Call Today
Serving Northern Virginia
FAQs
FAQs
What Causes Tooth Decay?
For most people, a complete radiographic survey should be done every 3 years, and a “check up” or “recall” set every 6 to 12 months. A complete set of x-rays is estimated to expose you to the same amount of radiation you get on a flight from San Francisco to Seattle.
Doctors use x-rays as an aid in diagnosing problems. Without x-rays “seeing” the problem will be difficult if not impossible.
What Is The Best Kind Of Toothbrush?
For most people, a checkup and cleaning every 6 months is standard protocol. Depending on a person’s dental health, however, a dental cleaning every 3 to 4 months may be recommended.
How Do I Use Dental Floss?
Floss is cheap, so don’t be stingy! Tear off about a forearm’s length to start. Wrap one end around the middle finger of one hand to “anchor” it, and pick up the other end about 4-6 inches away with the middle finger of the other hand. This allows you to manipulate the floss with your thumb and fore finger. As you soil a section of floss, “reel” in another 4-6 inches of clean floss with the anchor finger as you release the floss with the other finger.
Once you get the floss past the tooth contact, move the floss up and down, perpendicular to the tooth. Never shoe-shine the teeth in a back-and-forth motion! You will either notch your teeth or cut your gums, or both!
How Often Should I Get Dental Checkups?
Generally speaking, a soft bristled toothbrush is best. Whether you use a manual toothbrush or an electric, anything harder than soft, is too hard. Stiff bristles may give you that clean feeling, but they can also abrade your teeth and cause gum recession.
How Often Should I Get X-Rays?
Tooth decay is caused by acids which are produced by bacteria in the presence of sugar. To prevent decay these bacteria, sugar and acids must be periodically removed by way of brushing and flossing.
Pediatric FAQs
What Happens On My Child’s First Visit?
We explain to the child what is going to happen and generally provide a fun interesting experience for the child. We carefully examine the development of their mouth including crowding, appearance of calcium deposits, abnormality in the number of teeth, baby bottle tooth decay, gum disease, TMJ, and signs of prolonged problems such as thumb-sucking and teething. We take x-rays when needed. We clean and polish teeth and apply fluoride when needed. We explain how a healthy diet relates to healthy teeth and we demonstrate the correct way to brush the teeth.
How Often Does My Child Need X-Rays?
In general, children need x-rays more often than adults. Their mouths grow and change rapidly. They are more susceptible to tooth decay than adults. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends x-ray examinations every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. Children with a low risk of tooth decay require x-rays less frequently.
X-rays allow dentists to diagnose and treat health conditions that cannot be detected during a clinical examination. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable and affordable.
X-ray films detect:
- Cavities
- Erupting teeth
- Diagnose bone diseases
- Evaluate the results of an injury
- Plan orthodontic treatment
Particular care is applied to minimize the exposure of child patients to radiation. With contemporary safeguards, the amount of radiation received in a dental x-ray examination is extremely small. The risk is negligible. In fact, dental x-rays represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and untreated dental problem.
Can My Child Receive Dental Anesthesia?
Drs. Cocolis & Morrow treat pediatric patients in Springfield. They often treat patients who present special challenges related to their age, behavior, medical conditions, or any other special needs. To address these challenges effectively in order to provide “predictable” treatment, your pediatric dentist may recommend treating your child under General Anesthesia.
Drs. Cocolis & Morrow, by virtue of training and experience, are qualified to recognize the indications for such an approach and to render such care. Our doctors will discuss all the necessary steps that must be taken in order to promptly and safely complete your child’s dental treatment after this treatment option has been chosen.
How Do My Child’s Teeth Develop?
Children continually get new teeth from age 3 months to the age 6 years. Most children have a full set of twenty (20) primary teeth by the time they are 3 years old. As a child nears the age 6, the jaw grows making room for the permanent teeth. At the same time, the roots of the baby teeth begin to be resorbed by the tissues around them and the permanent teeth under them begin to erupt.
Primary teeth are just as important as permanent teeth for chewing, speaking and appearance. They also serve as placement holders for the permanent teeth. Primary teeth also provide structure to help shape the child’s face.
What Is The Best Toothpaste For My Child?
There is not such a thing as the best toothpaste. We recommend ONLY products that have been ADA (American Dental Association) accepted or approved.
The selection is usually made on a case-by-case basis, however the main consideration when selecting toothpaste is your child’s age.
This is due to the risk of fluorosis in younger children that swallow toothpaste during regular brushing. A child may face the condition called enamel fluorosis if he or she gets too much fluoride during the years of tooth development. Too much fluoride can result in defects in tooth enamel.
reviews
- Great as usual.- Ed Keller. 2/16/2020
- Everyone at the office is super friendly and take their time to help.- Lisa Carter. 2/10/2020
- Been going to him for 10+ years. Unfortunately no longer in network for my insurance, but I still choose to remain an "out of network" patient. More out of pocket cost for me, but that's how happy I am with the level of care.- John Rose. 2/9/2020
- Best dentist ever! Everyone in the office is so kind and caring! They are always up on the latest technology! I will never go to any other dentist!- Melissa Ashman. 2/5/2020
- Appointment was on time. Treatment was friendly and professional. New hygienist, Betsy N. was gentle while still being thorough. Very satisfied!- Mary Albanese. 2/4/2020
- I had a failed filling (from another dentist) and Dr. Cocolis fixed it with a laser treatment--no anesthesia required! The entire procedure was complete before I knew it. You get a great sense of community from the entire staff; they are always very friendly.- Nora Lincoln. 2/3/2020
- Dr Cocolis came highly recommended by a friend. His staff was friendly, professional, and helpful. I had chipped a tooth and they got me in the same day and were able to fix it quickly. The staff was wonderful explaining my coverage via insurance as well.- Kimberly Sholtis. 1/4/2020
- The office fit me in last minute because I was in extreme pain in the entire top left of my mouth. I was afraid I might need an emergency root canal or extraction or something worse it hurt so much. After checking my mouth and taking xrays to insure there were no tooth issues he gave me antibiotics. It is a sinus infection of some sort and I will follow up with my medical doctor. Today, the next day, I can say the antibiotics are already starting to work and my pain level went from 10 to 3.- susan richardson. 0/30/2020
- Excellent. As always when visiting Dr. Cocolis’ office. Sincerely, Arch- Arch Turner. 11/19/2019
- From the moment I entered I was welcomed and treated with respect. Everyone who works there is a member of the team, and the dentist was clear to credit the hygienist with catching something he had not seen. Front desk and those doing insurance paperwork were thorough and well informed. Excellent treatment all around.- Margaret Flott. 11/17/2019
- Very friendly staff and professional service.- Jacky Criollo. 11/17/2019
- Highly recommend Dr. C and his staff. I have been a client for over 5 years and would not go anywhere else. Best team in the Northern Virginia area!- Claudia Teran. 11/12/2019
- Great dentist! Have been going here for as long as I can remember! Julie the huge Yost is awesome! Superb attention to detail!- Kelly Loss. 11/6/2019
- 6 month checkup, cleaning and xrays was accomplished in a professional manner with a discussion of what work had been done, status of my dental health, and my next 6 month appointment scheduled. The Dr Cocolis’ team is “first class.”- George Davies. 10/21/2019
- I have been with my dentist located in Falls Church since I was a preteen (over 20yrs). He was/is great. But I wanted my family to be under one practice and moving further south (Prince William) it was a hard commute. In the DMV area there are many dentists to choose from. I was referred to Dr. Cocolis and was timid about transferring to another dentist. But again, having my own family and wanting us all to be under one practice, I thought let me give Dr. C a try and I scheduled my daughters first dental appt. She was 4yrs old. From the time we walked in, to the time we said good-bye I have never felt more welcomed and comfortable. My daughter is now 6yrs and I have transferred not only myself, but now my husband to Dr. C. And trying to get my mom too! The ENTIRE STAFF is amazingly friendly, knowledgeable and confident with the level of service provided to each of their patients. I could not be happier taking the leep. :)- Jessica Masse. 10/12/2019
- I can’t express the gratitude and the right words, to show how grateful to have been received with open arms and made sure that every visit I had was the best at all time. Whether if it was just a cleaning, X-Ray and more Peter K Cocolis and staff have surpass the meaning of “BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE” the moment you enter you already feel welcomed. Keep up the amazing work and I definitely surely recommend anyone for a good service to come here. They will take care of you at it’s best and provide you with great results.- GABINO VANEGAS. 10/12/2019
- Professional, quick and reliable dental office. Never had a bad experience and they are honest. Never had them recommend unnecessary procedures unlike other dental offices that try to get the most out of you. Been a regular here for years and now my 2 yr old is too. Just wonderful with kids as well, quick but also takes the time to let them know what's happening. Really can't say enough good things about the staff entirely, receptionist, dental hygienist and doctors!- Alexandria Whiton. 9/30/2019
- Absolutely the best dental practice I have ever experienced. Top notch treatment by Dr. Cocolis and the techs. The office staff are courteous, thorough and professional- never any surprises regarding benefits and billing. And everyone is so friendly! They make it a pleasure to visit the dentist 😊.- Darren Hutchinson. 9/27/2019
- Awesome! I look forward to going every time I have an appointment because this is an upbeat and happy dental office. Dr Cocolis always knows what's going on with my teeth and fixes the problem quickly and gets it corrected the first time with finesse. To be continued....- Chris Fields. 9/24/2019
- The office is professional, clean and Dr. Cocolis is fantastic.- Dana Ho. 9/24/2019
- Dr. Cocolis has done excellent work for me and my family for a number of years. He does not try to sell me on unnecessary procedures the way some of my friends’ dentists do. Staff is very professional and courteous. I do recommend this practice to friends.- William R. 11/24/2018
- Well, from now on I am ALWAYS going to ask for Valerie, Dental Hygienist, as she has the most gentle hand! Not only that, but my teeth felt smooth as marble after her excellent cleaning. She also took my x-rays with no retakes, no fumbling with the equipment and no painful positioning of the film frame. She is just awesome! But not to forget the absolute star of this show, Dr. Cocolis--I love how he also practices preventive dentistry--today, after my cleaning, instead of watching a crown stain until it required a new crown, he repaired it on the spot with his laser. This is an unequaled dentistry!- Gloria LaRoche. 10/15/2018
- Wonderful Dentist!!! I truly enjoyed my visit!- Vianca Coleman. 7/15/2018
- I have been seeing Dr. Cocolis and his staff for as long as I can remember. After more than 20 teeth cleanings, pulling my wisdom teeth, a handful of cavities, and one crown, I have never had a bad experience. Everyone is always friendly and professional, and I have never had cause to question the quality of the work.- Jamie Bieron. 5/13/2018
- There is a positive energy that radiates from everyone in the office that makes you want to smile! The doctors are also great at keeping you involved in whatever procedure they're conducting by explaining each step before it takes place. Definitely a lovely office.- Preston Taylor. 4/30/2018
- I cannot say enough good about Dr. Peter Cocolis and his staff. I am TERRIFIED of going to the dentist; I literally quake and have to bring my husband. I have seen Dr. Cocolis on two occasions now. The first time he replaced a broken temporary crown, put on by another dentist, within hours of my calling him on a Sunday evening. The second time, I made an appointment for what I thought was going to be an extensive crown replacement and possible root canal. Dr. Cocolis found a minor problem and corrected it. Each time, Dr. Cocolis and his staff have been so kind to me, taking the time to move slowly and reassuringly.- Julia Ross. 8/6/2017
- Just had my first ever root canal with Dr. Sanam and it was perfect as she was an absolute pro!! First off, my general dentist in Maryland had told me that tooth #19 needed the procedure. However, after Dr. Sanam’s thorough investigation, we found out that it was actually tooth #18 that needed a root canal, which saved me several hundred bucks, tons of pain, and extra trips to the dentist. Prior to the procedure, she made sure to explain step-by-step what she was going to be doing and why she would be doing it. She also did the same during the procedure and made sure to ask how I was doing every few minutes, which helped keep me calm throughout the whole process. Not only is Dr. Sanam a pro at her craft, but she’s also the kindest and sweetest person you’ll ever meet. All in all, I had an incredible experience and would highly recommend Dr. Sanam and this dental office to everyone.- amir rahimi. 2/9/2017
- I am a social worker, and I recently brought an elderly lady to this office for treatment. The staff were so helpful and accommodating. They were very patient and gentle and friendly with her. Thank you to everyone for helping us and providing such good care!- Kelley Barclay. 0/27/2017
- I recently switch to this office and I couldn't be happier. I originally came here to get a 2nd opinion on whether or not I actually needed a crown on a tooth and I fell in love with them! I actually switched from my dentist who was in-network to this office who is out of network and wouldn't go back. Dr. DaSilva is absolutely phenomenal. She is kind, funny, and cares about her work and her patients. She explains what goes in to a procedure and explains why it needs to happen. She doesn't talk down to you and is right there with you the whole time. The ladies who work the front desk are absolutely wonderful as well. They are friendly, kind, helpful, and explain everything very clearly and openly. I only wish I had found this office sooner! Could not recommend more!- jacob Mez. 0/18/2017
- As always, I am NEVER disappointed in the wonderful care that I receive from Drs. Cocolis, DaSilva and Staff. All are caring, efficient professionals and obviously love their work. Thank You for always being there for me!- Jane Lawler-Savitske. 3/27/2014
- I took my 2 1/2 year old daughter to see Dr. Emily DaSilva last week and I was absolutely impressed with the amount of one on one time she spent with her. Dr. DaSilva has such an impressionable way with children. When we first arrived at the waiting room, my daughter said, "Mommy, I'm a little scared." On the way out, after spending time with Dr. DaSilva, she said, "Mommy, the dentist is so nice." Now, my daughter asks me if she can brush and floss and is excited about cleaning her teeth. Thank you, Dr. DaSilva for starting my daughter out on such a positive path with her teeth at such a young age. I couldn't have been more impressed with your patience, positive energy and love for what you do. Highly highly recommend!- Caren Hergenroeder. 2/5/2014
- The best of the best!!! In addition to his knowledge and caring manner, the most modern equipment/technology and friendly/professional staff.- Toni Sepulveda. 2/4/2014
- Dr. Cocolis pulled four teeth on our 8 year old daughter. He was incredibly patient. He explained everything to her and answered all of her questions. He answered all of our questions too! He was efficient, and handled our daughter's concerns amazingly well. His staff was remarkably friendly too. I would absolultely recommend him for grown ups and children alike.- Deb E. 10/27/2013
- "What an amazing experience. Not only is Dr. C the best I've ever seen but his staff is hands down the best at what they do. I have been through alot of dental work over the years and Dr. Cocolis always gives his expert advice on what to tackle next. My Husband is also a guest of Dr.Cocolis Thanks Dr. C Heather and Dave P." About Hygienist: The hygenist are amazing they actually go the extra mile to do the best possible job.My teeth have never been so clean as when I leave. Thank You Dave and Heather P.- Heather Plum. 1/4/2013
62 Reviews