Our Dentists' Specialties in Harrisonburg & Woodstock, VA
Going the Extra Mile for Our Patients
Preventive Care
We work with you to create a preventive program that keeps your smile healthy and looking its best. Although you can do the majority of the work at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet, we encourage regular dental visits to keep you on a straight path.
These visits include:
Sealants
Children, teenagers, and adults are susceptible to tooth decay in the deep grooves of their teeth, making sealants an important solution.
A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars, and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth. More than 75% of dental decay begins in these deep grooves. Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and are very susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy-to-clean surface.
Periodontal Care
The word periodontal means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.
- Causes and Symptoms
There are many causes of periodontal disease, including poor dental hygiene, tobacco use, genetics, poor diet, stress, pregnancy, teeth-grinding, and more.
Common symptoms for periodontal disease include:
- Bleeding gums or tenderness
- Loose teeth or new spaces between them
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
- Red, puffy, or bleeding gums
- The Mouth-to-Body Link
Research studies have shown a strong association between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications, and respiratory disease.
Halting the progression of periodontal disease and maintaining excellent standards of oral hygiene will not only reduce the risk of gum disease and bone loss but also reduce the chances of developing other serious illnesses.
- Prevention and Cure
If caught in the early stages of gingivitis, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended, accompanied by instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene.
If the disease has progressed, a periodontal cleaning called scaling, and root planing will be recommended. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing). Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric toothbrush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.
If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planning, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean.
Dental Anxiety Treatment
Approximately, 35 million people do not visit the dental office due to dental anxiety. Many people visualize a drill-wielding man in a white coat just waiting to cause pain and remove teeth. The reality, however, is very different. Our patients’ comfort and relaxation are our primary focus.
Our team is trained to reduce anxiety, allay fears, and provide painless, quick treatments. We use modern technology, such as painless laser beams and sedation dentistry to keep you relaxed.
- Top Tips to Beat Dental Anxiety
Here are some tips to help reduce dental fear and anxiety:
- Talk to us, we are here to help.
- Bring a portable music player.
- Agree on a signal – if you are overwhelmed, we will stop.
- Ask to watch the procedure.
- Ask about alternatives and sedation.
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry offers an excellent way to provide a safe, anxiety-free dental experience to those who are afraid of the dentist.
Sedation doesn’t put you to sleep but works to calm anxiety throughout the dental visit. The dental sedatives we offer are:
- Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is used as a safe, mild sedative and is delivered through a nose hood throughout your procedure. Nitrous oxide elevates the general mood and can evoke a general sense of well-being. Most importantly, it relieves anxiety and reduces pain during the procedure.
- Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is an excellent choice for people who fear needles. Oral medication is provided before treatment to induce a moderate state of sedation. The sedation dulls the senses, which means that most patients cannot remember most of the procedure.
We offer Valium, Halcion, Ativan, or Versed.
Pediatric & Family Care
Watch our younger patients tell us what it means to be “exceptional”
At Exceptional Smiles, we pride ourselves on creating a safe, comfortable, and family-friendly environment. Our primary concern is the well-being of your family, and this is evident through our use of the latest technology and pediatric dental techniques.
Our family dentist in Elkton and Woodstock sees children as young as one-year-old and looks to develop a rapport, so your child can enjoy his or her dental visit. To assist with this, we explain everything and use distraction techniques to keep your child happy.
We want to work alongside you, as the parent, to instill a foundation for good oral hygiene and do this by offering advice and child-specific services, including cleanings, fillings, sealants, mouthguards, and more.
*Dr. Eye does not solicit as to be a pediatric dentist or refer to himself as a pediatric dentist. He is a general dentist who enjoys treating children of all ages and families.