Do you have tooth pain? Are you looking for a new dentist who will listen to all of your concerns?
Valley Dental Health is your local Hunt Valley and Cockeysville dental office. We have all your oral health care needs under one roof. Establishing a routine dental care plan is the best way to avoid most dental issues. For most people, this includes two visits to the dentist a year for teeth cleanings, X-rays, and other preventive oral care.
Dr. Ashley Izadi and Dr. Roham Rafat are caring family dentists. We offer a full range of preventative care and general dentistry services for patients of all ages. Our dentists are accepting new patients from Sparks, Lutherville, Phoenix, Timonium, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, and beyond.
The Importance Of Preventive Dental Care
Preventative dental care helps patients avoid the development of complex oral health concerns. Two of the most common preventive dental care issues we treat include gum disease and tooth decay.
Gum Disease
About 75% of the adult population experiences some stage of gum disease. If you do not care for your teeth, plaque will build up and harm your gums. Without proper treatment, you are at risk for tooth loss, bone loss, and receding gums. You can prevent this condition with routine dental visits.
Dr. Rafat is a periodontist who specializes in diagnosing and treating gum disease. He provides a full range of treatment options based on the patient’s needs and condition. We offer several types of gum disease treatments that will help you regain your oral health.
Tooth Decay
Dental cavities are a major concern for children’s oral health, but they can also affect adults. Cavity prevention begins with an exam, dental cleaning, and screening. Valley Dental Health uses digital x-rays, an intraoral camera, and computer software to aid in the early detection of cavities and tooth decay.
Our dentists may also suggest dental sealants to prevent cavities. You can treat teeth that have already been affected by decay with dental fillings, dental crowns, or root canal therapy.
Patient Review
Dentist Appointments
Whatever your dental needs are, we’re equipped to provide you with the best possible dental experience. We welcome patients of all ages to our Cockeysville dental office.
Exams at Valley Dental Health are complete and comprehensive. Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat go beyond a simple visual inspection of your teeth. Our dentists will perform an in-depth examination of your mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw joints.
Also, they’ll evaluate the structures in your head and neck. You’ll spend time with one of our dentists to discuss your concerns and goals. Together, you’ll decide on a treatment plan that will help you achieve the best results.
Our examination generally includes:
- Diagnostic x-rays
- Oral cancer screening
- Periodontal screening (for gum disease)
- Dental caries (cavities) screening
- Bite analysis and exam of the TMJ and jaw position
- Digital imaging for analysis, diagnosis, and treatment planning
- 2-D and 3-D models for analysis and treatment planning
We often begin your routine appointment with X-rays. Our office will take X-rays at least once a year to monitor the health of your teeth, gums, and roots.
One of our registered dental hygienists (RDH) will provide a dental prophylaxis (cleaning). He or she will scale your teeth with a small metal tool, scraping away plaque and tartar from your gum line. Then they floss, polish, and rinse the teeth with high-powered tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to learn more about treatment? We’re here to help. Read answers to questions about preventative dental care in our Timonium, MD, dental office.
What are the primary components of preventive dentistry?
The main components of preventive dentistry include regular dental checkups and cleanings, an at-home oral care routine, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and a healthy diet.
What happens if I skip regular dental visits?
If you skip regular dental visits, small problems like cavities or gum irritation can turn into bigger and more serious issues. These problems may become painful and require more complex, expensive treatments. Regular checkups help our dentist catch issues early, keep your teeth and gums healthy, and protect your overall health.
Is periodontal maintenance preventive care?
Periodontal maintenance is more in-depth than routine dental cleanings. We often recommend periodontal maintenance as a prescribed treatment for gum disease. This isn’t considered a preventive treatment because you already have gum disease if you need care. You need treatment, not preventative care.
What preventative care can help prevent dental cavities?
You can help prevent cavities by brushing your teeth every day and eating a healthy diet. Try to eat fewer sugary and starchy foods, which can cause decay. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and use mouthwash if needed.
Regular dental visits are also important. Cleanings and exams help us remove plaque and catch cavities early before they become bigger problems. You can keep your teeth healthy and strong by brushing, flossing, eating well, and seeing your dentist regularly.
Can preventive care help with sensitive teeth?
Yes. Regular dental cleanings and checkups allow your dentist to spot problems like worn enamel, gum recession, or cavities that can cause sensitivity. Fluoride treatments and proper at-home brushing and flossing can strengthen your teeth and reduce discomfort. You can prevent sensitivity from getting worse with regular care.
Can routine care help if I have bad breath?
Yes, routine dental care can help with bad breath. Bacteria, plaque buildup, or gum disease often cause bad breath. Regular dental cleanings remove plaque and bacteria that you may miss at home.
During your visit, Dr. Rafat or Dr. Izadi can also check for underlying issues, such as cavities or gum disease, that may cause bad breath. Keeping up with routine care can help you keep your mouth fresher.
Get Dental Care Today
Don’t put off getting a preventative dental care exam. Our dentists and staff will not judge you, no matter what condition your oral health is in. We welcome patients and their families to see why we are the best.
Our Hunt Valley dentists are here to provide you with quality dental health care in a comfortable manner. Give us a call today at 443-733-6613 or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Jacksonville, Phoenix, Sparks, Timonium, and all the surrounding areas.