Many family dentistry patients in the Mt. Vernon area may wonder why, with all the advances in dental medicine, we still send you home with a complimentary toothbrush and roll of floss. It’s true, they do seem a little old-fashioned in our high-tech world, but don’t let their simple design fool you. These tools are the best bet to prevent tooth decay, plaque build-up, and gum disease for Mt. Vernon dental patients!

When done properly and consistently, brushing and flossing are an essential part of everyday oral hygiene. Brushing, which should be done at least twice a day, can be done effectively with any type of toothbrush. There is no need to pay a bundle for a fancy electric toothbrush from your Mt. Vernon Wal-Mart, just brush your teeth in small, circular motions for 2-3 minutes making sure to reach all the surfaces.

Flossing should be done once a day and is important for reaching the areas where a toothbrush cannot. A wide variety of floss can be found at Mt. Vernon drugstores, so find one you like.

I’m Dr. James D. Geren, an experienced Mt. Vernon cosmetic dentist, and I want to help you enjoy your dental visits and adore your smile.

Our continuing education focused staff loves sending our Mt. Vernon area patients away with a new toothbrush and floss, but we also find it rewarding to see our patients gain renewed confidence with a smile makeover.

We’d love to answer any questions you have about cosmetic dentistry such as tooth whitening, veneers, dental implants, or any other dental health topic.

Give us a call today at 703-996-4666!

Dr. James D. Geren
James D. Geren, DDS
8101 Hinson Farm Road, Suite 114
Alexandria, VA 22306
703-996-4666
http://www.cosmeticdentistalexandria.com/about-us/about-dr-geren/

Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can gradually accumulate. If not removed, these bacteria-breeding substances cause the gums to become irritated and swollen. Eventually, the gums become detached from the tooth, creating a ‘pocket’. This creates a new space for plaque and tartar to grow. In advanced stages of periodontal disease, the toxins created by the bacteria literally rot the gum, teeth and bone.

At James D. Geren, DDS in Alexandria, we perform the most thorough dental cleanings possible. Gum disease can be reversed in its early stages.

Our goal is to help our Alexandria family dentistry patients prevent gum disease before any damage occurs. Cleanings include root planing and periodontal scaling. Scaling removes the plaque and calculus above and, especially, below the gumline where your toothbrush cannot reach. Planing smoothes root surfaces so it is more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate and grow. It also creates a healthy surface for the gums to reattach to the root if necessary.

To schedule a deep cleaning, call 703-996-4666. We are located at 8101 Hinson Farm Road, Suite 114 in Alexandria. In addition to providing comprehensive dental cleanings, we create mega-watt smiles for cosmetic dentistry clients in the Alexandria area. See http://www.cosmeticdentistalexandria.com/ for more information about our state-of-the-art dental practice.

Dental implants are usually the ideal restorative dentistry procedure for Mt. Vernon people who want to replace a missing tooth. There is a problem, however, if the jaw bone is too thin at the implant site.

When a tooth is extracted, the bone loses the blood circulation at the former site of the root. Consequently, bone recession often occurs. If the recession is extensive, there is not enough bone to hold the dental implant post.

Bone grafting can augment the bone at the implant site and provide the bone density necessary for a successful implant. This is usually effective, but it does require time for the new bone to generate. A new discovery may provide a quicker solution for regenerating bone.

Researchers at the Georgia Health Sciences University College of Dental Medicine have identified a protein that quickly stimulates the production of new bone. The research team, led by Dr. Ulf M.E. Wikesjo, implanted bone morphogenetic protein in test subjects and discovered that “more new bone formed within four weeks than with conventional bone grafting.”

This protein will require extensive testing before it is available for Mt. Vernon implant dentistry patients. However, I am pleased at the prospect of an additional method for making dental implants possible for my Mt. Vernon clients with missing teeth and jaw bone recession.

For information about tooth restoration options including tooth implants, dental bridges, and porcelain crowns, call James D. Geren, DDS at 703-996-4666.

Hello! Welcome to my Alexandria family dentistry blog. Do you have crooked teeth? Do you wish you would have had braces as a kid, but feel it is too late now? Maybe you feel self-conscious about smiling with a mouth full of metal. I have good news for you: at James D. Geren, DDS, we offer invisible braces.

The main advantage of invisalign clear braces is that it is nearly impossible to see them while they are being worn, but the results are definitely noticeable!

Don’t let the absence of metal fool you. The clear removable aligners effectively correct the alignment and crowding problems that can affect the overall health of your teeth.

My name is Dr. James D. Geren of James D. Geren, DDS. My staff and I want you to feel great about your smile. In addition to invisible braces, we also offer dental restorations, teeth whitening, and porcelain veneers. Did you know that veneers can correct some alignment problems?

Please call my Alexandria office today at 703-996-4666 to schedule an orthodontic consultation. Your oral health is important, so make sure you are getting the regular exams and cleanings you deserve. Here at James D. Geren, DDS, we provide the highest possible standard of dental care.

Don’t let crooked teeth prevent you from the smile you deserve, ask us about invisible braces today!

Dr. James D. Geren
James D. Geren, DDS
8101 Hinson Farm Road, Suite 114
Alexandria, VA 22306
703-996-4666
http://www.cosmeticdentistalexandria.com/about-us/about-dr-geren/

What may not be as obvious are the advances in techniques, tools and materials. Top Alexandria dentists now use digital computer imaging which is safer than traditional x-rays. Dental technicians can store, retrieve and transmit digital images much easier than was possible with traditional x-ray film.

The use of lasers has also changed the face of dentistry. Laser dentistry requires less anesthesia, minimizes swelling, and protects surrounding tissue. Alexandria family dentists use lasers for detecting and treating cavities and dental technicians use them for the curing of restorative materials.

Another exciting development in cosmetic dentistry is the CAD-CAM technology that allows Alexandria cosmetic dentists to perform restorations in a single visit. The types of procedures that can be completed in one visit include crowns, fillings, inlays, onlays and dental veneers.

If you need a thorough exam or want to improve your smile with cosmetic dentistry, call James D. Geren, DDS at 703-996-4666 to schedule a consultation. During your consultation, you can see before and after photos of some of our smile makeover clients. We would love to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted, and we have the tools, experience and technology to make that happen.

-Dr. James Geren, DDS

Mouth sores, clenching and grinding, periodontal disease, and poor oral hygiene can all be exacerbated by stress.

Alexandria people who have difficulty managing stress need to realize that it can increase the risk of getting mouth sores such as cankers and cold sores. Most canker sores only last 7-10 days, but for relief from the irritation, we recommend our patients pick up an over-the-counter topical anesthetic at any Alexandria area drug store.

Clenching and grinding the teeth is common for stressed-out Alexandria residents, and often it’s done unconsciously. Here at James D. Geren, DDS our continuing education staff can determine if a night guard or other dental appliance is appropriate to reduce grinding.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is exacerbated by stress because stress can result in an increase in dental plaque.

Alexandria dental patients may find that when they are under stress, it is more common to neglect their oral hygiene habits. Many people find that they eat more sugary snacks when they’re under stress.

If you’re concerned about the effect stress can have on your teeth, schedule a family dentistry appointment at James D. Geren, DDS today. We treat patients from of all ages and we offer cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, dental implants, dental crowns and more. We hope to hear from you soon!

Dr. James D. Geren DDS
Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry
8101 Hinson Farm Road, Suite 114
Alexandria, VA 22306
703-996-4666
http://www.cosmeticdentistalexandria.com/about-us/about-dr-geren/

• A smile makeover
• A skilled sedation dentist for anxious patients
• Quick solutions to any immediate oral problems
• A dental practice that focuses on preventative care
• An experienced cosmetic dentist who uses the latest materials and techniques
• A friendly dental atmosphere with amenities that make your visit comfortable and as pleasant as possible

Welcome to James D. Geren, DDS. We are currently accepting new patients at our elite dental practice which is located at 8101 Hinson Farm Road, Suite 114, Alexandria, VA 22306. We have been family, cosmetic and implant dentistry for over 20 years. We are members of the American Dental Association.

We promise you that the tooth restorations (crowns, tooth colored fillings, porcelain veneers) we fabricate in our Mt. Vernon lab will look as beautiful as your natural teeth did at their best. Many of our Mt. Vernon cosmetic dental patients believe that their smile redesigns look far better than they had imagined.

Don’t just dream about the smile of your dreams. At James D. Geren, DDS, your Dream Smile becomes a reality. We look forward to being your Mt. Vernon family dentist of choice.

Call 703-996-4666 today to schedule an evaluation.

Dr. James D. Geren
James D. Geren, DDS
8101 Hinson Farm Road, Suite 114
Alexandria, VA 22306
703-996-4666
http://www.cosmeticdentistalexandria.com/about-us/about-dr-geren/

The quickest and least invasive procedure is light teeth whitening. The results are dramatic and teeth whitening side effects are minimal.

If your teeth are slightly crooked, but require no orthodontic work, porcelain veneers could be the answer. Porcelain teeth veneers are translucent, wafer-thin covers that are permanently attached to the front of teeth, correcting chips and stains. Prepless veneers do not require the removal of tooth structure.

If your teeth are more than slightly crooked, it’s not too late for braces. Patients of all ages are undergoing orthodontic treatment and achieving fantastic results. The newest clear braces are less noticeable, more comfortable and bring teeth into alignment much faster than old-school metal braces.

Has gum recession caused the metal base of an old crown to be visible? Soft tissue grafts and crown replacement can correct this problem.

Are you missing one or more teeth? One of the best tooth replacement options is a dental implant. A dental implant consists of a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The post integrates with the bone to provide a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.

Can you envision yourself with a dental makeover?

Call Dr. James D. Geren at 703-996-4666 to discuss your cosmetic dentistry options.

James D. Geren, DDS
Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry
http://www.cosmeticdentistalexandria.com/

Pain isn’t fun. Your Alexandria family dentist knows this, and that is why the dental team at James D. Geren, DDS have made patient comfort a top priority. In conjunction with creating a relaxing environment, your dentist has various medications that can reduce and even eliminate pain associated with different dental procedures to give you a more enjoyable experience.

Some of the most common pain-relieving medications used in Alexandria cosmetic dental offices and around the country are topical anesthetics. These are swabbed directly onto mouth tissue so they only numb the very surface layers. Topical anesthetics can reduce the pain of mouth sores, or they can be applied to prepare the mouth for an injection.

Local anesthetics are injected into mouth tissue (usually the gums) to block the nerve sensations to specific areas of the mouth. Alexandria dentists numb the mouth in this way before filling cavities, treating gum disease, or before certain cosmetic dentistry procedures.

More involved dental procedures may necessitate the need for nitrous oxide or even general anesthesia. Ask us about sedation dentistry and oral conscious sedation.

It is very common for your dentist to recommend an over the counter analgesic to relieve pain after a dental visit. These medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen.

Because your Alexandria cosmetic dentist will most likely use a pain reliever during the dental visit or prescribe something for you to take after the treatment, make sure you jot down a complete list of medications you are taking, including herbal supplements, before each appointment.

I’m Dr. James D. Geren and I want Alexandria residents to be informed about their dental care, especially as it pertains to pain relief during dental treatment. If you are in the Alexandria area and are looking for quality dental care, please contact my office today at 703-996-4666. Our continuing education staff would be happy to talk to you about cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, implant dentistry, and the other services we offer.

Dr. James D. Geren
James D. Geren, DDS
8101 Hinson Farm Road, Suite 114
Alexandria, VA 22306
703-996-4666
http://www.cosmeticdentistalexandria.com/about-us/about-dr-geren/

Porcelain crowns were first used in the 1800s. With the refining of metal casting methods in the 1900s, crown dentistry advanced significantly.

Today, crowns are strong, comfortable and are made to match your surrounding teeth.

Dental crowns (also called caps) cover the entire visible portion of the tooth and are cemented in place. Crowns are used to strengthen teeth that have been worn down or weakened by decay or injury. Crowns are also used to restore the original shape of a tooth or solely to improve the appearance of a tooth.

The most common types of crowns are:

• All-porcelain (ceramic)
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal
• Gold

The material used is determined by several factors. If you suspect you need a crown, want to replace an old crown, or want to learn about other cosmetic dentistry procedures, call Dr. James D. Geren at 703-996-4666. James D. Geren, DDS is located at 8101 Hinson Farm Road, Suite 114 in Alexandria. We have been serving clients in the Alexandria area for over 20 years. We can recommend the best tooth restoration or cosmetic dentistry option for you.