A general dentist offers comprehensive dental services to patients that focus on the overall health and wellness of their natural smiles. Routine dental care, patient education, and disease prevention can help patients achieve and maintain healthier smiles.
Dr. Justin Deckard is a dentist in Washington, DC, who provides dentistry services for patients and families. He focuses on providing personalized care and treatments for all your oral health needs and wants.
General Dentistry in Washington, DC
During each routine visit, you can expect our staff to do everything we can to keep your smile healthy. As a general dentist, DC Precision Dentistry offers full exams, screenings for dental health problems, X-rays, and teeth cleanings. We typically take dental X-rays once a year to ensure the health of your teeth, mouth, jaw, bite, gums, and underlying gums.
Additionally, we help each patient improve their oral health through education and preventive measures. We want to encourage our patients to actively participate in their dental health success.
Tooth decay and gum disease are serious problems Dr. Deckard sees daily. Both are highly preventable with consistent dental care. This includes visits to the dentist twice a year but also good at-home oral care. Additionally, it is important that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once. These at-home oral health habits will greatly reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.
DC Precision Dentistry is equipped with state-of-the-art dental technology and quality materials. This supplies Dr. Deckard and our dental care team with the tools to deliver exceptional dental care. Our dental team is comprised of highly trained, kind staff. As your dental team, we promise to provide the highest care and services.
What to Expect from a General Dentist
Dr. Deckard instructs patients to visit the dentist every six months for a preventive care exam. Routine dental exams allow your dentist to spot any early signs of problems, which can then be treated before they turn into more advanced issues.
Patients who visit the dentist often are less likely to have complex dental problems. Early dental treatment and preventive dental care are key to maintaining a healthy, beautiful, and lasting smile.
In addition to preventive dental care, Dr. Deckard has training in TMJ disorders, sleep apnea, and sleep-disordered breathing. This allows him to address health concerns about oral structure and dental problems.
General Dentistry Services
Dentistry for Children
DC Precision Dentistry offers a complete range of general dentistry services for patients of all ages, including children. For ideal oral health, every family member should visit the dentist twice yearly (about every six months). We offer special care for children with developing smiles to help make their visits easy. Our goal is to make their dental experience as painless as possible.
Regular dental care for children is very important for many reasons. Early dentist appointments have proven to help reduce the number of cavities that children get. Tooth decay in children is a major problem in our society.
This is because drinks filled with sugar and candy are always available to them. Additionally, early visits help reduce the chance of dental anxiety in the future. They will get used to a dentist office setting and learn to trust all the dental professionals.
General Dentistry FAQs
What is airway dentistry?
Airway dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that relate to the airways. These conditions can include sleep apnea, snoring, TMJ disorders, mouth breathing, and tongue-tie syndrome.
Airway dentists use methods such as oral appliances and orthodontics to improve teeth and jaw alignment. In severe cases, your dentist may recommend surgery to remove blockages or obstructions.
What is classified as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any urgent situation requiring a dentist’s immediate attention. Examples include severe tooth pain, facial or jaw swelling, broken teeth, lost crowns or fillings, large cavities, and injuries to the gums. If you think you may be experiencing a dental emergency, it is best to contact your local dentist immediately for assessment.
Will I feel any pain with dental sedation?
Most people do not feel any pain when they receive dental sedation. However, it may depend on the type of sedation your dentist uses and the patient’s response. For instance, if you receive nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or local anesthesia, you likely will not experience any pain.
However, intravenous (IV) sedation can cause some discomfort in some patients during needle insertion. Before the dental procedure, discuss your comfort levels and concerns with your dentist to determine the best sedation.
How painful is a tooth extraction?
Tooth extractions, while generally not a pleasant experience, are typically not too painful. During the procedure, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area so you don’t feel pain. Your dentist may also give you sedation.
After the extraction, some people may feel mild soreness in their mouth or jaw. You can manage this with over-the-counter pain medications or warm compresses. Your dental professional can advise you on post-extraction care, such as antibiotics or special diets.
Is it worth getting a custom mouthguard?
Yes. Custom mouthguards provide a level of protection that is superior to stock guards. Dentists make custom mouthguards precisely to the shape of your mouth, providing a snug and secure fit that stays in place while you play contact sports or participate in other intense physical activities.
Additionally, custom mouthguards are more comfortable than stock guards. They conform perfectly to the teeth and gums without placing excessive pressure on them. Lastly, custom mouthguards last longer than store-bought models due to their high-quality construction and the materials that dentists manufacture.
What does a dental exam include?
A typical dental exam involves a thorough evaluation of the teeth and gums. The dentist or hygienist will check for cavities, plaque buildup, gum disease, tooth abnormalities such as discoloration or chips, and signs of oral cancer.
Your dentist will take X-rays to identify any issues beneath the surface that are not visible during visual inspection. The dentist will also clean your teeth through scaling and polishing procedures if you need them. Finally, your dentist will recommend improving your oral health and maintaining good dental care habits.
Schedule An Appointment
To learn more about our general dentistry services, visit DC Precision Dentistry. We proudly serve patients and families in downtown DC, Shaw, Navy Yard, and surrounding communities.
If you are searching for a highly trained, trusted dentist in Washington, DC, visit DC Precision Dentistry. To schedule an appointment, call (202) 851-7554 or request an appointment online.