Questions to Ask Your Dentist and FAQs | LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry in Alexandria, VA

These are some questions people often have, even if you haven’t asked them before.

The first order of business is knowing what Frequently Asked Questions, or FAQs, are. You might visit our website without realizing what they are or how they can help you.

You should, though, since FAQs are one of the easiest ways to find quick, reliable information about your dental care.

FAQs are short, informative answers to the questions patients ask most often about dental care, services, and overall oral health.

Well-written FAQs save time while giving you the information you need to make confident decisions about your treatment.

Unfortunately, many dental websites include generic FAQs that don’t truly help patients. At LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry, we take a different approach.

Our FAQs are based on real questions from our patients. We curate them to educate and guide you through every stage of your dental journey you take with us.

Now, let’s get to the questions our patients ask us.

You may complete a short hWhat should I do after seeing the dentist?ealth questionnaire at your appointment. The form helps your dentist understand your medical history and provide safe care.

Bring a list of your medications and any recent medical updates.

You may need to prepare before your dental exam if you have certain health conditions. Ask your dentist or healthcare provider if you need to take any special steps before your visit.

What you should do after seeing the dentist varies, depending on the type of procedure you had. It can range from eating and drinking normally after a cleaning to eating soft foods or adhering to a liquid diet after you get a dental impant.

You can take it upon yourself to eat soft foods ike jello and yogurt after a routine cleaning if your mouth feels sore.

In addition, you should always ask your dentist for specific aftercare instructions before leaving your appointment. Sedation dentistry, in particular, requires detailed post-visit care to ensure a smooth and safe recovery.

What’s important is that you understand fully what to do after seeing the dentist. Some of them can be very integral to the healing process.

Ask questions and ask them again if you didn’t catch something or don’t understand something the dentists or dental hygienist told you.

Be sure to call us at (703) 782-4219 if you have questions after leaving the office, too. We don’t mind answering any inquiries you have.

We offer a wide array of advanced services, but they won’t do you any good if you can’t get here. One of your first questions before your visit should be how to find us.

LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry is located at 6354 Walker Lane, Suite 102, in Alexandria, VA. Our dental office is across from Inova Healthplex-Franconia/Springfield.

To reach our office, head toward the Franconia-Springfield area:

• From I-95, take exit 169A-169B for Franconia Road/VA-644 E.
• Merge onto Franconia Road, then turn right onto Beulah Street.
• Continue straight and turn right onto Walker Lane.
• Our office is in the professional complex on the right—look for Suite 102 upon arrival.

We’re proud to serve and answer questions from patients all across the Northern Virginia region.

LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry provides comprehensive, patient-focused dental care for families and individuals throughout the area.

Our office in Alexandria makes it convenient for nearby communities to access quality dentistry backed by education and open communication.

Dr. Chin and the LIFE A.ID. teams serve patients in:

• Franconia
• Kingstowne
• Springfield
• West Springfield
• North Springfield

They also welcome patients from:

• Fairfax
• Lincolnia
• Annandale
• Manassas
• Falls Church

If you experience jaw pain, popping, or clicking, it may be a sign that one or both of your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are not functioning properly. Other common symptoms include pain that radiates throughout the jaw and changes in how your lower and upper teeth fit together.

Ongoing pain in these jaw joints or changes in your bite may indicate something serious. It requires a consultation with a dentist experienced in TMJ evaluation and treatment to determine the cause.

Have you ever had these symptoms occur in the past or presently? If so, it may be time to schedule an appointment for a professional evaluation.

If jaw pain and irritation are left untreated, the condition may progress into a more serious issue known as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). It is important to address TMJ symptoms early because untreated inflammation can lead to worsening pain and even permanent jaw locking.

Temporomandibular disorders are treatable with therapies or a combination of therapies that improve jaw function and ease pain.

Treatment options range from self-care and home remedies to:

• Medication
• Dental appliances
• Physical therapy
• Surgery (in rare cases)

Most care plans include more than one therapy session for better results from Dr. Chin and a healthcare professional. Here’s more about some of the treatment options to alleviate TMJ discomfort and improve jaw function.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications or Muscle Relaxers

Your dentist may suggest anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxers to reduce swelling. These medicines calm tight jaw muscles and relieve pain for short periods.

Apply Heat

You can use heat to relax your jaw muscles. A warm, moist compress also helps improve circulation. Your dentist or therapist can tell you how often to use it.

Mouthguards

Your dentist may fit an occlusal splint over your teeth to protect them from pressure. The splint evens out your bite and positions your lower jaw to reduce strain on the TMJ.

Nightguards

Your dentist can make a custom nightguard to protect your teeth while you sleep. The device reduces clenching and grinding. It also helps ease morning soreness and jaw tension.

Physical Therapy

Your provider may recommend physical therapy to stretch and strengthen your jaw muscles. Therapy can also include relaxation training. Some plans add posture exercises to reduce stress on the TMJ.

Alternative Therapies

Other procedures your healthcare provider may recommend involve alternative therapies. One example is biofeedback.

It is a technique that uses electronic sensors to monitor muscle tension. It helps you practice relaxation techniques that ease strain on the jaw.

Your treatment plan from your doctors may also include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or acupuncture.

Studies indicate that these complementary treatments support other TMJ treatments. They work to relax muscles and block pain signals.

Stopping Bad Habits

You can ease TMJ pain by changing habits that strain your jaw. Avoid gum chewing and nail biting. Managing stress can also reduce inflammation and pain.

Education

Your dentist may ask questions about your habits and daily routine. This helps identify your pain triggers. Once you understand what worsens your symptoms, you can start making small changes for relief.

Injections

Injections can ease long-term pain when other methods are not effective. For instance, injecting botulinum toxin type A (Botox) into the jaw muscles used for chewing may ease pain related to TMJ disorders.

Surgical Treatments

Other treatments may include surgery if conservative methods are not successful, including:

• TMJ implants – These surgical devices show promise in treating TMD symptoms. There are different types (e.g., metal-on-metal, custom made).They’re all used to replace the damaged components of the TMJ caused from conditions such as severe arthritis and trauma.
• Arthrocentesis – This is a minimally invasive procedure that flushes fluid through the joint. It helps reduce inflammation, relieve stiffness, and improve jaw movement.Arthroscopy – A small camera is inserted into the joint so your doctor can see inside and make repairs. Your doctor may remove scar tissue. They may also smooth the joint surfaces or adjust the disc to improve function.

A health care professional specializing in TMJ surgery may recommend a more advanced surgical procedure if symptoms continue.

At LIFE A.I.D. Dentistry, Dr. Charissa Chin provides customized TMJ and TMD treatments to help relieve pain, restore mobility, and prevent further complications. If you are experiencing jaw discomfort, popping, or locking, contact us at (703) 854-9584 to schedule a consultation.

Dr. Chin will explain each option and help you choose the treatment that provides lasting relief. Bear in mind that most treatments don’t involve surgery.

While it is helpful to learn about your symptoms online, only a professional evaluation can confirm whether you have TMJ or TMD. Many conditions share similar symptoms, and self-diagnosis can lead to unnecessary worry or incorrect treatment.

The scope of Dr. Charissa Chin’s advanced training has equipped her with extensive knowledge and specialized skills to provide accurate diagnosis and exceptional care for patients experiencing jaw pain, popping, or locking.

Patients come from as far as Washington, D.C. to seek her expertise in TMJ and TMD treatment.

You can read more about malfunctioning temporomandibular joint symptoms and symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorder on our TMJ/TMD Page.

Bleeding gums during brushing is a common oral health issue but should not be overlooked. It’s often the first sign of a condition known as gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease.

Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible. It typically requires only a thorough cleaning and improved oral hygiene to treat.

Yes. At Life Advanced Integrated Dentistry in Alexandria, we offer salivary testing to understand your risk for gum disease.

We use OralDNA® Labs leading-edge salivary testing. It’s a diagnostic method that assesses the risk and presence of gum disease using saliva samples.

Gingivitis develops when a sticky, bacteria-filled film builds up on your teeth. Plaque that you don’t remove with brushing and flossing hardens into tartar, irritating your gum tissue.

Gingivitis often presents as tender, bleeding gums. Left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis.

By the time gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, it often manifests as receding gums, deep pockets in your gums, or tooth loss.

Very advanced cases can cause damage to the jawbone and sometimes even periodontal abscesses. When that occurs, it becomes painful and often requires more extensive treatment.

Yes. Treating periodontal disease is essential because your teeth are only as strong and stable as the gums and bone that support them.

Dr. Charissa Chin provides a range of periodontal treatments to stop the progression of gum disease and restore oral health.

These include deep cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing, which remove plaque and bacteria below the gumline, as well as Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR).

GTR is a surgical procedure that uses a barrier membrane to encourage the regrowth of bone and tissue lost to advanced periodontal disease.

If you are experiencing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums, we will work with you to treat gingivitis and prevent its progression. Call our Alexandria, Va dental office today to schedule your next teeth cleaning appointment.

You can find out more about periodontal treatment on our Periodontal Treatment Page.

Yes. You shouldn’t have to contend with a dental emergency alone. Dr. Chin and the LIFE A.I.D team offer emergency Emergency Services for patients and non patients at our Alexandria, VA office.

Our Emergency Dental Page lists all the dental emergencies we can help you with. So, don’t hesitate to call us at (703) 643-4583 if you or a loved one needs emergency dental care.

We also give you instructions on how to reach us in case your dental emergency happens after our normal business hours.

The saying prevention is better than a cure is true, especially when it comes to dental care. It’s important to see your dentist regularly even if your teeth don’t hurt.

Skipping visits increases your risks for hidden oral health problems.

Your teeth may look and feel fine, but hidden issues can still exist. Cavities and gum inflammation often develop without pain. These conditions raise your risks for infection and tooth loss if left untreated.

Regular checkups every six months help your dental team find these problems early. Early treatment prevents painful complications and reduces long-term risks to your oral health.

Oral health also affects your overall health. Gum disease increases your risks for several systemic conditions throughout the body.

Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream. This bacteria may trigger inflammation and affect vital organs over time.

Systemic health conditions linked to gum disease include:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Dementia
• Certain types of cancer

Integrated dentistry is a philosophy that considers the interconnected nature of oral health and overall systemic health. At Life Advanced Integrated Dentistry, that means prioritizing prevention and educating our patients on this connection.

Inline with our integrated dentistry philosophy, our goal is more than just treating symptoms.

We take a comprehensive approach to oral health by examining your medical history, lifestyle, and individual needs. This way, we can help you maintain a healthy mouth and, by extension, a healthy body.

How does integrated treatment improve oral health?

Dr. Chin looks beyond symptoms to identify root causes of oral issues. Whether it’s inflammation, bite misalignment, or stress-related grinding, she focuses on long-term solutions rather than quick fixes.

Our Alexandria, VA dental office is dedicated to helping you understand the importance of good oral hygiene habits. We’ll also explain how they help prevent dental diseases.

By empowering you with knowledge, we aim to help you avoid oral health issues before they even start.

What integrated methods do dentists use?

All dentists don’t use integrated methods. Integrated dentistry goes beyond treating symptoms to determine and address the root causes of oral health problems. When a patient comes to Dr. Chin with an oral health concern, she doesn’t just look for a quick fix.

Instead, she focuses on solving the underlying problem that may be contributing to poor oral health.

In some cases, resolving these issues might involve collaborating with other healthcare professionals.

If your oral health issues are related to or impacting other areas of your health, Dr. Chin will work with other professionals on your healthcare team.

This integrated approach aims to ensure that we consider all aspects of your health and address them in your treatment plan.

You may feel mild discomfort during or after some dental procedures. For example, you might notice pressure while the work is being done. Some soreness is normal as your mouth heals.

This sensation is especially true after more complex treatments such as tooth extractions or root canals.

Dr. Charissa Chin uses local anesthetics like Novocain and offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to minimize or eliminate discomfort. She may also prescribe oral medication to help patients who experience higher levels of anxiety.

Always ask about your comfort options. The LIFE A.I.D. team will help you find the best solution for your needs.

Definitely. At LIFE A.I.D. Dentistry, your comfort is a top priority. Dr. Chin offers gentle, patient-centered care with several sedation options to help you stay relaxed during your visit.

Whether you need mild sedation for routine care or stronger medication for complex procedures, Dr. Chin will tailor the approach to your comfort level and medical history.

If dental anxiety has kept you from getting the care you need, we invite you to contact our office to learn how sedation dentistry can make your next appointment stress-free.

Although dental bridges are a durable tooth replacement option, they are not permanent. You can expect your dental bridge to last several years.

Some of the factors that can affect their longevity, include:

• Materials – What your bridge is made of can impact how long it lasts. Porcelain and ceramic tend to last longer.
• Maintenance – Caring for your bridge is essential. Your oral hygiene routine can lengthen their longevity.
• Lifestyle – If you bite down on hard objects, eat certain foods, or chew your fingernails, your bridge may not last as long.
• Support – Because a bridge depends on the health of your adjacent teeth, the condition of these teeth can affect how long your bridge will last.

Dental crowns and bridges are popular dental restoration solutions. They both restore bite integrity and smile aesthetics. But, each does so differently.

Dental crowns protect and restore functionality to individual teeth. Dental bridges, meanwhile, replace missing teeth by connecting multiple crowns.

A dental crown is a custom cap that encases a severely compromised tooth to restore its form and function. By fully encasing a tooth, a crown offers protection and strength.

Crowns are usually used when a tooth is severely decayed, after a root canal, or as a permanent restoration on top of a dental implant.

A dental bridge, on the other hand, addresses tooth loss by replacing one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of prosthetic teeth anchored between two crowns placed on the adjacent teeth for support.

Once securely in place, a bridge effectively “bridges the gap” created by tooth loss and restores a person’s bite. Unlike crowns, bridges can only be used when teeth are missing and not “merely” damaged.

We do precisely placed dental crowns and bridges at our dental office in Alexandria, VA.

You can find out more about what Dr. Charissa Chin and the outstanding LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry team can do to fix your smile on our Crowns and Bridges Service Page.

Dental bonding and veneers are popular restorative cosmetic treatments. Dental bonding uses tooth-colored resin on the surface of teeth to correct minor imperfections like chips, cracks, lesions, or small gaps.

The bonding process is quick and non-invasive, as your dentist molds the resin to fit seamlessly within your smile and then hardens it with a special light. Bonding is a cost-effective solution that’s usually completed in a single visit.

Dental veneers, on the other hand, are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surfaces of teeth.

Veneers are designed to address more significant cosmetic issues like severe discoloration, uneven teeth, or large gaps.

Veneer placement involves a more complex process than bonding. First, your dentist prepares your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel.

Then, after taking impressions of the inside of your mouth, your personal specifications are sent to a dental lab to create custom veneers.

Once the veneers are ready, they are bonded to the fronts of your teeth using dental cement. This process generally requires multiple visits but yields a more durable and longer-lasting result.

You can read more about restoring the aesthetic appeal of your style and the integrity of your bite on our Veneers and Bonding Page.

Dental implants in Alexandria are not painful. The dental surgery is performed under local anesthesia. That means you won’t feel pain. Additionally, we can discuss nitrous oxide if you’re feeling anxious.

Dental implants are small but durable screws made from titanium. These screws take the place of your lost tooth root and can integrate into bone over time.

Integration creates a solid foundation for your replacement tooth, known as a dental crown.

We can consider an implant-supported denture or bridge if you have multiple missing teeth or complete tooth loss. Typically, up to six implants are needed to secure a denture to the jaw.

We always ensure the tooth crown color matches your neighboring teeth.

During your implant placement surgery, we make sure the site is numb. You may experience mild tenderness for a few days following implant surgery. But this does not last and is treatable with an over-the-counter pain reliever.

If you want to replace one or more missing teeth, dental implants are a modern alternative to bridges and dentures.

For many people, implants can be life-transforming, and we are pleased to offer complete implant placement and restoration at our Alexandria, VA dental office.

Step-BY-Step Process of getting a Dental Implant at LIFE A.I.D:

1. Initial consultation – We perform a thorough examination and review of your dental and medical history to determine if you are a good candidate. The dentist will also discuss your treatment options and answer any questions you might have.
2. Treatment planning – Our dental implant dentist uses modern technology to create a personalized treatment plan, from the placement of your implant to the final restoration.
3. Implant surgery – After thoroughly numbing the treatment area, we meticulously place your implant in your jawbone. As it heals, it fuses with the bone around it. That gives it the stability to support replacement teeth.
4. Abutment placement – After healing, we attach an abutment to the implant to secure the final restoration.
5. Restoration placement – The final step is to restore the implant using a dental crown custom-crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth.

While this may seem like a daunting process, the LIFE A.I.D. team is here to support you every step of the way to ensure you have a positive experience.

If you want to learn more about tooth replacement, including dental implants, you can contact a dental team member today to get started.

If you are ready to see if a dental implant is the right tooth replacement for you, please call our Alexandria, VA dental office to schedule a consultation appointment.

We recommend root canal therapy to relieve pain and save an infected tooth from extraction. You can read more about it on our Root Canal Treatment Service Page.

There are a number of complications that can occur if you do not get a needed root canal. They range from the spread of infection and tooth loss to damage of adjacent teeth and formation of a cyst.

Timely root canal therapy can save your natural tooth and prevent more serious oral health issues from developing.

Do root canals hurt?

Unfortunately, most people relate the pain from the infection to the procedure itself. The truth is that a root canal procedure does not cause pain. It actually relieves it.

At LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry, we ensure the treatment area is completely numb before we begin so that you won’t feel pain.

We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and plenty of soothing amenities like pillows and noise-canceling headphones to help you relax.

How long does a root canal take?

The duration of a root canal procedure can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Complexity of the tooth
• Number of roots
• Severity of infection

Depending on the tooth involved, we usually complete a root canal over one or two visits.

Dr. Chin can give you an estimate of how long your root canal take based on your case, so be sure to ask her during your consultation.

However, we can say the process is so efficient that many patients are surprised at how quickly it’s completed!

What should you expect during a root canal procedure?

Getting a root canal at LIFE A.I.D. is straightforward and efficient, thanks to our team’s expertise and rotary endodontic technology.

Dr. Chin accesses the tooth’s infected pulp and uses rotary endodontic to meticulously remove it. This process is so efficient that many patients are surprised at how quickly it’s completed!

We complete the root canal therapy during your first appointment. Then, we have you return after healing so we can add a crown to protect and strengthen the tooth.

Do you need root canal treatment?

If you don’t like the idea of a traditional root canal and want another option, ask Dr. Chin about rotary orthodontics. It’s new technology that streamlines the procedure so you spend less time in the dental chair.

If you have persistent tooth pain or cavity and think you may need root canal treatment, please call our Alexandria, VA dental office to schedule an appointment.

Invisalign at our Alexandria, VA dental office is a popular alternative to traditional metal braces for those looking to correct tooth alignment issues.

If you are considering Invisalign but need more information, it can be helpful to understand the pros and cons so you can make a confident, informed decision.

Pros of Invisalign

Discreet

Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible, so you can smile confidently throughout treatment.

Comfortable

The smooth plastic surface of Invisalign aligners makes them more comfortable to wear than metal brackets and wires.

Convenient

You can remove the clear aligners for easy oral hygiene and to continue to enjoy all your favorite foods.

Predictable results

Using advanced technology, we can preview your new smile before treatment, giving you a glimpse of the expected results.

Improved oral health

Correcting alignment issues with Invisalign makes it easier to brush and floss and avoid cavities and gum disease.

Cons of Invisalign

Requires discipline

Since you can remove your clear aligners, you must discipline yourself to wear them for the recommended 20-22 hours daily.

Not suitable for complex cases

Invisalign may not be effective if you have more complex alignment or bite issues that require the strength and control of traditional braces.

Potential temporary discomfort

Some patients report temporary discomfort when switching to a new set of aligners, although this usually lasts only a day or two.

If you have more Invisalign questions you can read more about the procedure on our Invisalign Clear Braces Service Page or contact our office.

You should schedule your next appointment every six months. A cleaning and exam help keep your mouth healthy. Regular visits help catch tooth decay early. They also reduce your risks for gum disease and other oral problems.

Your dentist will schedule your next routine visit. The staff will give you an appointment card with the date and time. You can keep the card in your wallet or purse. It helps you remember your next visit.

Some visits are for checkups. These help prevent new problems. Other visits are for follow-up care. These help your dentist monitor healing or complete treatment. Both types of visits are important for lasting oral health.

Dr. Chin welcomes both children and adults to her dental practice in Alexandria, VA. Schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth appears.

Early visits help your child feel comfortable at the dentist and build healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

You can ask your dentist about tools that work best for your needs. Your dentist in Alexandria, VA may suggest an electric toothbrush or a toothpaste with extra fluoride.

The right products help you clean your teeth better. They also protect enamel and lower your risk for decay.

You should ask your dentist how to prevent gum disease. Your dentist can show you what healthy gums look like and explain your risk for infection.

They can also teach you the best flossing method for your mouth. Consistent care keeps your gums strong and pain-free.

Our team at LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry cares about your health and comfort. Call (703) 854-9584 to schedule your next visit. We can help you improve your daily habits and protect your smile for years to come.

Busy schedules can make it easy to forget a dental appointment. A good reminder system helps you stay on track.

Patients can set reminders on their phone or add the date to their Google Calendar. Try scheduling alerts for the day before and the day of your visit.

You can also keep things simple with a handwritten reminder. Write the date on a whiteboard at home or in your planner. The receptionist gives you an appointment card you can keep in a secure place.

Additionally, we reach out a few days before your visit to confirm your appointment. You can choose how we contact you. We typically reach out to our patients in the following ways:

• Text
• Email
• Phone call

You can ask your dentist about tools that work best for your needs. Your dentist in Alexandria, VA may suggest an electric toothbrush or a toothpaste with extra fluoride.

The right products help you clean your teeth better. They also protect enamel and lower your risk for decay.

You should ask your dentist how to prevent gum disease. Your dentist can show you what healthy gums look like and explain your risk for infection.

They can also teach you the best flossing method for your mouth. Consistent care keeps your gums strong and pain-free.

Most patients need a checkup every six months. Some patients may need more frequent visits for gum care or follow-up treatment. The right schedule depends on your history and current needs.

Your dentist recommends a timeline based on your oral health. Schedule it at a time that fits your schedule as far as “when” you should do it.

Understanding your oral health is the first step. It helps you know what is working and what needs attention. Your dentist can explain problem areas and help you prevent new issues before they start.

You can ask your dentist about tools that work best for your needs. Your dentist in Alexandria, VA may suggest an electric toothbrush or a toothpaste with extra fluoride.

The right products help you clean your teeth better. They also protect enamel and lower your risk for decay.

You should ask your dentist how to prevent gum disease. Your dentist can show you what healthy gums look like and explain your risk for infection.

They can also teach you the best flossing method for your mouth. Consistent care keeps your gums strong and pain-free.

Most patients need a checkup every six months. Some patients may need more frequent visits for gum care or follow-up treatment. The right schedule depends on your history and current needs.

Your dentist recommends a timeline based on your oral health. You should schedule your appointment at a time that fits your routine and allows you to stay consistent with care.

A full dental exam looks at your teeth, gums, and mouth. Your dentist checks for decay, gum disease, and other oral issues. The exam helps find early signs of problems and keeps your smile healthy.

Your dentist looks closely at your teeth and gums. They may take X-rays to see below the surface. The dentist also checks your bite and soft tissues for injury or infection. Each part of the exam helps your dentist plan care that fits your needs.

A dental exam usually lasts about 30 minutes. Some appointments take longer if you need X-rays or cleaning. Your dentist tells you what to expect before the exam begins.

Your dentist removes plaque and checks for damage. They measure gum depth and look for signs of disease. The exam ends with advice about care and next steps for treatment. Regular exams protect your teeth and keep your mouth healthy.

You cannot always see or feel early tooth decay. Cavities often start small and hidden and can be as small as pinpoints. Regular dental exams and X-rays show decay before it causes pain.

Remember, early detection helps your dentist treat problems quickly and prevent deeper damage.

Tooth sensitivity has many causes. Enamel can wear down over time. Gums can also recede and expose roots. Cavities may cause sensitivity to hot or cold foods.

Dr. Chin checks for these issues during your visit. She may recommend desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride treatment to help protect your teeth.

Yes, when necessary. Dental X-rays provide detailed images that allow us to detect decay, infection, or bone loss that can’t be seen during a visual exam.

Your dentist should take a full set of dental X-rays to check for early signs of dental decay or gum disease. X-rays also help assess sings of oral cancer, impact teeth, and other issues affecting your oral health.

Our digital X-rays use minimal radiation and provide instant images for accurate diagnosis. Combined with our 3-D imaging and intraoral cameras, they allow Dr. Chin to plan precise treatments and enhance patient comfort.

Your Alexandria, VA dentist is not in-network with any insurance plans. However, if you have a PPO plan that allows you to choose your own dentist, we can submit claims on your behalf for reimbursement.

Our knowledgeable coordinator submits claims regularly and can navigate the language of your policy to help determine coverage and benefit specifics.

We aim to help you make the most of your benefits each year.

We offer an exclusive savings plan, LIFE AID. For a yearly fee, this plan allows for preventive services. That includes an emergency dental visit. We also provide a periodontal plan. Ask a dental team member for more details.

CareCredit is a medical and dental credit card offering no- and low-interest financing for treatment, including elective procedures. A member of our team can help you apply online. Typically, you learn whether you’re qualified (and for how much) within a few minutes.

Ask us about financing through CareCredit!

We’re pleased to offer an in-house membership plan for the uninsured!

If you have questions about our dental treatments, PPO plans, our savings plan, or CareCredit, a team member is standing by to speak with you today.

Are you ready to schedule your first appointment? We look forward to meeting you!