General Dentistry

Poor oral health can not only lead to pain, infection, and tooth loss, but can also diminish social interaction, self-esteem, chewing satisfaction, and overall quality of life. In addition, good oral health and overall general health are inseparable. General dentistry involves the use of preventative and restorative procedures to ensure proper oral hygiene and functionality.

Preventative Care Visits

We recommend routine preventive dental care visits at least two times a year. Each routine visit includes a comprehensive cleaning and oral examination. We will screen for decay, gum disease, periodontal disease, oral cancer, TMJ, and problems with your bite. To enhance your smile, we can also address any cosmetic dentistry concerns you may have.


Root Canal Treatment
The root canal is the hollow space in the center of the tooth. It contains the nerve that provides the tooth with the ability to feel hot and cold. When the nerve becomes damaged from cavity decay or fractures, pain usually results. Bacteria can enter and multiply in the tooth, causing the pulp to die. The tooth must be treated or the pain can get worse, and infection can spread, possibly causing an abscess.


Complete & Partial Dentures
A denture is an artificial set of removable teeth made of acrylic resin, sometimes combined with metal. Dentures replace missing teeth. Dentures can be either partial or complete. A partial denture serves to fills in the spaces made by missing teeth and prevents the remaining teeth from shifting position in the jaw. Complete dentures replace all of the teeth.


Crowns
A dental crown is tooth-shaped cap that is cemented over a tooth, in order to restore the tooth’s strength, shape and size, and improve its appearance. The crown will cover the visible portion of the tooth above and right at the gum line, once it is cemented into place.


Crowns are used to hold weak, broken or cracked teeth together to avoid further fracturing. Crowns are also used to support large fillings, attach a bridge, or cover discolored or deformed teeth. Crowns may also be placed over dental implants.


Bridges
A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. The bridge is cemented to the the teeth that are adjacent to the missing tooth or teeth.


There are several different types of dental bridges:


Traditional bridge – has a false tooth centered between two attached crowns.
Resin bonded - also called a "Maryland" bridge, is when the bridge is bonded to the back of the teeth on either side of the gap. This type of bridge is ideal when the missing teeth are in the front of the mouth.

Implant Dentistry
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root, which is surgically anchored into the bone in order to secure a replacement tooth or bridge in place. Implants are stable and are not reliant on neighboring teeth for support. They are an ideal tooth replacement procedure because they look and feel like natural teeth. Implants are great for patients who are unable to wear dentures. Instead, the implant is placed to support cemented bridges.


Oral Surgery
Oral surgery is a specialty involving the diagnosis, surgery and treatment of injuries and defects in the mouth, teeth, face, jaws and soft tissues of the mouth. Most extractions can be performed in our office, however sometimes we may suggest that a certain procedure requires a referral to an orall surgeon. An oral surgeon is required to obtain 6 additional years of hospital based surgical and anesthesia training. An oral surgeon has specialized knowledge in pain control and advanced training in anesthesia to provide quality care with maximum patient comfort and safety in the office setting.


Types of procedures performed by an oral-maxillofacial surgeon can include:


Dental implants
Cyst or tumor removal
TMJ surgery to repair/realign jaw
Facial and jaw reconstruction due to cancer surgery
Re-align facial bones

Periodontics and Gum Disease
Gum disease is inflammation and infection of the gums and bone. Generally caused by bacterial plaque, it is the major cause of adult tooth loss. Left untreated, bacterial plaque will harden to tartar. Tartar is a rough, porous mineral buildup that is usually yellow or brown in color. Tartar forms at and underneath the gum line, and because it is porous, it absorbs stains. Tartar and plaque excrete toxins that cause gum inflammation, resulting in the development of periodontal pockets that hold even more toxins and bacteria. This condition can leads to the loosening of the teeth. And as the condition worsens, the accumulated toxins and bacteria move deeper into the jaw to destroy the bone that holds the tooth in place.


Signs of gum disease can include:


Red, inflamed gums
Bleeding while brushing or flossing
Receding gums
Loose or separating teeth
Presence pus between the gum and tooth
Chronic halitosis

Periodontics is the focus in treatment of gum disease. Gum disease is reversible if caught while in the early stages. The dentist or hygienist will scale the tooth to remove plaque and tarter, and make the tooth root smooth again. Advanced cases may require the dentist to surgically trim the gums to remove the hardened plaque build-up and re-contour the damaged bone.


For An Appointment, Call: 410-795-2424, Text: 443-516-7644, or email.