As general and cosmetic dentists, Dr. Deb or Dr. Rob will become your partner in optimizing and maintaining oral health. Did you know that oral cancer claims more than 8,000 American lives every year? Or that gum disease affects 80% of adults? Our goal is to provide you with the oral healthcare resources you need to prevent these and other serious dental/oral health problems.
Modern techniques make general dentistry more comfortable and accurate than ever. During your exam, we’ll perform a thorough oral cancer screening, where we’ll use VELscope® technology. Dr. Deb or Dr. Rob will also perform a tooth-by-tooth inspection, and depending on certain factors, will include the use of CariVu® laser cavity detection. We will assess your gums for disease. Often, diseased gum tissue can be rehabilitated with non-surgical periodontal therapy.
An unhealthy mouth will cause you enormous amounts of grief. Oral bacteria can lead to chronic bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Dr. Deb and Dr. Rob can help you maintain a confident, natural smile for a lifetime of lasting oral health. Our dentists perform general, cosmetic, and complex restorative dental procedures in the comfort of our Bethesda dental office. For more information on our procedures, or to make an appointment with one of our experienced dentists, please contact us today.
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Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening is considered an efficient and painless examination performed to detect early signs of cancer in the mouth done at the new patient exam and annual exams. The process involves using the VELscope® and visually inspecting the lips, tongue, throat, and other oral tissues for abnormal changes such as sores, white or red patches, and lumps. Dentists may also feel the tissues in the mouth to detect abnormalities. This screening is crucial for early detection and increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure designed to treat more severe degrees of gum disease. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline. Root planing smooths the roots of the teeth, helping the gums reattach and heal. This non-surgical treatment is crucial for halting the progression of gum disease and preventing further issues, such as tooth loss. It can be performed with a local anesthetic to ensure patient comfort.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatment is a preventative option that helps strengthen tooth enamel and fight tooth decay. Applied in varnish form, fluoride is a mineral that helps rebuild and fortify the enamel, making teeth more resistant to acid from bacteria and sugars in the mouth. This treatment is typically quick, painless, and offered during routine dental visits. It is especially beneficial for both children and adults who are at high risk for cavities.
Sealants
Dental sealants are a preventative treatment used primarily for children but can also be helpful for adults. The procedure involves applying a thin, protective plastic coating to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars). This coating seals the deep grooves and pits in these teeth, which are prone to decay. Sealants effectively block out food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities. The often quick and virtually painless application can help safeguard teeth against decay for several years.
Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal treatment helps combat gum disease, a leading cause of adult tooth loss. The process starts with a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. Advanced cases may require scaling and root planing to cleanse below the gum line, or they may necessitate medication, laser therapy, and possibly surgery for particularly severe stages of the condition. The aim is to restore and maintain healthy gums, prevent tooth loss, and enhance oral hygiene.
Contact Bethesda Sedation Dentistry
Please contact our practice today if you would like more information on our general and preventative procedures, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.