Gainesville Family Dental Center

BristowEnews.com is featuring Dr. Margaret P. Stubblefield, a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DSS). Dr. Stubblefield has been practicing dentistry for a long time and has a dental practice at the Braemar Shopping Center in Bristow, VA. She has been practicing in this office for the past four years. According to Dr. Stubblefield, the key focus of the practice is Dental Prevention. As the general population tend to live longer*, Dental Prevention is paramount. According to Dr. Stubblefield, there are two major reasons why we loose our teeth:

Background

Bacteria can cause gum disease. Gum disease is defined as the build up of plaque on your teeth that remains in contact with your gums. The plaque causes a reaction in your gums that in its early stages is called Gingivitis. It is characterized by gums that bleed easily when touched or flossed. Most people have some degree of gingivitis. Gingivitis, if left unchecked, leads to a more severe disease called Periodontitis. Periodontitis is a disease that attacks the gum and bone and around the teeth. Clinical researched indicate a strong relationship between gum disease and overall health of an individual as it relates to heart problems, premature birth-rate, and diabetes. It is important to understand that gum disease is treatable with the proper care and supervision from you dentist and/or dental hygienist. The other leading cause of tooth lost is through Trauma. Trauma is defined as caused blunt force caused by injuries or biting. Her dental practice can help patients restore the natural look of the teeth through dental implants, dental fillings, and dental veneers.

Practice and Specialty

Dr. Stubblefield dental office also specializes in cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry also referred as a "Smile Makeover" improves the appearance of the smile through one or more cosmetic dental procedures, namely:

1. Teeth Whitening. Teeth Whitening is the most common and recommended procedure simply because it is the most economical and affordable. Stains from coffee, smoking, food, or poor oral hygiene can be removed by bleaching the teeth and can improve the overall appearance of your smile. According to Dr. Stubblefield, the "Smile is the window to your soul" and the dental practice can help patients enhanced the natural smile based on the facial expression.


2. Infant or Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Stubblefield emphasized the importance of this phase. It is important to let parent know that bacteria does not differentiate on how old the person is. She recommends seeing patients as early as six months to twelve months or when the 1st teeth come out. She provides the younger patients the options to take either take Nitrous Oxide Gas or Laughing Gas, what is comfortable with the patients. Nitrous Oxide Gas (N2O) was first discovered in 1793 by the English scientist and clergyman Joseph Priestley.


3. The practice also sees mature patients over 55 years old. She stresses frequent dental visits and proper oral dental hygiene. Again, the focus of the practice is Prevention. She makes no special preference or treatment as it relates to age. Dr. Stubblefield can also see older patients requiring specialized medication. For senior citizens, implants are better options other than traditional dentures because implants provide stability and control.

Technology

In addition to practicing traditional dental procedures, Dr. Stubblefield makes use of the technological advances such as using specialized dental photo imaging devices, intraoral digital x-ray machines, and a laser cavity detection machine called Kavo Diagnodent System. Her practice uses these blends of technologies in helping patients visually identify tooth or teeth defects and take corrective actions. Her practice uses digital cameras for dental crown procedures in matching natural coloration with the tooth crown. By using the available technology, the patient can be rest assured that the crown fits naturally with the rest of the teeth. The Kavo Diagnodent System uses a laser to detect the invisible fluorescence in enamel and dentin, which is a part of the teeth below the enamel. The device can show the dentist and the patient the tooth structure as it shows very little fluorescence, but decayed tooth structure show high fluorescence. Measurements from the Diagnodent help the dentist determine whether to monitor suspect areas over time, treat them with preventive dentistry, or restore them. The system allows much earlier detection of decay than previously possible. Her dental office uses both wired and wireless technologies.

Dental Wear and Prevention

Dr. Stubblefield does see some resemblance in diet and modern teeth problems. Although hereditary can play some role in the lost of tooth or teeth, prevention is the key. Tooth decay can be prevented by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing or the use of interdental cleaner once a day e.g., mouth antiseptic sold in most stores. She pointed out the peanut family such as nuts, cashews; Brazil nuts have health benefits and can actually help patients ward off the bacteria's on the teeth. Nuts are rich in magnesium, selenium, phosphorous, and zinc which promote bone growth and essential to digestion and metabolism

She pointed out that she has seen a lot of patients who were exposed to conditions where patient inhaled large amount of dust and sand which caused the teeth to premature fail. She also pointed out about 20% of the population have "Rabbit Syndrome or Brusixm", a localized spasm of the facial muscles. Brusixm tends to be more physiologically and can be corrected through the use of dental appliance such as night guards, dental splints, or application of corrective biting and chewing techniques. The mouth chews about five hundred (500) times per pay and every tooth has a specific function. For example, the front teeth are designed to protect the back teeth from the side-to-side natural motion of the front teeth; whereas, the back teeth prevent the front teeth the up and down chewing motion.

Dr. Stubblefield concluded that the Gainesville Family Dental Center is a family business practice. She loves seeing patients from one to 100 years old. She shares family stories with her patients and employees. She is accommodating and can see patients on emergency basis even on the weekends.

*AARP Source: The average life span of an American is 77.5 years.

Location and Address:

Gainesville Family Dental Center
12701 Braemar Village Plaza
Bristow, VA 20136
703-368-1272 (Office)
703-369-6121 (Fax)

Office Hours:
Mondays through Thursdays: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Fridays: 8:30 - 2:30 pm

http://www.gfdcsmile.com

Upcoming Event

The Gainesville Family Dental Center will have an open house on August 23, 2007, Thursday. There will be ballons, face-painting, clowns, magicians, and food and beverages served to the patrons of the Dental practice. Please mark your calendar.

 

 

Date Published: 2007-07-24 06:00:00

Section: Business, Photos: Stubblefield 03, Stubblefield 02, Stubblefield 01,