General Dentistry

General dentistry is the foundation of oral health care and covers a broad range of services aimed at preventing, diagnosing, and treating common dental conditions. This includes routine oral exams, professional cleanings, preventive treatments such as fluoride and sealants, and basic restorative procedures like fillings and crowns. The goal is to maintain healthy teeth and gums, preserve function, and catch problems early when they are easiest to treat.

General dentists also manage gum health, perform extractions when necessary, and provide urgent care for dental injuries and infections. They coordinate with specialists when a case requires advanced care, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan that fits their needs and life stage. Regular visits help clinicians monitor changes over time and adapt care to evolving oral health risks.

For many patients, scheduling checkups and cleanings every six months is an effective way to maintain oral health and prevent common problems like cavities and gum disease. During these visits clinicians evaluate tooth and gum health, remove plaque and tartar buildup, and reinforce daily hygiene practices to reduce future risk. Regular professional care also supports early detection of issues that may not be noticeable at home.

Frequency of visits can vary based on individual risk factors such as history of gum disease, presence of restorations, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits like tobacco use. Your clinician will recommend a personalized recall schedule based on these factors and adjust it as your oral health changes. Following a tailored plan helps keep maintenance efficient and effective over time.

An oral exam begins with a review of your medical and dental history, followed by a careful evaluation of teeth, gums, bite, and soft tissues. Clinicians look for signs of decay, gum inflammation, abnormal wear, and other factors that affect oral health, and may use diagnostic imaging when needed to assess areas not visible to the eye. The exam establishes a baseline and helps the team create or update a prevention or treatment plan.

A professional cleaning usually includes removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, polishing to remove surface stains, and targeted fluoride or other preventive treatments when indicated. Cleanings reduce bacterial burden and help prevent cavities and periodontal problems. After the procedure the clinician will discuss findings, demonstrate home-care tips, and recommend any follow-up care or monitoring.

Gum disease is diagnosed through clinical evaluation of gum appearance, bleeding on probing, pocket depth measurements, and review of dental radiographs to assess bone levels. Early-stage disease, or gingivitis, is often reversible with improved home care and professional cleanings, while more advanced periodontitis requires focused clinical therapy. Accurate diagnosis helps determine the appropriate level of intervention and the intensity of follow-up care.

Treatment ranges from more frequent cleanings and scaling to deeper periodontal therapy such as scaling and root planing, antimicrobial measures, and ongoing periodontal maintenance. Managing contributing factors like smoking and systemic health conditions is an important part of care. With timely and consistent treatment most patients can halt progression and preserve supporting tissues long term.

Tooth extraction is considered when a tooth is severely decayed, fractured beyond repair, or associated with an infection that cannot be resolved with conservative treatment. Other reasons include nonrestorable damage, orthodontic planning, or impacted teeth that threaten adjacent structures. The decision to extract is made after a careful clinical and radiographic assessment and discussion of alternatives when appropriate.

Extractions are performed with modern anesthesia and techniques to minimize discomfort, and clinicians provide clear aftercare instructions to promote healing and reduce complications. Typical recovery involves a few days of soft-diet precautions, gentle oral hygiene around the site, and follow-up to monitor healing. When needed, the team will discuss restorative options to replace the missing tooth and restore normal function once healing is adequate.

For sudden pain, swelling, knocked-out teeth, uncontrolled bleeding, or other urgent oral problems you should seek prompt professional attention to relieve pain and prevent complications. Immediate first-aid measures can include gently rinsing the mouth, applying pressure to control bleeding, or preserving a displaced tooth in milk or saliva when possible. Quick action improves the chances of saving a tooth and limits the spread of infection.

Contact the dental office as soon as possible to arrange an emergency evaluation; the practice will prioritize care to stabilize the situation and outline next steps for definitive treatment. During the visit the clinician will assess pain and infection, provide appropriate pain control or antibiotics when indicated, and create a plan to restore function. Knowing where to go for urgent care helps you get timely treatment and better outcomes.

Preventive care for children focuses on early education, routine examinations, and interventions that reduce the risk of decay during tooth development. Regular exams allow clinicians to monitor eruption patterns, recommend age-appropriate hygiene techniques, and apply preventive measures such as fluoride varnish and dental sealants to vulnerable chewing surfaces. Early visits also establish a positive dental experience and encourage lifelong good habits.

Pediatric-focused preventive care includes guidance on diet, pacifier or thumb-sucking impacts, and timing for orthodontic evaluations when needed. The goal is to intercept problems before they require extensive treatment and to support healthy growth of teeth and jaws. Ongoing communication with parents ensures home care and preventive strategies are consistent and effective.

Digital imaging and 3D scanning enhance diagnosis and treatment planning by providing accurate, detailed views of teeth, roots, and supporting structures with less radiation and faster results than traditional film. These technologies help clinicians detect hidden decay, assess bone levels, plan restorations, and evaluate complex anatomy before treatment. Clear images improve communication with patients and support more predictable outcomes.

Three-dimensional scans are particularly useful for designing precise restorations, guiding implant placement, and creating digital impressions that improve fit and comfort. Digital records also streamline workflow, allowing the team to coordinate care and fabricate restorations more efficiently. Incorporating these tools into routine practice raises the standard of care and contributes to long-term oral health.

A root canal is recommended when the dental pulp is infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma that exposes the inner tissues. The goal of root canal treatment is to remove infected tissue, disinfect the root canal system, and seal it to prevent reinfection while preserving the natural tooth. This approach often avoids extraction and restores comfort and function.

During the procedure the clinician numbs the area, creates a small opening to access the canals, cleans and shapes the canal spaces, and places a sterile filling material before sealing the tooth. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure and short-term sensitivity afterward that is manageable with standard pain-relief strategies. Following treatment a permanent restoration such as a crown may be recommended to protect the tooth and restore full chewing function.

Personalized care recognizes that children, adolescents, adults, and older adults have distinct oral health needs driven by growth, habits, restorative history, and systemic health. Clinicians tailor examination frequency, preventive measures, and restorative choices to match these needs and to address risk factors such as enamel development in children or increased root exposure in older adults. Individualized treatment plans emphasize prevention, comfort, and long-term function.

Communication and shared decision-making are central to personalization, with clinicians explaining options and working with patients to set realistic goals for oral health. When appropriate, the practice collaborates with specialists and medical providers to manage complex cases or systemic conditions that affect the mouth. This team-based, patient-centered approach helps preserve natural teeth and maintain quality of life across the lifespan.