FAQS
Silver Spring, Maryland
Do you have a question in mind?
Do you have a question about appointments or your first visit? Below are a few questions that are often asked about our practice.
If you don’t see your question below contact us at 301-565-8889 or at frontdesk@sunshinesmilesdentalcare.com.
What are your office hours?
Sunshine Smiles Dental Care is open:
- Monday: 11:00 am-7:00pm
- Wednesdays: 7:00am-1:00pm
- Thursday: 11:00am-7:00pm
- Friday: 7:00am-1:00pm
Please note that our office will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
New Year’s Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas
How do I schedule an appointment?
For your convenience, we offer the following methods to schedule your appointments:
- Online scheduling: To request appointment availability, please click here to fill out the form. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
- Call our office at 301-565-8889.
- Email us at frontdesk@sunshinesmilesdentalcare.com with your preferred date or day of the week and time range, and our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
How often should I schedule regular check-ups?
The American Dental Association recommends twice-yearly exams and cleanings. Some people may need more frequent check-ups based on their dental needs. After your first exam, we’ll be able to determine the best frequency for your dental health.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
- Insurance card/information
- List of current medications and medical conditions
- X-rays taken in the last 6 months (if available)
What if I need to reschedule?
Please call our office at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment. We’ll work with you to help you find another date that fits your schedule.
What if I need emergency dental care?
If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you within 24 hours. If you need urgent dental care after our office hours your call will be forwarded to our after-hours emergency line.
What happens during my first visit?
Conduct a thorough examination on your first visit to determine the best course of action to achieve dental health and your goals. We will:
- Take full mouth x-rays to identify any current problems and to use as a baseline on future visits to detect early signs of problems.
- Assess gum condition and health.
- Examine teeth for cavities and condition of old dental restorations.
- Perform a head and neck exam, including salivary glands and lymph nodes, for swelling or other abnormalities.
- Screen for oral cancer and TMJ dysfunction (jaw joint).
- Clean and polish your teeth.
What services do you provide?
Sunshine Smiles Dental Care provides general comprehensive and preventive care for both adults and children ages 3 and up. Please click on our services tab for more details.
Why do I need to discuss my medical conditions with the dentist?
Many health conditions can affect oral health, so your medical information is very important in diagnosing issues with your teeth, gums and mouth. Also, any medications you may be taking could have oral effects or interact with medications we may prescribe or administer.
How often do fillings need to be replaced?
Fillings can last for many years, but over time they wear down, discolor, crack and sometimes fall out. Early detection of problems with fillings can help you avoid getting cavities under the filling and causing more serious decay. Let us know if you’re experiencing any pain. We’ll check your fillings at every visit to determine if any need to be replaced.
Do you use composite (tooth colored) or amalgam (silver) fillings?
Composite fillings are widely preferred to amalgam today to fill new cavities and replace old fillings needing repair.
Are x-rays necessary?
Absolutely. Dental x-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools. Many oral conditions occur between teeth or under the gums or bones, undetectable by the human eye, and may have no early signs or symptoms. Left untreated, these conditions can create serious dental and general health problems, including loss of teeth and heart problems. Early detection with x-rays can make treatment much less painful, faster, and less expensive. The American Dental Association recommends getting a full series every three years.
What is local anesthesia?
Local anesthesia is a numbing of the local area. It works by blocking the nerve that supplies sensation to the teeth in a specific area. Previously, Novocaine was a very common dental local anesthetic, but due to may allergic reactions to Novocaine, Lidocaine or Articaine are now more commonly used. You feel no pain during the procedure and are totally alert, aware, and able to function normally. The effect wears off fairly quickly with no side effects.
When should I start cleaning and brushing my child’s teeth?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should begin cleaning your child’s gums with a soft cloth soon after birth. As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing twice daily with a soft infant toothbrush and just a smear of toothpaste. When you come in for your child’s first visit, we’ll show you how to brush properly.
At what age should I schedule my child’s first visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends visiting the dentist as soon as the first tooth appears, or by the child’s first birthday. We can look for potential problems and help your child get to know us as their friend. These early visits can make your child’s experience with a dentist a positive one.
Can my teenager come alone to the appointment?
Please note that patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all visits. We want to meet with both of you to discuss findings and treatments, and to address your questions and concerns.