When you choose the Annapolis Center for Dental Health and Wellness, you’re getting access to an experienced team who cares not just about the health of your teeth but you as a person. Annapolis dentist Dr. Vernon Sheen spends time with each patient to deliver them the treatment they need comfortably and affordably.
In addition to preventive care and general dentistry, Dr. Sheen provides expert-level care for cosmetic dentistry and restorative dental treatments such as Invisalign, implant dentistry, and TMJ therapy.
Patient Information
Learn more about our office with these website links:
First Dental Visit
At your first dental visit, the dentist will typically begin by reviewing your medical and dental history, so it’s important to bring any relevant records or a list of medications you are currently taking. You should also bring your insurance information, if applicable.
The visit usually includes a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth, which may involve taking X-rays to assess your overall oral health. Our hygienists will clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar buildup, and may offer advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques. This first visit is also an opportunity to address any concerns or questions about your dental care.
What To Expect From Our Annapolis Dental Office
We recommend that you visit our dental office twice a year. Routine dental visits help us keep track of your oral health and keep your teeth and gums clean. These visits also help us treat dental problems early. A general dentistry appointment often includes:
Consultation
During an exam and consultation with Dr. Sheen, you will discuss your oral health and concerns. Dr. Sheen will review your medical and dental history, ask about symptoms you’re experiencing, and examine your teeth and gums. If needed, they might take X-rays to get a better look at your teeth and jaw.
After the exam, the dentist will discuss his findings with you and explain problems they see, like cavities or gum disease. They’ll also talk about treatment options, answer any questions you have, and help you decide on the best plan to keep your mouth healthy.
X-rays
During routine dental visits, our dentist will use digital X-rays to get a closer look at your teeth and jaw. Digital X-rays are a quick and painless way to capture detailed images. With X-rays, we can spot problems like cavities, tooth infections, bone loss, or impacted teeth that we can’t see during a regular exam.
Unlike traditional X-rays, digital X-rays use less radiation. The images appear instantly on a computer screen so we can review them with you right away. These X-rays are essential because they catch issues early before they become bigger problems, ensuring that your teeth and gums stay healthy.
Dental Cleanings
During a dental cleaning, a dental hygienist checks your mouth for signs of gum disease or other issues. Then, they use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. A dental scaler removes bacteria buildup around the gum line and between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
After that, they brush your teeth with gritty toothpaste and a high-powered electric brush to clean and polish them. They will also floss your teeth to remove any remaining debris. Finally, they rinse your mouth to wash away any leftover particles.
Sometimes, they’ll apply a fluoride treatment to help protect your teeth from cavities. The whole process usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and it helps keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright.
Screening
During a dental checkup, Dr. Sheen will perform a few screenings to make sure your mouth is healthy. At an oral cancer screening, Dr. Sheen will look inside your mouth, under your tongue, and at the back of your throat for symptoms. He will look for unusual lumps, sores, or red or white patches that could be signs of oral cancer.
A gum disease screening checks the health of your gums. Dr. Sheen will look for redness, swelling, and bleeding gums. He may also measure the spaces between your teeth and gums to see if any deep pockets could indicate gum disease.
For a cavity screening, Dr. Sheen carefully examines your teeth for signs of decay, like dark spots or holes. He may also use tools or X-rays to check for cavities in hard-to-see areas. These screenings are crucial to keep your mouth healthy and catch problems early.
Bite Exam
We can examine the TMJ and bite position at your regular dental checkup. During a bite exam, we will check how your upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth. Our dentist looks for signs that your teeth aren’t lining up properly, which could lead to problems like jaw pain, teeth grinding, or uneven tooth wear.
We may also ask you to bite down on a special piece of paper to see how your teeth make contact. If there are any issues, they might suggest treatments like braces, a mouthguard, or a bite adjustment to improve your bite. This exam is essential because a healthy bite helps keep your teeth and jaw working well together.
Dental Insurance and Payment Options
Dr. Vernon Sheen is committed to providing patients in Annapolis, Maryland, with the highest level of care and customer service. That includes helping to make the cost of dental care as easy and manageable as possible.
We offer a wide range of payment options to help you afford your dental care, including cash, check, and credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
Many of our patients use dental insurance benefits to cover part of the cost of their treatment. We accept most insurance plans and will gladly process your claim. Please bring the necessary information with you on your first visit.
Contact Our Dental Office
Call our Annapolis dentist today at (443) 482-5202. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Sheen online. If you have questions for our team, please let us know at your next office visit.