Andrew I. Pupkin, DDS in Owings Mills

General Dentistry In Owings Mills

Enjoy Our Family Dentistry Approach

Our team knows that in order to have a healthy mouth and avoid dental health issues down the road, developing strong oral care routines and habits is vital. Our practice provides an innovative refresh to traditional oral care treatments. For those looking for comprehensive dental care in Owings Mills, Baltimore, Lutherville, and the surrounding areas, we have you covered. Our personalized care practices and dedicated 1-on-1 appointments will allow you to address all of your dental concerns in one comfortable place. Some of our common offerings include dental cleanings, oral cancer screenings, gum treatments, fluoride treatments, sealants, and emergency care.

Schedule an Appointment

Comprehensive Exams

We believe that the first step towards understanding your oral health is through a comprehensive dental exam. Our comprehensive exams are all about diagnostics, preventive care, the long term maintenance of your teeth as well as needed treatment now. Our aim is to provide personalized and top-notch general dentistry in Owings Mills and the surrounding areas. And let’s not forget – we’re not just about your mouth; we care about your overall well-being too.

When you come in for a comprehensive exam for yourself or a family member, here’s what you can expect from us:

  • Thorough Examination: We will take a close look at your teeth and your entire mouth.
  • Bite and Occlusal Exam: We will check how your teeth come together when you bite and check if your bite is functional or if there is too much bite trauma that may cause loss of teeth.
  • Soft Tissue and Gum Health Check: We will examine your gums and soft tissues for any signs of disease or issues, as well as perform a thorough oral cancer check.
  • Restoration Assessment: If you have any existing dental work, we will see how it is holding up.
  • Detailed Tooth Health Check: We will assess each tooth individually, looking at its overall health and stability.
  • Questions About Your Comfort: We will ask you about your jaw joint health, if you’ve experienced any discomfort or pain, and evaluate any bite issues that can cause long term problems.
  • Radiographs: We will take any necessary x-rays to make sure there are no underlying problems with your teeth, bone, or jaw.

Our team is dedicated to understanding and addressing your oral health needs. After all, what’s happening in your mouth can have an impact on your entire body. We’re here to make sure you’re not just smiling on the outside, but feeling your best on the inside too.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Dr. Pupkin is vigilant about oral health, including the often overlooked concern of oral cancer. This sneaky disease can catch you off guard and lead to serious health issues. That’s why we’re committed to checking your mouth for any signs of oral cancer, ensuring swift action if needed. Detecting it early is crucial, especially since the initial signs can be challenging to spot without professional expertise.

During your comprehensive exam, and at every routine exam at our office, we always conduct an oral cancer screening because signs and symptoms can arise between appointments, and catching any changes swiftly is our priority. Dr. Pupkin is equipped with advanced training in visual and manual oral cancer screening techniques. This means you and your family are in skilled hands, with an advantage in spotting oral cancer before it can wreak havoc on your oral and overall health.

Remember, early detection is the key to successful treatment. Catching oral cancer in its initial stages dramatically increases the chances of complete eradication. Your well-being is our top concern, and we’re here to ensure your oral health journey is as smooth as possible.

X-Rays

Dr. Pupkin believes in a thorough approach to your oral health. Sometimes, that means taking a closer look beneath the surface. That’s where x-rays come in. They allow us to see beyond what’s superficially visible, helping us uncover any underlying conditions that might be lurking.

Our practice relies on high-resolution digital and panoramic x-rays, which provide us with a clear and comprehensive view of your teeth, bones, and jaw. The beauty of this technology is that we can easily share these images with you as well as other dental specialists. This makes conversations about your development, treatment options, and diagnosis much more straightforward and effective.

Using these advanced x-rays, we gain a full picture of your jaw, teeth, and bite. The best part is you are exposed to significantly less radiation compared to traditional x-rays. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re committed to using technology that not only gives us the insights we need but also ensures your safety throughout the process.

Hygiene

The team at Andrew I. Pupkin, DDS firmly believes that preventive dentistry, specifically dental hygiene is the foundation of a healthy smile – regardless of your age. When it comes to safeguarding your teeth from cavities, decay, and gum disease, regular professional cleanings with us are your ticket to success. Our hygiene team is not only skilled and experienced but also approachable and eager to listen to your concerns and needs. Whether you’re young or young at heart, comprehensive dental hygiene in Owings Mills is a wise choice with both immediate and long-term benefits.

Sure, a solid home oral hygiene routine is essential – brushing in the morning and before bed, and flossing after meals – that’s the drill for everyone in your household. But, even the most diligent home routine can sometimes use a helping hand. That’s where our hygiene visits come in. We take it up a notch by using advanced technology like Cavitron and sonic scaling to remove any plaque or tartar that might have slipped through the cracks. The result? A deep cleaning that not only makes your smile shine but also contributes to its overall health. Your comfort and well-being matter to us, and that’s why we’re committed to providing dental hygiene that feels as good as it looks.

Periodontal Therapy

We understand that periodontal health isn’t just about your mouth – it is vital in your overall well-being, too. Ignoring it might invite the unwelcome consequences of periodontal (gum) disease and tartar accumulations. Harmful bacteria can wreak havoc on your gums and jaw bone, potentially leading to tooth loss or worse. We’re all about empowering you with knowledge and providing ideal and appropriate treatment to ensure your gums stay healthy and your smile remains beautiful.

At Andrew I. Pupkin, DDS, we emphasize patient education and treatment to set you up for a lifetime of healthy gums and a confident smile. Catching periodontal disease early is crucial, as it helps slow down the process of gum damage and decay. We’re equipped with techniques like scaling, root planing, Arestin, and sometimes surgery to address these issues before they turn into major problems. If you’re noticing bleeding gums, redness, soreness, or any changes in how your gums look or feel, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Our periodontal therapy is designed to get you, your smile, and your health back on track comfortably and conveniently. We’re here to ensure that your periodontal health isn’t just a concern – it’s a priority. Your well-being matters to us, and we’re committed to providing the best care to keep your gums in great shape.

Fluoride Treatments

We’re all about taking proactive steps to keep your mouth and smile healthy. After all, prevention is the best weapon against cavities.That is why we recommend fluoride treatments in Owings Mills. This naturally-occurring mineral acts like a barrier against tooth decay and, when combined with routine hygiene visits and good home oral healthcare habits, fluoride treatments are very beneficial in the prevention of tooth decay.

Why might we recommend fluoride for you? Here are just a few reasons:

  • Protect Young Teeth: The enamel on a developing child’s primary teeth is not as hard as that in adult teeth, often leaving them more susceptible to decay. Fluoride can help protect them.
  • Sensitive Teeth: If your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold or tooth roots are exposed and feeling sensitive, fluoride can help minimize the sensitivity.
  • Sugar and Carb Lovers: Frequent intake of sugars and carbs might be enjoyed by your taste buds, but not your teeth. Fluoride can help protect them.
  • Family Dental History: If dental decay runs in the family, fluoride can be your defense line.
  • Pits and Fissures: Teeth with deep pits and fissures can benefit from fluoride’s protection.
  • Xerostomia(Dry Mouth): Often caused by various medications as well as some autoimmune conditions; it is a common finding which requires and benefits from frequent fluoride applications and/or home use.

Dental fluoride can help to strengthen weakened teeth or smiles that are a bit more prone to decay. For the younger ones, fluoride is a routine part of every visit but It’s not just for the kids. Even adult teeth can benefit from fluoride, especially if sensitivity is an issue or if you want that extra layer of cavity-fighting protection. Your smile deserves the best, and fluoride treatments are here to make sure it stays strong and healthy.

Mouthguards

When it comes to protecting your teeth from cracks, chips, and breaking, whether from participating in sports or from a condition called bruxism, We have your family’s safety in mind, both on and off the field. We offer custom mouthguards in Owings Mills to keep your smile safe.

Sports Mouthguards for Kids: Beyond just teeth protection, our custom mouthguards can help prevent serious injuries during sports. These mouth protectors act as a cushion against blows to the face, shielding not only your teeth but also your lips, tongue, and even your jaw. They are more comfortable and effective than the boil and bite mouthguards because they are custom-made to fit your child’s mouth perfectly, they offer ample room and cushioning to prevent impact-related damage, ensuring those young smiles stay intact, no matter how active the game.

Nightguards for Bruxism: Unconsciously clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth is a condition known as bruxism. Most bruxism occurs while you are sleeping and it can affect adults and children. If left untreated, it can lead to headaches, sensitivity, as well as TMJ/TMD syndrome and other oral health issues like cracks, chips, tooth fractures, and decay.

If you or your family member participates in sports or struggles with teeth grinding, a custom mouthguard or nightguard is the solution. Dr. Pupkin is here to discuss the incredible benefits of this shield against further discomfort and damage. Let’s ensure your smiles are safe and sound.

Sealants

At Andrew I. Pupkin, DDS, our focus is on safeguarding your smiles, even in the hard-to-reach spots. Sealants offer a practical solution to shield your teeth from cavity-causing bacteria.

While daily brushing and flossing are crucial in preventing cavities, certain areas remain challenging to clean – particularly the molars at the back. Their uneven surfaces become havens for food debris and cavity-causing biofilm. This is where sealants come into play. These thin liquid coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. After application, Dr. Pupkin hardens the sealant, creating a protective barrier against harmful bacteria.

Sealants are a valuable addition to your oral care routine, enhancing your defense against cavities. By stopping cavities from developing and intercepting early decay, they provide an additional layer of protection for your teeth. They typically last for several years before requiring reapplication. During your routine dental visit, Dr. Pupkin will assess their condition and reapply as needed, and our office can provide sealant treatments during your regular appointments. It’s a strategy to maintain strong teeth and a radiant smile.

Sedation Dentistry

Dental anxiety often holds us back from vital dental procedures and regular check-ups. Fortunately, our Owings Mills dental office provides solutions. We offer both nitrous oxide and oral sedation to ensure a relaxed experience during your visit. Your comfort matters to us, so if anxiety is a concern, let’s address it together.

Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is a safe sedative mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask over your nose. It induces a calming effect without putting you to sleep. You remain responsive to the dentist’s instructions while feeling light-headed or tingling in your limbs. The effects of nitrous oxide wears off quickly once we stop administering it.

For those eligible, oral sedation is an option. Following Dr. Pupkin’s direction, you will be prescribed a sedative before your appointment. By the time you’re ready for your appointment to begin, you’ll be at ease. Just arrange for someone to accompany you to and from the appointment. To explore sedation further, arrange a consultation with Dr. Pupkin today. Your comfort and well-being are our priorities.

Emergency Care

Dental emergencies in Owings Mills and Baltimore metro areas can catch us off guard, but rest assured, our caring team is here to help. Our dental office prioritizes providing relief and support during times of dental discomfort. Dental emergencies encompass issues like:

  • Sudden or persistent tooth pain
  • Broken or lost filling/crown
  • Abscess
  • Traumatic mouth injuries
  • Tooth fractures

In case of a dental emergency, contacting us promptly is crucial. Timely intervention increases the chances of saving damaged teeth. Rest easy knowing we aim to make you comfortable as quickly as possible. Regardless of the pain, swelling, or mouth trauma you’re facing, don’t hesitate to call us. We’ll guide you through the next steps, offering reassurance and swift assistance. Our existing patients can often receive guidance over the phone or schedule a same-day office visit. New patients, we strive to accommodate within 24 hours. Remember, for excessive oral bleeding, please dial 911. Your well-being matters to us.

TMJ Therapy

TMJ therapy in Owings Mills addresses discomfort caused by a misaligned temporomandibular joint, the hinge of your jawbone. When malocclusion, or a bad bite, leads to a misaligned jaw, you might be facing temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

Spotting TMD can be challenging, but under the guidance of an experienced dentist like Dr. Pupkin and advanced technology, diagnosis and relief are attainable. TMD commonly manifests as:

  • Jaw pain
  • Neck pain
  • Headaches
  • Clicking or popping when opening your mouth
  • Clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism)

Relief is just a call away. If these symptoms sound familiar, schedule an appointment with Dr. Pupkin for suitable treatment.

Testimonials From Your Neighbors