GENERAL DENTISTRY IN LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ

General dentistry covers all the aspects of oral care that can help you maintain long-term oral health. The dentist will clean and polish your teeth, take X-rays, fill cavities, do a full exam, take necessary action, and perform any necessary procedures. General dentistry includes a wide variety of dental services and treatments. Many of the services you receive are preventative, keeping your oral health in top shape.

What Are the Most Common General Dentistry Procedures?

Some of the most common general dentistry services include:

• Dental Fillings

A dental filling is a dental restoration that repairs a tooth that has been damaged by decay. Dental fillings restore the function, strength, and appearance of a tooth.

• Dental Crowns

A dental crown covers the visible portions of a tooth. It protects the tooth from damage, restores its shape, improves its aesthetic appearance, and prevents tooth decay.

• Dentures

Dentures are removable dental appliances. They are used in dentistry as a replacement for missing teeth as well as for the surrounding tissue. Dentures are designed to closely resemble your natural teeth and enhance your smile.

• Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a device used to replace a missing tooth or a series of missing teeth. A dental bridge is supported by neighboring teeth, called abutment teeth. The replacement tooth, called a pontic, fills in the gap created by one or more missing teeth. 

• Dental Implants

A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that replaces a missing tooth. In this procedure, a titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone. This post will act as the tooth's root and will eventually fuse with the jawbone. A dental restoration is then attached to the post.

• Tooth Extractions

In some cases, teeth may have to be removed to protect your overall dental health. If a tooth needs to be removed, there are a variety of options available for tooth replacement. Sometimes if a tooth is removed, a bone graft may be necessary to prepare the site for the next restoration, involving either a dental bridge or an implant. A dental bridge can be anchored in place with crowns for support. Implants can also be used to replace one or more missing teeth. Together with our dentist, you can make the right decision for yourself. 

• Periodontal (Gum) Therapy

Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, and it can also impact your overall health. This is why it's so important to visit the dentist regularly for preventive care.

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that our dentist may recommend if you have signs of gum disease. A local anesthetic is used to numb the gums. The dentists will use special tools to clean the tartar and plaque from below the gum line. Scaling is the cleaning of the crown of the tooth, while root planing is the cleaning of the root surfaces and smoothing the root surfaces to prevent reinfection.

Please visit our dental practice at 551 E. Plaza Circle STE. C, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340, to schedule a consultation with our dentists, call us at (623) 935-1155, or book your appointment online.