Welcome to the Washington, DC, dental practice of Dr. Justin Deckard. Dr. Deckard is a trusted, experienced dentist proudly serving patients in the Washington, DC community, including patients from Shaw and the Navy Yard. Dr. Deckard has received advanced training in implant dentistry, oral medicine, and sleep medicine. As a well-rounded dentist, Dr. Deckard can diagnose and treat various conditions.
Our office is home to a team of dedicated, experienced professionals committed to providing the highest level of dental care and patient service.
At DC Precision Dentistry, we offer a full range of restorative, family, general, and cosmetic dentistry services to improve patient smiles. Our personalized treatment plans are specifically tailored to meet each patient’s particular needs.
Patient Resources
Our dental website is designed to help you make the most of your visit. We have listed important pages for first-time patients to check out.
First Visit Information
We look forward to welcoming first-time patients to our Washington, DC, dentist’s office. During your first visit, you will undergo a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Deckard to discuss any goals or concerns regarding your oral health. Dr. Deckard will perform a comprehensive exam and screen for complex dental issues. If time allows, you will also receive a dental cleaning.
During the first visit, Dr. Deckard can assess your oral health and create a treatment plan based on your needs. We encourage patients of all ages to visit our DC dentist’s office for their needed care.
For your first visit, please bring the following:
- Dental insurance card or information
- Recent dental records or x-rays
- A proper form of identification
At regular dental appointments, we provide a thorough examination, dental cleaning, digital X-rays, and oral cancer screenings. Regular dental visits include:
Examinations
Before we provide any treatment or before cleanings, we will examine your smile. We will use a dental mirror to look for signs of gum disease, cavities, wisdom teeth, and other dental problems.
Dental Cleanings
To begin your dental cleaning, we scale the teeth and gums, removing plaque and tartar with a stainless steel dental tool. The dental hygienist removes bacterial buildup from the tooth’s surfaces and gum pockets. We will also provide a gritty toothpaste cleaning to polish your teeth and floss between each tooth to remove any remaining debris. Finally, we finish the cleaning with a fluoride treatment to protect the teeth from further infection or demineralization.
Dental X-rays
We will take dental X-rays at regular visits. With different dental X-rays, we can view the teeth, gums, jaw, nerves, and blood vessels. Our office can track tooth development or discover dental problems, including abscesses, impacted teeth, or tooth decay, with detailed X-rays.
Oral Cancer Screenings
In addition to looking for signs of tooth decay and gum disease, we look for signs of oral cancer. Symptoms of oral cancer that we look for in the mouth include:
- Chronic mouth sores
- Dry patches on the lips, tongue, or soft tissues
- White or red plaque
Patients who drink, smoke, or have a history of sun exposure are more likely to develop oral cancer over time. This is one of the reasons why we require medical or lifestyle history. We can detect precancerous lesions before they develop.
Questions To Ask Your Washington, DC Dentist
At regular appointments, we welcome you to ask questions about your care, oral hygiene, and more. Common questions that we answer from patients include:
- What do my symptoms mean?: If you visit our office with specific dental symptoms, we can examine your smile for proper diagnosis. We may also use dental X-rays to see symptoms we cannot catch with a visual exam.
- How can I prevent tooth decay or gum disease?: Regular dental visits and an excellent oral hygiene routine are sometimes not enough for patients already experiencing symptoms of dental infections. We can recommend additional at-home or in-office treatment to treat your smile.
- How can I improve my oral hygiene routine?: Our office can provide specific tips to help you improve your oral hygiene routine depending on your particular needs.
If you have any more specific questions about your current dental concerns or treatment options, feel free to ask us. We’re here to help.
How Often Should I Visit The Dentist?
We recommend visiting our office for a routine dental cleaning and examination every six months. Our office may suggest that some patients visit on a more frequent basis if they have chronic gum disease symptoms. That way, we can provide regular, thorough preventative dental cleanings.
Regular dental visits are essential because they allow us to track any new developments in your oral health. If you have common dental risk factors or a family history of dental problems, we may customize your routine treatment further. We also welcome you to schedule a visit if you notice any changes in your smile, from tooth pain to bleeding gums.
Do Children’s Dental Visits Differ From Adult Visits?
A child’s dental visit will differ slightly from routine adult dental visits. Parents can come back with their children to the dental operatory. We will also explain dental cleanings and X-rays to children in simple terms so they can understand their care.
Routine treatments like dental sealants or fluoride treatment benefit younger patients. Dental sealants are protective coatings for patients as their molars come in. Sealants help patients between 5 and 14 protect the chewing surfaces of their molars from tooth decay and cavities. For fluoride treatment, we place a fluoride gel or varnish on the teeth. Fluoride strengthens teeth and helps combat harmful decay-causing bacteria.
Dental Insurance Coverage
Our dental office works with patients to ensure they can afford dental care within their budget. Many dental insurance companies cover routine and general dental care and restorative dental treatments. We accept financing options for dental care, including CareCredit. With CareCredit, you can pay for treatment and any out-of-pocket costs.
Contact Our Dental Office
If you seek an experienced, friendly dental care team, visit DC Precision Dentistry. To schedule an appointment, call your Washington, DC, dentist at (202) 851-7554. You can also request a dental appointment with us online.