Do you need routine dental care? Has it been some time since your last dental appointment? Visit our office for general dental care. General dentistry is preventative, meaning that these types of treatments can stop the chance of current dental issues from becoming more complex. Our general dentistry services in Dallas, TX, include treatments that maintain patient’s smiles and keep them healthy.
General dental care is the foundation of all other dental care. With general dental services, we can maintain your tooth and gum health. Our Dallas, TX, dental office also provides comprehensive dental services for patients who need additional treatment.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry includes treatments that stop dental problems before they worsen. Regular dental visits and general dental care are essential to preventive treatment.
At routine dental appointments, we provide cleanings and exams for patients of all ages. A cleaning consists of scaling, a gritty toothpaste cleaning, and polishing. During cleanings, our hygienists remove bacterial buildup from hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Only hygienists can remove tartar from the mouth, which is often hard to remove at home.
We also take digital X-rays at regular dental appointments. X-rays show the teeth, gums, and jaw. With X-rays, we can look for signs of dental problems we can’t see with a dental mirror. If we find dental problems early, we can provide the proper treatment to prevent more complex issues over time.
Dental screenings are another essential part of a regular dentist visit. We screen for gum disease, oral cancer, and other common dental problems. Our office recommends preventive cleanings if we find signs of inflamed, bleeding, or receding gums. Additionally, we look for signs of oral cancer, such as chronic mouth sores or white and red patches in the mouth.
Our general dental treatments, including emergency dentistry and root canal treatment, maintain your oral health. Most dental emergencies are sudden dental problems. Waiting to fix these problems can negatively affect your teeth and gums. Luckily, we provide emergency dental services to preserve your health.
Root canals are routine treatments for infected teeth. You may need a root canal if you notice tooth pain and sensitivities. In many cases, treating an infection with a root canal prevents the need for tooth extraction.
General Dentistry in Dallas, TX
Whether you need immediate emergency or routine treatment care, we’re here to help you. Some of the dental services that fall under general dentistry include:
Root Canal Treatment
The root canals are tiny passageways that run from the top of the tooth to the tooth roots. All teeth have between one and four root canals.
Many tooth problems involve infections that spread to the pulp, the tooth’s inner chamber. This chamber contains blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues. When the infection becomes worse, it can begin affecting the roots. A traumatic injury to a tooth can also compromise the pulp, leading to similar problems.
A diseased inner tooth can cause many problems. Pain and sensitivity are the first signs of a problem. However, a spreading infection can cause small pockets of pus to develop, leading to an abscess.
Root canal therapy is a remarkable treatment with a very high success rate. This treatment removes the diseased tissue, halts the spread of infection, and restores the healthy portion of the tooth. Root canal therapy can save a problem tooth. Before root canal treatment, tooth extractions were the only way to treat a tooth infection.
Procedure
Root canal therapy usually takes one to three visits. During the first visit, our dentist drills a small hole through the top of the tooth and into the inner chamber. Our dentist removes the diseased tissue. Then, they cleanse and disinfect the inner chamber, reshaping the tiny canals.
Our dentist will fill the cleansed chamber and canals with an elastic material and medication to prevent infection. If necessary, they temporarily fill the drilled hole. Then, we will make a permanent seal with a crown.
Most patients with root canals experience little or no discomfort or pain. They enjoy a restored tooth that can last almost as long as its healthy original.
Emergency Dentistry
Our Dallas dental office provides emergency dental care for patients who need urgent dental treatment. Dental emergencies include knocked-out teeth, deep tooth fractures, and severe tooth pain.
As soon as you encounter a dental emergency, call our office. We recommend steps you can take at home to treat pain or swelling. Then, you can visit our office for immediate dental care. However, if you have physical injuries, you can visit the hospital.
How to Maintain Good Oral Health
In addition to regular dental visits and general dentistry in our Dallas, TX office, at-home care helps maintain a clean and healthy smile.
First, you want to ensure you brush and floss properly. Before brushing, floss between each tooth. Flossing will remove food debris and bacteria from between teeth.
When brushing, use a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste. If you have a manual toothbrush, brush in circular motions. Begin with the front of each tooth, then move to the chewing surfaces and the back of each tooth. Gently brush your gums. Remember to brush your tongue; bacteria that collect on the tongue contribute to bad breath.
Bad oral health habits can also impact your oral health. Chewing on ice, nail-biting, and using teeth as tools can increase your risk of chipping or cracking a tooth. Biting your nails can also introduce bacteria to your mouth. Our office can provide tips to help you or your child stop these habits.
Contact Our Office
As your dentist in Dallas, TX, we want you to get the dental treatments you need to support your oral health. Call Henderson Family Dental for routine dental care today at 214-253-4868. We proudly treat patients of all ages. You may also schedule an appointment with Dr. Nguyen online.
Please come to us with any questions or concerns. Our dentist’s office serves Highland Park, Forest Hills, South Dallas, and other communities in the Dallas metropolitan area.