GENERAL DENTISTRY
Serving Maple Ridge and Surrounding Areas
What is General Dentistry?
General dentistry is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the overall health of your teeth and gums. This includes preventive measures to avoid tooth decay and gum disease, as well as restorative treatments to repair damage and restore your smile. It includes a variety of services, such as cleaning and filling cavities, replacing missing teeth, treating gum disease, and straightening teeth with braces. General dentistry also focuses on educating patients about oral health and providing advice for proper dental hygiene. General dentists work with other dental professionals, such as orthodontists and endodontists, to ensure that a patient’s oral health is properly maintained.
Your general dentist is your partner in maintaining good oral health, and they can provide you with the personalized care you need to keep your smile looking its best. While regular brushing and flossing at home are essential for good oral health, they alone cannot prevent all dental problems. That’s why it’s important to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Different Treatment Options for General Dentistry
- Fillings: Fillings are commonly used to treat cavities and repair cracked or broken teeth.
- Crowns: Crowns are often used to restore a tooth’s strength and appearance.
- Bridges: Bridges are used to replace missing teeth and can be supported by natural teeth or implants.
- Root Canal Therapy: Root canal therapy is used to repair and save a tooth that has been damaged or infected.
- Dentures: Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth and can be used to replace several or all of the teeth in a patient’s mouth.
- Implants: Implants are prosthetic teeth that are surgically placed and are used to replace missing teeth.
- Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure used to lighten teeth and remove stains.
- Sealants: Sealants are thin plastic coatings placed on the chewing surface of molars to prevent decay.
Restorations/Fillings
Dental Fillings are the most common type of general dental restoration. They fill a cavity in your teeth with gold, silver amalgam, or tooth-colored plastic and glass materials called composite resin fillings. Visit Westgate Dental Centre for your general dentistry in Maple Ridge.
- Composite/Tooth Colored Fillings:
- We can replace old metal fillings or provide new fillings that are made from composite that can be colour-matched to the shade of your teeth. This allows for cavities, chips and cracks to be filled in a discreet manner.
- Amalgam Fillings:
- Commonly known as “silver” fillings, these are the most common type of fillings used in Canada.
- Gold Fillings (inlays/onlays):
- Gold fillings are the strongest type of filling and, with proper care, can last a very long time. A cast gold filling is made in a dental lab and sent back to your dentist, who cements it in place in your mouth. You will need at least two visits to the dentist to get the job done.
Crowns
A crown also called a cap, is a hollow, artificial tooth used to cover a damaged or decayed tooth. The dental crown restores the tooth both functionally and aesthetically and protects it from further damage.
Crowns are made from various types of materials. Depending on which tooth needs a crown, your dentist will suggest a material, or combination of materials, that is right for you.
Bridges
A bridge is a dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It is typically made up of an artificial tooth that is anchored by crowned teeth on either side. A bridge is permanent and cannot be removed.
Dental bridges are made from various types of materials. Depending on which tooth needs to be replaced, your dentist will suggest a material, or combination of materials, that is right for you.
Extractions
There are many different reasons for extracting a tooth. Our skilled general dentists will help you to understand the pros and cons of a possible tooth extraction and will provide you with options to make the process as comfortable as possible. One of these options is sedation, which makes for a much more relaxed appointment.
Root Canals (Endodontic Treatment)
When decay/bacteria enter the nerve chamber (pulp) of your tooth through deep cavities, cracks or failed fillings, your tooth can become infected. An abscessed tooth can cause severe pain and/or swelling. In this case, the infected nerve/pulp of the tooth needs to be removed and the internal canals sealed and filled.
Successful root canal treatment lets you keep your tooth rather than having to pull it out. After root canal therapy, your tooth will usually be restored with a crown to protect it from breaking.
Dentures
- Partial Dentures: Are made up of one or more artificial teeth held in place by clasps that fit onto nearby natural teeth. These dentures are usually more retentive than complete dentures and need to be removed for cleaning and at night.
- Complete Dentures: “False teeth” that are used when all your natural teeth are missing. Must be removed for cleaning and at night.
There are actually different tooth replacement options that patients can choose from. Check out our services related to dentures.
Preventive dental care is one of the most important services your dentist can provide. By catching problems early, they can be treated more easily and effectively. This can save you time, money, and unnecessary discomfort.
Your dentist can also help you maintain good oral health by providing you with education and guidance on proper at–home care. They can show you the best way to brush and floss, and recommend products that can help you keep your smile healthy.
If you are due for a dental checkup, or if you have any concerns about your oral health, contact your Maple Ridge dentists today at Westgate Dental Centre to schedule an appointment.
What To Expect At General Dentist Appointment
A general dentist appointment is a routine checkup that can be used for preventative care, diagnose, and treat any dental issues. During a general dentist appointment, you can expect to be asked a series of questions about your dental and medical history. The dentist may also take x–rays and use other diagnostic tools to check for any cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues.
At your appointment, the dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth, looking for any signs of decay or disease. The dentist will also assess the overall health of your mouth, evaluating your bite and jaw alignment. If any issues are found, they will recommend the appropriate treatment.
Your visit may also include a professional cleaning to remove built–up plaque and tartar. The dentist or hygienist will use special tools to scrape away any plaque and tartar on the surface of your teeth. They may also polish your teeth and apply a fluoride treatment to help prevent cavities.
At the end of the visit, the dentist will explain the results of the exam and answer any questions you may have. They may also provide recommendations for any additional treatments or home care that may be necessary to maintain good oral health.
So, if you are in need of a general dentist in Maple Ridge and the surrounding area, the Westgate Dental Centre is a great choice. Our experienced staff is committed to providing comprehensive and quality dental care in a warm and welcoming environment. To learn more about the services we are offering or to make an appointment, contact the Westgate Dental Centre today.
