General Dental Procedures
in West Hollywood
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.
Why you should regularly consider general dentistry procedures?
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.
for General Dentistry
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
Holistic dentistry is an approach that recognizes your mouth as an integral part of your entire body, not an isolated unit. Rather than simply treating dental problems as they appear, we investigate the underlying causes of dental disease—whether they’re nutritional, systemic, stress-related, or lifestyle-based—and address the whole person. We also prioritize biocompatible materials and prevention over reactive treatment.
Traditional dentistry focuses on treating the symptom: you have a cavity, we fill it. You have gum disease, we scale and plane. Holistic dentistry asks why these problems developed in the first place. Are you grinding your teeth from stress? Do you have nutritional deficiencies? Is your mouth pH imbalanced? Is there an underlying systemic condition? We treat the root cause, not just the symptom.
Absolutely. Research is clear: untreated periodontal disease increases heart disease risk by 40%, chronic oral infections complicate diabetes and increase stroke risk, and the bacteria living in your mouth trigger inflammation throughout your entire body. Your mouth is literally a gateway to your systemic health. The evidence is overwhelming.
The list is extensive. Poor oral health is linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory infections, autoimmune disorders, pregnancy complications, Alzheimer’s disease, and even mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Your mouth health directly impacts your whole-body health.
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.
Traditional dentistry has used materials like mercury-containing amalgam for 150 years without considering their biological impact. Holistic dentistry recognizes that materials placed in your mouth will remain there for years, potentially affecting your immune system and overall health. Biocompatible materials like ceramic and composite resins work with your body rather than potentially against it.
