Maintaining excellent oral health is essential to building a solid, lasting smile. General dentistry is founded on the idea of creating and maintaining healthy smiles. We encourage all of our patients to visit our office at least twice a year for routine dental exams. Regular dental exams and preventive dental care visits allow us to spot any signs of dysfunction in your smile before they progress to a more complex dental issue.
When your dental issues are left unaddressed, the risk of experiencing complex issues like missing teeth, crooked teeth, TMJ disorder, and extensive tooth damage increases. In some cases, patients can avoid these problems and bypass the need for advanced treatment.
At Advanced Dental Health, we offer a complete range of dental care services to help patients improve the health of their smiles. Our general dental services include, but are not limited to:
- Dental cleanings
- Dental exams
- Dental sealants
- Tooth extractions
- Sedation Dentistry
For patients who have already sustained tooth damage, we can recommend various cosmetic and restorative dental treatments to repair and restore what you’ve lost. We take a comprehensive approach to dentistry to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. Not only is the beauty of your smile important to our team, but so is your overall health and well-being. We take the most appropriate measures to ensure all your dental needs are met promptly and compassionately.
Building A Healthy Smile
Creating a stable, healthy smile is essential to the longevity of any cosmetic or restorative treatment. Drs. Izadi and Rafat understand the importance of a healthy smile, so they work with patients one-on-one to develop a plan for them. We will fully evaluate your smile and its current condition during your visit. Patients can expect the following:
- Gum disease and cavities screening
- Diagnostic x-rays
- Digital imaging for review, diagnosis, and treatment planning
- 2-D and 3-D models for analysis and treatment plan creation
- Oral cancer screening
- Bite analysis
- Dental cleaning
- Patient education resources
- Check existing restorative & cosmetic dentistry work for damage or replacement needs
After the exam, our team can recommend any treatment to help you maintain a healthier, more functional smile.
The Importance of Preventative Care
Preventative dentistry is the foundation of oral health. It should be practiced both at home and during regular visits to the dentist’s office. If you’re only caring for your mouth in one area, it’s not getting the complete care that it needs to stay healthy.
At home, you should brush at least twice daily and floss at least once daily. This prevents bacteria and food particles from building up on your teeth. When this buildup occurs, it creates plaque, a sticky film over your teeth. Plaque hardens into tartar, further shielding bacteria and making it harder for you to remove them.
But this isn’t enough for you to keep your smile healthy. There are areas of the smile that only our specialized dental tools can reach. Your normal toothbrush isn’t able to clean them properly. Every six months, the dentist recommends a thorough teeth cleaning in our office. We clean the complete surfaces of your teeth, ensuring you aren’t as susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease, especially in those difficult areas.
Cleaning isn’t the only thing that dental visits provides. We also perform a thorough exam, using diagnostic technology if needed. Serious conditions like oral cancer and gum disease have early warning signs that are difficult to see. Our dental staff has training to spot these issues in their early stages. We also have technology that allows us to see developing conditions invisible to the eye alone.
General Dentistry FAQs
General dentistry is essential for keeping your smile healthy. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
How often should I visit the dentist?
Most patients should visit the dentist every six months for routine cleanings and exams. These visits allow your dentist to remove plaque and tartar that cannot be eliminated with brushing alone. Regular appointments also help detect problems like cavities or gum disease early. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs.
What happens during a dental exam?
During a dental exam, the dentist checks your teeth, gums, and jaw for signs of disease or damage. They may use X-rays to look for issues that are not visible to the naked eye. The exam also includes an evaluation of your bite and oral tissues. This comprehensive approach helps ensure any concerns are addressed promptly.
Why are dental cleanings important?
Dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing cannot fully eliminate. This helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Cleanings also allow the dental team to spot early signs of oral health issues. Maintaining regular cleanings supports long-term oral and overall health.
What are dental X-rays used for?
Dental X-rays help dentists see beneath the surface of the teeth and gums. They can reveal cavities, bone loss, infections, and impacted teeth. X-rays are an essential diagnostic tool for creating accurate treatment plans. Modern dental X-rays use low radiation and are considered safe for most patients.
Why is fluoride important?
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to decay. It can reverse early stages of tooth decay before cavities form. Many dental offices offer professional fluoride treatments during cleanings. Using fluoride toothpaste at home also supports daily protection.
What are plaque and tartar?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth daily. If not removed, it hardens into tartar, which cannot be brushed away. Tartar buildup increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. Professional cleanings are necessary to remove tartar safely.
Why is flossing important?
Flossing removes plaque and food debris between teeth where brushes cannot reach. It helps prevent cavities and gum disease in these areas. Daily flossing supports healthier gums and fresher breath. Skipping flossing allows plaque to accumulate and cause problems.
What causes bad breath?
Bad breath is often caused by bacterial buildup, poor oral hygiene, or gum disease. Dry mouth and certain foods can also contribute. Regular brushing, flossing, and cleanings help control odor. Persistent bad breath should be evaluated by a dentist.
What is an oral cancer screening?
Oral cancer screening checks for abnormal tissues in the mouth, tongue, and throat. Dentists perform these screenings during routine exams. Early detection improves treatment outcomes significantly. Screenings are quick and noninvasive.
Can dental problems affect overall health?
Yes, oral health is closely linked to overall health. Gum disease has been associated with conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Infections in the mouth can spread if left untreated. Maintaining oral health supports overall wellness.
Visit Our Baltimore Dentist Office
Drs. Izadi and Rafat work with you every step of the way to ensure your teeth, gums, and supporting structures are working in harmony to produce a healthy smile. We take the time to evaluate your entire dental health and build a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.
If you want to learn more about improving your oral health or explore our cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments, visit Advanced Dental Health in Hunt Valley, MD. To schedule an appointment, call (410) 656-2278 or request one online.