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. 

Preventive Care and Patient Education

Our Alexandria, VA, dental office is dedicated to helping you understand the importance of good oral hygiene habits and how they help prevent dental diseases. By empowering you with knowledge, we aim to help you avoid oral health issues before they even start.

Integrated Treatment 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.

A Collaborative Approach to Dental Care

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.

Dentistry That Supports Overall Health and Wellness

If you need to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning or are curious about what integrated dentistry involves, please call our Alexandria, VA, dental office for an appointment.

The saying “Prevention is better than cure” holds true, especially regarding dental health. Even if your teeth don’t hurt, it is crucial to see your dentist regularly. 

Even if your teeth look and feel okay, you may have cavities, gum disease, or other issues lurking that aren’t noticeable or don’t cause pain until they’ve progressed significantly. Regular dental visits with our dental team every six months help us catch these issues in their earliest stages. When we do, we can address them promptly before they escalate into painful problems requiring complex treatments.

Another thing to consider when managing your oral health is that what happens in your mouth doesn’t stay in your mouth. For instance, gum disease has been linked to numerous systemic health concerns, including heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and certain types of cancer. 

An Integrated Approach to Oral Health

In line 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.

Schedule Your Next Dental Check-Up

Remember, pain-free does not always mean problem-free when it comes to dental health. If you are due for your next dental exam and teeth cleaning, we invite you to call our Alexandria, VA, dental office for an appointment.

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.

Gingivitis: The Early Warning Sign

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. This irritation causes your gums to become swollen, red, and prone to bleeding during brushing or flossing.

Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible and typically requires only a thorough cleaning and improved oral hygiene to treat. Left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, leading to gum recession, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss.

How Gum Health Impacts Your Body

Treating gum disease in its early stages goes beyond having a healthy mouth. Current research indicates that untreated gum disease can contribute to systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and certain types of cancer.

Are You Concerned about Bleeding Gums?

At LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry, we’re here to help you at every stage of your oral health journey. 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.

Dental bonding and veneers are popular restorative cosmetic treatments. It’s worth noting, however, that each enhances your smile distinctly.

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.

Consult with your dentist for help choosing the option that best meets your goals and needs.

Effective, Efficient Dental Veneers and Bonding in Alexandria, VA

If you’re looking for an experienced dental team in Alexandria to help restore the aesthetic appeal of your style and the integrity of your bite using dental bonding or porcelain veneers, contact dentist Dr. Charissa Chin and the LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!

A dental bridge can do more than fill the gap in your smile; it can restore your ability to speak, chew, and laugh without hesitation. Bridges are a durable, long-lasting solution, and choosing a bridge means choosing stability and confidence in your daily life, knowing you’ve taken a step toward regaining the function and appearance you may have thought was lost forever.

Are Dental Bridges Permanent?

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

Here are some of the factors that can affect their longevity:

• 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.

Need a Dental Bridge in Franconia, VA?

If you’re looking for a dentist in Franconia, VA, look no further than the expert dental team at Life Advanced Integrated Dentistry! We strive to give every patient a healthy smile they can be proud of.

Please contact our dental office at (703) 253-7399 to schedule an appointment.

Dental crowns and bridges are popular dental restoration solutions. While they both restore bite integrity and smile aesthetics, 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.

Consult with your dentist to determine the best option based on your needs.

Precisely Placed Dental Crowns and Bridges in Alexandria, VA

If you’re looking for an experienced dental team in Alexandria to help you expertly navigate the dental restoration process with dental crowns or bridges, contact dentist Dr. Charissa Chin and the outstanding LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!

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

Dental Implants: What to Expect

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 (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 ensure 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.

Contact Your Implant Dentist in Alexandria, VA

If you want to learn more about tooth replacement, including dental implants, or if you’re ready to schedule your consultation with the dentist, contact a dental team member today to get started.

Ask us about financing through CareCredit!

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

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. 

Steps for Getting a Dental Implant

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, giving 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. 

Ready to Get Started with Dental Implants?

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.

Full mouth reconstruction is an excellent treatment option for anyone who wants their teeth to look good and function properly. At Life Advanced Integrated Dentistry, we can create a customized treatment plan that addresses all your dental concerns.

So, what are the most common reasons our patients choose full mouth reconstruction? Keep reading to learn more.

Top Reasons for Full Mouth Reconstruction

Here are the main reasons we might recommend a full mouth reconstruction:

• Multiple dental issues—If you have several dental issues that need to be addressed, we can address them and get you back to smiling again.
• Systemic issues—If you have TMJ problems, we can use full mouth reconstruction to restore your jaw health while working on your teeth and gums.
• Long-lasting results—By addressing your entire mouth instead of just one tooth, we can provide results that stand the test of time, ensuring your smile remains healthy and beautiful for years.
• Aesthetic beauty—We can improve your smile’s aesthetics while meeting your oral health needs.
• Improved oral health—With full mouth reconstruction, you won’t have to worry about continuous dental issues. When we’re finished, your teeth, gums, and bite will all be healthy and function correctly.

Considering Full Mouth Reconstruction in Alexandria, VA?

We will happily assist you if you want to schedule a consultation with our dental team to discuss your needs and form a treatment plan! At Life Advanced Integrated Dentistry, you and your health are our top priority. Contact us at (703) 253-7399 to get started.

We recommend root canal therapy to relieve pain and save an infected tooth from extraction. Unfortunately, many people relate the pain from the infection to the procedure itself.

Root Canals Don’t Cause Pain

The truth is that a root canal procedure does not cause pain, they relieve it. At LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry, we ensure the treatment area is completely numb before we begin so that you won’t feel pain.

Our team is also sensitive to your concerns and will do everything to support you and help you feel comfortable. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and plenty of soothing amenities like pillows and noise-canceling headphones to help you relax.

Comfortable, Efficient Treatment

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!

Depending on the tooth involved, we usually complete a root canal over one or two visits. We complete the root canal therapy during your first appointment, then 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 have persistent tooth pain and think you may need root canal treatment, please call our Alexandria, VA, dental office to schedule an appointment.

If you have ever experienced jaw pain, trouble chewing, or a clicking sound when you open and close your mouth, you may be experiencing issues with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint connects your jawbone to your skull and acts like a hinge, and when it isn’t functioning correctly, it can be painful and irritating.

So, what are the available treatment options for TMJ disorders? Keep reading to learn more.

Finding Relief with TMJ Treatments

There are several different treatment options to alleviate your TMJ discomfort and improve your jaw function, including the following:

• Anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxers—Over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxers can help with TMJ pain.
• Mouthguards—An occlusal splint worn over your teeth may ease the discomfort caused by your TMJ. This appliance can even out your bite by positioning your lower jaw. We may also recommend a custom nightguard to relieve jaw joint pressure.
• Physical therapy—We may prescribe exercises to stretch and strengthen your jaw muscles.
• Education—Discovering the root cause of your TMJ issues may help; if we can figure out what is aggravating your TMJ, we may be able to alleviate your discomfort.

Interested in TMJ Treatments in Alexandria?

When you are ready to visit our dental office to discuss TMJ treatments, we will be here to take your call! The expert dental team at Life Advanced Integrated Dentistry is committed to helping you achieve the best oral health possible, and proper jaw function is an integral part of that. Please contact us at (703) 253-7399 for more information.

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. 

Do You Have More Invisalign Questions?

At LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry, we want you to feel fully informed about your dental treatment and are always happy to answer your questions. If you want to see if Invisalign is the right choice, please call our Alexandria, VA, dental office to schedule a consultation appointment.