At Eric Wiitala DDS, our dedicated team of dental technicians, dental hygienists, and other dental professionals are proud to act as the first line of defense against oral health problems for patients. As one of the top dental offices in Scottsdale, we understand the importance of maintaining oral health which is why our general dentistry treatments often achieve the best results possible.
In general dentistry, the dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide variety of conditions, disorders, and diseases affecting the teeth, gums, and maxillofacial (jaw and face) parts of the body. From diagnosis to treatment to complete coordination of dental services, our team is focused on improving a patient’s overall oral health. While most general dentists typically provide preventative care and minor restorative therapy, they are often able to perform a wide array of other dental procedures, including some minor cosmetic treatments. Some of the dental practices we offer for general oral care include root canals, crowns, fillings, gum care, and treatment, as well as other preventative education.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that patients visit their general dentist at least once every six months to ensure proper oral health and functionality. Regular oral health check-ups and maintenance help to prevent the development of serious dental problems that may require more extensive and costly treatments. General dentists are highly educated and trained in multiple facets of dentistry, providing a variety of different services for you and your family including:
General dentists who do not perform a certain treatment will provide you with a specialist referral.
Do I Still Need to Visit My Dentist if My Teeth Feel Fine?
Ideally, your teeth will feel fine throughout your lifetime. The chances of avoiding unpleasant, painful dental problems are much better when you maintain six-month recall visits regardless of how your teeth feel. The truth is, you can have the beginnings of a cavity or gum disease without any pain, and with very subtle indications. Staying up-to-date with dental exams and cleanings gives you the opportunity to catch these problems before they become symptomatic. In doing that, the degree of reparative care you may need could be much less than it would be if you let pain guide your motivation to see the dentist.
How Often Do I Need Teeth Cleaning?
Even if you brush and floss your teeth carefully every morning and night, it is still advised to visit your dentist for professional teeth cleaning every six months, on average. Having your teeth cleaned by your dentist regularly can help remove plaque and tartar build-up that normal flossing and brushing cannot.
An excess amount of plaque in the mouth can lead to gum disease, and an excess amount of tarter can also lead to tooth decay. If left unchecked, these oral conditions can often lead to cavities, bone damage in the jaw, swelling or bleeding, and early tooth loss. So, not only will regular teeth cleanings help prevent these oral complications but you’ll also be able to brighten your smile, freshen your breath, and boost your overall oral health by consulting with your dentist about your oral habits every six months.
How Do I Know if I Have Gum Disease?
The best way to learn more about gum disease is by receiving preventive care from Dr. Wiitala! Why wait until you’ve got significant, noticeable signs of severe gum infection when you can avoid symptoms altogether? Gum disease is a progressive condition that begins with inflammation in the gum tissue directly around a tooth or teeth. With proper intervention, you can halt the infection process and the consequences that come with it.
Schedule a visit with Dr. Wiitala if you notice any of the following signs that gum disease may be starting:
- Persistent bad breath even with brushing and flossing
- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, irritated gums
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Receding gums (one or more teeth look longer)
- A sense of a tooth feeling loose
What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Fillings?
Dental fillings represent the most commonly performed restorative dental treatment. Historically, dentists have used dental amalgam to fortify teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay. You may know amalgam fillings as “silver fillings.” As research has indicated the pitfalls of dental amalgam and the presence of mercury in them, more people have begun seeking alternatives. Dr. Wiitala proudly offers porcelain dental fillings not only because they look completely natural but because they offer more benefits than composite resin tooth-colored fillings. These include:
- Superior strength as compared to composite resin fillings.
- Similar “wear rate” to natural enamel.
- Lifelike appearance (no one will be able to tell you to have fillings).
- Stain resistance.
- Conservative repair with minimal removal of natural tooth structure.
- Durability for larger repairs, such as cavities in molars, where bite force is stronger.
- Similar success rate to gold fillings at a fraction of the cost.
- Similar “movement” to natural enamel, so no risk of tooth fractures.
Why is Fluoride Important for Healthy Teeth?
Teeth are protected by the hard outer shell of enamel. This layer of your teeth is made up of various minerals that help to maintain its hardness. The foods that you eat and the presence of bacteria in the mouth can wear down the mineral content of tooth enamel. This is referred to as demineralization. Fluoride creates a chemical reaction within the enamel in which the hydroxyl molecule of the enamel’s hydroxyapatite is restored. This maintains optimal enamel hardness, making it more difficult for cavities to occur. Dr. Wiitala performs fluoride treatments here in our comfortable office. With just a few minutes added to your regular appointment, your teeth can get a boost of strength!
Schedule a Client Consultation In Scottsdale, AZ
If you are interested in our General Dentistry services, please contact our office today by calling (480) 657-6981 to get started!