General dentistry includes treatments that maintain or improve the health of the teeth, gums and jaw. And since oral health is closely linked to overall health, general dentistry services like routine dental exams and professional cleanings can go a long way to improving your overall wellbeing and quality of life.
At Cobblestone Park Family Dental we look forward to being your partners in good oral health so you can live healthier and happier. Our experienced dentists offer a range of general dentistry services and utilize cutting-edge technology to cater to the unique needs of our patients. To learn about the general dentistry treatments and technology we offer, please continue reading below.
Dental Treatments & Technologies
Routine Exams
Intra-Oral Cameras
Professional Cleanings
Digital X-rays with CT Scan Ability
Fluoride Treatment
Caries Risk Assessment with DIAGNOdent
Dental Sealants
Tooth-colored Fillings
Tooth Extraction
Teeth Guards
Routine Exams
Attending your annual oral exams is the most important thing you can do to maintain a healthy mouth. We use state-of-the-art equipment and technology to thoroughly check the health of your teeth and gums. It is of utmost importance to us that dental visits are positive for adults and children alike. We will discuss any oral health issues you may be experiencing, recommend the appropriate care and share tips on how to maintain or improve your oral health.
Intra-Oral Cameras
These state-of-the-art cameras are the size of a pen and, through the use of a monitor, allow you to see what’s going on inside your mouth. With intra-oral cameras, we can show you areas of concern, including plaque, cavities, excessive wear or cracks, so you can make an informed decision about the next step in your oral health.
Professional Cleanings
We take our time when we are thoroughly cleaning your teeth to ensure both quality and comfort. A big part of your initial visit is dedicated to assessing the health of your gums, bone and teeth so we can create a customized hygiene program to meet your individual needs.
If you do not have existing periodontal disease including bone loss, tooth mobility, or localized infection, you may only require a dental prophylaxis (regular cleaning). This process removes plaque and tartar that build up despite your best efforts to practice good oral hygiene at home. The teeth are then polished to give them a renewed shine.
If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease (up to 80 percent of Americans have some form of periodontal disease), then additional procedures will be discussed to help rid your mouth of the infection that is present and damaging your gums and bone. Typically, this entails cleaning buildup that is below the gums and utilizing a laser to decontaminate the infected areas. Additionally, we are able to provide localized antibiotic therapy and other modalities to stop the disease from worsening.
Cleanings are a crucial part of maintaining good oral health, and after your initial cleaning, we can help guide you on what your next step in oral health care should look like.
Digital X-rays with CT Scan Ability
Digital X-rays are preferred over standard X-rays because they significantly reduce the patients’ exposure to radiation and provide a more detailed view of the X-rayed area, and because the results quickly appear on a screen that the patient can view.
CT Scan is a special type of machine that provides a 3D image of your teeth, bone, soft tissue and nerve pathways in one scan. This can give us a better look at your mouth and help us identify any current issues so that we can plan your treatment for greater predictability.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride has been proven to fight dental decay, help with sensitivity and strengthen teeth. Although it is a mineral that is naturally present in almost all foods and water supplies, there are many advantages to also receiving topical fluoride treatments at your dental office. In some cases, it is also necessary to have a prescription fluoride supplement at home. Fluoride applications have been supported by many health and professional organizations.
Caries Risk Assessment with DIAGNOdent
Dental caries is the official term for tooth decay and cavities. Exams and X-rays help us locate these areas in your mouth. Prevention is always key, and an assessment can help highlight areas in your lifestyle and diet that may be affecting your oral health. During the assessment we use DIAGOdent, a safe and painless tool that shines light on your teeth and tells us where even the smallest amount of tooth decay is. This way, we can find cavities and take care of them when they are small and before they become large or painful.
Tooth-colored Fillings
Today’s fillings are made of composite resin, which is both safer and more aesthetically pleasing than metallic materials used in traditional tooth fillings. Fillings can restore the strength and function of a tooth that has been damaged by cavities, decay, cracks or trauma caused by teeth grinding.
Dental Sealants
This preventive resin material is placed into deep crevices and grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth that have a likelihood of having future cavities. Once in place, the dental sealant prevents the penetration of sugary fluids, the buildup of stains and other substances that can cause cavities.
Tooth Extraction
There are several instances in which a tooth must be “pulled,” or extracted, including decay and trauma. Wisdom teeth are also commonly extracted. Our dentists will explore every option possible before recommending tooth extraction. If they determine that extraction is the best choice, they will explain whether you need a simple extraction or surgical extraction. A simple extraction is one that is performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth. Surgical extractions are performed on teeth that are not easily seen or reached in the mouth. These types of extractions may involve bone removal or removing or lifting some of the gum tissue to expose the tooth.
Teeth Guards
In many cases, the over-the-counter, one-size-fits-all mouth guard may not be the best option for protecting your teeth and jaw. There are several types of guards we can create based on your specific needs.
The first, and most commonly used by young patients, is the basic mouth guard. This type of guard protects the mouth from injury, mainly due to sports activity.
Night guards are used to reduce the damage caused by grinding your teeth at night. Night guards are the most effective way to treat this condition, also known as bruxism.
Finally, there are snore guards. These guards are different from night guards and can help correct mild cases of sleep apnea, which can cause snoring. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, we can discuss what treatment option is best for you based on the severity of your symptoms.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
To learn more about our general dentistry services, please schedule an appointment with Cobblestone Park Family Dental. Contact us by calling (405) 603-8520 today.