General dentistry is an important field that keeps your teeth and gums healthy and identifies possible teeth problems. Through general dentistry, you could prevent tooth decay and other dental problems from occurring in the first place.

At Tayani Dental Group, we provide exceptional general dentistry services to patients seeking help in Fullerton. Highly qualified and seasoned dentists with backgrounds in several general dentistry practice areas make up our team. Additionally, we ensure that every patient enjoys individualized care and attention until they fully recover.

What is General Dentistry?

General Dentistry is the branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing, preventing, and treating disorders and conditions of the teeth, gums, and mouth. It includes examining, cleaning, filling, extracting teeth, and correcting bite problems. General dentists also provide preventive care through education and early detection of oral health problems.

Types of Procedures

Many different types of procedures fall under general dentistry. The most common ones include the following:

Teeth Crowning

Another procedure under general dentistry, teeth crowning, involves covering the entire surface of a tooth. It is used to restore a tooth damaged by decay, fracture, or wear. Crowns can also improve your teeth' appearance if they are discolored or misshapen.

Crowns are made from gold, composite resin, silver, or porcelain. Many patients prefer porcelain crowns because they give a natural-looking appearance. However, they are also the most expensive type of crown.

Composite resin crowns are less expensive than porcelain ones but provide a different natural-looking appearance. Gold and silver crowns are the least expensive but also the least popular because of their metal color.

Crowns can be placed on teeth damaged by decay, fracture, or wear. Also, they could be used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored or misshapen. The procedure for placing a crown on a tooth is called “crowning,” During the procedure, your dentist removes a portion of the decayed tooth and then places the crown over the remaining portion of the tooth. Crowns can last for many years if they are properly cared for. However, they will eventually need to be replaced due to wear or damage.

Teeth Filing

If you have ever been to the dentist, you know that one of the most important things they do is clean your teeth. But did you know that dentists also file your teeth? Filing teeth is shaping and contouring them to create a more polished look. It is usually done for cosmetic reasons, but it can also be used to correct minor imperfections.

Filing teeth is a relatively simple procedure. First, the dentist will numb your lips and gums, so you do not feel any pain. Then, they will use a small tool to file down any rough edges on your teeth. The filing process only takes a few minutes, and you will be able to see results immediately.

If you are considering getting your teeth filed, you must talk to your dentist about what type of results you can expect. In some cases, filing can make your teeth look longer or wider. It is also possible to get different filings depending on the materials used. Your dentist can help you choose the right type of filing for your needs and give you an idea of what to expect regarding results.

Root Canals

A root canal is among the most common dental treatments dentists use to save infected and decayed teeth. During treatment, the dentist drills the affected tooth and removes the nerve and pulp. They then clean the inside and seal it.

Root canal treatment is needed when a tooth has become severely decayed or infected. If the decay or infection is left untreated, it can spread to other mouth parts or body parts, causing serious health problems. Root canal treatment can help save the tooth and prevent these problems.

Root canal treatment could be uncomfortable for some people, but it is usually not painful. You may experience discomfort for a few days after the procedure, but this can be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.

If you undergo a root canal procedure, it is important to take care of your teeth afterward. You should brush and floss regularly and see your dentist for regular checkups.

Fixing Dental Bridges

There are many different types of bridges, each designed to address a specific dental problem. The most common type of bridge is the fixed bridge, which replaces one or more missing teeth. A fixed bridge comprises two crowns on the teeth adjacent to the space, with a false tooth or pontic in between. The pontic is attached to the crowns with metal wings or clasps.

Another type of bridge is the cantilever bridge, which is used when adjacent teeth are on only one side of the space. The cantilever bridge consists of a pontic and one supporting crown. The Maryland bridge is similar to the cantilever bridge, but instead of a metal wing or clasp, it has a metal framework bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth.

A resin-bonded bridge, also known as Maryland Bridge, is another option for replacing missing teeth. This type of bridge uses metal wings or clasps like a traditional fixed bridge, but the pontic is made of plastic rather than porcelain. Resin-bonded bridges are less expensive than conventional fixed bridges but are less strong and usually only last for five to seven years.

Having Dental Implants Fixed

There are many different types of implants that a dentist can place in your mouth. The most common type of implant is the metal screw set into the jawbone. This type of implant supports a single tooth, a group of teeth, or a dental prosthesis such as a denture or bridge. Another type of implant is the mini-implant, a smaller version of the metal screw implant. Mini-implants are often used to support dentures.

Tooth Extraction

Tooth extractions are surprisingly common, especially as patients become older. You undergo extraction when your tooth is too damaged to be saved with a filling or crown. Extraction could also be used to prepare your mouth for orthodontic treatment or to remove wisdom teeth that are causing problems.

The good news is that modern dentistry has made tooth extractions much less painful than they used to be. In most cases, they can even be performed using local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain. Recovery is quick; you experience minor soreness for a few days after the procedure.

Teeth Whitening

When it comes to teeth whitening, a few options are available. You can either get your teeth professionally whitened at the dentist or use one of the many at-home teeth whitening kits available.

The dentist will clean your teeth and apply a bleaching gel if you decide to get your teeth professionally whitened. They will then use a special light to activate the gel and help it penetrate your teeth, making them several shades whiter. This process usually takes around an hour, and you will see results immediately.

You can try a few different methods if you go the at-home route. You can use whitening strips, thin strips of plastic with a peroxide-based bleaching gel. You put them on your teeth for a certain time each day. The strips will make your teeth several shades whiter.

You can also use whitening toothpaste, which is a toothpaste that contains special ingredients that help to remove stains from your teeth. Whitening toothpaste cannot make your teeth as white as professional bleaching or whitening strips, but it can help to remove minor stains and give you a brighter smile.

Oral Cancer Examination

An oral cancer examination is an important part of any routine dental check-up. During the exam, your dentist will look for signs of cancerous or precancerous cells in your mouth.

The exam will begin with a visual inspection of your lips, gums, tongue, and cheeks. Your dentist will look for any abnormal growths or sores that may be present. They will also feel around your jaw and neck for lumps or swellings.

If any suspicious areas are found, your dentist may recommend a biopsy. This involves taking a small sample of tissue from the suspicious area to be examined under a microscope. Oral cancer is fairly rare, but it is important to catch it early if it does occur. An oral cancer examination is quick and easy and could save your life!

Dentures

Dentures can give you a beautiful smile if you have lost all of your natural teeth due to decay, gum disease, or injury. Your dentist could mold complete dentures if all your teeth are missing. Also, they could mold partial dentures if some of your natural teeth are intact.

Dentures are usually made of metal, acrylic, or both. They are custom-made to fit snugly over your gums and replace natural teeth. It is important to take good care of your dentures so that they last as long as possible. Be sure to brush them daily and soak them in a mild cleaning solution overnight.

Invisalign

Consider using Invisalign to straighten teeth if you want to avoid traditional metal braces. The contemporary teeth-straightening procedure involves clear, virtually invisible aligners. You can smile confidently, knowing nobody can notice you are wearing them. Invisalign is also more comfortable than braces, and you can remove the aligners to eat and brush your teeth. If you are seeking a discreet way to straighten your teeth, Invisalign is an ideal option.

Veneers

Veneers are popular cosmetic dental treatments dentists use to improve and restore your smile. Veneers are thin, customized shells that cover your teeth' front surface. Veneers can be made from porcelain or composite material and bonded to your teeth using a special dental adhesive.

If you want to make their teeth look more uniform, straighter, or whiter, then veneers are an excellent option. They can also correct minor chips or cracks in your teeth. Veneers are durable and long-lasting, and they can give you a beautiful smile that you will be proud to show off.

Sealants

A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, such as premolars and molars. Sealants protect these teeth from decay by sealing out food and plaque.

Sealants are often used on children's teeth, but adults can also benefit from them. The procedure is quick and easy and can save you money in the long run by preventing cavities and other dental problems.

Fillings: If you have a cavity, your dentist will need to place a filling to restore your tooth. Many different types of fillings are available these days, including composite fillings, which can help improve the aesthetic of your smile.

Teeth Cleaning

When it comes to dental care, one of the most important things you can do is keep your teeth clean. While brushing and flossing at home is essential for keeping your teeth healthy, you must also have them professionally cleaned regularly. This is because plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth over time, even if you take good care of them at home.

Dental experts recommend that patients have their teeth cleaned every six months. During a professional cleaning, your dentist will use specialized tools to remove tartar and plaque from your teeth. They will also give your teeth a thorough polishing to leave them looking their best.

If it has been a while since your last cleaning or you have never had one, you want to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Bonding

Bonding is a dental procedure where the dentist applies a tooth-colored resin on your tooth surface to improve its appearance. Bonding can repair chipped or cracked teeth, change your teeth' shape, close gaps between teeth, or restore dark stains. The procedure is usually completed in one office visit and does not require anesthesia.

Cavity Treating and Prevention

Cavities are among the most common dental problems and can occur at any age. Cavities are caused by bacteria in your mouth and produce acids that eat away at your tooth enamel.

There are several things you can do to prevent cavities:

  • Brushing your teeth and tongue after every meal using fluoride toothpaste.
  • Flossing teeth daily.
  • Eating a balanced diet.
  • Limiting sugary snacks and drinks.
  • Visiting your dentist at least twice yearly for professional cleanings and checkups.

Deep Cleaning

When it comes to oral hygiene, most people are good at the basics, like brushing twice daily and flossing regularly. But sometimes your teeth need a little extra attention, and that’s where deep cleaning comes in. Deep cleaning is a more thorough form of cleaning than your regular at-home routine, and it’s recommended for people who have a buildup of plaque and tartar on their teeth.

Plaque refers to sticky bacteria film that collects on your teeth. When plaque hardens, it forms tartar. To remove tartar, you must visit your dentist. If tartar or plaque is left unremoved, it could cause gum disease, tooth decay, and other serious dental problems.

During a deep cleaning appointment, your dentist or hygienist will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth above and below the gum line. They will also clean any surfaces that your toothbrush can’t reach.

Deep cleanings are usually done in two appointments because they take longer than regular cleaning. After your deep cleaning appointment, brush twice daily and floss regularly to prevent plaque and tartar from building up again.

Choosing the Right General Dentist

If you seek a general dentist’s services, you should keep a few things in mind, including:

  • You want to ensure that your potential dentist is certified by the American Dental Association (ADA). You can easily check this by asking for their credentials on the ADA website.
  • You want to find a dentist who is convenient for you. You should find one with evening or weekend hours if you have a busy schedule.
  • Also, ask around for recommendations. Talk to your friends, family, and other healthcare providers to see if they have suggestions for good dentists in your area.
  • Once you've found a few potential candidates, make an appointment for a consultation. This will allow you to meet the dentist and staff and ask questions.

Find a Reputable Fullerton Dentist Near Me

You may occasionally require general dentistry services, particularly if you need clarification on whether your condition calls for specialized care. Therefore, you need to seek a reputable general dentist who recognizes the value of offering dependable services supported by years of experience. Your general dentist should also provide you with aftercare advice to increase your chances of a full recovery.

At Tayani Dental Group, we commit to providing you with the greatest dental care possible. When you choose to receive treatment from our clinic, you are in good hands because of our highly skilled dental staff. Additionally, you will receive comprehensive information about the type of treatment you are scheduled to receive, which will help you feel more at ease during the procedures you will experience. If you or a loved one requires general dentistry services in Fullerton, call us today at 949-741-0795.