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 in Tulsa, OK, we offer essential dental services 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. At our office, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality general dental services to keep you healthy for years to come.
General Dental Services at Hope Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry
We offer a range of general dental 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 mouthguard protects your upper teeth and gums during contact sports. It also shields braces or dental work from damage.
- Emergency Dental Care: If you have a dental emergency like a toothache or a knocked-out tooth, we’re here to help with prompt care.
- Laser Dentistry: We use dental lasers for various treatments, such as removing excess gum tissue or tightening the skin around your mouth to reduce wrinkles.
- Dental Sedation: If you’re anxious about dental visits or need a long procedure, we offer dental sedation to keep you comfortable and relaxed during your treatment.
- Tooth Extraction: When a tooth can’t be saved with a filling, we may need to remove it to prevent further issues. We also offer tooth replacement options if needed after a tooth extraction.
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. Jerome Cha focuses on keeping you healthy. Our regular dental check-ups make sure your teeth, gums, and dental work stay in good shape.
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.
It’s important to find signs of gum infection early because gum disease can raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes. We 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.
Does Insurance Cover Routine Dental Care?
Most dental insurance plans cover a large part of your cleaning and exam costs. At Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, we accept dental insurance and offer payment plans like CareCredit to make dental care affordable for everyone.
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 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.
At-Home Oral Hygiene
Taking care of your teeth and gums at home can prevent many common dental problems. It’s important to 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 flossing, 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: