Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At Pinebrook Dentistry, we are currently in-network with the following PPO dental plans, with more plans to be added in the future. We will also bill to all out-of-network PPO dental plans for you so that you don’t have to worry about paperwork after your dental treatment.

Our In-Network Insurances:

• Aetna PPO
• Ameritas
• Anthem BCBS
• CareFirst PPO
• Cigna DPPO
• Dental Network of America
• GEHA
• Guardian PPO
• Humana PPO
• Metlife PDP Plus
• Principal
• Sun Life Financial
• United Concordia
• United Healthcare
• United Healthcare Virginia Medicare

This list is updated regularly, so if you don’t see your insurance plan on the list, feel free to call us to find out more about your plan. Our insurance coordinator will go over the details of your dental insurance coverage and help you get the most out of your benefits.

Contact Us for More Insurance Information

To determine the exact nature of your dental needs and the scope of your dental coverage, please call our office to make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Gloria Kim. She will be more than happy to go over your treatment options that fit your budget and meet your expectations.

It is not uncommon for people to think that root canal treatment is painful and unnecessary. However, root canal treatment is one of the most predictable ways to save your tooth from being lost.

Simply put, root canal treatment is a filling in the roots of your tooth. To remove inflammation or infection resulting from decay and injury, the inflamed pulp tissue from the root must be removed and a special filling placed within the root canals. This allows the tooth to be restored to look and function normally without the tooth being permanently lost.

Treat Tooth Pain

Many patients that receive root canal treatment are in pain before the treatment due to dental inflammation. This is the primary reason that some people associate root canal treatment with pain, when in fact, the treatment will relieve you from pain. 

It is very important that a tooth that receives a root canal treatment be restored with a crown so that the tooth does not fracture. Because a tooth requiring a root canal is usually compromised to begin with, the tooth is more susceptible to fracture without proper restoration.

Schedule Your Root Canal in Chantilly, VA

No other tooth replacement option will function better than your own teeth, and root canal treatment allows you to lengthen the life of your teeth without the need for dentures and implants.

If you are in need of a root canal treatment, don’t delay any further. Call our friendly office to schedule a convenient appointment.

Caring for your child’s teeth doesn’t have to be complicated. Remembering that children’s teeth are important for their overall health will motivate you to develop good habits for them until they can take care of their own teeth.

Children’s teeth are more susceptible to dental decay because enamel, the hard outer layer that protects teeth from decay, is much thinner on baby teeth than adult teeth. Once formed, tooth decay can grow quickly on baby teeth so it is critical to prevent tooth decay from forming in the first place.

Here is how to care for your child’s teeth:

1. ​Brush twice daily, preferably soon after a meal and especially before going to bed. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children over the age of 2.

2. Use soft-bristled toothbrush. Show your child how to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum and gently brush on all surfaces of teeth.

3. Floss between teeth that are close together before going to bed.

4. Eat a balanced diet and limit the number of exposures to carbohydrate-containing foods such as crackers, bread, soda, juice, candy and milk. For example, one cup of milk consumed with lunch counts as one exposure. However, one cup of milk in a sippy cup consumed over one afternoon counts as multiple exposures.

5. Ask your dentist about dental sealants applied to chewing surfaces of molars to protect them from decay.

6. Have your child visit the dentist by age one and have them receive regular cleanings and exams to check for early signs of dental decay.

The best way to motivate your child to develop good oral hygiene habits is to show them how you brush and floss your own teeth. Be available to assist them until they can effectively brush on their own around the age of 8.

Your baby’s dental visit should begin by the age of one and continue regularly, just as you take your baby to a pediatrician at regular intervals for well visits. Although every child develops at their own pace, there are some developmental milestones that should be noted in your child’s oral health. Dr. Kim will take the time to explain how to care for your child’s dental needs at each milestone of their oral development.

Your Child's First Visit

We understand that a child’s first visit to the dentist can be intimidating. Our friendly staff and our gentle approach will make you and your child feel at home when you visit us. During your child’s the first visit, Dr. Kim will get to know you and your child, answer any questions, and perform a quick exam to ensure that your child is developing normally. We believe that creating a safe and fun environment for your child the first time is the key to pleasant visits in the future.

Schedule Your Child's Dental Check Up in South Riding, VA

When children learn at a young age how to properly take care of their teeth, the chance of needing dental treatment drastically decreases. At Pinebrook Dentistry, our hope is that all of our young patients maintain great oral health throughout their development and develop a positive attitude towards dentistry. Please call our office to schedule a visit with us to find a new dental home for your child.

Regardless of the reason, if you have several teeth that are missing or broken down, it can impact your life in many ways. It may have been a while since you felt confident about your smile. You are probably avoiding foods that are either too cold, hot, or hard to chew. The good news is that there are several options other than traditional dentures that can restore your dental health.

Get Modern, Secure Tooth Replacements

Many people who come to see us do not want dentures that may slide or come off while eating and speaking. Even if your teeth look like they cannot be fixed, a detailed exam by Dr. Gloria Kim may reveal that your teeth are in better shape than you thought. Dr. Kim believes in taking conservative approaches whenever possible to minimize the cost of treatment and loss of teeth. Dental restoration through crowns, bridges, and implants may be a great way to preserve as many teeth as possible.

In cases where most of your teeth are failing, implant-supported dentures at our Stone Ridge dental office can be secured to dental implants to replace all of your teeth. These appliances are not removable like traditional dentures, so there is no worry that they will slip when you are eating and speaking. 

Schedule a Consultation in Chantilly, VA

We would be more than happy to go over your options based on your preference, needs and budget. Schedule a visit with Dr. Kim to find out how to smile and eat with confidence again.

Tooth Replacement in South Riding, VA

When one or more teeth are lost, you have a few options for tooth replacement. It wasn’t that long ago when the only options for tooth replacement were bridges and dentures. With the advancements in dental implant technology, it is possible to replace missing teeth without grinding on adjacent teeth for dental bridges or wearing removable appliances like dentures. A dental implant is an excellent choice for tooth replacement that looks and feels like your own tooth.

A dental implant is designed to replace the root of a missing tooth. A biocompatible titanium implant is placed in the jawbone where a tooth is missing. Over time, the dental implant integrates with the bone and serves to support a crown that looks, feels, and functions like your own tooth. Dental implants are also ideal for replacing several missing teeth. Multiple implants can be placed to support a bridge or dentures that are stable and secure.

Successful Dental Implants Depend on You

To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. You must also commit to keeping these structures healthy. Good oral hygiene at home and regular dental visits are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.

Please call our South Riding, VA dental office to find out how we can help you achieve optimal dental health with dental implants.

Invisalign clear aligners are suitable for teens and adults to treat crooked, crowded or gapped teeth with an added convenience that traditional braces can’t offer. Many adults are hesitant to receive orthodontic treatment due to the appearance of conventional brackets and wires. But Invisalign aligners fit discreetly over your teeth, and your friends and colleagues will never need to know that you are wearing them.

Modern, Subtle Aligners

Instead of traditional braces that feel rough against your lips and tongue, Invisalign aligners are made of a specially engineered plastic material that feels smooth and comfortable in your mouth. The aligners are designed to move teeth with a gentle force, so there is less discomfort associated with the orthodontic movement compared to traditional braces.

The aligners are easily removable for eating and drinking as well as brushing and flossing. Because there are no brackets or wires to trap food, cleaning your teeth is a breeze, and the risk of cavities during treatment is significantly reduced.

Schedule a Consultation in South Riding, VA

Find out how you can enjoy a straight and beautiful smile through Invisalign clear aligners by calling our office for a consultation appointment.