Preventive Dentistry – Silver Spring, MD
Safeguarding Silver Spring Smiles
Like most dentists, Dr. Hank Gakavian takes a proactive approach to caring for his patients’ smiles. He aims to stop minor oral health issues from worsening into larger ones that require more extensive treatments. That’s why he and the rest of our team offer a number of preventive dental services designed to help you and your loved ones avoid cavities, gum disease, and more. To book your next visit and find out how we can protect your smile, get in touch with us today!
Why Choose Dr. Hank Gakavian for Preventive Dentistry?
- Focused on Punctuality & Short Wait Times
- Personalized, One-on-One Attention
- Over Three Decades of Experience as a Dentist
Dental Checkups & Cleanings
We cannot recommend enough that all patients see Dr. Gakavian every six months for a checkup and cleaning. These appointments are the key to avoiding painful and serious oral health issues; if Dr. Gakavian detects any signs of decay, infection, or damage in your mouth, he’ll offer you treatment options to address it right away. Our hygienists will also perform a professional cleaning, removing dangerous plaque in parts of your mouth that you may have missed when brushing and flossing.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride can be found in many places – certain fruits and vegetables, toothpaste, and even tap water – because regular exposure to this mineral has been proven to considerably reduce the risk of tooth decay. To help our patients prevent cavities even further, we can provide an additional fluoride treatment after their routine cleanings. It only takes a few minutes to apply a topical fluoride varnish to the teeth, which provides lasting cavity protection for patients of all ages.
Children’s Dentistry
Setting good dental habits from a young age can lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles, and our team can provide the basic services your child needs as their grins grow and develop. We’ll do our utmost to help your son or daughter feel comfortable in our office and show them that going to the dentist is nothing to be afraid of! We can also teach them (in kid-friendly ways) about the basics of caring for their smiles at home.
Dental Sealants
While dental sealants are often associated with children, they’re a great method of cavity prevention for adults as well. A sealant is a thin, clear coating made from plastic-like resin that we paint over the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars (back teeth). Since these teeth contain deep grooves that could trap bits of food, they could benefit from reinforcements against decay. Sealants create a barrier over these grooves, minimizing the risk that cavities will develop.
Custom Nightguards for Teeth Grinding
Do your teeth look flat and worn down? Do you often wake up with a sore jaw? If so, you might be unconsciously clenching and grinding your teeth while you sleep. To prevent this habit from weakening the enamel of your teeth, Dr. Gakavian can fabricate you a custom nightguard to wear to bed. This small mouthpiece fits comfortably over your teeth, creating protective cushioning that keeps your upper and lower arches from harming each other.
Oral Cancer Screenings
With more than 50,000 new diagnoses each year, oral cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. Unfortunately, it also has one of the highest mortality rates, largely due to its remaining undiagnosed until the later stages. The good news is that Dr. Gakavian can easily spot the warning signs of oral cancer during your regular exams. He’ll take a close look at the tissues in your mouth, and if he finds anything that could indicate oral cancer, he’ll get you the expert care you need right away.