What are cavities and how can we prevent them? Essentially, cavities are holes in the enamel of your tooth. They can cause pain and discomfort, and if left untreated, lead to more decay. Here are some simple things you can do to prevent cavities.
What is a cavity?
A cavity is a hole in your tooth. In the early stages, it may look like a white spot but over time it will begin to look brow or black. They can be big or small. While they can be in many places, they often form on the tops of your teeth, where you bite and in between teeth, where food gets stuck.
Cavities cause pain, sensitivity, infections, and can even cause you to lose your teeth. The best way to keep your teeth healthy is to prevent cavities.
What causes cavities?
During the day, the bacteria in our mouth feed off of the foods we eat. Anytime we eat or drink sugar, the bacteria eat the sugar and turn it into acid. This acid stays on our teeth and essentially attacks the outer surface.
Over time, this acid wears down our teeth, creating a cavity. If the cavity isn’t fixed, the bacteria get inside it and travel from the outside of the tooth into the dentin and then the pulp, creating an infection.
Dental infections can be very serious. If you notice redness, pain and swelling in your face or mouth you should seek care.
Higher Risks for Cavities
Anyone can get cavities, but you may be at a higher risk if you:
- Snack between meals
- Have cracked or chipped teeth
- Eat sugar foods or drinks
- Take medications that cause dry mouth
- Have a personal and/or family history of cavities
- Have had head or neck radiation therapy
How to Prevent Cavities
The best ways to prevent cavities are to maintain good oral health and hygiene habits. This includes:
- Drink plenty of water
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste 2 times a day
- Floss
- Limit sweet snacks between meals
- Limit sugary foods and drinks like candies and soda.
- Don’t sip or snack on sugary things all day. If you are going to eat/drink them, do so at mealtimes and brush after.
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams.
- Sealants can be placed on the back teeth to help protect them from bacteria causing cavities in hard-to-reach grooves.
For more help with your oral health, please visit Hackley DDS. Let us take care of your teeth and keep your smile healthy and beautiful!
When should you visit a Rockville cosmetic dentist? Cosmetic dentistry is a dynamic and transformative field within dentistry that focuses on enhancing the appearance of a person’s smile. Far beyond traditional dental care, cosmetic dentistry employs a range of specialized treatments and procedures to correct dental imperfections, improve the color, shape, size, and alignment of teeth, and create a confident and radiant smile.
A Rockville Cosmetic Dentist Can Remove Stains and Brighten Your Smile
One of the most common procedures a cosmetic dentist will perform is in-office teeth whitening. Over time, various factors such as consumption of colored foods and beverages, tobacco use, aging, and poor oral hygiene can cause teeth to become stained or discolored. Teeth whitening procedures utilize different techniques to remove these stains and discolorations, resulting in a brighter and more attractive smile. The results of this procedure can usually last for a year or more as long as the patient is practicing good oral hygiene.
Restore the Size, Shape, and Function of Damaged Teeth
Poor oral hygiene, trauma to the face, grinding teeth at night, and other various situations can cause damage to the teeth. Fortunately, there are effective cosmetic dental procedures that can help. These include dental veneers, crowns, fillings, teeth replacement and more.
For damaged or chipped teeth, dental bonding is a common cosmetic procedure where a tooth-colored resin material is applied and shaped to restore the tooth’s original form. Dental veneers, thin porcelain shells, are another option to cover and correct chipped or damaged teeth, providing a natural-looking and durable solution
In cases where a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, dental crowns can be employed to completely cover the affected tooth, restoring its size, shape, and function while providing protection and strength. Dental implants are also utilized to replace missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance by integrating a prosthetic tooth into the jawbone.
Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help Improve the Alignment of Teeth 
Cosmetic dentistry offers several effective methods to improve the alignment of teeth. This helps individuals achieve a straighter and more harmonious smile. These orthodontic devices apply gentle pressure on the teeth to gradually shift them into their desired positions. Providers often recommend braces and Invisalign for individuals with various alignment issues like crowded teeth, gaps, and malocclusions (misaligned bites). This type of procedure can help improve a patient’s smile and confidence.
Lengthen Teeth That are Too Short
Sometimes, people have naturally short teeth. Other times, grinding can cause weak or short teeth. There are several different procedures that can treat the issue including dental veneers and crowns. These procedures can not only help strengthen overall oral health but it can also make a patient’s smile more appeasing.
Best Rockville Cosmetic Dentist Office
Dental, Spa, and Cosmetic Surgery has a compassionate and knowledgeable team dedicated to providing the best dental care for you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
The most common reason why someone may want to get a smile makeover in Rockville is because they don’t feel good or confident about their smile. While this is a genuine reason to get the makeover, there are plenty of other reasons why someone might choose to renew their smile. Some of those reasons include:
- Yellow or brownish teeth that always appear dirty even when they are clean.
- Chipped, cracked, or otherwise broken teeth
- A gummy smile due to having small teeth
- Issues when chewing and biting down
- Gaps and spaces around teeth
- Anything that makes you constantly hide your smile
- Your low self-image negatively affects your interaction with others
- Taking on a job where having a great smile essential
What Are Smile Makeovers in Rockville?
Feeling self-conscious about your smile can lead to low self-image but with a smile makeover in Rockville, you can feel confident showing off your pearly whites. A smile makeover is one or more dental procedures that are performed with the goal of getting the patient the smile that he or she desires. Some of the procedures one might see a dentist perform during a typical smile makeover include teeth whitening, veneers, bridges, natural-looking fillings, partial dentures, and composite resin bonds. An improved smile and the increase in self-confidence that comes with it have the power to transform self-image.
Get a Smile Makeover in Rockville Maryland
If you are tired of hiding your smile, it may be time to consider a smile makeover. Get the beautiful, radiant smile you deserve with a smile makeover in Rockville! Dr. Hackley and our knowledgeable and compassionate staff are dedicated to helping you create a smile you love. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Getting a smile makeover Rockville is a tremendous way to improve the look of your smile and boost your oral health. Wondering how? Stay tuned, as our practitioners are revealing everything you need to know in today’s blog post.
Three Benefits of a Smile Makeover
On the fence about getting a smile makeover Rockville? Here are some reasons why you should:
Protect Your Teeth Enamel
Dental cavities are one of the most common (and frustrating) oral concerns out there. However, getting a smile makeover helps in several ways. Firstly, if your cavities are on the smaller side, the practitioner fills them with tooth-colored fillings. And if your cavities are on the larger side, they’re filled via root canals and dental crowns.
Improve Gum Health
You can probably guess that gum disease significantly affects both the look and feel of your mouth. However, what you might not know is that it also contributes to bone loss. When that’s the case, complete smile makeovers restore any lost bone and repair the jaw so it no longer appears sunken.
Boost Self Confidence 
One of the biggest benefits of getting a smile makeover Rockville is experiencing a renewed sense of confidence and boosted self-esteem. When people are proud of their smile, they want to show it off. And smiling releases cortisol and endorphins linked to numerous health benefits:
- Increased endurance
- Reduced blood pressure
- Reduced pain and stress
- Strengthened immune system
Best Smile Makeover Rockville, Maryland
As you can see, getting a smile makeover has ample benefits for both your oral and mental health. Therefore, we recommend this procedure to patients with a wide variety of dental needs.
If you’re interested in getting a smile makeover in Rockville, Dr. Hackley and her team are here for you. With over two decades of experience, we’re confident in our ability to deliver the smile of your dreams. Contact our team to get started.
On the hunt for the best Rockville dentist? With so many out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. If you need help finding your dental match, we’re revealing how to find the best Rockville dentist in today’s blog post.
Considerations When Choosing a Dentist
Need help narrowing that list of potential dentists? Our Hackley DDS team has got you covered. Check out these considerations to keep in mind when choosing a Rockville dentist:
Are There Satisfied Patients? 
Wondering whether a dentist is right for you? Peek at their customer reviews. Not only will testimonials reveal whether customers are satisfied with their results/experience, but they offer insight into what to expect.
Do They Suit Your Needs?
Because you’ll see them twice a year, choose a dentist whose office is conveniently located near your home or work. Additionally, make sure their appointment hours work with your schedule.
Do They Offer the Services You’re Looking for?
Dental services vary from practitioner to practitioner. Therefore, it’s important to find one capable of performing the services you’re looking for! Here at Hackley DDS, we perform both cosmetic and general dentistry. And because we also offer our clients skin rejuvenation and anti-aging services, we accommodate a wide variety of needs.
Are They Continuing Their Education?
While every dentist is required to go to dental school, we recommend finding a practitioner who values continuing education. Dentistry is constantly changing, and it’s nice to have a dentist who’s following the latest procedures and technology.
Best Rockville Dentist
Trying to decide which Rockville dentist to call your own? Dr. Hackley and her team can’t be beaten. As your one-stop shop for premier dental and spa care, our qualified practitioners are here for your every need. Stop by the office or contact our team to book an appointment.
On the hunt for a Black dentist Potomac, Maryland? While oral health is an incredibly important aspect of well-being, it’s neglected by many. And insufficient oral health is linked to many health concerns within the Black community (including heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, and more).
Disproportionate tooth loss, periodontal disease, and tooth decay are nearly twice as prevalent in Black adults than in their white counterparts. And like most inequities, there are many reasons behind these unfortunate statistics. Of course, the most obvious reason is the lack of Black representation within the dental profession.
Currently, less than 4% of all American dentists are Black. However, we’re lucky to have a qualified Black dentist Potomac, Maryland right here at Hackley DDS.
Meet Dr. Hackley 
Searching for a Black dentist Potomac, Maryland? Dr. Rochelle E. Hackley is the best in the industry. She graduated from Howard University with a degree in the field of dental hygiene. Then, she went on to obtain her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the University of Maryland at Baltimore and her Master Certification in Dental Implantology (where she was Valedictorian, might we add).
Dr. Hackley opened her own practice in 1998. And since then, she has expanded her services to include a comprehensive dental spa. Having received certifications in Cosmetic Dentistry; the use of Facial Cosmetic Aesthetics (which includes Botox and Derma fill injections); Invisalign; and sedation dentistry, Dr. Hackley offers her clients a wide variety of procedures and treatments. And as you can see, she’s committed to staying on the cutting edge of her profession and utilizing the latest technologies.
Best Black Dentist Potomac, Maryland
Looking for a Black dentist Potomac, Maryland? Look no further than Hackley DDS. Offering premier dental and spa care, our expert team specializes in conscious sedation dentistry, dental implants, Invisalign, sleep apnea appliances, and more. So, if you’re ready to achieve the smile of your dreams, Contact us today.
Most American families have quite a bit on their plates. Between soccer games and band practices and algebra tutoring sessions, raising a family often feels like you need to be everywhere at once. However, scheduling an appointment with a family dentist in Rockville, Maryland can help. By treating your entire family at once, family dentists prevent you from juggling four (or five, or six!) separate appointments.
Benefits of Family Dentistry in Rockville
Still aren’t sure if a family dentist in Rockville, Maryland is right for you? Here are some of the benefits of family dentistry:
Schedule Household Appointments 
Let’s be honest, it can be tough to keep up with yearly appointments, cosmetic work, and oral surgeries. However, when you see a family dentist in Rockville, Maryland, you only have to worry about one appointment. When you arrive at Hackley DDS, your son’s Invisalign, your daughter’s cavities, and your husband’s teeth whitening needs can all be treated at once.
Variety of Dental Services
Most family dentists offer a wide variety of dental services. That way, they can accommodate everyone’s dental needs. Here at Hackley DDS, we offer both general dentistry and cosmetic services to help your family achieve the smiles of their dreams.
Convenient and Flexible Hours
Family dentists have convenient and flexible hours for you to choose from. We understand that dental appointments might not fit within the traditional workday. That’s why we’ll work with you to find an appointment time that suits your family’s unique needs.
Best Family Dentist in Rockville, Maryland
If you’re desiring an experienced, versatile, and compassionate family dentist in Rockville, Maryland, Hackley DDS is the one for you. With 20+ years in the industry, our team can treat all your family’s dental needs.
From routine check-ups to dermal fillers, our qualified professionals are here to help. Book your family dentistry appointment today.
Does your child have a fear of the dentist? Or do you avoid the dentist’s office like the plague? If so, sedation dentistry Rockville, Maryland might be the perfect solution. ease some of your anxiety. Used for everything from invasive procedures to routine cleanings, sedation dentistry is a great way to ease dental anxiety. Keep ready to learn whether it’s right for you.
What Is Sedation Dentistry? 
As the name suggests, sedation dentistry uses medication to relax dental patients during their procedures. When it comes to dentistry, there are four levels of sedation that are used:
- Minimal sedation. The patient is awake, yet relaxed.
- Moderate sedation. The patient might slur their words, and they probably won’t remember much about the procedure.
- Deep sedation. The patient is on the edge of consciousness, but they can be woken up if needed.
- General anesthesia. The patient is completely unconscious.
Types of Sedation Used in Dentistry
Interested in getting sedation dentistry Rockville, Maryland? Your practitioner will likely use one of the following:
- Inhaled minimal sedation. Essentially, this requires inhaling a combination of nitrous oxide (aka “laughing gas”) and oxygen.
- Oral sedation. Depending on the dosage, this kind of sedation ranges from minimal to moderate. Most patients are given a pill called Halcion (which belongs to the same family as Valium), which is one of the most common forms of sedation dentistry.
- IV moderate sedation. The patient receives the sedative drug through a vein.
- Deep sedation/general anesthesia. Just like in surgical offices, general anesthesia administers medications that make the patient almost or totally unconscious.
Best Sedation Dentistry Rockville, Maryland
To summarize, sedation dentistry is ideal for patients who fear the dentist. Additionally, it’s great for people who have low pain thresholds, sensitive teeth, bad gag reflexes, or are unable to sit still for long periods of time.
If you’re looking for the best sedation dentistry in Rockville, Maryland, you’ve found it at Hackley DDS. Schedule a consult today.
Are you searching for a top Rockville dental center? Here at Hackley DDS and Dental Spa, we have the experience and knowledge to treat a wide range of dental issues, including smile makeovers. Here’s what you need to consider when choosing a top Rockville Dental Center.
What is a Rockville Dental Center?
A Rockville Dental Center is a place where a dentist performs oral health treatments, dental procedures, and more. They typically provide basic dental services like cleanings, checkups, fillings, and root canals. However, they may also provide additionally services like cosmetic treatments and emergency after-hours care.
Choosing a Dental Center in Rockville
Whether you are looking for a new dentist for routine cleanings and checkups or interested in more advanced treatments like smile makeovers or dental implants, its important to choose the right dental center for you. Here are some things to consider.
Back to Basics
Regular visits are a key component of oral health. So, it’s important to choose a dentist that fits with your schedule and location. Consider the following.
- Is the office easy to get to from your job or home?
- Are the office hours convenient?
- Does the dentist accept your insurance?
- Is the dentist a member of the ADA?
Consultation
Schedule a consultation with the dentist before making your first appointment. We recommend making a list of questions to bring to your appointment. This is a good time to access the dentist’s communication and decide if you are comfortable. A few questions you may want to ask include:
- Is the office staff familiar with your insurance plan?
- Does the office offer financial options for treatment costs?
- Will the dentist explain ways to help prevent dental health problems or provided health instructions?
- How does the dentist handle emergencies after hours?
Services Offered
Here are Hackley DDS and Dental Spa, we offer a wide variety of dental services as well as cosmetic procedures. Some of these include:
We also offer many cosmetic procedures such as Botox, dermal fillers, body contouring, skin tightening, skin rejuvenation and much more in our spa.
Top Rockville Dental Center
We take oral health seriously. We aim to provide exceptional care to our patients using the latest technology and training, while enhancing your natural beauty. Contact Hackley DDS and Dental Spa and Dental Spa today to schedule an appointment.
Wondering how much pearly whites will cost you? Because the cost of teeth whitening depends entirely on your method of choice. At-home whitening kits and professional teeth whitening services are both great options. However, you’ll receive the quality you pay for.
Curious about what we mean by that? Keep reading to learn how much each whitening method costs (and what you pay for).
Average Cost of Teeth Whitening
The cost of teeth whitening depends on which method you choose Take-home kits and other whitening products (think: gels, gums, and whitening toothpaste) range anywhere from $5 to $50. However, significantly brighter smiles can only be achieved through in-office whitening (which costs around $600). Laser whitening treatment is the most effective method, and it costs approximately $1,000.
How to Prevent Tooth Stains
Once you get your teeth whitened, certain habits will make sure they stay that way:
- Good oral hygiene. The most effective method for preventing tooth stains is to brush and floss your teeth twice per day. Ideally, opt for a fluoride-based toothpaste and replace your toothbrush every few months.
- Avoid staining foods. Soda, tea, coffee, and wine will all stain your teeth. Therefore, try to drink these as little as possible.
- Avoid tobacco. There are plenty of reasons why you should avoid tobacco, tooth stains being one of them.
- Routine dental checkups. Schedule routine dental exams every six months to remove plaque and staining substances from your smile.
Best Dentist in Rockville, Maryland
The cost of teeth whitening will significantly diminish if you schedule routine cleaning appointments. If you’re in the Rockville area, Hackley DDS is your one-stop shop for general and cosmetic dentistry. Our expert practitioners can clean your teeth, whiten your teeth, and rejuvenate the skin surrounding your mouth – all from one place!
Contact our team to learn more about what we can do for you.
