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FAQs about the value and importance of complete general dentistry services
It can be challenging to convey what general dentistry means because it refers to many different things! But that is the true beauty of being a general dental office. When searching online for a “dentist near me in Portland, Oregon,” your family can benefit by partnering with a practice equipped to handle your needs. No matter your stage of life or circumstances, Portland Dental has the services in greater PDX, Lake Oswego, and Beaverton, Oregon, to protect, treat, and beautify your teeth, gums, and the rest of your smile.
How do you protect my family’s oral health?
As a general dentist, Dr. Kaveendra Ranasinghe wants to encourage all family members to get into the healthy habit of regular dental checkups. This preventive service includes complete oral exams to catch and treat problems early (before they cause damage) and professional dental cleanings performed by one of our skilled hygienists. As needed, Dr. Kaveen may also recommend professional preventative solutions like fluoride therapy and dental sealants.
So, fluoride is safe?
Not only is fluoride safe, but this naturally occurring mineral is also essential to oral health. We recommend just the right amount to children as their teeth are developing and when they are most vulnerable to cavities and other damage. Fluoride supplementation may also be recommended to remineralize the teeth and effectively build up the enamel, reversing early damage and stopping further decay.
When are sealants appropriate?
Sealants are most commonly associated with children. By applying these thin coverings to the decay-prone back teeth as soon as they come in, Dr. Kaveen can keep your child’s mouth cavity-free. Sealants may also be appropriate to “seal out” bacteria, plaque, and food that becomes trapped in their grooved and pitted surfaces for those older patients who may have new vulnerabilities or threats to their healthy teeth.
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New Patients: (503) 221-8123 | Existing Patients: (503) 227-1693
How do you treat cavities?
When cavities cannot be prevented, or the early effects of such decay cannot be reversed through oral care and preventative measures, Dr. Kaveen may use dental fillings. Dental materials are shaped to fill the cavity or hole left by enamel erosion and progressive tooth decay. While this is a comparatively conservative dental restoration to strengthen damaged teeth, fillings are most appropriate for smaller cavities. Larger cavities or areas of damage may need to be treated with dental crowns. Sometimes, the crown follows root canal therapy. When the pulp tissue or core tooth structure is severely damaged, RCT may be the only option to save the tooth.
What if my tooth can’t be preserved?
Never fear! Dr. Kaveen is happy to explore various options to replace a single tooth, a few teeth, or several teeth. These options include conventional bridges, crowns, and dentures supported by dental implants. In fact, Dr. Kaveen is among the select general dentists in the greater PDX, Lake Oswego, and Beaverton, OR area to provide complete implant services. He has the training and tools to surgically place the implant and restore it.
What if my gums hurt and are puffy?
Good question! Your smile is more than healthy, beautiful white teeth. Your teeth depend on the health of your gums. If your gums feel tender when you touch them or look inflamed, that can be a red flag for gum disease. Gum disease or periodontal disease has also been implicated in many medical conditions, including heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. So, we want to treat damage to the gums to protect your oral health and overall health. Treatments may include a “deep cleaning,” antibiotic therapy, special mouth rinses, nutritional counseling, and laser-assisted therapy. Lasers are considered a minimally invasive and highly tolerable way to heal the gums without the cutting associated with traditional periodontal treatments.
If you are worried about your gums or teeth or are simply overdue for a checkup, contact Portland Dental immediately. Our team can be reached at (503) 221-8123, and we would be glad to schedule an appointment for you at your earliest convenience.
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