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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 dentistry | general dentistry | gaithersburg md Yes! At Lakeforest Dental Associates, we love treating families, and our entire Gaithersburg, MD team has a lot of experience with this age group—meaning, we know how to make coming to the dentist fun for your child.

  • A ride in the dental chair
  • Praise for no cavities
  • Praise for brushing and flossing

We are patient, and we listen. We treat your child like family!

Other benefits of having your child see the same dentist that you see include:

  • A dentist who is experienced with every age group, which means your child can keep his or her dentist into adulthood
  • Dental visits become a family affair when each family member is seen in the same office
  • Our dentist is familiar with your family’s dental history, including genetics, which helps when treating your child
  • All your family’s dental records are in one location

At Lakeforest Dental Associates, we take a proactive approach to your family’s dental health. We also pride ourselves on serving local families through every life stage. It is our goal to keep families smiling.

In Gaithersburg? Get Your Kid Excited for the Dentist!

If you’re looking for family dentistry or would like your child to start seeing our top Gaithersburg, MD dentist, contact us today.

family dentist | general dentistry | gaithersburgIt seems like finding a doctor and family dentist you can trust in Gaithersburg becomes more difficult with each passing year. Corporate clinics are popping up all over town, making it difficult to get the type of personalized care you and your family deserve.

Here are a few tips to help you sift through the choices and find the perfect dental home for your care, as well as that of your partner and children.

Is the Family Dentist Experienced with Kids?

Many dental practices claim to be family-friendly, but how much experience does the dentist have with kids? With busy family schedules, it’s tough to make a trip across town for a pediatric dentist when you might find one, like Dr. Neil Daftary or Dr. Robert Zaner, who are great with kids and adults alike.

Does the Family Dentist Offer a Wide Range of Services?

Are you looking for someone who offers dental implants and treats emergencies? What about white fillings or teeth whitening? Be sure to research the procedures that are most important to you.

What Are Others Saying about the Family Dentist?

Take a look through the reviews to see what others are saying about the family dentist in Gaithersburg that you are considering.

cosmetic dentistry | dental extractions | gaithersburg mdMost of us hate to think about losing a tooth. However, there are times when dental extractions are the best choice.

In our Gaithersburg, MD dental office, we keep you relaxed and comfortable during extractions, and our skilled general dentist explains exactly why extraction is necessary.

The most common reasons for dental extractions at Lakeforest Dental Associates include:

  • Wisdom teeth removal—these teeth are not necessary for your bite or the appearance of your smile. Wisdom teeth encroach on other teeth and often cause nothing but pain and problems.
  • Pre-orthodontic work—if your jaw is too small to hold your teeth without overlap, an extraction prior to orthodontic work can help bring your teeth in line. This is not the type of extraction that is noticeable, but rather a way to give you a straighter smile.
  • Decay or trauma—having a severely decayed tooth pulled is sometimes the best way to prevent serious oral health issues. Our Gaithersburg, MD dentist can help you with a restoration tooth such as a dental implant.

Contact Our Gaithersburg, MD Dental Office Today

If you notice wisdom teeth coming in or feel you may need a dental extraction in Gaithersburg, MD, get in touch with Lakeforest Dental Associates as soon as possible. 

children's dentistry | general dentistry | gaithersburg mdAll kids are different. Some love bath time. Others frown. Our team at Lakeforest Dental Associates understands your struggle!

However, when you take measures to make an activity fun or give your child a direct role to play in hygiene, you might see a change.

When it comes to encouraging your child to brush, our Gaithersburg, MD general dentists recommend the following tips:

Make Brushing Fun

Let your child know that the tooth fairy might throw in an extra dime for a cavity-free baby tooth.

Choose a fun toothpaste flavor like bubblegum or strawberry and avoid the harsher minty flavors associated with adult toothpaste.

Often we reward kids for getting an A on their report cards. Perhaps a reward when the dentist finds no cavities during your child’s routine exam? The reward could mean taking your child to a movie of his choosing or lunch at their favorite restaurant.

Let Your Child Play a Role in Oral Hygiene

We recommend changing your child’s toothbrush at least every six months. Allow your child to choose his or her new toothbrush and toothpaste.

There are character toothbrushes depicting favorite cartoon and comic book characters. Just make sure to choose the bristle quality recommended by your Gaithersburg family dentist! Soft bristles are generally better for kids' teeth.

Additionally, your child may want to sample the various children’s toothpaste flavors. Buy two favorites—two that he or she chooses. Afterward, remind your child that they can’t try the banana until they finish the grape! We suspect, they’ll work to get to the banana.

Friendly Dental Office for Kids in Gaithersburg

At Lakeforest Dental Associates, we love treating families and children. Get in touch today to schedule your child’s next dental exam in our Gaithersburg dental office.

general dentistry | dental exam | gaithersburg mdPeople of all ages and walks of life get cavities. However, they are more common in children, which is why certain preventive measures should be taken to make your child’s teeth stronger and help protect him or her from cavities.

Our Gaithersburg, MD family dentist recommends twice-yearly dental exams and teeth cleanings. Dental exams help our dentist find areas your child may be missing with the toothbrush and floss. Also, teeth cleanings clear away stubborn bacteria that all toothbrushes leave behind. Our hygienist can give you tips to use at home that help your child reach brushing goals daily.

It’s also important to cut down or eliminate sugary snacks—including sodas and fruit juices—and replace these treats with unsweetened alternatives.

Sealants and fluoride rinses in our Gaithersburg, MD dental office help strengthen your child’s teeth and may lead to fewer cavities in the future.

Family dentistry in Gaithersburg, MD starts with prevention, and this goes a long way toward keeping teeth healthy for life.

Protecting Your Child’s Smile Is Our Goal

Contact Lakeforest Dental Associates to schedule an exam and cleaning for your child today. Also, get in touch with our team if you have any questions about family cavity prevention.

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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