Preventive Care in Washington, D.C.
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Contact UsOverview
At the Washington Center for Dentistry, our seasoned team of dentists emphasizes preventive care and customizes oral hygiene treatment. Our goal is to help catch dental conditions, like periodontal disease, as early as possible before they become a serious cause of concern. For this reason, we are excited to offer innovative saliva testing to the Greater Washington, D.C. community to help our patients maintain their best smile and overall health. Our specific test focuses on identifying 11 different types of oral bacteria that can travel through the teeth and gum tissue into the bloodstream, which can greatly affect an individual’s general health, even when patients don’t show signs of periodontal disease.
Risk of Oral Bacteria
Life-changing research was discovered during a landmark peer-reviewed study completed by the co-founders of the BaleDoneen Method®, Bradley Bale, M.D. and Amy Doneen, D.N.P. They are the first medical researchers to report that harmful bacteria from periodontal disease can travel through the bloodstream, which isn’t just a risk factor for, but a contributing cause of heart disease. They published their highly researched, evidence-based study, the oral-systematic link, in 2016. This extensive report revealed that oral bacteria release chemicals that make it easier for cholesterol to overrun the artery walls, which can lead to severe blood clots that can obstruct blood flow, causing a heart attack or stroke.
Washington Center for Dentistry Reviews
I was in DC for a summer internship and had to make an emergency dental appointment for HORRIBLE tooth pain that basically sprang up overnight. The doctors here were able to see me same-day (and the front desk had such compassion for me!). The doctors were able to quickly diagnose my problem and refer me to a specialist for a root canal— the specialist was incredible! I also want to note that my dentist at home consistently dismissed my complaints of sensitivity and pain. The dentists at this office were able to determine within minutes that I needed a root canal! I would give more than 5 stars if I could, and will absolutely be searching for a new dentist, who is as good as the dentists at Washington Center for Dentistry, when I return home.
I really like the warm water polishing and of course the people are amazing! WCD has been my dentist for over a decade.
I have had repairs and cleanings at Washington Center for Dentistry, and every time the work has been superb, the experience flawless, and smoothly run, with an amazing finished product! Thank you, Dr Shlansky!
I’ve been to Dr Matin for two extraction and prep for a future implant. He is careful, concerned (answers all questions clearly and completely) and his work is impeccable. Best of all zero pain or discomfort after the operation- something not that common I think. Highly recommend
No one really wants to need gum grafts, but if you do need them, you want an excellent doctor to conduct the surgery. Dr. Matin is wonderful, warm, and top notch. He has done two grafts on me (five years ago; they’ve healed beautifully), and I’m scheduled for a third. Additionally, everyone in his office is so incredibly nice and helpful!
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Your Bacterial Blueprint
At the Washington Center for Dentistry, our objective is to eradicate or lower levels of these harmful oral bacteria. We accomplish this by performing saliva testing to gain a better understanding of your unique bacterial blueprint. Common oral bacteria that are cause for concern, which are identified with this test, include:
- Pg (porphyromonas gingivalis)
- En (eubacterium nodatum)
- Aa (actinobacillus actinomycetemcomtians)
Each of these bacteria traps cholesterol in the arteries, which can lead to dangerous, life-threatening blood clots. These bacteria are often involved with heart disease, dental decay, and plaque in the arteries.
What to Expect
A saliva test is a simple, noninvasive process that involves a quick, gargling-collection method. When you visit our office, we will have you spit into a small cup and will then send the sample to a certified lab to test it to identify and measure the specific bacteria in your mouth. Since bacteria are too small to notice with the naked eye, this technique is necessary to enable accurate identification. Once the sample has been analyzed, our office will receive a personal bacteria report that provides information about your saliva and potential health risks.
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About UsTreatment
If any harmful bacteria are found, our team will put together an individualized treatment plan that may involve the following:
- Laser therapies that remove biofilm (bacteria)
- Comprehensive dental cleanings
- Microbial mouth rinses
- Probiotic tablets
- Oral antibiotics
Benefits of Saliva Testing
The incredible benefit of saliva testing involves assessing your health risks and identifying dangerous oral bacteria to prevent life-threatening diseases or conditions, like:
- Chronic inflammation as a result of high cholesterol, obesity, infection, or pre-diabetes
- Blood clots, which prevent healthy blood flow
- Heart disease
- Risk of stroke
- Dental decay
- Rheumatoid arthritis