Having a solid oral healthcare plan is the best way to prevent most dental problems. For most patients, this involves daily at-home care combined with biannual dental visits for professional cleanings, x-rays, and routine screenings.
Lack of a good oral health care plan puts you at greater risk of developing serious oral conditions and diseases. Such as periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, oral cancer, and other infectious conditions.
Routine dental care and early intervention can fix long-term dental problems. It can also decrease a patients’ risk for developing a range of overall health problems. Dr. Andrew Cobb provides minimally invasive dentistry in his Washington, D.C dental office.
General dental services may include:
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Minimally-invasive Inlays and Onlays
- Dental crowns
- Non-Surgical periodontal care
Biocompatible tooth-colored fillings
Biocompatible tooth-colored fillings match the color of your natural teeth. These dental fillings are metal-free! They are a much safer, more effective, and discreet treatment option than amalgam fillings.
The biocompatible tooth-colored filling has the same color as natural teeth and we can match it to the shade of your teeth. It also has the same feel as natural teeth and does not have any taste or smell.
The tooth-colored composite resin is durable and adheres more strongly to the teeth than metal alternatives. Our dentists in Washington, D.C. use this mineral-based composite in the majority of cases to repair decayed tooth structure.
Advantages include:
- The process requires less tooth preparation
- It is not an invasive procedure
- We bond the resin directly to teeth for improved strength
- It consists of mercury and metal-free ingredients
Minimally Invasive Inlays and Onlays
We use inlays and onlays when a tooth has sustained too much damage for a simple filling. Minimally invasive inlays and onlays are dental procedures that do not require tooth removal. Our dentists often use them to restore teeth that are weak due to decay or trauma. We can use a range of materials, from tooth-colored porcelain to composite resins.
The procedure starts with the dentist removing the damaged layers of enamel and dentin from the tooth, shaping it, and then filling it with a composite material. Our dentist will then polish the tooth to make sure that it looks as natural as possible.
Next, we will take a digital impression of the tooth and send it to our dental lab. The dental laboratory creates the best Inlays and onlays using a precise 3D digital scan of the tooth.
After the lab creates the final restoration, Dr. Cobb will firmly cement it on your tooth. Our general dentist in Washington, D.C. can complete Inlays and onlays treatment in one visit, or over a series of visits depending on how extensive the damage to your teeth is.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a highly versatile dental restoration for improving the health and appearance of a damaged or decayed tooth. They can have both cosmetic and restorative purposes.
We place high-quality dental crowns using a variety of materials and advanced 3-D design capability. Dr. Cobb places dental crowns to restore the stability of a tooth after removal of a cavity or after a root canal. Your dentist also places crowns as part of a dental implant to replace a lost tooth.
Once in place, a dental crown will support natural tooth structure as well as the function of the bite. Maintaining your dental health with regular dental care and daily oral hygiene will sustain the longevity of a dental crown. A well-maintained crown can last for 10 years or more.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Care
Healthy gums and supporting structures are the backbones of maintaining perfect long-term dental health. Periodontal (gum) disease is responsible for a host of unpleasant symptoms, including bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession, and tooth loss.
Unhealthy gums have links to a number of serious health issues including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia. When gum health fails, the teeth are usually quick to follow.
Non-surgical periodontal care is a form of treatment that can treat mild to moderate periodontitis. This treatment involves scaling and root planing. The goal is to remove bacteria and plaque from below the gum line. Your dentist can conduct this procedure without any surgery or anesthesia.
Our complete dentistry approach recognizes that gum health is the foundation of great teeth and a beautiful lasting smile. Schedule an appointment online today for periodontal care or any other service mentioned above. We serve patients from Washington, D.C., Chevy Chase, Bethesda, and other surrounding neighborhoods.