General Dentistry

Services

General dentistry is your first line of defence for a healthy smile, offering everything from preventive cleanings to restorative solutions. Regular visits ensure strong teeth, healthy gums, and lasting confidence—so you can smile every day.

General Dentistry at Deer Ridge Dental

General dentistry is your first line of defense for a healthy smile, offering everything from preventive cleanings to restorative solutions. Regular visits ensure strong teeth, healthy gums, and lasting confidence—so you can smile every day.

General dentistry plays a vital role in maintaining both your oral and overall health. By offering a wide range of services from preventive care to restorative and cosmetic treatments, general dentists are your primary care providers for oral health. Regular checkups, good oral hygiene, and prompt treatment of dental issues are essential for keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy for a lifetime.

If you haven’t had a dental check-up in a while, consider scheduling an appointment with your general dentist to ensure your smile remains healthy and beautiful.

Key Services in General Dentistry

What We Offer

New Patients

Preventive Care
- Routine Check-ups and Cleanings: Regular dental exams, usually every six months, help identify potential problems early and keep teeth clean and healthy. During a check-up, your dentist will inspect your teeth and gums, clean your teeth, and check for signs of cavities, gum disease, or other dental issues.
- Fluoride Treatments: A fluoride treatment may be recommended to help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay, particularly for children or patients at higher risk for cavities.
- Sealants: Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent cavities, particularly in children and teens.
Restorative Dentistry
- Fillings: If a cavity is detected, your general dentist will clean out the decayed area and fill it with a durable material (such as composite resin, amalgam, or gold). Fillings restore the tooth’s structure and prevent further decay.
- Crowns: A dental crown (cap) is a custom-made covering that fits over a damaged or decayed tooth. Crowns can restore the tooth’s strength and appearance.
- Bridges: A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to the adjacent natural teeth.
- Dentures: Full or partial dentures replace missing teeth and can help restore the function and appearance of your smile. They can be removable or fixed, depending on the patient’s needs.
- Inlays and Onlays: These are custom-made fillings that fit within or over the tooth to restore a tooth that has moderate decay or damage.
Cosmetic Dentistry
- Teeth Whitening: Whitening treatments, either in-office or with take-home kits, help to brighten teeth and remove stains caused by foods, drinks, tobacco, and aging.
- Veneers: Thin shells of porcelain or composite material are bonded to the front of your teeth to improve the appearance of chips, cracks, discoloration, or misalignment.
- Bonding: Tooth-colored resin is applied to repair or reshape teeth with minor imperfections, such as chips, gaps, or discoloration.
Periodontal Care (Gum Health)
- Gum Disease Treatment: General dentists play a key role in diagnosing and treating gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) and periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Treatment may include cleanings, scaling, root planing, and in some cases, referral to a periodontist for surgical treatments.
- Soft Tissue Management: In addition to treating gum disease, general dentists can provide treatments to promote healthy gum tissue, such as periodontal maintenance.
Oral Surgery
- Tooth Extractions: A general dentist may extract a tooth that is severely decayed, damaged, or infected. Wisdom teeth extractions are also common procedures performed by general dentists.
- Minor Oral Surgery: General dentists may perform minor surgical procedures like the removal of cysts, the treatment of abscesses, or the placement of dental implants in certain cases.
Root Canals
- A root canal is necessary when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay or injury. The procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. A crown is usually placed on the tooth afterward to restore its function and appearance.
Orthodontics (Basic Care)
- Minor Orthodontic Treatments: While orthodontic specialists handle advanced cases, many general dentists offer minor orthodontic treatments such as clear aligners (like Invisalign) for correcting mild to moderate alignment issues.
- Retainers: Retainers may also be provided after orthodontic treatment to maintain teeth in their corrected position.
Pediatric Dentistry
- General dentists also care for children’s dental health, including baby teeth, teething, and the prevention of childhood dental issues. This may include regular check-ups, fluoride treatments, and education on proper oral hygiene habits.
TMJ Disorders and Bite Issues
- Dentists can diagnose and treat issues related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can cause jaw pain, headaches, clicking sounds, or difficulty in opening the mouth. Treatment options may include mouthguards, physical therapy, or referrals to specialists.
Emergency Dental Care
General dentists also provide emergency care for urgent dental problems, such as severe toothaches, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, or injuries to the gums or mouth. Immediate treatment can prevent further damage and reduce pain.

Why is General Dentistry Important?

Prevention of Serious Conditions

Regular visits to a general dentist help identify dental problems early, which can prevent more serious conditions, such as advanced tooth decay, gum disease, or oral cancer. Early detection is key to preserving both your health and your teeth.

Overall Health Benefits

Good oral health is linked to overall health. Gum disease has been associated with several serious conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. By maintaining oral health, you are also helping protect your overall health.

Preserving Your Smile

General dentistry focuses on not only treating dental problems but also maintaining the aesthetics of your smile. Whether through regular cleanings, whitening treatments, or cosmetic procedures, your dentist helps you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile

Saving Time and Money

By visiting a general dentist regularly, you can address minor dental problems before they turn into more serious (and expensive) issues. Preventing advanced cavities, tooth loss, or gum disease is far more cost-effective than dealing with the complications of untreated dental problems.

What to Expect at a General Dentistry Appointment

Initial Consultation

At your first visit, the dentist will take a thorough medical and dental history, ask about any concerns you may have, and perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth.

Routine Exams

During routine checkups, your dentist will examine your mouth for signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other potential issues. X-rays may be taken to get a clear view of areas not visible to the naked eye, such as tooth roots and bone health.

Professional Cleaning

During the cleaning, the hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, clean your gums, and polish your teeth. This helps prevent cavities and gum disease.

Treatment Recommendations

a. Based on the findings of the exam, the dentist will recommend a treatment plan if necessary. This could include filling a cavity, treating gum disease, or providing cosmetic treatments like whitening or veneers.

Preventive Education

Your dentist will likely offer advice on how to improve your oral hygiene routine at home, including tips on brushing, flossing, diet, and avoiding habits like smoking or excessive sugary snacks.

When to See a General Dentist

Routine Visits
For most people, it’s recommended to visit the dentist every 6 months for routine exams and cleanings. If you have a higher risk for dental problems (due to conditions like diabetes, smoking, or poor oral hygiene), your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.
When You Have a Concern
If you experience any pain, swelling, tooth sensitivity, or other dental problems, you should make an appointment with a general dentist. Early intervention is key to preventing more severe issues.
Emergency Situations
If you experience a dental emergency such as a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, or trauma to the mouth, don’t hesitate to contact your general dentist right away.