General dental care services are an integral part of caring for your oral and overall health. Visiting our office at least twice a year helps our team keep track of any developing dental problems. Our dental hygienists remove plaque from the teeth and gums using specialized dental tools and provide preventative fluoride and antibiotic treatments to fight cavities and gum disease.
At Waterford Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our general dental services are tied to routine care. When performed in conjunction with dental cleanings and exams, general dental treatments can combat tooth damage and infection.
General Dentistry in Leland, NC
Our dental team is proud to offer high-quality preventative treatments to all patients, regardless of age. We want to create a warm and friendly environment where everyone can feel comfortable going to the dentist. Some of the general dental solutions we offer our patients include the following.
Emergency Dental Treatments
If you have a knocked-out tooth, severe tooth pain, or a broken dental restoration, contact our office for emergency dental treatment. We also encourage patients to care for their teeth and gums at home and schedule routine dental visits so we can catch dental problems before they worsen. Sometimes emergencies can be prevented with regular dental care.
Family Dentistry
We serve patients of all ages in our Waterford, North Carolina office. As a family dental office, we want our patients to know that we can treat multiple members of your family under one roof. We also emphasize the importance of bringing your children to our office for early preventative care.
Dental Sedation
Sedation dentistry helps patients with dental fear or anxiety receive dental care. We can use oral sedatives to calm patients during their dental procedures. Our office encourages patients to contact us before their next dental appointment so we can make accommodations for their needs.
Tooth Extraction Treatment
Tooth extractions are necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth, severely decayed teeth, or overcrowded teeth. Many patients may think that the tooth extraction procedure causes severe pain. However, tooth extractions are used to alleviate the pain caused by infection, impaction, or overcrowding. We also use local anesthetic for a pain-free treatment.
Custom Mouthguard
Custom mouthguards provide a specific fit to protect teeth and gums from injury during sports or from grinding at night. These guards can help distribute force evenly to prevent trauma and can reduce the risk of concussions.
Why Preventative Care is Crucial
Preventative dental care is essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing serious dental problems. By taking the necessary steps to care for your teeth and gums, you can avoid costly and invasive procedures that may be required if problems like cavities, gum disease, or tooth loss occur. Preventative care focuses on early detection, regular checkups, and good oral hygiene habits, all of which contribute to a healthier mouth and a better quality of life.
One primary reason preventative dental care is important is that it helps identify dental problems early. Many dental issues, like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer, may not cause pain or obvious symptoms in their early stages. Regular checkups allow your dentist to spot these problems before they become severe, making treatment simpler and less expensive.
For example, a small cavity can be treated with a simple filling, while a larger cavity may require a root canal or tooth extraction. Preventative care saves time, money, and discomfort by catching these issues early.
Another key benefit of preventative dental care is that it helps maintain the health of your gums. Gum disease is a common condition that affects many adults and can lead to serious complications, such as tooth loss or heart disease if left untreated.
Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are essential for removing plaque and bacteria that can lead to gum inflammation. Your dentist or hygienist can also perform scaling and root planing to clean below the gumline and prevent gum disease from progressing. Healthy gums are the foundation for a healthy smile, so keeping them in good shape is crucial for overall dental health.
Preventative care also includes lifestyle factors that impact oral health, such as diet and habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Avoiding sugary snacks and beverages can prevent cavities while drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Smoking and drinking alcohol can increase the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer, so limiting these habits is an important part of your preventative dental routine.
In addition to preserving the health of your teeth and gums, preventative dental care also contributes to overall health and well-being. Studies have shown that poor oral health is linked to various systemic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Regular dental visits keep your teeth and gums in good shape and provide early signs of other health issues that may require medical attention. By taking care of your oral health, you’re also taking care of your body as a whole.
Diet and Oral Health
Oral health and diet are closely connected, and what you eat plays a significant role in the condition of your teeth and gums. A balanced, nutritious diet can help protect your teeth from cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. At the same time, poor dietary choices can contribute to tooth decay and other oral health problems.
The Link Between Diet and Cavities
One of the most important aspects of oral health is preventing cavities, and diet plays a significant role in this. Foods high in sugar and starch can create an environment in your mouth that promotes the growth of harmful bacteria. These bacteria feed on sugar and produce acids that attack tooth enamel, eventually leading to cavities.
Snacking frequently on sugary or starchy foods, such as candy, cookies, or chips, can increase the risk of tooth decay. To protect your teeth, limit sugary snacks and choose healthier choices like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Nutrients That Strengthen Teeth
In addition to reducing sugar intake, it’s essential to consume foods that help strengthen tooth enamel. Calcium and vitamin D are vital for healthy teeth and bones. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium, which helps protect tooth enamel and maintain the strength of your teeth. Vitamin D, found in fortified foods and fatty fish, helps the body absorb calcium more effectively.
Incorporating these nutrients into your diet can help ensure that your teeth remain strong and resistant to decay. Another important nutrient for oral health is phosphorus, which can be found in lean meats, fish, eggs, and nuts. Phosphorus works alongside calcium to help rebuild and repair tooth enamel. Ensuring that your diet includes sufficient amounts of these nutrients can contribute to your teeth’ overall health and strength.
The Role of Hydration in Oral Health
Hydration also plays a crucial role in oral health. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps rinse away food particles and bacteria that can cause plaque buildup. Water also helps maintain saliva production, which is important for neutralizing acids in the mouth and preventing tooth decay. Staying hydrated is a simple but effective way to support your oral health.
Foods and Habits to Avoid
In contrast, certain foods and drinks can be harmful to your teeth. Acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits, soda, and wine, can erode tooth enamel over time. While avoiding these items completely is unnecessary, consuming them in moderation and rinsing your mouth with water afterward can help minimize their effects.
Additionally, sticky foods like dried fruit can cling to your teeth and provide a prolonged source of sugar for bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities. It’s also important to avoid habits that can harm your teeth, such as chewing ice or grinding them. These habits can cause damage to tooth enamel and even lead to cracks or fractures in the teeth.
General Dental FAQs
Learn the answers to common questions many patients have about general dental care below.
What is a general dentist?
A general dentist helps diagnose and treat oral health problems. General dentists examine and evaluate the structures of the mouth to better understand the needs of their patients. Our dentists can also provide routine oral health care to keep patients’ teeth and gums healthy.
Can sports mouthguards treat problems like TMJ?
No, night guards and sports mouthguards are made of plastics with different thicknesses. Sports mouthguards cannot effectively treat problems like teeth grinding or headaches caused by temporomandibular joint disorders. Patients who need to treat headaches, jaw pain, and bruxism require oral appliance therapy and should seek restorative dentistry solutions for TMJ disorders.
What is the most common dental emergency?
A toothache is the most common dental emergency. It can be caused by decay, infection, or injury. Severe tooth pain often requires immediate attention to prevent further damage.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Recovery from a tooth extraction typically takes about 1 to 2 weeks. Most of the healing happens in the first few days. Full recovery of the bone and gums can take a bit longer.
Is sedation safer than anesthesia?
Both sedation and anesthesia are generally safe when administered by professionals. Sedation tends to be milder and carries fewer risks than general anesthesia. Your dentist will recommend the safest option based on your procedure and health.
How many fillings should you get at once?
You can get multiple fillings at once, depending on the severity of your cavities and your comfort. Many dentists do two to four fillings in one visit, but it’s best to discuss your needs with your dentist.
Call Our Dental Office Today
Receive one or more of our general dental treatments to improve the health of your teeth and gums. Schedule a consultation with our dental team on our website or call 910-519-1624. Let us know if you have any further questions and we will be happy to help you.