General dentistry encompasses a variety of dental services that focus on maintaining the overall oral health of patients; this may even be considered the root of all other specialties. Our general dentists are able to diagnose and treat a wide variety of oral health issues, as well as provide guidance on how to maintain good oral hygiene. We also provide preventive care—such as fluoride treatments, to help reduce the risk of cavities and other dental problems.
To learn more about general dentistry, please read below! Contact our Danville, IN team if you have any questions.
Cleanings & Exams
Under the umbrella of general dentistry, one of the most important services offered is routine cleanings and examinations. While this care may seem quite basic, or even unnecessary if you regularly brush and floss at home, it is vital to maintain optimal oral health.
- During a professional cleaning, our team will remove any plaque and tartar buildup that has occurred since your last appointment. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth; if it is not removed, it will eventually harden into tartar. Once tartar has formed, it can only be removed with special dental instruments.
- After your teeth have been cleaned, we will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, and gums. We will look for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues. If we do spot any problems, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. It can be found in many foods and drinks, as well as in oral care products. Fluoride treatments are quick and easy; during your appointment, we will simply apply a fluoride varnish to your teeth.
This varnish will need to remain on your teeth for a few minutes in order to be effective. Once the treatment is complete, we will remove the varnish and instruct you to avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes.
Root Canals
A root canal is a treatment that is used to save a tooth that has become infected or critically damaged. During a root canal, the nerve and pulp of the tooth are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Root canals are often necessary to avoid more serious oral health problems—such as the spread of infection or ultimate loss of the tooth. If you are experiencing any pain or sensitivity in your teeth, please contact our office right away; you may need a root canal.
Tooth Extraction
In some cases, a tooth may be too damaged to be saved with a root canal or other treatment. When this occurs, the tooth will need to be extracted. Tooth extractions are typically only performed as a last resort, but in some cases, they are necessary. At our office, we perform both simple and surgical extractions.
- A simple extraction is a relatively quick and easy procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia. These teeth have already broken through the gum line and are easily accessible.
- Surgical extractions are a bit more involved; they are usually performed on teeth that have not yet broken through the gum line or teeth that are impacted (stuck in the jawbone). With surgical extraction, the tooth may need to be removed in pieces or the surrounding bone may need to be removed as well. These procedures are typically more complex.
Mouthguards
Mouthguards are important for anyone who participates in activities that put them at risk for dental injuries, such as contact sports. At our office, we can create custom mouthguards for both children and adults. Custom mouthguards will fit more comfortably and provide better protection than store-bought guards. Because they fit and conform perfectly to the teeth, they leave no room for the teeth to shift following an impact.
Occlusal Adjustment
An occlusal adjustment, also called a “bite adjustment,” is a treatment that is used to correct the way the teeth fit together. When the teeth come together, they should fit snugly with no gaps; however, sometimes the teeth can shift out of alignment. This can cause a number of problems, such as jaw pain, tooth wear, and headaches. An occlusal adjustment can help to correct this problem—thus preventing or correcting TMJ disorders or bruxism (teeth grinding).