In your search for the “best dentist near me in Crofton,” Dr. Vickii R. Bingham-Lester welcomes the opportunity to introduce you to our dental office in Gambrills, Maryland. Bingham-Lester Dentistry believes that everyone deserves to have a dentist’s office that feels like “home,” and that provides the highest quality, trusted care.
Why is it important to choose a dentist when my teeth look and feel fine?
Do not wait for your teeth to hurt or your gums to bleed to contact us! The ideal time to establish a relationship with our team is when your teeth and gums are healthy, because we can keep them that way. Dr. Bingham-Lester and our hygiene team work with you to prevent the damage and disease that causes pain and can lead to the loss of teeth. It’s also important to know that just because your teeth don’t ache and your smile looks good, it doesn’t mean your mouth is healthy. When problems first start to brew, they often do not cause pain, or changes are so subtle that they can be easily ignored. Our dentist has the knowledge and tools to find early problems and treat them before they turn into big issues.
What can I expect during the first visit?
From the moment you are greeted at the door, our team makes you feel at ease and heard. We emphasize clear communication, so expect to discuss your goals, as well as factors that could influence your oral health (like your overall health, nutrition, and habits). Dr. Bingham-Lester examines your teeth, gums, bite, TMJs (jaw joints), dental restorations, and other parts of your mouth. As needed, X-rays may be done to help us see small areas in greater detail. Technologies also help us to better understand the condition of your teeth, gums, and other areas. Our hygienists use their special training and dental instruments to remove surface stains, bacteria, and stubborn plaque build-up (tartar).
Are these cleanings more effective than brushing and flossing?
To keep your mouth healthy, you need to do both – maintain regular cleanings at our office and brush and floss your teeth consistently at home. Our professionals have the ability to remove tartar, which cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone. By removing tartar, we reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. These cleanings are also opportunities for our hygienists to discuss ways to more effectively brush and floss at home. It is easy to fall into bad habits, or you may not be brushing and flossing properly. Since home care is so vital to your oral health, we personalize recommendations for cleaning techniques and oral products to your needs.
What if I’m nervous?
We are here to help! Dr. Bingham-Lester and our team prioritize a comfortable experience – from warm and inviting office amenities, to a kind and non-judgmental approach to communication and care that empathizes with your concerns and addresses them.
Will I need to visit you every six months?
While the 6-month check-up is the industry “standard,” you may need to visit us more frequently for exams and cleanings. More frequent check-ups are generally necessary if you have risk factors for conditions like gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. These risk factors include smoking/tobacco use, chronic dry mouth, poor diabetes control, and oral hygiene-related challenges.
By keeping visits as recommended by Dr. Bingham-Lester, many oral conditions can be prevented. Should she find signs of problems or you suspect that something is wrong with a tooth or other parts of your mouth, we offer a range of treatments to restore the health, function, and beauty of your smile and to prevent further damage, too. Call (410) 885-6522 to schedule your check-up at Bingham-Lester Dentistry. It takes just minutes to drive from Crofton to our office in Gambrills.
