Eastburn Dental is a general dentistry practice. Visit our cosmetic dentistry and tooth replacement pages to learn more about our services in those areas. General dentistry covers the standard practice teeth cleaning and oral exams, routine dental x-rays, dental sealants and dental fillings.
In order to keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy, the American Dental Association recommends you see your dentist twice a year, or every six months. Regular visits to the dentist can catch dental problems while they are still small, before they lead to big problems with bigger price tags.
Dropping your dental insurance when you go on Medicare is not advisable. As we age, we tend to have more problems with our teeth, along with other problems associated with aging. And did you know your dentist can spot signs of oral cancer, thyroid disease, diabetes, heart problems and osteoporosis, among other things?
Supplemental dental insurance is especially worthwhile if you have a history of dental problems, such as root canals, crowns and bridges.
And getting your children in to see the dentist twice a year is important to them being able to keep their teeth for as long as they live. Good dental care starting at an early age reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease and other dental issues.
Teeth cleaning (which shows up on your bill as dental prophylaxis) is performed by your dental hygienist. Cleaning your teeth is an essential part of good oral hygiene. At your dentist visit, the hygienist will remove the buit up tartar and plaque from your teeth. This buildup is pretty natural, but too much plaque and tartar can cause gum disease.
Gum disease is when your body responds to increased tartar and plaque with swollen and bleeding gums. As gum disease progresses, it does damage to the bone and tissues in your mouth. Chronic gum disease weakens your body’s immune system, making you more vulnerable to other health issues That’s why it’s so important to get professional teeth cleaning and a dental exam every six months.
Dental X-rays help the dentist see problems that are not visible during your routine dental exam. This includes problems below the surface of your gums, including tooth decay, bone loss, impacted wisdom teeth, etc. There are two main kinds of dental x-rays – bitewings and panoramic x-rays. Each shows a different part of your mouth and is recommended at different intervals based on your age and dental health.
For instance, children and teens may need more frequent dental x-rays than adults, because their teeth are still coming in. If you are a new patient, Dr. Eastburn may recommend a set of x-rays to establish your current oral health and establish a baseline to more easily identify changes in the future. If you had dental x-rays within the last year and just recently changed dentists, our office may be able to get the most current x-rays from your previous dentist.
Dental fillings are a pretty standard dental procedure. Most of us will have at least one cavity in our lifetimes. Cavities are generally caused by tooth decay, but may also result from other issues. When you come in for a filling, the dentist will first numb the area so you don’t feel any pain. You may feel some pressure.
The dentist will then clean away the tooth decay and prepare the tooth for the filling. Depending on which tooth has the cavity, your dentist may recommend one over the other. Once the filling is placed, the dentist will check your bite to ensure everything looks good. When you leave, your mouth and tongue will be numb, so try not to eat anything until the numbness wears off.
While brushing and flossing remain the best way to prevent cavities, dental sealants are an additional way to help. Dental sealants are made of a thin plastic that is brushed onto your chewing teeth (molars). The sealant gets into the nooks and crannies of your molars, into those hard to reach places. The sealants thus prevent plaque and tartar from eating itno the surface of the tooth.
Dental sealants are most commonly recommended for children, but adults can benefit from them as well. Ask Dr. Eastburn whether sealants are right for you and your children.
Call the Eastburn Dental office at 251-344-2126 to schedule an appointment.
251-344-2126 | 5368 Zeigler Blvd., Mobile, AL 36608 |