Common Procedures Performed in Family Dentistry

Hammond Family Dentistry is your home for affordable dentistry and  exceptional service in Hammond, Indiana. | Hammond Family Dentistry |  Hammond, IndianaFamily dentistry addresses dental problems for people of all ages. Your family dentist can attend to your oral needs and those of your kids at each stage of life. Family dentists perform many dental procedures, including preventive, cosmetic, orthodontic, and restorative treatments. Your Jamison family dentistry specialist treats many dental conditions and educates you and your family about dental hygiene, promoting overall health. Most family dentists are trained to handle and care for children with dental problems, but not as much as pediatric dentists. Here are common procedures performed in family dentistry.

Dental examination

Dental examinations are checkups for your teeth, gums, and jaw. They help protect your oral health. Dentists recommend you get a dental checkup every six months. Dental exams can help detect tooth decay, gum infections, bite problems, and other oral issues early for effective treatment. During a dental examination, your family dentist can virtually observe your oral structures or use dental x-rays to see further issues. Your family dentist will recommend suitable treatment if you have any oral condition.

Professional dental cleaning

Professional dental cleaning helps remove plaque and tartar on your teeth to help prevent gum infections and cavities. Plaque forms when food particles mix with saliva, containing oral bacteria. Regular brushing can eliminate plaque, but some particles may remain between your teeth and harden, forming tartar. Brushing and flossing cannot eliminate tartar. Your dentist performs a deep cleaning eliminating plaque and tartar to help reduce gum inflammation, prevent tooth loss, and improve overall dental health.

Dental fillings

Dental fillings help repair or restore damaged teeth. Dentists often use fillings to cover areas of teeth that have been eliminated due to decay. They can also repair broken or cracked teeth damaged by misuse like nail-biting. Dental fillings are made from strong materials like gold, silver, composite resin, or porcelain. If you take care of your fillings, they can last more than ten years.

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental treatments. It involves removing the discoloration of your teeth and improving your smile and dental look. Teeth discoloration can result from trauma, aging, excessive fluoride, or exposure to dark-colored beverages, foods, or tobacco. There are various teeth whitening procedures, including in-office whitening, whitening trays and strips, and whitening toothpaste. The treatment your family dentist recommends depends on the extent of teeth staining and personal preference.

Gum disease treatment

Gum disease happens when plaque and tartar accumulate on your teeth surfaces. Your gums become red, swollen, and tender and they may also bleed when you brush or floss. Early stages of gum disease are reversible. Later stages of gum disease affect your gums and underlying bone and may lead to tooth loss. Gum disease treatment may be surgical or non-surgical depending on the stage of your gum disease, overall health, and ability to follow post-treatment instructions.

Family dentistry offers you and your children a wide range of dental treatments and care. Common family dentistry procedures include a dental exam, teeth cleaning, dental filling, teeth whitening, and gum disease treatment. Schedule an appointment at Jamison Innovative Dentistry for family dentistry services to improve your overall health.