General Dentistry

General dentistry encompasses a wide array of dental procedures, all aimed at preserving your natural teeth. Your general dentist serves as your first line of defense against potential oral health issues, making it crucial to schedule appointments with them twice a year.

Dental Examinations

Regular dental check-ups extend beyond being a mere task on your to-do list; they play a critical role in maintaining excellent oral health. While daily brushing and flossing are crucial, their effectiveness has limits. Dental examinations provide an opportunity for your dentist to comprehensively assess the overall condition of your teeth and gums. These examinations enable dentists to identify indicators of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health conditions that may not be visible to the naked eye. The early detection of such issues makes treatment more manageable and less invasive.

Teeth Cleaning

A teeth cleaning is a routine dental procedure aimed at removing plaque and tartar accumulation from your teeth. Plaque and tartar are bacterial deposits that, when left unaddressed, can lead to cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and other health issues. This procedure is integral to preventive dental care as it contributes to the maintenance of healthy and strong teeth.

Failure to undergo regular teeth cleanings poses the risk of developing cavities, potentially requiring fillings or even root canals. Additionally, neglecting teeth may lead to gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a condition where the gums peel away from the teeth, forming pockets around them. These pockets can then become infected, giving rise to severe health problems such as heart disease and stroke. Regular dental cleanings are the most effective strategy to avoid such scenarios.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canals become necessary when the tooth pulp becomes inflamed or infected. If your dentist recommends a root canal, there is no need for concern, as millions of these procedures are conducted yearly to restore damaged or diseased teeth. Undergoing a root canal offers several benefits, particularly if you are experiencing tooth or gum pain. Infections may result from trauma, dental decay, a faulty crown, or a damaged tooth.

During a root canal procedure, the dentist removes the injured or inflammatory pulp from the tooth's inner layer. Subsequently, the area is thoroughly cleaned and sterilized before filling and sealing it with gutta-percha, a dental material. To protect the treated tooth, it is then covered with a crown or filling. On average, the entire root canal procedure takes about 60 to 90 minutes. However, the duration of the treatment may vary if the infection is too severe.

Treatment of Gum Disease

General dentists are qualified to perform periodontal treatment, a procedure that addresses periodontitis, also known as advanced gum disease. Periodontitis is an infection affecting the tissues around the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Untreated periodontal disease might result in tooth loss.

Gingivitis, on the other hand, represents a milder form of gum disease characterized by irritation, redness, and inflammation of the gingiva. Gingivitis is caused by poor dental hygiene because plaque builds up on the teeth if a person does not clean or floss their teeth regularly, giving rise to a host of other dental problems.

Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions are often necessary when a tooth is fractured, damaged, or decaying, especially when all other options for saving the tooth have been exhausted. Extraction may be the best course of action if the tooth is too compromised to be repaired with a crown, filling, or root canal. The procedure involves removing the diseased or damaged tooth from its socket.

Composite Fillings

General dentists specialize in composite fillings and resins, which are tooth-colored fillings that are known for their durability. These fillings are used to repair small to medium-sized fillings. The treatment is commonly used to address dental decay and mild tooth injury, offering a straightforward procedure that can be completed in a single dental session.

During the filling appointment, the dentist adds composite layers to the affected tooth and uses a special light to cure each layer. Following this process, the dentist shapes the composite material to mimic the appearance of the natural tooth. The color of the composite can be matched nearly perfectly to the rest of the teeth, providing a seamless aesthetic.

Dental X-rays

Dental X-rays play a crucial role in simplifying the process of diagnosing and treating dental issues. They can reveal abnormalities, confirming your dentist's suspicions about potential problems in the oral cavity. To safeguard against unnecessary exposure to vital organs, your dentist will drape a lead apron over your chest, belly, and pelvic region before conducting the X-ray. In cases where a patient has a thyroid issue, a thyroid collar may be used for additional protection.

Contact Ripon Dental today at (209) 924-4089 or visit us at 1222 W Colony Rd, Suite 140, Ripon, CA 95366, to schedule your next dental appointment and ensure the health and well-being of your smile. Your journey to optimal oral health begins with us!