1 restoration is designed to replicate natural teeth emerging from the gums, while an FP3 restoration replaces both teeth and lost tissue. Which is appropriate depends on bone volume and anatomy, smile line, lip mobility, soft tissue and your expectations. Our guide to full-arch implants explains how we approach these cases.

Implant salvage and revision

When an implant or implant-supported restoration is not working as it should, the next step needs a clear diagnosis. Not all implant problems require removal, and our aim is to identify the real problem before recommending removal or replacement. Learn more about implant rescue and how we assess these cases.

Second opinions

Some patients come to us with a treatment plan already in hand and want an independent view before they commit. A second opinion is a careful review of the records and the reasoning behind the plan, so that you can make an informed decision.

Esthetic prosthodontics

Esthetic cases, particularly in the front of the mouth, leave little room for compromise. Tooth position, smile line, soft tissue and facial proportions all need to be considered together.

Predictive planning for complex cases

Our planning model allows patients to understand the intended result before irreversible treatment begins. For someone deciding whether to travel, that clarity matters. You can read more on How We Plan Your Smile.

What Makes the Approach Different

The difference is less about any single technique and more about the order in which decisions are made.

Planning Treatment When You Live Further Away

Traveling for treatment raises practical questions. Our team will help you understand each step before you make plans. Here is how the process generally works.

Records review

If you already have records such as X-rays, CBCT scans, photographs or a written treatment plan from your current dentist, these can help us understand your situation before you visit. Please do not email records. Call (617) 236-5969 and our team will arrange a secure, HIPAA-compliant transfer.

Remote consultation, where allowed

Where regulations allow, an initial conversation may take place remotely so that you can discuss your concerns and the next steps before you travel. Our team can tell you what is possible in your situation.

Scheduling

We aim to schedule appointments efficiently for patients who are traveling, so that your time in Boston is well used. Our team will coordinate appointment dates with you in advance.

Phased treatment planning

Complex treatment often takes place in phases, with healing time between them. For traveling patients, we plan these phases with travel in mind. The number and timing of visits depend on your treatment plan, and we discuss this with you once we have reviewed your records and examined you.

Trust Built on Published Work, Not Claims

We would rather you judge our approach on the record than on adjectives. These are the facts behind Dr. Att’s work:

Dentists who want specialist input for a patient can also refer a complex case to our team. More about the practice and why patients travel to The Face Dental Group can be found across our site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can records be reviewed in advance?

Yes. Reviewing existing records before your visit helps us understand your situation and make good use of your time in Boston. Please do not email X-rays, CBCT scans or other records. Call (617) 236-5969 and our team will arrange a secure, HIPAA-compliant transfer.

How many visits are typically needed?

The number of visits depends on the treatment plan. A single implant revision, an esthetic case and a full-arch reconstruction each follow a different path, and healing time between phases varies from patient to patient. We discuss this with you after reviewing your records, so that you can plan your travel with realistic expectations.

What should traveling patients send first?

Start by calling our office at (617) 236-5969. Our team will ask about your concerns and let you know which records are useful, such as recent X-rays, CBCT scans, photographs and any existing treatment plan, and will arrange a secure way to transfer them.

Start With a Conversation

If you are considering traveling to Boston for complex implant, full-arch or esthetic treatment, the first step is a conversation about your situation and goals. We will explain what we need to see, how planning works and what to expect next.

Request a Consultation or Travel Planning Information, or call (617) 236-5969 for travel planning information. The Face Dental Group, 392 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215.