One of the best things you can do for your smile is to find a dentist who you can trust to provide routine preventative care. At Bethesda Family Smiles, we are here to help you maintain your smile and prevent future dental problems with our comprehensive dental services. We provide routine cleanings, x-rays, and periodontal screenings to patients and their families. Additionally, our office provides a wide range of other general dentistry services to ensure we can meet the unique needs of your smile. Learn more below.
General Dentistry in Bethesda, MD
Dr. Khanna is an experienced general dentist in Bethesda, MD. She helps patients every day maintain their smile aesthetics as well as their dental health. Preventative dental care is essential for your long-term oral health and wellness. In addition to cleanings, x-rays, and periodontal screenings, Dr. Khanna has expanded our general dentistry offerings to also include the following services:
Family Dentistry
Our practice welcomes patients of all ages with our family dentistry services. Whether this will be your first dental appointment ever or your first dental appointment at our practice, we will ensure you feel welcomed and comfortable. Our friendly and compassionate dental care team takes the time to answer any questions or concerns you may have in the dental chair. We are happy to explain our processes and procedures in kid-friendly terms that will leave your little ones feeling motivated to care for their smile for years to come.
Emergency Dentistry
When something goes wrong with your smile, it’s important that you know who to call. Our office is happy to provide emergency dental care to patients in need. Whether you are suffering from a severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, or an abscess, we can help you resolve your discomfort and come up with a plan for long-term treatment.
Tooth Extraction
Our office can provide select tooth extraction services for patients with fractured or infected teeth. While our goal is to help you maintain your natural teeth as much as possible, some teeth cause more problems than anything else. When a tooth becomes severely damaged, it is sometimes better to have it removed entirely and replaced using restorative dentistry options.
Custom Mouthguards
Our office is happy to provide custom mouthguards to patients in need. Whether you play contact sports, suffer from teeth grinding, or have experienced TMJ symptoms, a mouthguard can be incorporated into your treatment plan. Mouthguards not only protect your smile from unwanted dental damage but also hold your mouth in a healthier resting position to reduce your risk of experiencing jaw pain or tension headaches.
General Dentistry FAQs
How often should you get a professional dental cleaning from a hygienist?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people visit a dental professional for a cleaning and checkup twice a year. However, some people may need to visit the dentist more often, especially if they have braces, suffer from gum disease, or have other oral health issues.
Can you stop a cavity once it starts?
Yes, it is possible to stop a cavity once it starts. For a cavity to form, the teeth must be in a state of demineralization (loss of minerals), and then the bacteria must cause an infection. If you can stop the demineralization process, you can stop the cavity from progressing. You can do this by using a remineralizing toothpaste to rebuild lost minerals, or by using fluoridated toothpaste to make the tooth more resistant to acid attacks. You can also use a fluoride rinse or gel to help protect teeth from decay. However, if the cavity has progressed significantly, your dentist may need to drill into the tooth and remove the decayed material. In some cases, a filling may also be necessary.
What are the four common dental emergencies?
There are four common dental emergencies: toothache, abscess, lost or broken teeth, and dental trauma. A cavity or an infection is usually the cause of toothaches. Abscesses are pus-filled pockets that can form in the gums or around teeth and are often very painful. Lost or broken teeth can cause pain and damage to other teeth, and dental trauma can occur from accidents or sports injuries. If you experience any of these four dental emergencies, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to further damage and increased pain.
Which teeth are the hardest to extract?
Wisdom teeth are the hardest to extract because they are located at the back of the mouth, and have a tendency to become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can be difficult to remove, and in some cases, may require surgery. Molar teeth are difficult to extract as well. They are located at the back of the mouth. Molars often have a lot of surface area and can be difficult to remove without causing damage to surrounding teeth.
Do dentists make custom mouthguards?
Yes. Dentists make custom mouthguards. These mouthguards are more durable than the average over-the-counter mouthguard due to their high-quality materials. Also, custom mouthguards will fit your mouth better because they are specially made from an impression of your mouth. Lastly, they work more efficiently by addressing your individualized necessities, such as teeth grinding or high-impact sports.
How painful is a tooth extraction?
The level of pain an individual will experience from a tooth extraction can vary from person to person. However, in general, the pain is moderate and manageable with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Following the extraction, there may be some swelling and bruising around the area, which can cause some additional discomfort. If you experience any significant pain or discomfort following your tooth extraction, be sure to contact your dentist.
Schedule A Dental Exam With Dr. Khanna
Looking for a local dentist office equipped to meet your needs? Our Bethesda dentist office welcomes new patients and provides dental services for children and adults. We will do our best to make sure your visit is simple and easy while you enjoy our environment and benefit from our care. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Khanna today, and we look forward to seeing you in our Bethesda, MD dentist office very soon.