Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve answered our most frequently asked questions for you below. Have any other questions? Just ask!

CNS Dental Questions

CNS Dental offers three categories of dental services to our patients:

  • Preventative dentistry – Our general dental services focus on keeping your mouth healthy and clean. This includes routine checkups, cleanings, oral cancer screenings, X-rays and other basic treatments that help you maintain good oral health.
  • Restorative dentistry – If you ever have a dental problem, CNS is well-equipped to help you restore the function and appearance of your teeth. These services include dental implants, root canals, fillings, dentures, bridges and crowns.
  • Cosmetic dentistry – CNS Dental offers so many services to make sure you have a dazzling, confidence-boosting smile. From teeth whitening to Invisalign to bonding and veneers, we will help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.

Yes! If you have a dental emergency like a chipped or knocked-out tooth or anything that is causing you extreme pain, CNS Dental is here for you! Call us now if you need emergency dental work: (703) 304-3881

Absolutely! Click here to see before and after transformation photos from many of our patients.

We do! This vital preventative measure helps detect early signs of oral cancer which can ensure timely intervention and treatment. It’s a quick and painless process we conduct as part of your twice-a-year checkups.

You can find our post-operative instructions here. If you have any questions or concerns following a procedure, please call us.

When you call our office to schedule an appointment, we’ll ask you for your insurance information. Once treatment has been completed, we’ll submit all claims on your behalf, assuring that you’re properly reimbursed for our services.

If you have any out of pocket costs, you can pay directly in our office or via our online system.

We accept insurance plans from the following providers:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
  • Geha PPO
  • Aetna PPO
  • Cigna PPO
  • United Healthcare PPO
  • Metlife PPO
  • Guardian PPO
  • Delta Dental PPO
  • Ameritas PPO
  • Principal PPO
  • UMR PPO

For clients interested in financing their dental work, we’re proud to offer easy and affordable options through CareCredit. CareCredit allows you to make payments over time, rather than having to pay one lump sum at the time of treatment. It can be used to pay out-of-pocket costs not covered by your insurance provider, pay deductibles and can be used on any treatment, even cosmetic procedures!

Apply here for CareCredit, or call our office for more details.

Smart thinking! That will speed things up. You can find our online intake forms for new patient registration here.

Please also bring any insurance information to your first appointment. We look forward to meeting you!

There is metered street parking just outside our office door or FREE underground parking at the Eclipse Building. If you park here, please do not park in the spots designated for Harris Teeter. NOTE: There is a 4 hour time limit.

General Dentist Questions

Dentists are skilled oral healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat various dental conditions, provide preventative care like checkups and cleanings and offer a range of cosmetic solutions to provide a more beautiful smile. Seeing a dentist regularly is an important part of caring for your overall health and well-being.

It is recommended to come in for a checkup and cleaning two times a year. Routine dental cleanings offer a number of benefits such as:

  • Reduced risk of serious oral health issues like cavities and gum disease.
  • Improved whole-body health.
  • Eliminating bad breath by removing the plaque, tartar and microbes that cause it.

The duration of a dental cleaning varies based on the individual person of course, but on average an appointment usually takes 30-60 minutes. Our skilled hygienists ensure a thorough and comfortable cleaning experience for each of our patients.

Most pediatric dentists will see patients until they turn 18, but many dentists recommend switching to a general dentist when a child has all of their adult teeth, usually around age 14. Our team at CNS Dental sees both pediatric patients and adults, and we’re experienced at helping your child make a smooth transition from a pediatric dental practice. To learn more, read our blog on this topic.

Preventative Care Questions

You should be brushing two times a day and flossing one time a day to keep up good oral health. Want to be an oral hygiene hero? Brush and floss after every meal! Learn more about proper brushing technique.

Selecting the right toothpaste depends on your oral needs. Our dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste for cavity prevention, while sensitive teeth may benefit from desensitizing variants.

To get rid of bad breath, try:

  • Regular in-office dental cleanings.
  • Brushing your teeth and tongue after eating.
  • Flossing to remove old food particles.
  • Drinking plenty of water.
  • Avoiding stinky foods like garlic, onions and acidic foods.
  • Stop smoking.

Yes, toothpaste does have an expiration date printed on the packaging. Expired toothpaste may lose its effectiveness, so try to use it within the indicated timeframe (usually about two to three years from the date of manufacture) for optimal oral care.

The ideal mouthwash depends on your oral health goals. Our dentists can recommend an antibacterial mouthwash for gum health, fluoride-based options for cavity prevention or another specialized formulation tailored to your specific needs.

Electric toothbrushes can offer a more efficient and consistent brushing motion which can increase plaque removal and gum health. However, as long as you are brushing – we are happy!

Call us immediately! Then, while you are waiting for your appointment, place your tooth in a cup of milk to help preserve it. (Don’t forget to bring it with you!)

Don’t let anxiety or a fear of the dentist keep you from good oral health. CNS Dental has non-IV sedation services to help keep you relaxed and pain-free during your procedure or cleaning.

  1. Visit your dentist twice annually for checkups and cleanings.
  2. Brush regularly, twice a day, preferably with an electric toothbrush.
  3. Floss daily to fight plaque.
  4. Don’t smoke! We all know it’s bad for our overall health, but it also stains teeth and makes breath smell, which will keep you from smiling with confidence.
  5. Watch beverages like coffee, red wine, dark teas and dark beers that leave hard-to-remove stains on your teeth.
  6. Drink plenty of water to flush your teeth clean and discourage tooth decay.
  7. Monitor other health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and bruxism (teeth grinding), which can all affect the health and appearance of your smile.