What's wrong with this listing?
Tooth Doc Family Dentistry
2465 Centreville Rd Ste J 15
Herndon, VA 20171
Uber
MORE PHOTOS
Herndon Dentist Services Procedures
Services & Procedures
Our Herndon dental office understands that everyone's dental needs are different. That's why Dr. Ahmad offers a full complement of dental services to ensure that no matter what you need to perfect your smile, we're ready to provide you with quality dental care.
Preventative Services
Examinations, sealants, flouride treatments, and prophylaxis are important tools in keeping you and your family's teeth healthy. Our routine examinations include oral cancer screenings as well as x-rays and a physical inspection for areas that could become major dental issues if left untreated. We practice conservative dental care at Tooth Doc Family Dental. Catching problems early and treating them while they are still small means less pain, less time in the dentist's chair, and a lower cost for your dental treatment. Regular exams and cleanings allow us to continue to keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful.
Sedation Dentistry
We want our patients to be at ease during their dental visits. Many people suffer from dental-related fear and anxiety, and to help you combat this and get the dental care you deserve, we offer sedation dentistry to all eligible patients at our Herndon dental office. With gentle nitrous oxide sedation, you'll find your visits to the dentist are easy, painless, and go by quickly. Nitrous oxide is also a fast-acting sedative that passes from the body shortly after we stop administering it, meaning you can drive yourself home and won't spend the rest of the day feeling groggy and drowsy.
Restorative Services
Whether you need a small filling, a crown or bridge to fix a problem area, or a full set of dentures, Tooth Doc Family Dentistry is ready to provide top-of-the-line restorations that look and feel natural. We can perform cosmetic restorations to fix gaps, chips, cracks, and a range of other issues, as well as restoring damaged or decayed teeth back to a "like-new" condition.
Invisalign
Our Herndon, VA dental office is pleased to offer our patients the Invisalign system. With Invisalign you can correct many issues with your bite that would normally require traditional braces. Invisalign's comfortable clear plastic aligner trays mean a more gentle treatment that is virtually invisible. Straighten your teeth without anyone knowing with Invisalign.
Teeth Whitening
Regular dental visits for a check-up and cleaning are crucial to maintaining dental health. We want to reward our patients who take their oral health seriously. That is why Tooth Doc offers a Free Teeth Whitening For Life program. Simply make and keep your initial exam and cleaning appointment, and you are eligible for a free customized at-home teeth whitening kit. As long as you maintain your dental health by keeping current on your exam and cleaning schedule (once every six months), we will continue to supply whitening gel to keep your teeth brightfor life! Get started on the right path to healthy teeth by contacting our office today!
Crowns & Bridges
A beautiful, healthy smile is important. Missing or damaged teeth can make chewing difficult, affect your self-image, and even make you reluctant to talk, laugh, or smile around other people. If your smile isn't all you'd like it to be, we can help with beautiful, natural-looking crowns and bridges.
Full Coverage Crowns
Crowns can be used to restore a variety of cosmetic and structural issues. Cracked or chipped teeth, teeth with large fillings, or teeth that have had root canal therapy can all be strengthened and improved using dental crowns. Dental crowns are a cap that is made specifically to fit your teeth. They are usually made of porcelain, porcelain over metal, or composite resin. Crowns can be made to look just like your real teeth, restoring a less-than-perfect smile to a natural beauty. The crowns are permanently bonded to your teeth, giving you a low-maintenance restoration for years to come. Crowns also offer structural support and protection. If you have a tooth that is cracked, this weakens the remaining structure of the tooth, leaving it vulnerable to decay, further cracking and breaking, and infections. Placing a crown over a cracked tooth strengthens the tooth and helps avoid additional damage that may result in the need for root canal or extraction. Crowns are frequently used on teeth that have had root canal therapy for this reason, to protect the tooth and leave you with a beautiful smile.
Restore Missing Teeth With a Dental Bridge
If you have lost a tooth through damage, disease, injury, or decay, it leaves a gap in your smile that may make you self-conscious. But did you know it can also cause other dental issues if left untreated? Your other teeth may shift due to the space, creating alignment issues and bone loss. If the cost of a surgical implant is out of your reach, you may want to consider a dental bridge. Bridges restore the missing tooth by "bridging" the gap. A replacement tooth is created to match your natural teeth, usually with a crown on either side that fits onto the healthy adjacent teeth. The crowns securely anchor the bridge in place, helping to keep your teeth properly aligned and giving you back your smile. Bridges can be used to restore a gap of one or more teeth and can sometimes even be used in an area that doesn't provide an anchor on both sides, such as at the back of your mouth. Be aware that properly anchoring the bridge will require some removal of healthy tooth structure to accommodate the crowns. Herndon, VA dentist Dr. Ahmad will perform an examination and discuss your treatment options to see if you are a good candidate for a dental bridge.
Get the Beautiful Smile You Deserve With Dental Crowns and Bridges
If you have a smile in need of a makeover, call our Herndon dental office today to schedule a consultation and find out if a dental crown or bridge is the answer you've been searching for.
Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy)
Dr. Ahmad's mission is to treat decay before it can get too severe, but we know this isn't always possible. When decay reaches the nerve of your tooth and causes an infection, it's time for a root canal. We know root canals have a bad reputation of being painful and unpleasant. However, with modern dental technology, this is no longer true. At our Herndon dental office, we can offer you gentle, effective root canal treatment to ease the pain of an abscess.
Why Are Root Canals Necessary?
When decay is left untreated, it will make its way deeper into your tooth, past the hard enamel and into the soft pulp at the center of your tooth. The sensitive nerves of your teeth are housed in the pulp, and when it becomes infected, this is called an abscess. Abscessed teeth are often extremely painful and sensitive, and a root canal may be our best optoin to save the tooth. Root canals allow the dentist to clean out the infection and remove the damaged nerve, eliminating the pain. They also prevent further infection to this now-vulnerable area by sealing up the canals that contained the nerves, removing any pockets where bacteria might collect and cause problems later.
What Can I Expect During My Root Canal?
When you arrive for your root canal appointment, we will first numb the area so you won't feel any pain. Herndon dentist Dr. Ahmad will then use a dental drill to remove the exterior decay and open a channel to the nerves. The nerves and pulp are removed and the area is cleaned using a series of long, thin files that leave the canals smooth to help eliminate the risk of future decay. Once the nerves are removed, the empty canals are disinfected and then filled with a rubbery material called gutta percha. The gutta percha is heated to soften it and ensure all of the space within the canals is sealed. The completed root canal is usually covered with a temporary crown until a permanent crown can be made to keep the area clean and undamaged. The area may still be sore for a few days after your root canal. Most patients find over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen is sufficient to treat any lingering soreness. If the pain doesn't go away after a few days or gets worse, contact our office for a follow-up appointment.
Do I Have to Get a Crown After a Root Canal?
In most cases, yes. By the time decay has reached the pulp of the tooth, it is usually too large to be treated with a filling. Root canals can also make the tooth more brittle and prone to cracking. A dental crown will strengthen the treated tooth and keep it strong and healthy.
Call Today for an Appointment
If you've been suffering with an abscessed tooth due to fear of the dreaded root canal, you don't have to be afraid! Call our office today to schedule an appointment and find out just how easy modern root canal treatment really is.
Implant Restorations
When you lose a permanent tooth, it can be devastating. It affects your self-esteem, your ability to eat properly, and makes you less willing to talk or smile around your friends. Bridges and dentures used to be the only options to restore your smile after a lost tooth, but advances in dental technology have given our Herndon dental office a superior option to offer our patients surgical dental implants!
What Is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are a strong, reliable, permanent restoration for missing teeth. The dental implant consists of three parts: a metal implant made of bio-compatible titanium that is placed in your jawbone; a post, or abutment, that fits securely into the implant and allows us to attach a restoration; and the restoration itself, usually a crown or bridge. Implants are the best long-term solution for restoration of missing teeth. The implant actually fuses to the bone as it heals, strengthening the implant and the surrounding bone. The attached crown or bridge gives you a beautiful and natural-looking restoration that blends seamlessly with your teeth to restore your smile.
Why Should I Get a Dental Implant?
Dental implants can improve your oral health in a number of ways. Leaving an extraction site un-restored allows your other teeth room to shift out of their proper alignment. This can cause bite problems, loosening of other teeth leading to additional tooth loss, and loss of bone mass over time. With an implant-supported crown, your teeth will stay properly aligned, preventing many problems that can develop over time. Implants restore your ability to eat properly. Losing a tooth can reduce your ability to bite or chew normally. Most patients will adapt to a different bite alignment or chewing alignment over time because of this, which can put added pressure on the remaining teeth and damage or crack them. Implants prevent this issue and give you a sturdy, reliable restoration. Gaps in your smile can lower your self-confidence and make you reluctant to talk, eat, or laugh around other people. This in turn affects your self-esteem and is generally bad for your mental and emotional well-being. With a beautiful implant restoration, you'll be proud to show off your smile to the world once again.
The Dental Implant Process
If Herndon dentist Dr. Ahmad determines you are a good candidate for dental implants, we will refer you to an oral surgeon for the implant placement. The implant must be placed into your jawbone and allowed to heal completely for osseointegration to occur. If you have lost some bone mass and there is not enough jawbone to support the implant, bone grafts can be done to increase the mass. After the implant is completely healed, Dr. Ahmad will create a customized crown for you that matches your natural teeth perfectly. The crown is attached to the abutment, which locks securely into your implant. If you are missing multiple teeth, a bridge can be created with multiple implant supports. These restorations are secured to your implants and then function just like your real teeth, requiring no special care.
Restore Your Smile With a Beautiful Dental Implant
If you are interested in beginning the implant process to restore your missing teeth, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Invisalign
Do you have crooked, gapped, or uneven teeth? Does your bite need correcting? Are you reluctant to go through the discomfort and unsightly appearance of metal braces to get the smile of your dreams? With Invisalign, you don't have to. Invisalign treatment can fix gaps, overbites, underbites, crooked and misplaced teeth gently and with little to no pain. And the best part is, no one will ever know you're wearing them!
Why Should I Choose Invisalign?
Invisalign is an excellent alternative to traditional braces. With Invisalign, there are no brackets or wires, no painful adjustments, and no limiting what you can eat. The Invisalign system uses a series of clear plastic trays customized to your teeth. These trays allow you to correct a wide range of orthodontic dental issues simply and comfortably. Each new set of custom trays, or aligners, will gradually and gently shift your teeth into the correct position. Invisalign offers many advantages over traditional braces, such as: Invisalign requires fewer manual adjustments than traditional braces, resulting in less time spent in the dentist's chair; Invisalign's clear plastic aligners are nearly invisible when in place, allowing you to correct your smile without unsightly metal brackets and wires; The smooth plastic of the Invisalign aligners is much more comfortable than traditional braces with brackets and wires that often have sharp ends; Invisalign can be removed while eating, so you can continue to eat whatever you like; The gradual, gentle adjustment used by the aligners means less pain and discomfort during treatment; Since the trays are removable, you can continue to brush and floss normally while using Invisalign. This means better oral health and fewer issues with decay than with traditional braces.
How Do I Use Invisalign?
Herndon dentist Dr. Ahmad will inspect your teeth during your consultation and discuss your treatment goals with you. If you're a good candidate for Invisalign, we'll take x-rays and impressions of your teeth so that the custom trays can be created. When your aligners are ready, we'll ensure a proper fit and then send you home with instructions on how to use them. Every few weeks you'll move to the next set of aligners in the series, with follow-up visits to our office approximately every six weeks to monitor your progress. For the best and fastest results, you should wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. They're comfortable and secure enough to sleep in and only need to be taken out while you're eating and brushing/flossing. Remember to clean the aligners when you brush.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Treatment length varies depending on how severely your teeth are misaligned. Some treatments can be completed in as little as four to six months, while more complex treatments can take two to three years. On average, Invisalign treatment is generally twelve to eighteen months. Dr. Ahmad will discuss the approximate length of your treatment during your consultation.
Give Yourself a Beautiful Smile With Invisalign Treatment
If you are interested in improving the appearance of your smile with the Invisalign system, call our Herndon, VA dental office to schedule a consultation today!
Oral Cancer Screening
Over 30,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. The odds of surviving oral cancer are much lower than with other cancers, primarily because it goes undetected for so long. Most people in the early stages of oral cancer have virtually no symptoms, which is why regular oral cancer screening is so important. Catching the disease in the early stages can drastically improve your chances of survival.
Signs of Oral Cancer to Watch For
One of the problems of oral cancer detection is that the lesions are identical to sores caused by many other, more benign, issues. Symptoms of oral cancer include: A sore in your mouth; A thickening or lump of tissue; Pain while chewing or swallowing or difficulty doing either; A sore throat or feeling of a lump in your throat. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms and they do not improve within fourteen days, we advise you to contact our office for an oral cancer screening appointment. There are many factors that can increase your risk of oral cancer, such as tobacco use of any kind, heavy alcohol use, an HPV diagnosis, or a previous oral cancer diagnosis, but many people who develop oral cancer have no associated risk factors. This is why it's important for everyone to be screened on a regular basis.
Early Detection Through Clinical Screening
Oral cancer is often not detected until it has spread to other areas of the body, such as lymph nodes, giving you a lower chance of beating the disease. Regular oral cancer screening during your semi-annual examination can catch the cancer before it has metastasized, allowing for a more conservative treatment regimen and improving your odds of survival from 60% to 90%. Dr. Ahmad, your dentist in Herndon, VA, takes oral cancer screening seriously. We offer this service as part of your six-month examination for your health and safety. In addition to a visual inspection, early-stage oral cancer can be detected through blue dye rinses and examination under a special light that reacts to abnormal cells. Once abnormal cells are detected in the mouth, a biopsy can be performed to determine if the lesion is cancerous. If you have a positive biopsy for oral cancer, you will need a referral to an oncologist who specializes in oral cancers. Your oncologist will help determine the proper treatment options. Dr. Ahmad may be able to help mitigate some of the oral side effects of radiation or chemotherapy treatment, such as dry mouth.
Regular Oral Cancer Screening Can Save Your Life
Oral cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers and can be life-threatening in later stages. If you have not recently had a check-up that included screening for oral cancer, call our Herndon dental office today to make an appointment. It could save your life!
Oral Surgery
There are many reasons you may be in need of oral surgical treatment. Teeth can become cracked or broken, crowded or impacted, or simply too decayed to save. You may be suffering from a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD) or bruxism (grinding your teeth). Whether you need an extraction, a mouth guard, or evaluation and treatment for TMJ, Herndon dentist Dr. Imaney Ahmad is ready to help.
Extractions
We'd prefer to preserve your teeth whenever possible, but sometimes a tooth needs to be extracted. Whether you have impacted wisdom teeth, a broken or decayed tooth causing you pain, or teeth causing overcrowding in your jaw, we offer safe and gentle dental extractions to improve your oral health. During your extraction, we'll make sure the area is numb so you don't feel any pain. The tooth or teeth needing extraction will be removed as carefully as possible, and stitches may be utilized if necessary. Once the teeth are pulled, Dr. Ahmad will review how to care for your extraction site at home, as well as discussing restoration options such as a dental bridge, removable dentures, or dental implants. It's important to care for your extraction site properly. Plan to eat soft foods for a few days after you have teeth pulled. Don't brush or rinse the area on the first day. After the first day, we recommend a gentle rinse with warm saltwater several times a day to keep the site disinfected and help minimize inflammation.
Do I Have TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint disorder, known as TMJ or TMD, refers to problems with the jaw and the jaw joint. This disorder can be caused by many things, including accident or injury such as whiplash, grinding or clenching your teeth, arthritis in the jaw joint, or stress. TMJ is more common in women, and usually occurs in those between 20 and 40 years of age. The primary symptoms of TMJ include: Pain or tenderness of the face, particularly around the jaw or ear, while chewing, speaking, or opening your mouth wide; Inability to open your mouth wide or a jaw that gets "stuck" in the open or closed position; Clicking/popping noises when you chew or open and close your mouth, sometimes accompanied by pain; Swelling on the side of your face. If you are diagnosed with TMJ, we will review your options. TMJ can be controlled through modification of habits, home treatments, and dental interventions such as mouth guards and corrective treatments to help balance a misaligned bite.
Treatment for Bruxism
You may not even realize you grind your teeth. Bruxism frequently occurs while sleeping, and is usually noticed by a sleeping partner or your dentist first. Some signs to watch for include excessive wear on your teeth, particularly the molars; pain or tenderness when you bite; jaw pain; headaches; or a grinding noise while you sleep. If you suffer from bruxism, it's important to treat it, as it can permanently damage your teeth and jaws. We offer night guards for bruxism at our Herndon dental office. These custom-molded plastic guards fit into your mouth and help protect your teeth and minimize tooth grinding while you sleep.
Oral Surgical Treatments to Improve Your Health
If you are in need of an extraction or have any of the above symptoms of bruxism or TMJ, contact our office today to schedule a consultation. You'll be glad you did!
Pediatric Dentistry
Getting your child off to a good start is important to ensure good dental habits last throughout their life. Many cases of dental fear and anxiety begin in childhood and can prevent your child from seeking dental care when they need it - even well into their adulthood. At Tooth Doc Family Dentistry, your preferred dental office in Herndon, VA, we understand the importance of building a good relationship between your child and the dentist from a young age.
Your Child's First Dental Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit within six months of your child's first tooth coming in or no later than one year of age. Many find this surprisingly young, but this serves to cultivate a positive association between your child and the dentist from a very young age. Another reason why we emphasize early visits is because of the recent rise in the incidence of toddler tooth decay, known as "baby bottle caries." Treating this decay early prevents a painful cavity and teaches your child the importance of good oral health. During the first "well baby" visit, we will allow your child to explore the dental examination area. You can help prepare your child for this visit by playing dentist: get your child to practice "opening wide" while you shine a flashlight in their mouth and count their teeth. Dr. Ahmad will perform an examination to ensure there are no early signs of decay.
Meeting the Unique Needs of Children in Dentistry
Our Herndon dental office staff has several years of experience in pediatric dentistry. We understand the special needs and challenges of treating children and how to meet those needs in a positive manner. Your children are encouraged to ask questions and learn more about how the dentist keeps their teeth clean and healthy. Regular pediatric exams also ensure that your child learns proper home care techniques at a young age. If your child has special needs or any other requirements, we are happy to accommodate them. Dr. Ahmad is experienced in working with special needs patients, and we can make arrangements to ensure your child's visit is a success. Just be sure to let us know what we can do to make things easier for you and your child.
Are Sealants a Good Idea?
While we do our best to ensure our children eat a healthy diet and take care of their teeth, most children will sneak a sugary treat now and again, and their brushing habits may not be perfect yet. To give them an extra layer of protection against decay, we recommend dental sealants in many cases. Dental sealants are a thin, protective film applied to the teeth, most commonly the permanent molars and pre-molars. These sealants should be applied as soon as your child's permanent molars have grown in for the greatest effectiveness. Correctly applied dental sealants can help prevent decay for up to ten years, with regular check-ups to ensure the sealant is still in place. Remember, dental sealants are not a replacement for good oral care! Supervise your child during their nightly brushing and flossing routine to ensure they are properly caring for their teeth.
Keep Your Child's Teeth Healthy and Strong with Pediatric Treatments
Our Herndon dental office offers a full range of pediatric services from cleanings and sealants to extensive restorations, depending on the needs of your child. Call our office today to schedule an appointment and learn more about the pediatric services available.
Periodontal Treatment
Did you know healthy gums are vital to healthy teeth? Keeping your gums healthy is just as important as caring for your teeth. Your gums offer support and protection for your teeth, and if they become infected or damaged, it can have devastating effects. At our Herndon, VA dental office, we practice minimally invasive dentistry. We would rather prevent problems than fix them after they have become costly, painful, and damaging to your oral health. A big part of making minimally invasive dentistry work is getting a regular examination and cleaning at least once every six months.
Why Is It Important to Have My Teeth Professionally Cleaned?
Even the most rigorous home dental routine can't reach every spot in your mouth. Daily brushing is important, but over time, there are spots between your teeth, below the gumline, and in the back of your mouth that are perfect for bacteria to accumulate. With regular professional cleanings, we can make sure these hard-to-reach spots get properly cleaned and inspect them for signs of infection. At your cleaning, we will review your at-home hygiene program and ensure you are using proper brushing and flossing techniques. We can demonstrate the correct way to brush and floss, and if you have questions about your home care, oral care products, or diet, we can answer them during this appointment. Regular cleanings with a hygienist are also essential for tartar removal. Tartar is hardened plaque that builds up on your teeth, giving them a yellowish appearance, but it causes more trouble than just making your teeth yellow. If tartar is left unchecked, it can spread bacteria beneath your gums, resulting in periodontal disease.
Treating Periodontal Disease
There are two stages to periodontal disease. The early stage is called gingivitis. Symptoms of gingivitis include sore and swollen gums, easily bleeding gums, receding gumline and bad breath. Gingivitis can be treated with a periodontal deep cleaning process known as scaling and root planing. During a scaling and planing treatment, the hygienist in our Herndon dental office will remove the tartar that has built up between your teeth and below the gumline down to the root. This removes the bacteria causing the swollen gums. In some situations, scaling and root planing is combined with antibiotic treatment to ensure the infection is eradicated. If gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis. Periodontitis causes pockets to form between your teeth and gums and can lead to tooth loss. If your gum disease has proceeded to this stage, surgical treatment may be necessary.
Keep Your Gums Healthy to Keep Your Teeth Happy
A healthy smile needs a strong foundation. Regular cleanings, including deep cleanings when necessary, will keep you smiling for years to come. If you are due for your next cleaning, call our office today.
Restorative Services
Having a flawless-looking smile isn't always easy. Teeth can crack and chip, decay can lead to cavities and discoloration, and gaps and missing teeth can leave unsightly spaces. No matter how far your teeth are from perfection, restorative dental services can fix all of these cosmetic issues and more, unlocking the smile of your dreams. If you have teeth in need of restoration services, Tooth Doc Family Dentistry has the treatment to fix imperfections in your smile. Herndon dentist Dr. Ahmad has years of experience in crafting smile makeovers ranging from basic restorations to full-mouth overhauls.
Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings
For years, the dental industry standard for filling material was silver amalgam. These fillings leave much to be desired, particularly from an aesthetic standpoint. The silver-gray material can show through translucent enamel, giving your teeth a grayish appearance. The amalgam is susceptible to temperature fluctuations, leading to cracking teeth and "leaking" fillings that invite recurrent decay. They also require removal of more healthy tooth material to give the filling a sufficient anchor and keep it in place. Today's modern dentistry technology offers a significant advancement from the amalgam fillings of old: tooth-colored composite resin fillings. These fillings can be custom-mixed to match your teeth exactly, eliminating the grayish discoloration. Composite fillings are chemically bonded to your teeth, allowing us to leave more of your healthy tooth in place. Composite fillings give you a beautiful smile for years. Composite fillings can be used to fix a range of dental issues, including filling cavities after the decay is removed, filling in missing tooth material from chips and cracks, and even closing gaps between teeth. They offer a beautiful, natural-looking restoration if you have a less-than perfect smile.
Restore Your Bite With Natural-Looking Dentures
If you have several teeth missing, removable dentures can provide a low-cost alternative to surgical implant restoration. There are two types of dentures available: partial dentures, which can be used if you still have some healthy teeth remaining, and full dentures, which replace all of your teeth in one arch (upper or lower teeth) or both arches. Partial dentures don't just improve the appearance of your smile and restore your ability to chew properly; they also help to keep your remaining healthy teeth in proper alignment, which can help you retain your remaining teeth longer and leave the option of surgical implants available. Partial dentures attach to your remaining teeth for stability. Full dentures are created to mimic your natural teeth and gums. They are an acrylic appliance that is held in place with natural suction. Full dentures will restore your smile and allow you to eat a full range of foods. They also help to eliminate the "sunken" look many people have around their mouths when they are missing several teeth. Both partial and full dentures can last many years with proper care. You should clean your dentures daily with an ADA-approved denture cleaner. Never allow acrylic dentures to dry, or they may warp and need to be remade. Dentures are fragile and can break with a drop of even a few inches, so always hold your dentures over a towel or a sink filled with water when not wearing them.
Restore Your Smile Today
If you are interested in any of the restorative services we offer or want to find out what is right for you, call our Herndon dental office today to schedule a consultation appointment.
Sedation Dentistry
Most people get a little nervous at the thought of dental treatment. Dental fear and anxiety is one of the leading reasons people neglect their dental health. If you have been avoiding a needed dental treatment due to dental anxiety, sedation dentistry can help get you through it. At Tooth Doc Family Dentistry, we want to put every patient at ease to give you the best experience possible each time you visit. Sedation dentistry will allow you to relax during your procedure and leave our office feeling good about your dental treatment.
Gentle, Conscious Sedation
At our Herndon dental office, we offer nitrous oxide treatment to our patients with dental anxiety. Nitrous oxide is a gas that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose. This form of sedation is very gentle, leaving you completely conscious, aware, and able to interact with our staff throughout your procedure. Nitrous oxide will make you feel highly relaxed, perhaps a bit giddy. It's not known as "laughing gas" for nothing, after all! Most patients find nitrous oxide treatment very pleasant, and they find their dental procedure goes by quickly, sometimes with little memory of the procedure later. Some patients are even so relaxed they fall asleep!
Convenient and Quick-Acting Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide treatment offers many benefits to our patients. The gas is quick-acting, leaving you relaxed and comfortable within just a few minutes of beginning treatment. The effects also wear off quickly, so you can drive yourself home from your appointment safely. The level of gentle sedation is ideal for dental procedures, as you remain conscious while undergoing your treatment. You can ask questions, let us know if you need anything, or answer questions asked of you while sedated with nitrous oxide. Our friendly dental staff will review your medical history to ensure there are no risk factors that may exclude you from nitrous oxide treatment. Your vital signs and well-being will be monitored constantly during your appointment, so you can just relax and get the dental care you need and deserve.
Your Comfort Is Our Priority
We believe the best way to combat dental anxiety, aside from sedation, is through education and understanding. Herndon dentist Dr. Ahmad practices "tell, show, do" dentistry to help you feel more at ease during your procedure. She will take the time to explain the procedure, using photos and x-rays to help you understand what will take place and why it is necessary before starting your dental procedure. You are always welcome to ask questions about any part of your dental treatment. We also want to ensure you are comfortable during your appointment. We have pillows and blankets available, and soothing music is always playing in our office. If you prefer to listen to your own music, feel free to bring in a music player and headphones to help you relax during your dental treatment.
Don't Let Dental Anxiety Affect Your Oral Health
If you are in need of dental care and have been putting it off due to dental fear and anxiety, contact us today to request a sedation dentistry appointment.
Teeth Whitening
Have you noticed that your teeth aren't as white and bright as they used to be? Do stains or yellowed teeth make you reluctant to talk, eat, or smile around other people? Are you unhappy with the appearance of your teeth? We can help! Our Herndon, VA dental office offers a teeth whitening system that is a safe, simple treatment option. Teeth whitening can brighten up teeth that have become yellowed over time or stained by food, drinks, or smoking, among other causes. Patients who maintain good dental health can even receive the whitening kit for free! Restrictions do apply, so please call the clinic for more details.
What Causes Yellowed or Stained Teeth?
There are many factors that can reduce the whiteness of your teeth. Eating and drinking staining foods such as berries, coffee, tea, and red wine can leave stains on your teeth. Keep this in mind if it stains your shirt, it can stain your teeth! Smoking also leads to yellow-to-brown nicotine stains over time, which can look unhealthy and make you embarrassed to smile. Even if you brush and floss properly, are a non-smoker, and avoid staining foods and beverages, you may notice some discoloration of your teeth as you get older. This is a natural part of aging, but the effect can be reversed through teeth whitening. Some medications can cause teeth to become discolored, and teeth with large amalgam fillings can take on a gray-to-blue hue as the dark amalgam shows through the translucent enamel. These types of discoloration are difficult to treat with bleaching; Dr. Ahmad will discuss the results you can expect with our whitening system as well as other treatment options that may be available to you.
How Can I Whiten My Teeth?
Herndon dentist Dr. Ahmad will perform a full examination and discuss your expectations with you. We want to make sure you get the results you want from your treatment! If you determine that our teeth whitening system is right for you, we will create a set of trays specifically fitted to your teeth. These custom-fitted trays ensure optimal results and help prevent leakage of the whitening gel. Our take-home whitening kit is easy and convenient to use. Simply add the whitening gel to your trays as instructed and place them over your teeth. We will discuss how long to leave the trays on for best results. You should see improvement in the color of your teeth within a week, and in most cases, a four-to-six week treatment will give you the results of your dreams!
Keep Your Smile Bright and Beautiful
We know the value of a beautiful, healthy smile, which is why we created a way to reward our patients who take their dental care seriously. With our Free Teeth Whitening for Life plan, you can receive your custom-fitted whitening trays and bleaching gel free -for life! New patients can take advantage of this offer by making and keeping your appointment for a new patient exam, x-ray, and cleaning. Existing patients who are following the treatment plan recommended by Dr. Ahmad already qualify. To maintain eligibility for this treatment plan, simply continue to make (and keep) your recommended appointments for an exam and cleaning every six months and keep your dental treatment and payment account current. As long as you are meeting the eligibility requirements, you qualify for free touch-up whitening gel for life! The best part of our free take-home whitening system is that it's a life-long tool you can use to keep your teeth beautifully white. Most of our patients find that wearing the trays for a few days when they feel their teeth are losing some of their brightness can bring them right back up to the desired appearance. The time between treatments varies: some patients do touch-up whitening every six months while for others, once every two years is enough to keep their smile pearly white!
Start Smiling More With At-Home Teeth Whitening
If you're interested in improving the brightness of your smile with our home teeth whitening system, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.