Finding the right dentist in Clinton, MD for your family can be a daunting task. You want to find a qualified professional that is knowledgeable, informative, and, of course, friendly. At The Studio at Fenton Family Dental, we believe these qualities are essential for providing the best dental care, and we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of general dentistry services. From routine checkups to more complex procedures, our team is focused on making sure our patients feel comfortable in our office and get the care they need.
Read on to learn more about our approach to dentistry and how we can help you and your family achieve your best oral health with our general services.
What is General Dentistry?
General dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral health issues. It includes a variety of services—such as regular checkups, professional cleanings, x-rays, fluoride application, and treatments for conditions that impact oral health overall.
The primary goal of general dentistry is to maintain a healthy smile. Visiting a general dentist regularly can help identify oral issues in the earliest stages, allowing for easier and less costly treatments. General dentists can also provide advice on proper oral hygiene and nutrition to prevent potential oral health problems.
Overall, basic preventive care is an essential part of general dentistry. By taking proactive steps in protecting your oral health, you could be avoiding more costly treatments down the line and save your smile from serious damage.
Exams & Cleanings
One of the most basic, but also most important, treatments provided by our general dentists is a professional exam and cleaning. Cleanings are essential in removing tartar, plaque, and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Professional cleanings can also help keep your smile looking its best!
During exams, our team of dental experts will inspect your teeth and gums for any signs of oral issues. We’ll also discuss with you the best ways to maintain a healthy smile and answer any questions you may have about your oral health. If we discover any signs of cavities, gum disease, or other issues that require further attention, we can offer treatment advice and options.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments are another important service provided in the realm of general dentistry. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps protect teeth from cavities by strengthening the tooth enamel; the enamel is the outer layer of the tooth that protects the dentin and other inner layers from decay, infection, and sensitivity.
At The Studio at Fenton Family Dental, we recommend fluoride treatments for our patients as part of their regular dental care routine. Fluoride can be added to your regular dental cleaning and applied at home in the form of mouthwashes, toothpastes, and gels. With fluoride, patients can be well protected from cavities and other dental issues, as well as reverse any existing damage to their tooth enamel.
Mouthguards & Nightguards
Mouthguards and nightguards are just as they sound—dental appliances designed for the purpose of guarding the teeth and mouth from damage. The only difference between these two mouthpieces is what they are guarding against.
- Mouthguards are typically used for athletic activities, as they protect the teeth from injury caused by contact or impact. While mouthguards can be bought in stores or online, our appliances are much more durable than the ones you can purchase over-the-counter, as they are custom-made to fit your mouth and truly support the teeth, preventing tooth loss or breakage.
- Nightguards are worn at night to protect the teeth from grinding, a condition called bruxism. This can be caused by stress, anxiety, or excess tension on the jaw joints. Nightguards are made with soft materials that support the teeth and mouth, preventing pressure on the teeth and helping to reduce grinding. Because the upper and lower dental arch are unable to connect, friction between them is eliminated along with any risk of damage to the teeth.
TMJ Treatment
Last but not least, our general dentistry team can treat issues related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull, and it can be a source of pain if the joint becomes overworked or inflamed. Treatment for TMJ issues usually involves the use of nightguards or splints to restructure the bite and provide relief. Depending on the cause of joint inflammation, we may also recommend orthodontics to correct an improper bite that leads to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and pain.
Symptoms of TMD include jaw pain, difficulty chewing or talking, and headaches. Patients may also notice clicking or popping sounds when they open and close their mouths; the jaw may even become locked due to tension and muscle strain.
