General dental care services are an integral part of caring for your oral and overall health. Visiting our office at least twice a year helps our team keep track of any developing dental problems. Our dental hygienists remove plaque from the teeth and gums using specialized dental tools and provide preventative fluoride and antibiotic treatments to fight cavities and gum disease.
At Waterford Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our general dental services are tied to routine care. When performed in conjunction with dental cleanings and exams, general dental treatments can combat tooth damage and infection.
General Dentistry in Leland, NC
Our dental team is proud to offer high-quality preventative treatments to all patients, regardless of age. We want to create a warm and friendly environment where everyone can feel comfortable going to the dentist. Some of the general dental solutions we offer our patients include the following.
Emergency Dental Treatments
If you have a knocked-out tooth, severe tooth pain, or a broken dental restoration, contact our office for emergency dental treatment. We also encourage patients to care for their teeth and gums at home and schedule routine dental visits so we can catch dental problems before they worsen. Sometimes emergencies can be prevented with regular dental care.
Family Dentistry
We serve patients of all ages in our Waterford, North Carolina office. As a family dental office, we want our patients to know that we can treat multiple family members under one roof. We also emphasize the importance of bringing your children to our office for early preventative care.
Dental Sedation
Sedation dentistry helps patients with dental fear or anxiety receive dental care. We can use oral sedatives to calm patients during their dental procedures. Our office encourages patients to contact us before their next dental appointment so we can make accommodations for their needs.
Tooth Extraction Treatment
Tooth extractions are necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth, severely decayed teeth, or overcrowded teeth. Many patients may think that the tooth extraction procedure causes severe pain. However, tooth extractions are used to alleviate the pain caused by infection, impaction, or overcrowding. We also use local anesthetics for a pain-free treatment.
Custom Mouthguard
Custom mouthguards provide a specific fit to protect teeth and gums from injury during sports or from grinding at night. These guards can help distribute force evenly to prevent trauma and can reduce the risk of concussions.
Why is Preventative Dental Care Important?
Preventive dental care helps you avoid serious dental problems before they start. By taking care of your teeth and gums now, you can prevent costly and invasive procedures like root canals, gum surgery, or tooth extractions later.
Preventive care focuses on three things: early detection, regular checkups, and good daily habits. Together, they keep your mouth healthy and your quality of life high.
Catch Problems Early
Many dental issues do not cause pain in the early stages. Cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer can develop silently. Regular checkups allow your dentist to spot these problems early, when treatment is simpler and less expensive.
For example, a small cavity needs only a simple filling, but a large cavity may need a root canal or extraction. Preventive care saves you time, money, and discomfort.
Protect Your Gums
Gum disease affects many adults and can lead to tooth loss or even heart problems if left untreated. Brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings remove plaque and bacteria that cause gum inflammation.
Our dentist or hygienist can also perform deep cleanings below the gumline to stop gum disease from getting worse. Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile.
Make Smart Lifestyle Choices
What you eat and drink affects your teeth. A balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps keep your teeth strong. Avoiding sugary snacks and drinks prevents cavities. Drinking water washes away food particles and bacteria.
Smoking and heavy drinking increase your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. Limiting these habits is an important part of your preventive routine.
Protect Your Overall Health
Poor oral health is linked to serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Regular dental visits keep your teeth and gums healthy and can also provide early warning signs of other health issues.
When you take care of your mouth, you are also taking care of your whole body.
Diet and Oral Health
Oral health and diet are closely connected, and what you eat plays a significant role in the condition of your teeth and gums. A balanced, nutritious diet can help protect your teeth from cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. At the same time, poor dietary choices can contribute to tooth decay and other oral health problems.
The Link Between Diet and Cavities
One of the most important aspects of oral health is preventing cavities, and diet plays a significant role in this. Foods high in sugar and starch can create an environment in your mouth that promotes the growth of harmful bacteria. These bacteria feed on sugar and produce acids that attack tooth enamel, eventually leading to cavities.
Snacking frequently on sugary or starchy foods, such as candy, cookies, or chips, can increase the risk of tooth decay. To protect your teeth, limit sugary snacks and choose healthier choices like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Nutrients That Strengthen Teeth
In addition to reducing sugar intake, it’s essential to consume foods that help strengthen tooth enamel. Calcium and vitamin D are vital for healthy teeth and bones. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium, which helps protect tooth enamel and maintain the strength of your teeth. Vitamin D, found in fortified foods and fatty fish, helps the body absorb calcium more effectively.
Incorporating these nutrients into your diet can help ensure that your teeth remain strong and resistant to decay. Another important nutrient for oral health is phosphorus, which can be found in lean meats, fish, eggs, and nuts. Phosphorus works alongside calcium to help rebuild and repair tooth enamel. Ensuring that your diet includes sufficient amounts of these nutrients can contribute to your teeth’s overall health and strength.
The Role of Hydration in Oral Health
Hydration is also important for your oral health. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps rinse away food particles and bacteria that can cause plaque buildup. Water also helps maintain saliva production, which is important for neutralizing acids in the mouth and preventing tooth decay. Staying hydrated is a simple but effective way to support your oral health.
Foods and Habits to Avoid
Certain foods and drinks can be harmful to your teeth. Acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits, soda, and wine, can erode tooth enamel over time. While avoiding these items completely is unnecessary, consuming them in moderation and rinsing your mouth with water afterward can help minimize their effects.
Additionally, sticky foods like dried fruit can cling to your teeth and provide a prolonged source of sugar for bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities. It’s also important to avoid habits that can harm your teeth, such as chewing ice or grinding your teeth. These habits can cause damage to tooth enamel and even lead to cracks or fractures in the teeth.
General Dental FAQs
Learn the answers to common questions many patients have about general dental care below.
What is a general dentist?
A general dentist helps diagnose and treat oral health problems. General dentists examine and evaluate the structures of the mouth to better understand their patients’ needs. Our dentists can also provide routine oral health care to keep patients’ teeth and gums healthy.
Can sports mouthguards treat problems like TMJ?
No, night guards and sports mouthguards are made of plastic with different thicknesses. Sports mouthguards cannot effectively treat problems like teeth grinding or headaches caused by temporomandibular joint disorders. Patients who need to treat headaches, jaw pain, and bruxism require oral appliance therapy and should seek restorative dentistry solutions for TMJ disorders.
What is the most common dental emergency?
A toothache is the most common dental emergency. It can be caused by decay, infection, or injury. Severe tooth pain often requires immediate attention to prevent further damage.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Recovery from a tooth extraction typically takes about 1 to 2 weeks. Most of the healing happens in the first few days. Full recovery of the bone and gums can take a bit longer.
Is sedation safer than anesthesia?
Both sedation and anesthesia are generally safe when administered by professionals. Sedation tends to be milder and carries fewer risks than general anesthesia. Your dentist will recommend the safest option based on your procedure and health.
How many fillings should you get at once?
You can get multiple fillings at once, depending on the severity of your cavities and your comfort. Many dentists do two to four fillings in one visit, but it’s best to discuss your needs with your dentist.
Call Our Office For Quality Dental Care Today
Receive one or more of our general dental treatments in Leland, NC, to improve the health of your teeth and gums. Schedule a consultation with our dental team on our website or call 910-519-1624. Let us know if you have any further questions, and we will be happy to help you.