General Dentist in Clinton, Maryland

What Is a General Dentist?

A general dentist is the most common type of dentist; the one you would see for exams and basic tooth repair and replacement services. Many people call general dentists family dentists as they treat patients of all ages. Just like you have a primary care medical doctor, you have a primary care dentist. 

What Are General Family Dentistry Services?

A dentist general practice can manage most of your oral health care needs. They provide services to keep a patient's teeth and gums healthy. Dentists also diagnose and treat common dental issues, like cavities, missing teeth and oral infections. Here are some typical general dentistry services we offer at our office:

Tooth Repair & Replacement

We treat patients with missing or damaged teeth. If you have a cavity, a broken tooth or one that is missing, we have solutions that will restore your dental health.

Crowns

Also known as caps, dental crowns cover damaged teeth, restoring their function and appearance.

Porcelain Crowns

Ideal for front tooth crowns, porcelain is the translucent material that most closely resembles a natural tooth.

Dental Bonding

Teeth bonding with a resin that matches your natural tooth color will repair cracked or chipped teeth and stop further damage from occurring.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a non-removable restoration that replaces a missing tooth. It contains an artificial tooth attached to two crowns which go over the teeth on either side of the gap.

Fillings

Fillings are used by dentists to fill cavities left by decay. They also stop further damage and restore the tooth's function.

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are a more aesthetically pleasing option compared to metal fillings as the composite resin closely matches your natural tooth color.

Porcelain Fillings

Porcelain fillings are strong and durable. They last longer than composite fillings and offer a more natural look.

Laser Dentistry

Lasers are a minimally invasive option for dentists filling cavities. There's no drill sound which many patients don't like. The focused light beams are safe, even for use on children.

Nitrous Oxide

Our dentist uses nitrous oxide, a safe, odorless gas known as laughing gas, to relax anxious patients. It produces a euphoric feeling that wears off almost immediately after our dentist removes the nose mask.

Sealants

Dental sealants protect cavity-prone molars by sealing the chewing surface. The top of the molar is easier to brush and remove plaque when it's smooth instead of pitted.

How Often Do People Need to See a General Dentist?

Seeing a dentist twice-yearly is a good rule of thumb if you have good dental health. Your dentist may want to see you every three or four months if your dental health needs close monitoring. If you have not had a checkup in the last year, please contact us today.

What Does a Dental Appointment Cost?

Your cost for general dentistry services will vary depending on what you need done. Your cost will also depend on whether you have dental insurance. If you're concerned about our fees, please ask us for an estimate of your cost and our payment options.

What Happens When I Get My Teeth Cleaned by a Dentist?

Professional teeth cleanings help preserve your teeth gums so your smile is both healthy and attractive. No matter how vigilant you are with brushing and flossing at home, you should have a dental teeth cleaning every six months. Your dentist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, polish them and then floss them. Your smile will look whiter and brighter afterward.

How Long Will a Dental Appointment Take?

The time your appointment lasts depends on what you are having done. An exam takes about one hour. Having a tooth filled can take between 20 minutes to an hour depending on where the cavity is and the filling material you choose. The more complex the procedure, the longer it will take. We can give you an estimate when you call us to schedule an appointment so you can plan accordingly.

What Should I Do to Get Ready for My Dental Appointment?

We ask you to leave early enough so you will arrive on time for your appointment. Please be ready to fill out a medical history on your first visit. Bring a list of any medications you take. Also, you will need to bring your dental insurance information with you. If the thought of visiting a dentist makes you anxious, let us know upfront. Our staff excels at making patients feel comfortable.

If you need an appointment at a general dental office, please contact us today. We welcome new patients.