Many people get the majority of dental care from a family dentist. These types of dentists are tasked with maintaining patients' oral health and may perform a variety of procedures to do so. From cleaning to crowns to exams, family dentists can cover the essentials of oral health. These are some of the most common treatments that a patient can expect.
Family dentists perform many types of treatments. Most routine visits are similar, but a dentist may suggest an alternative procedure because of the results of an exam. A patient can also schedule a special visit if experiencing oral pain.
Most family dentists recommend that patients visit for routine cleanings and exams every six months. At these appointments, a patient can expect to receive a professional tooth cleaning and a fluoride treatment. This usually entails the use of special brushes and scrapers to clean around and in between the teeth. The result is a much more thorough cleaning than is possible with brushing and flossing.
The dentist also checks for any signs of more serious issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Gum disease can manifest before any obvious lesions or pain develop, so it is important that patients visit the dentist to detect any problems early. Depending on the age and oral health of the patient, the dentist may also perform a dental X-ray once a year or more. These let the dentist see below the gums and get a more comprehensive picture of a patient's oral health.
Sometimes teeth can be chipped or cracked or suffering from cavities, causing pain and discomfort. When the damage is minor, the tooth can be repaired rather than replaced. A dentist may paint on resin that matches the color of the teeth and protects the grooves on the biting surface of the teeth. In the case of a cavity, the dentist may fill the tooth to strengthen it. Modern filling materials are both durable and aesthetically compatible with the color of natural teeth.
Family dentists are prepared to answer a variety of questions related to the patient's oral health and appearance. A patient can ask about what foods and drinks cause staining. The dentist may also recommend certain types of toothpastes or brushes.
If a family dentist notices that the patient's teeth have a lot of plaque or tartar, they may recommend a deep cleaning. Deep cleanings are designed to penetrate below the gum line and remove any bacteria, plaque, tartar, or other buildup. The dentist can also utilize special tools to scrape tartar and plaque from the gums and teeth.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Family Dentist Treatments in Mountain View, CA
Family dentists perform a wide variety of procedures and treatments for patients. Every patient, whatever the state of their oral health, should visit a dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. Patients can also call a family dentist if they are experiencing pain or discomfort.
Request an appointment or call Smiles Dental Care at 650-563-1180 for an appointment in our Mountain View office.
Routine dental checkups are just as important as brushing and flossing when it comes to oral health. Visiting a family dentist is a smart and convenient option that can provide a number of important advantages for the whole family and help to ensure you all maintain healthy teeth and gums.Some people may assume that there…
Oral cancer occurs inside the mouth and is so often called mouth cancer or oral cavity cancer, and a family dentist will usually check for this disease during routine dental visits. However, if you are experiencing abnormal mouth pain, lumps, or lesions before your next exam, it may be a good idea to schedule an…
Lifestyle choices are as important to good oral and dental health as visiting the family dentist twice per year. Establishing healthy day-to-day routines protects the teeth and gums and keeps mouth chemistry balanced. Develop good practices in children at a young age to help build habits that can last a lifetime. Making changes at any…
Dentures can restore normalcy to the functions of chewing and eating, but for first-time wearers, there is a period spent adjusting to new dentures. By asking a dentist about this transitionary period, it is possible to minimize the discomfort and awkward mishaps that often accompany getting used to a new dental appliance. In addition, dealing…
A smile makeover provides a way for people to improve their confidence level and the appearance of their smile through a personalized treatment plan that consists of multiple cosmetic dental procedures. However, maintaining the results of a smile makeover involves keeping a consistent oral hygiene regimen. Read on to find out more.You can protect your…