Dr. Mia Pham Sanchez de Lozada helps her patients find the best solutions for their dental problems. If you are new to our office, or want to learn more about our office, we welcome you to browse our website or call our office in Fairfax, VA and we will gladly answer any questions you may have. Below is some helpful general information.
Why is Routine Dental Care Important?
Routine dental care allows us to screen for oral health problems and address any symptoms before they worsen. Dr. Mia and her hygienist are very thorough in their assessment. When you first come into our office, we will take a full set of x-rays with our digital x-ray machine and a full set of intra-oral close-up images of your teeth with our intra-oral camera. We will also take a 3D image of your mouth with our Itero digital scanner and measure your gums to determine the type of cleaning you will need. Dr. Mia will then go over each x-ray, picture, and 3D scan with you and determine if any treatment is needed.
TYPES OF DENTAL CLEANING
There are two types of cleaning provided at Smiles by Mia. If your gums are healthy, as determined by the measurements of your gum pockets, you will receive a regular “prophylaxis” cleaning. During this cleaning, our dental hygienist will use professional dental tools to precisely clean and remove plaque and tartar in areas of the mouth that patients cannot reach with at-home dental care, followed by polishing with dental paste. We also offer Laser Bacterial Reduction prior to cleanings for patients with gingivitis to help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria inside the pockets before removing plaque.
If your gums are not healthy, as determined by bleeding, bone loss, and deep gum pockets, you will need a deep cleaning or “scaling and root planing.” During this treatment, the hygienist will first numb you up, then she will use an electric scaler and professional instruments to remove plaque and tartar both above and below the gums. She will also smooth the areas on the root that was covered by the tartar to allow the gums to tighten around the tooth again. Scaling and root planing help to prevent further bone loss and bleeding.
At Smiles by Mia, we also offer antibiotic and Laser treatment to help patients with severe gum disease to help retain their teeth without having to go to a specialist for extensive gum surgeries.
After cleaning, we may recommend sealants and fluoride treatment for younger patients. These treatments help prevent problems like dental cavities and infections.
Examinations
During routine visits, we take digital x-rays to find any problems in the teeth, gums, and jaw. X-rays allow us to see more detailed images of the smile, even the nerves and blood vessels in each tooth. We also use the VELscope, which allows us to find oral cancer in the mouth. This tool uses green light to scan inside the mouth. If any tissues appear dark, they could be cancerous.
Diagnosis
If we find problems through a physical exam or dental x-rays, we will begin to plan treatment for our patients. Dr. Mia takes patients’ budgets, oral health goals, dental history, and current problems into account when treating patients. Fully understanding the needs of each patient allows her to treat their problems accurately.
Dental Office Q&A
Do you have a question about our office? Read answers to commonly asked questions about Smiles by Mia and dentistry below:
Do you accept new patients?
Yes, Smiles by Mia welcomes new patients. We encourage our new patients to call our office at (571) 789-1265. We ask that you fill out new patient forms before your first visit.
Does your office accept insurance and payment plans?
We accept most PPO insurance plans. We do our best to help our patients maximize their insurance benefits every year.
For those without insurance, our dental office offers a “VIP Membership Plan” for children and adults. These plans include a standard child plan, a standard adult plan with fluoride and oral cancer screening, and a gum disease maintenance plan. Click here to learn more.
Does your office accept payment plans or financing?
We never want finance to prevent our patients from getting the care they need. Our office offers in-house payment plans as well as some interest-free 3rd party financing through CareCredit, Lending Point, and Wisetack.
How often should I visit the dentist?
We recommend that patients with no gum disease visit for a routine dental cleaning and exam twice a year or every six months. For those with gum disease, we recommend 4 times per year. At these routine visits, we can thoroughly clean the smile and discover any emerging dental problems before they worsen. Some dental problems, like gum disease or tooth decay, can quickly spread to other areas of the mouth. Professional care can help reverse symptoms with effective treatment.
Contact Our Office Today
Let our team know if you have any other questions about our office. You can call Smiles by Mia at (571) 789-1265 or request a dental appointment with us online. We look forward to seeing you on your next visit!