Research has shown that there is about a 95% chance of someone experiencing tooth decay at some point in their life.
When tooth decay does occur, it is highly important to remove the decay, clean the tooth and repair the tooth with some type of restoration. In addition, lost or missing teeth require replacement to protect your overall oral health.
What Is General Dentistry?
General dentistry is the area in which we focus on preventative maintenance above all else. Preventative dental care helps to prevent tooth decay, inflammation, and disease that leads to deterioration of the gums, teeth, and general oral environment. Most people recognize general dentistry as the exams and cleanings they undergo twice a year. General dentists also perform a variety of restorative and cosmetic procedures as needed to achieve particular goals.
Of the few hundred thousand dentists in North America, general dentists account for 80 percent of these providers. Unlike specialists like periodontists or cosmetic dentists, the general dentist provides a comprehensive menu of services that support continued oral and general health. Common services are encompassed in various categories, including:
- Preventive care. The majority of treatments that are conducted in the general dentistry office revolve around prevention. Regular exams and cleanings, routine x-rays, and periodontal evaluations are cornerstones of preventative dental care. Additional services such as sealants, nightguards, sports guards, and support for home care also enable patients to avoid unnecessary stress and discomfort.
- Restorative care. When a problem occurs, it is important to obtain timely and appropriate treatment. Services such as dental fillings, crowns, and root canal therapy are commonly performed by general dentists. Patients can also receive care for unexpected problems including a loose or broken tooth from a dental team who is familiar with their dental history. Tooth replacement treatments including dentures, dental bridgework, and dental implants fall into the category of restorative dental care, as well.
- Cosmetic care. Everyone likes to feel good about the appearance of their smile. Cosmetic services like teeth whitening and ceramic veneers are two common treatments performed in our office. Teeth that have slight damage or imperfections may be cosmetically restored with dental bonding
Who Is a Candidate for General Dentistry?
Who can benefit from seeing a general dentist? Everyone! While some parents choose a pediatric dentist for the early years of their children’s lives (children should see the dentist by age 3 and as early as age 1), a general dentist offers the services that children, teens, and adults of all ages need to sustain optimal oral health.
General Dental Treatments
New Smiles in Sherwood, Oregon offers a variety of dental services to help treat decayed or missing teeth.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a very common issue that many millions of Americans suffer from each year. Although it is somewhat harmless, it can lead to more serious health issues if untreated. Drs. Doyel, Aanderud, and Bennett will evaluate your condition and discuss the options available to you.
Composite Fillings
Composite Fillings are tooth-colored and help treat cavities caused by tooth decay. Because of this, they are much more aesthetically pleasing and protect the tooth from any fractures. Our doctors will examine your mouth for any tooth decay and determine if composite fillings can help treat any affected teeth.
Root Canal Therapy
Root Canal Therapy is typically used when there is extensive decay on a tooth that can not be treated by fillings. Root canals allow us to save a tooth rather than having to extract it. At New Smiles, root canals are no more painful than a regular filling!
Why Choose a General Dentist for Your Treatments?
For many people, the general dentist is the health care provider they see most often. General dentistry operates from the unique perspective of prevention as opposed to treating problems once they have developed. It has been estimated that approximately 65 percent of the dental procedures performed today focus on diagnosis and prevention. The strong emphasis that your general dentist places on oral hygiene and health is beneficial because it helps you avoid the development and progression of oral diseases like tooth decay and gum disease.
General dentists offer a wide range of services in one office location. Choosing a general dentist to care for you and your family’s smiles means most, if not all, treatments will be conducted at the same office by the same friendly staff you become acquainted with through your twice a year visits. Seeing the same dental team for routine care increases trust and a sense of ease, which is especially important for children or those who tend to feel nervous about undergoing dental exams and treatments.
What Is the Cost of General Dentistry Treatments?
Dental care costs vary depending on several factors. These include the type of care that is performed in a given visit. General dental exams and cleanings are the most affordable level of care, which is one of the many reasons to see your dentist every six months. When a need arises for restorative treatments like fillings, crowns, or root canal therapy, we discuss ways in which procedures can be managed on a budget.
The final cost of any treatment is also determined by dental insurance coverage. Some insurances offer to pay a percentage of treatments while others require subscribers to pay only a portion, or copay, of their treatment. Our experienced staff spends time with each patient to discuss the costs of treatment options as needed, including insurance coverage, copays, and financing to make more costly treatments easily accessible.
Patient Testimonials:
"New Smiles is the best. I never go in to my appointment hoping they do good work. I KNOW they do good work! I trust them with my teeth. The staff are very friendly and I believe they care about me as a person. They practice Covid safety." - E.G.
"Discovered Pacific Family more than 15 years ago. Best dental care (Dr. Doyel) and periodic maintenance (Julie) on the planet. It's a long drive from NE Portland, and I'm happy to make the trip--I'll never go anywhere else." - R.J.
"So professional and love the work that was done. Dr. Aanerud is awesome and does such a great job. Thank you all for your work." - R.F.
"Dr. A. is the very best; staff is always friendly and helpful—they treat you like family. What’s better than that? Highly recommend!" - P.M.
"Excellent. Most highly and professional organization and people. Thank you." - A.G.
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Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about the General Treatments offered by New Smiles, call 503.925.9595 to schedule a consultation at our office in Sherwood, OR. We proudly serve patients in Sherwood, Newberg, Tigard, Wilsonville, Dundee and the surrounding areas in Oregon.
