Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

If you have yet to visit your dentist since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, you will find that more than a few things have changed since your last appointment. Before, we put on a mask and gloves and started your checkup but now, there are new protocols to keep you safe in a post-COVID-19 world. So, what exactly are we doing to prepare for your upcoming visit? Read on to find out.

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As we all prepare to come back to some semblance of normalcy, we at Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, wanted to take a few moments to outline what we do to keep you, our patients safe. Some of these items are precautions we have always taken; some are new to keep you safe in a post COVID-19 world. Regardless, the safety of both you and our team are of the utmost priority. Should you have any questions or concerns during your visit you are all welcome to contact me directly at the email address below.

We have always taken infection control extremely seriously. We abide by the American Dental Association (ADA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Virginia Dental Board and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommendations to use Standard Precautions.

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Due to the recent global outbreak of COVID-19, dentists throughout the country have adopted protocols to keep both staff and patients safe. Because dentistry requires close proximity between the team member and the individual receiving treatment, it is necessary for a dental practice to make sure the highest standards of cleanliness, personal hygiene, and safety are observed. So what is your dentist doing to ensure better protection? Read on to learn about the 4 major precautions that are designed to keep dental offices virus-free.

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Throughout the years, you may have gotten into the habit of visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. That is an excellent practice! These regular appointments play a key role in helping you maintain a fresh and healthy smile. But what if your local dental office is currently closed and you are worried about missing your next preventive dentistry appointment? There is no need to worry. Let’s discuss why many dental practices are currently closed. Then, we’ll talk about some practical steps you can take to safeguard your oral health until your dentist resumes normal operations.

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If you’re one of the millions of Americans who have lost a tooth, a dental bridge is a wonderful solution because it restores both the appearance and function of your smile. But, like any dental work, a bridge is an investment that you want to last as long as possible. Fortunately, a bridge can last 10 to 15 years or more! But one common question is, “Can the teeth that support my dental bridge get cavities?” In this blog, you’ll get the answer to that question and learn about the various problems that can cause a bridge to fail. You’ll also get great tips for maintaining your bridge to help it last many years.

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Did you know that porcelain veneers were invented in Hollywood in the 1920’s? A California dentist needed a way to correct multiple cosmetic flaws at once and give movie stars a beautiful smile. However, at that time, porcelain veneers only stayed on the teeth temporarily. Now they can last 10-15 years, but the only requirement is that you have to take good care of them. Fortunately, maintaining your new smile is easy to do. Keep reading for 4 aftercare tips that will keep your porcelain veneers in Harrisonburg looking great for as long as possible.

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Have you taken full advantage of your dental PPO plan this year? Most patients let their insurance benefits reset at the end of the year without meeting the annual maximum, but by seeing receiving dental treatment now, you could be saving money in the long run. Take the time to review your plan and see how scheduling an appointment with your cosmetic dentist in Harrisonburg could be good for your bank account.

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The stains on your teeth are making it hard to look in the mirror most mornings. You know you want to do something about it but trying to determine which dental professional is best for removing stains isn’t always easy. You have your general dentist, but do they take care of cosmetic problems? To help alleviate any confusion, let us share some of the differences between a general and cosmetic dentist, so you can get started on achieving a whiter, brighter smile.

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Have you recently had dental implants placed? Are you happy with your newly restored smile? Patients who choose this method of tooth replacement often find the benefits are overwhelming worth the cost of the procedure, but in order for this investment to be worth it, you must take proper care of your new restorations. To help you maintain a longer-lasting, complete smile, here are 5 dental implant maintenance tips you should follow.

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When it comes to taking care of your oral health, it’s important to understand exactly what your dentist means when they use certain terms. You’ve probably heard the term “tooth enamel” before, but do you know exactly what it is? Or why it’s so important to protect it? Here’s what you need to know about enamel and how you can use that knowledge to take better care of your teeth.

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