General Dentistry

General Dentistry


Healthy Teeth and Gums

Good oral hygiene is a factor which is decisive for the prevention of the majority of diseases which affect oral health, being characterised by the correct elimination of food residues, and not allowing a series of bacteria to become affixed to the teeth and gums which, if not removed, will give rise to the formation of bacterial plaque and tartar, the main causes of caries and periodontal diseases.
For correct prevention and maintenance, visits must be regular (at least every 6 months) and the daily care recommended by the dentist must be followed. This care includes correct brushing (at least twice a day), the use of dental floss (at least once a day, preferably at night) and the use of mouthwashes. If you suffer from symptoms like constant bleeding or pain in the gums during brushing, bad breath and sensitivity, book an appointment with dentist.


Gum Therapy

The health of your mouth, teeth and gums has a direct impact on your overall health. This relationship has recently be coined the Oral Systemic Connection. Research has recently found that the same bacteria that cause gums to become inflamed can travel throughout the body, including to cells in the coronary arteries. Recent reports have linked gum disease with: Heart Disease, Stroke, Diabetes, Pregnancy problems, Increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Traditional Gum Surgery is the removal of the periodontal disease causing bacteria that lives below the gumline.

How is Traditional Gum Surgery Done?

Traditional gum surgery procedure is also referred to as flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery. Our Oral surgeon gently lift back the gum to remove the tartar that has accumulated below the gumline. The gums are then reattached to the newly sterilized surface to heal.

Am I a Candidate for Traditional Gum Surgery?

Candiates for Traditional Gum Surgery are those with red, swollen, bleeding or tender gums, bad breath, and those who with periodontal disease.


Root Canal Therapy
What is a Root Canal treatment?

Root Canal is a treatment used to save and repair a tooth that is badly decayed and infected. It is a conservative procedure used to save a natural tooth to avoid dental implants and/or bridges.
“Root canal” is the term used to describe the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. Below the hard exterior surface of the tooth lies the pulp or pulp chamber which is pulp the soft area within the root canal that is made of up of cells and connective tissue.

How is Root Canal Done?

A root canal involves the removal of the infected dental pulp and sealing of the root canal. This generally involves the use of local anesthesia. Modern techniques have eliminated a lot of the discomfort that has previously been associated with root canals.

Am I a Candidate for Root Canal?

Tooth cracks, trauma, and decay can sometimes cause infection and irritation of the dental, resulting in the need for a root canal. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp tissue are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue around the tooth could become infected and cause an abscess. Sometimes no symptoms are present; however, the number one symptom of an infection of the root is pain. Some signs that you may need a root canal include:

  • Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
  • Prolonged sensitivity/pain to het or cold temperatures (after the hot or cold has been removed)
  • Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth
  • Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
  • A persistent or recurring drainage on the gums
How Painful is a Root Canal?

Root Canal procedures have the reputation of being painful. However, most people report that the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed.

After Treatment

After the completion of your root canal, the final step may involve further restoration of the tooth. Because a tooth that needed a root canal is often one that has a large filling or extensive decay or other weakness, a crown, post/core buildup and crown, or other restoration needs to be placed on the tooth to protect it.


Cosmetic Contouring
How is Cosmetic Contouring Done?

With cosmetic contouring, the rough or uneven tooth edges are simply buffed and polished away with finely ground diamonds. It is a fast and economic way to augment your smile, and an excellent finishing touch to improve the shape of your teeth following other treatments including porcelain veneers and bonding. Candidates for cosmetic contouring are those with small chips or fractures in your teeth, minor crowding, and sharp or uneven tooth lengths.

Maintaining Your Contoured Teeth

Because the teeth are simply reshaped, there is virtually no special aftercare once cosmetic contouring is completed.


Composite Bonding

Composite Bonding is the application of composite resin material to the existing tooth. Bonding is used for filling cavities, masking discolored teeth, whitening, repairing fractures, and making cosmetic improvements to the natural tooth usually in one or two appointments.

How is Composite Resin Bonding Done?

Cosmetic tooth bonding uses of the composite resin to fix chipped, cracked, spaced, or uneven teeth. The resin is applied to the etched natural tooth to achieve the desired esthetic effect. Very little natural tooth reduction is necessary and usually no anesthesia is needed.

Am I a Candidate for Composite Resin Bonding?

Strong candidates for tooth bonding are those who have white or brown spots or staining due to excessive wear or silver fillings, are not heavy smokers or coffee drinkers, and those who want a less invasive, cost-effective option.

Maintaining Bonded Teeth

Bonded teeth last 5-8 years or longer and require professional finishing once every few years. Tips for maintaining your bonded teeth include using a nightguard, refrain from smoking, have your teeth cleaned three or four times a year, avoid chewing ice or biting fingernails, and minimize your consumption of stain-causing food and drink. Avoid chewing ice and biting your fingernails. A nightguard might be made to help protect your crowns from fracture, especially if you clench or grind your teeth.