- Dental ExaminationDuring your routine dental exam, Dr. Gallegos will ask you some questions and look at your teeth, cheeks, lips, tongue, and throat to look for physical symptoms of snoring and OSA.
- X-raysDental x-rays are very safe, and dentists are very conscientious about x-ray exposure.Digital x-rays are very low exposure.A full series of dental x-rays is about the amount of exposure you receive taking an airline flight across country.A full series of x-rays is an essential part of a complete examination and smaller series of x-rays are part of a periodic examination.Your frequency of x-rays should be determined in consultation with your dentist based on your history of cavities and other risk factors.
- Oral Cancer ScreeningMany other non-cancerous changes can occur in your mouth's tissue, from oral warts to autoimmune lesions. Utilizing the oral cancer screening device VELscope, Dr. Gallegos draws on his background in oral pathology to determine if any abnormalities should be removed or simply monitored.
- Teeth Cleaning"Honestly the best dentist office and staff! Had a teeth cleaning today and they are incredible! I highly recommend this dentist and his staff!"
- Fluoride Treatment
- Dental SealantsSealants give us a tool that can dramatically reduce the number of fillings placed in permanent teeth during critical stages of growth and development. On the chewing surface of molars, deep grooves reach into the center of the teeth. Under a microscope, these crevices might look like a deep canyon. In fact, most of them are narrower than a single toothbrush bristle but wide enough for bacteria to hide. It's easy to see how cavities can form in such a perfect hideout.
- Fillings
- VeneersVeneers display the ultimate in dental art and science, handcrafted and customized to fit your smile. Like a contact lens, these thin pieces of porcelain bond to the outside of your natural teeth. But don't be fooled by the thin characteristics of this material. Many unique features and strength are incorporated into the ceramics, replicating most any look you want to create.
- CrownsSometimes teeth undergo significant damage due to cavities, heavy bite forces, trauma, or even normal functioning. Many situations can leave teeth in danger of loss if treatment is bypassed. While teeth may need to be fully “capped” with a dental crown, some smaller fractures can be perfectly formed back to health with an onlay. A crown requires a little more tooth preparation while onlays allow the unbroken portions of a tooth to be left uncut. A custom piece of porcelain, like a partial crown, is bonded to the damaged area.
- BridgesWhenever you cruise across a bridge over the water, you're being supported by the same principles that hold a dental bridge. Critical stabilization on each side helps bear the load, year after year. Teeth on either side of a space support a replacement tooth engineered from durable materials and glued into place. While this often serves for many years, the load-bearing teeth may deteriorate after thousands of chewing cycles. In some cases, this leads to more missing teeth.
- Dental Bonding
- Restorative DentistryWe know it's not always easy for you to sort through the complicated possibilities. Dr. Gallegos' background in restorative dentistry allow him to develop solutions for every scenario.
- Root Canal TreatmentWhile many patients are concerned about root canals, modern techniques often make this procedure as quick and simple as any other procedure. Infected teeth in danger of removal can be disinfected and filled with a sealer, leaving a safe solution for problematic situations.
- Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty
- DenturesDentures offer an affordable way to replace any number of missing teeth in your mouth. They have a long history of success and continue to earn a place in the list of options for rebuilding your smile.
- Dental ImplantsWhen it's time to replace missing teeth, whether it's one or a full set, several options might be available to you. Dental implants often give you the best opportunity to enjoy normal chewing and a full smile, although all therapeutic possibilities deserve consideration.
- Oral Surgery
- Bone GraftingThe bone around your teeth is highly specialized and doesn't regenerate when it's lost. Your teeth rely on this bony foundation to remain stable and functional, and even small defects can compromise your ability to maintain a tooth. Sometimes we can repair these defects by adding bone grafting materials.
- OrthodonticsOrthodontics involves teeth straightening and jaw alignment, combining beauty and function. Identifying problems early in development may allow easier treatment with better results, but it's never too late to discuss ways to enhance a smile!
- Invisalign OrthodonticsTray or aligner systems render a modern straightening method. Designed with sophisticated software and 3D digital models of your teeth, a series of clear plastic trays produce the straightening results. Medical-grade plastic without wires, metal, springs, or rubber bands gently moves your teeth into place. Gradual pressure on specific teeth with each aligner means less discomfort and shortened treatment times, in many cases. Your provider dispenses several sets of aligners at a time, allowing you to change to a new one at home every two weeks.
- BracesAlthough the majority of cases involve teenagers, braces or orthodontic appliances can play a role for some kids in their earlier years. Since permanent teeth are typically larger than baby teeth, space may need to be opened with the gentle force of braces or appliances. This allows the jaws to grow and the teeth to move into place properly, helping avoid more extensive treatment later.
- Teeth WhiteningSometimes a new smile emerges from the simplest steps. Teeth whitening removes years of dingy stains from your teeth. Coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and chocolate dull white enamel surfaces. A brilliant boost along with some gentle polishing and reshaping of chipped, uneven edges can create an easy transformation. Simple and safe, most patients don't realize how much discoloration embeds into their teeth until they see a new shine emerge.
- Cosmetic DentistryWhitney asked Dr. Gallegos to perform some cosmetic dentistry on herself as well. “He listened to what I wanted and we came up with a compromise. For very little cost I was able to do something really nice for myself.”
- General DentistryDr. Gallegos has practiced dentistry and served in its professional organizations since graduating from Georgetown University School of Dentistry in 1984. He is a visiting faculty member of SPEAR Education, an Alumnus of the L.D. Pankey Institute, a member in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine; he is a Fellow in the International College of Dentists, the American College of Dentists, and the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD). He is also a member of the American Dental Association and the Virginia Dental Association. In addition, Dr. Gallegos is a past President and General Chairman of the District of Columbia Dental Society.