Maintaining good oral health is important for your overall well-being. Regular visits to the dentist are essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, and a general dentistry service in San Antonio can provide the care you need. General dentists offer a variety of services that help keep your mouth healthy and strong, from preventive care to more advanced treatments like root canals and crowns.
Teeth Extractions
These are oral surgery procedure that involves the removal of teeth from the mouth. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as to remove teeth that are damaged beyond repair, infected, or overcrowded due to a misaligned bite. Extractions may also be recommended when a wisdom tooth is impacted and needs to be removed before it causes pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth and soft tissue. The procedure begins with the patient being given an anesthetic to numb the area in which the extraction will take place. The dentist then uses specialized instruments to carefully loosen the tooth from its socket. Once loosened enough, they will use forceps to gently pull the tooth out of its socket. The dentist may need to do some additional cutting or drilling if they encounter any complications during extraction. Finally, they may place gauze in the socket and advise the patient on how best to manage any bleeding or swelling that may occur after treatment.
Regular Checkups And Cleanings
An important part of preventive dentistry, regular checkups and cleanings help to keep your teeth healthy by removing plaque and tartar buildup before it can cause tooth decay or gum disease. These appointments also provide an opportunity for the dentist to detect any potential issues early on so they can be treated quickly and effectively. During a regular checkup, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of tooth decay or gum disease. Cleanings are done during these visits as well. This helps to remove plaque buildup and gives you fresher breath as well. Your dentist may also provide recommendations on how to improve your overall oral hygiene routine or suggest additional treatments if necessary. By having these checkups and cleanings regularly, you can help protect your smile from potential dental issues in the future.
Dental X-Rays
These are non-invasive imaging tests commonly used by dentists to diagnose and treat a variety of oral health issues. X-rays work by passing radiation through the teeth and jawbone to create an image in film or digital form. This allows dentists to detect cavities, gum disease, fractures, abscesses, cysts, and other issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye. X-rays have been used in dentistry for over 100 years, and nowadays, they are one of the most common procedures used in any dental office. During an X-ray examination, a patient is asked to bite down on a piece of plastic that contains a lead shield to protect them from radiation exposure. The dentist then takes several images of the teeth with an X-ray machine that rotates around the patient's head. Once the pictures are taken, they're sent to a lab for processing, where they can be examined more closely by a qualified dentist or radiologist.
Tooth Restoration
This is a procedure used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. It is often performed by a skilled dentist using specialized tools and materials. The goal of tooth restoration is to restore the health, function, and aesthetics of the affected tooth. The most common type of tooth restoration is a filling, which involves the placement of material into the cavity created by decay or other trauma to provide protection and stability to the tooth. Fillings can be made from composite resins, stainless steel crowns, porcelain, gold, and silver amalgam. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the size of the cavity and its location in the mouth. Tooth restoration techniques continue to evolve alongside technological advancements giving dentists access to ever more advanced tools which allow them to treat affected teeth with greater precision while achieving better results.
Dental Implants
This is a great option for individuals who have lost one or more teeth due to an accident or other incident, providing a permanent solution that looks and feels just like natural teeth. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone and can support a bridge, crown, or denture. The process involves placing a small titanium post in the jawbone where the tooth is missing. Over time, the bone grows around the implant to hold it securely in place, providing a strong foundation for an artificial tooth replacement. Dental implants can help restore your confidence by improving your smile and restoring function for everyday activities such as eating and speaking. As an added bonus, they provide prevention of further tooth loss since other teeth are not required to be altered for placement. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Orthodontic Treatments
For adults or children with misaligned teeth, orthodontic treatments such as braces and Invisalign can help improve the alignment of the teeth while also ensuring better overall oral health. Braces use metal wires and brackets to gently move the teeth into a proper alignment over time. Invisalign utilizes a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made for each patient. Both treatments can help correct an overbite, underbite, open bite, crossbite, or crowding of the teeth. Orthodontic treatments typically take one to three years to complete depending on the severity of the misalignment. Patients should discuss all available options with their dentist to determine which treatment plan best meets their needs
Root Canals
If you are experiencing severe pain from an infected tooth, a root canal may be necessary in order to save it from extraction. The procedure involves removing the infected pulp and sealing off the root canal to prevent further infection. During a root canal, your dentist will use special instruments to clean the inside of the tooth and remove the infected tissue. Afterward, they will fill the empty space with a rubber-like material and seal it with a crown or other restoration. Root canals may sound intimidating, but they are typically performed in one or two appointments. You should not feel any pain during the procedure, as local anesthesia is used to numb the area completely. After treatment, you may feel some minor discomfort for several days, which can be managed with an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen.
Gum Disease Treatment
If you are experiencing gum inflammation or other symptoms of gum disease, a dentist in San Antonio can provide treatment, such as scaling and root planing, to help reduce inflammation and protect your gums from further damage. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar buildup between teeth and below the gum line. During this process, your dentist will manually scrape away excess plaque and tartar while smoothing out any rough areas on the tooth root surfaces to reduce potential irritants. After scaling and root planing, your dentist may recommend additional treatments, such as antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses, to prevent infection from recurring. Your dentist may also prescribe medications like Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for temporary relief of symptoms like gum swelling or tenderness.
Tooth Whitening
For individuals looking to brighten their smile without undergoing any major dental work, professional teeth whitening services are available that can help lighten discoloration caused by certain foods or habits such as smoking. This type of whitening is a safe, fast, and effective way to achieve whiter teeth without causing any damage. Professional whitening can be done at your dentist’s office or in the comfort of your own home. Depending on the severity of discoloration, multiple treatments may be required to achieve desired results. Additionally, individuals should follow up with regular maintenance visits to their dentist to sustain bright smiles. Although professional whitening services are available and can provide excellent results, there are also several over-the-counter options that people can use as well. These include toothpaste containing mild abrasives that help remove surface stains from teeth or gels and strips containing hydrogen peroxide, which will lighten teeth but take longer than professional treatments to produce results.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Regular oral cancer screenings allow a dentist in San Antonio to detect any signs of developing tumors early on so they can be treated quickly and effectively. During a screening, the dentist will look for any signs of lumps, discoloration, or other changes in your mouth. If anything appears suspicious, they may order further tests such as biopsies or other imaging studies. Early detection is key when it comes to treating oral cancer, so it is important to have these screenings regularly.
Your risk for developing oral cancer increases with age and lifestyle choices like smoking and heavy alcohol use. People with certain medical conditions are also more likely to develop the disease. It is important to talk with your dentist about your risk factors and how often you should be screened for oral cancer.
Make An Appointment With A Licensed Dentist In San Antonio
If you are searching for a "dentist near me" look no further than Aria Dental in San Antonio. They are committed to providing premium dental care for patients of all ages in an environment that is comfortable and welcoming. Their experienced, licensed dentists and staff provide a full range of services, from preventive care to restorative treatments.
At Aria Dental, they understand the importance of good oral health and strive to ensure our patients receive the best possible care. From routine check-ups to complex procedures, their team is always there to help you maintain your optimal oral health. Whether you need a root canal or just want to brighten your smile with teeth whitening, their experienced dentists will work closely with you to find the right treatment plan that fits your needs and budget. Schedule an appointment with them now and find out why Aria Dental is the top choice in San Antonio.
