General Dentistry Services Keokuk, IA
Dentists offer general dentistry services to help patients maintain optimal oral health. General dentistry services include prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Patients should have regular dental check-ups to maintain their oral hygiene and tooth health.
General dentistry services are available at Buffalo Prairie Dental in Keokuk and the surrounding area. Our team can help keep your smile healthy. Call us today at (319) 313-7220 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
What to Expect from the Dentist
A general dentist should be thought of as a primary care dental provider focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and overall oral health care needs of the patient. This can include fillings, gum care, and even preventative education. Buffalo Prairie Dental will work with each patient to develop a customized dental hygiene plan.
A dentist also plays a role in a patient's overall health. Our staff will take a complete health history, including any medications they are taking, and discuss how they can affect oral health. For instance, diabetes is known to increase gum disease risk, while medicines contributing to dry mouth can increase tooth decay risk. Symptoms of other diseases can also show up in the mouth first.
Patients can also expect to discuss diet and oral hygiene habits. Other lifestyle habits, such as tobacco use, are necessary to disclose as well. It is essential to be upfront about any activities that can adversely affect oral health.
“A general dentist should be thought of as a primary care dental provider focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and overall oral health care needs of the patient.”
Bi-Annual Dental Check-ups
Bi-annual dental check-ups are a crucial part of preventive dental care. They allow the identification and treatment of dental issues before they worsen and require more complex and intensive treatment. These appointments can also reveal mouth conditions that reflect changes in a patient's overall health.
While many people will only need a routine dental check-up about twice a year, the American Dental Association recommends that the patient's dentist determine dental visit frequency. Since every patient has unique needs, the optimal frequency will vary. Our team schedules check-ups to accommodate each patients' current oral health situation and overall health history.
“While many people will only need a routine dental check-up about twice a year, the American Dental Association recommends that the patient’s dentist determine dental visit frequency.”
General Services Available
A general dentist offers several services designed to address current problems and prevent any future issues. Patients do not need to suffer from bad breath or tooth pain. Our staff will discuss any oral health concerns and suggest corrective and preventative treatments.
When it comes to bad breath, the first step is to practice proper oral hygiene at home. If a buildup of bacteria on the teeth is to blame, we may recommend a mouth rinse that kills bacteria or toothpaste with antibacterial properties. If gum disease is suspected, the patient may require a deep cleaning.
Dental sealants and fluoride treatments both help prevent cavities. Sealants are a thin, protective coating adhered to the chewing surface of the back teeth, while fluoride is a liquid commonly used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth. While a combination of brushing and flossing is still the right way to fight cavities, both treatments are another layer of protection to help prevent tooth decay.
One of the most common dental services is removing tooth decay and placing a filling in the area. Fillings replace the part of a tooth damaged by injury or decay. This preserves the integrity of the tooth and prevents further damage.
“A general dentist offers several services designed to address current problems and prevent any future issues.”
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Additional Treatments
General dentistry also offers additional treatments and screenings to treat more serious oral health issues such as broken teeth and gum disease. Patients should call the office as soon as they experience any dental pain or discomfort. The longer a patient waits, the more significant a problem can become.
A dental crown can protect weak and cracked teeth. A dental crown consists of a cap placed over the tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. This procedure can also restore a tooth that is broken or worn down or support a tooth with a large filling.
Root canals are used to repair and save a tooth that is damaged or badly infected. Buffalo Prairie Dental will remove any decay and address the diseased portion of the tooth's pulp. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned, and the area is filled and sealed.
Gum disease, like gingivitis, can cause severe infection when left untreated. One option is deep cleaning. This involves scraping off the tartar both above and below the gum line, as well as root planning, which helps the gums reattach to the tooth. Buffalo Prairie Dental may also prescribe medications to help control bacteria.
We also offer oral cancer screenings. This is typically done during a routine visit and helps to identify concerns early. If needed, we may perform additional tests to identify areas of abnormal cells in the mouth.
“General dentistry also offers additional treatments and screenings to treat more serious oral health issues such as broken teeth and gum disease.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What can I expect from the dentist?
Q. What services are offered by a general dentist?
Q. What additional treatments are available at a general dentist?
Q. Why is dental education important?
Q. Why are bi-annual dental check-ups important?
People Also Ask
Q. How can someone find out what procedures their dental insurance covers?
Q. Why do I need my wisdom teeth or other teeth removed?
Q. Why dental checkups are important?
Learning from the Dentist
Education is a vital part of general dentistry. Patients who receive the necessary oral health education are more likely to keep appointments and are better equipped to recognize the signs of a more serious dental issue. By knowing what to look for, a patient can get into the office and start treatment sooner.
Buffalo Prairie Dental will provide information tailored to each individual's unique oral health and their specific concerns, including the necessary facts about prevention and maintaining oral health. An overview of basic dental health is also essential, such as the correct amount of pressure to use when brushing and how to floss and clean in-between the teeth properly. Such dental knowledge is vital for patients who want to keep their teeth healthy.
“Patients who receive the necessary oral health education are more likely to keep appointments and are better equipped to recognize the signs of a more serious dental issue.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is preventative dental care?
A. Preventative dental care helps patients prevent oral diseases and maintain good oral health throughout their lives. It includes patients' actions and professional services and procedures. This kind of dental care can reduce the risk of developing more complex and severe oral health conditions.
Q. How long do dental sealants last?
A. Dental sealants are not a permanent solution to preventing cavities. Sealants will gradually wear away over time due to natural wear and tear. Patients will usually need to replace their sealants after five years, but in some cases, they can last for up to 10.
Q. What is plaque?
A. Plaque is a sticky film that constantly builds up on teeth. It consists of bacteria and can harden into tartar that is difficult to remove. Patients with too much plaque can have tooth damage, leading to decay and even tooth loss.
Q. What is tooth pulp?
A. The tooth pulp is the innermost layer of the tooth. It contains the nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes damaged, we must remove it to prevent the infection from spreading.
Q. What happens if I do not get treatment for gum disease?
A. In mild cases of gum disease, people will experience red and swollen gum tissue. The swelling can make smiles appear less attractive and make brushing painful. When later stages of gum disease are left untreated, it can result in jaw damage and even tooth loss.
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Dental Terminology
Learn More About General Dentistry Services
General dentistry can not only help maintain oral health but also addresses many common concerns. Let Buffalo Prairie Dental in Keokuk tell you more about improving your smile. Give us a call at 319-313-7220.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Buffalo Prairie Dental was established in 1999.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Lee County, Clark County, Hancock County, Des Moines County and Scotland County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Keokuk, Wayland, Montrose, Hamilton, Warsaw, Burlington and Memphis
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