Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept many dental insurance plans and will help you understand your benefits. We also offer flexible payment options for uninsured patients.

Where are you located?

LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry is located in Alexandria, VA. Visit our contact page for our full address, hours, and directions.

Why do my gums bleed when I brush?

Bleeding gums are often an early sign of gum disease. It's important to seek treatment before it progresses.

What is the difference between bonding and veneers?

Bonding uses tooth-colored resin to correct small flaws, while veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the front of teeth for a more dramatic change.

Are dental bridges permanent?

Dental bridges are fixed prosthetics and can last many years with proper care, though they may eventually need to be replaced.

What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?

A crown covers a damaged tooth, while a bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to surrounding teeth.

Are dental implants painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort. We use advanced techniques and anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

What are the steps for getting a dental implant?

The process typically includes a consultation, implant placement, healing time, and finally the placement of a crown or restoration.

What are the common reasons for undergoing full mouth reconstruction?

Patients with severe wear, multiple missing teeth, trauma, or bite issues may benefit from full mouth reconstruction to restore function and appearance.

Will a root canal hurt and how long does it take?

Modern root canals are typically no more uncomfortable than a filling. Most can be completed in one to two visits.

What are the treatment options for TMJ?

TMJ treatment may include oral appliances, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or bite adjustments depending on your condition.

What are the pros and cons of Invisalign?

Invisalign is clear, removable, and more comfortable than traditional braces. However, success requires discipline to wear aligners as prescribed.

Preventive Dentistry

A Healthy, Beautiful Smile Starts Here

Preventive dental services like exams and teeth cleanings are an investment in your future oral health and wellness.

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Dental Exams & Cleanings in Alexandria, VA

Q: What is integrated dentistry?

Integrated dentistry considers how oral health impacts your overall wellness. We combine preventive care with a holistic, whole-body approach.

Q: Why do I need to visit the dentist if my teeth don't hurt?

Dental issues can develop silently. Routine visits help catch problems early — before pain or costly treatment is needed.

Preventive dental care At LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry is about more than just maintaining your oral health; it is an essential component of overall wellness.

Dr. Charissa Chin, an experienced dentist in Alexandria, VA, views your body as a complex, interconnected system. We know that excellent oral health plays a significant role in maintaining overall health and that the reverse is also true.

The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Health

One of the greatest threats to oral health is gum disease which starts as a seemingly harmless plaque buildup. If you don’t remove plaque through oral hygiene or routine teeth cleanings, it can develop into an infection that eventually damages the gums and structures that support your teeth.

Unfortunately, the effects of gum disease do not always stay confined to your mouth. Mountains of scientific research indicate a strong connection between gum disease and health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and many others.

Investing in Prevention Is a Gift to Your Future Self

Making time for routine comprehensive exams and teeth cleanings offers multiple benefits. By helping you stay a step ahead of dental disease, they can minimize your risk for complex dental issues and discomfort. Equally important, these services support your overall health and wellness today and in the future.

Benefits of Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry plays a vital role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. They also keep your smile clean, fresh, and bright. Here are three benefits of dental cleanings in Alexandria, VA.

Prevents Cavities and Gum Disease

Regular dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar and help prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease from developing.

Early Detection of Oral Health Issues

Routine visits allow your dentist to catch potential problems like cavities or gum disease early, making treatment easier.

Promotes Long-Term Oral Health

Consistent preventive care leads to better long-term oral health and reduces the likelihood of needing extensive treatments in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is integrated dentistry?

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.

Why do I need to visit the dentist if my teeth don't hurt?

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.

Your Comprehensive Dental Exam

The wheels are already in motion when you arrive at LIFE A.I.D. for your dental exam. We believe every patient is unique, so we start with an in-depth risk assessment form you complete before your appointment. This form provides a valuable understanding of your health history and lifestyle, allowing us to individualize your care.

Once in the exam room, Dr. Chin conducts a thorough examination, looking not just for visible issues but hidden ones too. We use advanced technologies like 3-D cone beam CT scans for accurate diagnoses and incorporate oral cancer screenings into every new patient exam.

When Dr. Chin concludes your exam, she tabulates all results and recommends treatment based on these findings. This approach makes you aware of insights into your oral health that you may not know.

We will help you understand your risks for decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. When you understand your risks, you can make informed decisions that benefit your oral health.

Professional Teeth Cleaning with a Hygienist

Our dental hygienist performs your teeth cleaning with meticulous care, removing plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing at home might miss. These routine appointments are crucial even if your teeth feel fine because they allow us to watch for signs of gum disease that may be developing without your knowledge.

Taking on Gum Disease

Gum disease can be insidious. The treatment we recommend depends on whether you have gingivitis or the more advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis. In either case, we will create an individualized plan to eliminate the disease or prevent it from progressing.

Book Your Next Dental Exam and Teeth Cleaning with Us

If you are ready to take charge of your oral and overall health, Dr. Chin and the team at LIFE A.I.D. would be happy to help you. Call our Alexandria, VA, dental office today to schedule your comprehensive dental exam and cleaning and take the first step to total health and wellness. We not only serve patients in Alexandria but also in all surrounding communities, including Franconia, Kingstowne, Springfield, West Springfield, North Springfield, Fairfax, Lincolnia, Annandale, Manassas, and Falls Church.

Meet Our Dentist:

Dr. Charissa Chin

Dr. Charissa Chin is a dedicated and passionate dentist based in Alexandria, VA, known for her comprehensive approach to oral health and her commitment to lifelong learning. She holds an Advanced Education in General Dentistry certificate from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, and a General Practice Residency certificate from Berkshire Medical Center, a major affiliate of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. The scope of her advanced training have equipped her with increased knowledge and expanded skills to provide excellent care to patients who have multiple medical conditions and ...

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Preventive Dentistry Technology

Intraoral Cameras

Did you ever sit through a dental exam and wish you could see what your dentist sees? Now you can! Our handheld intraoral camera captures images of your teeth in real time and projects the magnified images on your chairside monitor. As our dentist in Alexandria examines your teeth, you can see what she sees, allowing you to play an active part in your dental care. Instead of being told about a worn or broken tooth, now you can see it in detail. We can pause during a procedure and use the intraoral camera to show you the progress we've made and also to give you a peek at the final result when we're finished. You will better understand your dental needs and be empowered to make informed decisions about your treatment.

Oral Health Wellness Scans

Wellness scanning at LIFE A.I.D. uses a sophisticated intraoral scanner that takes thousands of digital images to capture your teeth and gum structures. This process takes 3–5 minutes and is safe and comfortable because it is non-invasive and requires no radiation.

By taking these scans annually, Dr. Chin can use the technology to overlay new results with the previous ones. This allows her to closely monitor changes in your teeth and gums year over year and ensures timely intervention for issues such as tooth wear and gum recession.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

Dental Exams and Cleanings Support Total Wellness

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