A Smile for Every Generation
Vienna, Virginia is home to many excellent family dental services. From routine checkups and cleanings to advanced treatments like cosmetic dentistry, we have a wide variety of services to meet the needs of your entire family. Dr. Matthew Gerald is a family dentist in Vienna, VA. He helps patients of all ages get the oral health care that they need.
Along with our dental care team, Dr. Gerald creates a warm and friendly dental office environment for both young children and adults. Whether you need preventative care or specialized treatment for a particular condition, our dental professionals will be there for you every step of the way. Open communication with his patients allows Dr. Gerald to better understand your specific needs and exceed your expectations.
As a general dental service, family dentistry utilizes routine care to help prevent dental problems down the road. For example, our dentist can identify early signs of tooth decay and provide timely treatment to prevent further damage. Younger patients who routinely visit the dentist have a sound base for a future of healthy smiles. Visiting the dentist for checkups and keeping up with oral hygiene at home will build healthy habits in your child for years to come.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Taking your child to the dentist for the first time can be a daunting experience. But it doesn’t have to be! With the right preparation and knowledge, you can make sure that your child’s first dental visit is a positive one.
At your child’s first dental visit, we will assess their oral health and provide advice on how to keep their teeth healthy. Our dentist will also check for any signs of decay or other problems that may need treatment. We may also also discuss proper brushing and flossing techniques with you and your child, as well as answer any questions that you have about their oral hygiene.
We provide a wide range of dental care services for our young patients, such as:
- Dental cleaning
- Preventative exam
- X-rays
- Dental sealants
- Fluoride treatment
Dr. Gerald advises bringing your child in for their first dental visit as soon as their teeth start growing. Regular pediatric visits allow our team to screen for any new oral health changes. We can also help parents learn how to reinforce good dental habits in their children. Our friendly dental team wants younger patients to be familiar with visiting the dentist so they can easily maintain their mouth.
Preventing Childhood Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a common problem among children, and it can have serious consequences down the road. Fortunately, there are steps that parents and caregivers can take to help prevent childhood tooth decay. Regular visits to the dentist are essential for maintaining good oral health in children.
During regular dental visits to our dental practice, we will discuss the best diet, eating habits, oral hygiene practices, and other preventive measures that can help reduce the risk of tooth decay in children. Cavities and tooth decay are chronic childhood dental problems. To combat decay, we recommend that parents begin cleaning their child’s gums even before their first teeth appear.
Gently wiping off food particles from the gums using a wet cloth prevents bacteria buildup. Harmful bacteria buildup on the teeth and gums will lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
We may apply topical fluoride treatments and varnishes at routine visits. Fluoride slows decay down and strengthens the tooth enamel. Patients that are 5 or older can get dental sealants. Your dentist bonds sealants to teeth to “seal” out decay. This is a non-invasive and quick treatment that protects the teeth from cavities.
Dental Care for Adults
Missing, damaged, and stained teeth can become problems as we age. Some of the cosmetic and restorative treatments that we offer include dental implants, dental veneers, dental bonding, and teeth whitening.
- Dental implants are dental prosthetics that replace missing and lost teeth at the root.
- Porcelain veneers are shells of porcelain ceramic that cover the front of teeth. They can hide flaws very well.
- Tooth bonding is a more economical alternative to veneers. The bonding process uses biocompatible materials that the dentist sculpts onto the enamel.
- Teeth whitening can brighten the tooth enamel by multiple shades for a healthier and more youthful look.
Schedule a Dental Appointment Today
Do you need a new Vienna family dentist? Call Dr. Gerald at (703) 721-4796. You may also request a dental appointment with Dr. Gerald and his team on our website. We serve patients from Fairfax, Oakton, Falls Church, and Northern Virginia. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions about our family dental services. We will be happy to help.