General Dentistry Tulsa, OK

Routine dental care and regular check-ups are crucial for keeping 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 keeping your mouth healthy and preventing major dental issues. These treatments form the foundation of good dental care. Tulsa dentist Dr. Trace Bridges provides high-quality dental services to keep you healthy for years to come.

General Dentistry in Tulsa, OK

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, reducing the risk of damage and keeping your orthodontic treatment on track.

Emergency Dental Care

Dental emergencies can happen at any time. Whether it’s a severe toothache, a broken tooth, or even a knocked-out tooth, quick care can make a big difference. Our emergency dental services are designed to 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 typically quick, precise, and comfortable, with 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, making 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 metal ones. We are a mercury-free practice because of the many benefits these fillings offer, including:

  • Less Tooth Removal: White fillings require removing less of your natural tooth compared to metal fillings.
  • Tooth Bonding: White fillings bond directly to your tooth, helping to strengthen it, unlike metal fillings that can weaken the tooth.
  • Reduced Sensitivity: Unlike metal, which can conduct heat and cold, white fillings are less likely to cause sensitivity.
  • Better Protection: White fillings seal off the tooth, protecting it from future decay.
  • Natural Look: These fillings match the color of your teeth, blending in for a natural appearance.

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. After cleaning, 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. Catching these issues early can prevent serious damage.

Consultation

After your cleaning and exam, we’ll give you advice on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. 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

Discover more 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 prevents dental problems and helps you maintain your oral health. It includes routine check-ups, cleanings, and exams. The main goal is to keep your teeth and gums healthy and catch any issues early.

Restorative dentistry fixes dental problems that have already occurred. Treatments like crowns, bridges, and dental implants fall under this category. The main goal is to restore the function and appearance of teeth.

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

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 usually happens 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?

You may need a filling if you experience any of the following signs:

  • Tooth pain, especially when you eat or drink something hot, cold, or sweet
  • Visible Holes or Dark Spots:
  • Tooth Sensitivity
  • Rough or Jagged Edges
  • Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste

Do I need X-rays at every dental visit?

No, you don’t need X-rays at every dental visit. Typically, our dentist will take X-rays once a year or every few years, depending on your oral health. However, if you have a specific dental problem or if it’s been a while since your last X-ray, the dentist may take them more often to check for any changes. Our dentist will recommend X-rays based on your individual needs and your 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, 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—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.