General Dentistry Tulsa, OK

Routine dental care and dental visits are essential parts of preventive dentistry. Preventive dentistry can stop current dental problems from developing into more complex issues. They even prevent dental problems in the first place. These types of treatments fall under general dentistry. Our general dental services at Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, your dentist in Tulsa, OK, maintain your oral health to stop severe dental issues. 

General Dentist in Tulsa, OK

General Dentistry Services From Your Dentist in Tulsa, OK

Our office provides general dentistry to ensure you stay in good oral health. General dental treatments can help you avoid problems like tooth wear, tooth damage, and dental infections. These dental services include: 

  • Sports Mouthguard: A custom mouthguard covers your upper teeth to prevent damage to the teeth and gums during contact sports. Wearing a sports mouthguard can also protect braces or dental restorations.
  • Emergency Dentistry: Sometimes, you need prompt dental care. Our dental emergency services treat toothaches, knocked-out teeth, and other common dental problems. 
  • Laser Dentistry: A dental laser uses light and heat to treat the gums, lips, and face. We use different lasers to remove gum tissue to treat a gummy smile. We can also tighten the skin and address wrinkles with cosmetic lasers. 
  • Dental Sedation: Sedation dentistry is a type of dentistry that ensures your comfort in our office. We use dental sedation for lengthy or complex dental treatments. Our office can also recommend sedation if you have dental anxiety or a fear of the dentist. This dental tool helps you stay relaxed and receive pain-free care.
  • Tooth Extraction: If we cannot save a tooth with a filling, we may recommend a tooth extraction. Removing problem teeth can prevent the spread of infection or damage to other teeth. We will also replace permanent teeth if needed after removal.

What Are Mercury-Free Fillings?

In the 1840s, dentists made a discovery that became the standard in dental care for the next 150 years. Dentists discovered they could make a paste of silver and mercury to fill the opening of a drilled tooth. This paste would harden into a filling and strengthen the tooth for many years. Though called silver fillings, these fillings were mostly made of mercury.

In the 1980s, dental care changed again. Two breakthroughs gave dentists another option for filling cavities. Dentists found they could provide stronger, mercury-free fillings.

First, dentists developed a white composite filling material with enough strength and wear resistance to stand up to even the back teeth. Advances in bonding technology made it possible to bond the composite fillings directly to the tooth.

At Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, we prefer white fillings over metal fillings. We are a mercury-free dental practice. There are many advantages of white fillings. Mercury-free fillings:

  • Require less tooth structure removal.
  • Bond directly to the tooth, which helps strengthen it. Amalgam fillings weaken the tooth.
  • Do not conduct hot and cold like the metal in amalgam fillings; there is much less tooth sensitivity.
  • Seal adjacent parts of the tooth to protect them from decay.
  • Offer less sensitivity.
  • Blend with your natural tooth color.

We will recommend white fillings over metal fillings for many patients. If you have a damaged metal filling, we will recommend white fillings as a replacement. Our office will also use white fillings if you require root canal treatment. 

What is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry can stop dental problems before they worsen. Early, preventative dental care can stop infections, tooth loss, and oral cancer. As your dentist in Tulsa, OK, we want to keep you healthy. Our routine dental services, including regular dental check-ups, ensure your teeth, gums, and restorations are healthy.

We remove leftover food and bacterial buildup from the mouth during regular dental cleanings. Regular cleanings can remove bacteria from hard-to-reach places you may not clean at home. Then, we polish the teeth. If you have a restoration, we will check its fit and appearance. Regularly checking restorations ensures they look and function properly. 

We will also conduct a routine exam to look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Tooth decay can create holes in the tooth and ultimately lead to tooth loss. Additionally, finding signs of gum infection is essential because gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. When we look for signs of oral cancer, we look for white or red patches in the mouth or chronic mouth sores. Catching these problems early can prevent permanent damage.

After your cleaning and exam, we will provide specific recommendations for your dental health. We may recommend methods or products to improve your at-home oral hygiene routine. If we find dental problems during our exam, we will create a treatment plan to address these problems as soon as possible. 

At-Home Oral Hygiene

Caring for your oral health at home can prevent many common dental problems. When you care for your teeth and gums, floss before you brush. There are many types of floss to choose from. If you have larger gaps between your teeth, choose a thinner floss. Thicker floss is best for larger gaps between teeth.

After flossing, brush your teeth and gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush. We recommend using a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen your teeth. Brushing and flossing twice daily will remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

Does Insurance Cover Routine Dental Care?

Most types of dental insurance cover most of your dental cleaning and exam costs. Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry accepts dental insurance and payment plans like CareCredit. We want to keep dental care affordable and ensure you get the care you need. 

Call Our Dentist in Tulsa, OK

Do you need to make a dental visit to our office? Schedule a dental appointment with your dentist in Tulsa, OK. You can also call Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry 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.

Watch these videos to learn how to care for your teeth and gums at home: