General and Family Dentistry in San Diego, CA

General and family dentistry encompass a broad range of dental services to maintain oral health and prevent dental issues across all age groups. These services typically include routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, gum care, and preventive education.

The primary benefit of general and family dentistry lies in their emphasis on regular check-ups and early detection of dental problems, which can help prevent more serious issues from developing. Focusing on preventive care and timely treatments promotes oral health, reduces the need for extensive dental procedures, and contributes to a lifetime of healthy smiles.  

Who Can Benefit From General and Family Dentistry?  

• Children and teenagers go through crucial stages of dental development. Regular visits to our family dentists in San Diego, CA, help monitor their oral growth, detect early signs of dental issues like cavities or misalignment, and provide preventive treatments such as dental sealants and fluoride applications. Education on proper oral hygiene habits is also significant, laying the foundation for a lifetime of good dental health. 

• Adults benefit from general dentistry through routine dental exams, cleanings, and gum disease and oral cancer screenings. Our general dentists also perform restorative procedures like fillings, crowns, and root canals to repair damaged teeth. Additionally, they offer cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening and veneers to enhance smiles and boost self-confidence. 

• Pregnancy can affect oral health due to hormonal changes that increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Regular dental check-ups during pregnancy can help manage these risks, ensuring the mother's oral health is maintained for her well-being and that of her developing baby. 

• Oral health becomes increasingly important as we age. Our general dentists provide specialized care for seniors, addressing issues such as dry mouth, gum recession, and tooth loss. They offer dentures, dental implants, and other prosthetic solutions to restore function and improve quality of life.  

• Regular dental care can benefit individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Our general dentists collaborate with healthcare providers to manage oral health and overall wellness, ensuring treatments are tailored to patients' medical needs.  

• Preventive care is the cornerstone of general and family dentistry, and individuals of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from it. Preventive care focuses on early detection and intervention to prevent dental problems before they escalate. Regular dental exams, cleanings, and personalized oral hygiene instructions help maintain optimal oral health and minimize the need for extensive dental treatments in the future.  

Common General and Family Dentistry Services  

Dental Examinations 

Regular dental examinations are the foundation of preventive dental care. During these exams, our dentists evaluate the overall health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. They check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral health issues. Dental exams also include an assessment of your bite and jaw alignment.

Early detection through routine exams allows for prompt treatment and helps prevent more serious dental problems in the future. Contact us today to learn more!

Dental Cleanings

Professional dental cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health. Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up in difficult-to-reach areas. Dental hygienists use specialized tools to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth. This process not only helps prevent cavities and gum disease but also leaves teeth feeling clean and smooth. 

Fillings and Restorations 

When decay damages a tooth, fillings restore its structure and function. Composite (tooth-colored) fillings are the most common type, blending in seamlessly with your natural tooth color. For larger areas of decay or when a tooth is severely damaged, restorations such as dental crowns (caps), bridges, or dental implants may be necessary to strengthen and protect the tooth, restore chewing function, and enhance aesthetics.  

Preventive Treatments 

Preventive treatments aim to reduce the risk of dental problems before they occur. The most common treatments include fluoride applications to strengthen tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay. In addition, dental sealants, which are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, are used to prevent bacteria and food particles from accumulating in the deep grooves where decay often begins, especially in children and teenagers.  

Periodontal Care 

Periodontal care focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease (periodontitis). Early stages of gum disease can often be managed with professional cleanings and improved oral hygiene practices at home. Advanced gum disease may require scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), gum surgery, or other treatments to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line, reduce pocket depths, and restore gum health.  

Oral Surgery 

Oral surgery encompasses a variety of procedures performed to address complex dental issues. These may include tooth extractions, including impacted wisdom teeth, dental implants to replace missing teeth, corrective jaw surgery to correct bite discrepancies or TMJ disorders, and surgical treatment of oral infections or lesions. Oral surgery aims to restore oral function, alleviate pain or discomfort, and improve dental health and well-being.  

Emergency Dental Care 

Emergency dental care provides immediate treatment for urgent dental issues such as severe tooth pain, knocked-out teeth, fractured teeth, or injuries to the mouth and jaw. Prompt intervention can help save teeth, alleviate pain, prevent infection, and minimize further damage to oral structures. Our general dentists are trained to handle common dental emergencies and provide appropriate care when needed.  

General and family dentistry in San Diego, CA, promote oral health and provide comprehensive dental care for individuals and families. Visit Mira Mesa Dental Care at 6755 Mira Mesa Blvd, Ste 142, San Diego, CA 92121, or call (858) 457-7747 to schedule an appointment with our friendly and experienced team for comprehensive general and family dentistry services.