alexandria-art-of-dentistry

COVID-19 Update & Why We Are Open

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 17:11:28 GMT

Staying Safe During an Outbreak

As health officials seek to contain the coronavirus outbreak, unprecedented safety measures have been issued for our protection. We want to reassure you that Alexandria Art of Dentistry is also taking extraordinary measures to protect your health and wellbeing.

Your Protection Against Exposure

As a healthcare provider, we are held to higher sanitary standards by law. We follow all OSHA requirements including fully sanitizing exam rooms and equipment and wearing protective gear such as medical gloves and masks. Nonetheless, due to the gravity of this situation, we’ve exceeded even those standards by taking these additional precautions:

Screening Travelers: We require patients who have traveled in the last two weeks to complete a questionnaire to detect any coronavirus exposure and/or symptoms. We also keep thermometers on hand to check temperatures for additional screening. If there appears to be any risk whatsoever, no matter how remote, we ask the patient to reschedule for a future appointment.
Social Distancing: If we are unable to see patients upon their arrival, we have them wait in their cars until their treatment room is ready. This prevents people from congregating in the waiting area. We also space out appointment times for additional social distancing.
Hourly Wipe-Downs: We disinfect all common areas just about every hour including door handles, counter tops, faucets, sinks, pens, and the coffee machine.
Magazine Removal: We’ve removed all magazines and printed matter from the reception area to reduce the chance of exposure.

To further protect you and the community, we’ve prepared this message to alert others to the connection between one’s oral health, immune system and bodily diseases—including viruses¹—and provide additional preventive tips.

Link Between Oral Health, Illness and the Immune System

Your mouth is home to billions of bacteria; some are friendly bacteria while others are harmful. When your oral hygiene regimen is properly done and your immune system is intact, the harmful bacteria is kept in check. However, when oral hygiene habits are poor—including insufficient brushing or flossing and too few professional cleanings—the harmful bacteria is allowed to cause tooth decay and gum disease.²

This tooth decay and gum disease create inflammation which, in turn, damages your gums’ blood vessels and allows bacteria into the bloodstream.³ By its nature, this bacteria not only evades the immune system, it manipulates it so the harmful bacteria can continue to survive.⁴ As your immune system weakens, your susceptibility to diseases like the coronavirus and other infectious illnesses increases.

This harmful bacteria can also trigger other health issues such as cardiovascular disease, heart disease, pneumonia and, for expectant mothers, premature birth and underweight babies.² And, as health officials continue to warn us, the coronavirus is more likely to be contracted by those with underlying medical conditions.⁵

Why We Won't Close Our Doors

Despite our own risk of exposure, we refuse to close our doors amid this healthcare crisis. As a frontline healthcare provider, we firmly believe it’s our responsibility to detect and eliminate those oral issues which threaten your immune system and your ability to ward off infectious diseases including the coronavirus and the flu. It’s our mission to do all we can to preserve and protect your health, in good times and bad.

Warning Signs of Oral Decay and Infection

If you are experiencing any of the following signs of bacterial decay or infection, we strongly recommend you come see Dr. Bernard W. Lynch, DMD, FAGD, LVIF or one of our other dentists to address the issue:

Severe tooth pain
Swollen face, cheeks or gums
Sensitivity to hot or cold food or beverages
Sensitivity when biting down

For patients who already have a compromised immune system, eradicating oral decay and infection is even more imperative.
Of course, if you have any signs of illness, stay isolated and seek medical attention as warranted by coronavirus health guidelines.

Preventive Oral Hygiene Tips

Here are some oral hygiene tips to reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus and other illness in your household:

Use Your Own Toothbrush: The coronavirus is spread through touching a surface or object which contains the virus and then touching your nose or mouth (and possibly the eyes).⁴ Never share a toothbrush with anyone who may have been exposed to the coronavirus or is ill. As a side note, rinsing the toothbrush will not decontaminate it. To be safe, never share a toothbrush for any reason, even with loved ones.⁶
Don’t store toothbrushes in closed containers: Bacterial growth can occur on toothbrushes when they are covered or stored in closed containers.⁶
Don’t share toothpaste: Sharing toothpaste tubes can spread germs. If a member of your household has been exposed to the coronavirus or other communicable disease or is presently ill, give them their own toothpaste tube to use.⁷
Eat Right: The right nutrition supports all of your body’s vital functions including the immune system. Guidelines include eating fruits, whole grains, a variety of vegetables and proteins—such as seafood, lean meat and poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds—and more.⁸ Dietary guidelines can be found on the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services site at www.HHS.gov .
Take Vitamin C: A recent medical study indicates vitamin C helps prevent the common cold and reduces its duration. Moreover, inadequate C increases one’s risk of contracting the flu and makes flu symptoms more severe. As studies continue in vitamin C’s direct effect on the coronavirus, taking this supplement should help support your immune system.⁹

Stay Calm

Despite the alarming headlines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the risk of Americans being exposed to the coronavirus is low and that most cases are mild.¹⁰ That means just a fraction of one percent of all Americans have the virus right now and it’s likely symptoms are mild. Compare that to CDC estimates of at least 36 million U.S. cases of the flu over the 2019 – 2020 flu season (March 1, 2019 to March 7, 2020) with a minimum of 370,000 million flu hospitalizations.¹³

In the meantime, continue to follow CDC guidelines and if you are experiencing signs of oral decay or infection, do not ignore them. Come see us to get it rapidly addressed and eradicated as a health risk.

Best Regards,

Dr. Bernard W. Lynch, DMD, FAGD, LVIF and the Alexandria Art of Dentistry Staff

Colgate: “ Eight Common Oral Infections ”
2. Mayo Clinic: “ Oral health: A window to your overall health ”
3. Johnson & Johnson: “ 4 Fascinating Things Scientists Know About the Billions of Bacteria in Your Mouth ”
4. Science Daily: Smile: “ Gingivitis bacteria manipulate your immune system so they can thrive in your gums ”
5. Harvard Health Publishing: “ Coronavirus Resource Center ”
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “ Use & Handling of Toothbrushes ”
7. University of Rochester Medical Center: “ Toothbrush Tactics: Give Germs the Brush-Off ”
8. U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services: “ Dietary Guidelines for Americans ”
9. MedicineNet: “ Can Vitamin C Prevent and Treat the Corona Virus? ”
10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “ Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) ”
11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “ Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the U.S. ”
12. The United States Census Bureau: “ U.S. and World Population Clock ”
13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “ 2019-2020 U.S. Flu Season: Preliminary Burden Estimates ”
14. These recommendations/statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have any health condition or are taking any medications, or are pregnant or nursing, please consult your healthcare practitioner before taking these or any nutritional supplements.

How Often Should Elderly Adults Visit the Dentist?

Sun, 10 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Finding a dentist you feel comfortable with is one of the most important steps toward optimal dental health.

This is particularly important for aging adults who are susceptible to various dental conditions like tooth decay, gum disease, cavities and tooth loss.

Once you’ve found the dentist you prefer, the next thing to do is to figure out a schedule for routine dental care.

How Often Should You Visit The Dentist?

For aging seniors, the rule of thumb when it comes to visiting the dentist’s office is at least twice a year.

Even if you’ve been regular with your brushing habits and enjoy a healthy diet, bi-annual cleanings and inspections help you maintain oral hygiene and serve as preventive measures against various dental conditions.

According to the ADA , each person is different and therefore their differentiating lifestyle habits determine their dental health when they age. Some teeth may require more or less care than others.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution here. It is really important to discuss your dental issues with your dentist and figure out a schedule that works for you. The frequency of your visits will depend on your overall health and other factors including diabetes, smoking, and other age related health conditions.

Regular Examinations

A regular bi-annual exam includes checking for signs of oral problems like cavities and gum disease. Visiting your dentist at regular intervals can help you catch symptoms early on, before they turn into complicated problems. Particularly for aging seniors, regular dental care is important to prevent worsening health conditions and severe, irreversible problems.

Extra Care

Apart from routine dental care, for aging seniors, there may be times when they will need to visit the dentist for other reasons.

Pain that appears all of a sudden like severe sensitivity when chewing should be immediately addressed by your dentist. Similarly, signs of bleeding in gums, tooth loss, excess dry mouth sensation and mouth ulcers require immediate attention.

The Final Word

As an aging senior, make sure you schedule at least two appointments with the dentist every year. However, if you have pre-existing conditions, reach out to your dentist to figure out a comprehensive dental care plan.

As the leading team of dentists in Alexandria , we make sure that elderly adults get the care they deserve. Schedule an appointment with us to find out how often you should really visit us.

Dry Mouth in Older Adults: Causes and Solutions

Thu, 07 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Dry mouth or xerostomia is a common condition found in aging adults . Senior patients struggle with this condition due to various reasons, but it’s also something often times overlooked by caregivers.

It’s a parched, icky feeling they feel in their mouth, and can affect their health significantly. If your loved one frequently complains about dry mouth, it’s because they aren’t producing enough saliva. Besides helping them chew their food, saliva also helps keep plaque and tartar at bay. If not treated properly, it can lead to gum disease. According to a study, 17.2% of seniors over the age of 65 have periodontal disease.

As stated earlier, there are various reasons dry mouth occurs. Here are a few to be aware of:

Hormonal Changes

For women above the age of 55, hormonal changes due to menopause are one of the reasons for dry mouth. This can also make the symptoms of the problem worse, especially when hormones in the body start changing at a rapid pace.

Cracked lips, sores around the mouth, and bad breath can be symptoms of xerostomia or menopause.

Sometimes the symptoms are hard to notice because they can be mistaken for old age as well, or for menopause itself.

Prescription Drugs

Certain types of harsh medicines can also impact oral hygiene significantly. These are made using compounds that have a drying effect. This often leads to increasing acidity in the immune system, leading to reduction in the production of saliva.

Saliva is essential for helping us chew food. It also helps keep certain bacteria away from the enamel. A decrease in saliva means that chewing becomes hard and teeth become vulnerable to all sorts of bacteria and attacks.

If medicine is the problem, it’s important to consult your general physician to see what they suggest.

Mouth Wash

Sometimes the things we believe help us are the things that harm us. Using mouthwash excessively can also result in decrease in saliva production. This is because mouthwash are made to be used once or twice a week, and not on a daily basis—unless specified by a dentist, of course.

Mouthwashes are made using harsh chemicals, and while beneficial, it’s important to consult a dentist before using them.

Additionally, the type of mouthwash we use is also important. Only a professional can help choose the right product that not only protects oral hygiene, but limits any oral damage.

If you’re looking for a reliable dentist in Alexandria, VA , we have you covered! We offer effective and reliable dental services. Our dentists are skilled in the art of dentistry—both general and cosmetic!

Visit our website for further information and booking queries.

Understanding Tooth Loss in Adults

Tue, 08 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

As we age, our bodies experience multiple changes. From our skin to hair and height, the natural process of aging affects different parts of the body . The teeth are no exception.

Tooth loss in adults is a common occurrence. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, individuals aged 20 to 64 have an average of 24.92 remaining teeth. In addition, 3.75% of adults (20–64) have no remaining teeth.

There is a general perception that adult tooth loss is due to aging. Although aging can contribute to tooth loss, there are other underlying causes as well. Let’s take a look at the most common causes of tooth loss in older adults:

Periodontitis / Gum Disease

Surprisingly, periodontitis or gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Also known as the ‘Silent Disease’, periodontitis is a gum infection or gum disease. It often begins with bacterial growth in the mouth and then spreads to the soft tissue and bone supporting the tooth. If left untreated, periodontitis disease can lead to tooth loss. It may also cause other several health complications, such as increase an individual’s risk of heart attack and stroke.

The most common symptoms of periodontitis disease include inflamed or swollen gums. You may also experience any of the following signs:

Bright red gums
Pain in gums
Receding gums
Pus between the teeth and gums
Bleeding when brushing or flushing teeth
Bad breath

Periodontitis disease is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene. Therefore, it’s important to visit a dentist every six months (or more) to prevent plaque buildup on your teeth.

Illness
Another major cause of tooth loss among adults is chronic illness. Such illnesses include diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cancer and osteomyelitis.

Trauma
Severe physical trauma due to accident or injury is another cause of tooth loss among adults.

The loss of teeth can have far-reaching emotional effects on anyone. It can affect the way you eat, chew and smile. In fact, tooth loss among seniors raises their risks for physical and mental disability.

If you need an effective solution for your tooth loss, schedule an appointment at Alexandria Art of Dentistry . As a leading dental clinic in Alexandria, Virginia, we specialize in an array of conservative, general and cosmetic dentistry services.

Under the expert supervision of qualified dentist, Dr. Charles Varipapa, we offer a wide range of dentistry solutions, including dental fillings and restoration , crowns, veneers, canal treatment, bonding, dentures, extractions, orthodontic treatment, periodontal care and treatment, and more.

Resources:
nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/ToothLoss/ToothLossAdults20to64.htm
nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/GumDisease/
medicalnewstoday.com/articles/242321.php
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10859849
sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/09/160913173321.htm

Comfortable Dentures for Seniors

Sat, 05 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Dentures are an effective solution for tooth loss in elderly adults. Made of high quality materials, dentures look, feel and work like natural teeth.

However, a common problem with dentures is pain. Understanding the causes of denture pain or discomfort is the key to alleviating the issue.

From allergies to poor fitting dentures, here are the most common causes of denture pain:

Wrong fit

Poor fitting dentures can make anyone feel uncomfortable. There’s no other way to put it. Yet, many people endure poor fitting dentures.

If left unaddressed, poor fitting dentures can cause ulcerations, fungal infections, irritation, soreness and pain in the mouth. You may also experience a throbbing pain in your ears and headaches. Other than oral health issues, you may find it difficult to chew, eat or speak properly.

If you feel that your dentures don’t fit properly, visit a dentist to get them adjusted or replaced.

Medication

Strong medication can contribute to mouth sensitivity. Those who are on a strong medication may feel irritation or pain because of their dentures.

Allergies

If you’re allergic to the material of dentures then you will feel burning sensation inside your mouth. Common allergic reaction symptoms include itchiness, sore gum or infection on tongue. Your dentist can recommend the right denture to you.

New dentures

If you have never worn dentures before, your mouth may become irritable. First-time denture wearers may experience a certain level of irritation, soreness, discomfort or pain. It takes time for the gums to get used to the pressure of dentures.

The amount of adjustment time differs from one person to another. However, elderly patients may take a few weeks to get comfortable with their dentures. It’s crucial to practice eating and speaking with dentures.

The more they practice, the more quickly they will become accustomed to their dentures.

Uncomfortable or painful dentures need immediate attention of a skilled, trained dentist. If you are not comfortable with your dentures then Alexandria Art of Dentistry can help you.

Founded by Dr. Charles Varipapa, the dental clinic specializes in all fields, including general, cosmetic and conservative dentistry. Our expert dental team provides individualized attention to patients. They listen to each patient’s needs and offer comprehensive dental solutions in a state-of-the-art facility.

Coupled with dentures, we are a trusted source for dental fillings and restoration, crowns, veneers, canal treatment, bonding, dentures, extractions, orthodontic treatment, periodontal care and treatment, and more.

Say Cheese: Foods that Help Maintain Oral Hygiene

Sat, 05 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Through a proper dental care routine, the prevention of gum disease is possible. But a proper dental care routine is not limited to flossing, brushing and rinsing with mouthwash; it also includes a proper diet.

The saying, “You are what you eat”, rings true when it comes to taking care of your overall health. This includes your oral hygiene. What we eat does not only affect our immune system, it affects our gums and teeth as well.

If your diet lacks a balance, not consuming the right nutrients can lead to deficiencies that will eventually destroy your oral health. The foods we eat play an important role in strengthening our gums and protecting our enamel from deteriorating.

Here are a few foods you should incorporate into your diet:

Yoghurt, Milkand Cheese

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Leafy Greens: Kale, Spinach, Broccoli, etc.

When doctors and seniors recommend you eat your veggies, this is because they know the importance of consuming these leafy greens. They contain vitamin B and folic acid that are only good for preventing gum disease and tooth decay but your hair and nails as well. This is beneficial for those individuals who want to maintain their oral and overall health.

Celery:

Celery isn’t popular due to its bland taste; but it acts as a natural toothbrush for your gums and teeth.

In addition, it contains vitamins A and C which are two antioxidants that help boost gum immunity.

If you do not like the bland taste of celery, you can use cream cheese with it. This is beneficial because you will be able to get vitamins A and C, as well as the necessary proteins in your diet.

Carrots and Apples

Carrots and apples contain fiber which is necessary for saliva production. Your saliva protects your teeth from tartar accumulation. Furthermore, a dry mouth is one of the leading causes of gingivitis.

At Alexandria Art of Dentistry , we prioritize your oral health. Our dentists use safe, reliable and state-of-the-art tools to handle minor and complex dental problems. From dental crowns to dental implants, you can count on us to take care of your woes.

If you are looking for a dentist in Alexandria, feel free to request an appointment or call 703.299.9899 for further information.

Should You Get Veneers?

Fri, 04 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

One of the first things we notice about a person when we meet them for the first time is their face; the way they smile says a lot about their personality.

A wide, warm smile is instantly attractive; it exudes confidence. However, if you have discolored, crooked teeth, and suffer from bad breath, you may experience self-esteem issues.

With that in mind, everyone wants the perfect Hollywood smile we see in movies. Celebrities that have picture-perfect teeth are role models. This is because this is the time we become more self-conscious about the way we appear and present ourselves.

What are Veneers?

Veneers are custom-made thin shells made out of porcelain to cover the surface of teeth. These are specifically designed to cover up crooked or broken teeth, and are strictly for cosmetic purposes. Beside proclaim composite veneers are also available.

Veneers have become increasingly popular during the last 2 decades. However, they were first introduced during the 1920s; this was the peak of the silent films era where body language and an attractive smile were the bread and butter of actors.

Actors with stunning smiles quickly became an icon of Hollywood beauty and the same standards apply today.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Veneers?

The answer to the question depends on the condition of your oral health. While those with gum disease are not disqualified from being suitable candidates, it’s imperative to have your dentist treat the problem before you go for cosmetic surgery.

During your first visit to a dentist, you will be required to fill out a form that requires your complete medical history and background. Your cosmetic dentist will take X-rays of your teeth if necessary. This will help determine where the problem lies and which areas need to be worked on.

After this, your cosmetic dentist will decide whether or not you are a suitable candidate. If your oral hygiene is perfectly fine but you have issues with crooked teeth, dental crowns can also fix the problem. However, your dentist will let you know whether you need veneers or crowns.

At Alexandria Art of Dentistry , our dentists specialize in all areas of dental care. Whether you are looking for porcelain veneers, dentures , dental crowns or dental implants, we ensure safe, reliable and affordable services. Schedule an appointment with us today or call 703.299.9899 for further details.

Elderly Dental Problems

Thu, 03 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

In combination with brushing and flossing, a mouthwash can reduce plaque buildup.

What is Bruxism and How is it Treated?

Tue, 01 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

If you’ve ever woken up with a weird sensation in your mouth and mild pain in your teeth, it may be because you’ve been grinding your teeth in your sleep.

You’ve probably heard a sibling or friend joke about your little problem. Except, it’s not a little problem, it’s a major one.

You may brush it off as a nightmare or an intense dream but the truth is, the longer you ignore the problem, the drastic the effects it will have on your teeth.

While bruxism goes away as you age, there are exceptions. Adults who struggle with bruxism face problems with vulnerable teeth that are exposed to all sorts of bacteria and infections. This is because grinding leads to destruction of the enamel. The enamel is responsible for protecting the roots of your teeth and gums. While it is the hardest substance in your body and is known to be stronger than your bones, it does not mean it’s not vulnerable.

Once the enamel scrapes away, your teeth are exposed to plaque. Accumulation of plaque leads to gingivitis—a mild form of gum disease. But if gingivitis goes untreated, it can evolve into sever gum disease, also known as periodontitis.

How Bruxism is Treated

Unfortunately, there is no cure for bruxism. Often times it is left untreated or ignored because many believe it isn’t a serious disorder. In addition to this, many individuals fear addressing the problem and seeking help because the problem is embarrassing and can affect their social lives.

However, despite being a sleep disorder, bruxism is treated with proper dental care. There are two ways to approach the problem:

Mouth Guards and Splints: Mouth guards and splints are specifically designed to keep teeth separated when the individual goes to sleep. They are either constructed of soft compounds or hard acrylic to ensure comfort and durability.

Dental Correction: This option is only for those have grinded their teeth and made them severely sensitive. This surgery is performed by a certified dentist who examines your teeth carefully and corrects the chewing surfaces of your teeth surgically.

Besides this, one of the most important factors to remember is that bruxism is also caused by high levels of stress and anxiety. Your dentist may recommend you to make a few lifestyle changes to help you relax and eliminate stress from your life.

At Alexandria Art of Dentistry, we specialize in all areas of dental care. We ensure that patients are safe and comfortable during procedures. We use state-of-the-art technology to make sure that we provide our patients with reliable and affordable services.

If you are looking for a dentist in Alexandria , schedule an appointment with us today.

All You Need To Know About Implant Restoration

Tue, 01 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

A report published by the American Academy of Periodontology shows that more than 64.7 million Americans struggle with some form of gum disease. Gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis are the leading cause of tooth loss and gum recession.

While poor oral hygiene is the main culprit, sometimes the problem can be heredity.

When plaque accumulates between the gums and teeth, it slowly starts infecting the teeth with all sorts of bacteria. This leads to gingivitis—a mild form of gum disease which if left untreated can become severe and evolve into periodontitis.

Once that happens, individuals notice gaps between their gums, bleeding and tooth loss. The jawbone shrinks, leaving no option but to get dentures or implants.

Implants are increasingly becoming popular because they can be permanently fixed into the gums, unlike dentures. However there are several types of implant restoration, ranging from:

Crown Restoration:

Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth using a mould that contains dental putty. After you bite the putty, your dentist will be able to take an impression.

The restoration process can involve several teeth or a single tooth. This depends on the problem and whether or not the affected teeth can be saved. Several teeth can be attached to a single implant. This process can take up to 3 to 6 months. But once he gums fully heal, your doctor will attach a metal abutment. There several types of abutment and all of them are specifically designed to blend in with your natural teeth.

Restoration of an Implant Retained Dentures

Dentures are a device used as replacement for missing teeth. They can replace some teeth or all the teeth of the individual.

Unfortunately, with the aging process, our jawbone begins to shrink. This makes dentures loose. One solution is to fix the denture in place with an implant. This eliminates the hassle of removing the dentures in the morning and at night to soak them in water.

Restoration of a Bridge

The process involves creating several dental crowns that are then fixed to a bridge. A bridge contains a false tooth or two more crowns which are attached to the sides of the bridge that fits into the space between your teeth.

At Alexandria Art of Dentistry, our number one priority is our patients’ oral health. Specializing in all areas of dental care, our dentists use high quality specialized tools and their decades of experience to handle all your dental woes.

If you are looking for a dentist in Alexandria , feel free to contact us.

How to Find the Best Restorative Dentist – Alexandria Dental Tips

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Are you looking for a restorative dentist? Alexandria is home to many qualified dentists, but it’s important to find one with the specific expertise you need especially if you need specialized restorative services such as periodontal care, veneers or zirconia implants. Alexandria area residents often start with a general dentist for preventative care and fillings but find themselves in search of restorative dentists when they need crowns, veneers, root canals, or ceramic implants.

Alexandria Dentist Search Tips

Start by asking for recommendations. Key people to ask include your own general dentist, hygienist, family, friends, and co-workers. Once you have several recommendations, you can dig deeper by checking out each restorative dentist’s website. Make sure that the dentist offers the restorative service that you are looking for and has an established practice in Alexandria, VA. For example, if you need implant dentist, Alexandria area dentists offering dental implants will likely have a section on their websites devoted to dental implants.

As you read the various websites for dentists in Alexandria VA, take note of the following:

Qualifications – How long has the dentist been practicing? What professional associations does the dentist belong to?
Specialties – Does the dentist offer additional restorative dental services beyond dental implants and root canals? Alexandria, VA restorative dentists often handle routine fillings, bite adjustments, and periodontal care.
Dental Technology – Look for a high tech dental practice complete with digital x-rays and panoramic or 3D imaging. If you need crowns, porcelain inlays, or veneers, choosing a dentist with a CEREC machine means you can get same-day crowns.

Alexandria, VA patients have many choices when it comes to restorative dental services. Do your homework and choose the best restorative dentist in the area!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact The Center for Esthetic Dentistry or call us at 703.299.9899

Things to Know Before You Look for a Cosmetic Dentist

Tue, 18 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT

When looking for local dentists in Alexandria, VA, you’ll likely encounter both general and cosmetic dentists. What’s the difference? Which is the best dentist in Alexandria to choose? Both cosmetic and general dentists can treat common oral health issues. However, a cosmetic dentist does so with both your oral health and your smile’s aesthetics in mind.

In Demand Cosmetic Dentistry Services

Cosmetic dentists offer a variety of innovative dental services ranging from clear adult braces to teeth whitening. Below are a few of the most highly sought after cosmetic dentistry services in Alexandria, VA:

Dental implants – A permanent solution to missing teeth.
Porcelain veneers – Veneers can correct staining, gaps, size or shape issues, overcrowding, and more
Teeth bonding – A tooth-colored material is used to repair broken teeth, fill small gaps, and straighten slightly crooked teeth.
Crowns – Porcelain crowns are durable and natural looking.
Composite fillings – Tooth-colored fillings are a natural-looking alternative to traditional amalgam fillings.
Teeth whitening – In-office teeth whitening takes about 90 minutes, and results are immediate. Take-home trays and gels are also available.
Innovations in Cosmetic Dentistry
Cutting-edge technology has transformed the field of cosmetic dentistry . For example, digital x-rays and 3D imaging systems make it possible for local dentists to see the entire structure of your mouth in a matter of seconds. This is much more comfortable for you and allows for better diagnoses and treatment planning. In-office milling machines make it possible to get custom crowns in as little as a day. Professional teeth whitening can brighten your smile in a single visit.

Are you ready to find the best dentist in Alexandria, VA ? Make sure that your dentist offers cosmetic dentistry. By choosing a cosmetic dentist, you can repair your teeth and improve the appearance of your smile!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact The Center for Esthetic Dentistry or call us at 703.299.9899