Patient Resources
First Visit
After you schedule an appointment, please pre-register with our office. See our Patient Registration forms below.
Patient Registration Forms
Health History Form
Please fill out and download or print the health history form and bring it to your appointment with you.
Office Policies
If you have any questions about our office policies, please call (301) 926-1900 during business hours.
At our office, we know that your time is important. If you are a new patient, please arrive at our office 20 minutes prior to your scheduled time. For your convenience you may download all the new patient forms and complete them ahead of time and bring them with you to your first appointment.
If you are a returning patient we ask that you arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This extra time allows us to get you through the check in process and update any information that is needed.
We realize unexpected circumstances arise and you cannot keep your appointment. If this occurs, we ask that you give us 48 hours notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
We accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.
We offer CareCredit financing to make our dental services affordable to our patients. If you have any questions, please call our office during business hours.
If you provide us with your dental insurance information, we will be glad to contact your insurance provider to verify your coverage and type of plan you have. We will also file your claim, but remember you are ultimately responsible for all charges.
We will estimate, to the best of our ability, the amount you are responsible for paying. These are not guarantees that the insurance company will pay the amount left. You are responsible for paying your portion for services at the time service is rendered. Your portion would include deductibles, co-insurance and any non-covered procedures.
If you have any questions about your dental insurance benefits, please call our office at (301) 926-1900. Our staff will be glad to answer them for you.
If you are a patient of record, please call our office for emergency information.
Dental Links
Oral Hygiene Products
Colgate
Colgate’s Oral Care center on the website offers news, patient education, and research on oral care as well as product information on its toothpaste and children’s program.
Crest
From Crest toothpaste and tooth brushes to mouthwash, find out everything you need about the company’s products, dental hygiene information, and ways to get your kids excited about brushing.
Oral-B
Get information on Oral B products, dental health topics for children and adults, and see videos on best ways to maintain oral hygiene from dentists as well as consumers.
Dental Organizations
American Dental Association
The American Dental Association is the oldest and largest national dental society in the world, and is the leading source of oral health-related information for dentists and their patients.
Academy of General Dentistry
The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) has been the leading educator of general dentists for more than 50 years. In addition to serving the needs and representing the interest of general dentists, AGD promotes the oral health of the public. Its website, KnowYourTeeth.com, is an extension of its commitment to the general public looking for easy-to-use online dental resources.
Emergency Care
Dental injuries and severe dental pain require immediate attention. Be aware of the emergency procedures described below, and always have an emergency dentist’s contact information at hand.
Chipped Tooth
In the event of a chipped tooth, the patient should visit a dentist within 2-3 hours. A chipped tooth may be saved if tended to quickly. In the window of time before emergency examination, take the proper steps to minimize chances of infection. Apply gentle pressure to the gums around the tooth to stop bleeding, but never apply direct force to the chipped tooth. Rinse the mouth with warm water and apply cold compresses to control swelling.
Lost Tooth
Trauma powerful enough to knock out a tooth requires immediate attention with a dentist in order to maximize chances of saving the tooth. If the lost tooth can be recovered, it should only be handled by the crown, or white part of the tooth. The tooth should be removed of any obvious debris and gently re-inserted into the empty tooth socket, and held in place with a clean washcloth. If the patient cannot re-insert the tooth, it should be kept moist until the emergency dentist visit, preferably in milk, saline solution or saliva.
Other
Other dental emergencies that should be treated immediately include toothaches, cracked teeth, bitten lip or tongue (may require emergency room visit), and objects stuck between teeth.
Referring Providers
Home Instructions
Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office at 301-926-1900 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.
It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (one tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3-4 hours) should ease any residual discomfort.
Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal in about a week.
Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments.
Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.
If you engage in sports let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard we have provided for you. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, please let us know. We always welcome your questions.
Dental crowns and dental bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.
Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us at 301-926-1900 if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.
To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary but pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.
It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 301-926-1900.
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office at 301-926-1900 if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at 301-926-1900.
When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.
It is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity after your dental filling appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office at 301-926-1900.
You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 301-926-1900.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
Patient Testimonials
FAQs
Questions About Your Dental Care
Office Policy
Yes, you can download and print the forms on the new patient forms page. Fill them out and either mail the forms to us or bring them with you at your first appointment.
Details about plans are listed on our office policies page.
Call our office any time you have an emergency, even if it's after regular hours. If the office is closed, there will be a recording with instructions on what to do and who to contact in case of an emergency.
Every patient is important to us and we schedule carefully to set aside the time everyone needs to receive the best treatment possible. However, we understand that there may be times when you must change your appointment. If you need to reschedule, please call our office no later than 48 hours before your scheduled appointment. We ask that you try to avoid last-minute cancellations whenever possible.
Our Services
The best way to remove decay-causing plaque is by brushing and cleaning between your teeth every day, twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush.
Make sure the size and shape of your brush allows you to reach all areas easily. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps protect your teeth from decay. A fluoride mouth rinse, in conjunction with brushing and flossing, can also help prevent tooth decay.
Another important procedure is to clean between the teeth once a day with floss or inter-dental cleaners; this removes plaque from between the teeth where the toothbrush can't reach, and is a key element in preventing gum disease.
We also stress the importance of eating a balanced diet and having regular dental checkups to keep teeth healthy and your smile always looking its best.
Four out of five people are walking around with periodontal disease (gum disease) and they don't even know. Because gum disease is often painless in the early stages, many people ignore or don't notice the early signs. Since you could have periodontal disease without evident symptoms, it is essential to come in for regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations. That way, we can help detect and correct the problems caused by periodontal disease.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Bad breath that doesn't go away
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- A change in the fit of partial dentures
That depends on the state of your dental health. For patients with healthy gums, little or no history of decay, good home care and no significant medical conditions, we can usually help you maintain optimal dental health with cleanings and check-ups twice a year. However, everyone is different and some patients may need more frequent cleanings or certain dental procedures. After performing a comprehensive dental exam, we will discuss your treatment needs and options, develop a customized treatment plan, and discuss all of your treatment options and the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
In a word – Yes. Regular flossing loosens food particles in the tight spaces where your toothbrush can't reach, gets rid of plaque build-up that toothbrushes can't remove, and exercises your gum tissues. These actions all help to prevent gum disease.
Bad breath (halitosis), while an unpleasant and often embarrassing condition, is usually avoidable and treatable. It can be caused by improper dental hygiene, lifestyle or a dental condition.
Maintaining good oral health – at home as well as through regular cleanings and dental checkups – is essential to reducing bad breath. Brushing and flossing daily is critical because food particles which remain in the mouth collect bacteria, which in turn cause bad breath. Without putting too fine a point on it, food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque and brush your tongue as well. Use floss or an inter-dental cleaner once a day to clean between teeth. For our patients who need extra help in controlling plaque, we often recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse.
Bad breath can also be a by-product of what you eat (such as onions or garlic); foods that have a strong odor convey that odor through the air we exhale as they are being digested and eliminated by the body. Even if you do brush, floss and use mouthwash, this only masks the odor temporarily until the food is eliminated. Tobacco products also cause bad breath. If you use tobacco, come to us for tips on kicking the habit.
Dry mouth (xerostomia), a decrease in saliva flow, is a condition which can cause halitosis (more details follow below). One of the jobs of saliva is to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor, so a decrease in saliva flow becomes a problem. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, we may prescribe artificial saliva or suggest you suck on sugarless candy to induce saliva flow and increase your fluid intake.
There are many medical disorders that can affect your breath such as a respiratory tract infection, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, and liver or kidney ailment. If an exam reveals that your mouth is healthy, we might refer you to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath.
If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take (some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors). Tell us if you've had any surgery or illness since your last appointment. If you find you are constantly using a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor, come see us for an examination, as this could signal an underlying medical or dental condition of which halitosis is a major symptom.
Reduced saliva flow – or dry mouth – can be caused by a number of conditions. It doesn't sound very serious but left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth and gums. Some medications can lead to dry mouth such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers and diuretics. We can help find the source of your dry mouth and recommend methods to restore moisture to your mouth once the cause is determined, such as artificial saliva, sucking on sugarless hard candy and increasing fluid intake.
Discolorations can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Smokers and people who drink coffee or tea on a regular basis accelerate the discoloration and require cleaning more often. This is among the most common reasons for teeth whitening.
The pain of tooth sensitivity can be sharp, sudden, and shoot deep into the nerve endings of your teeth.
This discomfort, felt in one or more teeth, is triggered by hot, cold, sweet or sour foods and drinks, tooth grinding, or even by breathing cold air.
The cause of sensitive teeth is the exposure of the underlying layer of your teeth (dentin) as a result of receding gum tissue (the protective covering of the tooth roots.) There are many factors that may lead to sensitive teeth, including brushing too hard, tooth decay near the gum line, recession of the gums or plaque build-up.
Oral Hygiene
We want you to look your best and whitening your teeth is one way we do that. However, some people can experience a slight increase in tooth sensitivity during the process, so we recommend using sensitivity toothpaste for a week prior to starting and during the whitening process. We offer in-office and take-home whitening options depending on what works best for you.
In some cases, simply reshaping (contouring) the front teeth may produce a dramatic result to correct jagged, chipped or slightly uneven teeth. We utilize sanding discs and creativity, to create a natural look with existing teeth. In other cases, an additional cosmetic consultation may be needed to determine if additional treatments like bonding or veneers would create a better long term outcome.
Four out of five people are walking around with periodontal disease (gum disease) and they don't even know. Because gum disease is often painless in the early stages, many people ignore or don't notice the early signs. Since you could have periodontal disease without evident symptoms, it is essential to come in for regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations. That way, we can help detect and correct the problems caused by periodontal disease.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Bad breath that doesn't go away
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- A change in the fit of partial dentures
In order to help us identify any underlying conditions and perform a complete examination for new patients, we take a full set of digital x-rays on your first visit; if you have had a full set taken within the last year at another dental office, we ask that you have those digital x-rays transferred to us. Depending on your overall health in general and oral health in particular, you may only need digital x-rays once a year but some people will require them more frequently depending on their continued treatment, diet, oral hygiene, and/or health-related issues.
Dental sealants are a preventive dentistry measure that protects molars from developing cavities. They are a polymer resin that is brushed on the chewing surface of your adult teeth and then bonded to the tooth surface with high intensity light.
Because your teeth have many grooves on the chewing surface, food particles and bacteria can accumulate in these grooves. As the bacteria consume the food particles, they release an acid which destroys tooth enamel. The end result is a cavity. The sealant acts as a protective coating of the pits and grooves. They fill the deep grooves with acid-resistant resin, deny the bacteria a place to live and render the tooth surface more cleanable. This process is considerably less expensive than filling a cavity.
There are multiple options for replacing missing teeth: removable partial, removable or retained dentures, fixed bridge, or dental implant(s). Every patient’s situation is different, and we will discuss all your treatment options during your visit.