General Dentistry
During a dental examination your dentist will use instruments, tests, radiographs and clinical expertise to diagnose potential or existent disease states and pathologies. Our general dentist's primary focus is on the oral cavity, head and neck. In the case of cosmetic dentistry, we will work with you to identify your aesthetic goals.
Our dentists will work with you to develop a customised plan that incorporates dental examination, tooth cleaning, possible tooth scaling, x-ray and use of other diagnostic equipment to prevent, uncover or treat problems as early as possible. Your dentist may incorporate a variety of restorative procedures in the development of a comprehensive treatment plan that will help prevent and treat decay or disease of the teeth, mouth, gums and tongue.
Examples of General Dentistry
- Dental Fillings - Dental fillings are used to repair damage to the structure of a tooth or teeth.
- Bonding - Bonding is the term used to describe the process of using composite resins to "glue" materials to the surface of a tooth for restorative purposes.
- Root canal therapy - removes infected pulp tissue within the root chamber of the tooth. The hollowed-out tooth is filled with an antibacterial filling, and the tooth is "capped" with a crown for protection.
- Dental Crowns - Dental crowns can repair extensively decayed or damaged teeth. Dental crowns can be made of gold metals, silver metals or porcelain.
- Dental Bridges - Dental bridges replace missing teeth with artificial replacements (pontic).
- Dentures - Dentures are used to replace missing teeth or damaged teeth that cannot be otherwise repaired.
- Hygienist Treatments - Early gum disease treatment may include tooth scaling and cleaning at three to six month intervals along with use of a medicated mouthwash and oral hygiene instructions.
Special treatment considerations are made for infants, young children, adolescents, people with special needs and the elderly.