Dental Cleanings & Exams in Gaithersburg MD

At Lakeforest Dental Associates, we take a preventive approach to dentistry because we believe avoiding dental conditions is the best way to protect your smile. 

We encourage our patients to follow a routine schedule for dental exams, professional dental cleanings, and digital and panoramic x-rays so we can closely monitor their oral health and alert you at the first sign of a problem. 

To learn more about preventive dentistry in Gaithersburg, MD, we welcome you to contact us, or you can continue reading for more information. 

Comprehensive Dental Exams

Your dental health is directly connected to your overall health. A comprehensive dental exam with Dr. Neil Daftary or Dr. Robert Zaner allows our dentists to look for any changes in your oral health. Just as you visit your doctor for an annual physical exam, it’s also important to see your dentist regularly. 

Woman getting a dental exam in Gaithersburg, Maryland

The American Dental Association suggests that you should see your dentist regularly to maintain the vitality of your teeth and gums, as well as your overall health and wellness. 

During your dental exam, we review your medical and dental histories, medications, and any concerns or questions you may have about your smile. We also look for conditions that may pose a risk to your smile’s health, such as: 

  • Decay
  • Cracked teeth
  • Gum disease
  • Gum recession
  • Wear or damage to natural teeth
  • Worn or damaged restorations (i.e., fillings, crowns)

They will also provide an oral cancer screening at each appointment. Oral cancer is often first detected by your dentist and, when detected early, allows for the best outcomes. Family dentistry is our speciality, but we also care about each of our patient's overall health and wellness. When your smile is cared for, it can improve and maintain the health of your body and mind.  

Customized Dental Cleanings

Every one of our patients is unique and special! Each member of our dental team is dedicated to the wellbeing of our patients, which is why we offer personalized care to meet your individual needs and goals. It makes sense that not everyone needs the same type of dental cleaning. We offer dental cleanings for patients with generally good oral health and patients who have some catching up to do. For patients suffering from gum disease, we will design a preventive schedule to help them get healthy and stay healthy.

Each dental cleaning will remove the tartar from your teeth. Even if you brush and floss regularly, tartar can collect between your teeth and beneath your gumline. We will also polish your teeth, removing any tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and the surface stains that come from drinking coffee, red wine, or tea. If you are struggling with gum disease, we may also apply a localized antibiotic medication to assist with healing and recommend more frequent visits until you heal.

Diagnostic Digital Dental X-Rays

We use digital dental x-rays, which are up to 80 percent lower in radiation than traditional film x-rays, making them extremely safe for patients. Digital dental x-rays provide high-resolution images that our dentists use for accurate diagnoses.

We look for such conditions as:

  • Dental decay
  • Infection
  • Cracked roots
  • Fractures
  • Cysts or tumors
  • Bone levels

Our safe digital dental x-rays allow us to have a more detailed look at your mouth’s underlying structures, so we can identify potential risks and provide early treatment. Dental x-rays are still one of the best ways to diagnose dental conditions that are not always visible with the eye alone.

Dr. Daftary and Dr. Zaner also use state-of-the-art digital scanners and intraoral cameras to get a better view of your teeth, gums, bone structures, oral tissues, and sinuses. Our safe and comfortable x-rays, scanners, and cameras assist us in monitoring your oral health, as well as diagnosing and treating any conditions. 

We Prioritize Your Comfort

Your comfort is of the utmost importance to us, which is why we have TVs in all of our exam rooms, and we offer nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) so patients can have a more relaxing experience. 

We always consider our patients’ comfort needs during their preliminary dental exam to deliver the best possible care. We always ask our patients about any sensitivities or concerns, so we can ensure your tranquility while in our dental chair. 

Anytime we see patients, we ask patients about any of their oral health concerns, and their answers guide us in diagnostics and how to approach their customized treatment. 

Our ultimate goal is to help our patients maintain their optimal oral health so that they can enjoy a pain-free, disease-free smile for life. For patients with increased sensitivity, anxiety, or pain during cleanings, we slowly and carefully treat their teeth while speaking with them and maintaining comfortable, low-stress dialogue. 

Our team strives to make sure the overall ambiance in our dental office is relaxing, supportive, and respectful. We are here to listen to you, address your needs and concerns, and help you leave our office with a beautiful, healthy smile.  

Child's dental exam in Gaithersburg, MDPreventive Care Reduces Dental Health Risks

Who doesn’t love celebrating a special occasion with a slice of cake or splurging on a decadent dessert? Yes, we’re all guilty of snacking on sugary treats now and then, but without practicing good oral hygiene, cavities can develop and threaten our oral health. 

Cavities develop when food debris and bacteria on the teeth are not properly cleaned away. This combination of food and bacteria creates an acid that softens the tooth’s enamel, and it eventually creates a hole, or cavity, in the tooth. 

If not properly cared for, decay can even cause more serious health issues such as gum disease and tooth loss. After years of use, enamel can undergo what’s known as natural wear and tear. This natural wear can eventually cause internal damage to the tooth, affecting the tooth’s appearance.

Plus, as we age, so do our teeth. Our teeth sometimes experience what’s called natural wear and tear. After years of chewing, biting, and using our teeth, they can become weak and damaged. This is especially true if you don’t practice good oral hygiene or visit your dentist for regular exams or cleanings. 

Frequency of Dental Visits

We will recommend dental visits based on your needs. For many patients, every six months will be enough. But if you have some catching up to do or we are treating gum disease, we may recommend three or four visits per year to keep you healthy. The number of visits needed each year depends on the patient’s unique needs, which can be discussed in more detail with your Gaithersburg dentist at our family dental practice. 

Affordable Family Dentistry in Gaithersburg, MD

We believe every patient deserves the opportunity to receive quality dental care, which is why we offer various financing options. We proudly offer patient payment plans, such as CareCredit, beWell, LendingClub, and Citi Health Cards. 

We also accept several dental insurance plans, and we constantly update our insurance list. Our knowledgeable and friendly team can assist you in understanding your benefits, coverage, and any out-of-pocket expenses, as well as any of our accepted patient payment plans. 

Contact Us to Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment

Your general dentist in Gaithersburg, MD can diagnose and prevent oral health issues from occurring, and they can also help you manage the health of your teeth and gums as part of your general health.

Regular preventive dentistry is the best insurance to protect your smile and your health. If it is time, or past time, for your next teeth cleaning and exam, our team can help you! We are always happy to help patients get on track with good oral health. We proudly serve patients in Gaithersburg, Whetstone, Stewart Town, Washington Grove, and Observatory Heights. 

To schedule your next dental exam or teeth cleaning, please contact us today. One of our friendly team members will be happy to book your appointment or answer any other questions you may have. 

We look forward to welcoming you to our Gaithersburg family dental office!