Dr. Ray Becker and his team are dedicated to helping patients get the care they need. Along with at-home dental care, we recommend that patients visit our office one to two times a year. Routine dental visits are just as important as a good oral hygiene routine. Our professional team works with patients to understand underlying dental concerns. They can diagnose oral health problems and provide patients with the appropriate dental care in our Columbia, MD office. Along with Dr. Kelsey Fierstein and Dr. Chelsea Cross, Dr. Becker offers proactive dentistry. He takes extra steps to ensure that his patients have the best oral health possible. With proactive dentistry, patients can feel confident that they have options if they suddenly experience oral health issues.
Routine Dental Care in Columbia, MD
Discover more about what goes into routine appointments at Howard County Smiles:
Dental Cleanings
Our dental hygienists offer routine cleanings that minimize plaque and tartar in the mouth. Plaque is a bacterial film that can easily build up on the teeth and gums. Once plaque hardens, it becomes tartar or calculus. It is difficult for patients to remove calculus from their mouths with brushing and flossing. Because of this, patients need to come into our office for biannual cleanings. We use specialized tools to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Oral Health Screenings
During routine appointments, we also screen for common oral health issues like gum disease and oral cancer. Common signs of periodontitis and gingivitis that we look for include:
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen gums
- Tooth and gum sensitivity
- Gum recession
When we look for oral cancer, we examine the mouth for irregular red or white patches. Oral cancer can also appear through chronic mouth sores and discoloration in the mouth. When our dentists screen for these oral health problems, they take a comprehensive approach and may also use digital x-rays to see problems within the teeth.
X-rays and Consultations
We use modern digital x-rays to help diagnose our patients and keep track of their oral health. Unlike traditional x-rays, digital x-rays emit 80% less radiation for the safety of our dentists and patients. Digital x-rays take detailed images of the teeth, gums, jaw, and nerves in the mouth. With x-rays, we can plan treatments for patients with impacted wisdom teeth, orthodontic issues, or missing teeth.
Our dentists will also consult patients if they have any dental concerns or emerging oral health problems. Feel free to ask our dentists about your current symptoms or treatment options. Our team is here to help you find the solutions to your problems. They will make a treatment plan to target your oral health problems and meet your particular budget and goals.
Contact Our Dental Office
Has it been some time since your last dental visit? Call Howard County Smiles Family Dentistry to make an appointment at (410) 415-9013. If you are a current patient, please call (410) 730-4674. You may also schedule a dental consultation with our team online. Our dental team welcomes you to ask them about developing problems. They are always here to help.