Keeping Your Teeth and Gums Healthy for Life
Without regular dental care, healthy teeth and gums are difficult to attain. Even the brightest smile can harbor bacteria and decay if not properly cleaned and flossed. Eventually, the damage will catch up and the results could diminish the natural shine of your smile. To avoid any problems, Penski, Irvin & Associates urges patients to come in twice a year for routine check-ups, professional cleanings, and preventive procedures to fight against plaque and tartar buildup.
Penski, Irvin & Associates can perform restorative procedures to restore proper function and beauty to your smile. Our practice has several options to fill in missing teeth, and create an even, straight smile. We also work with patients who suffer from TMJ to alleviate their pain and correct the problem. With all of our procedures (whether general or restorative) we use the latest technology to ensure our patients have a quick and comfortable experience in our office.
Restorative Dentistry
Penski, Irvin & Associates provides a range of restorative treatments to correct any smile imperfection. We offer options such as implants, bridges, and dentures to replace missing teeth. We also can realign the jawbone to relieve the pain and discomfort of TMJ. Our doctors and highly trained staff members will customize our services to give you with a healthy, natural-looking smile that feels and functions properly. We will patiently guide you through the restorative process and help you make important choices about your dental care.
Dental Implants / Implant Crowns
Implants are artificial tooth roots that are permanently embedded into the jaw. If you opt for this dental treatment, our doctors will first examine you to evaluate your bone and jaw structure. If you are a suitable candidate for implants based on this examination, the doctor will place a titanium implant to your jawbone during a surgical procedure. The implant will gradually integrate into the surrounding bone as it heals. When the area is fully healed, the doctor will fix an implant crown or bridge onto the implant. In addition to replacing a single tooth, implants are also able to stabilize dentures, making chewing and speaking easier.
Dental Bridges
Porcelain bridges are another option offered at our practice to replace teeth. The bridge is composed of an artificial tooth (pontic) and two porcelain crowns (abutments), one for each natural tooth on either side of the gap. Our bridges are custom fitted so they will be comfortable and snug in your mouth. Bridges are another excellent option to give you beautiful, durable results.
Dentures
Dentures are an excellent option for patients who have had multiple teeth extractions. When fastened to dental implants, the result is virtually no different from a full, natural set of teeth! Made from either porcelain or plastic, cosmetic dentures can be a more affordable way to replace missing teeth than implants. Depending on the number of original teeth remaining, our doctors may suggest partial or complete dentures to fill in gaps. If not combined with implants, dentures are completely removable and, after a short adjustment period, the new wearer can speak and eat normally while wearing the dentures. If you are interested in dentures, be sure to ask our doctors about combining them with dental implants.
TMJ treatment
TMJ disorders occur when the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull, becomes inflamed. Symptoms can include jaw pain, a cracking or popping noise in the jaw, headaches, earaches, toothaches, or other types of facial pain.
Drs. Penski and Irvin can treat TMJ disorders with gentle procedures like massaging the jaw muscles or more aggressive treatments like reconstructive surgery.
General Dentistry
Penski, Irvin & Associates emphasizes routine dental care to maintain strong teeth and healthy gums. We believe regular check-ups and cleanings are essential to keeping your mouth free of bacteria, plaque, and decay. Because of the high importance we place on periodontal and preventive dental care, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments to properly clean your teeth and gums.
Periodontal Care
Unhealthy gums are often the cause of many types of dental problems – tooth decay and loss, bacteria build-up, and even bad breath. Paying close attention to the care of your gums is essential to having a healthy mouth, an attractive smile, and fresh breath. We are fortunate to have a specially trained periodontist in our office three days a week to prevent, diagnose, and treat gum disease.
Gum disease treatment
Warning signs of gum disease include bleeding, tender, swollen, or red gums. These symptoms indicate that plaque and tartar are attacking the gum tissue, and could eventually lead to severe infection. Untreated, gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and birth defects. However, when caught early, problems with the gums can be corrected by a professional. If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with us to examine and treat the infected areas. Our periodontist offers a selection of effective options for treating gum disease by cleaning out the plaque and bacteria that can accumulate in periodontal pockets.
Bad breath treatment
It’s a common misconception that bad breath is caused only by eating certain foods. Bad breath can be a strong indicator that bacteria or plaque is building up in or around the gum tissue. We will examine you to identify any existing factors that may be contributing to breath odor, and then advise you on the best treatment. We offer a variety of professional products and special cleanings to combat the condition and give you back the confidence you enjoy with fresh breath.
Tooth Extractions
Extracting a tooth is done only in the most serious of cases. Our doctors will decide to extract a tooth if it is beyond repair – meaning it has been completely decayed and destroyed. Using a gentle touch, we take special care to make sure you are relaxed and comfortable throughout the entire procedure. If you have concerns that you might require a tooth extraction, we would be happy to consult with you and assess your case.
Preventive Care
Our hope is that you fall into a routine of regular dental check-ups. Healthy teeth and gums require professional cleanings and examinations every six months. This is recommended in the event that a dental problem is developing – our professionals are able to spot the problem area early enough to treat it before it causes any serious damage or decay.
Oral exams
We provide comprehensive oral exams to promote healthy teeth and gums and take a proactive role in keeping your mouth clean. We start every exam with a thorough evaluation of any cavities, fractures, misalignments, bite problems, or other presenting problems. We take X-rays to gain a better view of the mouth and gums and screen them alongside the patient, explaining any abnormalities or irregularities. After the examination, we address each problem in the quickest and most convenient manner possible, using cutting-edge technology and gentle hands.
Cleanings
Cleanings are essential in maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums. Our professional instruments can reach places a regular toothbrush and floss normally miss, and our highly trained staff use techniques to eliminate plaque or bacteria build-up quickly and completely. If necessary, we provide a fluoride treatment to fight off plaque and bacteria, and a sealant to further protect teeth from cavity-causing decay.
Oral cancer screenings
The earlier oral cancer is detected, the greater the chance of fighting it. Our dentists are equipped with the technology and skill to screen our patients for any indication of oral cancer. If an area of concern pops up during the screening, we have the appropriate means to address it and put any worries to rest.
Fluoride treatments
Fluoride is an important part of maintaining healthy teeth. Fluoride acts as a reinforcement to strengthen enamel of the teeth, thus fighting decay. We recommend giving children fluoride treatments, since their teeth are more vulnerable than those of adults or teens. Our doctors can either paint fluoride directly onto the teeth or administer it in trays that are placed in the mouth.
Sealants
We offer sealants as an option for patients – especially our young ones – who want extra protection from plaque and bacteria build-up. Sealants are applied to the back teeth in the grooves and pits where food particles and bacteria can get stuck. Before the sealant is applied, teeth are cleaned and primed with an acid solution to roughen up the surface. The sealant is painted directly onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds and hardens. Sealants are often used in conjunction with fluoride. Children and teens are usually the most common candidates for sealants, although adults, too, can enjoy the benefits.
Children’s care
The oral hygiene habits formed at an early age can prime children for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Drs. Penski and Irvin value the opportunity to teach our youngest patients the behaviors and routines necessary to build a strong foundation of good oral health. Since visits to the dentist’s office can be scary for young children, our staff is trained to be especially sensitive to their needs and the needs of parents. We aim to nurture children and promote lifelong dental care.
Emergency care
Unfortunately, some patients have dental emergencies that need immediate attention. Our staff is equipped to deal with emergencies on an as-needed basis. Our caring and comfortable environment reassures patients that they are in good hands. We work quickly but carefully to fix serious dental problems and alleviate discomfort in the case of emergencies.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatments
Sleep apnea is a serious condition in which someone stops breathing during their sleep, due to an obstruction in their airways. Breathing pauses for at least 10 seconds at a time, which restricts adequate air, and therefore oxygen, from reaching the brain. This means not enough oxygen is reaching your brain. One pesky side effect of sleep apnea is snoring. Although causes range from having the sniffles to being severely overweight, sleep apnea can lead to drowsiness during the day, heart disease, and stroke. Penski, Irvin & Associates will evaluate your unique situation, and recommend a treatment to best combat the snoring and cure your sleep apnea, giving you a better night’s rest.
Technology
Our office is proud to use the latest technology for patient examinations, evaluations, and treatments. Science has made incredible advances in recent years and our staff is happy to share some of these with our patients to make office visits quick and as painless as possible.
CEREC® One-visit Restorations
We are pleased to feature the CEREC® machine in our office. CEREC® is one of the most advanced technologies on the market today; using the machine, doctors can design, create, and attach cosmetic restorations to your teeth in just one office visit! CEREC® uses a special camera to take digital impressions of your teeth and then uses this image to create a custom restoration. The machine mills the restoration right there in the office, paying close attention to match the color to that of your natural teeth. Once the restorations are crafted, the doctor will affix them to your teeth, and you will emerge from our office with a vibrant new smile. The CEREC® one-visit restoration is not the most suitable option for every patient. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with our doctors, who will help determine if CEREC® restorations are right for you.
Intraoral Camera
Our doctors utilize an intraoral camera to quickly and accurately identify problems within the mouth. The doctors will insert a tiny camera into your mouth, which will take digital images of your teeth and display them on a computer screen. You and your doctor will review the images together and decide on the best course of treatment.
Digital Panoramic X-rays
Digital X-rays offer two main advantages over traditional X-rays; they reduce radiation exposure by 90 percent, and they reduce waiting time. Digital X-rays use a small, wireless sensor to take pictures of your teeth and scan for bone disease, bone loss, and dental decay. The X-rays immediately appear on a computer screen, so you and your doctor can view them at the same time.
Contact Us for Restorative and General Dentistry
To learn more about any of these restorative or general dentistry treatments, or to set up an appointment, please contact Penski, Irvin & Associates.
Judith Penski,D.D.S.
Margaret Irvin, D.D.S.
& Associates
4545 42nd Street N.W., Suite 108,
Washington, DC 20016
Phone: (202) 448-3115