What is mobile dentistry?

Mobile dentistry brings dental care directly to patients who cannot easily travel to an office, using portable equipment to provide exams, cleanings, and treatment in the home or a care facility. It is designed for homebound patients, seniors, and others with mobility challenges, ensuring they can maintain oral health without the difficulty of transportation to a dental office.

Who can benefit from house-call dental care?

House-call dental care benefits homebound patients, seniors with limited mobility, individuals with disabilities or complex medical conditions, and anyone for whom traveling to an office is difficult or impossible. It is also valuable for families caring for an aging parent who can no longer manage dental appointments on their own. We bring care to wherever the patient lives.

What treatments can be done at home or in a facility?

Many services can be provided on-site, including exams, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, denture fittings, relines and adjustments, and care for tooth pain or infection. More complex procedures may still require an office or specialist, but a great deal of routine and comfort-focused care can be delivered in the home or facility setting.

How do I arrange dental care for an elderly parent?

Contact us to discuss your parent's needs, mobility, and living situation. We coordinate scheduling with you and any caregivers or facility staff, and we communicate clearly about what care is recommended. Our goal is to make arranging dental care as simple and stress-free as possible for families managing the needs of an aging loved one.

What dental issues are common in seniors?

Common issues include dry mouth, often caused by medications, which raises decay risk; root decay along exposed root surfaces; gum disease; ill-fitting dentures; and difficulty maintaining oral hygiene due to limited dexterity. Addressing these protects comfort, nutrition, and overall health. Regular care helps catch and manage these problems before they worsen.

Why does oral health matter so much for seniors?

Oral health is closely linked to overall health, especially in older adults. Poor oral health can affect nutrition, contribute to infections, and is associated with conditions like heart disease and pneumonia. Comfortable, functional teeth or dentures also support eating, speaking, and dignity. Maintaining oral health is an important part of healthy aging.

How much does mobile or senior dental care cost?

Costs depend on the services provided and the visit setting. The treatments themselves are priced similarly to in-office care, and there may be an additional fee for the convenience of on-site visits. We provide clear pricing in advance and can discuss insurance, including how Medicare and supplemental plans may or may not apply to dental services.

Do you work with caregivers and facility staff?

Yes. We coordinate closely with family caregivers and care facility staff to schedule visits, understand each patient's needs and medical history, and follow up on recommended care. Clear communication with the people supporting the patient is essential to providing safe, consistent, and compassionate dental care for seniors and homebound individuals.

Can patients with dementia receive dental care?

Yes. We provide gentle, patient care for individuals with dementia or cognitive challenges, adapting our approach to keep them calm and comfortable. We work with caregivers to choose the best time and setting and to communicate in reassuring ways. Maintaining oral health and comfort is important for these patients, and familiar surroundings often help the visit go more smoothly.

General Dentistry

Gum Contouring

Gum contouring (sometimes called a gum lift, gingival contouring, or crown lengthening) is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes the gum line to create a more balanced, attractive smile.

Gum Contouring Explained

Gum contouring (sometimes called a gum lift, gingival contouring, or crown lengthening) is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes the gum line to create a more balanced, attractive smile. At Nova Dental Care of Vienna, we use modern techniques including dental lasers to remove or reshape excess gum tissue with precision and minimal discomfort. Patients with a gummy smile, uneven gum line, or short-looking teeth often benefit dramatically from gum contouring, and the results are visible immediately.

Many patients don't realize how much their gum line affects the overall look of their smile. When too much gum tissue shows above the teeth, the smile can look gummy and the teeth can appear small. When the gum line is uneven, individual teeth can look asymmetrical even when they're actually well-aligned. Gum contouring addresses both issues by precisely shaping the gum tissue to expose more of each tooth and create a harmonious gum line across the smile.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and most patients describe it as comfortable, similar to a routine cleaning. Laser contouring offers the additional benefit of cauterizing the tissue as it cuts, which means less bleeding, faster healing, and minimal post-operative discomfort. Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Gum contouring is often combined with other cosmetic procedures like veneers, bonding, or whitening as part of a comprehensive smile makeover, but it can also stand alone as a quick, transformative procedure.

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Dental laser being used to precisely reshape excess gum tissue during a gum contouring procedure

Gum Contouring Approach

A balanced gum line is one of the most underrated elements of a beautiful smile. At Nova Dental Care of Vienna, we evaluate the entire smile architecture (teeth, gums, lips, and face) before recommending gum contouring. We want to make sure reshaping the gums will actually improve your overall appearance and not just address a single concern in isolation.

We use modern laser technology when appropriate, which is more precise than traditional scalpel techniques and produces less bleeding and faster healing. We also discuss whether gum contouring alone will achieve your goals or whether it should be combined with veneers, bonding, or orthodontics for the best result. For patients with a gummy smile, we explain the difference between excess gum tissue (which contouring addresses) and underlying skeletal issues (which may require additional treatment).

Before and after comparison of a patient's smile showing a more balanced gum line after gum contouring

Four simple steps, every time.

From the moment you sit down to the moment you leave, here's what a routine cleaning and exam looks like at our Chantilly office.

Evaluate

We assess your gum line, smile, and overall facial proportions to plan the right amount and pattern of reshaping.

Plan

Using digital imaging or wax-ups, we show you what your smile will look like after contouring before any procedure begins.

Reshape

Under local anesthesia, excess gum tissue is precisely removed using a dental laser or surgical instruments. The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Heal

Most patients experience minimal discomfort and full healing within 1 to 2 weeks. Results are visible immediately.

Gum Contouring FAQs

Let's keep your smile healthy.

Due for a cleaning, or overdue? We'd love to see you. Request an appointment and our team will be in touch to find a time that works.

Request AppointmentCall 703-938-7615