Routine dental care and regular check-ups keep your teeth healthy. Preventive dentistry, which is part of general dentistry, helps stop dental problems before they become serious. At Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer general dental services in Tulsa, OK, to keep your smile in top shape.
General dentistry focuses on preventing major dental issues. These treatments form the foundation of good dental care. Tulsa dentist Dr. Trace Bridges is here to keep your teeth and gums in great shape.
General Dentistry Services in Tulsa, OK
We offer many preventive dentistry services to help you maintain good oral health and avoid problems like tooth damage, wear, or infections. Here’s what we provide:
Sports Mouthguard
A custom sports mouthguard is a protective device made to fit over your upper teeth and gums. This mouthguard helps prevent injuries to your teeth and gums during contact sports, like football, hockey, or basketball. If you have braces or other dental work, a custom mouthguard adds an extra layer of protection. It reduces the risk of damage and keeping your orthodontic treatment on track.
Emergency Dental Care
Dental emergencies can happen at any time. Whether you have a severe toothache, a broken tooth, or even a knocked-out tooth, quick care can make a big difference. Our emergency dental services can provide prompt relief, protect your oral health, and restore your smile.
Laser Dentistry
Dental lasers are a modern tool we use for a variety of treatments. We use lasers to remove excess gum tissue and treat gum disease. Laser dentistry treatments are quick, precise, and comfortable. They provide a faster healing time than traditional methods.
Dental Sedation
If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist or have a long-term procedure, dental sedation can help you stay calm and comfortable. Sedation options allow you to relax during your appointment to make dental care easier and less stressful. It’s a great option for patients with dental anxiety or those needing more complex treatments.
Tooth Extraction
Sometimes, a tooth is too damaged to be saved with a filling or crown. In these cases, we may need a tooth extraction to protect your oral health. Removing a problem tooth can prevent infections and further damage. After tooth removal, we offer replacement options, such as implants or bridges, to restore your smile and keep your teeth aligned.
What Are Mercury-Free Fillings?
In the 1840s, dentists started using a paste made of silver and mercury to fill cavities. This mixture would harden and protect the tooth for many years. But in the 1980s, new materials were developed that allowed dentists to use stronger, mercury-free fillings.
Dr. Jerome uses white composite fillings instead of traditional metal ones. We are a mercury-free office because these modern fillings provide several important benefits for your teeth and overall dental health. Here’s why we prefer these dental fillings in our Tulsa, OK office:
Preserves More of Your Natural Tooth
Metal fillings often require removing more healthy tooth structure to stay in place. White fillings need less drilling, so more of your natural tooth remains intact.
Bonds Strongly to Your Tooth
Unlike metal fillings that just sit in the tooth, white fillings chemically bond to it. This creates a stronger, more secure hold and can even help reinforce the tooth’s structure. Metal fillings can actually weaken teeth over time as they expand and contract with temperature changes.
Less Temperature Sensitivity
Metal conducts heat and cold, which can sometimes cause discomfort when you eat hot or cold foods. White fillings don’t conduct temperature, so they reduce sensitivity. These treatments can make it more comfortable to chew.
Better Defense Against Future Decay
White fillings seal the tooth tightly and leave fewer gaps where bacteria can enter. This helps protect your tooth from new cavities forming around the filling.
Matches Your Natural Teeth
Metal fillings are noticeable when you talk or smile, but white fillings blend in with your tooth color. This makes them look completely natural. No one can tell you’ve had dental work done.
We usually recommend white fillings for most patients especially if you have a damaged metal filling or need a filling after a root canal.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry helps stop dental problems before they get worse. Early care can prevent infections, tooth loss, and even oral cancer. As your dentist in Tulsa, OK, Dr. Trace Bridges focuses on keeping you healthy. Our regular dental check-ups ensure your teeth, gums, and dental work stay in good shape. Routine visits are a part of general dentistry services in our Tulsa, OK, dental office.
Dental Cleanings
During a dental cleaning, we remove leftover food and bacteria from your mouth. These cleanings reach spots that might be hard to clean at home. Then we polish your teeth to keep them smooth and shiny.
If you have dental work like fillings or crowns, we’ll check to make sure they still fit well and look good. Regular checks help keep everything working properly.
Exams
We also do routine exams to check for tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Tooth decay can cause holes in your teeth, which might lead to tooth loss if not treated.
We want to find signs of gum infection early because gum disease can raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Our office also check for signs of oral cancer, like white or red patches or long-lasting mouth sores. We can prevent serious damage when we catch these issues early.
Consultation
We’ll give you advice on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy after your cleaning and exam. We might suggest changes to your brushing or recommend specific products. If we find any problems during the exam, we’ll make a plan to fix them as soon as possible.
General Dentistry FAQs
Read answers to common questions about general dentistry in our Tulsa, OK, dental office:
What is a general dentist?
A general dentist provides basic dental care for your overall oral health. They are the first dentist most people visit for regular check-ups and routine care. General dentists can fill cavities, remove problem teeth, provide dental exams, and more to keep you healthy.
How does general dentistry compare to restorative dentistry?
General dentistry stops problems before they start to keep your mouth healthy. It includes regular check-ups, professional cleanings, and exams to catch issues early. But it also covers treatments like fillings for cavities, emergency care for sudden tooth problems, and even tooth removals when necessary. It can help you maintain strong teeth and gums so small problems don’t turn into big ones.
When dental problems do happen, restorative dentistry steps in to make things right. This includes treatments like crowns, bridges, and dental implants. Restorative care repairs and replaces teeth so they work properly and look natural again.
Does insurance cover routine dental care?
Most dental insurance plans help cover a big portion of the costs for your regular cleanings and exams. This means you can get the dental care you need without worrying about paying the full amount.
We accept a range of dental insurance plans to make it as easy as possible for you to use your benefits. If you don’t have insurance or need help with costs, we offer payment options like CareCredit. CareCredit is a financing plan that lets you pay for your treatment over time, making dental care affordable and accessible for everyone.
How can I prevent cavities?
Preventing cavities is all about keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Here are some simple steps you can take:
- Brush and floss twice a day
- Eat a balanced diet
- Drink plenty of water
- Use fluoride
- Get regular dental check-ups
- Consider dental sealants
Contact our office if you notice a change in how your teeth feel. If you have tooth pain or sensitivity, schedule an appointment with us so we can find the cause of your pain.
What is a dental abscess?
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms when a bacterial infection in your tooth or gums occurs. It can happen when a cavity or gum disease goes untreated, and bacteria cause an infection in the soft part of your tooth called the pulp.
An abscess can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the area around the infected tooth. You might also have a fever or feel sick. If the infection spreads, it can become serious.
How do I know I need a filling?
Nobody wants cavities, but sometimes they happen even when we brush well. If you don’t know whether or not you need a filling, watch out for these signs:
- Tooth Pain That Won’t Quit: If your tooth hurts when you eat or drink, it could mean a cavity has reached the sensitive inner layers of your tooth.
- Visible Holes or Dark Spots: If you see tiny black or brown dots, or can actually feel a hole with your tongue, bacteria may have damaged your tooth enamel.
- New Tooth Sensitivity: Does one tooth suddenly hurt when you breathe cold air or sip something hot? That sharp pain often means the protective enamel is worn down and needs repair.
- Rough or Jagged Edges: If part of your tooth feels uneven or catches on your tongue, you might have a cracked tooth or a cavity that’s creating rough spots.
- Bad Breath That Won’t Go Away: When cavities trap food and bacteria, they can cause bad breath or a nasty taste in your mouth.
Do I need X-rays at every dental visit?
No, you don’t need X-rays at every dental visit. Our dentist will take X-rays once a year or every few years based on your oral health. But if you have a specific dental problem or if it’s been a while since your last X-ray, we may take them more often to check for any changes. Our dentist will recommend X-rays based on your needs and dental health history.
What do I do if I need to visit the dentist but have anxiety?
If you need to visit the dentist but feel anxious, here are some steps you can take to feel more comfortable:
- Talk to Our Dentist: Tell our dentist about your anxiety so he can offer ways to relax during the visit.
- Ask About Sedation: We offer sedation options to help you feel more relaxed during your appointment.
- Bring a Friend or Family Member: Having someone you trust with you can make you feel safer and less nervous.
- Practice Deep Breathing: Try taking slow and deep breaths before and during your appointment to help reduce anxiety.
- Listen to Music or Bring Distractions: Some people feel more relaxed by listening to their favorite music or a podcast during the appointment.
At-Home Oral Hygiene
Caring for your teeth and gums at home can prevent many common dental problems. First, floss before you brush. Choose a type of floss that works best for your teeth. You can use a thinner floss for tight spaces and thicker floss for larger gaps.
After you floss, brush your teeth and gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush. We recommend using fluoride toothpaste because fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens your teeth. Brushing and flossing twice a day will keep your mouth healthy and your breath fresh.
Watch these videos to learn how to care for your teeth and gums at home:
Call us to Schedule a Preventive Care Visit Today
Do you need to make a dental visit to our office? Schedule a dental appointment with our dentist online. You can also call Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry for general dentistry services in Tulsa, OK, today at 918-347-1114.
We proudly serve patients from Bixby, Tulsa, and the surrounding communities. Please let us know if you have any general and routine dental care questions. We’re here to help.