We Offer General Dentistry in Northern Virginia, Including Arlington, Tysons Corner, Alexandria, Fairfax, and Mclean, Virginia
Your dental health is an important part of the appearance of your smile, and it’s important to the comfort and function of your teeth and gums. General dentistry encompasses those treatments used by our dentists to prevent, diagnose and treat dental problems. To learn more about our experienced general dentists near Arlington, please call Galleria Dental Aesthetics at 703-448-1020.
Who is a Candidate for General Dentistry?
Everyone! General Dentistry services include those that prevent dental infection and other problems, as well as those that treat problems like cavities and gum disease. Because our oral health can affect all parts of the body, our general health, and our self-confidence and comfort, general services like teeth-cleanings and exams are essential for people of all ages. If you have teeth and gums, you need to see the dentist.
Patient Testimonial
"As an actress, I know just how important my smile is for my career. Unfortunately, my old smile was stained and it was holding me back because I was hesitant to show it to the cameras. Dr. Lee created a beautiful new smile for me and now I’m getting callbacks like never before. Dr. Lee is so caring and so professional; he always made sure I was comfortable. And after the procedure he even called me to make sure I was not in pain. I’d recommend him to anyone."
There are several reasons to see your dentist regularly, even if you take good care of your teeth by brushing and flossing every day. Some of the benefits gained through general dentistry services include:
- Better oral health. When you see your dentist regularly, as recommended, your chances of developing uncomfortable problems like cavities and root infections decrease significantly.
- Better general health. Studies have shown that the bacteria in the mouth can thrive and travel to other parts of the body, where they present systemic concerns. Bacteria that are prevalent in gum disease have been found to increase a person's risk of heart disease, diabetes, and more.
- A more attractive smile. The cleanings that a dentist or hygienist performs removes not only bacteria but also the debris that can cause teeth to look dull and discolored.
- Prevent bad breath. The bacteria that cause dental problems like gingivitis and cavities can accumulate on the back of the tongue, where their acidic waste causes a bad odor.
The American Dental Association recommends semi-annual dental exams and cleanings. These are typically scheduled every six months. Studies suggest that, once a cavity starts, it may reach the nerve of the tooth in three to six months. Early care can, in the best case, reverse the cavity and, at the very least, remove the decayed material, stop the infection from spreading, and repair the tooth. At every six-month visit, the dentist thoroughly examines each tooth, as well as the gums around each. Cleaning involves removing the plaque and tartar that may have accumulated since the last visit, and polishing and flossing teeth to give them a fresh, vibrant appearance.
No. General dentistry services are conservative in nature, even when repair is needed. We perform exams and cleanings using a gentle touch. When a tooth requires repair, treatment is conducted using a local anesthetic that numbs the area around the tooth in question. A topical numbing gel applied to the gums for a few minutes can diminish the sensation of the brief injection, after which there is no feeling in the operative area.
We understand that, for some people, seeing the dentist brings up a lot of fear or anxiety. With a focus on the most compassionate care possible, we offer sedation services to help patients mitigate the effects of dental anxiety and get the care they need to preserve their oral health. If you are worried about seeing the dentist, talk to our staff about oral conscious sedation for your next visit.
Our General Dentistry Services
Our dentists are highly trained and experienced. They are leaders in their field and members of the American Dental Association and other professional organizations. Our mission is to help you achieve your best oral health as well as a beautiful smile.
The dentists at Galleria Dental Aesthetics have extensive and prestigious post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry, sleep apnea treatment, and TMJ treatment. We are trained cosmetic dentists, but we provide comprehensive care because we believe a beautiful smile should include healthy and functional teeth and gums.
Our comprehensive general dentistry services include:
Professional dental cleanings are a cornerstone of general dentistry services. These cleanings remove the invisible plaque that forms on the enamel and can build up near the gum line. The dentist or hygienist may also remove tartar if it is present. This is a hardened biofilm of plaque that cannot be dislodged with brushing and flossing. Routine dental cleanings are credited with significantly lowering the risk of gingivitis, gum disease, cavities, and root infection.
As a result of data obtained through numerous studies, many dental offices are moving away from the use of dental amalgam, also known as silver fillings or amalgam fillings. Dental amalgam is not only cosmetically displeasing, but it may also pose risks to teeth when seated for many years. Because amalgam contains metal, the filling expands and contracts with temperature changes. Over time, this movement can degrade the margins around the filling or may fracture the tooth. Initially, tooth-colored fillings were considered cosmetic fillings. More than their natural appearance, though, these restorations do not contain metal. They blend in with surrounding enamel as well as with surrounding teeth and should last many years.
Root Canal Therapy
In the instance that a cavity is not treated soon enough, the infection can reach the central chamber where the tooth's root and nerves live. Root canal therapy is a necessary procedure to remove the infection as well as the irritated nerve. The procedure, performed using a generous amount of local anesthetic, is not painful. It is complete in about an hour, and the tooth is ultimately fortified through the placement of a custom-made dental crown.
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is ideal for avoiding the stress and pain of cavities, gum disease, and other forms of damage. Prevention is what you do at home in combination with the professional exams and cleanings your dentist performs. It may involve education about your oral hygiene habits, demonstration of brushing and flossing techniques, and discussions about various tools that may help you improve your practices at home. Preventive dentistry is all about the teamwork between you and your dentist.
A dental crown is a full restoration that may be necessary to repair a badly damaged tooth. This restoration is part of root canal therapy because the removal of the tooth's root and nerve can result in brittleness that makes the tooth susceptible to fractures. Porcelain dental crowns are preferred by many patients today because they are non-allergic, as metal crowns can be. They are also more aesthetically appealing because dental porcelain looks just like natural enamel.
A dental bridge is a longstanding form of tooth replacement that continues to offer outstanding benefits. Dental bridges do require the use of one or two porcelain dental crowns to hold the artificial tooth in place. However, the fixtures are carefully crafted to look and feel very natural and to function well for several years. Depending on the number of teeth a bridge will replace, the fixture may benefit from stabilization using a dental implant rather than natural teeth.
Dental Sealants
Preventive dental care may involve the application of dental sealants on cavity-prone molars. This painless treatment is suitable for children and adults. The clear fluid applied to the chewing surface of various molars seeps down into the deeper crevices that may otherwise trap debris and bacteria. Sealants harden very quickly and can last for up to nine years, according to studies.
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Routine General Dental Care
The foundation of our general dentistry services is your routine teeth cleanings and dental exams. These routine appointments allow our dental hygienists to remove dental plaque, one of the basic causes of dental cavities. During your routine care, we will examine your teeth for decay, as well as check for signs of any problems affecting your gums, teeth or mouth tissues, such as gum disease, loose teeth, impacted teeth and other issues. We can care for everyone in your family, including children as young as 2.
Our dentists and dental staff are committed to patient education and to providing you the guidance you need to take care of your teeth and gums. During your appointments, we can discuss aspects of oral health such as:
- How nutrition relates to oral health
- Good foods for your teeth
- The dangers posed by tobacco to your gums and teeth
- An at-home dental hygiene routine that will work for you
- Ways to improve your oral health
We want you to have the best possible experience when visiting the dentist. Our general dentistry care is provided in our luxurious, comfortable office, and our dentists and staff stay on the cutting edge of dental technology and techniques through continuing education. Please learn more about how to choose a dentist.
If you are searching for highly trained, experienced dentists to provide general dentistry near Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Fairfax and Tysons Corner, please contact Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a consultation.
Schedule Your General Dentistry Consultation in Mclean, VA!
If you are searching for a Arlington general dentist who can meet all of your dental needs, please contact the Tysons Corner general dentistry team at Galleria Dental Aesthetics to arrange an initial consultation. Dial 703-448-1020 to reach our McLean, VA office or fill out. the form in our contact page. Located in Arlington, Virginia, we serve the Northern Virginia including Arlington, Alexandria, Tysons Corner and Fairfax.