General dentistry is the basis for all other dental specialties; the practice focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of conditions and diseases that affect the teeth, gums, and other structures of the mouth. Common services provided by general dentists include cleanings, crowns, bridges, and fillings. However, there are a number of other services that come under the umbrella of general dentistry.
To learn more about the procedures we offer in the area of general dental service, we encourage you to read the below information! If you have any questions, simply give our Bartlesville, OK team a call.
Cleanings & Exams
Dental cleanings and exams are important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. These check-ups should be scheduled at least every six months. During a cleaning, our team will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and ensure your smile looks and feels its best!
- Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease.
- Tartar is a hardened plaque that can only be removed with professional cleaning.
During an exam, we will check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems. We will also discuss your at-home dental care routine and answer any questions you may have.
Crowns & Bridges
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped appliance that is placed over a weak or damaged tooth to improve its strength and appearance. The crown encapsulates the entire tooth, restoring it to its original size and shape while protecting it from further damage.
A dental bridge is an appliance that is used to replace one or more missing teeth in a sequence. The bridge consists of two crowns (one for each tooth adjacent to the gap) with one or more false teeth in between. The false tooth is attached to the crowns, filling the gap and restoring the smile.
When properly cared for, dental crowns and bridges can last for many years. It is important to practice good oral hygiene and avoid chewing on hard objects in order to prolong the life of your crown or bridge.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are a restorative dental procedure used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. At our office, we offer dental fillings made from composite resin, a tooth-colored material that can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.
Composite resin fillings are strong and durable and can last for many years with proper care. They are also much less visible than silver amalgam fillings, making them a good choice for restoring front teeth or other visible areas of the mouth.
Inlays & Onlays
Inlays and onlays are two types of dental restorations that are used to repair damage or decay along the back-biting surfaces of the teeth. Unlike dental fillings or crowns, inlays and onlays are designed more precisely to address the particular area of damage and provide more support to the tooth structure.
- Inlays are made to repair small areas of decay or damage within the grooves of the tooth.
- Onlays, on the other hand, are larger restorations that extend to cover the tooth’s biting surface or cover the tooth’s cusp.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a procedure used to save a tooth that has been infected by severe decay or damage. The procedure involves the removal of the damaged tissue, called the pulp, from inside the tooth. Once the pulp is removed, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, filled, and sealed to prevent any further damage or infection.
Root canal therapy is often the best option to save a tooth that has been infected. It can help eliminate the need for a more invasive procedure, such as an extraction, as well as keep your smile healthy and intact.
Pediatric Care
Pediatric dental care is a field of dentistry that focuses on the oral health of infants, children, and adolescents. This includes preventive measures such as cleanings and exams, as well as restorative care for cavities and other problems. Our pediatric team is specially trained to work with young patients and to make them feel comfortable in the dental office.
We understand that children can be anxious about going to the dentist, so we do everything we can to make their experience a positive one. We believe that receiving dental care at an early age is the best way to keep your child’s smile healthy and sparkling for years to come!
Nightguards
A nightguard is a type of oral appliance that is worn at night to protect the teeth from grinding and clenching. Nightguards can be custom-made at our office to ensure a comfortable fit and proper function.
If you suffer from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder or bruxism (teeth grinding), a nightguard can help relieve your symptoms and prevent further damage to your teeth and jaw. This is done by diminishing the contact between the top and bottom jaw while evenly distributing the bite force across all of your teeth, rather than concentrating it in one area. This not only prevents damage to your teeth but can also help to soothe the jaw joints and relieve tension.
Emergency Care
Emergency dentistry is a type of dental care that is provided to patients who have an urgent dental concern or immediate need for dental treatment. Common emergency dental concerns include toothaches, cracked or chipped teeth, lost fillings, and tooth avulsion.
At our office, we are prepared to handle all types of dental emergencies and will work to fit you into our schedule as soon as possible. We understand that dental emergencies can be painful and stressful, so our goal is to provide you with the highest quality care and help you get back to your normal routine as quickly as we can.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please call our office immediately to make an appointment.