Dr. Robert Gallegos' extensive experience and his devotion to advanced continuing education make possible a high level of care. His penchant to listen to and respect his guest elevates that level of care to a gentle, comfortable experience.
His expertise in restorative, esthetic and airway dentistry has given his guests the ability to look and feel great. This is not superficial therapy; it's geared toward significantly enhancing function, health and beauty. Additionally, guests have come in with unexplained toothaches, recurring headaches and other facial pain, Dr. Gallegos has been able to give them relief. By focusing on proper oral and airway function he establishes a foundation for long-term, comfortable results.
Dr. Gallegos has practiced dentistry and served in its professional organizations since graduating from Georgetown University School of Dentistry in 1984. He is a visiting faculty member of SPEAR Education, an Alumnus of the L.D. Pankey Institute, a member in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine; he is a Fellow in the International College of Dentists, the American College of Dentists, and the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD). He is also a member of the American Dental Association and the Virginia Dental Association. In addition, Dr. Gallegos is a past President and General Chairman of the District of Columbia Dental Society.
Dr Gallegos is a member of three dental education study clubs that are for the advanced education of dentists in our area. He is founder and leader of two study of those clubs, Spear Study Club and the Sleep and Airway Group.
Dr. Gallegos, his wife Beth and their three children live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia's horse country. His practice is in the historic and charming town of Middleburg, Virginia; a short drive from Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area. Dr. Gallegos is active in his church, his children's education, dental continuing education, golfing and coaching youth sports.
Dr. Gallegos and his team achieve lasting quality, beauty and enhanced overall well-being by personalizing your care. Find out how Dr. Robert Gallegos and his team are able to revitalize your oral health and make your smile dreams a reality by calling the office at 540.687.6363.
Theresa began her dental career 30 years ago as a part-time receptionist after school. After serving in the U.S. Navy as an Electronics Technician she rejoined the civilian world as a Dental Assistant. Her current role is that of Office Manager but she has spent time as a Treatment and Financial Coordinator in the dental office and as well has performed other front office positions.
Missy considers herself a hygiene coach and cheerleader to her patients and loves helping people discover the power they have to take charge of their own health. She truly loves her profession and enjoys interacting with all the patients. You may see her patients with a pillow and blanket enjoying the massage chair as she makes patients feel comfortable and at ease.
Oral health is an important part of everyones overall health. However, daily management of good oral hygiene is not always easy or possible for everyone. Children, as well as older and the disabled, often are not capable of good dental hygiene. In these instances, caregivers are a vital part in maintaining oral and overall health.
Dental needs change through the different decades of life. They reflect the stages of health and lifestyle. To meet the needs of maintaining proper dental health in all the stages of life requires homecare, diet control and regular dental office visits. Regular visits to the dentist will help guide homecare as oral health changes..
Considerable research has gone into the aesthetic analysis of what makes a beautiful, aesthetic, smile. What constitutes a beautiful smile are the traits that most people agree are aesthetically pleasing. Dentists can assist patients in achieving the smile they want by knowing these traits and the options and methods of treatment. Common traits of beautiful smiles and options for enhancements are discussed below.
Oral-systemic is the connection between your oral health and your entire health system. Poor oral health has been linked is to conditions such as Covid-19, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, pneumonia and Alzheimers. Specifically, high-risk oral bacteria that enters the bloodstream through the gums from periodontal disease can adversely impact overall health. Conversely, a healthy mouth can help overall health.
The benefits of having properly aligned teeth extend far beyond an attractive and confident smile. Straight teeth not only create a more beautiful smile but are also key in maintaining your overall dental health. Properly aligned teeth reduce your risk for tooth decay (cavities) and gum (periodontal) disease. By reducing the risk of decay and gum disease you can decrease risk factors for other health issues as well. Think about it, if your smile is far from perfect if its not a healthy smile. Straight teeth contribute to overall health, well-being, ease of cleaning and healthier teeth and gums.
By now everyone in the United States ought to be aware of the dangers of smoking. Anti-smoking ads and warning labels, concerned friends and relatives, and doctors warn against the serious consequences of smoking. In most parts of the country, restaurants, airlines and workplaces no longer allow smoking - and for good reason. The good news is that if youre a smoker, quitting can lower the risk of illness and death.
Should I whiten my teeth or not? is one of the most common questions hygienists and dentists get from patients. Most patients questions are pretty straight forward and can be answered with a yes or no. However, the question to whiten or not is a personal choice. Nevertheless, there are some precautions that should be taken into consideration when making your decision.
What issues arise when your teeth do not meet properly, which is called malocclusion or a bite discrepancy? Malocclusion can be minor or major. Malocclusion is a common occurrence as evidenced by the high percentage of people who need orthodontic treatment. Some people get headaches, neck pain, jaw pain and tooth pain from bite discrepancies. When teeth, muscles of the jaw and or the jaw joint hurt one of the things to check is the bite. I have been part of several courses on occlusion, the way the teeth come together, as both a participant and visiting faculty. Occlusion is a core concept in dentistry and is taught early in dental school and continues in advanced post-doctoral programs.
Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily are the most effective ways to reduce the risk of getting cavities and gum disease. However, molars and premolars (bicuspids) often have narrow, deep grooves on the biting surfaces that toothbrush bristles are too wide to reach.
Consumption of water is essential to our overall good health and proper bodily functions. Every part of the body, from organs to individual cells, needs hydration to function and remain healthy. A Harris Poll showed that 82% of US adults recognize the importance of drinking proper amounts of water daily. Which then leaves the question: Is all water healthy?
Its time to review your annual dental benefits before they are lost. Most employer sponsored health insurance plans are on a calendar year. This means that the current year plan expires the last day of each year, renews in January and any unused benefits for the current year will be lost. If you have dental benefits coverage in your employer sponsored health insurance plan you may have unused dental benefits available to you and your family.
Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic procedures requested by patients in the dental office. To achieve the desired outcome (how white) most economically and effectively, it is important to determine why the teeth are dark to begin with.
Dental implants can be a great option to replace a missing or severely damaged tooth or teeth. They restore strength and esthetics and feel and function like a healthy tooth. Dental implants have been around for a long time but tooth form implants (shaped like a root of a tooth) made of titanium were introduced in the 1980s.
Healthy sleep contributes to physical and mental well-being. It impacts our productivity, quality of life and longevity. Healthy sleep is the result of several things, but one category not often discussed but is infringed upon regularly is sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene is a group of practices centered on the time and environment before and during sleep. These practices prepare us for sleep and assist in keeping us asleep.
Comprehensive dental care is an approach that addresses the immediate and long-term treatment needs and includes prevention and early detection. The aim of this approach is to establish a healthy oral environment and then maintain health. When a patient presents to the dentist with multiple problem areas or a history of multiple problems this person requires a comprehensive approach rather than a limited-focus area approach (tooth by tooth dentistry). The comprehensive approach requires evaluation, diagnosis, and a treatment plan.
Why gums bleed is a common question that patients ask their dentist and dental hygienist. It is a fitting question because it correctly assumes that bleeding gums are not healthy. Bleeding is a sign that the body is trying to fight off an infection and has responded by creating an inflammatory response. Sometimes bleeding gums are not obvious to the patient but detected by the dentist or hygienist.