General Dentistry in Portland, ME
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Family Dentistry in Portland, ME
Avoiding regular dental care can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even serious health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Neglecting routine check-ups and cleanings allows plaque and tartar to build up, resulting in cavities, periodontal disease, and even tooth loss. At Thrive Dental Studio, we are committed to providing exceptional general dental services with a focus on preventive care to give you the highest standard of care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
What is General Dental Care?
General dental care encompasses a wide range of services aimed at maintaining and improving overall oral health. It includes diagnosing, treating, and managing common dental problems. The primary goal of general dental care is to prevent oral health issues from developing and address any existing conditions in their early stages.
Common Dental Problems
- Tooth Decay and Cavities: Tooth decay and cavities occur when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates on the teeth and produces acids that erode the enamel. If left untreated, cavities can progress deeper into the tooth, causing pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissue and, without treatment, destroy the bone that supports your teeth. If not treated, it can advance to periodontitis, leading to tooth loss.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that involves discomfort or pain in teeth when encountering certain substances and temperatures. It can be caused by worn tooth enamel, exposed tooth roots, cavities, cracked teeth, or gum disease.
- Bad Breath (Halitosis): Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, cavities, dry mouth, and certain foods. Persistent bad breath can also be a sign of more serious conditions like infections or systemic diseases.
- Oral Cancer: Oral cancer is a life-threatening condition that can affect any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Early detection is critical for successful treatment, which is why regular oral cancer screenings during dental check-ups are vital.
How Does Oral Health Affect Overall Health?
Practicing proper oral hygiene is the key to maintaining good overall health for a lifetime. Like other areas of the body, your mouth is filled with bacteria. While most oral bacteria are harmless, some can cause disease. Fortunately, daily brushing and flossing, as well as routine dental appointments, are usually enough to keep these bacteria under control. However, poor oral hygiene, certain medications, tobacco use, and genetics can sometimes cause bacteria to reach levels that lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with severe gum disease (periodontitis) may contribute to more severe health conditions, such as heart disease. Likewise, certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body’s resistance to infection, making oral health problems more severe.
Why Should You See a Family Dentist?
Due to the modern world’s lifestyle and dietary choices, dental problems are nearly inevitable. Because of this, it’s important to be vigilant about preventing problems before they occur or progress from minor to severe. By visiting Dr. Figueiredo twice a year, you can save yourself a significant amount of money and discomfort by addressing small problems before they turn into big ones.
General Dental Services at Thrive Dental Studio
At Thrive Dental Studio, we provide a comprehensive range of dental services to ensure the health and well-being of our patients.
Professional Teeth Cleanings
Regular professional teeth cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health. Our hygienists use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing can’t eliminate. These cleanings help prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, ensuring your smile stays healthy and bright.
Comprehensive Dental Exams
During these exams, Dr. Figueiredo assesses the condition of your teeth, gums, and mouth, checking for signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other issues. Regular exams allow us to detect and address problems early, ensuring you maintain optimal oral health.
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays are a crucial diagnostic tool that allows us to see detailed images of your teeth and jawbone with minimal radiation exposure. These images help us detect issues that are not visible to the naked eye, such as cavities between teeth, bone loss, and impacted teeth. Digital X-rays are faster, safer, and more environmentally friendly than traditional X-rays.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments are an effective way to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. We apply a concentrated fluoride solution to your teeth, which helps remineralize weakened areas and protect against cavities. This treatment especially benefits children, but adults can also benefit from added protection.
Oral Cancer Screening
Early detection of oral cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Our oral cancer screenings are a routine part of your dental exam, where we look for signs of cancerous and precancerous conditions in your mouth. By catching any abnormalities early, we can take swift action to address them.
Tooth Extractions
While preserving natural teeth is always our goal, sometimes tooth extractions are necessary. Whether due to severe decay, infection, or overcrowding, we perform extractions with precision and care to minimize discomfort and promote a smooth recovery.
Night Guards
For patients who grind their teeth (bruxism) or suffer from jaw pain (TMJ disorder), we provide custom-made night guards. These devices are worn while you sleep to protect your teeth from grinding and alleviate jaw pain. Our night guards are comfortable, durable, and tailored to fit your mouth perfectly.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars). These sealants fill in grooves and pits, preventing food particles and bacteria from getting trapped and causing cavities. Sealants are particularly beneficial for children and teenagers, but adults can also benefit from this added layer of protection.
How Young is Too Young a Dental Appointment?
You should schedule an appointment with Dr. Figueiredo within six months of your child’s first tooth popping through or by the time they turn one. While this may seem early, doing so will ensure that your little one’s mouth is developing normally, acclimate them to going to the dentist, and, most importantly, dispense important preventative care instructions to the parent/guardian.
Why is Preventive Dental Care Important?
- Early Detection of Issues: Regular check-ups and cleanings help us identify issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer in their initial stages when they are most manageable. Early intervention can prevent minor problems from becoming major, costly, and painful conditions.
- Maintaining Oral Health: Preventive dental care includes regular brushing and flossing, professional cleanings, and dental exams, all of which help prevent plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Good oral hygiene practices and preventive care also reduce the risk of bad breath and tooth loss.
- Enhancing Quality of Life: A healthy mouth allows you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence and comfort. Preventive dental care helps you maintain strong teeth and healthy gums, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and engage in social interactions without discomfort or embarrassment.
How Often Should You Visit a General Dentist?
The general recommendation is to visit a general dentist every six months for routine check-ups and cleanings. However, the frequency of visits can vary based on individual needs and oral health conditions. Factors such as age, overall health, oral hygiene habits, and the presence of dental issues like gum disease or a history of cavities can influence how often you should see your dentist. At Thrive Dental Studio, Dr. Figueiredo will work with you to determine the best schedule for your dental visits that meets your specific needs.
Schedule a Dental Appointment in Portland, ME
Routine dental visits allow us to monitor your dental health and provide timely treatments to keep your teeth healthy for as long as possible. Whether you need a routine check-up, a cleaning, or have specific dental concerns, our team is here to assist you. Contact us to schedule your next dentist appointment at Thrive Dental Studio in Portland, ME.