General Dentistry In Whitehouse, OH

General dentistry may not always be flashy, but the procedures and preventative strategies used during routine visits are the foundation for superb oral health. By evaluating and treating emerging problems early, general dentists play a key role in ensuring you will keep your full set of teeth for a lifetime.

Skills and Training

General dentists have a deep understanding of each dental specialty, and often coordinate with specialists to provide the highest level of care for patients. They have a command of restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery and more. They know that the best way to maintain your healthy, brilliant smile is to practice preventative dentistry. In fact, prevention accounts for a majority of the time a general dentist spends treating patients.

Focus on Prevention

Prevention starts with education and involves regular exams, cleanings and close evaluation of the state of your mouth. Education begins with the amusing aphorism you may have seen tacked up on the wall of in some dentists’ offices: “Ignore your teeth and they’ll go away.” General dentists never ignore the health and integrity of your teeth, gums, bone, jaw and mouth.

To keep a close eye on your oral health, general dentists periodically take X-rays. These granular images allow a dentist to check for problems that may be occurring out of sight, such as between teeth and below the gum line. During an appointment with your general dentist, the depth of gum pockets adjacent to roots will be measured. This gives your dentist a good idea of whether you are developing periodontal disease, which, if left untreated, threatens the stability of your teeth and may even affect your general health and longevity. A gum pocket depth in excess of 3 mm warrants regular monitoring, while a pocket that is in excess of 5 mm deep is a cause for concern.

Advanced Treatment

Once problems have been identified, general dentists have the skill to quickly address them. If a tooth has signs of decay, your dentist will clean out the cavity and fill it with an advanced, natural-looking composite. If the decay is serious, your dentist will perform a root canal and cap the tooth with a protective crown. For chips, cracks and fractures, your dentist can apply bonding material, or suggest veneers. For crooked teeth, your general dentist may recommend Invisalign, or give you a referral to an orthodontist. For missing teeth, a general dentist can help you close gaps and maintain bone integrity with dental implants, or prevent drifting of teeth with dentures or bridges.

At the end of the day, a general dentist is a partner, a primary health care provider and a friend to your family. Dr. Huntzinger values the wonderful rewards and great responsibilities of providing general dentistry services to our community.

General Dentistry Services

Professional Cleaning

Your daily brushing and flossing efforts are critical to maintaining healthy teeth, but so are biannual cleanings. Our professionals can provide a deeper clean with special equipment that reaches areas where plaque and bacteria accumulate that you may not be able to reach on your own. Fluoride treatments help to strengthen your teeth’s enamel for stronger teeth.

Examination

Your dentist will search your mouth for potential signs of cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Since most dental problems are more easily treated when caught early, having regular checkups (with help from digital X-rays) can save you from a lot of hassle later. If you have noticed bleeding gums or tooth sensitivity on your own, be sure to mention them to your dentist to ensure these issues can be addressed.

Periodontal Treatment

Maintaining strong gum health is just as important as dental health. If you develop gum disease in any stage (gingivitis, periodontitis, or advanced periodontitis), it is important to address these problems with treatments like scaling and root planning for healthy gums that can continue to support your teeth.

Children’s Dentistry

Pediatric care, including fluoride treatments, routine cleanings and examinations, and dental sealants are available to kids and teens of all ages. The American Dental Association recommends beginning dental care as soon as the child’s first tooth emerges.

Oral Surgery

Although surgery can often be avoided with less invasive treatments, our dentists are trained in surgical procedures when a diagnosis warrants it. Many such procedures are now performed with lasers for more precision and comfort.

Sleep Apnea

Many patients with sleep apnea and terrible snoring can relieve their symptoms and get a better night of rest by wearing a custom-built oral appliance at night.

To learn more about the benefits of general dentistry, or to schedule an appointment, contact Dental Health Associates of Whitehouse today.