New Patients Click Here For Registration!

Our practice is currently accepting new patients. We are happy to provide a consultation for your dental procedure. Contact our offices by phone or email to schedule a consultation appointment.

During your consultation visit we will discuss your medical history and your current oral hygiene habits. We will also discuss your ideal oral health goals, and we can set up a plan to help you achieve those goals. If you have any records from your previous dentist, you can bring those to your first consultation with us.

We look forward to meeting you and working to improve your oral health.

During your first visit to Cville Dentist, our doctors will:

Take time listening to your concerns and expectations
Review with you your complete dental and medical history
Take a digital X-ray of your mouth and jaw (if needed)
Discuss with you the different treatments we provide
Answer any questions you may have
Go over each of our flexible payment plans so you can chose which is best for you
Once your doctor has gone over all your paperwork and all of your questions have been answered, you will begin your first exam!

After your first exam, it is important to continue to schedule regular checkups.

Regular checkups are important for a healthy mouth and healthy body!

Regular dental checkups are very important! You should be visiting the dentist every six months — that’s twice a year! Here are a couple things you can expect at your regular checkup:

Teeth cleaning: Your hygienist will perform a professional cleaning of your teeth. First your hygienist will floss your teeth. After that, she/he will use special dental tools to remove any plaque and tartar that may be built up on the surface of your teeth. Lastly, your hygienist will polish your teeth to make them appear brighter and smoother.

Exam: After your teeth have been properly cleaned, your dentists will examine your mouth, teeth, and gums to make sure that you don’t have any signs of decay or gingivitis and periodontal disease. Your dentists will also check any old fillings or other restorative work to make sure that nothing needs to be fixed.

Prevention Tips: In-between checkups, it is important for you to take care of your teeth and gums! Be sure to brush your teeth at least three times a day, and floss at least once. This will help minimize the amount of plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to tooth decay and disease. If you need help learning how to properly brush and floss, please ask at your next office visit and we will be happy to show you how!

Precision Dentistry

When you seek care at our office, you are assured that Dr. Sowmya staff utilize the latest in technology to enhance the quality and fit for your dental care.

High-power Microscopes

Dr. Sowmya uses loupes at 3.5x magnification to enhance the precision of patient care. Dentistry is micro-surgery. Loupes allow her to give our patients the most precise care. You just can’t fulfill that level of care with the naked eye. In addition to allowing precision during close-up work, the loupes use an LED to direct a beam of light directly on the teeth, minimizing glare for you.

Electric Hand Pieces

Many dentists use air-driven “hand-pieces” (the dental term for “drills”). While acceptable for many procedures, these “whiney sounding” air-powered hand pieces all have a degree of non-concentricity; they do not rotate perfectly smoothly.

For the most precise aspects of restorative procedures, we use electric hand-pieces. This results in extraordinarily precise interfaces between your tooth and your new restoration (crown, veneer, or filling). This will bring more comfort to you as well. With a more precise tool, there is less vibration and less noise.

Digital Imaging

Dr. Sowmya and associates choose carefully which and when radiographs are taken. There are many guidelines that we follow. Radiographs allow us to see everything we cannot see with our own eyes. Radiographs enable us to detect cavities in between your teeth, determine bone level, and analyze the health of your bone. We can also examine the roots and nerves of teeth, diagnose lesions such as cysts or tumors, as well as assess damage when trauma occurs.

Dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental health. Exposure time for dental radiographs is extremely minimal. We use Digital Imaging Technologies within the office. With digital imaging, exposure time is about 50 percent less when compared to traditional radiographs. Digital imaging can also help us retrieve valuable diagnostic information. We may be able to see cavities better. Digital imaging allows us to store patient images, and enables us to quickly and easily transfer them to specialists or insurance companies.

Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays offer more precision, because we view the image on a computer monitor instead of holding a 35mm film up to the light. Digital X-rays results in 1/6th the radiation exposure to you, compared to the radiation exposure from film x-rays.

Laser Dentistry

For patients who do not look forward to needles, drilling, or numbness, Laser Dentistry may be the right choice.

Laser dentistry is one of dentistry’s latest advances. The laser delivers energy in the form of light. Depending on the intended result, this energy travels at different wavelengths and is absorbed by a “target.” In dentistry, these targets can be enamel, decay, gum tissue, or whitening enhancers. Each one absorbs a different wavelength of light while reflecting others. Laser dentistry can be used for both tooth and soft tissue related procedures. Oftentimes no local anesthesia is required. Unlike with the dental drill, with laser dentistry there is no heat or vibration, making the procedure quite comfortable for most patients. For soft tissue (surgical) procedures it eliminates the need for suturing and healing is much faster.

Lasers can be used to diagnose cavities. They can find hidden decay in teeth in early stages, and in some cases the decay can be reversed through hygiene and fluoride treatment and may never need filling.

Areas of dental care that benefit from laser technology:

Cavity diagnosis and removal
Curing, or hardening, bonding materials
Whitening teeth
Periodontal, or gum related, care
Pediatric procedures
Apthous Ulcer treatment (canker sore)
Frenectomy (tongue-tie release) without anesthesia or sutures
Root canals and apicoectomies
Crown lengthening, gingivectomy and other gum corrections

Dental lasers have been shown to be safe and effective for treating both children and adults.

Intraoral Camera

Many patients, especially younger patients, are very familiar with the latest technology and are comfortable with the high tech practice. Computers and TV screens are their primary method of information processing.

We use Intraoral Camera technology to help enhance your understanding of your diagnosis. An Intraoral Camera is a very small camera — in some cases, just a few millimeters long. An Intraoral Camera allows our practice to view clear, precise images of your mouth, teeth and gums, in order for us to accurately make a diagnosis. With clear, defined, enlarged images, you see details that may be missed by standard mirror examinations. This can mean faster diagnosis with less chair-time for you! Intraoral cameras also enable our practice to save your images in our office computer to provide a permanent record of treatments. These images can be printed for you, other specialists, and your lab or insurance companies.

Your initial appointment usually will consist of an examination and review of your treatment options. Usually, treatment can be done or started the same day as the consultation. However, a complex medical history or treatment plan will require an evaluation and a second appointment to provide treatment on another day.

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:

Any x-rays taken by a previous dentist, if applicable.
A list of medications you are presently taking.
If you have dental insurance, bring the necessary completed forms. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.

IMPORTANT: All patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to treatment (i.e., diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are currently taking any medication (i.e., heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.).

X-Rays

If your dentist or physician has taken x-rays, you may request that they forward them to our office. If there is not enough time, please pick them up and bring them to our office. If additional x-rays are necessary, they can be taken at our facility.

The office of Cville Dentist is open Monday–Friday from 8:00 am–5:00 pm.

We will schedule your appointment as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you that day.

We try our best to stay on schedule to minimize your waiting. Due to the fact we provide many types of dental services, various circumstances may lengthen the time allocated for a procedure.

Emergency cases can also arise and cause delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

Please contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Dental Patient Billing

For your convenience we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and CareCredit. We deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients, therefore payment is due at the time service is rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

If you have questions regarding your account, please contact us at (434) 973-5873. Many times, a simple telephone call will clear any misunderstandings.

Please remember you are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office regardless of your insurance coverage.

We will send you a monthly statement. Most insurance companies will respond within four to six weeks. Please call our office if your statement does not reflect your insurance payment within that time frame.

Any remaining balance after your insurance has paid is your responsibility.

Your prompt remittance is appreciated. We can make arrangements for a monthly payment plan but this must be done prior to the actual procedure.

CareCredit

Each of our locations accepts payment via CareCredit. Dental treatment is an exceptional investment in psychological and medical wellness. Financial considerations should not be an obstacle to obtaining this important health service. Being sensitive to the fact that people have different needs in fulfilling their financial obligations, we have partnered with CareCredit to provide you with convenient payment options.

Insurance Information

At Cville Dentist we make every effort to provide you with the finest care and the most convenient financial options. To accomplish this we work hand-in-hand with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement for covered procedures.

If you have any problems or questions, please ask our staff. They are well informed and up-to-date. They can be reached by phone at (434) 973-5873.

Please call if you have any questions or concerns regarding your initial visit.

Please bring your insurance information with you to your consultation visit so that we can expedite reimbursement.

Infection controls and universal precautions protect clients and staff alike. Everyone benefits from rigorous infection control — you, your dentist, and the dental team. The cornerstone in a good and safe dental practice is the element of trust. You should feel free to discuss this topic with any of our attending dentists and receive a straightforward answer.

Our entire team follows procedures recommended by several federal agencies: the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These measures include:

Disinfectant hand soap
Gloves and face masks
Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces
Sterilization of all equipment before every use
Disposable materials

We sterilize all reusable equipment, including dental hand pieces. We use an autoclave, a device that kills bacteria and viruses by steam, heat and pressure.

The best defense against disease is information. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make wise decisions about your health care. The more you know about our daily procedures and policies, the more comfortable you will feel.

Laughing Gas for Dental Patients

Nitrous Oxide is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas that you can breathe.

Nitrous Oxide has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe: the patient receives 50–70% oxygen with no less than 30% nitrous oxide.

The patient is able to breathe on their own and remain in control of all bodily functions.

The patient may experience mild amnesia and may fall asleep, not remembering all of what happened during their appointment.

There are many advantages to using Nitrous Oxide

The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation.
There is no after effect such as a “hangover.”
Inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on your heart and lungs, etc.
Inhalation sedation is very effective in minimizing gagging.
It works rapidly as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds. In as little as 2–3 minutes its relaxation and pain killing properties develop.

Reasons to not use Nitrous Oxide

You should not use Nitrous Oxide if you have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Though there are no other major contraindications to using nitrous oxide, you may not want to use it if you have emphysema, exotic chest problems, M.S., a cold, or other difficulties with breathing.

You may want to ask your dentist for a “5 minute trial” to see how you feel with this type of sedation method before proceeding.

Call our office, if you have any questions.

Sedation Dentistry

Advantages to patients include:

Treatment is completed when you are in a more relaxed mood.
You will have less difficulty sitting through a lengthy procedure.
Multiple treatments and full mouth restorations can occur at during the same visit.
Less discomfort after treatment.

Anti-Anxiety Pills

The most commonly prescribed dental-related drugs that treat anxiety belong to the “benzodiazepine” family: drugs such as Valium, Halcion, Xanax, or Ativan. These drugs decrease anxiety by binding and toning down activity within “fear” receptors in the brain.

There are two different types of Benzodiazepines:

Sedative-Hypnotics: These drugs induce calm, including drowsiness and even sleep. This sleep state is actually a form of hypnosis which is a form of physiological sleep.
Anti-Anxiety Drugs: These are drugs which relieve anxiety and induce a state of calm and relaxation.

While benzodiazepines act as sedatives AND anti-anxiety drugs, some are highly targeted at areas within the brain that focus on sleep. Others act in a more specific way and target fear centers in the brain. In most cases, higher doses act as sedatives and induce sleep, while lower doses reduce anxiety without sedation.

Benzodiazepines are also Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants (i.e., there can be a decline in blood pressure and breathing). It is important to note that they shouldn’t be mixed with other CNS depressants such as alcohol. Its important that you utilize the dose your dentist or doctor recommends. It is possible to overdose, and overdoses could lower your breathing to dangerously low levels, which could result in coma or death.

Please note that you shouldn’t travel on your own after you’ve taken any of these drugs. Make sure you have an escort, even if you traveled by bus or foot! It’s easy to become disorientated.

When not to take benzodiazepines:

Some of these drugs can affect your liver and heart. It’s important to check with your practitioner and/or pharmacist. You should be sure to inform your doctor or dentist if any of the following apply: known allergy to the drug, narrow-angle glaucoma, pregnancy, severe respiratory disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF), impaired kidney or liver function, depression/bipolar disorder/psychoses, chronic bronchitis and some other conditions.

It’s also important to let us know if you are taking other medications. There could be possible drug interactions.

Please call our office if you have any questions or wish to discuss if Sedation Dentistry is right for you.

After Cosmetic Reconstruction

Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our offices at (434) 973-5873 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.

It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (one tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3–4 hours) should ease any residual discomfort.

Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal in about a week.

Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments.

Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.

If you engage in sports let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard we have provided for you. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time.

If you have any problems or concerns, please let us know.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.

Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.

To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary but pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.

It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office.

After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30–45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.

After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2–3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately!

After Composite Fillings (White Fillings)

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.

It is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3–4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness.

If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold substances increases, contact our office.

You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office.

How do I choose a dentist for my family and me?

There are several factors you should analyze when choosing a dentist. First, you want to make sure your dentist has a comfortable office and friendly staff. We welcome future patients to visit our office for a tour before scheduling an appointment with us. You should feel comfortable with your dentist. You should also review your dentist’s credentials. Is your dentist a member of post-graduate academies or the American Dental Association? Does your dentist study the latest research? Does your dentist attend continuing education courses to learn new technologies in dentistry? Dr. Sowmya is an ADA member, and she takes continuing education very seriously. She is committed to staying on the forefront of modern dentistry, through countless hours of continuing education.

Feel free to view our online information about the dental team of Cville Dentist, or to visit our office in person and ask our staff any questions you may have. We are here to improve your oral health and to provide expert customer service while doing so. Give us a call to schedule a visit to our practice or to meet our highly trained dental team.

How often should I brush and floss my teeth?

You should brush twice a day and floss once a day at minimum. Some patients may need to brush and floss more often to control gingivitis or gum disease. Dr. Sowmya always recommends a Phillips Sonicare toothbrush to all her patients, and provides free manual brushes to take home at every cleaning with her hygienist.

How often should I schedule dental appointments?

The American Dental Association recommends healthy patients visit their dentists twice a year. This frequency will ensure there are no underlying oral health issues invading your mouth. Depending on your oral care needs, you may need to come in more regularly. Dr. Sowmya can develop an individual treatment plan for you.

How do I make an appointment at Cville Dentist?

You can call our office to schedule a dental appointment at 434-973-5873

How can your team help me deal with dental fears or anxieties?

We understand many of you feel some level of anxiety visiting the dentist. Some patients are uncomfortable relinquishing control while others worry their gag reflex will cause problems. Dr. Sowmya and her team are experienced with dental anxiety and take every effort to make patients feel at ease during their appointments. We also provide certain amenities to increase your comfort, including cozy neck pillows, access to your personal music and overhead flatscreen televisions. Our team is happy to discuss your procedure in detail so you understand its purpose and effects.