general dentistry in Baltimore
at waterfront dental
During routine exams, Dr. Merguerian will thoroughly assess your dental health and catch any dental issues before they become bigger problems. At Waterfront Dental, we offer thorough, gentle cleanings and services such as scaling and root planing to protect your mouth from periodontal disease (gum disease). Our amalgam-free practice provides safe, natural-looking fillings to keep your smile healthy and confident.
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routine checkups
Preventive Care at waterfront dental
According to the American Dental Association, you should see a dentist for a checkup every 6 months. During your routine exam, Dr. Merguerian will examine your teeth and gums for signs of any dental health issues and address them with a personalized treatment plan. Your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned to avoid any plaque or bacteria build-up. These appointments are key to maintaining optimal dental health. Call us today to schedule a checkup in Baltimore!
Our Amalgam-Free Practice
safe, compassionate dental care
If you have a cavity that needs to be filled, will use mercury-free fillings, as opposed to silver dental amalgam, to protect your teeth from further damage. Amalgam-free fillings are tooth-colored and look natural, so you won’t have unsightly metal in your teeth after your treatment. If you have a cavity, give us a call today to go over your options!
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Prevent Periodontal Disease
protect your smile at waterfront dental
Periodontal disease is a common dental health issue that affects millions of Americans. This disease (also known as gum disease) is caused by lack of proper dental hygiene, and occurs when plaque and bacteria build up under your gums. At, we offer scaling and root planing to remove bacteria build-up from your teeth and keep your gums healthy. Call us today to schedule an appointment to prevent gum disease.
the importance of
six-Month Dental Exams
Wondering why six-month dental exams at Waterfront Dental are so important? There are a few reasons why it’s important to come into our office for regular appointments in Baltimore with Dr. Dawn Merguerian.
First, six-month dental exams help keep your smile bright. During your appointment, your teeth will be scaled to remove plaque and polished, which can remove surface stains and brighten your smile.
In addition, a six-month dental exam allows Dr. Merguerian to recognize potential signs of oral health issues like cavities or gum disease early, and provide you with the care you need to prevent further complications. This saves you time and money, since you can usually avoid treatments like fillings and periodontal cleanings if you get routine exams and maintain proper oral health habits at home.
Finally, a six-month dental exam allows Dr. Merguerian to check for signs of other health problems. Signs of diabetes, for example, can sometimes be recognized during a routine dental exam, and Dr. Merguerian always performs oral cancer screenings as part of routine oral exams to provide you with peace of mind.

what to expect
Dental Cleanings & Exams
Not sure what to expect from your appointment at Waterfront Dental? First, your dental hygienist will do a quick exam of your mouth to make sure it’s healthy enough to be cleaned, and may check for cavities using a dental explorer. X-rays may be taken if it’s been more than 2-3 years since you last had x-rays at the dentist.
Then, your hygienist will clean away plaque from your teeth with a dental scaler, and use a high-powered toothbrush to buff and polish your teeth. Then, they will floss your mouth to remove any remaining food particles and debris.
Once your hygienist has finished cleaning your teeth, Dr. Merguerian will discuss your oral health with them, and then perform her own oral exam. Once she’s finished, she will discuss her findings with you, and recommend any follow-up care that may be necessary to preserve your oral health.
avoid these common issues
with Preventive Care
There are a number of common oral health issues you can avoid completely with preventive care and good at-home oral hygiene. Cavities, for example, can be prevented with adequate brushing and flossing and a healthy diet, as well as routine dental care and preventive treatments like fluoride treatments.
Tooth infections, which are an advanced type of cavity, can also be prevented with routine dental care. If you come into our office for an appointment every six months, Dr. Merguerian will be able to recognize the signs of a cavity and provide you with proper treatment before it progresses to an infection.
Periodontal (gum) disease can also be avoided with proper at-home oral care, and periodontal treatments from Dr. Merguerian, if necessary. Gum disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults of all ages in America, and accounts for 70% of all missing teeth.
By making it a priority to see a dentist like Dr. Merguerian every six months and maintaining good at-home oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, you can eliminate your risk of these common oral health issues. Contact us now to get the care you need in Baltimore.
Updated Pre-Medication Policy
Recent guidelines by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Dental Association Council have changed the recommendations for pre-medication before dental procedures. Exceptions may apply if the patient has a history of complications and a recommendation from their orthopedic surgeon.
Pre-medication is no longer recommended for patients with:
- Prosthetic joints
- Mitral valves prolapse
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Bicuspid valve disease
- Calcified aortic stent
- Congenital heart disease
From this point forward, if affected patients feel like they need pre-medication, they require a written clearance from their doctor.