General Dental Procedures?
General dentistry encompasses the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of common oral health issues. It is the foundation of dental care and focuses on maintaining the health and function of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Regular visits to a general dentist are crucial for preventing problems before they become serious and for ensuring your long-term oral well-being.
The most common general dental procedures include routine cleanings and exams. During a cleaning, a dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup to prevent cavities and gum disease. The dentist then performs a comprehensive exam, often using X-rays, to check for any signs of decay, oral cancer, or other issues. These preventative visits are the cornerstone of good oral health.
In addition to preventative care, general dentists also perform restorative procedures to address problems that have already occurred. This includes fillings to treat cavities, root canal therapy to save an infected tooth, and crowns to restore a severely damaged tooth. General dentists also provide extractions for teeth that are beyond repair and offer solutions for issues like teeth grinding (bruxism) and sensitive teeth. The goal of general dentistry is to provide comprehensive care that keeps your smile healthy, functional, and pain-free.
At our holistic dental practice, we believe that while your daily natural oral care routine is incredibly important, it represents just one aspect of achieving truly vibrant oral wellness. Regular holistic dental cleanings are your smile’s greatest ally, accessing areas your toothbrush cannot reach, gently removing harmful biofilms, and supporting your body’s natural healing processes to prevent imbalances before they manifest.
Our dedicated team of holistic dental hygienists is committed to providing thorough, gentle, and rejuvenating cleanings right here in West Hollywood, helping you experience fresh breath, naturally radiant teeth, and optimal oral-systemic health for life.
Regularly considering general dentistry procedures is essential for maintaining not just a healthy smile, but your overall well-being. Think of it as a proactive investment in your health, rather than a reactive response to problems. Many serious dental and systemic health issues can be prevented or caught in their early stages through routine check-ups and cleanings, saving you from significant pain, discomfort, and costly treatments down the line.
The cornerstone of general dentistry is prevention. During routine visits, our team removes plaque and tartar buildup that even the most diligent brushing and flossing can’t reach. This process is crucial because hardened plaque leads to cavities and gum disease. Early signs of issues like gingivitis or tooth decay often have no noticeable symptoms, but a general dentist can spot them and treat them simply before they escalate into more invasive and expensive problems, such as a root canal or tooth loss.
Furthermore, there is a strong and well-documented connection between your oral health and your overall health. Conditions like gum disease have been linked to systemic issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. A general dentist can screen for signs of these problems, as well as for oral cancer, during a routine exam. By staying on top of your general dental care, you are not only preserving your teeth but also taking a significant step toward safeguarding your entire body.
At West Hollywood Holistic Smile Care, our approach to general dentistry is rooted in our commitment to your complete well-being. We go beyond the conventional model of simply treating problems as they arise. Instead, we see every cleaning, exam, and restorative procedure as an opportunity to support your overall health with a holistic and personalized approach.
We believe that your oral health is inextricably linked to your entire body. This is why we use only biocompatible, metal-free materials for our fillings, crowns, and other restorations. We are a mercury-safe practice, ensuring that you and your family are never exposed to toxic materials. Our preventative care is also enhanced with therapies that work with your body’s natural systems, such as the use of ozone to naturally disinfect and promote healing.
Choosing us means you are choosing a partner in your long-term health. We take the time to get to know you, understand your health history, and provide customized care that aligns with your wellness goals. We combine advanced dental technology with a gentle, compassionate approach to ensure your visits are as comfortable and stress-free as possible. For foundational dental care that truly supports a healthier, happier you, trust our expert team here in West Hollywood.
FAQ
For most people, we recommend a dental check-up and professional cleaning every six months. This frequency allows us to remove plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to cavities and gum disease, and to catch any potential problems in their earliest, most treatable stages.
Yes, we are a mercury-safe and mercury-free practice. We do not use amalgam fillings, which are about 50% mercury. We use modern, tooth-colored materials like composite resin that are not only safer for your health but also provide a more aesthetic and natural-looking result.
A severe toothache often indicates a deep infection of the tooth’s pulp, in which case a root canal may be the best way to save the tooth and relieve your pain. However, we will always perform a thorough diagnosis to determine the cause of your pain and recommend the most appropriate and conservative treatment.
Yes. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can lead to tooth damage and jaw pain. We can create a custom night guard for you to wear while you sleep. This simple device protects your teeth from damage and can help relieve jaw and facial muscle pain.
Most dental insurance plans have excellent coverage for general and preventative dentistry, as they are essential for maintaining oral health. We will help you understand your specific benefits and provide a clear estimate of costs before any treatment begins. We are committed to making your dental care accessible and affordable.
We understand that some patients experience dental anxiety. Our holistic approach includes a focus on your comfort and well-being. We use gentle techniques and can discuss various options, including sedation, to help you feel calm and relaxed during your visit. Our goal is to make your experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
Yes, we are happy to see patients of all ages. We believe in building a foundation of good oral health from a young age and strive to make dental visits a positive experience for children. Our gentle, friendly approach helps kids feel comfortable and at ease, teaching them the importance of dental care in a fun, positive way.
We utilize the latest dental technologies to provide the highest level of care. This includes digital X-rays, which expose you to less radiation than traditional films, and intraoral cameras, which allow us to show you exactly what we see. We also use advanced tools for procedures that are more precise and minimally-invasive, ensuring superior results and faster healing.
