General Dentistry Services Shoreline, WA

Get Regular Checkups

Routine dental cleanings should be a part of everyone’s life. While the most common recommendation is a visit every six months, The American Dental Association says the dentist should determine the number of visits needed for each individual. General dentistry visits help maintain good oral health by giving our staff a chance to stop the disease before it gets worse.

A typical routine checkup includes a thorough cleaning and polishing to remove any buildup of plaque and tartar on the surfaces of the teeth and along the gum line. New patient appointments and visits after a few years typically require X-rays as well. After the cleaning, Gentling Smiles will do a comprehensive exam, carefully checking all the teeth and any areas of concern. Afterward, we will discuss the results of the checkup and schedule a follow-up visit if needed.

General Services Available

A general dentist offers several services designed to address current problems and prevent any future issues. Patients do not need to suffer from bad breath or tooth pain. Our staff will discuss any oral health concerns and suggest corrective and preventative treatments.

When it comes to bad breath, the first step is to practice proper oral hygiene at home. If a buildup of bacteria on the teeth is to blame, we may recommend a mouth rinse that kills bacteria or toothpaste with antibacterial properties. If gum disease is suspected, the patient may require a deep cleaning.

Dental sealants and fluoride treatments both help prevent cavities. Sealants are a thin, protective coating adhered to the chewing surface of the back teeth, while fluoride is a liquid commonly used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth. While a combination of brushing and flossing is still the right way to fight cavities, both treatments are another layer of protection to help prevent tooth decay.

One of the most common dental services is removing tooth decay and placing a filling in the area. Fillings replace the part of a tooth damaged by injury or decay. This preserves the integrity of the tooth and prevents further damage.

Additional Treatments

General dentistry also offers additional treatments and screenings to treat more serious oral health issues such as broken teeth and gum disease. Patients should call the office as soon as they experience any dental pain or discomfort. The longer a patient waits, the more significant a problem can become.

A dental crown can protect weak and cracked teeth. A dental crown consists of a cap placed over the tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. This procedure can also restore a tooth that is broken or worn down or support a tooth with a large filling.

Root canals are used to repair and save a tooth that is damaged or badly infected. Gentling Smiles will remove any decay and address the diseased portion of the tooth’s pulp. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned, and the area is filled and sealed.

Gum disease, like gingivitis, can cause severe infection when left untreated. One option is deep cleaning. This involves scraping off the tartar both above and below the gum line, as well as root planning, which helps the gums reattach to the tooth. Gentling Smiles may also prescribe medications to help control bacteria.

We also offer oral cancer screenings. This is typically done during a routine visit and helps to identify concerns early. If needed, we may perform additional tests to identify areas of abnormal cells in the mouth.

Learning from the Dentist

Education is a vital part of general dentistry. Patients who receive the necessary oral health education are more likely to keep appointments and are better equipped to recognize the signs of a more serious dental issue. By knowing what to look for, a patient can get into the office and start treatment sooner.

Gentling Smiles will provide information tailored to each individual’s unique oral health and their specific concerns, including the necessary facts about prevention and maintaining oral health. An overview of basic dental health is also essential, such as the correct amount of pressure to use when brushing and how to floss and clean in-between the teeth properly. Such dental knowledge is vital for patients who want to keep their teeth healthy.