Dental Services - Dentist Arlington VA

WHAT WE OFFER

Cosmetic Dentistry Q & A

What is cosmetic dentistry?.

Cosmetic dentistry refers to procedures that address flaws in your smile and improve your overall appearance. Beyond providing aesthetic benefits, cosmetic dentistry also treats oral health issues, which can lead to problems when untreated, such as gum disease or tooth decay.

Dr. Salim specializes in a host of cosmetic dentistry services to help ensure you enjoy a lifetime of healthy, functioning teeth and gums.

Which cosmetic dentistry services are available?

At Gorgeous Smile, Dr. Salim offers a full menu of cosmetic dentistry services that produce incredible results, including:

Dental Implants.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone. Since the post naturally fuses to your jawbone, the artificial tooth part of the implant has excellent support. The teeth attached to implants look natural and enhance or restore your smile.

Crowns

Crowns are caps that cover the entire tooth surface, restoring its original shape and size. Made from porcelain to match the shade of your natural teeth, crowns protect and strengthen tooth structure that can’t be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.

Veneers

Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth-shaped porcelain custom-made to fit onto your natural teeth. They create a beautiful smile by covering flaws, such as chips, cracks, or discoloration.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening changes the color of natural tooth enamel and uses a bleaching agent to remove stains caused by natural wear or certain foods, such as mustard, coffee, or red wine. Teeth whitening can brighten your smile by several shades. *Individual results may vary.

How can I benefit from cosmetic dentistry?

If imperfections are preventing you from achieving the smile you want, you can realize dramatic benefits from cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Salim can correct cosmetic flaws when you have teeth that are:

Crooked
Discolored
Chipped
Cracked
Fractured
Missing

Cosmetic dentistry enhances your smile by addressing problems of your teeth and gums that can negatively affect your oral health. For example, if you’re missing teeth, surrounding teeth tend to shift into the gaps. This movement substantially increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry at Gorgeous Smile, call the office or use the online booking tool and schedule an appointment today.

Invisalign Q & A

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign helps you achieve a straighter smile with transparent, removable aligners that gradually shift your teeth into the desired position over time.

The aligners are made of durable, flexible thermoplastic that’s typically preferable to the metal brackets of traditional braces. Invisalign aligners are FDA-approved and custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth.

How does Invisalign work?

At the outset of your treatment, Dr. Salim evaluates your teeth and creates a comprehensive plan that maps out precise movements of your teeth required to achieve your desired smile.

Next, he takes impressions of your teeth to produce your custom aligners.

When you receive your aligners, you must wear them for 20-22 hours per day. Every few weeks after that, you receive a new set of slightly adjusted aligners that keep your treatment plan on course.

How long you have to wear the aligners depends on your case, but you can expect the process to take one year — more or less. Dr. Salim provides details regarding the duration of your treatment when he creates your personalized treatment plan.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

The main benefit Invisalign is they’re much less noticeable than traditional metal braces. When you choose Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you can smile with confidence.

Another perk is you can easily remove the aligners when you brush or floss. This convenience means you can eat all your favorite foods and keep your oral hygiene routine.

Not only is your home care easier with Invisalign versus metal braces, but your dental appointments during the course of Invisalign treatment are typically shorter and more straightforward.

How do I take care of my Invisalign aligners?

Properly caring for your Invisalign aligners ensures they work their straightening magic. Dr. Salim recommends, at the very least, brushing your aligners daily with fluoride toothpaste and rinsing them in warm water. Beware, water that’s too hot can bend or damage the plastic material.

You can also order the Invisalign cleaning system online.

If you’re curious about Invisalign and would like to find out if it’s right for you, call or use the online booking tool today and schedule an in-office consultation.

Dental Implants Q & A

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial support frames and teeth that Dr. Salim surgically inserts into your upper or lower jaw bone. The artificial teeth he attaches to the implants look and function like your natural teeth.

Used to restore or improve your smile, dental implants are custom-made from impressions of your teeth. They’re strong, durable, and provide better support for artificial teeth than virtually any other prosthetic device.

Do I need dental implants?

Here are some of the most common reasons why Dr. Salim may recommend dental implants for your case:

Replace missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth
Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by shifting teeth
Restore chewing, speech, or digestion problems caused by shifting teeth
Restore or enhance facial structure
Support a bridge or denture, making it more secure and comfortable

Dr. Salim uses dental implants to address dental problems related to gaps in your smile because missing teeth can cause a variety of oral health issues — beyond your cosmetic concerns.

What does getting dental implants involve?

The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.

First, Dr. Salim takes X-rays and impressions of your jaw and teeth to determine the amount of bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. Next, your dental implants are custom-made in a dental lab.

During the procedure, Dr. Salim numbs the treatment area. Then, he places the implant into the bone using a small surgical drill. Your jaw bone needs time to heal and naturally integrate the implant. This process, called osseointegration, takes approximately four to six months.

Depending on the type of implant you receive, Dr. Salim may perform a second surgery to place the post that holds the artificial tooth in place. He explains how many surgeries your case requires in your personalized treatment plan.

After several weeks of healing, Dr. Salim attaches the artificial tooth to the implant.

What happens after getting a dental implant?

Root Canals Q & A

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a common dental procedure that treats harmful infections inside your tooth. The pulp inside your tooth can develop an infection if you fail to practice good oral health habits or due to an injury.

To perform the procedure, Dr. Salim first accesses the pulp inside your tooth. Next, he removes the infected material before resealing your tooth.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Severe tooth pain or sensitivity is one of the most common signs of an infection that requires a root canal. If these signs last longer than a few days, immediately make an appointment at Gorgeous Smile to obtain Dr. Salim’s professional opinion to determine whether your tooth has an infection.

Delaying a get root canal when you have infected pulp can result in losing the affected tooth..

What does a root canal involve?

Dr. Salim performs root canal treatment with sedation and numbs the treatment area, limits any discomfort during the procedure.

He starts by using a small surgical drill to create a hole in the top of your tooth, where he accesses the pulp at the tooth’s center. Next, he carefully removes the infected pulp and cleans out the inner parts of your tooth.

After removing the infection, he reseals your tooth with a rubber-like material. In most cases, Dr. Salim may place a dental crown on top of the treated tooth to provide added protection. A dental crown helps restore a tooth that has undergone a root canal to optimal health and prevents further damage.

A few weeks after your procedure, you come in for a follow-up appointment, where Dr. Salim assesses your tooth to ensure all signs of infection are gone.

Is a root canal painful?

No. The infection in your pulp is the cause of your painful symptoms. A root canal relieves your pain. Without a root canal, your pain and discomfort only get worse. Additionally, Dr. Salim may use sedation to make your root canal more comfortable, depending on the specifics of your condition and your preferences.

If you think you might need a root canal to address an infection, call or schedule an appointment online today.

Veneers Q & A

What are veneers?

Veneers are custom-made to match the shape and color of your natural teeth by a professional dental laboratory. Dr. Salim bonds them to the front of your teeth with an adhesive to give you a more beautiful and attractive smile.

These shells can completely transform your smile and are an alternative to more complex restorations, such as crowns or implants.

What does getting veneers involve?

Getting veneers usually means scheduling two visits with Dr. Salim at Gorgeous Smile, and little to no anesthesia is required.

At your first visit, Dr. Salim takes an impression of your teeth and helps you choose the best shade for your new veneers.

At your second visit, once your veneers are ready, Dr. Salim thoroughly cleans your teeth and then applies bonding cement to your teeth to hold the veneer in place. A special beam of UV light helps harden the adhesive and sets the bond.

Before you leave Gorgeous Smile, Dr. Salim provides you with detailed care instructions for your new veneers. This list includes the importance of proper brushing, flossing, and maintaining your regular dental visits. Following his instructions can lengthen the lifespan of your veneers.

Should I consider getting veneers?

Veneers may be a good idea if you’re looking to address any of the following oral health or cosmetic concerns:

Crooked teeth
Misshapen teeth
Severely discolored or stained teeth
Teeth that are too small or large
Unwanted or uneven spaces between teeth
Worn or chipped teeth

Dr. Salim happily takes the time to address all your questions and concerns about getting veneers and how best to care for them.

How long do veneers last?

As with most dental restorations, veneers are supposed to be a permanent restoration. However, as is the case with any restoration device, the lifespan of your veneers depends largely on you. As long as you take excellent care of them, follow Dr. Salim’s instructions, and come in for periodic checkups, your veneers should provide you with a beautiful, long-lasting smile.

If you’re interested in learning more about veneers, call or schedule an in-office consultation online today.

Gum Disease & Preventive Dentistry Q & A

What is preventive dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is caring for your teeth and gums to maintain optimal oral health and avoid serious problems, including cavities, tooth discoloration or wear, and gum disease.

Nearly half of US men and women adults suffer from a mild, moderate, or severe form of gum disease, namely, inflammation caused by poor oral hygiene habits.

How can I prevent gum disease?

The best way to prevent gum disease is to take excellent care of your teeth and gums by brushing and flossing regularly. Dr. Salim and his staff teach you how to implement proper brushing and flossing techniques.

You must also maintain regular appointments at Gorgeous Smile. Based on your case, Dr. Salim recommends how frequently you, or your children, should come in.

What does preventive dentistry involve?

Regular dental exams are comprehensive checkups that help prevent the development of oral health problems. You can expect Dr. Salim to perform the following while in his care.

Digital X-rays

This technique uses an electronic sensor to capture and store digital images that help Dr. Salim detect problems more easily, including poor tooth and root positions and decay between teeth.

Oral Cancer Screening

During this exam, Dr. Salim or a dental hygienist evaluates the maxillofacial and oral regions for signs of pathologic changes, such as red patches, sores, or lumps. They may also use lasers to identify abnormalities invisible to the naked eye.

Gum Disease Evaluation

This comprehensive assessment of your gums and the bone surrounding your teeth includes looking for signs of periodontal disease, such as redness or inflammation.

Professional Cleaning

Professional cleanings remove stains and plaque missed by brushing and are essential to stave off periodontal and gum disease.

At dental exams, Dr. Salim and a dental hygienist also perform routine checks for signs of tooth decay and evaluations of any existing restorations you might have, such as crowns or fillings.

How often do I need to get a dental exam?

Dr. Salim generally recommends you schedule a routine dental exam at least twice per year. He may suggest more or less frequent visits, depending on the specifics of your oral health, such as underlying conditions or existing restorations.

If it’s time to schedule your next dental exam, call or use the online booking tool today.

Pediatric & Sedation Dentistry Q & A

What is pediatric dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry ensures your child’s oral health care needs are attended to — from infancy through their teen years. A child’s teeth, gums, and mouth require specialized care and attention through the various stages of childhood.

Children get their first teeth around six months of age. By age six or seven, their teeth start falling out and are soon replaced by your adult, or permanent, teeth. Without proper dental care at this stage, children face increased risk of oral decay and disease that can spiral into years of oral health complications.

What does pediatric dentistry involve?

When you choose pediatric dental care at Gorgeous Smile, Dr. Salim provides you and your children detailed information about:

Proper brushing and flossing techniques
Food and beverages that promote staining and decay
Reducing fear and anxiety about dental visits
Cavity prevention
Weaning children off pacifiers or thumb-sucking
Detecting the early signs of oral health problems

Pediatric dentistry involves using child-friendly techniques, such as games, to make dental visits engaging and something to look forward to.

Is sedation used in pediatric dentistry?

Dental sedation makes dental visits less stressful for both children and adults and vastly reduces the risk of injury. In some cases, very young children can’t sit still long enough to ensure safety during high-precision procedures.

Sedation can also be particularly useful for children with special needs, by preventing spontaneous movement and guiding cooperative behavior.

What type of sedation is used?

Dr. Salim first assesses your child’s medical history and comfort level as well as the expected duration of the procedure before recommending a method of sedation.

Conscious sedation

Conscious sedation allows children to continually communicate, follow instructions, and cooperate during the entire procedure. The most common methods of conscious sedation include the following:

Nitrous Oxide

More commonly known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide helps reduce signs of nervousness or anxiety. Dr. Salim delivers the gas with a mask placed over your child’s nose. On rare occasions, nitrous oxide may cause nausea.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedatives, typically in tablet, pill, or liquid form, induce a drowsy feeling and rarely produce serious side effects, although nausea has been reported.

Other Forms of Conscious Sedation

Less common ways to administer sedatives include intravenous (IV sedation), suppositories, or nasal spray. A general anesthetic, to put your child in a deep sleep, is rarely used in pediatric dental work.

If it’s time for your child to begin seeing the dentist, call or use the online booking tool and schedule a pediatric dental appointment for your child today.

Emergency Dentistry & Same-Day Treatment Q & A

What types of dental emergencies call for same day treatment?

The following dental emergencies are an example of when you should urgently seek same-day treatment with Dr. Salim:

Avulsed teeth (knocked out)
Lost fillings or crowns
Cracked or broken teeth
Dislodged or loose teeth

Getting emergency treatment ASAP can mean the difference between saving or losing your tooth. Dr. Salim typically leaves openings in his daily schedule to accommodate same-day treatments.

What should I do directly after an emergency?

Before coming to Gorgeous Smile, Dr. Salim recommends taking the condition-specific following steps, if possible, to improve your outcome.

Avulsed teeth (knocked out)

Pick up your tooth by its crown and rinse it under warm water without touching the root. If possible, place the tooth back into its socket. If not, tuck the tooth into your cheek pouch. If you can’t place your tooth back in your mouth, keep it in a cup of milk, saliva, or water to prevent the tooth from drying out.

Lost filling or crown

Don’t use any kind of glue to affix your crown. It’s important to get to the office as quickly as possible so the situation doesn’t worsen. If you’re out of town, you may want to try cleaning your crown or filling then attaching it onto your tooth with dental cement, which you can purchase at a local pharmacy. Smearing the top of your tooth with dental cement may alleviate discomfort.

Cracked or broken tooth

Rinse your tooth fragment and mouth with lukewarm water. Apply gauze to the affected area for ten minutes if you’re bleeding. Place a cold, damp dish towel on your cheek to minimize swelling and pain. Cover the affected area with over-the-counter dental cement if you cannot schedule an appointment with Dr. Salim immediately. Topical pain relievers can also help.

Dislodged/loose tooth

Use a cold compress and over-the-counter medications to relieve pain.

How can I prevent dental emergencies?

To limit your risk of dental emergencies, Dr. Salim recommends wearing a mouthguard when playing contact sports or participating in recreational activities and avoiding hard foods, such as ice, hard candies, or popcorn kernels.

If you experience a dental emergency, call the office right away, explain what happened and try to get seen as quickly as possible.