General Dentistry
Diagnostic, Preventive Care, Routine Checkups, and Cleanings
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.
Tooth-Colored Fillings (also known as resin fillings or composite fillings)
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.
Discreet Restorations with Composite Resin
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.
An Overview of the Filling Procedure
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.
Root Canal Treatments, Crowns, and Tooth Extractions
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.
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is a procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside of the tooth by cleaning and disinfecting the root canals and then filling and sealing the canals with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection. The tooth is then covered with a crown to restore strength and function. After this procedure, patients should be relieved of their tooth pain.
Is a root canal painful?
No. With modern techniques and local anesthesia, most patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure. In fact, a root canal should relieve the pain caused by a dental infection.
How often should I brush and floss?
A typical root canal procedure should take 45 mins to an hour in duration. Although variations in root anatomy and number of canals can increase the amount of time needed to complete the procedure, and could possibly require 2 appointments to complete.
Why is a root canal better than extracting the tooth?
Saving your natural tooth helps preserve proper chewing function, jawbone health and your natural smile. Root Canal therapy is often more cost-effective and less invasive than tooth replacement options.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
In many cases, especially for posterior teeth, a crown is recommended to restore strength and protect the tooth from fracture. Your dentists will advise what’s best for your situation.
How long does a root canal-treated tooth last?
With proper care and regular dental visits, a tooth that has had a root canal therapy can last many years, and often a lifetime.
Tooth Extractions
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone. Extractions are recommended when a tooth is severely decayed, damaged, infected, impacted or sometimes when causing severe crowding. Dentists always aim to preserve natural teeth when possible, but extraction may be the healthiest option to prevent pain, infection or further dental complications. There are two main types of tooth extractions: simple (regular) and surgical extractions, depending on the condition and position of the or teeth being extracted.
Why would I need an extraction?
A tooth extraction may be necessary due to severe decay, infection, gum disease, trauma, crowding or impacted teeth (such as wisdom teeth). In some cases, extractions are recommended to protect surrounding teeth and overall oral health.
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
Tooth extractions are performed using local anesthesia to numb the area, so patients should experience little to no pain during the procedure. We offer various sedation options to make this appointment even more comfortable.
How long does it take to recover from an extraction?
Most patients recover within a few days after a simple extraction. Surgical extractions may take longer, with full healing occurring over one to two weeks depending on the complexity of the case.
What happens after a tooth extraction?
After extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket that helps protect the area as it heals. Your dentist will provide aftercare instructions and may discuss tooth replacement options such as dental implants, bridges or partial dentures if needed.
What should I avoid after a tooth extraction?
Patients should avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, vigorous rinsing and hard or crunchy foods for several days to prevent a dry socket and promote proper healing.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket occurs when the protective blood clot is dislodged too early, exposing the bond and nerves. It can cause a great deal of pain and delayed healing but is treatable if addressed promptly.
Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal treatment is a targeted dental therapy used to treat active gum disease by removing plaque, tartar and bacteria from below the gumline. This treatment is often recommended when signs of gingivitis or periodontitis are detected, such as gum inflammation, bleeding, deep periodontal pockets, or early bone loss. Therapy may include scaling and root planning, localized antimicrobial treatment and ongoing periodontal maintenance to restore gum health and prevent future infection.
Isn't periodontal treatment the same as a regular cleaning?
No, a routine dental cleaning focuses on plaque and tartar removal above the gumline while periodontal treatment targets bacteria and plaque buildup below the gumline where soft tissue pockets have formed.
How long does it take for gums to heal?
Initial healing usually occurs within one to two weeks, with continued improvement over time as inflammation decreases and gum tissue tightens.
Will I need additional periodontal treatment?
Many patients transition to a periodontal maintenance schedule after initial therapy, with more frequent cleanings to help prevent gum disease from returning. Although relapse can certainly occur if the maintenance schedule isn’t followed, requiring retreatment if deemed necessary.
How can I prevent gum disease after treatment?
Daily brushing and flossing, along with regular periodontal maintenance visits, are essential for long term gum health.
Complete and Partial Dentures
Complete dentures are custom-made removeable prosthetics designed to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. They restore a patient’s ability to eat, speak and smile confidently while supporting facial structure and overall oral health. There are two types of dentures; conventional (placed after healing) and immediate (placed the same day as the extractions). Partial Dentures are designed to replace 1 or more missing teeth while preserving the remaining natural teeth. These are typically fabricated with a combination of a gum-colored base and a metal framework that anchors to the existing teeth. Partial dentures help to restore chewing efficiency, improve speech, prevent shifting of natural teeth and enhance your overall smile. They are a cost-effective, non-surgical tooth replacement option for patients who still have healthy natural teeth.
Will dentures look natural?
Yes, modern dentures are custom-designed to match your facial features, skin tone and smile for a natural, lifelike appearance.
How long do dentures last?
With proper care, dentures typically last 10 years. Over time, adjustments and alterations may be needed due to changes in the jawbone. Partial dentures can last a much longer period of time if the existing teeth are well taken care of.
What types of partial dentures are available?
Common options include metal-based partial dentures, acrylic partial dentures and flexible partial dentures. Your dentist will recommend the best option for your needs.
Will partial dentures damage my natural teeth?
When properly designed and maintained, partial dentures help to protect the remaining teeth by preventing shifting and uneven bite forces.
How do I care for my dentures?
Any type of denture should be removed daily for cleaning, brushed with a denture cleaner, and soaked overnight to maintain hygiene and prevent damage.
Common General Dentistry Questions
Learn more about our general dentistry offerings when you call to schedule your appointment with us today.
Why should I go to the dentist regularly?
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.
How often should I brush and floss?
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.
How often should I have a cleaning?
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.
Will a tooth filling hurt?
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!