At the Frederick Center for Dentistry, our general dental care focuses on preventing dental problems and treating common concerns. Dr. Sahil Goyal, Dr. Anshu Goyal, and Dr. Scott Bowersox are your trusted dentists in Frederick, MD. Our team of dental care professionals takes a personalized approach to maintaining your oral health, screening for common concerns at every routine exam.
We can often find and diagnose the cause of developing dental problems during an exam. Then, during a consultation, we will create and explain a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. We will take the time to discuss your concerns and appropriate treatment options during your visit.
Remember to schedule biannual treatments at our Frederick dental office so we can treat dental problems early. Preventive dental care is key to maintaining the best oral health for a lifetime.
The Importance of Preventive Dentistry in Frederick, MD
Preventive dental care is the foundation of your oral health. This includes taking proper care of your teeth, both at the dentist and in between dental visits. You should visit your dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and oral examination. At home, you should brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Keeping up with preventative care is beneficial for the following reasons:
- Preventing tooth decay and gum disease
- Having fresher breath
- Minimize the amount of time spent in the dental office
- Keeping your smile brighter and whiter
What If You Have Been Avoiding the Dentist?
You are not alone. Many adults go years without dental care because of fear, cost, or past negative experiences. We want you to know that you can come back. It is not too late, and we will not make you feel bad about it.
When you schedule with us, we start with a conversation. We listen to your story and learn what has kept you away. Then we build a plan that respects your fears and your comfort level.
Your first visit back does not have to look like anyone else’s. For some people, it is just a conversation without an exam and cleaning. For others, it’s sedation from the moment they walk in. Either way, it’s fine.
Returning to dental care doesn’t have a right or wrong way. There is only your way, and we are here to help you find it.
Dental Cleanings
Even when you brush and floss diligently at home, regular cleanings at the dentist’s office are important. There are certain places in your smile that your regular toothbrush and floss won’t reach. Our dental hygienists have specialized dental tools designed to reach the harder-to-reach areas of your smile. Without regular cleanings, plaque and tartar start to build up in these areas. You’re still at risk of gum disease and tooth decay there, because they aren’t getting cleaned when you’re brushing and flossing at home.
There’s nothing that beats the clean feeling you have after getting a professional cleaning. You feel healthier and happier, and ready to show off your smile. We want to ensure we’re taking every possible measure to keep your smile healthy.
Dental Exams
Cleanings aren’t the only reason to come into the office regularly. We also do a full oral health examination every time you’re in our office. Various dental problems can be hard to detect in their early stages. For instance, early symptoms of gum disease aren’t painless, so more adults have gum disease than you may think. We look for conditions such as gum disease, oral cancer, and more.
We also monitor the changes in your mouth every time you come into the office. Particularly in younger patients, the mouth is always growing and changing. We may find that orthodontic work is beneficial, or you may need oral surgery. When we do exams, we’re trying to catch any conditions in their earliest stages. Early care allows us to develop more conservative and less expensive treatment methods.
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Comprehensive General Dentistry in Frederick
Custom Sports Mouthguards
Do you or your child need a custom mouthguard for contact sports? Professionally crafted sports mouthguards minimize the risk of injury, concussions, and trauma. It is important to wear a mouthguard during sports to prevent chipped, damaged, and knocked-out teeth. A custom mouthguard is easy to wear and conforms to the teeth for secure protection. To learn more about our custom mouthguards, visit Custom Mouthguard.
Emergency Dentistry
Do you have severe tooth pain? Did your dental bridge or denture break? Contact our Frederick, MD, dental office as soon as possible. If your emergency is happening during business hours, call our office to discuss your concerns and schedule an appointment. Common dental emergencies we treat in-office include knocked-out teeth, severe tooth pain, and broken dental restorations. To learn more about our emergency dental care services, visit Emergency Dentistry.
Pediatric Dentistry
At the Frederick Center for Dentistry, we treat patients of all ages. We are focused on early dental care and preventative care for your child’s smile as soon as their baby teeth show. During your child’s first visit to our office, we will teach your child about oral hygiene, address bad oral health habits such as thumb sucking, and help you schedule regular dental visits. To learn more about our pediatric dental services, visit Pediatric Dentistry.
Sedation Dentistry
We offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation for patients visiting our Frederick, MD, office. Sedation dental solutions provide anxiety relief, offer painless treatment, and allow patients to feel relaxed during every treatment. If you have dental anxiety, need multiple procedures at once, have sensitive teeth, or have a strong gag reflex, you may benefit from sedation dentistry. To learn more about your dental sedation options at Frederick Center for Dentistry, visit Sedation Dentistry.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure used to remove severely overcrowded, decayed, or crooked teeth. It is important to replace missing teeth so that we may recommend restorative treatments such as full and partial dentures, a dental bridge, and dental implants. We also offer cosmetic treatment using Invisalign to straighten crooked teeth. To learn more about our tooth removal services, visit Tooth Extraction.
Age-Specific Dental Care for Frederick Families
We provide dental care for all ages at our office. And we recognize that different age groups have different dental care needs. Toddlers are more likely to develop tooth decay. They have high-sugar diets and aren’t as adept at brushing their teeth. Dental sealants are an extra precaution against harmful bacteria. We paint them onto the surfaces of the teeth that are most susceptible to decay. When they dry, they act as an extra layer between bacteria and tooth enamel.
Teens and Young Adults
For teens and young adults, wisdom teeth come into play. Usually, our mouths aren’t equipped to handle another set of molars. We usually recommend a wisdom tooth extraction. If the teeth erupt, they can make your smile look cramped and crooked. If left under the surface, they can cause pain and infection. Regular dental care appointments allow us to monitor wisdom teeth and address them before they cause issues.
A straighter smile is one of the main concerns that adults have. Some worry that since they’re past the typical age of braces, they can’t get a straighter smile. But Invisalign treatment is ideal for patients of all ages. It uses clear plastic aligners instead of metal brackets and wires to slowly move your teeth into place.
Invisalign is subtle, and many people can’t tell you’re wearing them unless they’re specifically looking for them. Dr. Anshu Goyal has advanced training in Invisalign and can help you achieve a straighter smile discreetly.
Seniors
The years take their toll on our teeth, just like they do on the rest of our bodies. As we get older, the bright white enamel layer on the outside of the teeth wears away, exposing more of the off-white dentin layer underneath. Lifestyle habits cause staining, too. You’ll have more discolored teeth if you regularly smoke or drink coffee. Teeth whitening or porcelain veneers can give you a brighter smile, taking years off your teeth.
Seniors are also more susceptible to tooth loss as they age. Replacing missing teeth is essential to maintaining self-confidence, good oral health, and a balanced diet. Whenever possible, we recommend replacing teeth with dental implants. They’re the only solution to replace both the tooth root and the crown.
Implants give you back 100% of your bite function and stop jawbone degeneration occurring in the area where the tooth went missing. Dr. Sahil Goyal and Dr. Scott Bowersox have advanced training in implant dentistry to restore your smile’s function and health.
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General Dentistry FAQs
General dentistry focuses on preventive care to help prevent more serious dental problems in the future. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Do you see the whole family, from kids to seniors?
Absolutely. We are a family-focused practice in Frederick, MD, offering specialized care for every age. Visit us for pediatric dentistry for toddlers to gentle care for seniors, including those with complex needs. Our team, including Dr. Anshu Goyal with her advanced pediatric training, is here for everyone.
How often do I need to visit the dentist?
You should visit the dentist at least every six months for a thorough checkup and cleaning. We monitor your smile and catch any problems early, making treatment easier. We also ensure we clean your smile effectively, addressing any areas you may have trouble cleaning on your own. For patients with gum problems or other oral health issues, we may recommend more frequent visits to the office.
Which is better: a manual or an electric toothbrush?
Both are effective as long as you use them correctly. We may recommend an electric toothbrush for younger patients or those with movement disorders. In some cases, it can be difficult to reach certain areas of the mouth or work the toothbrush to clean every surface effectively. An electric toothbrush can be helpful in these situations.
Why is flossing necessary?
Brushing your teeth is essential to removing plaque and tartar from your smile. However, flossing isn’t something you can just ignore. While brushing does much of the work, the bristles can’t reach between your teeth. That’s where flossing comes in. Food particles can get stuck between teeth and linger there, attracting bacteria and increasing your likelihood of cavities. Flossing gets rid of those particles.
Do I need to get dental X-rays?
X-rays are far more important than you may realize. We can only see so much when we visually examine your teeth. We can’t see between the teeth, in the bones, or beneath the gum tissue. X-rays allow us to do that. Cavities frequently form between teeth; we can’t see them without imaging. X-rays also allow us to monitor wisdom tooth development and detect any abscesses forming beneath the surface.
What does fluoride do for the smile?
Fluoride is essential for keeping dental enamel strong. The outer layer of enamel protects teeth against tooth decay and harmful bacteria. If you aren’t getting enough fluoride, your likelihood of cavities and other oral health issues is higher. If you drink tap water, it’s likely fortified with fluoride. When we examine your teeth, we can help determine whether you are getting enough fluoride in your diet.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Are you looking for a family dentist? Do you need emergency dental care? Call the Frederick Center for Dentistry at 301-264-5680 or schedule a dental exam online for relaxing care in a warm and friendly environment.