General Dentistry Services

Your teeth are protected from cavities by an outer layer of mineral deposits called enamel. Although enamel is incredibly strong, frequent exposure to acidic drinks and foods, age, and poor dental hygiene can cause it to erode.

Routine fluoride treatments are a fast, easy way to maintain your enamel’s health and strength. Ideal for the developing teeth of small children, fluoride helps restore the lost mineral content in the enamel and provides an added layer of protection to what’s left. During a fluoride treatment, a fluoridated varnish or gel is applied—or “painted on”—to the teeth, where it stays even after your appointment. As the gel dissolves, it is absorbed into your teeth.

Dental sealants are another way to help reinforce your teeth’s defense. The biting surfaces of your teeth, especially the back molars, contain deep grooves and pits that are susceptible to developing cavities and decay. Dental sealants are made of cavity-resistant material and applied to the surfaces of teeth to fill in these areas, effectively “sealing off” your teeth from cavities.

Even with routine dental care, good oral hygiene, and a healthy diet, cavities and tooth decay can still find their way into your mouth. Small areas of decay can be treated with a filling. A dental filling, as the name suggests, fills in a part of the tooth that has developed a cavity and protects the tooth from further decay.

When an area of concern is identified by your dentist, he or she will clean out as much of the decay as possible and replace it with a silver or composite resin material. Fillings do not affect the appearance of your smile or the function of your teeth; they only serve to stop existing decay and permanently protect against future damage.

Tooth extractions—a procedure in which the entire tooth, including the roots, is pulled out—are generally a last resort, but they are not uncommon and can be recommended for several reasons. Teeth may need to be extracted if they are damaged or diseased beyond repair. In children, baby teeth may be slow to fall out and must be extracted to create enough room for the permanent teeth trying to push through.

Wisdom teeth are another instance that may require extraction. These “third molars” usually erupt during adolescence or young adulthood and can, in many cases, cause a variety of oral health issues like TMJ (temporomandibular) disorder, infections, facial pain or headaches, and misalignment of the teeth and jaws. Wisdom teeth are often extracted as a preventative measure.