At Laurel Smiles Dental Care, our goal is to promote lifelong dental care with complete dental care. We provide dental cleanings, dental exams, fillings, sealants, and root canals to our patients. These are all general dental services that are vital in helping patients achieve their dental health goals. Good oral health will contribute to proper overall health. They also help prevent dental health problems from developing in the future. Additionally, our dentists in Laurel, MD, offer other dental services to ensure that we can meet the unique needs of every one of our patients smiles. Whether you have missing teeth, or you need a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth while you are playing sports, Laurel Smiles Dental Care is here to help.
YOUR LOCAL DENTIST IN LAUREL, MD, OFFERS PREVENTIVE DENTAL CARE
EMERGENCY DENTISTRY
We are here to help you restore your smile after a dental emergency. You should contact us as soon as you can when dealing with a dental emergency. This is the best way to avoid tooth loss, further pain, and more problems.
LASER DENTISTRY
Our highly trained dentists provide laser dentistry services when working with your softest tissues like your gums, cheeks, and tongue. This technology allows cutting down on post-procedure bleeding because the lasers are more effective at sealing off your nerves and blood vessels.
FAMILY DENTISTRY
We are passionate about providing dental treatments for your whole family. Whether its your childs first dental visit or you are seeking out a full set of dentures for yourself, we are here to provide complete general family dentistry solutions no matter what stage of your dental care that you are in. By choosing a family dentist office, you will not have to travel to several dental practices to meet your families oral care needs.
MOUTHGUARDS
Custom sports mouthguards are a vital preventative dental tool for general practice dentistry. For our patients who play impact sports, our custom sports mouthguards provide the highest quality of protection for your gums, teeth, and jaw. For patients suffering from teeth grinding or sleep apnea, our custom night guards have been proven to be just as effective in treating these issues as well.
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Our entire team enjoys working with kids. We know that pediatric dentistry requires a compassionate and caring approach. Our doctors look forward to providing teeth cleanings and exams for your child. These should start by the time their first tooth erupts. We also offer dental sealants and custom sports mouthguards for your child. At each routine visit, we will chart your childs teeth to monitor their oral health and development. As needed we can suggest and provide orthodontics including, Invisalign clear aligners.
SEDATION DENTISTRY
Many of our patients have a fear of visiting the dentist. This is very common. Also, anxiety over dental treatments is a common issue that prevents patients from coming to see us as often as they should. We offer sedation dentistry services for patients who need help getting the dental care they require. We do our best to make sure you are comfortable and calm during the entire dental appointment.
TOOTH EXTRACTION
There are times when a dentist needs to safely remove a tooth for the benefit of your overall dental health. In these cases, we will perform a tooth extraction. Our tooth extraction services offer many benefits to our patients. These include wisdom tooth removal and preventing teeth from overcrowding. Also, we will need to remove a tooth if it is beyond repair from damage or decay.
GENERAL DENTISTRY FAQS
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I VISIT THE DENTIST FOR A CHECK-UP?
We recommend that you visit our Laurel, MD, dentist office every six months for a routine dental check-up. Regular biannual dental check-ups will allow your dentist to monitor your oral health, detect issues early, perform cleanings, and provide preventive care. However, you may need to schedule more visits if your oral health is less than optimal. For example, patients who are being treated for gum disease may need to be seen more often.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING A ROUTINE DENTAL EXAM?
During a routine dental exam, your dentist will assess your overall oral health, check for cavities, gum disease, and signs of other dental issues. We will perform X-rays at least once a year, clean your teeth, examine existing dental work, and provide advice on oral hygiene practices. The visit helps prevent problems and ensures your teeth and gums are healthy.
ARE DENTAL CLEANINGS NECESSARY IF I BRUSH AND FLOSS REGULARLY?
Yes, dental cleanings are necessary even if you brush and floss regularly. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup in areas that are hard to reach with regular oral care. They help prevent gum disease, cavities, and maintain overall oral health. Regular cleanings are vital for a thorough and comprehensive oral hygiene routine.
WHAT IS FLUORIDE, AND HOW DOES IT BENEFIT MY TEETH?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel. This will make your teeth more resistant to tooth decay. It is proven to help prevent cavities and repair early stages of tooth decay. Fluoride can be found in toothpaste, mouthwash, and some tap water. Regular exposure to fluoride is essential for maintaining strong and healthy teeth.
CAN MY DIET AFFECT MY ORAL HEALTH?
Yes, your diet significantly affects your oral health. This is why dental professionals recommend that their patients limit sugary and acidic food, as they can contribute to tooth decay and erosion. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports healthy gums and teeth. Avoiding excessive sugary snacks and beverages and maintaining a nutritious diet play a crucial role in oral health.
CAN DENTAL PROBLEMS AFFECT MY OVERALL HEALTH?
Yes, dental problems can impact overall health. Poor oral health is linked to various systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Gum disease, in particular, has been associated with increased risks of these conditions. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential not just for a healthy mouth but for overall well-being. Regular dental appointments at our general dentist office in Laurel, MD, will help you maintain good oral hygiene which will contribute to good overall health.
WHAT ARE DENTAL SEALANTS, AND WHO SHOULD GET THEM?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to prevent cavities. They fill in the grooves where bacteria often accumulate. We recommend sealants for children and teenagers because their newly erupted permanent teeth are more prone to cavities. Adults can also benefit from sealants in certain cases.
ARE X-RAYS SAFE DURING A DENTAL EXAM?
Yes, dental X-rays are generally safe. We only use modern dental X-ray machines that emit very low levels of radiation. Additionally, we take all the necessary precautions such as lead aprons to minimize exposure. The benefits of early detection and diagnosis of dental issues far outweigh the minimal risk associated with X-ray exposure during a dental exam.
CAN POOR ORAL HEALTH IMPACT PREGNANCY?
Yes, poor oral health during pregnancy is linked to complications such as premature birth and low birth weight. Gum disease is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. We recommend that all our pregnant patients maintain good oral hygiene, attend their regular dental check-ups, and inform their dentists about their pregnancy to minimize potential risks to both their oral and overall health.
Our general dentistry near you is available for your entire family. We accept and treat patients of all ages. Call your local dentist in Laurel, MD, to schedule an appointment at 301-490-7007. Our staff is available if you have questions about specific services we provide. You can also request an appointment online by filling out the form.