What is General Dentistry?
General dentistry focuses on keeping your teeth and gums healthy through regular checkups, cleanings, preventive care, and a host of restorative and extraction procedures. At West Coast Dental and Magicland Children’s Dental we aim to keep your smile strong, bright and beautiful.
Prevention is Critical
Staying on time of your oral health helps you avoid cavities, gum disease, and costly treatments by catching issues early – preventing small problems from becoming serious issues.
The Benefits of Regular Oral Examinations and Cleanings
Prevent Cavities
Reduce Gum Disease
Removal of Plaque & Tartar That Brushing Misses
Detect Serious Issues Like Oral Cancer
Improve Your Cardiovascular Health
Improve Your Smile & Reduce Bad Breath
How Preventative Treatments Protect Your Oral Health
Besides cleaning your teeth, we also offer preventative treatments to protect your teeth between visits including:
- Dental Sealants. This coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent decay, especially in children.
- Fluoride Treatments Help strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities.
- Night Guards Many people don’t realize that they grind their teeth at night. Mouth guards protect teeth and avoid other complications such as tooth damage, jaw pain, headaches and earaches, and gum recession.
Restorative Dental Treatments
When dental issues are detected, our dentists are skilled at providing effective restorative treatments with a focus on your comfort.
Common Restorative Treatments
- Dental fillings. Used to repair cavities and minor tooth damage.
- Root canals. Performed to save an infected tooth and seal it to prevent further damage.
- Crowns. Caps placed over damaged or weakened teeth to their shape, strength, and appearance.
- Inlays or onlays. Custom restorations that repair tooth damage when a full crown is not needed.
- Extractions. Removing a tooth may be needed because the decay is too extreme or to prevent the spread of a serious infection or aid in tooth alignment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
General dentistry focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common oral health issues. It includes services like cleanings, exams, fillings, and preventive care to maintain healthy teeth and gums, and a host of restorative and extraction procedures.
Most patients should visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and professional cleaning. However, some people may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health.
A typical exam includes:
- Checking teeth and gums for signs of decay or disease
- Reviewing your medical and dental history
- Taking X-rays if needed
- Screening for oral cancer
Yes, dental X-rays are very safe. Modern digital X-rays use extremely low levels of radiation, and protective measures like lead aprons are used to minimize exposure.
A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing can’t eliminate. Regular cleanings help prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Cavities are areas of tooth decay caused by bacteria. They are typically treated with fillings, which restore the tooth and prevent further damage.
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection of the gums caused by plaque buildup. Early stages (gingivitis) can be reversed, but advanced stages may require more extensive treatment.
Good oral hygiene habits are key:
- Brush twice a day
- Floss daily
- Eat a balanced diet
- Visit your dentist regularly
Tooth sensitivity can be caused by worn enamel, gum recession, cavities, or exposed tooth roots. Your dentist can identify the cause and recommend treatment.
Contact your dentist immediately if you experience:
- Severe tooth pain
- A knocked-out or broken tooth
- Swelling or infection
Prompt care can help save your tooth and prevent complications.
Yes, fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. It is commonly found in toothpaste, drinking water, and professional treatments.
While many treatments are similar, children often require specialized care focused on developing teeth, growth, and prevention. West Coast Dental has pediatric dentists, as well as general dentists and orthodontists who specialize in treating children.
