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 the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions.
Preventative and general dental services are linked; general care helps maintain the smile to prevent oral health problems from worsening over time. We offer general dentistry services to ensure patients are in good oral health in our Madill and Ardmore, OK, dental offices.
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 at the center of 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 overall oral health. They will visually inspect your face, neck, lips, and oral tissues to look for swelling, discoloration, or any other types of abnormalities. These are signs that you could have a potential problem that they need to investigate further.
Screen for Tooth Decay: Your dentist will examine each tooth to look for signs of decay, wear, cracks, or other issues. They will also assess existing dental work, like dental fillings or dental crowns, to make sure they are in good shape.
Gum Health Check: Your dentist will examines your gums for signs of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). They are looking for certain signs of gum disease including for redness, swelling, bleeding, or pockets between the teeth and gums.
Oral Cancer Screening: An oral cancer screening is a simple procedure to detect early signs of mouth or oral cancer. Talk to us during a cleaning to get your screening.
X-rays: Depending on your oral health history, any problems you report, or what your dentist finds during your exam, we may take X-rays. This is to help identify issues not easily seen by a visual inspection, such as cavities between teeth or problems in the jawbone. We typically take X-rays as a preventative diagnostic tool once a year if your dental insurance allows it.
Dental Cleaning: One of our licensed dental hygienists will perform your teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Then they will use a prophylaxis (prophy) paste to polish your teeth. This is a specially formulated abrasive substance that 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 the oral health and well-being of our patients. It encompasses a range of preventive, diagnostic, and restorative dental procedures that help us maintain healthy teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. 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 is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. It may be necessary if your tooth is extensively decayed, damaged, infected, or threatens your oral health.
Your Storts Family dentist may suggest extracting your tooth to alleviate pain, prevent infection, address overcrowding, or prepare for orthodontic treatment. Advanced decay, trauma, or severe gum disease are common reasons for extraction. After the procedure, we will explain all your tooth replacement options: dental implants, bridges, or dentures to restore functionality and aesthetics. 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 very important especially 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 have a comprehensive understanding of your family’s medical history. We can easily identify genetic or hereditary dental issues. We also coordinate care so we can 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. Using lasers, 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 will not require sutures. Often, there is no need for anesthesia. All of this enhances the overall patient experience. To learn more about the benefits of laser in dentistry, see Laser Dentistry.
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is an important tool we use. It allows us to treat patients with dental anxiety as well as patients with strong gag reflexes and sensitive teeth. We use nitrous oxide, a form of dental sedation, which is particularly beneficial for those with dental phobias or undergoing extensive procedures.
Dental sedation promotes a calm and relaxed state. It is then easier for the patient to undergo necessary dental treatments. Dentists can perform treatments more efficiently to improve their 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. It is fabricated from dental impressions to provide optimal protection during sports activities. This will help reduce your risk of dental injuries. This customization will enhance comfort and is more effective compared to 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 will protect your teeth from night-time teeth grinding. To learn more about the benefits of getting a custom mouthguard from a dentist, see Custom Mouthguards.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most frequently asked questions patients have on general and preventative dentistry.
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. It removes surface stains and tartar buildup. However, it won’t dramatically change your tooth color. For significant whitening, you’d need a specific whitening treatment. Professional cleanings mainly focus on your oral health, not cosmetic improvements. If you want to brighten your smile, we can discuss whitening options after your cleaning!
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. This makes 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 specific 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 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 severe toothache. This 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.