General Dentistry Services | Virginia Beach, VA
Gentle Dental Center of Virginia Beach offers a comprehensive service menu for the entire family, including general dentistry services. We know different patients have different needs, therefore we tailor our treatment to each individual. One of our top priorities is to establish a long-lasting relationship with our patients and to serve as your dental home. Keeping all of your dental health histories, X-rays and impressions assembled in one place for seamless service.
The doctors of Gentle Dental Center offer patients a number of general dentistry services for preventative care. When patients are proactive about their oral health, they often experience fewer problems with their smiles. We encourage our patients to take the time to visit our dental practice regularly for cleanings, examinations, and for more general dentistry services to catch any problems early enough to appropriately intervene.
OUR GENERAL DENTISTRY SERVICES
Dental Cleanings and Exams
One of the most important components of lifetime preventative dental care is routine dental cleaning. At regular dental cleanings, dental hygienists are able to remove plaque buildup from your teeth, which can cause decay. The American Dental Association recommends dental cleanings every 6 months. Home care is also critical in preventing oral health issues such as decay and gum disease. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily will help you maintain healthy gums and teeth.
At your regular dental cleaning, you will also receive a dental exam and X-rays if needed. X-rays are important to establish a baseline for your oral health. With current X-rays, dental professionals will be able to catch decay or other issues early. Dental problems treated early through our general dentistry services usually require a less invasive dental treatment, saving you time and expense.
Fillings
Tooth decay is a common dental problem affecting millions of Americans annually. The treatment for tooth decay is a filling, just one of the general dentistry services our team provides. There are multiple options for filling material, but the most common are amalgam (silver) and composite fillings.
Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are a popular choice for patients wanting to maintain a natural look. The composite material is matched to the natural color of your teeth, making composite fillings virtually invisible. Composite material is durable and typically involves removing less of the tooth than is required for amalgam fillings. Composite fillings may also be used for chipped or broken teeth and filling gaps between teeth.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is one of the general dentistry services we offer here at Gentle Dental Center. It is a dental treatment used to repair and save a tooth that has been infected due to decay or cracking. Teeth that have been injured and compromised can also be treated with root canal therapy to maintain function and longevity.
A root canal involves the removal of the pulp of the tooth. The pulp contains connective tissue, nerves and blood vessels. The advantage of a root canal is that it enables you to keep and use your tooth. Signs that root canal therapy may be needed are:
- Severe tooth pain while chewing
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
- Swollen gums in the area of the infected tooth
We know the mention of a root canal can raise anxiety in many patients. That is why The Gentle Dental Center is dedicated to the comfort and care of all our patients. Our team of friendly dental technicians and staff is dedicated to making your procedure as stress-free as possible.
Extractions
An extraction is one of the general dentistry services we offer. It is a dental procedure performed to remove a tooth from your mouth. With regular, preventative dental care, extractions are usually unnecessary. However, there are some dental conditions that may require extractions, including:
- Severe tooth decay or infection, making it impossible or too costly to repair a tooth
- Advanced gum disease
- Extra teeth, which necessitate the extraction of one or more teeth
- A stage of orthodontic work, where some teeth may need extraction to create room for the teeth that are being moved into place
- Wisdom teeth, which are often extracted before they come in
Extractions are a quick procedure. You will have numbing medication to reduce discomfort. You may feel pressure as the tooth is being removed, but you will not feel pain. Before you know it, it is over!
Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies happen and it’s important that you know how to handle the situation. Here is a list of common dental emergencies. However, if you do not see your emergency on this list, contact our office immediately so we can provide individualized care.
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***This practice does not participate in the Medicaid program and is unable to treat patients with Medicaid.