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General Dentistry
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General Dentistry in Gaithersburg MD

At Lakeforest Dental Associates, we treat patients and their families in Gaithersburg, MD.

Whether your youngest family members need pediatric dentistry, or you and older family members are looking for comprehensive general dentistry, we offer a variety of dental services that fits all needs. We will keep every member of your family happy, healthy, and smiling.

Excellent general dentistry in Gaithersburg, MD, builds a foundation between a patient and their dentist. The American Dental Association recommends routine dental visits at intervals determined by your dentist. During these regular visits, a bond of mutual respect and trust is built. Dr. Neil Daftay and Dr. Robert Zaner are Gaithersburg general dentists and will track any changes to your oral health, maintain a detailed patient record for each visit, and get to know your lifestyle and dental needs.

Your dentist is there to reduce your risk for cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, oral cancer, and other oral health issues. If you participate in an active lifestyle, your general dentist may recommend mouth-guards to protect your teeth. If you find yourself constantly tired and moody, even after a full night's sleep, your dentist might check for signs of sleep apnea. If you have an important event coming up and want to look your best, your dentist can work with you to fix smile flaws and imperfections. In short, your general dentist is your go-to for excellent oral health and general well-being.

Your oral health improves significantly when you maintain the same dentist over the years. If you're looking to switch to a new general dentist, we invite you to give us a visit.

What Is General Dentistry?

group photo of a family partyGeneral dentistry in Gaithersburg, MD, incorporates preventive dentistry services and dental procedures that address any oral health issues. To maintain happy and healthy smiles, we recommend at-home oral hygiene like brushing and flossing in between dental cleanings. Your general dentist can educate patients on good nutrition, proper brushing techniques, and more.

Dr. Daftary and Dr. Zaner are your primary oral health care providers. They identify, diagnose, care for, and maintain your oral health needs. Your general dentist will ensure gum health, provide root canal therapy, tooth-colored fillings for cavities, customize dental crowns and veneers, prescribe bridges and dentures, and continuously educate their patients on proper oral habits.

What Are General Dentistry Services?

Many of our patients may not be completely clear on what general dentistry covers.

General dentistry includes:

  • Preventive dentistry – dental exams, professional dental cleanings, x-rays
  • Restorative dentistry – fillings, crowns, bonding
  • Tooth-replacement – implants, dentures, partials, bridges
  • Emergency dentistry – addressing unexpected dental concerns
  • Cosmetic dentistry – teeth whitening, veneers, cosmetic bonding, tooth-colored restorations, Invisalign orthodontics

What Makes Us Different

Both Dr. Neil Daftary and Dr. Robert Zaner like to take a proactive approach to dental care. We don't believe in a "wait and see" attitude because, in many situations, that only alows conditions to worsen. By diagnosing and treating dental problems early, we can protect your smile and often prevent more complex or invasive treatment in the future.

We welcome family members of all ages. Our office has a multi-generational focus when it comes to family and general dentistry. Our skills allow us to treat patients at every age and every stage of life, recognizing that your oral health will change over time.

We Provide High-Quality Restorations

dental crown caps on a surfaceMissing a tooth can be an uncomfortable experience, but getting it restored doesn't have to be.

At Lakeforest Dental Associates, you have many different options to bring back your smile, from dental bridges to dentures to dental implants. Our restorative dentistry uses high-quality materials combined with the skills of both Dr. Daftary and Zaner to achieve beautiful results. We are detail-oriented and strive to make every dental restoration match your smile perfectly and give you lasting protection.

Dental implants are considered the gold standard for permanent tooth restoration. A thin titanium post is secured in your jaw bone, fusing to your jaw and becoming an artificial tooth root. The dental crown that fits over the implant is shaped and sized to look like your existing teeth. Your general dentist can even make your new tooth look precisely like the original tooth.

Are you tired of living with a gap in your smile? Consider your tooth replacement options! Call Lakeforest Dental Associates today.

Don't Worry about Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy can become necessary to save a tooth. When your root and pulp become infected, your general dentist will need to remove the infection. You may need root canal therapy if you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • Tooth pain
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Swelling around the tooth
  • Bleeding gums
  • Gum blister

The most common sign of infection is pain, which root canal therapy in Gaithersburg, MD, can relieve. Your general dentist will do a deep cleaning of your tooth and remove the infection from the root. Your tooth will be filled and, in many cases, protected by a dental crown.

A dental crown is a protective "cap" that covers the whole surface of your tooth to the gum line, protecting your tooth, absorbing bite pressure, and stabilizing the integrity of the tooth. Because dental crowns are custom-shaded to match your smile, no one will ever know.

We Are a Privately Owned Dental Practice

We started this dental practice with you in mind. We keep our schedules open enough that we will always have time to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have. Because we don't have a corporate office to answer to, we never rush our patients to meet a quota.

If you need extra time and attention to go over a procedure or to go over your dental options, our dentists will take all the time you need. We want you to feel educated and aware of each procedure and confident about the treatment we recommend.

We became dentists because we love taking care of people and serving the families in our community.

True Family Dentistry

dentist using an intraoral camera on a patientIn addition to welcoming patients of all ages, we strive to improve the health of our community by spreading the word about effective oral health care. We have families in our office that span four generations, and we love to see the families in our practice grow.

We also never make our patients feel guilty for missing a few (or more than a few) dental visits but focus instead on helping you get back on track to good health. Your oral health and your overall health are connected and affect one another.

Contact Us to Schedule Your Next Dental Exam

If you have questions about whether we are the right dental office for you, contact our Gaithersburg dental office today. You can come by, too, if you would like to meet our team before scheduling an appointment.

We want you to feel confident in the family dentist you choose, and we are honored that you are considering Lakeforest Dental Associates for your general dentistry needs.

Longtime, Happy Patient Testimonial | Lakeforest Dental Associates

Frequently Asked Questions

family dentist | general dentist | gaithersburg mdWe are welcoming new patients of all ages to our Gaithersburg dental office.

One of the best things about choosing Lakeforest Dental Associates for your family dentistry is that we welcome every member of your family: toddlers, kids, teens, adults, and seniors. Everyone in your family can get the great dental care they deserve under one roof.

We Are Family Dentists

We love getting to know the families in our community. Part of the joy of our job is watching families grow – seeing kids go off to college and then cleaning their teeth when they come home on break. Seeing marriages, births, and even welcoming grandkids who are coming in with their grandparents. We look forward to your visits every six months not only so we can take great care of you, but also because we can catch up on the happenings in your family!

We provide most dental services that patients will need right here. We even offer orthodontics with Invisalign and root canal treatment without the need for a referral. If you do happen to need a referral for a procedure, we work with the best specialists in our area.

Book a Cleaning for Your Family 

We always give your family the same quality care we would want for our own family and friends. We welcome your referrals!

general dentistry | gaithersburg md At Lakeforest Dental Associates, we make sure that every patient is comfortable, no matter what type of treatment you are getting.

We know that every patient is different and it may take a little longer for some patients to get numb. This can be a source of anxiety for many patients.

How We Help You Feel Comfortable

There is no reason to worry. We will wait until you are completely numb before beginning treatment.

We also have a comforting staff, and our dentists are extremely gentle. We have a way of putting patients at ease with our comforting and kind nature. Our goal is for you to not only tolerate your dentistry but even enjoy your time with us. Dentistry does not have to be painful.

No matter what type of treatment you have, we will follow up with you to make sure you are healing properly. For most dentistry, any discomfort after your treatment can be treated with an over-the-counter pain medication. We will recommend which one will work best for you based on your medical history and your procedure. If you ever have severe discomfort or anything that doesn’t feel right after a procedure, contact our office right away.

Comfortable Dentistry in Gaithersburg

For comfortable, pain-free dentistry, contact our Gaithersburg, MD dental office!

family dentistry | kids dentistry | gaithersburg We welcome children of all ages to Lakeforest Dental Associates. We are a family dental practice serving Gaithersburg and its surrounding communities. Our team takes a particular interest in caring for kids because we understand what a positive impact early childhood dental care can have on their adult smiles.

Your Child’s “Happy Visit”

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that little ones have their initial dental appointment by one year or after their first tooth makes an appearance. This is a light-hearted dental visit designed to help toddlers relax while they are with us. Kids are naturally curious, and we make this milestone visit a fun one for them while discussing essential topics regarding home care, habits, and nutritional support for little smiles with parents.

Cavity Prevention

Dental decay is one of the most common preventable childhood diseases. Water fluoridation, fluoride toothpaste, and proper home care all play an active role in helping kids avoid cavities. As your child grows, we will monitor his or her risk for developing cavities and offer additional cavity-fighting treatments including fluoride treatments and dental sealants.

We always make recommendations based on a child’s oral health needs, not as a one-size-fits-all solution.

Family Dentistry in Gaithersburg

For a family dentist in Gaithersburg who welcomes everyone from toddlers to seniors, give us a call

general dentist | dentist | gaithersburg mdIf you are searching for a dentist in Gaithersburg, you have probably noticed that dentists have many titles: family dentist, cosmetic dentist, and general dentist. General dentistry refers to the comprehensive dental care that most people require to keep their mouths healthy. Many general dentists have specific interests, such as dental implants or cosmetic cases, but their primary purpose is to take care of patients’ smiles.

General Dentistry Services We Offered

  • Dental exams and cleanings
  • Diagnostic x-rays
  • Fillings to repair cavities
  • Crowns to repair broken teeth
  • Dentures and partial dentures
  • Dental bridges
  • Cosmetic dentistry including teeth whitening
  • Mouthguards and nightguards

When you find a general dentist, you will have most of the dentistry in their practice. Should specialty services become necessary, your general dentist will provide a referral.

Common Dental Specialties

  • Periodontist (gum specialists)
  • Oral surgeon
  • Endodontist (root canal specialists)
  • Pedodontist (children’s dentist)
  • Orthodontist (braces)
  • Prosthodontist (complex restorative dentist)

For the convenience of our patients, we offer most treatments patients need right here at Lakeforest Dental Associates. Our general dentistry practice, located in Gaithersburg, aims to help patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles that enhance their lives.

Quality Dentistry in Gaithersburg

Give us a call to schedule your next dental appointment. We welcome families and patients of all ages.

Searching for a family dentist in Gaithersburg to help your family stay on track with their oral health presents a number of options. But finding one that will work best for your loved ones general dentistry | dentist | gaithersburg md requires a bit of research.

Experience Is Important

Does your family dentist have experience in treating a variety of dental conditions? What about cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics? If you plan to improve your smile or embark on crowns or fillings, do a little research to find a dentist to meet your needs. You can do this by searching Google or other search engines and then visiting their websites.

Find a Dentist You Can Trust

Ask around to learn which dentist your friends recommend, especially if you admire their teeth! Choose to ask friends who take pride in their oral health, and you could narrow down the local options.

Talk to Local Dentists in Gaithersburg

Set up a 10-minute consultation or an initial exam to talk to your potential choice. It’s important that you can develop a good rapport with the person who will be looking inside your mouth for years to come.

For a family dentist in Gaithersburg who genuinely cares about patients, consider our Lakeforest dentists, Dr. Nail Daftary and Dr. Robert Zaner. We love welcoming new families.

Meet Our Doctors:

Dr. Neil Daftary | Gaithersburg Dentist

Dr. Neil Daftary

Dr. Neil Daftary is a 1994 graduate of Tufts University. He was on the clinical faculty of the dental school until 1999 when he moved to Maryland. He is Invisalign certified and a current member ...

Dr. Robert Zaner | Gaithersburg Dentist

Dr. Robert Zaner

Dr. Robert Zaner is a 1983 graduate of the University of Maryland. He also completed a post-graduate clinical training at Baltimore City Hospitals. Dr. Zaner is a current member of the American Dental Association and ...

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