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It may seem that only children get dental cavities, but tooth decay impacts people of all ages. Fortunately, dental cavities can be caught early if you follow specific guidelines put forward by the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA has found that twice-yearly dental exams and teeth cleanings lower your risks for oral health conditions like cavities and gum disease. ...

If you’ve never had a root canal, chances are you’ve heard the myths. And they are myths! Today’s root canals are very straightforward. Even better, the area is completely numb before your Fairfax dentist starts treatment.

Root Canal in Fairfax

If you need a root canal, it means you have decay or trauma to your tooth—deep enough to infect the root and ...

General dentistry in Fairfax restores your oral health when a dental issue arises. This can mean anything from providing a dental filling to fix a tooth cavity to treating a root infection through root canal therapy. It may also include periodontal treatment if you're diagnosed with gum disease.

Your dentist in Fairfax follows guidelines put forward by the American Dental Association. ...

Your emergency dentist in Fairfax, VA considers anything that causes you pain or puts your health—oral health or otherwise—at risk a dental emergency.

At Dr. Fairfax & Associates, we make time to treat dental emergencies, including during the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Dental Emergencies

There are all types of dental emergencies—too many scenarios to possibly list them all—but the common ones we see include:

• A ...

A root canal is one of the most misunderstood dental procedures around. Many people think that a root canal is a painful and invasive treatment, but the reality is much different. Without the gentle root canal treatment, the alternative would be extraction, followed by tooth replacement.

A root canal, after all, is a treatment that removes infection and relieves a toothache. ...

Living with teeth that are crooked, overlapped, or unevenly spaced can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. It's hard to live your best life when you're worried about what other people think of your teeth.

Even if you've grown used to smiling with crooked teeth, there are actually several ways that they also impact your dental health. Brushing and flossing ...

Having a broken tooth is a cause for concern in many ways! First, depending on the severity of the fracture, your tooth may become sensitive or begin causing you discomfort. Next, depending on the location of the tooth in your mouth, it may affect the appearance of your smile.

Whether your tooth is chipped or broken, it is crucial to seek ...

Would you believe that gum disease is a problem that affects nearly half of American adults in some form? It's true! Worse yet, many of those impacted folks don't even realize they have gum disease because it's not very easy to detect without the help of your Fairfax dentist. Here's what you should know.

What Is Gum Disease?

Also called periodontal disease, ...

Your dentist and hygienist recommend dental exams and cleanings at least twice a year. The purpose of these visits is to monitor your oral health and look for signs of problems like cavities and gum disease.

Your dentist in Fairfax, VA learns a lot during these appointments—but what about you? Are you getting the most out of your time with ...

People with missing teeth have plenty of options available for replacement, including dentures, bridges, and dental implants. The point we emphasize to our Fairfax, VA dental patients is that the most important thing to remember is that replacing even just one missing tooth is crucial, and dental implants provide the option most like the natural tooth.

Dental implants also provide ...

At Dr. Fairfax & Associates Family Dentistry, we understand that kids are prone to cavities. Many children enjoy sweets and sugary beverages and are not always the most thorough brushers and flossers. Our top Fairfax, VA dentist and hygienist have put together a few tips to help you give your child a good head start for their oral health.

Decrease ...

Are you an older adult who would like straighter teeth but feel the time for orthodontic treatment has passed you by? Maybe you didn’t have braces as a child, or you did, and your teeth have since relapsed.

Invisalign - A Great Choice at Any Age

Many seniors believe or have been told that moving teeth later in life isn’t possible. But ...

If you’re a millennial searching for jobs, you face a lot of competition. To be successful, it’s essential that you present your best appearance during interviews and while on the job. Since your smile is one of the first things others notice, you want to be sure it’s making you feel confident and not dragging you down.

Confidence and Smiles

Unfortunately, many ...

When was the last time you smiled with confidence? Are you so self-conscious about it that you find yourself withdrawing from social and business interactions with others? Do you feel that it's limiting your chances for success?

These are everyday experiences for those who are embarrassed about the appearance of their teeth. But cosmetic dentistry can resolve all the imperfections that ...

Everyone has a different approach to their oral hygiene, but generally speaking, the biggest problem is that most of us don’t do it often enough; in a 2013 survey, the American Dental Association found that only about 57 percent of women brush, and the number drops to 50 percent for men.

Given these statistics, it may come as a shock to ...

Is it time for you to buy a new toothbrush? The bristles on the one you’re using now aren’t totally flattened out yet, and you’ve kept it clean by storing it upright with your family’s brushes on the bathroom counter. You’re all good, right?

There are many things wrong with this picture, but millions of people care for their toothbrush in exactly ...

Millions of people around the world suffer from dental anxiety. It’s the butterflies you feel in your stomach at the thought of scheduling an appointment and your desire to be anyplace else once you’re in the dental chair.

Some people are so riddled with anxiety that their condition is considered dental phobia. This kind of intense anxiety can be so uncomfortable that ...

As difficult as this may be to believe, not everyone enjoys going to the dentist. Crazy, right?

But this common phobia causes many people to skip appointments which results in dental problems like tooth decay going untreated.

Of course, the result of untreated dental problems is typically more dental problems which can result in additional time in your dentist’s chair. A good ...

There’s no magic to a healthy smile, but you do need to be committed to doing whatever you can to support your oral health including brushing, flossing. But you can’t do it alone, and that’s where your dental team comes in because they provide preventive treatments that support your at-home efforts.

Part of good oral health is educating yourself ...

If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry, it can be easy to be overwhelmed by all the treatment possibilities. After all, advanced technology and updated materials and techniques provide us with a wide array of possible approaches for helping you get the smile you want.

Visualize Your Best Smile

It has become clear in the last few years that poor oral health doesn’t just affect your mouth; study after study points to a connection between chronic gum infections and other conditions of the body.

Gum Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

For instance, scientists have long suspected that there’s a connection between gum disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). But researchers from ...

Do you bite your nails and wish you could stop? You’re not alone; estimates suggest that 20 to 30 percent of the population have a nail-biting habit.

Many people associate nail-biting with anxiety, but other motivating factors include boredom, frustration, intense concentration, and even hunger. You may worry about the habit because it’s unappealing and painful, but numerous studies reveal a ...

Do missing teeth cause embarrassment when you smile, making it difficult for you to engage fully in life? Do older dentures cause sores and irritation because they no longer fit well?

If either applies to you, you will be happy to know that the highest quality modern dentures in Fairfax aren’t just a prosthetic that allows you to chew again. ...

Are you frustrated and disappointed by your oral health and the appearance of your teeth? Have you lost teeth or had multiple fillings, crowns, and other restorative procedures, and feel like there’s nothing left you can do to improve your smile?

Partial or complete dentures may not be the first solution that comes to mind because you remember how fake ...

Is there something about your smile that you would like to change? Are you living with little dental imperfections because you can’t afford extensive cosmetic dentistry?

It’s true that in the past there weren’t many affordable options for correcting smile flaws. But remarkable advances in materials and techniques in recent years now make esthetic dental treatments accessible to almost anyone.

Simple ...

If you have lost a tooth, you know it can take a toll on your comfort, appearance, and self-esteem. Depending on the location of the lost tooth, you may have to shift food around in your mouth to find a comfortable way to eat. Worse yet, you’ve lost your ability to interact confidently when you’re around others.

As challenging as tooth ...

Are you looking for a new dentist for your family because you recently relocated or are simply interested in making a change? If so, prepare yourself to do a little research. You can best achieve optimal oral health when there is a familiar, skilled professional who you feel comfortable turning to with your questions and concerns.

Schedule Some "Interviews"

There are many ...

Are you making plans for a wedding or reunion and want to spruce up your smile? Or do you worry that esthetic dental flaws are holding back your career?

If either is the case, you may be hesitating because you’re worried that your mini-makeover will come with a hefty price tag. And even though you want a better-looking smile, you just ...

Until recently, the only way to get a crown was to go through the drawn-out process of multiple appointments, messy impressions, and a two-week wait for the finished restoration.

Today, with impressive advances in dental technology, you can receive a fully functioning esthetic crown in just one visit to Dr. Fairfax & Associates!

The CEREC Difference

You are probably familiar with the process ...

If you have lost a tooth or have dental damage, it can be a little overwhelming to try to determine which type of restoration would be right for your needs. But it’s important to act quickly in these cases because if they aren’t addressed a damaged or missing tooth can result in further dental issues that may require complicated and costly ...

As a parent, it can be a little overwhelming to picture your toddler sitting in a dental chair. Will they be scared? How will they act? How will YOU act?

You are right to be concerned because the first few visits are crucial for setting the tone for future oral health care. Your dentist obviously plays an important role, but the ...

Cancer is not a topic that anyone likes to talk about, but recently there has been a spike in the cases of oral cancer diagnosed, particularly in men.

This sudden increase is related to HPV, or human papillomavirus, the primary cause of oropharyngeal cancers, certain types of head and neck cancers. Between 20011 and 2014, 11 million men and 3 million ...

Have you ever wondered why medical insurance doesn't cover your dental care? It’s well established that our mouths are the gateway to our bodies, so what’s the disconnect?

It wasn’t until 1840 that an “official” dental college (Baltimore College of Dental Surgery) even existed. At that time dentistry was proposed as a medical specialty and rejected. The first dental practice was established ...

How savvy do you think you are about your oral health? Anything you do to support a healthy smile - whether it’s thorough brushings or routine visits to the dentist – is beneficial. But if you are going to put effort into maintaining good oral health, you may as well be sure you are getting the most out of it!

In ...

Are you thinking of changing something about your smile? If so, you are probably more concerned with aesthetics than with oral health benefits, and that’s understandable. Wanting to look your best has nothing to do with vanity; your smile is a valuable asset that can affect the way you see yourself and the way others see you.

But cosmetic dentistry is ...

A recent survey asked 1,000 adults over the age of 18 which health practitioner they don’t see often enough and dentists topped the list. Nearly 41% of those surveyed chose their dentist, 13% more than the next specialist – dermatologist.

Participants were also asked to rank their own oral health. Not surprisingly, those who graded their health as an “A” ...

We know that proper nutrition consists of eating foods that provide nutrients you need to support good health and wellness. Over time, poor nutrition weakens your body, making it difficult to fight infection and leading to other health problems.

You may know that a balanced diet is essential for oral health, but you may not understand the connection. The fact is ...

People now are living longer than ever, which of course is great news. But time and wear take its toll on your teeth, so it is normal to experience increased dental problems as you get older. In fact, the American College of Prosthodontists estimates that as many as 23 million geriatric patients are missing all their teeth, and 12 million ...

There’s a common misconception that orthodontic treatment is for children and teens. Most adults feel that if they missed out on orthodontic treatment as a child, they are pretty much out of luck.

It’s true that you see more kids in braces than adults. One reason is that we can catch orthodontic problems early and provide appropriate interventive treatment. Another is ...

You know that consuming a lot of sugar is bad for your teeth, but it’s not the sugar itself that causes cavities. It’s the series of events that occur after you eat. If you want your family to enjoy optimal oral health, it’s a good idea to have some understanding of the process that takes place in your mouth when ...

First impressions are important in your social life and business settings. Everything matters – your hair, skin, clothes, and especially your smile. It’s unfortunate that people judge you by appearance, but it’s just a fact of life.

A beautiful, healthy smile attracts others to you because they perceive you to be confident and intelligent. If you have an esthetic flaw like ...

As we learn more about how oral health affects overall health, one thing is clear: It's never been more important to take charge of your oral health and make it a priority! We've learned that the bacteria that causes periodontal (gum) disease also can contribute to other issues in the body such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, ...

As a dentist who is concerned about the well-being of her patients, Dr. Cerina Fairfax would like you to be aware of any new information that affects your overall health. In this case, we are talking about the link between tooth loss and dementia.

Estimates say that nearly 10 million people are diagnosed with dementia each year, and the number of ...

We understand that just the mere thought of having a root canal sends many people into a panic. It’s understandable; although it’s unwarranted, root canals have gotten a bad reputation for decades.

That’s unfortunate because root canal therapy at our Fairfax, VA dental office is a vital service that is needed to save a damaged tooth. One myth we ...

Do you often awaken with pain in the jaw, neck, head, or shoulders? All of these are symptoms that could be related to pain in your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. You may hear these symptoms referred to as TMJ. However, TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint itself. When there’s a problem with this joint, we call it Temporomandibular Joint ...

The best way to avoid extensive dental treatment is to stay a step ahead of your problems with routine cleanings and exams with dentist Dr. Cerina Fairfax. But these preventive treatments are only effective when they work hand in hand with your personal oral health care routine.

Getting comfortable with a particular oral hygiene routine is easy. But you may be ...

Fairfax, VA dentist Dr. Cerina Fairfax wants you to enjoy the benefits of a healthy smile. But we are learning that having a healthy smile may have as much to do with your stress levels as it does with your oral health care routine.

Stress and Your Oral Health

It is well documented that stress not only takes an emotional toll but ...

Restorations like dental crowns and bridges at our Fairfax, VA office are one of the most valuable services we offer. Hundreds of our patients enjoy the benefits of a renewed smile made possible by crowns and bridges.

Depending on your needs, we can expertly bring your mouth back to full oral health, function, and beauty with either type of restoration.

Nearly everyone ...

It’s wedding season, and brides everywhere are doing everything they can to look fabulous on the big day! While you are planning your hair, makeup, nails, and so forth, you should also think about your smile. Will it be as fresh and beautiful as you when you take the walk down the aisle?

Cosmetic dental treatments can give you the ...

Teeth grinding can be a real pain! If you’re grinding and clenching your teeth, you may experience frequent headaches, soreness in your jaw, and tension in your shoulders.

At our Fairfax, VA dental office, we are pleased to offer treatment for these symptoms that are related to TMJ.

What is TMJ?

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge joint that connects the ...

Have you had enough of dull, drab teeth that make you feel self-conscious when you smile? Maybe you’ve already decided that professional teeth whitening is right for you but wonder which option is most suitable. 

We offer several teeth whitening treatments at our Fairfax, VA dental office, allowing you to select the option that best fits your needs.

Types of Teeth Whitening 

• Zoom! ...

Most sports have protective gear available. Protective pads and helmets, for example, are common.

But one area that is often overlooked is the mouth. Many sports participants are not wearing a sports guard, and they are putting their teeth at risk.

Mouth injuries—and teeth damage—are quite common during sports. Dr. Cerina Fairfax recommends that her patients in Fairfax, VA, wear a custom ...

Bad breath. Halitosis.

Whatever you call it, it’s unpleasant.

It can be temporary if you’ve had food or beverages that cause it (onions, garlic, coffee, and alcohol, for example). Smoking can also cause bad breath.

If you have bad breath that persists, however, it is not only unpleasant. It could be a sign that there is an underlying problem.

The obvious issue is poor ...

Lately, you've been finding yourself hiding your teeth when you smile or meet new clients. As you've thought about this, you realize that it's because your teeth are discolored and it's getting worse. Did you know that teeth whitening is one of the most simple and effective ways to make a huge impact on your smile?

Here are 3 reasons ...

You've been preparing for months for your big presentation in front of the entire company. This is your moment to shine, but as you look in the mirror, your smile appears dull.

Your smile says a lot about you, and when you're proud of it, you feel confident. Perhaps what you need before your big presentation is to give your teeth ...

Enjoying your favorite meal out with friends can take a turn for the worst when you experience that unnatural telltale crunch in your mouth. You've got a cracked tooth, and you need to get to your dentist right away. You wonder, however, what's the best option to repair a cracked tooth?

Depending on the severity of your chip or crack, you ...

Living with a missing tooth affects every aspect of your life. Things we take for granted like ordering food at a restaurant or talking with others become difficult and even embarrassing. This can definitely take a toll on your confidence!

Dental implants at our Fairfax, VA dental office may be the solution you're looking for.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental ...

You take good care of your oral hygiene on a daily basis with regular brushing and flossing. You follow the recommended two visits to your dentist each year for examinations and cleanings. But are you getting the most out of your dental appointment?

Let’s take a look at the following tips to make sure you are taking full advantage of your ...

Did you know that periodontal (gum) disease affects over half of American adults in some form? The problem is that many people don't even realize they have gum disease, and this is because there aren't many signs or symptoms at first. Emerging studies have linked gum disease with other health concerns in the body such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, ...

Your child's oral health is at the top of your list of priorities, and finding the right dentist to work with is so important for creating positive dental experiences and successful future appointments. Dr. Cerina Fairfax is your premiere children's dentist in Fairfax, VA, and best of all the entire family can see her so you won't have to ...

Going to the dentist can sometimes feel like an inconvenience, especially when it takes time out of your busy day. You may wonder if it's truly necessary to go to these appointments twice per year. Is it really that important? The answer is yes! It's extremely important, and here's why: oral health has been liked with your overall health and ...

Your smile has power because it's one of the first things, besides your eyes, that people notice about you. Did you know that people with beautiful smiles are perceived as happier and more successful? Are you satisfied with the appearance of your smile? Is it projecting the image that you would like it to? If there are aspects of your ...

Are you considering dental implants in Fairfax, VA? Most dentists will agree that dental implants are the best way to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants don’t just complete your smile, they also provide a long-lasting solution for missing teeth that most closely mimic your natural teeth.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Have you ever wondered about the dental implant procedure ...

Is it time for your next dental cleaning and you are looking for a dentist in Fairfax, VA? At Dr. Fairfax and Associates, we are currently welcoming new patients of all ages to join our dental family. 

The funny thing about dental cleanings is that you can never see what’s going on during the procedure. If you are wondering about the ...

There are a lot of things that factor in to the shape of your teeth. Things like genetics impact the size, for example, and whether they are rounded or squared. Habits such as thumb-sucking can also impact the shape of your teeth. If you are not happy with the shape of your teeth, you are not alone. In ...

When considering your oral health routine, you may have wondered about the benefits of a good mouthwash. If you have checked the oral care aisle at your local department or drug store, you have probably seen that you have many choices when it comes to choosing a mouthwash. There are mouthwashes available that offer anti-cavity benefits and others ...

We've all heard that sugar is bad for our teeth because it causes tooth decay. But are you aware of how that actually happens? It's not sugar itself that causes cavities, but rather the harmful bacteria in your mouth use sugar as a fuel to create the acids that eat through your enamel causing tooth decay and eventually cavities. The ...

Picking your family’s dentist is a big responsibility. Your oral health is a big part of your overall health, and you want someone who will both take it seriously and make your dental visits enjoyable. Going to the dentist shouldn’t be something you dread!

If you’re looking for a dentist in 22031 or other neighboring zip codes, we hope you’ll keep ...

Smoking and chewing tobacco have negative impacts on many areas of your health, not the least of which is your oral health. While lung cancer and other respiratory complications are some of the more well known and major effects, your teeth and gums can also be heavily affected. Here's what you should know about the effects of tobacco use:

• Mouth cancer: While ...

Porcelain veneers are a great option for anyone with dental imperfections to achieve a more beautiful smile. Yet, those who are considering veneers may not know what to expect during their procedure. Dr. Fairfax & Associates strive to make their patients feel more comfortable and relaxed during their treatments by going over the entire process with them and answering ...

There are many issues that can lead to someone having a less attractive or imperfect smile, from discoloration to missing teeth. Fortunately, there are also several cosmetic dentistry treatments that can repair these issues. At Dr. Fairfax & Associates, we will go over your concerns and expectations in order to come up with a customized treatment plan that will give ...