Dr. Alan Dechter and Dr. Matthew Moy understand that each patient is different and has unique needs. We work with each patient on an individual basis to help them achieve and maintain optimal dental health. As a full-service dentist office in Wheaton, MD, we can address all your needs under one roof.
General dentistry is the foundation of our practice. We ensure our patients have a healthy mouth for a lifetime. If you want to change your smile, we offer custom dental treatment plans for patients with dental problems or who want a smile makeover. Our restorative services can also fix functional problems. No matter your dental needs, we are here to help.
Why Choose Dechter and Moy Dentistry?
Learn more about our practice with some of the reasons why we are equipped to become your new Wheaton dentist office:
Expert Dental Team
Our highly skilled and experienced dentists are experts in their field. They provide exceptional dental care and ensure your comfort.
Dr. Dechter earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1982. Since then, he has continued his education to keep up with advances in dentistry. Dr. Moy is a member of the Dawson Academy. Like Dr. Dechter, he stays on the pulse of dental technology.
Complete Dental Services
We offer a wide range of dental services, including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and emergency dental care. Whatever your dental needs may be, we’ve got you covered!
Comfortable and Relaxing Care
We understand that visiting the dentist can be stressful for some. That’s why we’ve created a calm and welcoming atmosphere in our office. Our friendly staff wants to make your experience as pleasant as possible.
If you have dental anxiety, we can provide sedation for your comfort. We can also pause during treatment or answer your questions beforehand so you can fully understand your care.
We Provide Family Dental Services to Patients in Wheaton, MD
As a family dental office, we see patients of all ages for preventative dental care. We can treat your entire family in one convenient office location. Our friendly office staff will work with you and your schedule to make sure we can see everyone in your family in one trip.
We recommend you bring your children in for their first visit when their primary teeth begin to erupt or by age one. Early dentist visits for children are essential. They allow us to spot major dental issues early on that can affect their speech or oral development.
Most importantly, they will allow us to gain your child’s trust and acclimate them to a dental office setting. We will do our best to make sure your child is comfortable and minimize anxious feelings. At these visits, we will also educate you and your child about healthy oral hygiene habits.
Why is General Dentistry Essential?
As a general dentist office, our job is to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. Visiting us at least twice a year is the best way to achieve this and maintain a healthy smile. At each visit, we will clean and polish your teeth, perform a thorough dental exam, and take X-rays when necessary.
If our dentist finds a problem, we can treat it early and when treatment is least invasive before it worsens. A common issue we often see is tooth cavities. If caught early, we can perform a simple tooth filling to fix it and prevent further decay. If the decay is significant, it may require a root canal or even a tooth extraction.
Stick to a strict oral hygiene routine between your visits to our Wheaton, MD, dental office. You can:
- Brush your teeth after meals or at least twice a day
- Floss daily to remove food stuck between teeth
- Use mouthwash once or twice a day
In addition, visit us every six months for the best chance at a healthy smile.
Restorative Dentistry
Not everyone is blessed with perfect oral health. Some people have neglected their teeth for years. Others have dental trauma. Whatever the cause, we help our patients regain the health and function of their teeth and gums using restorative treatments.
We are a no-judgement dental practice! Our dentists want our patients to feel comfortable coming to us for help. After an exam, we will create a treatment plan to help you regain your oral health. The restorative treatments we offer include:
- Dental Implants: Implants are posts that replace missing teeth at the root. They can secure single crowns, bridges, or dentures.
- Periodontal Therapy: If you have early signs gum disease, contact our office for preventive care. We can provide a deep gum cleaning to keep your mouth healthy.
- Dental Crowns: We use crowns to cover damaged and worn teeth. Crowns can also secure bridges or cover implants.
- Dental Bridges: Bridges fill the gaps left by one or more lost teeth. While traditional bridges use support from natural teeth, we recommend implants.
- Dentures and Partials: If you have rows of missing teeth, we will recommend partial dentures. Full dentures can restore full tooth arches.
The Many Benefits of Choosing Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry can provide you with quite a few benefits that extend beyond aesthetics. One of the primary advantages is the enhancement of your smile. Investing in the appearance of your teeth significantly boosts your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Cosmetic dental treatments such as tooth whitening, dental veneers, and clear aligners can correct many imperfections. Your dentist can address stains, chips, misalignment, and gaps, resulting in a more harmonious appearance.
Cosmetic dentistry can also improve oral health. If you have crooked teeth, straightening them makes it easier to clean the teeth. Cleaner teeth reduce the risk of decay and gum disease. Some treatments, like dental crowns or veneers, can restore damaged teeth and enhance chewing and speaking.
We rely on cosmetic dentistry to help you gain a more attractive smile and promote better oral hygiene and improved dental function. At Dechter and Moy Dentistry, we offer several cosmetic dentistry treatments, including:
- Clear Aligners: This alternative to braces uses comfortable aligners to straighten teeth over time.
- Teeth Bonding: Dental bonding adds structure to chipped and cracked teeth. Bonding may also cover stains.
- Teeth Whitening: Our teeth whitening treatments can brighten your teeth by multiple shades.
- Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are similar to bonding but last longer. Dental veneers are thin shells that cover one or more teeth in the smile line. We offer veneers that cover gaps between teeth, tooth stains, and misshappen teeth.
How We Use Advanced Dental Technology in Our Dentist Office
By incorporating advanced dental technology into your practice, our patients benefit in many ways. We aim to offer a higher standard of care and improve patient satisfaction. Using advanced dental technology and having compassion for our patients and their needs differentiate us from other dentist offices in Wheaton, MD.
Precision and Accuracy
Technologies like digital imaging, CAD/CAM systems, and 3D printing enable more accurate diagnoses and precise restorations. Modern technology can create better treatment outcomes.
Comfort and Convenience
Innovations like laser dentistry and digital impressions reduce discomfort and eliminate the need for traditional, often invasive procedures. This makes dental visits more comfortable.
Traditional dental impressions use messy, bad-tasting putty. Digital impressions use a handheld scanner to capture images of the teeth and gums. Unlike traditional surgical tools, laser dentistry is quiet and precise. Lasers only treat targeted hard and soft tissues.
Reduced Treatment Times
New tools and techniques can shorten treatment times. For example, CEREC technology allows for same-day crowns. This reduces the need for multiple visits. In some cases, you can get some cosmetic and restorative treatments in one office visit.
Better Communication and Education
Digital tools like intraoral cameras and patient education software help patients better understand their dental conditions and treatment options. These cameras help patients get involved in the decision-making process. Tools like intraoral cameras also help patients learn about their oral health.
Lower Risk of Errors
Automated tools and computer-guided systems reduce the risk of human error. These systems improve the overall safety and effectiveness of treatment.
They also help plan and guide treatments with a high degree of accuracy. This not only improves the overall safety of procedures but also leads to more predictable and successful outcomes for patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dentistry and dental office visit.
What kind of X-rays does a dentist do?
Dentists use several types of X-rays. Bitewing X-rays check for cavities between teeth. Panoramic X-rays show your mouth in one image. Periapical X-rays focus on single teeth from root to crown.
We might take full-mouth X-rays for new patients or comprehensive exams. The type we choose depends on your needs and dental history. Modern digital X-rays use less radiation and provide instant images for quicker diagnoses.
Can a tooth cavity heal on its own?
A tooth cavity can’t heal on its own. Once a cavity forms, it permanently damages the tooth’s enamel. Without dental treatment, the decay will continue to spread, cause more damage, and potentially lead to infection. Sometimes, you can stop or slow down early-stage cavities with fluoride treatments. However, a dentist must treat existing decay, usually with a filling.
Is a cleaning included in a dental exam?
Dental cleanings do not always include a dental exam. However, patients usually undergo them during the same visit. During a dental exam, the dentist checks your teeth, gums, and mouth for any issues. A dental hygienist usually performs a dental cleaning. The cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar buildup and polishing teeth. It’s best to confirm with your dental office whether or not they include both services in your appointment.
What happens if you don’t have enough bone for dentures?
If you lack sufficient bone for dentures, we have options. Bone grafting can build up your jawbone to support dentures. Alternatively, we might recommend implant-supported dentures, which require less bone. In some cases, we can design special dentures that fit your current bone structure. We’ll assess your situation and discuss the best approach.
Can a general dentist do root canals?
Many general dentists perform root canals, especially on front teeth and premolars. We have the training to handle these procedures. For complex cases or molars, we might refer you to an endodontist, a specialist in root canal therapy. The decision depends on the tooth’s location, the case’s complexity, and the dentist’s experience.
Which lasts longer, bonding or veneers?
Veneers typically outlast bonding. Porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or more with proper care. Dental bonding, however, usually needs replacement every 3-10 years. Veneers resist stains better and maintain their appearance longer. On the other hand, bonding is more prone to chipping and discoloration over time. We’ll consider your long-term goals and budget when recommending the best option.
Schedule an Appointment with our Dentist in the Wheaton, MD Area
Do you need a new dentist? Call today to schedule your visit with Dr. Moy or Dr. Dechter. You can reach us at (301) 508-9755 or schedule an appointment online.
If you have questions, let us know at your next visit. We offer cosmetic dentistry services to patients in our dentist office in Wheaton, MD, and the surrounding areas.