General Dentistry
Preserve Your Oral Health
Taking advantage of routine preventive dental care like dental checkups and dental cleanings can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy and attractive smile. HEB Dental is a highly qualified dental care provider with an experienced team of skilled and compassionate dental care professionals. We want to partner with you to ensure that you can enjoy a lifetime of good oral health. Our office uses the latest dental diagnostic technology to identify and stop potential decay and damage at the earliest stages. If you’re looking for a quality dental check-up and a dental cleaning infused with warmth and comfort, make an appointment with HEB Dental today.
With more 5-star Google Reviews than any other dentist in the area.
What Is Dental Cleaning & Prevention?
Just as you need to look after the rest of your body to look good, you need to care for your teeth and gums. When you visit your dentist for dental cleaning and prevention treatment, they will examine your teeth fully and usually take a full set of x-rays at the same time; these will allow him to see what is going on inside your gums and jaw bone.
Once completed, they will evaluate the findings and put together a plan of action. This will involve you visiting the practice for regular check-ups. The treatment may include such things as:
✓ Cleaning and polishing your teeth
✓ Checking your gums
✓ Screening for oral cancer
✓ Taking X-rays
✓ Examining existing dental work
What Are the Benefits of Dental Cleaning & Prevention?
Cleaning & Polishing
This will remove tartar from your teeth as well as plaque, which is formed from bacteria. If left in place, inflammation will eventually occur. They will then polish your teeth to make them look good, removing stains at the same time.
Evaluating Your Gums
Your gums and the bone underneath your teeth will be carefully checked to ensure that there are no problems or any disease developing.
Screening For Oral Cancer
Your dentist will check for signs on your mouth, tongue, throat, gums and even the neck.
X-rays
These will allow the dentist to check inside your jaw bone and teeth for such things as bone loss, problems with development, teeth in the wrong position, tumors, abscesses, and any other hidden problems.
Existing Dental Work
They will check all fillings, crowns, bridges, implants etc. for any damage or signs of wear and tear.
Common Procedures
Bonding
Bonding
Dental bonding is a simple and conservative way to improve the appearance of slightly damaged teeth. A tooth-colored filling is applied to the tooth, which matches the natural color of the teeth. It can also be used to fill cavities and is less noticeable than silver fillings. Bonding is a cheaper option than other cosmetic treatments and can be done in one visit to the dentist’s office. However, it can stain and break more easily than other treatments. If it breaks or chips, it can usually be fixed in one visit
Bridges
Bridges
A dental bridge is used to replace missing teeth and can help maintain facial shape and ease pressure on your bite. The bridge uses artificial teeth to fill the gap where the missing teeth were. It can be made from different materials and is bonded to surrounding teeth for support. The success of the bridge depends on the strength of the surrounding teeth, gums, and bone, so it’s important to keep them healthy.
Extractions
Extractions
Sometimes a tooth needs to be removed, such as when a baby tooth has long roots or decay may damage surrounding teeth. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with wisdom teeth can also require removal. Your dentist may remove the tooth during a regular checkup or request another visit. To extract the tooth, the dentist expands the socket and separates the tooth from the ligament holding it in place. After extraction, neighboring teeth may shift, so it’s important to consider tooth replacement to avoid complications.
Fillings
Fillings
Traditional dental fillings may be made of gold, porcelain, or composite materials. Newer options include ceramic and plastic compounds that look like natural teeth and are often used on front teeth. There are two types of fillings: direct and indirect. Direct fillings are done in one visit, while indirect fillings, like inlays and veneers, require two or more visits and are made with ceramics or composites.
Fluoride
Fluoride
Fluoride is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay and in preventing plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth’s surface. A fluoride treatment in your dentist’s office takes just a few minutes. After the treatment, patients may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or your doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months.
Sealants
Sealants
Brushing may not be enough to reach all areas of your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay. Sealants are a protective coating made of plastic resins that harden in the deep grooves of your teeth, making them less likely to develop plaque and cavities. Sealants are commonly applied to children’s permanent teeth, but adults can also receive them on healthy teeth. They typically last from 3 to 5 years and can last longer. If they come off, it’s important to let your dentist know and schedule an appointment to have them re-sealed.
