Heart attack, stroke, low birth weight, dementia, diabetes complications – these are just a few of the health problems associated with periodontal (gum) disease. This destructive bacterial infection that begins in the m
outh and then travels throughout the body is also the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
As you can see, gum disease is a serious condition that requires targeted treatment. That’s where we come in. At Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, Dr. Dougherty, Dr. Schlossberg, and Dr. Klotz provide comprehensive gum disease therapy for life-long oral health.
Early Diagnosis is Crucial to Success
Gum disease is often silent in the early stage, presenting few or no visible symptoms. Some patients may notice slight bleeding while brushing or experience bad breath that just won’t go away. Early detection is vital to combat gum disease, so our dentists use a periodontal probe to measure the area between teeth and gums. This measurement provides a precise gauge of periodontal health and enables the doctors to determine appropriate treatment.
Full-Service Care for all Stages of Gum Disease
We offer a comprehensive range of treatments to address gum disease at any stage. A deep cleaning and instruction on proper homecare often resolves gingivitis, which is early-stage gum disease. Your dentist may recommend topical antibiotic therapy to alleviate your symptoms. If you require periodontal surgery for severe gum disease, you can rest easy knowing that our dentists have advanced training in oral surgery. Your doctor will perform your procedure with compassion, attention to detail, and focus on what’s best for your individual needs. Soothing sedation will ensure your comfort and ease.
Don’t let gum disease harm your smile – or your health. Call today to schedule a comprehensive periodontal exam at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, your choice for personalized dental care.
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Our Tools and Technology Allow for Comfortable, Conservative Treatment
At Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, we are always looking for ways to improve patient experience and provide lasting treatment of the highest quality. In keeping with that, our office and team are equipped with a wide variety of the latest advances in dental technology. These tools and techniques are part of our overall effort to deliver relaxing, excellent care. In addition to investing in technology, our entire staff is committed to continuing education, so we can stay at the leading edge of dentistry. We believe that you deserve the best, and we work hard to provide it!
Bethesda Sedation Dentistry’s technology includes:
Air Abrasion
If you’re used to the traditional dental drill, you’re in for a pleasant surprise with air abrasion. As an alternative decay removal device, it uses a pressurized stream of particles to smooth away decayed tooth structure and prepare it for restoration with a tooth-colored filling or crown.
DIAGNOdent
Prevention and early detection of dental decay is one of the most important ways we keep our patients’ mouths healthy. DIAGNOdent uses laser technology to find problem areas that may be as yet undetectable by a routine visual inspection. By catching these problems now, we save our patients the headache of more costly and time intensive restorative procedures down the road.
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These days, you hear a lot about cosmetic dentistry procedures. Everyone’s looking for that extra edge for their image, and you may feel a little 
left behind by the talk of porcelain veneers, bonding, or dramatic teeth whitening. But the label “cosmetic” doesn’t have to be limited to purely aesthetic procedures. Did you know that we consider all the dentistry we perform here in our Bethesda office cosmetic? It’s true!
At Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, our dentists take a comprehensive approach to your dental care, which means that whether we’re addressing a cavity with a tooth-colored filling or repairing a damaged tooth with a porcelain crown, we focus on your smile’s integrity. We take into account the health of your teeth, gums, and surrounding structure, as well as the attractive appearance your smile presents to the world. Each treatment is designed to improve and maintain your aesthetics, comfort, and overall wellness.
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Many people suffer with embarrassing bad breath and find it’s a stumbling block when interacting with others. You may spend more time 
worrying about whether you can safely whisper something to your date rather than focusing on just having a good time at the movies. And forget the goodnight kiss! If you battle halitosis (bad breath), there’s good news. At Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, our dentists can give you professional advice and tools to restore fresh breath.
Why do I have bad breath?
The answer to that question consists of two elements leading to the same result. One cause is certain foods that contain sulfur compounds, like garlic and cabbage. When these foods are digested, the sulfur is released and is carried into our lungs through the bloodstream, and then exhaled - yuck! The other cause is bacteria in the mouth that feed on food particles left behind after we eat. The bacteria create the sulfur compounds that make foul-smelling breath.
How can I eliminate bad breath?
The most important weapon in your arsenal to fight bad breath is proper dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly will work to remove the layer of plaque and food particles that invites bacteria, as well as remove the bacteria so they can’t produce the sulfur compounds which cause bad breath. Our dentists here at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry can provide patients with special mouthwash and toothpaste that contains chlorine dioxide. This formula will kill bacteria and neutralize sulfuric gases.
Talk to the experts
Don’t let a halitosis problem hold you back any longer. Ask Dr. Dougherty, Dr. Schlossberg, or Dr. Klotz about effective fresh-breath treatments and strategies at your next appointment in our Bethesda dental office. Call today to schedule a visit–we look forward to improving your quality of life through excellent dental care!