We provide family and general dentistry in Westminster, MD because it’s important to us that we provide you with high-quality preventative dental care. This includes teeth cleanings, exams, and oral cancer screenings. In addition to these dental services, we are also ready to handle the unique needs that your smile may bring to our office.
That’s why we have expanded our general dentistry services to include a variety of other services like emergency dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and so much more. You can rest assured that when you enter our dental office, we will have a dental solution for any concern you have because of our comprehensive general dentistry services.
The Importance of Preventive Dental Care
General dentistry plays a crucial role in your overall health. When you take good care of your teeth, gums, and jaw, you are helping to promote overall health. Preventive dental care should be an important part of your life for several reasons:
- Helps preserve your teeth and gums: During routine dentist appointments, we will clean your teeth to help prevent common dental diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease.
- Your dentist can spot and treat dental problems: The purpose of a dental exam is to allow your dentist to look for various dental problems. This includes, for example, tooth decay or an unstable bite. Early treatment is more conservative, affordable, and easier on the patient.
- Helps you maintain your oral health: General dental treatments, such as dental fillings, allow your dentist to fix minor tooth damage before it progresses. Restoring your teeth so they can function properly will help you maintain a normal life.
- Patient education: Dentists spend a lot of time teaching their patients the proper ways to care for their teeth and gums. Dr. Bowersox teaches each patient proper oral hygiene practices so they can maintain good oral health.
- Maintain good overall health: An unhealthy smile will eventually affect your overall health. Patients with poor oral health are at a higher risk for diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and more.
General Dentistry Services
Our office welcomes patients of all ages. We are a small staff, prepared to offer each of our patients a personalized treatment plan to meet their needs. No one waits around in our waiting rooms.
If you are scheduled for an appointment, you walk right in and sit in our dental chairs at your scheduled time. Dr. Bowersox will see to it himself that you are seen promptly and that you leave our office fully informed about any follow-up treatments you may need. Our comprehensive general dentistry services include:
Custom Mouthguards
We use custom mouthguards to treat patients who play impact sports, suffer from sleep apnea, or grind their teeth at night. Creating a custom mouthguard is a simple process that should only take a few visits. A sports mouthguard from a dentist’s office is better than any store-bought one since it will fit perfectly and is made from quality materials.
An oral appliance for sleep apnea is a less invasive alternative to the CPAP machine. People who grind their teeth a night will benefit from a night guard to protect teeth from damage. To learn more about the benefits of using a custom mouthguard, see Custom Mouthguards.
NTI-Tss Plus® and NTI OmniSplint®
The NTI-Tss Plus® and NTI OmniSplint® are oral devices we recommend for patients who experience frequent headaches and migraines. OmniSplint devices completely cover the upper and lower teeth, while the NTI-Tss Plus covers several teeth in the front of the mouth. To learn more about how these devices help with migraines, see NTI-Tss Plus and NTI OmniSplint Devices.
Emergency Dentistry
People can experience a dental emergency like a knocked-out tooth or unexplained tooth pain at any time. For this reason, we want our patients to call us right away. We will make every attempt to see to it that you are treated as soon as possible. This will give you the best chance at saving your tooth and relieving the pain you may be in. To learn more about what you should do in a dental emergency, see Emergency Dentistry.
Family Dentistry
Your entire family is welcome at our practice. Our comprehensive family dentistry services allow us to be prepared for patients at all stages of their dental health journey. Whether you are bringing in a child for their first dental appointment or an elderly parent who needs a full set of dentures, Dr. Bowersox is here to help.
Our families love the convenience of bringing everyone in at the same time for dental appointments instead of making several trips to different offices. To learn more about dentistry for children and teens, see Family Dentistry.
Tooth Extraction
Patients with an overcrowded mouth, an infected tooth, or wisdom tooth eruption may require tooth extraction services. If this is the case for you, Dr. Bowersox can help you safely remove problematic teeth from your smile. The procedure is simple and can be completed in a single visit to our office. If it is necessary to replace the tooth after extraction, we will discuss your options with you. To learn more about the tooth extraction process, see Tooth Extraction.
General Dentistry FAQs
Read answers to common questions about general dentistry in our Westminster, MD, dental office:
How often should I schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings?
You should schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings about every six months. This means visiting the dentist twice a year. These visits help keep your teeth and gums healthy by removing plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing can’t get rid of.
Dr. Bowersox can also catch small problems, like cavities or gum disease, before they become bigger issues. Some people might need to go more often if they have certain dental problems, but for most, twice a year is enough.
What are the long-term effects of skipping routine dental visits?
Skipping routine dental visits can lead to serious problems over time. At first, you might not notice anything wrong, but small issues like cavities or early gum disease can get worse without treatment. Plaque and tartar build-up can cause tooth decay, painful infections, or even tooth loss if not cleaned regularly.
Gum disease is another big risk. If it’s not caught early, it can damage the bones and tissues holding your teeth in place. Over time, this can lead to loose teeth or the need for expensive treatments like deep cleanings or surgery.
Other long-term effects include bad breath that won’t go away, stains on your teeth. You may also have a higher chance of needing fillings, root canals, or extractions.
Can you treat problems like bad breath?
Yes, bad breath and dry mouth can often be improved with some simple steps. Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria in your mouth, especially on your tongue and between your teeth. To help, make sure you brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and gently brush or scrape your tongue. Drinking plenty of water keeps your mouth moist and washes away food particles.
If bad breath or dry mouth continues even after trying these steps, it could be a sign of a bigger issue, like gum disease. Dr. Bowersox can find the cause and suggest the best way to fix it.
Do you offer dental care for patients with dental anxiety?
We know some patients feel nervous about dental visits. If you need extra help relaxing, we may suggest nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which helps you feel calm during treatment. We’ll work at your pace and give you breaks if needed.
You’re encouraged to share your fears with our dentist or hygienist so they can adjust their approach. Some patients find it helpful to bring headphones to listen to music or use stress-relief techniques like deep breathing. We’re here to provide comfortable dental care in our Westminster dental office.
Are dental X-rays safe, and how often do I need them?
Yes, dental X-rays are safe. Modern X-rays use less radiation than traditional options. The amount is so small that you get more exposure from natural sources like sunlight over a normal day. We also take extra steps to protect patients, like using lead aprons and thyroid collars to block radiation.
How often you need X-rays depends on your dental health. Most people with healthy teeth get them once a year to check for hidden problems like cavities between teeth or jaw issues. If you’re at higher risk for cavities or gum disease, our dentist might recommend X-rays more often. Kids sometimes need them more frequently too, because their teeth and jaws are still growing.
Can general dentistry help with jaw pain or TMJ issues?
Yes, general dentistry can help with jaw pain and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues. TMJ problems often cause symptoms like clicking sounds, soreness, or trouble opening your mouth wide. Dr. Bowersox sees these issues frequently and can offer solutions. He can also recommend the NTI-Tss Plus® and NTI OmniSplint® if you have TMJ headaches.
How can I maintain healthy teeth and gums between dental visits?
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy between dental visits isn’t complicated, but it does require consistency. Start by brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Spend at least two minutes each time, making sure to clean all surfaces of your teeth, including along the gumline.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles look worn out. Floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles your toothbrush can’t reach.
Limit sugary snacks and drinks, since sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities. If you do have something sweet, rinse your mouth with water afterward. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples or carrots can help clean your teeth naturally. Drinking water throughout the day, especially fluoridated water, helps wash away food and bacteria while strengthening your enamel.
Can I schedule dental appointments for my entire family on the same day?
Yes, you can schedule appointments in our Westminster dental office for your family on the same day. When you call Dr. Bowersox’s office, you can ask about booking back-to-back cleanings and check-ups for you and your family members. We’ll arrange times that work best for everyone.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re searching for a dentist in Westminster, MD, we’re accepting new patients. Dr. Bowersox is a trusted, expert dentist that welcomes patients of all ages to his friendly dentist office. Contact us at 410-642-5634, or you can also schedule an appointment anytime on our website.