Has it been over six months since your last appointment with a general dentist? Read on to learn more about the importance of regular dental checkups. Regular dental care is important for healthy, long-lasting smiles, and your general dentist aims to help you achieve optimal oral health.
The basis of preventive dentistry is routine dental checkups. These appointments allow the dentist to evaluate the patient’s oral health, identify potential issues with the oral cavity, and recommend appropriate treatment to avert potential complications. During a checkup, the dentist will check the teeth, gums, and other oral tissues for symptoms of tooth decay and gum disease. Oral cancer screening is also often part of the checkup.
Even after brushing and flossing correctly at home, it may be difficult to completely remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth. Patients can keep their mouths healthy and clean by getting regular dental cleanings. During a cleaning appointment, a hygienist uses specific instruments to remove tartar and plaque between teeth. They will also polish away surface stains to make the teeth smoother and brighter.
The breakdown of enamel caused by acids produced by bacteria causes dental caries (commonly called cavities). Dental fillings repair decayed teeth and fill in cavities to restore their shape and function. Longer lasting, composite resin dental fillings are available that match the color of the teeth. It is advisable to fill a tooth on time because the issue gets progressively worse.
If gum disease is not treated promptly, serious problems like receding gums and lost teeth may occur. Getting professional help for gum disease is important for maintaining healthy gums. Treatments can include medication and surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. After treatment, patients have to maintain good gum health with routine cleanings and checkups and other proper oral hygiene steps.
Dental implants offer long-term solutions for tooth loss and dental rehabilitation. Implants are artificial tooth roots that are inserted into the jawbone to support a dental bridge or crown. The dental professional will perform assessments and place dental implants accurately to ensure the best outcome for their patients.
Sometimes, a tooth is so badly damaged or decayed that saving it is practically impossible. In such cases, the tooth must be removed to prevent future problems and to protect adjacent teeth and tissues. Although the thought of having a tooth pulled may be nerve-wracking, advances in dental procedures and pain management ensure a comfortable and relaxed extraction.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Tarzana, CA
You should take great care of your gums and teeth regularly to keep your smile beautiful and healthy. You can maintain the health and look of your smile by scheduling regular dentist visits, practicing good dental hygiene, and seeking dental care whenever necessary. If it has been six months or more since your last dental visit, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment or call Alan S. Levy, DDS at 818-668-9055 for an appointment in our Tarzana office.
A general dentist can perform dental X-rays as part of a routine dental checkup. These scans are recommended every year or two to reveal a patient's oral health below the gum line. While most adults have already had them at some point, it is common to want to learn more about what they do, their…
A general dentist often recommends a toothbrush that matches a patient’s age, dexterity, and oral health needs. At-home brushing matters because it removes plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that collects on teeth and along the gumline. The right brush can make daily care easier, more consistent, and more effective for both children and adults.Many…
A full-mouth reconstruction represents the highest level of coordinated dental care. When multiple teeth are broken, missing, or severely worn, this treatment addresses the whole mouth through precisely sequenced treatments. The goal of full-mouth reconstruction is to restore functional harmony, protect the jaw joints, and rehabilitate the appearance of the smile.Many patients experience a frustrating…