A "General Dentist" refers to the primary care provider for dental patients in all age groups who take responsibility for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services to meet their patients’ oral health needs. These oral health care needs include: fillings, root canals, crowns, veneers, bridges, gum care as well as preventive education. When necessary, General Dentists refer more complex or challenging treatment to specialty trained dentists such as Periodontists for gum treatments, Oral Surgeons for tooth removal or Prosthodontists for challenging restorative situations.
Fusion Dental offers you and your family general dental services focused on preventive and restorative care. These services include dental cleanings, examinations, fillings, sealants, and fluoride treatments. It also includes tooth replacement and restoration of teeth using implants, crowns, bridges or removable appliances. General dentistry services are fundamental, and when combined with regular brushing and flossing, help prevent dental disease.
It is important to schedule a visit to the dentist for a hygiene appointment at least every six months. Your dentist may recommend more or less frequent appointments depending on your age, lifestyle, risk factors, and general oral and dental health.
A dental hygiene appointment at Fusion Dental consists of:
- Preventive cleaning: The hygienist will clean and polish your teeth to remove any plaque, a sticky film of bacteria on the teeth that produces acid and causes tooth decay and gum disease, as well as visible calculus (tartar). Calculus is essentially hardened plaque, caused by the accumulation of minerals from saliva. Its rough surface provides an ideal medium for further plaque formation. The hygienist will also review the proper brushing and flossing techniques and answer any questions about maintaining oral health.
- Gum disease screening, including a measurement of the depth of your gums.
- Dental examination to diagnose any cavities or other dental conditions.
- X-rays: If needed, the hygienist will take x-rays of your teeth. A full set of x-rays and Panorex should be taken every 3-5 years, and bitewing x-rays every 12 to 18 months. The dentist may adjust these intervals depending on the oral condition. These x-rays help with early detection of disease and decay not seen with the naked eye
- The dentist will perform an examination and check for cavities, gum disease and other conditions including a soft tissue examination and oral screening to identify changes in the tissues of the mouth or signs of oral cancer.
The dentist and hygienist will discuss the results of the examination, and answer your questions about any recommended treatment or your dental health in general.
Composite fillings are “white” fillings designed to match the color of your teeth and are bonded to the tooth. Composites return some of the strength to the tooth and may be used to repair a defect in a tooth or restore a decayed area. While composite fillings are more natural looking, amalgam (silver) fillings are generally stronger and less costly. The strength and durability of this traditional dental material continues to make it useful for certain situations such as to fill cavities in the back teeth where chewing forces are greatest.
Sealants are a clear or white material applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth that forms a barrier to plaque and food, thus helping prevent cavities. The application process is simple and painless. The sealant material is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where it bonds and hardens in seconds.
Fluoride helps protect teeth from decay. Professional fluoride treatments are recommended twice a year, or as needed, to all children under the age of 16 during their regularly-scheduled examinations and cleanings. In addition, adults with certain medical conditions may be at higher risk for tooth decay and might benefit from fluoride treatments. If you have dry mouth, gum disease, crowns and/or bridges, braces, or frequent cavities, your dentist or hygienist may talk to you about the benefits of adult fluoride treatments. The most common application is now in the form of a fluoride varnish which is brushed onto the teeth. In some situations, prescription fluoride toothpaste is also beneficial.
Our goal is to maintain your oral health at an optimum level and preserve your natural teeth for life!