Do you have a dental problem you’ve been putting off? Whether you’re dealing with tooth pain, bleeding gums, or a smile you’re not confident about, Dr. Christopher Banks and the team at Dupont Dental are here to help. Our Washington, DC, dental office treats a wide range of dental concerns with personalized care tailored to your needs and goals.
Located in the heart of Dupont Circle, we welcome patients from across the DC area. We serve Georgetown, Adams Morgan, Logan Circle, and Capitol Hill patients. Whatever your dental concern, you’ll find compassionate, expert care right in your neighborhood.
Dental Concerns We Treat in Washington, DC
Dr. Banks brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and artistic vision to every patient he treats. As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a former Chair of its Board of Trustees, he has the training and experience to address even the most complex dental concerns. Here’s an overview of the common dental problems we treat at our Dupont Circle office.
Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Persistent bad breath can be embarrassing and is often a sign of an underlying dental problem. Common causes include poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, and certain foods. In some cases, bad breath signals a dental infection or abscess that needs professional treatment.
Professional cleanings at Dupont Dental remove the bacteria and buildup that cause bad breath. If gum disease is the source of the problem, Dr. Banks will recommend appropriate treatment to restore your gum health and freshen your breath.
Bleeding Gums
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, don’t ignore it. Bleeding gums are one of the earliest warning signs of gum disease. When plaque and tartar build up along the gumline, bacteria irritate the gum tissue. This can cause gum inflammation, sensitivity, and bleeding.
At Dupont Dental, we offer professional cleanings and periodontal treatment to restore your gum health. Dr. Banks uses laser dentistry for minimally invasive gum treatment, which means less discomfort and faster healing than traditional methods. Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile.
Crooked Teeth
Misaligned or crooked teeth affect more than just your appearance. They can make it harder to clean your teeth properly, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease. They can also affect your bite and cause jaw discomfort.
Dr. Banks offers Invisalign clear aligners to straighten teeth discreetly and comfortably. These custom-made, removable aligners gradually shift your teeth into better positions without the need for metal brackets or wires. Most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
Discolored Teeth
You can stain or discolor teeth from coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, aging, or certain medications. Some stains sit on the surface of teeth while others develop deeper within the enamel. These stains can be harder to remove with regular brushing.
Dupont Dental offers several cosmetic treatments to brighten your smile. Zoom or Opalescence teeth whitening can lighten surface stains quickly and safely. For deeper discoloration, porcelain veneers or dental bonding can cover stains and give you a brighter smile.
TMJ Headaches
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint becomes strained or irritated, it can cause headaches, jaw pain, neck soreness, and difficulty chewing. Many patients don’t realize their headaches or facial pain are connected to their jaw. Dr. Banks offers custom night guards and TMJ therapy to relieve discomfort and protect your jaw.
Missing Teeth
Losing a permanent tooth affects more than your smile. Missing teeth make it harder to chew and speak clearly, cause neighboring teeth to shift out of place, and lead to bone loss in the jaw over time. The longer a missing tooth goes unreplaced, the more complicated treatment becomes.
Dupont Dental offers several solutions for missing teeth, including dental implants, bridges, and dentures. Dental implants are the most natural and long-lasting option, replacing both the root and crown of a missing tooth. Dr. Banks will help you find the best solution based on your needs and budget.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Many people don’t realize that their dentist can help. Dr. Banks offers custom oral appliances that keep your airway open while you sleep. Sleep guards are a comfortable alternative to CPAP machines for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Tooth Cavities
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems we see. They form when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and produce acid that eats away at your tooth enamel. Left untreated, cavities deepen and can reach the tooth’s nerve, causing significant pain and requiring more extensive treatment.
The good news is that cavities caught early are simple to treat. Dr. Banks uses tooth-colored fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. If decay has progressed further, a dental crown can restore the tooth’s strength and appearance. Regular checkups are the best way to catch cavities before they become serious problems.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Many people grind or clench their teeth without realizing it, especially during sleep. Over time, bruxism wears down tooth enamel, causes jaw pain, and leads to headaches. It can even crack or chip teeth if left untreated.
Custom-fitted night guards from Dupont Dental protect your teeth from grinding damage while you sleep. Unlike store-bought options, our night guards are designed specifically for your mouth for a comfortable, secure fit.
Why Choose Dupont Dental for Your Dental Concerns?
Dr. Banks has built his reputation on providing expert, personalized dental care to Washington, DC patients. His credentials speak for themselves. He completed his doctorate at West Virginia University School of Dentistry. Then he went on to become Chair of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s Board of Trustees in 2013.
Dr. Banks is also a member of the International Academy of Facial Aesthetics. He’s committed to comprehensive facial and dental care. Our Dupont Circle office combines state-of-the-art technology. We utilize digital X-rays and laser dentistry with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
We also treat every patient as an individual. Dr. Banks and his team take the time to understand your concerns and create a treatment plan that fits your life.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Don’t let dental concerns affect your health, confidence, or quality of life. Dr. Banks and our team are here to help you find the right solution. Call Dupont Dental at (202) 946-4720. You can also request an appointment with us online.