Our Bethesda dentist office welcomes new patients and provides dental services for children and adults. We enjoy helping patients of all ages learn more about how to care for their smiles. Additionally, our dental services were designed with you in mind. We will provide age-appropriate care to you and your entire family. Learn more about our family dentistry services below.
Family Dentistry in Bethesda, MD
Dr. Khanna provides experienced general dentistry for all ages. She is happy to see patients of all ages in our Bethesda, MD dentist office. She leads a group of compassionate dental professionals who are equipped to provide exceptional dentistry to patients at all stages of their dental health journey. If you are looking for a dentist in Bethesda for you and your family, we hope you will consider visiting our office.
Age-Specific Dental Care
As a family dentist office, we treat patients of all ages. It’s important to know the distinction between different age groups. The same prominent dental problems that plague toddlers aren’t going to be as big of a deal for adults. Dr. Khanna is trained to know the dental problems that your age group is most likely to suffer from. This allows her to be proactive and provide preventative care to target these problems in the early stages, or before they even start.
Young Children
Toddlers and younger children typically see issues with tooth decay. They aren’t as adept at brushing and flossing their teeth, and they usually have diets that are higher in sugar than normal. This combination leads to more bacteria in the mouth, as well as plaque and tartar buildup.
We provide patient education to both the child and parent, so you know the best tips for oral healthcare and diet for your child. Dental sealants may be discussed as well. We paint the sealant material onto the teeth most likely to suffer from tooth decay, providing an extra layer of protection against decay when they dry.
Teens and Adults
As patients reach their late teens and early 20s, wisdom teeth typically come into play. Usually, the mouth isn’t equipped to handle this extra set of molars. If they start to erupt, the smile becomes cramped and crooked as these teeth try to fit in. Impaction can cause pain and infection because they’re stuck under the surface. We almost always recommend a wisdom tooth extraction. We’ll monitor the development of your wisdom teeth to take care of them before they cause other problems.
Crooked teeth are one of the most common issues that people have with their smiles. But many believe it’s just an aesthetic issue when it can really impact your oral health. It’s harder to clean crooked teeth, leading to an increase in plaque and tartar buildup. They also lead to an uneven bite, which can cause broken teeth and problems with TMJ disorders.
Our office offers Invisalign for the treatment of crooked teeth. You’re eligible if you have mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. Instead of using metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to move your teeth into the correct position. They’re subtle and hard to notice, making it a discreet way to straighten teeth. Patients prefer Invisalign because you can also remove it to eat and perform your oral healthcare routine, meaning no diet restrictions.
Seniors
As we age, the years impact our teeth like they do the rest of our bodies. Tooth discoloration is something that naturally happens over time. The hard white enamel layer on the outside of our teeth slowly wears down, exposing more of the off-white dentin layer underneath. Lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking coffee increase the rate at which our teeth discolor. Professional teeth whitening can take years off of your smile. We offer more permanent options like porcelain veneers as well.
Seniors are also the category most likely to have missing teeth. Our office provides a range of tooth replacement services for missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a full arch of teeth. We work with you to determine the best solution to fit your smile. Most commonly, we recommend dental implants. They’re the only tooth replacement solution that replaces the tooth root as well as the crown.
Family Dentistry FAQS
What can I do about my child’s dental anxiety?
We understand sitting in the dental chair can be a new and potentially anxiety-provoking experience for our younger patients. Our compassionate dental care team will ensure that they feel welcomed and comfortable. We will explain our processes and treatments to them using kid-friendly terms and take breaks throughout their procedures. This is so we do not overwhelm your child. Rest assured that we will treat your family members with kindness and help them enjoy their dental care experience.
Can I schedule close appointment times for my whole family?
We will do our best to accommodate any scheduling needs you may have. Please contact our front desk directly to request scheduling similar appointment times for your family members.
How soon should I bring my child to the dentist?
Your child should see a dentist by their first birthday. The sooner they sit in the dental chair, the more likely they will continue to practice lifelong preventative care for their smiles. Additionally, we aim to monitor the development of your child’s dental structures so that we can address minor issues before they develop into major dental concerns.
How often should I bring myself and my family to the dentist?
We recommend that everyone visit the dentist at least once every six months for routine preventative dental care. This will prevent common dental problems and protect your oral health.
What is the difference between a family dentist and a pediatric dentist?
A family dentist is someone who provides general dental care for people of all ages. A pediatric dentist, on the other hand, specializes in providing dental care for children from infancy through adolescence. Another key difference between the two types of dentists is that pediatric dentists specially deal with the unique dental needs of children. For instance, pediatric dentists are more likely to use smaller X-rays and Novacaine to numb a child’s mouth. Children only need smaller doses of Novocaine for it to be effective.
What are the main services that family dentists offer?
Dental services vary depending on the family dentist. The main services that most family dentists offer are teeth cleaning, dental checkups and exams, dental X-rays, and dental fillings. Many family dentists also offer cosmetic services such as teeth whitening and dental veneers.
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.