When it comes to dental care, there are a lot of misconceptions out there. For example, some people believe that they only need to see the dentist if they are experiencing pain or have a toothache. However, this is not the case! It is important to see a dentist on a regular basis, even if nothing seems wrong. This is because dental problems can often be sneaky and can develop over time without causing any pain or symptoms. That’s why it’s important to see a dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings.
At our Leander, TX dental practice, we offer a wide range of general dental services for our patients. If you are looking for a new dental home, we invite you to come and see us! Below are just a few of the things we can do for you.
The Importance of Prevention
Before diving in to explore our general dentistry services, we would like to stress the importance of prevention. As they say, it’s better to prioritize prevention than to seek a cure. This could not be more true when it comes to your oral health. By taking good care of your teeth and gums at home and by seeing a dentist regularly, you can help prevent many common dental problems. These problems include things like tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Not only can taking good care of your teeth help you avoid dental problems, but it can also help you avoid the development of other health problems.
Cleanings & Exams
One of the most important things you can do for your oral health is to have regular cleanings and exams with a dentist. These appointments give us a chance to remove any built-up plaque and tartar from your teeth.
- Plaque is a thin film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If it is not removed, it can harden into tartar.
- Tartar is much more difficult to remove and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
During your cleaning, we will also look for any signs of dental problems. If we do spot a problem, we can usually treat it in the early stages when it is more manageable. This can help you avoid more serious and costly problems down the road.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer is a serious disease that can be deadly. The good news is that this cancer can be treated successfully if it is caught in the early stages. That’s why we recommend that all our patients have regular oral cancer screenings. These screenings are quick and painless and can give us a head start on treating the disease if it is discovered.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a mineral that is found in many foods and water sources. It is also often added to dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash. This is because fluoride can help to strengthen and protect your teeth. It does this by making them more resistant to tooth decay.
Fluoride bonds to the tooth enamel and makes it stronger.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin coating of plastic that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This sealant forms a barrier that protects the tooth from plaque and tartar. Sealants are especially beneficial for children, as they are more likely to develop cavities in their back teeth while still learning to properly brush.
If you are interested in sealants for your child, we would be more than happy to discuss this option with you during a phone call or upcoming appointment.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a treatment that is used to save a tooth that has become infected. The infection occurs when bacteria gets inside the tooth and reaches the pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue in the center of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
If the infection is left untreated, it can spread to the bone and surrounding tissue. This can lead to pain, swelling, and eventually tooth loss.
Root canal therapy involves removing the infected pulp from the tooth and then cleaning and sealing the tooth. This treatment can save an injured or diseased tooth and help you avoid having to get a tooth extraction.
Tooth Extraction
A tooth extraction is a procedure that is used to remove a damaged or decayed tooth that can not be repaired. Extractions are also sometimes necessary to remove teeth that are overcrowded or impacted.
- The procedure begins by numbing the tissue surrounding the tooth.
- We will then gently loosen the tooth with gentle rocking motions.
- Finally, the tooth can be extracted.
While the procedure sounds intimidating, it is actually a relatively quick and straightforward process. And, thanks to modern dental technology, it can also be quite painless.
If you need to have a tooth extracted, our team will make sure that you are comfortable and relaxed throughout the entire procedure.
Mouthguards
Mouthguards are a type of protective gear that is worn over the teeth to help prevent injuries to the mouth, teeth, and jaw. Mouthguards are often used by athletes who participate in contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing.
While mouthguards can be purchased at a local store or online, our office offers custom-fitted mouthguards that are made to specifically fit your mouth. These mouthguards offer the best possible protection and are much more comfortable to wear.
Nightguards
Like mouthguards, nightguards are also used to protect the teeth from injury. However, nightguards are worn during sleep to prevent damage caused by tooth grinding (bruxism). Bruxism is a condition that causes people to grind or clench their teeth while they sleep. This can lead to pain in the jaw, headaches, and damage to the teeth.
If you think you may be grinding your teeth at night, we recommend that you come in for an appointment so that we can take a look. We may then provide you with a custom-fitted nightguard that will protect your teeth and help you to avoid any further damage.
