Our Family Dental Services
Types of Family Dental Services
If you’re looking for a dentist who provides general dentistry services in Chatham, look no further. Family dentists are responsible for treating everyone from babies to the elderly. Just as kids need regular dental checkups, elderly patients also require regular care to stay healthy. Their focus is on a person’s overall oral health and educating the elderly about dental care.
Here are some common dental services that your family dentist in Chatham may provide:
Root Canal
Your teeth are made of two parts, the hard outer layer called enamel and the soft inside part called pulp. During development, these two parts come together to form the hard outer portion of your tooth. Once the tooth has fully grown, the pulp no longer serves any purpose. However, the tissues surrounding the tooth continue to nourish it. The dentist uses a root canal to treat this problem. During the procedure, the dentist will place a special medicine that numbs the area where the infection is present.
A root canal procedure typically involves two steps. The first step involves numbing the area. During the second step, the dentist will use dental tools to remove the infected pulp. Then, the dentist will clean and disinfect each root canal. After the procedure is complete, the dentist will restore the tooth with either a filling, crown, or other restorative treatment.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery is an important part of dental care. It helps remove problematic teeth that could lead to infection or future dental problems. Tooth decay can result in the need for extraction or root canal therapy. Patients can also opt to have their teeth removed if they are not happy with the aesthetics of their teeth. If the problem is severe enough, oral surgery can also restore the lost or damaged teeth with the help of cosmetic dental implants.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
There are many risks associated with wisdom teeth extractions, which is why it’s important to find a dentist in Chatham that is comfortable with Wisdom Teeth Extractions. Some patients may have a mild amount of bleeding, while others may experience more serious pain. The pain after a wisdom teeth extraction typically ranges from minor to moderate, but can be even higher. You also may experience situations of lightheadedness as well. You should avoid rinsing your mouth or spitting after the procedure. Sutures will be placed to help monitor the healing process. The recovery process can take anywhere from three to seven days. If you experience any severe pain or swelling, more than your dentist explained to you, call your dentist immediately.
A family dentist can perform a wisdom teeth extraction for most patients. However, your dentist will only take on a Wisdom Teeth Extraction case if it’s within their scope of practice, expertise, and experience.
First, the dentist will perform x-rays to determine which teeth need to be removed. Then, a dentist can use special tools to remove the teeth from the gums. Then, a local anesthetic will be applied to the area to reduce pain. If you are experiencing pain, you should have your wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible. A delayed extraction may lead to future problems that will require more extensive procedures.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Many oral cancer patients are unaware of the importance of annual screenings at their family dental services. These routine exams can detect early stages of cancer, including “stage 0” oral cancer, when cells have not yet become cancerous. Early detection leads to fewer treatments and a better chance of a cure. In addition to early detection, oral cancer screenings are also a good way to ensure that you are not at risk for this disease.
Oral cancer screenings are simple and painless procedures that are performed at regular dental visits. By recognizing early warning signs and treating cancer early, oral cancer screenings at family dental services can help prevent a potentially deadly disease from developing. Some dentists also offer regular oral cancer screenings for patients at every checkup. The frequency of these procedures depends on your personal genetics and family history. But even if you do not have a family history of the disease, you should still have a screening every year to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Teeth Cleanings
In addition to promoting overall well-being, routine dental care and good oral hygiene can prevent costly dental problems. Regular teeth cleanings will prevent tartar and plaque buildup, and help dentists detect oral health problems at an early stage. Moreover, teeth cleanings will protect the gums, which are important for strong holding and effective blood circulation. Despite being a common family dental service, teeth cleanings can be a significant part of your overall health care regimen.
These cleanings focus on the health of the gums, including gingivitis and periodontal disease. By maintaining proper gum health, family dentists can reduce symptoms and prevent disease from getting worse. Teeth cleanings are important for people of all ages. Before you schedule an appointment, educate yourself on the different types of dental cleanings. To get the most out of these procedures, make sure to schedule an appointment with a family dentist in Chatham.
Pediatric Dentistry
Whether you have a baby or toddler, pediatric dentists are an important part of family dental services. They are trained to provide individualized care for children of all ages and special needs. Their offices are equipped with toys and games, TVs, Wi-Fi, and other amenities designed to make your child feel comfortable. Choosing the right pediatric dentist is crucial in preventing any problems with baby teeth and alleviating a lifelong fear of the dentist.
Children need special care at the dentist, and pediatric dentists are the experts in treating them. Unlike family dentists, pediatric dentists specialize in treating children with special needs. During their training, they complete an additional two to three years of training. These additional years help them better understand children’s oral health and develop the skills necessary to provide safe dental care. Children often exhibit uncooperative behaviors or lack confidence during dental visits, making it important to choose a dentist who is experienced in treating children.
While Chatham Family Dentist does not currently employ a Pediatric Dentist, we do have great relationships with these professionals in the area, if needed. Most of our Children’s Dentistry cases are handled with our expertise and experience right here in-house at Chatham Family Dental.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment for your family, or just yourself, feel free to give us a call today!