Quality routine dental care is at the heart of any successful dental practice. Maintaining a happy, healthy smile starts with following a proper oral health care routine and plan. With over 20 years of general dentistry experience, our dentist in Annapolis, MD, Dr. Vernon Sheen, provides effective dental solutions for patients of all ages. He treats problematic symptoms with exceptional care and comfort.
General dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on maintaining the teeth and gums. Regular dental cleanings, exams, and general treatments help keep you healthy. General dental care is the foundation of other dental services. We must ensure you’re healthy before we consider restorative or cosmetic care.
Why is Regular Dental Care Essential?
Routine dental visits are essential for long-term oral and overall health and well-being. The health of your teeth and gums impacts your risk for the development of cardiovascular and systemic health issues. During routine visits, Dr. Sheen screens for early warning signs of decay, gum disease, and other health concerns.
When you address health concerns early, you can avoid permanent damage to the teeth and gums. At every visit, Dr. Sheen gives patients his full attention to understand their dental needs.
Exams with digital X-rays also help Dr. Sheen find signs of dental problems early. Visiting the dentist twice yearly decreases your risk of gum and tooth problems.
General Dentistry Services with Dr. Sheen in Annapolis
Dr. Sheen provides the following dental services to his patients in Annapolis, Maryland:
Children’s Dentistry Services
Early dental care is essential to helping your child’s oral health development. We provide specific pediatric dental treatments to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. Cavity prevention is key to children’s dental care. We offer sealants, fluoride treatment, and regular cleanings for children.
Dental Fillings
During this routine dental treatment, we fill tooth cavities with composite material. Unlike traditional metal fillings, white fillings blend in with the shade of natural teeth. Dental fillings improve the comfort and function of your teeth.
Dental Cleanings
Our office recommends regular dental cleanings every six months. We can remove food and bacterial buildup from the teeth and gums at these cleanings. In addition to brushing and flossing at home, regular cleanings prevent problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
Emergency Dental Care
Our office provides urgent dental care for toothaches, knocked-out teeth, and more. As your emergency dentist office, we provide prompt care to treat pain, swelling, and discomfort.
Oral Cancer Screening
We look for signs of oral cancer during regular dental visits. We use a dental mirror to look for red and white patches, sores, and bleeding in the mouth. Finding these problems early can ensure your symptoms do not worsen.
Periodontal Therapy
Gum disease is a common but highly damaging dental problem. While it begins with irritated and bleeding gums, it can quickly become gum recession and tooth loss. Our deep gum cleanings can treat gum problems and remove bacteria from the teeth and gums.
Root Canals
A root canal is a routine procedure that removes infected dental pulp from within a tooth. During treatment, we remove infected tissue, clean the tooth, and seal the tooth. Root canals can prevent the need for removing a tooth.
Tooth Extractions
We do everything we can to preserve your natural teeth. However, if we must remove infected, impacted, or overcrowded teeth, we provide comfortable tooth extractions. We also provide tooth replacements like dental implants if needed.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) interrupts sleep and increases your risk of health problems. If you have mild OSA, we recommend a custom sleep appliance. Unlike CPAP machines, this appliance is quiet and comfortable.
Family Dentistry in Annapolis, MD
Dr. Sheen is a family dentist in Annapolis, Maryland. He encourages parents to bring their children in for their first visit once the primary teeth erupt. Early visits will help establish comfort at our dentist’s office. These visits lay the foundation for good oral hygiene habits as your child grows.
We aim to create a comfortable environment where you and your children can get customized dental treatment. Our office welcomes your child to bring their favorite toy or blanket for their comfort to their visit. You can also sit in the exam room with your child.
Our goal is to provide personalized dental care for patients of all ages in a relaxing, stress-free environment.
Preventive dental care aims to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Visiting with us twice a year can reduce the risk of developing complex dental concerns. It also enables us to help you enjoy your best smile.
If you suffer from gum disease, we may recommend you visit Dr. Sheen more often. You should also practice preventive dental care in between visits to our Annapolis dentist’s office.
You can take simple steps to decrease the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. These steps include:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Floss daily
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Limit sugary snacks and beverages
- Choose a toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride
- Make sure that children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take fluoride supplements
- Replace toothbrush every 3 to 4 months
In our office, Dr. Sheen provides preventive treatments for children as their teeth grow. Once the molars grow, Dr. Sheen places dental sealants. Sealants cover the back teeth, where food and bacteria can collect. This treatment can protect teeth for multiple years.
Dr. Sheen also offers custom sports mouthguards for active patients to protect their teeth and gums. Wearing a custom mouthguard when playing contact sports prevents tooth damage and loss.
General Dentistry FAQs
Discover more about our office and general dentistry services in Annapolis, MD, with answers to these common questions:
How often should I schedule dental check-ups?
You should schedule a dental check-up every six months. Regular check-ups help keep your teeth and gums healthy and allow our dentist to catch problems like cavities or gum disease. If you have specific dental issues, Dr. Sheen might recommend visiting more often to make sure your mouth stays in good shape.
Can a general dentist treat children and adults?
Yes, general dentists are trained to care for patients of all ages, including both children and adults. As a general dentist, Dr. Sheen provides routine check-ups, cleanings, and treatments for your whole family. Everyone can get their dental care at the same place. Our dentist’s office can also simply explain procedures and create a fun, welcoming environment for kids.
How can a general dentist help with dental anxiety?
A general dentist can help with dental anxiety by creating a calm and comfortable environment. They take time to explain treatments clearly, so you know what to expect. Many dentists also use gentle techniques to make the experience less stressful. For patients with higher anxiety, we offer sedation options to help you relax during your visit.
Do general dentists treat cavities?
Yes, Dr. Sheen provides fillings, root canals, and extractions for teeth affected by cavities. These treatments are part of his general dentistry services in Annapolis, MD.
If you have a cavity, Dr. Sheen can clean out the decayed part of the tooth and fill it to restore its shape and function. Dr. Sheen may recommend a root canal to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth if the cavity affects the tooth’s nerves. If the tooth is too damaged for repair, Dr. Sheen may remove it to prevent further problems.
How can regular dental cleanings improve my overall health?
Regular dental cleanings do more than just keep your teeth looking good—they also improve your overall health. During a cleaning, the dentist or hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to cavities and gum disease. Gum disease has been linked to other health problems, like heart disease and diabetes, so keeping your gums healthy can lower your risk for these conditions.
Dental cleanings also give your dentist a chance to catch problems early, like tooth decay or oral cancer, before they become serious. This can save you time, money, and discomfort in the long run.
Do I need a filling or a root canal?
Whether you need a filling or a root canal depends on the condition of your tooth. If you have a small cavity or a minor area of decay, a filling is usually enough to fix the problem. A root canal is needed when the decay or damage goes deeper and affects the soft tissue inside the tooth, called the pulp. This can happen if you have a severe cavity, a cracked tooth, or an untreated infection.
How often should I visit the dentist if I have gum disease?
If you have gum disease, you should visit the dentist more often than the standard twice-a-year recommendation. Most dentists suggest visiting every three to four months. These extra visits help us monitor your gums and provide deep cleaning treatments to remove plaque and tartar that can make gum disease worse.
Do dental fillings or root canals hurt more?
Many patients fear that they will feel pain when they get a filling or root canal. However, you will not feel pain during these treatments. Before these treatments, we will numb your mouth. While you may experience soreness or sensitivity after treatment, we will recommend over-the-counter medication and ice packs.
Schedule a Dental Exam with Our Dentist in Annapolis, MD
You can easily solve most dental problems with routine and preventative care. You deserve to have a smile that looks and feels great. Be proactive and help your teeth stay healthy with routine trips to the dentist.
Call our Annapolis dental office to schedule a visit with Dr. Sheen today. If you are a new patient, call (443) 482-5202. You can also schedule an appointment online.