Dental Implants
Dental Implant Restorations
Dental implants replace missing teeth or teeth that are decaying or cracked and cannot be restored. Together with an implant crown, dental implants create a stronger replacement tooth because both the tooth and the tooth’s root are replaced.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal disease, more commonly referred to as gum disease, is a bacterial, chronic inflammatory disease of the gums that can destroy bone and connective tissue. It affects about one-half of Americans over 30.
Root Canal
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.
Patiet Testimonial
” Dr. Heibert and his staff have done a great job for me over the years, have improved my teeth greatly. thank you”
– Steven Smith
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What is General Dentistry?
More than half of all dental procedures focus on either prevention or diagnosis, according to statistics. General dentistry places a strong emphasis on hygiene and oral health and represents the main types of dental care provided to people of all ages.
Patients can expect their general dentist to provide care across four specific areas, including prevention, restorative, cosmetic, and general health concerns.
- Preventive dental services help catch and stop inflammation and disease before irreparable damage occurs. Dentists perform routine exams, x-rays, and teeth cleanings. The information gained in these visits enables the dentist to make recommendations for home care and preventive services such as dental sealants or a custom-fit mouthguard.
- Restorative dental services are provided when a tooth or the gums have been damaged. The most common restorative services revolve around removing decay and reinstating optimal structure for chewing. A general dentist can address dental traumas such as a broken tooth, tooth loss, and infection in the central part of a tooth.
- Cosmetic services have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many general dentists have specific training in services such as tooth whitening, dental veneers, bonding, and teeth straightening such as Invisalign.
Overall health is directly tied to oral health. In many respects, we could view oral health as a reflection of general health. General dentists are trained to identify the signs of conditions such as sleep apnea and gum disease, problems that can have far-reaching effects in the body.
What are the Benefits of General Dentistry?
By seeing a general dentist twice a year, patients can avoid the unattended progression of oral diseases like gingivitis and cavities. The advancement of problems such as these eventually results in pain, stress, time off work, and unnecessary costs.
Is general dentistry safe?
General dentistry services are not only safe but are performed to preserve general health and wellness. The materials and techniques used by our team are durable and long-lasting. Materials have also been selected based on their gentle interaction with natural tooth structure and on their appearance.
Is general dentistry painful?
We understand that many people harbor at least a little fear about seeing the dentist. Regular dental care is critical to the prevention of painful oral conditions. Patients can expect our staff to allow sufficient time for appointments that enable us to work methodically and gently. In the event that a procedure will modify tooth structure or affect the gums, we administer a local anesthetic that blocks nerve sensations. In this way, dental care can be virtually pain-free.
Are there side effects to general dentistry procedures?
Side effects such as soreness, tenderness, and swelling may occur as a result of hard or soft tissue manipulation. The primary side effect that patients experience from a dental procedure is the numbness, then tingling, that occurs as the local anesthetic wears off. During this time, patients should not eat.
Are general dentistry procedures covered by insurance?
Many general dentistry procedures are covered by insurance. The exception is cosmetic dentistry procedures, which are considered elective and not medically necessary. In many cases, insurance may cover at least a portion of preventive or restorative procedures. Some providers extend coverage to teeth-straightening treatments like Invisalign in the same way they do orthodontic care (braces). Patients are encouraged to become familiar with their insurance benefits related to general, restorative, and reconstructive dental services.
Schedule a Consultation
For more information on our general dentistry procedures and treatments, call (503) 397-6144 to schedule a consultation at our office in St. Helens, OR.