Preventive dental care is a cooperative effort by the patient, dentist, and dental staff to preserve the natural dentition. General dentistry services support natural structures by preventing dental diseases and conditions’ onset, progress, and recurrence.
Routine dental care helps keep your smile healthy and prevents small problems from becoming big ones. Our Madill and Ardmore offices provide complete general dentistry to protect your oral health.
Routine Dental Appointments Are Important For Your Health
Regular dental visits are an integral part of general dental care. One of the best things you can do for your overall and oral health is attend your bi-annual dental appointments. These are central to general dentistry and can prevent many dental complications from developing. There is more going on during that little appointment than you think.
Exam: Your dentist will perform a comprehensive dental exam to assess your oral health. They will visually inspect your face, neck, lips, and oral tissues for swelling, discoloration, or other flaws. These are signs that you could have a potential problem, and they must investigate further.
Screen for Tooth Decay: Your dentist will examine each tooth for signs of decay, wear, cracks, or other issues. They will also assess existing dental work, such as fillings or crowns, to ensure they are in good shape.
Gum Health Check: Your dentist will examine your gums for signs of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). They look for signs of gum disease, including redness, swelling, bleeding, or pockets between the teeth and gums.
Oral Cancer Screening: An oral cancer screening detects early signs of mouth or oral cancer. Talk to us during cleaning to get your screening.
X-rays: Sometimes we take X-rays to check for problems we can’t see. X-rays help us find hidden trouble spots—like cavities between teeth or jaw concerns—that we can’t see during a regular checkup. If your dental insurance allows, we typically take X-rays as a preventative diagnostic tool once a year.
Dental Cleaning: Our dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from all areas of your teeth, even those hard to reach. Then, they will use a prophylaxis (prophy) paste to polish your teeth. This specially formulated abrasive substance helps remove surface stains, plaque, and minor tartar buildup from the tooth enamel.
General Dentistry in Southern Oklahoma
At Storts Family Dentistry, general dentistry focuses on our patients’ oral health and well-being. It covers everything from routine cleanings and checkups to treatments that protect your teeth and gums. We also utilize many helpful dental tools and technology to deliver these services and treatments comfortably to our patients.
Root Canals
Root canals are a treatment option for restoring the health and function of an infected tooth. This procedure will remove the infected or damaged tooth pulp from the inside of the tooth while maintaining the tooth’s structure.
Root canals are a conservative treatment option that may prevent the need for a tooth extraction. The process involves removing the pulp, cleaning, shaping, and sealing the root canal. This helps alleviate pain, prevent infection spread, and preserve the natural tooth structure. To learn more about the root canal procedure, see Root Canal.
Tooth Extractions
Tooth extraction removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. It may be necessary if your tooth has extensive decay, damage, infection, or threatens oral health.
We may suggest removing a tooth to relieve pain, prevent infection, fix crowding, or get ready for orthodontic work. Advanced decay, trauma, or severe gum disease are common reasons for extraction. After removing your tooth, we’ll discuss replacement options to restore your smile and chewing ability. To learn more about the tooth extraction process, see Tooth Extraction.
Family Dentistry
As family dentists, we provide pediatric dental services for younger patients to help keep their smiles healthy. Dental care for children is especially important since childhood cavities are a significant oral health concern. Our team of family dentists has experience working with children of all ages. We have created a comfortable and friendly environment in our Southern Oklahoma dentist offices.
By choosing our family dentist office, we will thoroughly understand your family’s medical history. We can easily identify genetic or inherited dental issues. We also coordinate care to treat your entire family on the same day. To learn more about the benefits of choosing a family dentist, see Family Dentistry.
Emergency Dentistry
Emergency dentistry involves immediate dental care for urgent oral health issues such as severe pain, trauma, or infections. It addresses unexpected dental problems requiring prompt attention to alleviate pain, prevent complications, and preserve oral function.
Prompt dental care in cases like knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches, or trauma to the mouth helps prevent future complications. It also evades complex dental treatments in the future. Emergency dentistry is a vital part of our dental practice. To learn more about what to do in a dental emergency, see Emergency Dentistry.
Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry uses laser technology for various dental procedures, including gum disease treatment. Our dentists can offer more precise treatment, preserving more of your healthy surrounding tissues.
The benefits of using laser technology are vast. Healing time is faster, there is less bleeding, the patient has a lower risk of infection, and they don’t require sutures.
Often, there is no need for anesthesia, enhancing the overall patient experience. To learn more about the benefits of lasers in dentistry, see Laser Dentistry.
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is an important tool we use. It allows us to treat patients with dental anxiety, strong gag reflexes, and sensitive teeth. If you’re anxious or having a longer procedure, we can use nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to keep you comfortable.
Dental sedation promotes a calm and relaxed state, making it easier for the patient to undergo necessary dental treatments. Dentists can then perform treatments more efficiently to improve the patient’s oral health and encourage regular dental visits. To learn more about the benefits of nitrous oxide, see Sedation Dentistry.
Custom Mouthguard
A custom sports mouthguard from a dentist is a personalized oral appliance designed to fit your teeth precisely. A lab fabricates it from dental impressions to provide optimal protection during sports activities. This will help reduce your risk of dental injuries. Customizing it will enhance comfort and is more effective than generic, store-bought mouthguards.
We also offer oral splints or night guards for teeth grinding. These are custom-made to fit perfectly in your mouth and protect your teeth from nighttime grinding. To learn more about the benefits of getting a custom mouthguard from a dentist, see Custom Mouthguards.
The Need for General Dentistry
General dentistry is vital in maintaining oral health and overall well-being. It helps prevent problems, catches issues early, and keeps your teeth and gums healthy with regular care. Visiting a general dentist regularly ensures that minor problems don’t become major complications. A healthy smile boosts your confidence, supports your overall health, and allows you to eat, speak, and live comfortably.
1. Prevents Oral Health Problems
One of the main goals of general dentistry is to prevent dental problems before they happen. Regular check-ups and cleanings remove plaque and tartar that can lead to cavities and gum disease. General dentists also provide fluoride treatments and sealants to protect teeth, especially for children. By catching and addressing issues early, general dentistry saves you time, money, and discomfort in the long run.
2. Promotes Early Detection of Issues
General dentists are trained to spot problems early. During routine exams, they check for cavities, gum disease, oral infections, and even signs of oral cancer.
Early detection means that treatments can be less invasive and more effective. For example, we can treat a small cavity with a simple filling. However, if left untreated, it could lead to a root canal or tooth loss.
3. Maintains Good Oral Hygiene
Even with regular brushing and flossing, some areas of your mouth can be hard to clean. General dentists and dental hygienists provide professional cleanings that remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach places. They also teach proper oral care techniques to help you maintain good hygiene at home. Healthy oral habits and professional care work together to keep your smile in shape.
4. Protects Your Overall Health
Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Not taking care of your teeth can cause gum disease, which may increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. If left untreated, infections in the mouth can spread to other parts of the body. General dentistry helps you avoid these risks by ensuring your mouth stays healthy and free from harmful bacteria.
5. Provides Comprehensive Care
General dentists offer a wide range of services to meet your needs. They handle everything from routine cleanings and fillings to crowns, bridges, and dentures. They also handle small mouth injuries, remove problem teeth, and share simple tips to protect your teeth through everyday choices. This comprehensive care ensures you have a one-stop solution for most dental concerns.
6. Builds Lifelong Habits
Visiting a general dentist helps establish a foundation for lifelong oral health for children. Early dental visits teach kids the importance of brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups. General dentists can also monitor the development of children’s teeth and guide orthodontic needs if necessary. These habits and early interventions can prevent future dental problems.
7. Supports Confidence and Quality of Life
A healthy smile can improve your confidence and self-esteem. Regular dental care protects your smile, preventing cavities, gum disease, and misalignment through early attention. When your teeth are healthy, you can eat comfortably, speak clearly, and smile freely without worry.
8. Saves Time and Money
Investing in regular dental visits can save you from costly and time-consuming treatments down the road. Preventive care is less expensive and less invasive than treating advanced dental problems. For example, cleaning is much quicker and more affordable than a root canal or dental implant. Regular visits to your general dentist help you stay proactive and avoid unnecessary expenses.
9. Tailors Care to Your Needs
General dentistry provides personalized care for each patient. Your dentist will assess your oral health needs and create the best treatment plan. If you have sensitive teeth, tooth damage, or trouble brushing well, your dentist can help fix it.
10. Strengthens Family Health
Many general dentists treat patients of all ages, making scheduling appointments for the whole family easy. This convenience encourages everyone to prioritize their oral health. Taking kids to the dentist regularly helps them adjust to visits, so they’ll keep up with healthy habits as they grow up.
Diet and Oral Health
What you eat plays a crucial role in the health of your teeth and gums. Diet affects your oral health in several ways, from the strength of your teeth to the health of your gums. Poor eating habits can lead to cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and other dental problems.
On the other hand, a balanced, nutritious diet can protect your teeth and help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come. The foods you choose impact both your oral health and overall health. Picking tooth-friendly options keeps your smile and body strong.
Sugar and Tooth Decay
One of the biggest culprits behind tooth decay is sugar. When you eat or drink sugary things, the germs in your mouth turn the sugar into acid. This acid can wear away your tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
This leads to cavities over time. Sticky sweets like candy and cookies cling to teeth, giving germs more time to cause damage. Reducing sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals, can help prevent tooth decay and maintain a healthier mouth.
Acidic Foods and Enamel Erosion
Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, soda, and wine, can remove the enamel on your teeth. Enamel is the protective outer layer of your teeth; once it’s gone, it doesn’t grow back. Acidic foods cause the enamel to soften, making it more vulnerable to damage.
To protect your enamel, limit your intake of acidic foods and beverages. If you consume them, rinse your mouth with water afterward or wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. Enamel is softer right after eating acidic foods.
Calcium and Strong Teeth
Calcium is essential for strong teeth and bones. It helps to build and maintain the structure of your teeth and jaws. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium.
If you don’t consume dairy, you can find calcium in leafy greens, almonds, and fortified foods like certain plant-based milks and cereals. A calcium-rich diet helps keep your teeth strong and less prone to decay or fractures.
Vitamin D and Absorption of Calcium
Vitamin D plays a key role in helping your body absorb calcium. Without enough vitamin D, even a calcium-rich diet may not provide your teeth and bones with the support they need. Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, but you can also find it in fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods. Getting enough vitamin D ensures your body can use calcium effectively, keeping your teeth and bones healthy.
Fiber-Rich Foods and Gum Health
Eating fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help maintain healthy gums. These foods help stimulate saliva production, which naturally washes away food particles and neutralizes acids in your mouth. Saliva also contains important minerals that help protect your teeth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples and carrots, act like natural toothbrushes, helping to clean your teeth as you chew.
Water and Oral Hydration
Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health and oral hygiene. Water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria in your mouth, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. It also helps maintain the flow of saliva, which is your mouth’s natural defense against decay. In addition to water, sugar-free beverages like herbal teas can help keep your mouth hydrated and promote oral health.
Alcohol and Dry Mouth
Alcohol can contribute to dry mouth when you don’t produce enough saliva. Saliva is essential for neutralizing acids in the mouth, washing away food particles, and protecting your teeth from decay. A lack of saliva increases your risk of cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.
To protect your oral health when consuming alcohol, we recommend maintaining hydration with water and practicing moderation. Excessive alcohol intake can increase risks for tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health complications.
The Role of Protein and Healthy Gums
Protein is important for the health of your gums. Foods like lean meats, beans, nuts, and tofu provide essential nutrients that help support gum tissue and healing. If your gums are unhealthy or you have gum disease, a protein-rich diet can aid in tissue repair and reduce inflammation. Protein also helps your gums stay strong by supporting collagen, which keeps mouth tissues healthy.
Eating a Balanced Diet for Overall Health
Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients helps your overall health and oral health. A healthy diet reduces swelling, helps your body fight germs, and stops infections that damage gums and teeth. Avoiding processed foods and focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods can significantly affect oral health.
Limiting Snacking Between Meals
Snacking between meals, especially on sugary or starchy foods, can contribute to tooth decay. When you eat or drink, your mouth produces acids that can weaken enamel. If you snack frequently, you constantly expose your teeth to these acids, which increases your risk of cavities. Snack less, and pick tooth-friendly foods like crunchy fruits, veggies, or nuts that don’t stick to teeth and cause cavities.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of patients’ most frequently asked general and preventative dentistry questions.
Why do my teeth have gaps after cleaning?
Gaps in your teeth after cleaning can happen because removing plaque and tartar exposes the space between your teeth. Tartar buildup can make your teeth feel closer together than they are. Once your dentist cleans it, the natural spaces might seem more noticeable. Also, your gums might slightly shrink as they heal, making any gaps more apparent.
Will my teeth be whiter after a cleaning?
A dental cleaning can make your teeth appear slightly whiter by removing surface stains and tartar buildup. However, it won’t dramatically change your tooth color.
You need a specific whitening treatment for significant whitening. Professional cleanings mainly focus on oral health, not cosmetic improvements. We can discuss whitening options after cleaning if you want to brighten your smile.
How often should you get dental X-rays?
Depending on your oral health, you should get dental X-rays every one to two years. We might recommend them more often if you have ongoing dental issues or a higher risk of problems. Less frequent X-rays might be enough for those with good oral health and no major concerns.
Is laser dentistry suitable for children?
Laser dentistry can be suitable for children. It often reduces the need for anesthesia and drilling, making dental visits less scary for kids. Lasers work well for treating cavities and gum issues in children.
They can also help with frenectomies and exposing unerupted teeth. We’ll assess your child’s needs to determine if laser treatment is appropriate. Many kids find laser procedures more comfortable than traditional methods.
Does a root canal always require a crown?
A root canal doesn’t always require a crown. The need depends on the tooth’s location and the extent of damage. Front teeth often don’t need crowns after root canals.
Molars, which endure more chewing force, usually do. Sometimes, a large filling is enough for premolars. We assess each case individually to determine how best to protect your treated tooth.
What is the most common dental emergency?
The most common dental emergency is a severe toothache, which often indicates an infection, deep decay, or abscess. Knocked-out teeth and broken dental work are also frequent emergencies.
Facial swelling can signal a severe infection requiring immediate attention. If you experience any of these, contact us right away. Quick action can often save a tooth or prevent more serious complications.
We Provide General Dentistry in Southern Oklahoma
Call Storts Family Dentistry for routine and preventative dental care today. We serve patients from Ardmore and Madill, OK. You may also request a dental appointment with us online by filling out the provided form.