Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Most patients benefit from scheduling dental checkups and professional cleanings every six months. This twice-yearly schedule allows our team to monitor your oral health regularly, remove plaque and tartar buildup, and address small concerns before they develop into more complex issues.

Personalized Care Planning

That said, dental care isn't one-size-fits-all at Pineview Dental. Dr. Fogel or Dr. Bosh may recommend more frequent visits if you have certain risk factors that make you more susceptible to dental problems. These factors include:

• A history of gum disease or rapid tartar buildup
• Conditions like diabetes that affect oral health
• Medications that reduce saliva flow, leading to dry mouth
• Current orthodontic treatment
• Tobacco use or frequent alcohol consumption
• A history of dental decay or weakened enamel

Alternatively, if you've maintained excellent oral health for years with minimal concerns, we might occasionally suggest extending the time between visits. We determine this based on a comprehensive oral examination, dental history, and at-home care routine.

Call to Schedule an Appointment

Is it time for your next dental checkup? Call Pineview Dental today at (410) 730-3311 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Fogel or Dr. Dosh. Our friendly team serves patients throughout Howard County, including Columbia, Ellicott City, and surrounding communities.

Cavities often develop without symptoms, especially in the early stages, which is why routine checkups are crucial. As decay progresses, you may notice mild signs but not realize they mean you have a cavity.

Common Signs of a Tooth Cavity

Being aware of these common indicators of tooth decay can alert you to call Pineview Dental to schedule an appointment:

• Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
• Mild to sharp pain when biting down
• Visible holes or pits in your teeth
• Dark spots or discoloration
• Rough edges you can feel with your tongue
• Food frequently getting stuck in a particular spot
• Pain that comes and goes without apparent cause

How Tooth-Colored Fillings Help

We use natural-looking composite material to repair cavities because it resembles tooth enamel. The process for filling a tooth with this material is more conservative than silver amalgam, and the repair is virtually undetectable.

Do You Need a Tooth Filling?

If you notice any of the above symptoms, call Pineview Dental to schedule an appointment. Addressing the problem now can prevent that small cavity from becoming a painful problem. If you have a toothache, call us at (410) 730-3311 so we can provide the prompt relief and treatment you need to protect your smile.

With proper care, dental crowns can last 15 years or longer. At Pineview Dental, Dr. Fogel selects high-quality materials that balance durability with a natural appearance, ensuring your restoration functions well and looks beautiful.

Several factors influence a crown's lifespan:

• Quality Materials Matter — Today's ceramic and zirconia crowns offer excellent strength while mimicking the translucency of natural teeth. We use digital technology to ensure precise fit and proper bite alignment, significantly extending a crown's lifespan.
• Daily Care Makes a Difference — Crowns don't decay, but the tooth underneath can. Maintain excellent oral hygiene with twice-daily brushing and flossing, paying special attention to the crown's margins where it meets your natural tooth.
• Regular Checkups Are Essential — During your biannual visits with our dentist in Columbia, MD, Dr. Fogel will check your crown for signs of wear or damage. Catching minor issues early often prevents the need for replacement.
• Avoid Habits That Damage Crowns — Protect your investment by avoiding using your teeth as tools, chewing ice or hard candies, and wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth during sleep.

If you have questions about dental crowns or want to schedule an evaluation, call Pineview Dental at (410) 730-3311. We serve patients throughout Howard County, including Columbia, Ellicott City, and surrounding communities.

The dental implant process at Pineview Dental involves several steps and typically takes several months from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Consultation and Planning — The implant process begins with a comprehensive evaluation using advanced digital imaging. Dr. Fogel assesses your oral health and bone structure and discusses your goals to create a personalized treatment plan.
2. Preparatory Procedures — Some patients require preliminary treatments like tooth extraction or bone grafting before implant placement.
3. Implant Surgery — Dr. Fogel precisely positions the titanium implant post into your jawbone using meticulous surgical techniques and the highest quality materials.
4. Healing Period — Over the next 3–6 months, your jawbone grows around the implant (osseointegration). Dr. Fogel monitors your progress during brief checkup appointments.
5. Abutment Placement — Once healing is complete, a connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant, followed by a short healing period of about two weeks.
6. Custom Restoration — Using precise digital impressions, Dr. Fogel works with a trusted custom dental lab to create a dental crown that matches your natural teeth in color, shape, and size.
7. Final Crown Placement — Your custom restoration is attached to the abutment with careful adjustments to ensure proper fit and bite alignment.

Ready to Begin Your Implant Journey?

Call our Columbia, MD, dental office at (410) 730-3311 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Fogel. Our combination of clinical excellence and patient-centered care makes the implant process comfortable and successful for patients throughout Howard County.

While some dental emergencies result from unexpected accidents, many can be prevented with proactive care and smart habits. Our team at Pineview Dental believes in helping patients avoid the pain, inconvenience, and expense of emergencies whenever possible.

Follow these preventive measures to reduce your risk:

• Maintain Regular Dental Visits — Six-month checkups with our dentist in Columbia, MD, allow Dr. Fogel to identify potential problems like small cracks, weakening fillings, or early infections before they escalate into painful emergencies.
• Address Issues Promptly — Don't ignore warning signs like sensitivity, mild pain, or visible changes to your teeth. What starts as a minor concern often becomes an emergency when left untreated.
• Practice Excellent Home Care — Thorough brushing and flossing remove the bacteria that cause decay and infection, two common causes of dental emergencies.
• Protect Your Teeth During Sports —Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard during sports or recreational activities where impact is possible. For those who grind their teeth at night, a nightguard prevents cracks and fractures that often lead to emergency visits.
• Be Mindful of What You Chew — Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite fingernails, and steer clear of chewing ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candies that can crack teeth unexpectedly.

If you experience a problem, Pineview Dental provides prompt emergency dentistry for patients throughout Howard County, including Columbia, Ellicott City, and surrounding communities. Call us at (410) 730-3311 for guidance and same-day treatment.

Selecting the right general dentist is an important healthcare decision. This relationship often lasts for years, even decades, so it's worth finding a professional who meets your family's specific needs.

Key Qualifications and Credentials

Start by verifying the dentist's education and credentials. Look for dentists like Dr. Fogel, who have pursued additional training beyond dental school, such as an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program. This extra education often translates to more comprehensive care and greater expertise in various dental procedures.

Comprehensive Services

Consider what dental services you and your family might need. Ideally, you'll want preventive care, restorative treatments, and cosmetic options under one roof. This convenience means you won't need to visit multiple specialists for routine dental needs. 

Practice Atmosphere and Approach

The environment of a dental practice speaks volumes about its philosophy of care. During your initial visit, notice whether the office feels welcoming and if the team takes time to listen to your concerns. 

Location and Accessibility

Practical considerations matter. Choose a dentist with a convenient location and hours that suit your schedule. Consider whether the practice accepts your insurance or offers payment options that make care affordable for your family.

Ready to Find Your New Dental Home?

If you're searching for a dentist in Columbia, MD, we invite you to discover why so many families choose Pineview Dental for their oral health needs. Call us at (410) 730-3311 to schedule a meet-and-greet appointment with Dr. Fogel or to enquire about our practice.

We welcome patients throughout Howard County, including Columbia, Ellicott City, and surrounding communities.

Many patients worry about comfort during Invisalign treatment, but it is generally considered more comfortable than traditional braces. Unlike metal brackets and wires that irritate your cheeks and gums, Invisalign aligners are made from smooth, BPA-free plastic and custom-fitted to your teeth.

Adjusting to Clear Aligners

When you first begin wearing Invisalign or switch to a new set of aligners, you may feel pressure or mild discomfort. This sensation is actually a good sign—it means your aligners are working to move your teeth into their new positions. Most patients describe it as a "tightness" rather than pain, which subsides within a few days as your mouth adjusts to each new aligner.

Steps to Improve Comfort

You can take several steps to minimize any discomfort during Invisalign treatment:

1. Switch to new aligners at bedtime so you'll sleep through the initial adjustment period.
2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen if needed.
3. Stick with softer foods for the first day or two with new aligners.
4. Stay consistent with wear time—taking breaks can prolong the adjustment period.

Invisalign Treatment in Columbia, MD

Call Pineview Dental at (410) 730-3311 to take the first step toward a straighter smile with Invisalign. Dr. Fogel will answer all your questions and help you understand what treatment involves. We welcome patients throughout Howard County, including Columbia, Ellicott City, and surrounding communities.

Bad breath (halitosis) commonly affects self-confidence and social interactions. Occasional "sour" breath is normal, but persistent bad breath often signals underlying issues that may require professional attention.

The most common causes of bad breath include:

• Bacteria in the mouth that break down food particles, releasing sulfur compounds
• Poor oral hygiene, allowing bacteria to multiply on the teeth, gums, and tongue
• Dry mouth (xerostomia) from medications, mouth breathing, or dehydration
• Certain foods like garlic, onions, and strong spices
• Tobacco products, which leave residual odors and promote bacterial growth
• Gum disease or other dental infections
• Medical conditions, such as sinus infections, acid reflux, or diabetes

How to Prevent Bad Breath

Fortunately, most cases of bad breath can be easily managed with these preventive measures:

• Maintain thorough oral hygiene — Brush twice daily and floss once daily to remove food particles and bacteria
• Clean your tongue — Use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush to remove bacteria from the tongue's surface
• Stay hydrated — Drink plenty of water to help wash away food particles and keep tissues moist
• Schedule regular dental cleanings — Professional cleanings remove tartar that harbors odor-causing bacteria
• Replace your toothbrush regularly — Use a fresh toothbrush every 3-4 months
• Consider alcohol-free mouthwash — Rinse to reduce bacteria without drying out your mouth

Book a Teeth Cleaning for Fresh Breath

If you've improved your oral hygiene but still experience persistent bad breath, schedule an appointment with our dentist in Columbia, MD. We can identify underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatments. Call us at (410) 730-3311 to arrange your visit to Pineview Dental.

Many patients aren't sure when tooth pain warrants a call to the dentist or when it might indicate the need for root canal treatment. While only a dental professional can determine if you need a root canal, these warning signs suggest it's time to schedule an evaluation at Pineview Dental:

1. Severe or Persistent Tooth Pain — Throbbing pain, especially when you chew on the tooth or apply pressure, often indicates inflammation or infection in the tooth's pulp.
2. Prolonged Temperature Sensitivity — Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold or when pressure is applied may indicate damaged pulp nerves.
3. Tooth Darkening or Discoloration — When an infection breaks down the tooth’s mineral structure, it can appear dark or grayish-black.
4. Gum Swelling and Tenderness — Infected tooth pulp can cause the surrounding gum tissue to become swollen, tender, or raised.
5. Persistent Pimple on the Gums — A small, pimple-like bump on your gums (called a fistula) may appear and cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
6. Facial or Jaw Swelling — In advanced cases, infection can spread, causing facial, jaw, or neck swelling. This is a serious symptom that requires immediate attention.

Call for Root Canal Treatment in Columbia, MD

Remember, acting on these symptoms early often means a more straightforward treatment with better outcomes. Dr. Fogel provides same-day emergency appointments for patients in pain throughout Howard County, including Columbia, Ellicott City, and surrounding communities.

The area around a wisdom tooth extraction typically closes within six weeks. In the next several months, those sockets will fill with bone. During the six weeks, it will take the site to close, it is important to keep the area clean and ensure food isn’t trapped in the socket area.

Most patients recover from tooth extraction within one to two weeks, though healing time varies depending on the complexity of the extraction and the patient's overall health.

• First 24 Hours: A blood clot forms in the socket with some bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. Most patients can resume light activities the day after extraction.
• Days 2-3: Swelling peaks, then begins to subside. Discomfort gradually improves as you transition from gauze pads to careful oral hygiene routines.
• Days 4-7: Visible healing begins with minimal swelling and reduced discomfort. Most patients return to normal activities and a wider variety of foods.
• Weeks 2-4: The socket continues to fill with new tissue. Simple extractions heal faster than surgical extractions like wisdom teeth removal, which may take up to a month.

Essential Extraction Recovery Tips

1. Control bleeding by gently biting on gauze pads for 30-45 minutes; replace as needed
2. Reduce swelling with ice packs (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off)
3. Take medications as prescribed for discomfort and infection prevention
4. Rest and hydrate, but avoid using straws, which can dislodge the blood clot
5. Eat soft foods for the first few days
6. Clean gently around the extraction site
7. Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 72 hours
8. Skip strenuous activities for 3-4 days

If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection, contact our Columbia, MD, dental office immediately at (410) 730-3311. Dr. Fogel and our team are committed to ensuring your recovery is as comfortable and smooth as possible.