Almost everyone will need to seek an array of dental services throughout their lifetime. These may include emergency dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontic services, routine checkups, dental care, and more. It is essential to know the basics of dental services and what they offer to maintain optimal oral health.
Dental services are available at Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. No matter what your dental needs are, we can help. Call us today at (858) 748-2101 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Emergency dental services
Accidents can happen to anyone, even the most careful patients. When it comes to dental emergencies, time is of the essence. One must act quickly or run the risk of losing a tooth. Unfortunately, many patients do not know what to do in case of a dental emergency. Some do not even know what is classified as a dental emergency at all. Common possible dental emergencies include, but are not limited to:
- Bitten tongue or lip
- Broken jaw
- Cracked teeth
- Knocked-out teeth (whether they be baby teeth or permanent teeth)
- Objects stuck in the mouth
Some of these injuries can be minor and treated at home. However, they can quickly escalate into something more serious and require immediate medical attention. For best results, patients should contact a dentist right away to determine how to handle the emergency. In some cases, the dentist may even schedule an after-hours appointment to accommodate their needs and address the problem.
“When it comes to dental emergencies, time is of the essence.”
Checkups and routine care
The American Dental Association recommends dental checkups every six months. During a checkup, dentists examine the teeth for signs of decay. They assess the patient's gum health and look for signs of oral cancer. Sometimes providers may take an X-ray or perform other imaging tests. Imaging tests can reveal problems lurking below the gumline.
Checkups typically include a thorough professional dental cleaning and keep mouths clean, fresh, and healthy. Biannual cleanings fight decay by removing plaque and tartar. These substances can trap bacteria against the tooth and gum line. Patients who skip their dental cleanings may be at risk for cavities or gum disease.
“Professional cleanings keep mouths clean, fresh, and healthy.”
Cosmetic dental services
Cosmetic dentistry is dentistry that aims to enhance the aesthetics of one's smile. It can benefit patients with broken, chipped, discolored, gapped, misaligned, misshapen, or worn teeth. Popular types of cosmetic dental services include, but are not limited to:
- Dental bonding
- Dental bridges
- Dental crowns
- Dental implants
- Dental veneers
- Inlays and onlays
- Teeth whitening
Additionally, at least one study has shown that patients' feelings of satisfaction with their own smiles are directly linked to feelings of self-confidence. In other words, enhancing one's smile often has the side effect of improving one's overall quality of life. Some cosmetic dental services also have restorative benefits.
“Cosmetic dentistry is dentistry that aims to enhance the aesthetics of one’s smile.”
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Orthodontic services provide both cosmetic and functional purposes. Many patients turn to orthodontics for a straighter smile. Repairing crooked or misaligned teeth can also improve mouth function. Without treatment, some orthodontics issues may place oral health at risk. Fixing these issues ensures that the teeth and gums stay healthy.
Not every dental provider offers orthodontic care. General dentists must undergo specialized training before they can perform orthodontic treatments. Contact our office to learn more about orthodontic services and referrals.
“Orthodontics serve both a cosmetic and functional purpose.”
Questions answered on this page
Q. What happens during a dental checkup?
Q. What are some common dental emergencies?
Q. What is cosmetic dentistry?
Q. What are some examples of digital dentistry?
People also ask
Q. Why does the dentist use fluoride mouthwash in the cleaning?
Q. Can sealants protect against cavity-forming bacteria?
Q. Do I need a tooth extraction?
Q. What are the restoration dentistry procedure options?
Q. What to do between dental visits?
Q. What are some of the reasons one might need a tooth extraction?
Other dental services
Many dentists have started incorporating new dental technologies into their practices, offering services like laser dentistry, teledentistry, online patient portals, and more. All of these offerings can help expedite the treatment process and increase accessibility.
Other examples of digital dentistry at work include CAD/CAM (computer-assisted design/computer-assisted manufacture), cone-beam CT, dental lasers, digital X-rays, and optical scanners. These assist dental teams in providing patients with the most accurate diagnoses and best care possible, with the added bonus of extra comfort.
“Many dentists have started incorporating new dental technologies into their practices, offering services like laser dentistry, teledentistry, online patient portals, and more.”
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Many people mistakenly believe that prematurely losing baby teeth is harmless. In reality, they act as placeholders for the permanent adult teeth, and premature loss can cause tooth crowding and other problems. If your child has lost a baby tooth, preserve the tooth by keeping it moist and get to a dentist right away.
Everyone should see a dentist. As mentioned earlier, many potential dental health problems can go unnoticed by the untrained eye. Only a dental professional can ensure that your oral cavity is in good condition and prevent any health problems from developing.
The answer varies on a service-by-service basis. Additionally, some patients choose to take on several cosmetic dentistry procedures for a full "smile makeover." Generally speaking, the more services you choose to take on, the longer it will take.
It is never too late for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment can help improve one's oral health and functionality. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have their first checkup with an orthodontist by no later than seven years old.
Yes. Digital dental X-rays emit up to 80% less radiation than traditional X-rays and considerably less radiation than all other types of X-rays. Additionally, we will only recommend X-rays if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Dental terminology
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Call us today
Dental services can vary, and each practice has its own approach to technology and patient care. Every general dentist can offer routine checkups and cleanings. If you need specialized care, look for a practice that offers specialized services and advanced techniques. If you are searching for a new dental provider, let Oak Tree Dental in Poway deliver the care you need. Call us at 858-748-2101 to learn more about our services and policies.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.