General Dentistry in Gambrills, MD
General dentistry: Routine care, early detection, trusted treatments, and more to support your best health
Bingham-Lester Dentistry welcomes neighbors from across the greater Annapolis, Crofton, Gambrills, and Odenton, Maryland area. Dr. Vickii R. Bingham-Lester and our team know that everyone deserves to have a healthy smile that they are proud to show off to others. We help individuals of all ages and from all walks of life accomplish this with a complete range of quality general dentistry services.
FACT? or MYTH? - General/Cosmetic Dentistry
Fact or myth: Expensive toothpastes are always better than cheaper ones. Myth. Different toothpastes are better for different teeth and situations. Sometimes moderately priced toothpastes can be more effective. Ask your dentist about what may be best for your teeth, and always look for the ADA Seal of Approval. Fact or myth: If a tooth is white, it must be healthy. Myth. Under the surface, there may be cavities, problems with the root, or other abnormalities. Fact or myth: Teeth whitening is harmful because it damages enamel. Myth. There are many modern teeth whitening processes that have minimal harmful effects. Teeth whitening isn’t for every mouth or person, though. Consult the dentist before you proceed with whitening treatments. Fact or myth: Dentists should be feared. Myth. With today’s advances in technology and safety practices, there’s nothing to worry about. Procedures are as quick and painless as ever. Fact or myth: You should visit your dentist at least twice a year. Fact.
What services do general dental care offices offer for oral health and smiles?
Offices that provide general dental care are knowledgeable about and experienced with protecting, restoring, and supporting the health and beauty of the smile. We accomplish this with preventative, restorative, diagnostic, and cosmetic services. These services include:
- Proactive procedures like routine professional cleanings
- Diagnostic capabilities like regular oral exams and X-rays
- Restorative dental treatments like fillings, crowns, and root canal therapy
How do I keep my smile healthy and looking great?
The first visit really sets the tone. During this appointment, Dr. Bingham-Lester discusses your goals with you. She examines your teeth, gums, and the rest of your mouth. As needed, an additional visit will be scheduled to address any problems that may be identified during the exam. During a thorough cleaning by one of our hygienists, we will also discuss proper brushing and flossing techniques. Many patients (including adults) are not brushing and flossing properly. All of the steps mentioned here support a healthy, beautiful smile. Good oral care at home and in our office minimizes the risk of damaging conditions such as gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer.
How often do I need to visit you?
For many people, exams and cleanings (check-ups) scheduled twice yearly or once every six months are adequate. However, as with all things at Bingham-Lester Dentistry, recommendations for frequency of check-ups are personalized to your needs. If you are at increased risk of developing conditions such as those mentioned above, Dr. Bingham-Lester will likely recommend that you visit our office more frequently. That way, we can avoid any problems that can jeopardize your smile, overall health, and well-being.
What happens if you find something wrong with my mouth?
Do not worry! We work quickly and in partnership with you to stop the progression of disease/damage and to restore the health of your mouth. While the specific treatments or interventions recommended can vary considerably depending on what we find during an exam, know that Dr. Bingham-Lester never pushes unnecessary treatments. She empowers you with trusted treatment recommendations so that you can make the most well-informed decision about your health. Ultimately, our goal is to make you an active participant in care, partnering with you to identify the next best steps forward.
Do you treat children?
We care for all members of the family, from infants to seniors. A mother herself, Dr. Bingham-Lester establishes healthy relationships and good habits with children and their parents early on to support their best possible start at life. In fact, she sees children as soon as the first tooth is visible in the mouth, sometimes even earlier. We emphasize convenience, and can schedule pediatric appointments at the same time as parents’ and caregivers’ appointments.
If you or any members of your family are overdue for a check-up or just need to speak with us about oral health and oral care, contact Bingham-Lester Dentistry today. Our team can be reached at (410) 885-6522.
