Dr. Stephen A. Price

NORTHERN VIRGINIA GENERAL DENTISTRY &
INVISALIGN PREMIER PROVIDER

Call today for your free no obligation consultation: (703)-935-2879

6035 BURKE CENTRE PKWY | SUITE #200 | BURKE, VA 22015

Blog

Why Get Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned?

If you’re a diligent brusher and flosser of your teeth at home, you may be tempted to skip regular twice-yearly professional cleanings with Dr. Price or another dentist. After all, what can a professional do that you’re not already doing at home? Truth is, lots.

dental cleaningBeyond the removal of plaque and tartar (which you cannot remove at home once it has developed on your teeth), there are more serious reasons to see us twice yearly.

  1. Head off gum disease early.

When plaque starts to accumulate in certain corners of your mouth, the gums surrounding your teeth can become inflamed and this can lead eventually lead to gum disease. If left untreated, this disease can cause tooth and bone loss. During your routine exams and cleanings, we check for the early signs of gum disease because catching and addressing it early is the key.

  1. Oral cancer can be right under your nose, literally.

Like gum disease, part of our regular exam protocol is looking for the early signs of oral cancer. You know when we pull your tongue and check your glands and other tests? Those are checks for oral cancer, and, obviously, you want to catch that early and you won’t see the signs at home.

  1. Your oral health can go way out of track.

Early diagnosis is early treatment. For dental issues, this not only can save you thousands of dollars, but it can save your teeth. You may think you’re doing a bang-up job at home, but we may see evidence that says otherwise. We keep a running record of your dental health. Have your gums receded since the last visit? Has that crack in a tooth become worse? We check for everything and keep an eye on any issues.

Professional dental cleanings and dental exams with Dr. Price can seem like an optional task on your to-do list, but in the long run, your teeth will thank you for making those visits mandatory.

Is it time for your next exam? Call us at 703-750-9404 to schedule your appointment.

Posted on February 28th, 2016


 

Gingivitis — It’s Not Just for Redheads

Gingivitis. Thanks to the omnipresent Listerine commercials everyone has heard the word. But most people don’t have a clue what it really entails. And it’s important to your future dental health. Here’s the lowdown on gingivitis from the team at Dr. Price’s.

What is gingivitis?

Its name sound ominous, but gingivitis is nothing more than gum inflammation. The main irritant? Plaque. Plaque is the film that forms on the teeth throughout the day consisting of bacteria, bacterial waste products, food residue, and saliva. When you brush and floss you remove the plaque. Then it starts to rebuild, only to be removed again when you brush. But if you neglect your oral hygiene the plaque can develop beneath the gumline, where it is very irritating to your gums. If allowed to stay there, the plaque hardens into tartar, causing more persistent irritation. While the term “irritation” sounds innocent enough, if this irritation is allowed to continue and progress, it leads to gum disease, clinically known as periodontitis. And you don’t want that.

What are signs of gingivitis?

gum diseaseGum irritation, gingivitis, is easy to spot. Your gums should be pink all over. Any bright red patches show irritation. Your gums should also lie flat against the teeth; inflamed gums tend to recede and pull away from the teeth. Your gums will also be prone to bleeding and this shouldn’t normally happen if you’re using a soft toothbrush. Bleeding is a sign of inflammation. And finally, as in the commercials, your breath will reek. The commercials get this part right — your bad breath is caused by bacteria that is being left to its own devices by your poor oral hygiene.

Gingivitis treatments

To keep your gums healthy and keep gingivitis at bay, it all starts with good home hygiene. Beyond that, these are treatments for gingivitis:

  • Prophylactic cleaning

Twice-yearly cleanings with Dr. Price are the first step. Why twice a year? That generally is the time it takes to start forming tartar and other issues that lead to decay. During these cleanings and checkups, not only will those problem areas receive a thorough cleaning, but we will also point them out to you for more attentive care at home.

  • Scaling

If you have a fair amount of tartar built up under your gumline, it may require dental scaling.

  • Root planing

Root planing removes any tiny grooves or pits from the tooth roots to make it easier for the gums to adhere and stop receding. This is done in multiple appointments with local anesthesia.

See, now you’re a gingivitis expert, regardless of what Listerine told you! Have other questions? Call us at 703-750-9404.

Posted on February 15th, 2016


 

Teaching Your Kids About Dental Hygiene

Helping your kids develop healthy habits is one of your many responsibilities as a parent. Teaching your kids to take good care of their teeth will keep your children healthier and it may help save you money that would otherwise be spent on filling cavities. The following tips can help you teach your kids about the importance of dental hygiene.

Set A Good Example
family dentistryYour kids pay attention to what you do, so start by setting a good example. Let them see you brushing your teeth after meals, flossing each day, and scheduling dentist appointments. When they know it matters to you, they’ll have an easier time understanding that it is important.

Boost Their Motivation
Help get your kids excited about taking care of their teeth by making it more fun. Very young children might enjoy keeping track of their success on a sticker chart. Older children might feel more invested if they get to pick their own toothbrush and toothpaste. All kids are different, but use the things that motivate your children to encourage healthy habits.

Help Them Understand Why It Matters
Children almost always want to know why something is important so find some fun tools to help them understand why dental hygiene matters. There are many children’s books, TV shows, and coloring pages that can help educate your children about the importance of their teeth. Once they understand why it matters, they may be more willing to cooperate.

Provide Healthy Meals And Snacks
The food and beverages you consume can help to keep your teeth healthy, clean, and strong or they can contribute to cavities and other dental problems. Provide your children with healthy meals and snacks and avoid providing too much sugar so that they learn to eat and drink healthy things that are good for their bodies and their teeth.

Visit The Dentist Together
Regular dentist visits are an important part of keeping your teeth healthy. Schedule dentist visits for the whole family so that you can go together. This will show your children that you also care about visiting the dentist and it will help ease their fears about a new experience.

To learn more about keeping your whole family’s teeth healthy and clean, contact Dr. Stephen Price.

Posted on January 30th, 2016


 

Dental Fillings 101

Dental fillings are commonly used to correct dental problems and restore function to your teeth. Keep reading to learn more about this common solution.

When are dental fillings needed?
Dental fillings are used in conjunction with a variety of treatments. They are used as part of root canal therapy and to treat cavities. Fillings can also be used to correct cracked or broken teeth, or to restore teeth that have been worn down by bruxism.

Why are dental fillings important?
dental fillingsIf damage to your teeth isn’t corrected, you could permanently lose a tooth or problems could escalate and spread to other teeth and to your gums. Dental fillings fix problems before they become worse and make your teeth functional again.

Which type of dental filling should you choose?
The right type of dental filling for you depends on your teeth, your budget, and your personal preferences. Your dentist can help you evaluate your options. In most cases, fillings are either amalgam (a mix of metals), resin, or porcelain.

Amalgam fillings can be more affordable, but they are more noticeable since they do not match the color of the rest of your teeth. Resin fillings are similar to normal tooth color so they blend in while correcting problems and fixing the tooth structure. Porcelain fillings are used for inlays and have the highest aesthetic value.

Talk to your dentist about your preferences and budget in order to choose a filling that is best for you.

What is the procedure like?
The dental filling procedure usually starts with local anesthetic to numb the area and prevent pain. Then the decayed part of the tooth will be removed and the rest of the tooth will be cleaned. Last, the filling material you’ve chosen will be put into your tooth to give it a natural shape and prevent future infections.

Dental fillings can help to save your tooth and make it look and feel normal again. If you’d like to learn more about dental fillings and other procedures that can keep your teeth healthy, schedule an appointment with Dr. Stephen Price.

Posted on January 15th, 2016


 

Tooth Extractions—The Basics

Although tooth extractions should be avoided when possible, sometimes they are necessary to protect your health and the rest of your mouth. Keep reading to learn more.

When are tooth extractions necessary?

While treatments such as root canal therapy, can often save an original tooth, there are some situations where a tooth extraction is necessary. While saving the original tooth is ideal, it isn’t always possible.

Situations where tooth extractions may be necessary include:

  • The wisdom teeth come in at a strange angle or there isn’t room for them in the mouth. If they are left alone they can cause pain and misalign your other teeth. The wisdom teeth aren’t necessary, so there are almost never negative consequences associated with removing them.
  • The tooth is severely infected and root canal therapy is not possible.
  • A tooth needs to be removed to make other orthodontic treatments possible.
  • Someone has a compromised immune system making an infection more dangerous. (For example, someone undergoing chemotherapy)
  • A tooth has severely decayed and can’t be corrected with other treatments.
  • A tooth grows in at the wrong angle or becomes impacted below the gums.

What is the procedure like?

At Dr. Price’s office, there are two types of extractions and which one you need will depend on a number of factors.

The first type of extraction is often referred to as the simple extraction. This type of extraction is performed if the tooth is still visible in the mouth. Forceps and an elevator are used to apply slow and steady pressure to remove the tooth. Local anesthetic is used during this extraction to numb your mouth.

The second type of extraction is surgical extraction. This is usually necessary for teeth that cannot be easily accessed. Surgical extractions are slightly more complicated and sometimes the gums need to be cut into in order to remove the whole tooth. General anesthetic is used to keep the patient asleep and pain free through the procedure. After the tooth is removed, the dentist will put gauze in your mouth to stop the bleeding and in some cases stitches will be used to close the area. After your mouth has healed, your dentist may recommend using a dental implant, bridge, or dentures to fill in the gap created by the extracted tooth.

To learn more about tooth extractions, contact Dr. Stephen Price.

Posted on December 31st, 2015


 

Dental Implants

Missing one or more teeth can detract from your appearance, make it harder to speak and eat, and leave you vulnerable to other oral health problems in the future. Dental implants provide a permanent solution to missing teeth. Keep reading to learn more.

What are dental implants?
Dental ImplantsDental implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth. The process involves inserting an artificial root (often made of metal) into the jawbone to take the place of the original missing tooth. Once the implant has become secure, a crown is attached to it to replace the missing upper section of the tooth.

Dental implants can be used for single tooth replacement, but if you have a larger gap in your smile, implants can also be used to support bridgework or dentures. Dental implants make bridgework and dentures much more stable.

Why is it important to replace missing teeth?
There are a number of reasons it is important to replace missing teeth. Having a missing tooth, or multiple missing teeth can significantly detract from your appearance and hurt your self confidence, but it can also make it harder to eat healthy foods, speak, and drink.

In addition to the problems above, having a gap in your smile can lead to future dental problems. When there is a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth are more likely to become misaligned. Having a tooth missing can also damage your jawbone. In order to stay healthy, your jawbone needs something to support, without an implant, the jawbone could become weaker and deteriorate.

What should you expect?
Dental implants usually require at least two appointments. First, the implant itself is placed in your teeth. Options for this implant include screws, blades, and cylinders. This implant will be surgically implanted in your jawbone to provide a stable foundation for the rest of the tooth. After the implant has been placed it will need some time to heal and take hold. Once the implant is secure and surrounding tissues have healed, a crown can be attached to the implant to replace the upper portion of the tooth. The crown looks and functions like a normal tooth and makes it easier to eat, speak, and more.

To learn more about dental implants and other treatments that can restore your smile, schedule an appointment with Dr. Price.

Posted on December 15th, 2015


 

Root Canal Therapy – The Basics

Dental CheckupMany patients are apprehensive about root canal therapy, but this treatment can relieve pain, make eating and drinking easier, prevent future problems, and save your original tooth. Keep reading to learn more about root canal therapy.

What are the signs you might need root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy can save your tooth, so it is important to be aware of signs that root canal therapy may be necessary. Common signs include:

  • Teeth that are very sensitive to hot and cold temperatures
  • Chronic pain in your tooth or pain when you put pressure on a certain area of your mouth
  • Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
  • Sensitive, sore, red, or inflamed gums

Some patients need root canal therapy without noticing any problems. Be sure to schedule regular checkups with your dentist so that you can catch any problems as early as possible.

Why is this treatment important?

Root canal therapy is used to remove infected pulp from the inside of your tooth. Left untreated, the infection could spread and damage other parts of your mouth or result in the permanent loss of your tooth.

If, instead of ignoring the problem, you have the infection removed, the original tooth can be saved and restored. This can relieve pain, make it easier to eat and drink, prevent sensitivity, and help you avoid other oral health problems down the road.

What should you expect?

If you need root canal therapy, the dentist will start by taking an x-ray of your teeth to accurately assess the problem. The dentist will then formulate a treatment plan and numb the area being treated with a local anesthetic. This keeps the patient more comfortable and reduces the amount of pain. Then the infected material is removed from the tooth and the inside of the tooth is completely cleaned. Then the whole created during the procedure will be filled in using special material.

This treatment can save your tooth and help you protect your smile. If you’d like to learn more about root canal therapy and other treatments that can keep your teeth healthy, schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephen Price.

Posted on November 30th, 2015


 

What Should You Know About Oral Cancer?

Dental AppointmentOral cancer, like other forms of cancer can be devastating. However, if it is caught early, chances of survival and recovery significantly increase. This is why it is important to be informed about this deadly disease. Keep reading to learn more.

Oral Cancer Basics

Oral cancer includes a group cancers that occur around the mouth and throat. These cancers can lead to serious discomfort, permanent disfigurement, and death. In fact, oral cancer causes over 8,000 deaths a year. One of the main reasons that oral cancer is so deadly is that it is often diagnosed in the later stages where treatment is less effective.

Who is at risk for oral cancer?

Anyone can get oral cancer, but some people are more at risk than others. People with a high risk of developing oral cancer include:

  • People who consume significant amounts of alcohol
  • Anyone who uses tobacco products including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipes, and cigars.
  • People who’ve contracted HPV (the human papilloma virus)
  • People who’ve sustained excessive sun damage
  • People with a family history or personal history of oral cancer
  • People who are over 40 years old.

 

Healthy habits can help you avoid oral cancer, but they can’t completely eliminate your risk. This is why it is important for everyone to get checked.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Although oral cancer is incredibly deadly when caught in the late stages, if it is caught early (in stage one or stage two) the survival rate is 80%. This means that oral cancer screenings are essential and can be life saving.

Oral cancer is difficult to self-diagnose and in many cases the symptoms don’t appear until the cancer has spread and become more serious. Dr. Price offers oral cancer screening using Fluorescence Technology. These screenings can detect abnormalities and find problems before someone notices symptoms. Fluorescence technology uses a special blue light that can identify abnormalities that aren’t otherwise visible. The examination only takes a few minutes and is very safe. These screenings can provide peace of mind if you don’t have problems and life saving information if there is an issue. Take charge of your health—contact Dr. Price to learn more about oral cancer screenings.

Posted on November 15th, 2015


 

Is Invisalign Right For You?

Beauty portrait of a young brunette woman with beautiful smileAre you embarrassed about your crooked teeth or concerned about the oral health effects of leaving them unfixed? Are you also uncomfortable with the way metal braces look?

Fortunately there is a simple way to straighten your teeth without the unwanted attention that comes with traditional metal braces. Invisalign is a great alternative that can be used to correct most of the same dental problems as traditional braces. Keep reading to learn more.

About Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign aligners are clear plastic trays that are custom molded to fit your mouth and manipulate your teeth into the correct position.

These aligners have many advantages over traditional braces:

  • They are nearly invisible so they won’t significantly alter your appearance or draw extra attention to your smile. This makes them a good option for adults, but Invisalign aligners are also popular with teenagers.
  • Invisalign trays are removable. This actually comes with many benefits. Because the aligners are removable, it is much easier to keep your teeth clean. Simply remove the aligners and set them aside while you eat, brush, and floss. You can also take the trays out if there is a special occasion like a wedding, or if you’ll be getting photos taken.
  • Invisalign aligners are more comfortable than metal braces and there are no wires to cut into your cheeks or gums.

The Treatment Process

Like traditional braces, Invisalign aligners work over time to move your teeth into the correct position. If you choose this option, you’ll start by having your teeth measured with special 3D imaging technology. The measurements and information will be used to create custom aligners. After the aligners have been created, you’ll wear them throughout most of the day and night, but you’ll take them out to eat, brush your teeth, and floss.

Every few weeks, you’ll need to visit your dentist to receive a new set of aligners that will continue to move your teeth into the right position. This process takes between 6 months and 2 years and when it is complete you’ll have a beautiful new smile.

If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign, contact Dr. Price.

Posted on October 30th, 2015


 

Combating Bad Breath

sunshine-girlBad breath is unpleasant for you and those nearby. Don’t live with the embarrassment of having bad breath—instead, learn how to combat it.

The causes of bad breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is caused by a variety of things. Some of these causes include:

  • Diet—As you probably already know, some foods leave you with pretty bad breath. Some of the worst culprits include foods with garlic or onions.
  • Poor Oral Hygiene—If you don’t clean your mouth well after each meal, food particles and bacteria can build up to create unpleasant odors.
  • Dry Mouth—Have you noticed that your breath is worse in the morning? This is probably because your mouth is dry. Saliva plays an important role keeping your mouth clean. It kills bacteria that cause odors and helps to rinse out your mouth. Since you go for many hours without drinking water while you are asleep, saliva production is reduced, the mouth dries out, and bad breath is present. Some medications can also cause dryness in the mouth—be sure to investigate the side effects of any medication you’re taking.
  • Illness—Sometimes certain illnesses can change the way your breath smells. For example, people with diabetes sometimes also find themselves combatting bad breath.
  • Infection—If your mouth becomes infected, you may also experience bad breath. Bad breath is a sign of gingivitis, tooth decay, and other oral health problems.

Eliminating bad breath

Mints and chewing gum can sometimes mask bad breath and help prevent your mouth from drying out, but in most cases, this is only a temporary solution. The most important way to combat bad breath is to keep your mouth very clean. Drink water throughout the day to rinse out your mouth, brush your teeth for two minutes after each meal, and be sure to floss every single day. If you have impeccable oral hygiene and you’re still having trouble with bad breath, you need to see a dentist. Bad breath could be a sign of a more serious oral health problem. Your dentist can evaluate the situation and help you find the source of the problem.

To learn more about keeping your mouth healthy and clean, schedule an appointment with Dr. Price.

Posted on October 15th, 2015


 

 

 

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