611 N. Broad Street, Lancaster, OH 43130
(740) 687-6105 | Appointments
(740) 687-6105 | General Information
High-tech digital imaging provides us with detailed insight as to the health of your bone structure. These x-ray images can also help to detect cavities that may be developing between your teeth. We rely on a number of diagnostic tools to assess the condition of your existing dental work, check for signs of periodontal disease, and even oral cancer. Based upon the dentist’s professional recommendation, you will be encouraged to schedule routine checkups and cleanings in order to identify and prevent unwanted dental conditions.
At Friendly Dental Care, our team strives to provide comprehensive dental services that protect our patients’ oral health without sacrificing a natural-looking appearance. Tooth decay is surprisingly common in the United States. In fact, estimates indicate that nearly 99% of people in the U.S. will develop at least one cavity in their lifetime. Since teeth cannot self-repair, restorative dentistry is necessary to prevent further decay and protect teeth. For small portions of decayed areas, fillings are normally used to restore a tooth to its rightful shape and size. Fortunately, our team offers tooth-colored fillings that restore teeth without dark metals.
Tooth-colored fillings are made from composite resin, a durable compound composed of biocompatible plastics and glass. In the past, the most common type of filling was made of amalgam and had a dark, unnatural appearance. Composite resin seamlessly blends in with the color of surrounding teeth so that a patient’s fillings are unnoticeable to others. Beyond the aesthetic value of a tooth-colored filling, research shows that teeth bond better to composite resin than they do to dark, metal fillings. This additional benefit allows our dentist to practice dentistry that is more conservative when it comes to restorations because white fillings require less tooth preparation and removal.
As with metal fillings, placing a composite resin filling is a minimally invasive procedure that is completed in just one office visit. The decayed portion of the tooth will be gently removed and the area will be cleaned. Our dentist will then apply a customized shade of composite resin in liquid form to the area requiring restoration. A special light will then cure and harden the resin to create a durable filling.
Once the process is complete, our patients leave the office with a discreet, long-lasting restoration. To learn more about tooth-colored fillings or to schedule an appointment for general or cosmetic dentistry, contact our team at Friendly Dental Care today.
In addition to x-rays, cleanings, and fillings, you may sometimes require more extensive treatments in order to improve your dental health. We may perform some of these procedures in the dental office, and your care may sometimes be coordinated with local dental specialists for the best possible outcome.
Learn more about our general dentistry offerings when you call to schedule your appointment with us today.
Some people mistakenly believe that they don’t need to see the dentist unless there’s a problem, while dental fear may prevent others from seeking routine diagnostic and preventive care. Seeing a dentist for semi-annual exams and professional cleanings are essential to maintaining your oral health. At these appointments, the dentist will look for signs of oral diseases, such as tooth decay and gum disease, which can be treated more conservatively when they are diagnosed in their earliest stages.
The dentist will also screen for oral cancer, which has a fairly good prognosis when diagnosed before it has the chance to spread to surrounding tissues. X-rays will also be taken at some of these appointments, giving the dentist an opportunity to assess the health of your jawbone tissue and identify cavities that might be hiding between the teeth. These are all important reasons to see your dentist every six months.
Patients should brush their teeth twice each day for two minutes at a time and floss daily, either in the morning or evening. It can be beneficial to floss prior to brushing, as flossing can dislodge some plaque, which can then be brushed away.
Your technique while brushing and flossing is also important. If you’re using poor technique, you won’t get the full benefits of brushing and flossing, and you could actually harm your teeth. Use a soft-bristled brush and an appropriate amount of pressure. If you’re too heavy-handed with your brushing, you could cause the enamel to begin to break down. Be sure to brush at an angle along the gumline, too, as this will disrupt plaque accumulation in that area.
Patients should have their teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist every six months. Plaque and tartar can still build up, even if you’re brushing and flossing as recommended, especially in the areas of your smile that it’s hard for you to reach on your own. A hygienist has a better angle to clean those areas and can use certain instruments to remove tartar, which patients cannot do through brushing and flossing.
Most patients report minimal discomfort from having a tooth filled. The dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area before placing the restoration. In fact, because a cavity can cause discomfort for a patient, getting a filling may actually result in pain relief!