A healthy mouth supports overall health: The power of diagnostic and preventive dental care in Hunt Valley, MD

There is power in preventive dentistry. And when we at Hunt Valley Dental partner with patients and their families to prevent oral conditions, we also support our patients’ overall health and well-being. Dr. Thomas Rhodes has designed an office serving northeastern MD that effectively protects healthy, attractive smiles and systemic health with:

  • Routine preventative care, which includes exams, oral cancer screenings, and professional cleanings 
  • Preventive services tailored to each patient’s unique (and evolving) needs
  • Diagnostic services that leverage the latest and safest dental technologies and tools 

Usually, Dr. Rhodes will recommend that you visit us at least every six months for your “check-up.” During these check-ups, your dentist proactively applies his extensive knowledge and clinical experience to detect potential problems with the teeth, gums, and other oral structures and tissues. What cannot be seen with the eyes alone can be detected by using advanced X-rays. Digital radiography, for instance, is associated with considerably less radiation exposure than conventional, film-based X-rays. Patients also appreciate that these X-rays are non-invasive and gentle and that images of your mouth can immediately be pulled up on a monitor and reviewed alongside your dentist. Dr. Rhodes emphasizes education and appreciates that the more information we can convey about your treatment options, the better informed you will be about your treatment options. 

Dr. Rhodes also uses the DIAGNOdent™ system to identify “hidden” cavities or decay that would otherwise go undetected with other diagnostic tools or visual inspection alone. A pen-like device, the DIAGNOdent™ unobtrusively illuminates damaged areas of the tooth.

Don’t treat; prevent!

Generally, the earlier we can detect problems such as enamel erosion or gum inflammation, the easier it is to resolve those conditions successfully. We can prevent them from progressing to full-blown dental decay or gingivitis and its more advanced form, periodontitis. In some cases, modifications to hygiene and oral care products can reverse damage such as early-stage erosion or inflamed gums. Later-stage decay and disease are more time-consuming, invasive, and costly to resolve. Additionally, these conditions can threaten the very structure of your teeth and erode the soft tissue attachments that support each tooth. 

We will discuss and demonstrate ways to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy during routine exams. You may be a great candidate for preventative services such as dental sealants. These safe, plastic coverings are applied to the grooved surfaces of the back teeth. They act like raincoats to keep out bacteria and food debris that promotes tooth decay. 

If you have risk factors for conditions like gum disease or oral cancer screenings, or if you have an active infection that must be treated, Dr. Rhodes will schedule more frequent hygiene appointments and check-ups with you. Remember: Even with the most consistent brushing and flossing at home, you cannot possibly remove all sticky bacterial plaque. And, when plaque builds up and hardens, it cannot be removed with a toothbrush. It requires the special care and tools of Hunt Valley Dental’s hygiene team. 

Healthy teeth and gums support comfortable chewing and, in turn, good nutrition. An attractive smile inspires confidence and promotes mental health. By controlling bacteria and inflammation associated with periodontitis, you reduce your risk of systemic conditions like heart disease. Get on the road to better health. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Rhodes by calling (410) 771-6300.

Dentist in Hunt Valley Discusses Sensitive Teeth

Dentist in Hunt Valley Discusses Sensitive Teeth

Hi this is Dr. Rhodes from Hunt Valley Dental. In today’s dental minute I would like to talk about an issue many people experience -sensitive teeth. If brushing or flossing your teeth makes them feel sore, or if even the thought of ice cream or hot coffee against your teeth makes you pinched, you may have sensitive teeth. Why does this happen?  Teeth may develop sensitivity for a number of reasons. Some common causes include tooth decay, worn enamel or fillings exposed to tooth roots, a cracked tooth, gum recession or periodontal disease. Fortunately all of

these issues are treatable. Of course with so many potential costs for tooth sensitivity, the best way to approach treatment for your sensitive teeth is to schedule a consultation. This will allow

us to determine the underlying cause of your pain, and create a personalized treatment plan. Depending upon the cause, your sensitive teeth treatment may include desensitizing toothpaste flora gels, filling, bonding, inlays or crowns. In some severe cases, an endodontic or root canal treatment may be recommended as the best way to treat your tooth sensitivity. Whatever the cause of your tooth sensitivity, treatment is available. Ensuring you receive high-quality care and a comfortable caring environment is my top priority. I hope you have found this dental minute interesting and informative. I look forward to seeing you in the office so we can answer all of your dental health questions


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