General Dentistry
Preventive Services in Germantown, MD
Preventive care is a good idea for so many reasons. First off, studies have shown that your overall health and your dental health are linked, so maintaining good oral health is good for your entire body. Second, oftentimes treatments that are more extensive can be prevented when problems are caught early on. And that means that you’ll likely save money with preventive care because it costs more to replace teeth than it does to keep them healthy. Plus, there’s that awesome fresh feeling you have after a professional hygienist has worked their magic on your smile!
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Exams & Cleanings
Two annual visits to River Stone Dental are generally enough to provide the needed preventive care for most patients. No matter how good you are at brushing and flossing, there’s still some plaque and tartar that can’t be removed any other way except by a dental professional. Regular visits also allow us to watch for signs of problems.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Part of your regular dental exam is an oral cancer screening. We will check your mouth for any signs of cancer or precancerous spots. Just like other types of cancer, mouth cancer is much easier to treat when it is caught in the early stages.
Fluoride Treatments & Protective Sealants
These treatments are especially helpful in preventing cavities in children and teens but even adults can benefit. Topical fluoride treatments not only strengthen developing teeth but are also beneficial in fighting tooth decay. Sealants are painted onto the back molars so that they coat the crevices and prevent them from developing cavities.
Laser Gum Therapy
Gum disease is very common among both adults and children. When caught in its early stages, gum disease is easily reversible. We treat gum disease with lasers which kill the bacteria causing the inflammation. The treatment also stimulates cell growth which reduces infection and encourages healing.
Mouthguards for Bruxism & Athletics
Nighttime teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is not only hard on your teeth, it can also cause headaches and jaw pain. Protect your teeth with a custom mouthguard to wear at night. Custom mouthguards for athletes of all ages can also prevent many dental emergencies. Athletes of all ages are susceptible to mouth injuries especially if they play basketball, hockey, or ride a bicycle.
Sleep Apnea Appliances
If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, often an oral appliance that opens the airways will provide the relief you need. Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial to both mental and physical health. If you struggle with this condition then talk to our team. Dentists have provided sleep apnea therapy for years.
TMJ/TMD Therapy
The temporomandibular joints connect the jaw to the skull. They operate like a hinge but when they aren’t functioning properly they can create a lot of discomfort ranging from lockjaw to headaches to chewing problems. If you think you might have TMJ, talk to our team. We have treatments to alleviate your discomfort.
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