General Dentistry Newark NJ, General Dentist NJ

Experience Gentle and Caring General Dentistry in Newark, NJ

General dentistry is the foundation of a healthy smile. It includes all the routine care you associate with your twice-yearly dental visit. It also consists of some treatments. Greater Essex Dental provides general dentistry services to the entire family, from toddlers to senior citizens.

You should have routine dental visits twice a year. If you have dental insurance, it probably covers two of these yearly exams and cleanings. Professional cleanings help reduce your chance of developing cavities and gum diseases like gingivitis. Routine exams can help your dentist uncover issues before they become serious problems. That not only help prevent dental issues but can also improve your overall health.

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Dental Examinations

Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining oral health. Dentists perform comprehensive examinations to assess the overall condition of your teeth, gums, jaw, and oral tissues. This includes evaluating tooth decay, gum disease, bite alignment, oral cancer screening, and X-rays if necessary.

Teeth Cleaning and Scaling

Professional teeth cleanings, also known as dental prophylaxis, involve removing plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth. Dental hygienists use specialized tools to clean and polish your teeth, providing a thorough cleaning that may not be achievable with regular brushing and flossing alone.

Oral Cancer Screening

A preventive dental examination conducted to detect signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth. The purpose of this screening is to identify any abnormalities early on, which can lead to early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of oral cancer, increasing the chances of successful outcomes.

Fluoride Treatments

Dental procedures designed to strengthen and protect the teeth from tooth decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in certain foods and water sources. It helps remineralize and fortify tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks caused by bacteria and sugars in the mouth.

Mouthguards

Mouthguards, also known as mouth protectors, are custom-made or ready-to-wear devices designed to protect the teeth and mouth during physical activities or sports. They are typically made of soft, flexible plastic materials that fit over the upper teeth and gums, cushioning the impact and reducing the risk of dental injuries. Mouthguards are essential for individuals who engage in contact sports such as football, hockey, boxing, and martial arts. They help prevent injuries like broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and lacerations to the lips and cheeks.

Nightguards

Nightguards, also known as occlusal guards or dental splints, are oral devices designed to protect the teeth and jaw from the effects of teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching during sleep. Bruxism can lead to worn-down teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and other dental issues.

Treatment of Gum Disease

Dentists diagnose and treat various stages of gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis. Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), antibiotic therapy, and ongoing maintenance are typical treatment approaches to control the infection and restore gum health.

General dentistry is not just focused on helping keep your smile pretty. Dentists want to keep your teeth functional, prevent bad breath, and watch out for other issues like oral cancer. It all begins with a comprehensive oral exam. During our exams, the dentist and the hygienist work together to check the health of your teeth, discuss other health issues, and ask about any problems you may have in your head, throat, neck, and mouth.

We use digital X-rays to help us examine your mouth. Digital X-rays, the industry standard, provide better images than X-ray films while lowering radiation exposure. We use a CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scanner to provide information on your whole mouth. CBCT images can help us diagnose issues, plan restorative treatments, and monitor the progress of those treatments.

In addition to exams, routine visits also include cleanings. Cleanings are essential to remove plaque and tartar, which reduces your chances of developing cavities or gum disease. For most people, we recommend professional cleanings twice a year. However, if you have gum disease or issues with your teeth, we may recommend more professional cleanings. If you have a child receiving orthodontic care, we may recommend more frequent professional cleanings.

If you have tooth decay, we treat it. Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is damage to the tooth. If left untreated, it will continue to progress. So, we recommend fillings as soon as we notice signs of decay, even if it is a mini-cavity. We use composite fillings. Composite fillings are the same color as your teeth, which gives a natural look to any of our restorative treatments. Getting fillings early can help avoid more severe procedures such as root canals, extractions, and crowns.

If you do need to have a crown, you may be dreading the wait. In the past, getting a crown usually meant a day spent prepping the tooth for a crown, often through a root canal, taking molds, and setting a temporary crown. A week or two later, the dentist would get in your permanent crown, and you would have to return to get it. We use the CEREC system. With it, we can scan your teeth, creating a digital model. The scanning takes 2 to 3 minutes. Then we can design and mill them within about 20 minutes. You can leave that day with a permanent crown.

We can combine most of your general dentistry services with tooth whitening. Over time, your teeth become yellow and discolored looking. It is a natural part of aging. Eating or drinking certain things can contribute to discoloration, as can smoking. We can provide in-office whitening services, in-home whitening trays, and professional gels to help maintain your white smile.

Whatever your dental needs, Greater Essex Dental can help. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.