You can enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums under the care of an extraordinary general dentist. The key is finding someone like Dr. Nancy Snyder, who is passionate and proactive about helping her patients attain and maintain optimal oral health. General dentistry services are critical for you to enjoy a beautiful smile and a fully functioning set of teeth, and to prevent serious dental problems in the future.
Checkups and Teeth Cleanings
Everyone should have dental checkups and teeth cleanings at least twice a year. During a check-up, every aspect of your mouth is examined by our hygienists and Dr. Snyder, who look for signs of any potential problems. Catching problems like cavities or oral cancer in their early stages allows our team to address them before they worsen and require costly, invasive treatment.
During the cleaning portion of the appointment, our hygienists use special instruments to remove built-up plaque and tartar and polish your teeth. We can also demonstrate proper brushing and flossing technique at this time.
Digital Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays enable Dr. Snyder and our team to get a look at the areas between your teeth and the structures that support your teeth, which a visual exam can miss. Our office prefers digital radiography because it uses less radiation than traditional X-rays, and the results appear almost instantly on a computer monitor in our exam rooms. We can easily review digital X-rays with you to help you understand your oral health from a new perspective.
Dental Sealants and Teeth Fillings
Sealants are plastic coverings placed over the chewing surfaces of the teeth (usually the back teeth) to protect the tooth enamel from plaque and acids. This adds an extra layer of protection for the tiny grooves and pits of the chewing surface. Though dental sealants are mostly used on children, Dr. Snyder can recommend whether you may benefit from dental sealants during a routine exam.
Dental fillings are used to restore teeth that develop decay. The decayed portion of tooth material is removed, the tooth is cleaned and the cavity is filled with a special filling material (either gold, silver, porcelain or composite plastic). If the decayed portion of tooth is too large for a filling, a crown may be recommended instead.
CT Scans and 3D Imaging
Dr. Snyder uses CT scanning technology to generate three-dimensional views of the structures inside the mouth. This is invaluable when planning the placement of dental implants (particularly, assessing the quality and quantity of jawbone where the implant is installed). CT scanning and 3D imaging helps improve the precision and predictability of implant placement.
Avoiding Cavities at Home
Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are the result of several factors, including:
- Bacteria in the mouth
- Snaking frequently
- Eating a sugar-filled diet
- Lax dental hygiene
Maintaining your oral health at home begins with your dental hygiene routine. You should be thoroughly brushing your teeth daily with a quality toothbrush. Both manual and battery-operated toothbrushes can effectively remove plaque from the surfaces of the teeth, but patients should choose a brush based on the comfort of the handle, the size of the brush head, and bristles that are the right hardness for their needs. While brushing is an important step of your dental hygiene routine, a toothbrush cannot reach every surface of the tooth, which is why patients should not skip flossing to effectively remove plaque, food debris, and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas. Using dental products with fluoride can also help reinforce the enamel and prevent cavities from developing.
Despite having a good oral hygiene routine, plaque can still develop on the teeth, which is why professional cleanings are still a necessary part of your oral health.
Smoking and Oral Health
If you smoke, you are at an increased risk of tooth loss, gum issues, and even oral cancer. And you may need more frequent dental checkups to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Smoking can also raise your risk of slow healing and other complications after certain dental procedures, such as tooth extractions or root canal treatment. Quitting smoking can improve your oral health, and Dr. Snyder can provide more information about the effects of smoking on your oral health.
Request an Appointment with Dr. Nancy Snyder
Dr. Snyder’s goal is to foster long-term relationships with her patients and develop a deep understanding of everyone’s unique needs and goals. This information can help her keep patients’ mouths healthy and smiles sparkling for years to come.
If you would like to request an appointment with Dr. Snyder and her team for an exam and cleaning or another general dentistry service, please contact us today.