Welcome To Dahlgren Dental
General Dentistry
The Importance of Family Care
Having good oral health is vital for living a healthy lifestyle. Having regular dental exams and cleanings can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues that affect your teeth. Visiting Dahlgren Dental every six months gives you the chance to talk to the dentist about any questions you may have about your oral health. During a general dentistry exam, we will check for cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth damage caused by trauma or an accident. We will also look at your teeth to determine if any treatment is required to improve your oral health. Each regular exam includes a detailed tooth cleaning, in which our hygienists will remove plaque and tartar buildup from the tooth’s surface and the gumline and polish the teeth.
Preventative Dentistry
The goal of preventative general dentistry is to stop dental disease before it starts. To do this, patients must receive routine exams and cleanings, as well as education about healthy dental practices. For example, using proper brushing techniques is important for preventing gum disease, as well as avoiding the consumption of sugary food products.
Besides everyday brushing and flossing and dental cleaning, two of the best tools for preventing tooth decay are dental sealants and fluoride varnish. Both preventive measures have great benefits, and their effectiveness has been proven in general dentistry. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments have been used for decades to combat childhood tooth decay but can also be used by adults. Call us to get a regular preventive dental appointment in King George, VA, near Cobb Island, MD 20625, Colonial Beach, VA 22443, and Dahlgren, VA 22448.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral commonly found in toothpaste and US drinking water. It is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay and in preventing plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth’s surface. Our dentist in Colonial Beach, VA 22443 also provides fluoride treatments that can be applied to the surface of teeth. These treatments are most commonly provided for children but can also be used for adults.
A fluoride treatment in your dentist’s office takes just a few minutes. Depending on your oral health, your access to fluorinated water and your dentist’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every 3, 6, or 12 months. Call us to get for flouride treatment near Cobb Island, MD 20625, Colonial Beach, VA 22443, and Dahlgren, VA 22448
Sealants
Sometimes brushing is not enough, especially when it comes to those hard-to-reach spots in your mouth. It is difficult for your toothbrush to get in between the small cracks and grooves on your teeth. If left alone, those tiny areas can develop tooth decay. Sealants give your teeth extra protection against decay and help prevent cavities.
Sealants are materials applied to the chewing surfaces of back molars, where most cavities are found, to prevent tooth decay. The most common sealants used are resin-based. Dental sealants harden in the deep grooves on your tooth’s surface. When a tooth is sealed, the tiny grooves become smooth and are less likely to harbor plaque. With sealants, brushing your teeth becomes easier and more effective against tooth decay.
Sealants are typically applied to children’s teeth as a preventive measure against tooth decay after the permanent teeth have erupted. However, adults can also receive sealants on healthy teeth. It is more common to seal “permanent” teeth rather than “baby” teeth, but every patient has unique needs, and your dentist will recommend sealants on a case-by-case basis. Call us to get dental sealants near Colonial Beach, VA 22443, Cobb Island, MD 20625, and Dahlgren, VA 22448.
Mouthguards and Nightguards
Mouthguards and nightguards protect teeth from cracks, chips, pain, and other injuries. Mouthguards protect the teeth during athletic activities where teeth might be damaged. Nightguards offer protection of the teeth and their surrounding structures during sleep.
Mouthguards
Whether you wear braces or not, protecting your smile while playing sports is essential. Mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums from injury. If you participate in any kind of contact sport, the American Dental Association recommends that you wear a mouthguard. Choosing the right mouthguard is essential, guided by our dentist near Colonial Beach VA 22443.
Custom mouthguards are created by taking a digital impression of the patient’s teeth. The impression is used to create an exact duplication in soft plastic material to cover the teeth. This custom mouthguard is then trimmed, smoothed, shaped, and polished to be ready for use.
Nightguards
If you often wake up with jaw pain, earaches or headaches, or if you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth, you may have a common condition called “bruxism.” Many people do not even know that they grind their teeth, as it often occurs when one is sleeping. If not corrected, bruxism can lead to broken teeth, cracked teeth or even tooth loss. It can also cause serious damage to one’s bite, gums, jaw joints, and related facial muscles. Bruxism can also result in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.
There is an easy, non-invasive treatment for bruxism: nightguards. They are an easy way to prevent the wear and damage that teeth-grinding causes over time. A nightguard is inserted over your top or bottom arch and prevents contact with the opposing teeth while you sleep. If you grind your teeth at night and experience pain or discomfort, you should consult our dentist in Dahlgren, VA 22448 about custom nightguards.