Our Columbia family and cosmetic dentist office offers a full range of general dentistry services for adults and children. In addition, Howard County Smiles offers advanced cosmetic dentistry and restorative dental treatments for patients of all ages.
Our experienced dentists near you in Columbia, Maryland provide diagnosis of TMJ disorders and TMJ treatment options. Routine preventive dental care is at the foundation of our dental practice. Regular dental exams are essential to make sure oral health problems — from tooth decay to oral cancer — are detected early and treated in a timely manner.
General dental services offered in our Howard County dentist office:
- ProActive Dentistry
- Tooth Cleanings
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Periodontal Therapy
- Root Canals
- Dental sealants
- Mouthguards
Proactive Dental Care in Columbia, MD
As a top local family dentist in Howard County, we offer the best preventive dental care necessary to treat patients of all ages. Proactive, comprehensive dentistry describes all the procedures used to arrest tooth decay and other diseases in the earliest stages.
By identifying and treating the exact cause of a dental problem, we can offer treatment that is designed to prevent a recurrence in the future. The goal is to keep you as healthy as possible and maintain your natural teeth for life.
“Being proactive means that we are going to look for exactly what caused the condition to occur for a patient, instead of just trying to react to what actually did happen.” Dr. Ray Becker
Some individuals may need to see the dentist more often than others to stay on top of problems like plaque buildup and gum disease, but the American Dental Association recommends everyone should visit their dentist at least twice per year.
Your Compassionate Dentist in Columbia, MD
We believe that the best dentistry is a collaborative process between the dentist and the patient. We will take time to listen to your needs and goals and then develop a personalized treatment plan to help get the smile you want.
Our examinations are completely thorough and help us to identify underlying problems that can cause functional and cosmetic dentistry concerns. We have incorporated digital technology to make your experience more pleasant while delivering accurate information for diagnosis and treatment.
A dental exam typically includes:
- Digital dental x-rays
- Other diagnostic dental imaging
- Screening for gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer
- Occlusal analysis and examination of temporomandibular joints (TMJ)
Payment & Dental Insurance Information
Howard County Smiles strive to make our dental services as affordable as possible. Our office accepts most major dental insurance plans and will submit claims on your behalf so that you can maximize your insurance benefits.
We now offer an In-house Dental Savings Membership designed to help you budget your annual routine dental care with additional benefits such as discounts on some of our most popular dental treatments. Plans are available for both individuals and families.
We also offer a range of payment options, including phased treatment plans and financing options.
General Dentistry FAQs
General dentistry and preventative care provide the basis for your oral health. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
How often do I have to visit the dentist?
We recommend visiting the dentist at least twice a year. This allows us to monitor what’s happening in your mouth and ensure everything goes smoothly. We also provide a thorough dental cleaning with specialized dental tools. In some conditions, we may recommend that you visit more often. If you have gum disease or other conditions, you’ll need to come in more frequently to keep things under control.
Is a manual or electric toothbrush better?
Both options are effective if you’re using them properly. Electric toothbrushes can provide extra benefits to children and patients who have movement disorders. It can be difficult to get the full range of motion that leads to successful dental cleaning. Electric toothbrushes provide an extra boost in this department.
How often should I change my toothbrush?
Your toothbrush does wear out over time, especially if you’re brushing as often as you should be. You should change out a manual toothbrush every three months. For an electric toothbrush, read the instructions, as you may not have to change the brush heads as often. If you have gum disease, you should change your toothbrush every 4-6 weeks to prevent the infection from spreading further. And if you’ve been sick, change out your toothbrush as soon as possible.
What’s the most common general dental problem?
Tooth decay is what we see most often. Almost everyone gets a cavity at some point in their lives. Children and seniors are the most susceptible, but tooth decay can happen at any age. Staying hydrated and avoiding too many sugary or acidic foods are essential to cavity prevention.
Why do I need to floss?
Brushing your teeth doesn’t reach every area of your mouth. When you’re chewing, it’s easy for food debris and bacteria to get stuck between your teeth. Your toothbrush’s bristles can’t get down in between teeth easily. Dental floss does that job. Without flossing, the debris can stay and attract bacteria, leading to cavities between the teeth. These cavities are often harder to notice until they become more of a problem.
Why do I need dental x-rays?
There’s only so much we can see with a standard dental exam. We can’t see everything, though we train to recognize early warning signs of dental conditions. X-rays allow us to see between teeth and the bone structure. It’s easier to find tiny cavities before they grow into something more serious. We can also see your wisdom teeth and any infection in the bone.
Schedule a Dental Exam
Looking for a family dentist near you in Columbia, MD, or near surrounding communities? We are currently accepting new patients ages three and older. Call our office at (410) 415-9013 or schedule an appointment online. Our dentist in Columbia, MD looks forward to meeting the oral health needs of you and your family.