Oral Hygiene Techniques

Here at Bishop and Bishop Dental, we believe that proper patient education is a huge aspect of a great dental practice. Preventative care is the best step you can take when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile. Regular brushing and flossing along with regular cleanings are the only way for you to assure that you won’t have any periodontal issues.

Our main goal is to teach our patients how to brush and floss properly. Everyone should be maintaining a regular brushing and flossing routine, regardless of age. We recommend that our patients brush at least twice a day and encourage a regular flossing regimen that will help maintain a healthy smile. With the wide array of dental products available, it’s easy to buy the wrong product. The best thing you can do is just ask us. Dr. David Bishop is happy to recommend a certain type of toothpaste or even what type of bristles you should have on your toothbrush.  

If you’re not going to the dentist because of a dental phobia or because you don’t feel any pain, you could have undiagnosed gingivitis that will eventually lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. The best treatment for periodontal disease is preventative care. Our approach to preventative dental care includes routine checkups that include X-rays and fluoride treatment, thorough dental cleanings and we also like to provide you with education and advice that can help give you great oral hygiene regimen at home. Our goal is to prevent any type of disease from happening in the first place, that way it won’t become a bigger issue further down the line.  

If you have further questions about oral hygiene give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide, visit www.bishopdental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with one of our doctors at Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring, MD, call 301-608-9270. 

Oral Hygiene Techniques

Here at Bishop and Bishop Dental, we believe that proper patient education is a huge aspect of a great dental practice. Preventative care is the best step you can take when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile. Regular brushing and flossing along with regular cleanings are the only way for you to assure that you won’t have any periodontal issues.

Our main goal is to teach our patients how to brush and floss properly. Everyone should be maintaining a regular brushing and flossing routine, regardless of age. We recommend that our patients brush at least twice a day and encourage a regular flossing regimen that will help maintain a healthy smile. With the wide array of dental products available, it’s easy to buy the wrong product. The best thing you can do is just ask us. Dr. David Bishop is happy to recommend a certain type of toothpaste or even what type of bristles you should have on your toothbrush.  

If you’re not going to the dentist because of a dental phobia or because you don’t feel any pain, you could have undiagnosed gingivitis that will eventually lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. The best treatment for periodontal disease is preventative care. Our approach to preventative dental care includes routine checkups that include X-rays and fluoride treatment, thorough dental cleanings and we also like to provide you with education and advice that can help give you great oral hygiene regimen at home. Our goal is to prevent any type of disease from happening in the first place, that way it won’t become a bigger issue further down the line.  

If you have further questions about oral hygiene give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide, visit www.bishopdental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with one of our doctors at Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring, MD, call 301-608-9270. 

Crowns

In cases when a filling or bonding will not be sufficient, we use dental crowns. Crowns are a great restorative treatment used when teeth become weak due to decay, cracks, discoloration and other issues. We treat many of our patients suffering from weakened teeth with dental crowns.

 

A crown is essentially a “cap” that covers the damaged tooth. Unlike removable devices such as dentures or bridges, a crown is used to improve appearance, shape or alignment. Crowns are cemented onto existing teeth or implant and can be removed by the dentist if necessary. Dental crowns are used in many applications. Mostly, they are used to protect a weak tooth from a fracture and to restore a fractured tooth. Crowns are also used during the dental implant process to cover the abutment while the jaw bone grows around the implant. Temporary crowns help maintain proper chewing and speaking efficiency during the implant process.

 

Crowns are typically made from porcelain fused to metal or a full gold crown. A porcelain crown can be matched to the shade of your other teeth, allowing it to blend in and appear just as your natural teeth do. The process of installing a crown usually takes 2-3 visits. Dr. Bishop will start by reshaping the enamel of the broken tooth so the crown can be placed properly. Once the tooth has been reshaped, a mold will be created of that tooth and the surrounding teeth. A temporary crown will be set in place so the teeth do not shift while the permanent crown is being created. Once the crown is completed, it will be put in place and bonded with cement to assure it stays in place.

Root Canal

When someone you know says they need a root canal procedure, there is often a negative connotation associated with it, leaving you to feel badly for your friend. The misconception that root canals are painful, cause illness or will further cause damage to your teeth is decades old and holds no truth. Science has come a long way since the first root canal procedure occurred in the 1700’s.

 

The whole point of a root canal procedure is to alleviate pain, not cause more. Root canals are performed by removing the pulp of the tooth that has become inflamed, infected or dead. The pulp is a soft substance that is in the center of the tooth, it consists of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. The most common causes of pulp damage are cracked tooth, deep cavity and an injury to a tooth. We use this procedure to save a tooth that is badly decayed and would otherwise be extracted. After the pulp is removed, it is thoroughly cleaned and then functions properly.

 

One of the main misconceptions regarding root canals focuses on the idea that the procedure “kills” the tooth rather than repairing it. Once the pulp is cleaned and disinfected, the area filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha.” Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth. People also think that a root canal procedure is an invasive procedure that takes hours to complete. Modern root canal procedures are often compared to having a routine filling and can be completed in just one visit.

 

We are proud to offer pain-free root canal procedures at Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring, MD. Call 301-608-9270 to schedule your appointment today!

Dentures

Dentures are a great option for those looking to replace missing teeth with a non-permanent solution. There are two type of denture and they are used depending on each individual case. At Bishop & Bishop Dental, we offer both full and partial dentures to help our patients retain their original smile quickly and effectively.

 

Dentures are replacement teeth that can be removed and worn at your convenience. In many cases, patients have very different needs when it comes to having their dentures created. Dentures are made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals depending on the situation.

 

At Bishop & Bishop Dental, we offer conventional-full, immediate-full and partial dentures to patients hoping to restore their smile. Conventional-full dentures are used when all of the teeth are removed. The tissue is given time to heal before the dentures can be placed; this usually takes a couple months to heal completely. Immediate-full dentures are made before the original teeth are removed. The doctors will take measurements and have the dentures fitted for each specific patient mouth. Once the teeth are removed, the dentures are able to be immediately placed. Partial dentures are used to replace multiple teeth at one time, not all teeth. This removable option is similar to a bridge, but it is not permanent.

 

If you have lost one or more tooth and are interested in dentures, visitwww.bishopdental.com or call 301-608-9270 to set up an appointment at Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring, MD.

Oral Hygiene Techniques

Here at Bishop and Bishop Dental, we believe that proper patient education is a huge aspect of a great dental practice. Preventative care is the best step you can take when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile. Regular brushing and flossing along with regular cleanings is the only for you to assure that you won’t have any periodontal issues.

 

Our main goal is to teach our patients how to brush and floss properly. Everyone should be maintaining a regular brushing and flossing routine, regardless of age. We recommend that our patients brush at least twice a day and encourages a regular flossing regimen that will help maintain a healthy smile. With the wide array of dental products available, it’s easy to buy the wrong product. The best thing you can do is just ask us. Dr. David Bishop is happy to recommend a certain type of toothpaste or even what type of bristles you should have on your toothbrush.  

 

If you’re not going to the dentist because of a dental phobia or because you don’t feel any pain, you could have undiagnosed gingivitis that will eventually lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. The best treatment for periodontal disease is preventative care. Our approach to preventative dental care includes routine checkups that include X-rays and fluoride treatment, thorough dental cleanings and we also like to provide you with education and advice that can help give you great oral hygiene regimen at home. Our goal is to prevent any type of disease from happening in the first place, that way it won’t become a bigger issue further down the line.  

 

Visit our website for more information or call today for an appointment!

Importance of Coming in Regularly for Cleaning

Importance of Coming in Regularly for Cleaning

Although you may not think about going to the dentist until you have a problem, such as a toothache or loose filling, routine checkups are important. Coming in for a checkup and regular cleanings plays a vital role in maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems.

 

Bishop & Bishop Dental offers a variety of dental services including hygiene. Regular dental cleanings involve removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and gum line. Even if you brush your teeth and floss regularly, you still need a dental cleaning.

 

A professional cleaning involves the use of special tools, which helps remove tartar that brushing can’t. In addition, the hygienist and dentist can detect signs of gum disease early and recommended treatment.

 

Regular cleanings also allow our dentists to follow your dental health and compare your current condition with previous visits. This helps determine if gum disease is progressing.

Current research indicates gum disease may increase your chances of developing health problems, such as heart disease. Maintaining good oral health is not only about having a nice smile and white teeth. Preventing gum disease and keeping your mouth healthy can have an impact on your overall health.

 

For more information on dental hygiene services, or to schedule an appointment, please call Bishop & Bishop Dental at 301-608-9270.

Pediatric Dental Care

Pediatric Dental Care

As a parent, you may wonder when to bring your child to the dentist. Keep in mind, good dental habits start young. According to The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should visit the dentist for the first time by the age of one or shortly after their first tooth erupts. After you bring your child in for their initial appointment, checkups are recommended every six months.

Our dentists at Bishop & Bishop Dental have experience working with patients of all ages including children. Seeing the dentist from a young age is important for a number of reasons including those listed below.

 

Identify Problems Early: Even young children can develop cavities, which need to be treated.

Acclimation: Bringing your child to the dentist when they are young helps gets them used to the routine of a dental visit. This helps decrease fear and anxiety as your child gets older.

Preventive Services: Dental sealants are an example of preventative services, which can be used to prevent cavities in children.

 

Develop Good Habits: Along with helping children get acclimated, starting dental visits young helps children develop good dental habits, which can last a lifetime.

 

Bishop & Bishop Dental offers a variety of dental services for the entire family including restorative, endodontics and orthodontics. For more information on any of our services or to schedule an appointment, please call our office at 301-608-9270.

Dental Emergencies

Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. At Bishop & Bishop Dental, we understand dental emergencies may not only be painful, but also stressful. Our office facilitates emergency calls to ease your concerns and get you the help you need.

 

It is important to understand what constitutes a dental emergency in order for you to seek help as soon as possible. Dental emergencies may involve trauma to the teeth or gums including an injury, which results in a tooth knocked out. Another dental emergency is tooth pain, which is accompanied by swelling in the mouth and face. A seriously fractured tooth and dental pain, which lasts for hours or is not relieved by over the counter medication, is also considered a dental emergency.

 

If you think you have a dental emergency, don’t ignore it. Not being treating for a dental emergency can lead to additional problems and complications. For example, some dental emergencies may damage blood vessels and nerves if they are not treated promptly. Additionally, if a tooth has been knocked out, the sooner you are treated the higher the chances of tooth survival.

 

Our dentists and staff at Bishop & Bishop Dental take your dental health seriously. If you think you have a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call our office. For more information on our practice or to schedule an appointment please call our office at 301-608-9270.

Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes

Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes

Here at Bishop & Bishop Dental, we want to help our patients prevent oral health problems as much as possible so they don’t deal with extensive procedures later on. Dr. David Bishop encourages the use of power toothbrushes, showing the many benefits of electric toothbrushes in terms of dental hygiene and periodontal health our patients can achieve. While brushing manually with a traditional toothbrush twice a day get the teeth and gums clean, electric toothbrushes go even further and have other advantages as well.

 

Our patients benefit in a number of ways by using electric toothbrushes, including:

• Getting cleaner teeth
• Not brushing too hard
• Brushing their teeth for the recommended time
• Brushing thoroughly with dexterity problems
• Being more environmentally friendly

Electric toothbrushes are easy to use and come with multiple attachments for every family member. To use it properly, angle it at a 45-degree angle and place it on the tooth where the gum line is. The bristled gently turn and vibrate, cleaning more plaque in the same amount of time. Many electric toothbrushes contain a timer that lets you know how long you should brush your teeth. By using an electric toothbrush, our patients come to our office less frequently with dental problems.

Contact us at 301-608-9270 for any questions or concerns about the benefits of electric toothbrushes.

Snoring & Snoring Devices

Snoring & Snoring Devices

Bishop & Bishop Dental provides dental care for all types of oral health issues, including snoring and snoring devices. We offer a variety of oral appliances and devices that help our patients stop snoring whether it is related to sleep apnea or due to the tissues in their throat.

 

These devices are custom made to be comfortable and secure while patients sleep, reducing snoring and helping them get better sleep. Dr. David Bishop also provides oral appliances specifically for patients struggling with sleep apnea, which is a common cause of snoring.

 

Snoring and snoring devices available here in our dental practice help position the jaw and tongue while sleeping, increase the tongue’s muscle tone so it is more relaxed during sleep, and stabilize the tongue and jaw.

 

Tongue retaining appliances, CPAP machines for sleep apnea, and mandibular repositioning appliances that keep the lower jaw in a protruded position are just a few of the various appliances available to help with snoring.

 

Please call us at 301-608-9270 to learn more about snoring and snoring devices we provide and how they can help you stop snoring at night.

Radiography

Radiography

Radiography, or more colloquially, x-raying, is an important part of the dental exam, diagnostic and preventative care capabilities. We use dental radiography to gain special insight into the health and structure of your teeth, oral cavity, throat and even areas of the sinus. Radiography also allows us to plan procedures with greater accuracy, and ensure that recently completed dental work is successful.

Dental radiography is safe and essential to providing you with excellent dental care.  To learn more about how it will benefit you during your next procedure, contact us directly. 

 

Sedation Dentistry

We do our utmost to provide you with a comfortable, relaxing dental experience, from the moment you enter Bishop & Bishop Dental, through to the end of your visit. Even though our patients always feel welcome, we understand that some dental procedures can cause patients to feel uneasy or phobic. For these patients, as well as those patients who would like to complete multiple procedures in a single visit, we provide complete sedation dentistry services.

We offer both oral conscious sedation, which is administered through a one or two-dose oral medication, and nitrous oxide sedation, which you are likely familiar with as laughing gas. Both of these sedation dentistry methods allow you to remain conscious and communicative, however you will experience your procedure as nothing more than a pleasant and relaxing dream. You’ll experience no pain, apprehension or unpleasant sensations for the duration of your visit.
Sedation dentistry is safe and effective for many of our patients.  If you’d like to learn how it can benefit you during your next procedure at Bishop & Bishop Dental, please call us directly.

Power Bleaching

Power Bleaching

If you’re seeking a brighter, stain-free smile we provide a specialized service that delivers stunning results. Power bleaching is an innovative method of professional teeth whitening and bleaching that is especially effective against stubborn or concentrated stains. Many of our patients here at Bishop & Bishop dental have loved the results of their power bleaching procedure, which works by using a special concentration of hydrogen peroxide that’s only available from professional dental practices like ours.

If you’re ready to discover the confidence boosting effects of power bleaching and the professional teeth whitening services we offer, please arrange an appointment with us here at Bishop & Bishop Dental.

Gum Disease and Health

How much thought do you give to your oral systemic health?  Do you consider how the health of your teeth and gums affect your longevity and wellbeing? What many patients often forget is that smile and body health are closely related.  Here at Bishop & Bishop Dental, we are working to help all of our patients understand the connection between gum disease and health.

When the teeth and gums are subjected to infection and periodontal disease, they often become inflamed and may easily bleed.  Since bacteria thrive in an unhealthy mouth, they can easily travel through the body’s circulatory system and affect tissues elsewhere, including the heart. The same plaque that results from poor oral hygiene and bacteria control can also thicken the walls of the blood vessels and lead to serious health problems. Gum disease can easily progress if the body’s immune system is compromised due to other conditions like diabetes.  Patients may develop periodontitis, which results in tooth loss, bone loss, severe gum recession and irreversible damage to mouth.
Your smile and your health are worth protecting and preserving. If it’s been a while since your last checkup or you suspect that you or a loved one may be affected by gum disease, please arrange for an exam with us here at  Bishop & Bishop Dental.

Bishop & Bishop Dental Employee of the Month: Shanice Miller, our Dental Hygienist

As many of you know, we here at Bishop & Bishop Dental are committed to providing our patients with excellent dental service and gentle, personalized care.  That is possible thanks to our accomplished team of professionals. This month, we’d like to recognize our hard working dental hygienist, Shanice Miller.

Many of you know Shanice, and like us, you appreciate her for her clear dedication to excellent service, friendly, welcoming attitude and gentle touch. All of these reasons and more are why we’ve chosen Shanice as our Employee of the Month.  Next time you come in for a visit, we encourage you to show your appreciation of her as well. Shanice, thank you for all that you do and keep up the great work!

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a severe oral health problem that affects about 10% of the population.  Although the infection begins as a minor inflammation, it can quickly escalate into tooth loss, hard tissue damage, and have an effect on your overall systemic health.  

Fortunately, it is easy to prevent periodontal disease with diligent oral care.  I always remind my patients to brush twice a day, floss and schedule appointments for bi-annual cleanings and exams.  In the event you do find yourself with periodontal disease, it’s important to catch it in its earliest stages.

If you notice any of the following signs of periodontal disease developing, schedule an appointment and be proactive about your oral health:
•    Bleeding gums during or after brushing and flossing your teeth
•    Swollen, tender or sore gums
•    Gums that appear to be receding from your teeth
•    Bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth, even after brushing
•    Loose teeth or teeth that can be physically moved in the gum bed
•    Changes in your bite alignment
•    Lack of stability in any restoratives or prosthetic dental work

Source:
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/GumDisease/PeriodontaldiseaseAdults20to64

Root Canals

Root Canals

When you hear the term “root canal,” you probably associate this infamous procedure with a sense of dread.  However, this association is actually based in a number of common misconceptions.  Modern technology has made root canal procedures virtually painless.  New advancements and technologies have improved the efficiency and comfort of a procedure so that patients no longer have to be afraid of the process.  Digital x-rays, precision instruments and effective dental anesthetic have made it possible to accurately target infections.  Since the entire process is less invasive, patients have a reduced healing time and can return to their normal activities without pain.  Any discomfort that is felt during the healing period can be easily relieved with over-the-counter painkillers.

If you are still nervous or have concerns about your root canal or endodontic procedure, feel free to call my office.  I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants

Do you have a missing tooth?  Whether your smile gap is accidental or your tooth has been extracted, it’s still important to have your smile restored.  Dental implants are one of the best ways to restore the natural look and feel of your smile.  Compared to other tooth prosthetics, dental implants have unique advantages that set them above the rest.  

If you are not sure which dental restoration is best for your smile, I’m always happy to help.  Just arrange an appointment at my office for a consultation.  For many patients, dental implants have proven to be a successful restoration with a number of benefits:

•    There is no need to modify the surrounding teeth or rely on adjacent teeth for support.  Dental implants stand alone.

•    They can be placed anywhere within the mouth, serving as a great replacement for teeth in the front or back of your smile. 

•    Dental implants can be used to restore a single tooth, or entire rows of teeth through multiple implants.

•    They provide patients with a natural look and feel that makes the restorative indistinguishable from the rest of your smile.

•    Dental implants last are designed to last a lifetime with regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

Your smile has a huge impact on your oral health, self-confidence and even how you are viewed by others.  A number of studies and surveys have found that a beautiful, white, aligned smile is considered the most attractive physical feature by the majority of men and women.  If you are looking to improve your confidence, cosmetic dentistry may be an appealing option for you!

Cosmetic smile improvements are often sought after for their immediate aesthetic result.  However, this outward improvement facilitates benefits beyond the surface of your smile.  As with anything you take the time and money to invest in, you are more likely to care for your teeth on a daily basis.  Opting for cosmetic dentistry means that your smile is worth your time to care for.  Patients are more likely to maintain their oral health and beauty through brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups.  An aligned smile also means that it is easier to remove bacteria and identify any problems that could compromise your smile health.  Most importantly, cosmetic dentistry provides you with a brighter, more aesthetically pleasing grin that keeps you smiling and gives you the confidence to make great impressions on others.

I offer a number of cosmetic dental services at my practice.  If you are ready to discover how cosmetic dentistry can benefit you, contact my office.  I look forward to helping you find confidence, health and beauty in your smile!

Sources:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2182380/Smile-Why-white-teeth-sign-good-health-make-attractive.html

http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/health/Smiles+Top+Attractiveness+Poll-1789.html