Dr. E. Taylor Meiser provides comprehensive general dentistry services in Annapolis, MD. General dental treatments offer routine care for patients and focus on preventative care. We recommend appropriate dental services to treat any immediate dental concerns. Our office also recommends general dental care to prevent the development of future oral health problems.
For example, patients who wear custom sports mouthguards can protect their teeth from injuries and tooth loss. Also, removing a badly infected tooth stops the infection from spreading to other teeth. Our general dental treatments help keep your teeth healthy now and help you have a strong, healthy smile in the future.
General Dentistry Treatments at Lighthouse Family Dentistry
Our general dental services focus on keeping your teeth and gums healthy and preventing common problems like cavities and gum disease. We help lower the chance of common dental problems through regular check-ups, cleanings, and other preventive care. When we find problems early, we can fix them before they become more serious or expensive to treat. Our general services are important in addition to routine dental care to keep your teeth and gums in great shape.
Custom Mouthguard
Custom sports mouthguards protect the teeth from injury and loss during contact sports. We recommend mouthguards to patients who play sports where there’s contact between players. Patients should also wear mouthguards if they play common contact sports like football, soccer, and lacrosse.
Compared to store-bought mouthguards, professional mouthguards are comfortable and easy to use. To learn more about what custom sports mouthguards offer to athletes and how we create them, see Custom Mouthguard.
Emergency Dentistry
Contact Lighthouse Family Dentistry if you have a dental emergency. We treat common emergencies like knocked-out permanent tooth, broken dental restorations, and objects stuck between teeth. If you have a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact our office. See Emergency Dentistry to learn more.
Family Dentistry
As a family dentist, Dr. Meiser offers high-quality and professional care for patients of all ages. Dr. Meiser and his team work with parents to understand how to care for their child’s teeth at home. Lighthouse Family Dentistry also provides dental sealants and fluoride treatments to protect children’s teeth against decay. To learn more about how our family dental services could benefit you and your family, see Family Dentistry.
Laser Dentistry
Dental lasers are a modern treatment option for gum disease, tongue-tie, lip-tie, and a “gummy smile”. Lasers offer many benefits over traditional surgical methods. Dental lasers are painless, quiet, and precise. They also don’t require sutures. We use dental lasers to offer quiet and comfortable treatment. To learn more about how we use lasers in our office, see Laser Dentistry.
Dental Sedation
Sedation dentistry relaxes patients for pain-free dental care. Common forms of sedation include oral conscious sedation. Each type of sedation has different pros and cons for patients. We’ll discuss your needs and medical history before we make a recommendation.
Dental sedation may also calm patients’ nerves when they experience severe dental anxiety. To learn more, see Dental Sedation.
Tooth Extraction
We recommend dental extractions if you have overcrowded, infected, or impacted teeth. Many people think that it’ll hurt to get a tooth pulled, but removing a problem tooth can stop the pain. We also use anesthetics and sedation so you won’t feel pain. If we need to replace your teeth, we provide permanent tooth replacement options. To learn more about this treatment in our office, see Tooth Extraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about general dentistry? We’re here to help. Learn more with answers to these commonly asked questions about our general dental services.
How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up?
You should visit Lighthouse Family Dentistry for a check-up every six months. These regular visits help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Dr. Meiser will look for problems like cavities or gum disease at these visits. You’ll also get a professional dental cleaning from one of our registered dental hygienists.
Some people may need to visit more often to treat chronic gum disease, cavities, or other dental problems. Dr. Meiser will let you know what’s best for your needs and will fit dental care in your schedule.
What should I do if I have tooth sensitivity?
If you have tooth sensitivity, the first step is to let us know. You may have a sensitive tooth for multiple reasons. Sensitive teeth can happen when the enamel wears down or when gums pull away from the teeth and expose the root. A damaged tooth can also expose the inside of the tooth and increase the risk of a cavity.
In our office, we’ll examine your mouth and may take X-rays to find out what causes the sensitivity. We’ll recommend treatment based on the cause of your tooth pain. At home, avoid highly acidic foods and drinks. Also, brush with a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth.
Are dental lasers safe?
Yes, dental lasers are safe to use and have been approved by the FDA. We can use them on your teeth and gums to provide gentle and comfortable treatment. Using lasers often means less pain and faster healing compared to traditional dental tools. Many patients find laser treatments easier and less scary because they are quick and cause less discomfort.
Will I need a wisdom tooth extraction?
Most people will need to have their wisdom teeth removed at some point. Wisdom teeth are the last set of adult teeth to come in, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Many times, these teeth don’t have enough room to grow properly. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, or infections.
But not everyone has impacted wisdom teeth. Some people’s wisdom teeth come in straight and don’t cause any problems. During your regular dental visits, Dr. Meiser uses digital X-rays to check how your teeth are growing. If we see that your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing pain, we’ll help you schedule an extraction to prevent future issues and keep your mouth healthy.
Is dental sedation safe for children?
Yes, dental sedation can be safe for children when used properly. We often use nitrous oxide, also called “laughing gas,” mixed with oxygen for younger patients. This type of sedation helps children feel calm and relaxed during treatments like tooth extractions or cavity fillings. It works quickly and wears off fast, so kids can go back to normal activities soon after treatment.
Dental sedation helps make dental visits painless and less scary for children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry supports nitrous oxide and oxygen for its safety. We always make sure to use the right amount to keep your child comfortable and safe throughout their visit.
Call Our Dental Office Today
You can get dental care in Annapolis or Edgewater, MD. If you’re looking for a new dentist in Annapolis or a more personalized dental care experience, we offer the best. Request a dental consultation with Dr. Meiser on our website.
You may also call Lighthouse Family Dentistry at 410-324-7287. Let our team know if you have more questions or concerns at your next consultation. We look forward to seeing you at your next visit.