Let me elaborate, and you can decide.  Well, let’s start with what a crown is:

A crown is a jacket or covering of material that is cemented or bonded around the outside of a tooth.  It can be made from many materials including all gold or other metals, a metal and porcelain mixture, plastic, resin or all porcelain.  It can be used as a solution for many dental problems including the restoration of teeth that have suffered significant loss of structure after a large cavity has been repared, if a root canal is completed, if there is an old filling or crown that needs to be replaced or if there are other cosmetic or reconstructive requirements.

With all of the wonderful advances in techniques and materials in modern restorative dentistry, we aim to restore the natural form, function and appearance of teeth.  For these reasons, although there are many other materials available, porcelain crowns are often the restoration of choice.  This however, is where most similarities between porcelain crowns end.  Typically, a crown that may appear at first glance to be tooth colored, only has a very thin veneer of porcelain layered over a metal lining.  Although this type of crown has been available and used for many decades, there are superior options available.  Often, this kind of crown can be identified from a distance because of the black or purple line at the gum.  This is where the metal lining shows through the gum.  These crowns usually appear to be chalky or monochromatic with a lifeless appearance. 

An all porcelain crown, when made by an experienced ceramist, and completed by a dentist experienced in working with this kind of material, can have a very lifelike appearance and has even been shown by current research, to help the tooth regain up to 90% of its original strength.

With such a highly specialized and highly qualified team, we are very different from a traditional dental office.  Whether it’s on the phone as a new patient, or in the office as an existing patient, you have discovered many reasons why our practice is far from ordinary.  As a practice whose focus is on sedation dental care, we pride ourselves on being at the top of the profession in technique and procedures as well as in education.  You shouldn’t be surprised that we have a highly trained clinical team.  But, how about our non-clinical team? 

We believe that our entire team must be highly educated and trained.  That’s why even those of us who spend a majority of their time coordinating your care here, and seeing to it that not one single detail is overlooked, are trained to the highest possible level when it comes to your safety.  Although the state of Maryland doesn’t require it, and we know of no other practice dental or medical, that achieves this, our entire team is ACLS trained and certified.  That means that our whole team has the same training that doctors in a hospital have to manage involved medical emergencies.  Don’t you want your sedation appointment to be the safest, most positive and comforting experience possible?

Although the majority of their time is spent overseeing the non-clinical coordination and operations of our practice, Adrienne and Diane have both received their ACLS certification.  Adrienne in fact, just completed her training earlier this year.  Whether it’s answering a question on the phone or in person about the sedation aspect of the practice, or lending a hand from time to time, during appointments, this dynamic duo act as the logistical glue that helps everything flow flawlessly through the many phases of administrative and clinical interaction with our patients. 

For Diane, having this level of training is nothing new.  She has been part of our team for 12 years.  For Adrienne however, achieving this level of medical training was not likely something she ever expected to achieve after spending 8 years in sports marketing.  After countless hours of preparation and many more hours of running scenarios and acting as the leader for significant and involved medical emergencies, she passed her written and practical final exams with flying colors.  We’re so proud of her. 

So, the next time you call or stop in, remember that we’re far more than a great dental home.  We’re also a very safe, highly trained, expertly qualified, beautifully decorated, fresh flower adorned, smiling faced, dental home.  See you soon!

We could never be an office on the cutting edge, without team members who are as passionate and dedicated as we are.  What an amazing feeling it is when Kimberly, our hygienist, who puts in 110% on a daily basis, and is committed to providing the absolute top care all the time, asks if she can take time away from work to attend a brand new program at the University of Maryland Dental School. This program she explained was to learn how to give the same local anesthetic we routinely use for restorative dentistry, to patients so their mouth can be numb during more involved hygiene appointments.

The State of Maryland is now allowing practicing hygienists, who have met the state dental board’s criteria, to take a program teaching them how to administer the anesthetic to their patients.  Of course, you know Kimberly…she was in the very first class that Maryland Dental School offered, and it only had 20 students. After days of didactic and practical work on each-other (and Kimberly is not one to look forward to getting stuck with a needle…much less 20 of them) she received a near perfect score on her exam and became eligible for the state board exam.  For most others who were now given the green light to take the state board exam, they would spend months and months preparing for this test, but not our Kimberly.  She couldn’t wait for the exam.  In what seemed like no time at all, she was ready for the test.  In a few weeks time, she studied for, took and passed the exam. Not only did she pass it, but she scored almost perfect!

Way to go Kimberly!  Not that we’re surprised…and if you know Kimberly, neither, I’m sure, are you.  If you have the need for a hygiene appointment that involves more than just a regular visit, but don’t think you need sedation; How about allowing yourself to be in complete comfort as Kimberly’s gentle touch numbs your teeth and gums and puts your mind at complete ease.

In February, we went out to Arizona for the Crown Council annual event.  Many of the finest dental practices in the country were there, listening to motivational and inspirational speeches presented by world renowned lecturers.  On Saturday evening of our weekend there, we attended a black-tie awards dinner, where individual team members from these practices were selected from a group of thousands, to receive achievement awards in many different categories.  Cathy Nichols, one of our highly skilled and esteemed qualified dental assistants was nominated in November, to be a contender for the Assistant of the Year Award.   Just like the Academy Awards, a few of the top awards are presented early in the evening, while others are held until the latter part of the night.  We weren’t sure when the winner of the award would be called, so shortly after dinner, the lights in the ballroom were turned down and an elaborate presentation began.  Four awards into the evening, it came time for everyone to find out who would win the coveted Assistant of the Year Award.

In order to even be in the running, you must be nominated with an official letter from your practice.  Of course, we all are so proud of each of our accomplishments in the profession that everyone nominated someone in the office.  As the presenter began to read the nomination about the winner’s life, Cathy, being the detective’s wife that she is, carefully pieced together the facts and after about 20 seconds of hearing about the winner, determined that she can’t imagine anyone else naming their dog Ripken after the famed Baltimore Oriole, or as the nomination declared, “liking being right, or butter” as much as her.

Not being one for the spotlight, she needed a moment to collect herself when her name was called.  Fortunately for us, we all spent the rest of the evening celebrating her award.   So, join us in congratulating Cathy on her much deserved acknowledgement of her hard work and dedication to her patients, her team and the profession.

I was thinking to myself that it won’t be too much longer before she asks for directions to the bathroom,  when she turned to Adrienne and instead asked who did the decorating.  She proceeded to tell us that she was standing in the lobby of the building, in front of the elevator and was thinking how inviting and welcoming our reception area was.  So much so, that she actually had to come in to look around.  The three of us chatted for a few minutes about the colors and furniture, and even about Pinky, our Beta fish, before she thanked us, took a business card as she was also looking for a new dentist, and left.  It turns out, that she is a pharmaceutical rep and was on her way to an appointment upstairs but got side-tracked by our ambiance.

It’s only been a few months since we made some changes to the décor of the office, but it has gotten rave reviews.  From the warm, contemporary colors and softer lighting, to the supple leather couch and comfortable upholstered chairs, we have received very positive feedback.  As we launch our newly branded logo and put some final touches on the office, we are very excited about the new face of a Washington, DC area institution.  Now in its fifth generation, Bethesda Sedation Dentistry  is thrilled to welcome patients both current and new, friends, family and colleagues to our newly appointed Bethesda office.  Stop by to check out our fresh new look with the same warm, smiling faces.  See you soon!

In Bethesda, patients with missing teeth turn to Dr. Robert Schlossberg and Dr. Deborah Ann Klotzfor personal service and customized care. In addition to providing innovativerestorative dentistry, the doctors offering a variety of sedation methods to deliver a comfortable, worry-free experience.

Replacement Teeth 101
Restoring your smile will improve your appearance, oral health, and overall wellbeing. Your options to replace missing teeth depend on the number of teeth that you’re missing, your expectations, and the type of prosthetic you prefer.

Today, we’ll discuss the types of restorative solutions that have made Bethesda Sedation Dentistry the practice our patients rely on for smiles that last.

Dental Bridges
A bridge fills a gap in your smile left by one or more missing teeth. Traditional crown and bridgework requires applying dental crowns to the teeth on either side of your gap to secure a custom bridge. The doctors at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry also offer bridgework supported by dental implants.

Dentures & Partials
Full dentures replace complete upper and/or lower arches of teeth. Partials fill in wherever necessary with prosthetic teeth. Today’s dentures and partials look natural and fit comfortably. As with bridges, full dentures and partials may be secured with dental implants.

Dental Implants
Implants are called “nature’s rival” because they mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. Drs. Dougherty, Schlossberg, and Klotz use implants to replace individual teeth and to secure dental prosthetics. Dental implants become a permanent part of your smile and may last a lifetime with proper care.

We invite you to attend a restorative dentistry consultation. The doctor will examine your smile and explain your options. Then, when it’s time to perform your dental work, you can rest quietly and peacefully under the soothing effects ofsedation.

Call Bethesda Sedation Dentistry today to reserve your appointment and experience comprehensive care for a lasting smile.

Dr. Robert Schlossberg and Dr. Deborah Ann Klotz have made Bethesda Sedation Dentistry home to clinically excellent dental care and personalized service. They perform extractions with the utmost attention to detail and a focus on what you need to feel safe and comfortable.

Reasons for Tooth Extraction
You may need a tooth extraction if you have:

• An internally damaged tooth that’s not a candidate for a root canal
• A few teeth remaining that need to be removed in order to place a custom denture
• One or more impacted or erupted wisdom teeth
• Dental damage caused by severe gum disease

In the case of young children, extraction may be needed to make room for permanent teeth. A tooth extraction can also speed orthodontic treatment by freeing up space in a crowded smile to let teeth move into their ideal position.

Information & Education
We’ll educate you about the process and answer all of your questions. A thorough exam, that includes diagnostic X-rays, will occur before your extraction to determine the optimal course of action. If we feel that your extraction needs would be better served by a specialist, we’ll refer you to a trusted oral surgeon.

Soothing Sedation
It’s perfectly normal to feel apprehensive prior to a tooth extraction. We’ll discuss your level of concern or anxiety and recommend a sedation method to alleviate your fears. Our doctors are experienced sedation dentists who offer a variety of safe, effective methods proven to calm nerves and create a peaceful experience.

As members of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS), the doctors stay current with leading-edge sedation techniques to make sure that you receive the best care we can possibly provide.

Call today to schedule an appointment with one of the doctors at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry. You’ll be the focus of our attention and receive exemplary care for a fabulous smile.

The doctors at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry have the skill and advanced training to make root canals comfortable and successful. They use proven techniques to perform root canals and offer safe, effective sedation to alleviate the anxiety this procedure can sometimes cause. We’ll always look out for your wellbeing and do what’s best for your short- and long-term oral health goals.

Tooth Anatomy
Inside each tooth is a chamber where the pulp, or nerve, resides. Canals leading to the tooth root branch off from this chamber. They transport blood and nutrients to nourish the root, and carry away toxins.

The Need for a Root Canal
When damaged by a deep cavity, fracture, or other trauma, the canals can become susceptible to infection. Early-stage infection causes pain and pressure. Left untreated, the infection only worsens and may result in the loss of gum tissue, bone, and your tooth.

The Root Canal Process

Dr. Robert Schlossberg and Dr. Deborah Ann Klotz perform root canals to eradicate early-stage infection and protect oral health. During a root canal, they remove the infected matter and insert a biocompatible filler in the canals. A custom crown mounted atop the preserved tooth restores form, function, and comfort.

Sedation administered during your procedure eliminates all anxiety. You’ll rest comfortably and emerge from sedation with a healthy smile.

Call Bethesda Sedation Dentistry today and experience comfortable care for lasting wellness.

White fillings and crowns look good, withstand natural chewing forces, and provide protection for compromised teeth. As our patient, we’ll recommend the optimal solution to restore your tooth while making sure that your dental work never detracts from your appearance.

Tooth-Colored Fillings: A filling is applied to restore a tooth damaged by a cavity. We use mercury-free composite resin that bonds strongly with natural tooth structure to form a barrier against decay and deliver long-lasting protection. The dentist will tint the resin to match your natural tooth color. Once bonded in place, composite resin fillings are virtually undetectable.

Porcelain Crowns: Crowns are generally recommended for teeth with large areas of decay, fracture, or severe wear from grinding or a misaligned bite. Our dentists design custom crowns for an impeccable fit and natural-appearance in a shade that blends with your smile. European designers craft each custom crown from porcelain that mimics the luminosity of natural tooth enamel.

If the dentist determines at your next visit that you need a filling or crown, don’t worry. We’ll make sure that your restored tooth looks good, feels good, and makes you forget that you ever needed dental work!

Call our office today and discover the benefits of customized care from the team at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry.