Around-the-Clock Protection for Your Teeth & Gums
General dentistry in our D.C. and McLean dental offices focus on preventive care. Our services provide protection for the vulnerable areas of your teeth and gums. We will recommend an oral hygiene and health program specifically tailored to your needs based on a comprehensive examination or your teeth, soft tissue and supporting bone. This will include a regular schedule of teeth cleanings, necessary radiography (digital X-ray) and examinations. If tooth decay or other issues are found, treatment recommendations will be made. Restorative treatment can include tooth-colored cavity filling, crowns, bridges or implant teeth therapy (single implant or multiple implants).
Early detection of gum inflammation is vital to prevent bone loss and gum loss. Appropriate treatment can be implemented to regain tissue health. If the gum inflammation is left untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease and eventually tooth loss. Fortunately, periodontal disease is very treatable, but prevention is key.
An Extra Layer of Tooth Protection
Brushing is vital to your dental health. But it’s not enough, especially for certain surfaces of your teeth. Dental sealants provide deeper protection for you and your family’s teeth. They cover the hard-to-reach areas between your teeth and near your gumline. Sealants protect your teeth against decay. They also help prevent dental cavities from forming and damaging your tooth structure and avoid tooth filling. Dental sealants are created from a plastic resin. The solution bonds and hardens in the deep grooves of your teeth. Your sealant treatment also smooths the small grooves on the surfaces of your teeth. This helps prevent harmful plaque buildup and makes your brushing more effective in removing tooth decay causing plaque. Sealants are especially effective for your children’s teeth. They provide an extra barrier of protection on their newly formed permanent teeth. Dental sealants are designed to last from three to five years. It’s important to replace them if they become worn or removed from your teeth.
Eliminate Your Jaw Pain & Headaches
Bruxism is a condition that causes you to grind or clench your teeth. This commonly occurs at night and can lead to earaches, headaches, jaw pain and even TMJ. An abnormal bite, crooked teeth or missing teeth and even stress can cause bruxism. It’s also common for you to be unaware of the habit during sleep. The condition can lead to broken teeth, cracked teeth, damaged dental restorations and tooth loss. Treatment is available to correct bruxism and stop the damage to your teeth. A mouth guard is a noninvasive treatment for teeth grinding and clenching. Your mouth guard is custom-designed to fit over the upper and lower areas (arches) of your teeth to prevent harmful contact.
Contact your D.C. or McLean dentist about our general dentistry services. Schedule a dental examination to discuss tooth protection with dental sealants and/or a night guard. Our general dentistry patients come to us from Alexandria, Falls Church, Arlington, Silver Spring, Bethesda and neighboring locations.