General Dentistry in Washington DC – Periodontal Therapy

Fifty percent of all adults have some form of periodontal disease―often without even realizing it. Periodontal disease is chiefly responsible for adult tooth loss, bleeding gums, bad breath, and receding gums. The truth is, periodontal disease is easily prevented with proper hygiene, home care, and professional treatment. If diagnosed in its early stages, periodontal disease treatments are easier, less invasive, and more effective. Your visit with Dr. Lopez Driscoll  includes a complete evaluation of your gums and supportive tissues. You will have access to advanced periodontal therapy to heal and to restore your oral health.

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Pus around teeth
• No pain (until it is too late)

Root Canals

Damage to the nerve tissue inside of a tooth sometimes requires a root canal procedure. Dr. Lopez Driscoll takes advantage of advances in technology and dental techniques that make root canal procedures more effective, while also taking less time. The procedure involves Dr. Lopez Driscoll gently removing the soft tissue within the tooth when it has become infected and inflamed and then filling the void with an inert material. The procedure is completed with the placement of a crown.

Tooth Extractions

In some cases, injury or decay damages a tooth extensively, and an extraction is the only proper treatment option to start you on the path toward complete dental health. Dr. Lopez Driscoll can remove your troublesome tooth, giving you the treatment options for replacing that tooth and for completing your beautiful smile once again.

Fillings

When the decay has been removed from the tooth, it is replaced with “filling” material such as amalgam (silver), or with a tooth-colored resin. The filling is placed into the cleaned-out portion of the tooth, resulting in a long-lasting restoration.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Dr. Lopez Driscoll offers routine oral cancer screenings to you as a patient. As your dentist, Dr. Lopez Driscoll is the only medical professional in a position to routinely evaluate and detect abnormalities. Early detection is important. There will be 41,000 Americans diagnosed with oral cancer this year, resulting in 12,500 deaths. The death rate from oral cancer is especially high due to late discovery of the disease. Prognosis is more positive with early detection.  A patient who does not seek regular, continuous care from a dental professional is putting their health at risk by delaying a diagnosis in the early stage of oral cancer.  We are dedicated to providing this potentially life-saving procedure for you.

Oral cancer statistics:

• Deaths due to oral cancer equal 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day
• High death rate due to late diagnoses
• 90% rate of cure if detected early
• Three times more common than cervical cancer

NTIs

While nightguards protect your teeth from grinding against one another and becoming damaged, an NTI is another solution.

An NTI is a small device that only covers your anterior teeth. Similar to a nightguard, it is made from acrylics and hard plastics. In addition to preventing the grinding of teeth, the extra benefit of the NTI is that, over time, the device teaches your muscles to relax. In this way, an NTI may be able to help you break the habit of teeth grinding all together. If you are suffering from frequent migraines, as well as damaged teeth, an NTI may be the answer. Ask a team member today if an NTI is right for you.

Mouthguards

It is estimated by the American Dental Association that mouthguards prevent approximately 200,000 injuries each year in high school and collegiate football alone.

Properly diagnosed, designed, and custom-fit mouthguards are essential in the prevention of athletic oral and facial injuries. If your child plays sports or other similar activities, mouth guards are a great way to protect them from concussions and their teeth from potential injury. Dr. Lopez Driscoll offers custom-made, properly-fitting mouthguards for your children that are comfortable, resilient, and tasteless and that cause minimal interference with speaking and breathing. They are easy to clean and come in many color combinations.

Dentistry for Children

Dr. Lopez Driscoll  strongly believes in the importance of dental health at every age. We feel that spending time discussing your young child’s dental needs is extremely valuable and that the information you will receive will start your child on a lifetime of optimal oral health. When your child is two years of age, call us and we will work together to design a plan to ensure the best possible oral health for your child.

For more information about root canals, tooth extraction, dental implants, or porcelain veneers in Washington DC contact us today at 202-223-6053

DIGITAL X-RAYS

Digital radiographs are a technological advancement that results in less exposure to radiation for our patients and an almost instantaneous picture for Dr. Lopez Driscoll. You will appreciate a more comfortable visit, as well as quicker treatment.

CS 3500 INTRAORAL SCANNER

Enjoy a quicker, more convenient dental experience when receiving a dental scan. The CS 3500 Intraoral Scanner does not require Dr. Lopez Driscoll to use spray powders or liquids over your teeth and gingival tissue prior to scanning.