Procedures

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket: generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket.

Periodontal diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease. The two major stages are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead to more serious, destructive forms of periodontal disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis affects both bones and the gums.

If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb.

If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planning, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Your dentist may also recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).

Annandale VA residents looking for peridontal treatments can visit Dr. Fred Farahi or request an appointment online by clicking here.

In the situation that a tooth is considered so threatened (because of decay, cracking.) that future infection is considered likely or inevitable, root canal therapy is needed. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.

Signs and symptoms:

• An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Severe toothache pain
• Sometimes no symptoms are present
• Swellingand/or tenderness

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist). Annandale VA residents can request an appointment online or by simply calling us at (703) 821-1633

Crown(Cap)

A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance. A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.

Reasons for crowns:

• Broken or fractured teeth
• Cosmetic enhancement
• Decayed teeth
• Fractured fillings
• Large fillings
• Tooth has a root canal

Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth. There are several types of bridges. You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case. A bridge consists to two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

Reasons for a fixed bridge:

• Fill space of missing teeth
• Maintain facial shape
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
• Restore chewing and speaking ability
• Restore your smile

If you live in Annandale VA and are considering this procedure, feel free to conatct us or request an appointment online.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.

Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth. You know that your confidence about your teeth affects how you feel about yourself, both personally and professionally. Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth. Maybe your dentures don't feel secure. Perhaps you have difficulty chewing.

Reasons for dental implants:

• Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth
• Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space
• Restore a patient’s confident smile
• Restore chewing, speech, and digestion
• Restore or enhance facial tissues
• Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable

Annandale VA residents looking for dental implants can either call us or request an appointment online.

Invisalign is a series of clear, removable teeth aligners that both orthodontists and dentists use as an alternative to traditional metal dental braces. Your Invisalign treatment will consist of a series of aligners that you switch out about every two weeks.

Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. And since your Invisalign system is custom-made for your teeth and your teeth only, with a plan devised by you and your dentist or orthodontist, you know you'll end up with a smile that truly fits.

If you live in Annandale VA and would like to make an appointment for a consultation, please call us or request an appointment online.

Cosmetic dentistry is the art and science of designing wonderful smiles. It involves all aspects of general dentistry with a special emphasis on individual teeth and their overall harmony and balance in your smile.

Dr.Farahi was voted “the best dentist” from 2003 thru 2005 and by Health and Beauty Magazine from 2006 thru 2008. He was selected by Consumer Research Council of America as one of “America’s Top Dentists”. He takes pride in his cosmetic dentistry. If you live in Annandale Virginia and would like to have a cosmetic procedure done, please can call us or request an appointment online.

Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth shaped porcelain that are custom made (for shape and color) by a professional dental laboratory.  They are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile.

Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile.  They can often be alternatives to crowns and the ideal solution in treating many dental conditions.

As with most dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may someday need replacement.  They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile. 

Reasons for porcelain veneers:

• Cosmetically, to create a uniform, white, beautiful smile.
• Crooked teeth.
• Misshapen teeth.
• Severely discolored or stained teeth.
• Teeth that are too small or large.
• Unwanted or uneven spaces.
• Worn or chipped teeth.

Annandale VA residents looking to perform this procedure done can either call us or request an appointment online.

A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc.  The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling.

As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced.  They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.

Reasons for composite fillings:

• Chipped teeth.
• Closing space between two teeth.
• Cracked or broken teeth.
• Decayed teeth.
• Worn teeth.

Porcelain Onlays

An onlay restoration is a custom lab made filling made of tooth-colored porcelain.  Porcelain onlays are popular because they resemble your natural tooth.  An onlay is sometimes also referred to as a partial crown. 

Onlays can be utilized to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma.  Onlays are an ideal alternative to crowns (caps) because less tooth structure is removed in the preparation of onlays.  Onlays are essentially identical to inlays with the exception that one or more of the chewing cusps have also been affected and need to be included in the restoration.

Reasons for onlay restorations:

• Broken or fractured teeth.
• Cosmetic enhancement.
• Decayed teeth.
• Fractured fillings.
• Large fillings.
  

If you live in Annandale VA and looking for a dentist to do composite filling, you can simply call us or request an appointment online.

A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size.  A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.

Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth.  They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.  Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.

Reasons for crowns:

• Broken or fractured teeth.
• Cosmetic enhancement.
• Decayed teeth.
• Fractured fillings.
• Large fillings.
• Tooth has a root canal.

If you live in Annandale VA and looking for a dentist to do porcelain crowns, you can simply call us or request an appointment online.

There are several types of bridges.  You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case.  The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal.  Porcelain fixed bridges are most popular because they resemble your natural teeth.  This type of bridge consists to two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth. 

Reasons for a fixed bridge:

• Fill space of missing teeth.
• Maintain facial shape.
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
• Restore chewing and speaking ability.
• Restore your smile.
• Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.

If you live in Annandale VA and looking for a dentist to do porcelain bridges, you can simply call us or request an appointment online.

Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth.  The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically.  Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc.  Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

The Third Generation Zoom! Advanced Power In-Office Whitening System is a revolutionary tooth whitening procedure. It's safe, effective and fast, very fast. In just over an hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter.Third Generation Zoom! Advanced Power Whitening is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results. The convenience of Third Generation Zoom! Advanced Power in comparison to days of wearing trays and gradual whitening makes it theperfect choice for the busy individual. 

The procedure is simple and painless. It begins with a short preparation to isolate your lips and gums. We then apply the proprietary Third Generation Zoom! Advanced Power Whitening Gel, which is activated by a specially designed light. Teeth typically become at least six to ten shades whiter, sometimes more. A five-minute fluoride treatment completes the procedures. You'll be amazed with the results. In most cases, teeth get even whiter the first few days after the procedure.

Teeth whitening is not permanent.  A touch-up maybe needed every several months, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine 

Reasons for tooth whitening:

• Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
• Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
• Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
• Yellow, brown stained teeth.
  

Annandale Virginia residents can ask for our web specials on chair side bleaching.

Neuromuscular dentistry is a detailed and scientific way of restoring teeth to their optimal bite. When your bite is uncomfortable or out of proper alignment, the muscles surrounding the jaw have to work harder.

In turn, the body compensates by making the muscles in the face, neck and shoulders work harder resulting in migraines, vertigo, ringing in your ears, headaches, neck, shoulder and back pain.

(TMD) / TMJ, also known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction affects Those who have a structural imbalance in the jaw to skull relationship caused by a bad bite and can suffer from even worse symptoms: unexplained chipped, cracked, loose, sensitive or worn teeth, headaches or migraines, pain or soreness around jaw joints, pain in teeth that seems to move around, neck, shoulder or back pain, facial pain, clicking or grating sounds in the jaw joints, limited movement or locking jaw, numbness in fingers or arms, congestion or stuffiness of the ears.

Dr. Farahi's continuing education provides his with the knowledge necessary to use the latest technology in neuromuscular dentistry. Annandale VA residents are welcome to stop by for a consultaion.

Pediatric Dentistry is a specialty of dentistry involving comprehensive dental care for children from birth to age 16. We also see patients older than 16 if they have special needs such as cerebral palsy or Down's syndrome 

Pediatric Services:

• Dentistry For Newborn to 16 Years Old
• Nitrous Oxide
• Space Maintainers
• Habit Appliance
• Interseptive Orthodontic Treatment
  

Dr. Etessam speializes in pediatric dentistry. She was selected by Consumer Research Council of America as one of “America’s Top Pediatric Dentists”. Annandale VA residents looking for a qualified pediatric dentist specialist may either call us or request an appointment online.