Tooth-colored Fillings (Composite)
 We can place tooth-colored fillings in your teeth. The resin material used is a plastic with small "filler" particles of glass-like material-the finest and most to date materials available today. These restorations will serve you well for several years. However, you should be aware of the following:
Please call us if notice any change in your tooth-colored restorations, or if you have any questions at all about them. Crowns and Bridges You have just had a crown or fixed bridge cemented onto your teeth. It will replace your missing teeth structure or missing teeth very well and should give you years of good service - provided you observe the following conditions:
Sensitivity: Don't worry about mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods. This sensitivity will disappear gradually over next few weeks. When a tooth has been subjected to decay, fillings, more decay, more fillings and even breakage, necessitating a crown, there is a certain chance that it will die. If pain persists or continues to get worse notify me for an evaluation. The tooth may be a candidate for root canal therapy. Preventive Procedures: To provide optimum longevity for your restorations and to prevent future dental decay and supporting tissue breakdown (gum disease), please thoroughly brush and floss after eating and before bedtime. Recalls: The most significant reason for failure is infrequent return for continuing care examination and cleaning. Visit us at regular six month intervals for optimum dental health. If problems are developing around the restoration they can be found at an early stage and corrected. Waiting for a longer time may require the entire restoration. Problems: Call us immediately if one of these conditions occur:
We have done our best to provide you with the finest quality restoration. Only your continuing care and concern can assure long - term dental health.
Temporary Crowns You have just received a temporary crown. This temporary crown is meant only to serve your needs while a permanent crown is being made for you. Temporary crowns are custom made for each patient. However, the color, shape and size of the temporary crown does not resemble the final (permanent) crown in any way.
Your temporary crown will help protect the sensitivity of the prepared tooth. However, it does not fit your mouth like the permanent crown will, so you may notice some sensitivity to heat, cold, or sweets - sensations you won't feel when your specially - made permanent crown is in place. Here are some other things you need to know about your temporary crown:  1. The temporary cement requires about 30 minutes (one half-hour) to set. Please do not chew during that period of time.2. Certain foods will stick to the temporary crown. Please refrain from chewing gum, candies or foods that stick to the crown
3. Temporary crowns are not very strong and they may occasionally break or come off. If this should happened to you, please contact our office immediately, bring your crown with you and we will replace it. Should you be unable to contract us, simply go to a pharmacy or grocery store and get some Fixodent or Polygrip denture adhesive. Replace the temporary crown on your tooth using the adhesive to hold it in place until you can contact us.
4. Please do not leave the temporary crown out of your mouth. Without the temporary, your teeth may move and then the permanent crown may not fit! 5. Do not brush or floss too vigorously around your temporary crown. Remember that it is important to keep the area clean - but use caution. 6. It is imperative that you return to our office at the appointed time for your permanent crown. Failure to do so may result in a shifting of the tooth resulting in the need to re-prepare the tooth and re-make the crown. Root Canal Treatment
 A root canal is something that we don't mind as long as it is happening to someone else. Root canal therapy has existed for centuries and actually was first performed in ancient civilizations - most often only the nobility and very wealthy were treated.There is the old tale about the tooth becoming "dead" once the nerve is removed. This is simply not true. The blood supply in the tissues that support the tooth in the jaw give all the nourishment the tooth requires. Biting pressure remains normal although there is no response to hot, cold or sweets. There is a 95% + chance that you'll retain a tooth that has had root canal therapy. Some indications for a root canal are:
STEP 2 The length of the root canals is determined STEP 3 Unhealthy pulp is removed. Canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped. STEP 4 Canals are filled and sealed. A metal post may be added for structural support or to retain restorative materials. STEP 5 The tooth is sealed with a temporary filling. Usually a crown adds further protection.
Dentures: The Natural Denture System
 Dentures Need Not Look Artificial. Your dentist is among a select few who use the Simply Natural Denture System for natural looking full dentures. Simply Natural Dentures resist staining, are stronger, last longer, and fit more comfortably than typical dentures.
At the third appointment a wax copy of your new denture is fitted into place to confirm tooth position and bite. Any changes to your smile or bite can be easily made to the wax copy if necessary. When you and your dentist are completely satisfied, your denture is sent to the laboratory for final processing. TMJ Treatment
Q. I've heard a lot about TMJ? What is it?
A. The TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. It is the joint between the lower jaw and the skull. It is unique in having a disc between the two bones. This disc can be displaced far many reasons and the joint will not work properly. Sometimes popping and cracking in the joints, pain when opening and closing, headaches, ringing in the ears, muscle pain in the face and neck can be some of the symptoms. There are other symptoms and you should see a professional (dentist or orthodontist) about these. Your dentist or orthodontists should bill through your medical coverage. Insurance coverage for TMJ treatment has not kept pace with the new knowledge about the disease that has developed in the last few years. It got so bad in 12 states that the legislatures passed laws requiring insurance companies to cover TMJ disorders if they covered diseases of other joints. Check with your medical insurance about your coverage.
  Q. Some people with TMJ problems say a chiropractor helped them.Can they really help TMJ?
A. You bet. A number of good chiropractors work with dentists to treat TMJ. The dentist or orthodontist can align the joint and then the bite to where it should be located. Many patients need their necks and spines aligned. I would encourage all dentists to learn to work with chiropractic professionals. The temporomandibular (jaw or TM) joint is actually two joints. The upper joint is for gliding movements {forward and backward) and the lower joint is for hinge movements {open and close). Note how the relation of the head of the mandible and articular disk to the articular tubercle changes when the mouth closes (a) and opens (b).
Implants, An alternative to Dental Bridges
A NEW SOLUTION TO A BURDENSOME PROBLEM
Many of life's pleasures can cause problems and pain for the millions of adults who suffer from permanent tooth loss. Washington DC Dental bridge and crown like solutions can stop the pain. Women and men of all age groups are self-conscious about their dentures, bridges or missing teeth. Some have a hard time talking because their dentures click or slip. With others, the pain caused by dentures are constant reminders of their limitations. Many are concerned about their appearance and may feel that their tooth loss has "aged them" before their time. These are all perfect candidates for Washington DC Dental crown and bridge alternative services. Some regularly decline invitations to social events because they are unwilling to deal with the uncertainties of eating, speaking or even laughing. Many can no longer enjoy their favorite foods, nor the social interaction with family and friends that accompanies everyday meals.
ANOTHER OPTION Washington DC bridges are old yesterday's technology. Dental implants are an excellent alternative for patients missing natural teeth, since they act as a secure anchor for artificial replacement teeth and eliminate the instability associated with surface adhesives and removable bridges. Your natural teeth absorb substantial biting pressure. Dental implants, when properly placed, can better withstand this biting pressure. This creates a much better alternative to a Washington DC Dental bridge. Dental implants are made of components that are compatible with human bone and tissue. Surgically placed on top of the jawbone, the implants are attached to small posts that provide sturdy anchors for the teeth.
Dental Implants Conform To Patient Needs
 Based on patient needs, a single tooth, a partial bridge or a full set of replacement teeth are fitted to the implants and lock in place over the protruding posts. In appearance and in function, implants are the closest thing to natural teeth and a good alternative to conventional dentures. Implants eliminate the day-to-day frustrations and pain of ill-fitting dentures. They allow people to enjoy a healthy and varied diet without the restrictions many denture-wearers face. With a sense of renewed self-confidence, many people rediscover the excitement of an active life-style shared with family and friends and the chance to speak dearly and comfortably with co-workers. For all these reasons, people with dental implants often say they feel better ... they look better ... they live better.
For more information on Washington DC Dental crown and bridge alternatives please call our office and find out how we improve lives one smile at a time.
Periodontics
 Testing For Periodontal DiseaseDuring your checkup, the dentist will examine your gums. This is called a periodontal examination. An instrument called a periodontal probe is used to gently measure the pocket space between each tooth and gum. This will determine the depth of periodontal pockets. A pocket size of three millimeters is considered normal unless gum recession is present. Generally the more severe the disease, the greater the pocket depth. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed.
Antibiotics or irrigation with antimicrobials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, the dentist may place antibiotic fibers in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planning. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing. When deep pockets between teeth and gums (4 to 6mm or greater are present, it is difficult for the dentist to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
What are wisdom teeth?
 Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop and appear in the mouth. They are called "wisdom teeth" because they usually appear during a person's late teens or early twenties, which has been called the "age of wisdom" The normal position of wisdom teeth is behind the upper and lower second, or 12-year molars.Many times the jaws are not large enough to accommodate the four wisdom teeth. This is why wisdom teeth cause more problems than any other teeth in the mouth. In fact, for nine out of ten people at least one wisdom tooth remains underneath the gum due to lack of space in the mouth. Impacted Wisdom Teeth When a wisdom tooth is blocked from erupting or coming into the mouth normally, it is termed "impacted". A tooth may be only partially impacted, meaning it grows in crooked and breaks through the gum only partially, or it may fail to break through at all and thus remains totally impacted. Serious problems can develop from partially impacted teeth, such as pain, infection, and crowding of, or damage to, adjacent teeth. For totally impacted teeth, more serious problems can occur if the sac that surrounds the impacted tooth fills with fluid and enlarges to form a cyst. This enlargement can hollow out the jaw and result in permanent damage to the adjacent teeth, jawbone and nerves. If the cyst is not treated, a tumor may develop from the walls of the cyst and a more involved surgical procedure may be required for removal.  Many problems with wisdom teeth can occur with few or no symptoms, so there can be damage without your knowing it. It is important to know that as wisdom teeth develop, their roots become longer and the jawbone more dense. Thus, as a person grows older, it becomes more difficult to remove wisdom teeth and complications can become more severe. In addition, as people age there is an increased chance of the symptoms mentioned above. For these reasons, we may recommend the removal of wisdom teeth even if they are not yet causing obvious problems, particularly for young adults. Impacted wisdom teeth often grow at an awkward angle making their removal more difficult. As a person grows older the tooth becomes longer and the jawbone denser. Partially or fully impacted wisdom teeth are more likely to pose serious problems in older individuals.
 Invisalign
 Find out why Dr. Rex Hoang has one of the leading Invisalign Washington DC dental offices. There is no real secret. Dr. Rex Hoang has practiced dentistry for many years and the office is known for making its patients feel comfortable. For all these reason and more his office is where people turn for Invisalign in Washington DC. Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten your teeth without using cumbersome and oftentimes intrusive braces.
Details About Invisalign You'll visit Dr. Hoang about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months with the average number of aligners worn throughout treatment ranging from 18 and 30. Both these numbers will vary depending upon the patient. Cosmetic Dentistry
Air Abrasion decay removal
Now in many cases, instead of a shot to numb the tooth and drill to remove the decay, we can use an air and powder mix that shoots out of a very small nozzle. This quickly removes the decay and is painless in most cases. Even if there is some feeling it is usually tolerable and preferable to getting numb. Just think how nice it would be to get your fillings done and not have to have a shot and a numb lip for the next three hours. If preferred, anesthetic is always an option, of course.
 For sure, the art and science of dentistry have changed, offering a no needle, no drill, no fear procedure for removing decay.Since air abrasion is achieved by directing a thin stream of air and abrasive powder at the area of tooth decay, only a minimal amount of tooth is removed. Air abrasion allows for very small cavity preparations and is part of what is called microdentistry. Microdentistry is the philosophy and practice of finding and treating decay as early as possible, of removing as little tooth structure as possible, of making the smallest possible fillings, of assuring that those fillings are the same color as the teeth, and are long lasting. So air abrasion is the part of the microdentistry procedure that removes the decay and prepares the tooth for the filling.
Some people have a fear dental care. But the gentle process of air abrasion and microdentistry takes the emphasis off pain and fear and moves it to conservative, healthy, natural appearing dentistry.
Removal of Spots on the Teeth
There are many reasons for white, brown, gray, or orange spots that appear on tooth surfaces. In some cases, heredity is the cause. Cigarettes, coffee and tea also can cause superficial spots. Tetracycline has shown to cause stains that range in color from yellow to orange to brown to blue - gray. Regardless of their origin, these spots are objectionable (unsightly), and may be removed in one or more of the following ways.
Restorations: Spots or discolorations which go deeper may be eliminated through small tooth colored restorations. Veneer/Bonding: If there are multiple or very deep discolorations, thin custom- made pieces of plastic or porcelain called veneers can be bonded to the surfaces of the teeth to cover the spots. veneers provide an excellent appearance and have a longevity of several years. We recommend beginning with conservative microabrasion if possible. If this is successful, additional treatment is not necessary. When the spots are too deep, small restorations may be needed. If the spots or discolorations are very deep, veneers will then be recommended. Note: Smoking, coffee, and tea stains are usually superficial and will be removed by the hygienist at your routine cleaning.
BriteSmile
 The BriteSmile Professional Teeth Whitening treatment consists of a gentle hydrogen-peroxide whitening gel activated by a special, patented light operating in the gentle "blue spectrum." The gel and light were both developed by BriteSmile, Inc. and are available exclusively at BriteSmile Professional Teeth Whitening Spas and the offices of BriteSmile Associated Dentists. Unlike traditional bleaching methods, with BriteSmile there's no fuss or mess and no gels or trays to take home. All you have to do is sit back and relax while the BriteSmile dental professionals do the rest.
Don't accept imitations. Ask your dentist if they use the BriteSmile system. Don't be fooled by less effective, unproven systems that may not work as effectively or may not be as safe as BriteSmile. Making Brighter Smiles The BriteSmile Whitening Policy Patients Recommend BriteSmile One Hour. One Visit. One Beautiful Smile. *Not available where prohibited by law. Available only at the dental office or whitening spa where your initial treatment was performed, and after consultation with the dentist who performed the BriteSmile Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment. Call for details. Porcelain Veneers
Need a Washington DC porcelain veneers dentist? Your search is over. Dr. Rex Hoang has an esthetic solution that will help you obtain the smile you have always wanted. Veneering means to cover a tooth's front, or facial, surface. A thin layer of porcelain is bonded to the tooth to enhance its position, size, color and shape.
As strong as your own teeth, porcelain veneers can be utilized to remove spaces between teeth and reshape smaller or otherwise imperfect teeth. They can also be use to cover up stained or discolored teeth and create a smile you can be proud to call your own. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to find out more information about porcelain veneers in Washington DC. Our receptionist is happy to answer any questions you may have.
Teeth Whitening
Selecting a dentist that specializes in tooth whitening is easy thanks to Dr. Rex Hoang DMD. Teeth can often take on a darker and unattractive appearance with age or from contact with staining substances. Tobacco, juices, coffee, poor hygiene, genetics, and natural aging can all cause discoloration. This is why it has become popular for people all across the country, including those looking for tooth bleaching in the Washington DC area.
How Washington DC Tooth Whitening Works
2. We will fit you with the custom appliance, which are clear and extremely hard to detect at a distance. You will then be given a whitening system and detailed instructions on how to properly use it. 3. In order to prevent your tartar and plaque, you and Dr. Rex Hoang will plan the proper regimen to keep your smile bright and your teeth clean. Bleaching has become very popular for a whiter and brighter smile because it's fast, simple and inexpensive with excellent and predictable results. Gum Trimming / Gingivoplasty
The gum line of front teeth may not always grow in at the right place on the teeth. Sometimes the erratic eruption of teeth can cause the gum line to end up covering the top third of the teeth resulting in a gummy smile and small teeth. This corrective procedure is the simplest and most dramatic cosmetic procedure in the armamentarium of the cosmetic dentist. The teeth and the gums are anesthetized, the excess gum tissue is trimmed exposing the full length of the teeth and reducing the gummy smile. Healing is rapid and there is little or no bleeding.
Bad Breath / Halitosis
While we all experience bad breath from time to time, for chronic bad breath the problem may be easily resolved by using good oral hygiene. Dr. Sharifi will help you through a thorough evaluation and treatment plan.
Periodontal disease contributes to bad breath as well as the need for restorative dentistry. Cavities, broken fillings and failing dental work all trap plaque contributing to bad breath. Dr. Rex Hoang has an on staff periodntist (gum specialist) for more severe periodontal problems. Did you know that gum disease is a major risk factor for heart disease-including heart attacks? Regular hygiene visits are also very important. Until we can find and fix the cause of your halitosis we have the only mouthwashes that will prevent bad breath for 6 hours no matter what the cause. Guaranteed. Store bought mouthwashes are high in alcohol. They are a temporary fix than they dry your mouth out more contributing to worsen bad breath. Call for a consultation for your bad breath .Our mouth rinses are chemically prepared to bond with the sulfur compounds which cause bad breath eliminating the problem for up to 6 hours. Care Following Oral Surgery
For thirty minutes following the surgical procedure bite on the gauze that was placed. Any bleeding should stop by this time. If not then fold another piece of gauze and repeat. Steady firm pressure is the key to getting the bleeding to stop.
 Do not use a commercial mouthwash during the healing period. If you must rinse, use warm water and be very gentle. After 36 hours you may gently rinse with 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a full glass of warm water. Brush carefully around the area.You will be rather sore for a while. If you have been prescribed medication take it exactly as directed. If you experience any adverse effects from the medication let the doctor know right away.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco use during the healing period. Do not use a straw and don't spit excessively. It is important to not disturb the blood clot so that healing proceeds as rapidly as possible.
Do not bend over, do any heavy lifting, engage in sports or other activities that can raise your blood pressure. This could result in starting bleeding again.
There is one common complication you should know about- dry socket. This occurs when the blood clot comes out the socket allowing the bone to be exposed to saliva, food and bacteria. You will know this is likely happening because, after a few days of less and less discomfort, the pain will start increasing. If this is the case let us know and we will start dry socket treatment. There is no charge for this.
Your New Dentures
Your first few weeks: New dentures always feel strange at first. Several days, or even a few weeks are required for you to feel like they are a part of you.
 Using your dentures: Don't overwork your dentures in the beginning. You wouldn't try to run a mile with a new wooden leg. Take it easy and gradually progress to harder and tougher foods.
Sore spots: Your mouth will most likely have some sore spots while you're getting used to your new dentures. This is normal and expected. You need to let us know that you have sore spots and we will take care of them for you. Do, however, wear them long enough so we can see the sore spot. This helps greatly to know where to relieve the denture. Of course, there is no charge for this.
The future: Your jaw bones and gums shrink year by year. This is one of the disadvantages of wearing dentures - they get looser and looser as time goes by. Because of this should have your dentures and tissues evaluated by us once a year. Wearing ill fitting dentures for too long a period before refitting them to your gums and bone can cause some very serious soft tissue disease. Denture adhesives may be helpful for a while but should not be relied on for too long a time. Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Teeth may crack when subjected to the stress of chewing of chewing hard food or ice, or by biting on an unexpected hard object. Teeth with or without restorations may exhibit this problem, but teeth restored with typical are most susceptible.
Symptoms and signs of Cracked Teeth:
Treatment of Cracked Tooth:
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DC Dental Spa | 1325 18th st NW, Suite #203 | Washington, DC 20036
Foggy Bottom Office | 730 24th St NW, Suite #9 | Washington, DC 20037
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Chewing: Do not chew hard foods on the restorations for 24 hours from the time they were cemented - to obtain optimum strength the cement must mature for approximately 24 hours. After that there are no real restrictions, meaning that you can bite and chew any foods that you would normally do with your original teeth.
Microabrasion: For removal of a small amount of the discolored tooth structure an abrasive solution is the most conservative method used. This method, microabrasion, which is painless, is usually very fast, relatively inexpensive and produces a permanent result. We will advise you if this procedure is appropriate for the superficial spots on your teeth.
The patented BriteSmile light is not UV, heat or laser-activated. It is a gentle, blue light that is wavelength matched to our whitening gel to effectively whiten and brighten your teeth in just about an hour.
1. Impressions from both your top and bottom teeth are used to make custom fitting tooth whitening appliances. 
Often, halitosis can be remedied through proper brushing, flossing, keeping your mouth moist and chewing sugarless gum. Also, a tongue scraper used on a regular basis will also reduce bacteria at the back of your mouth. Avoiding foods containing sulfur (onions, garlic, and cabbage) will help as well - these foods produce sulfurous gases as you digest them.