General dental care creates the foundation for healthy and natural smiles. Our general dental treatments help maintain patients’ smiles and prevent future oral health problems. Routine care and regular dental appointments are a part of keeping the teeth and gums healthy and catching dental problems before they worsen. Dr. Joel Chanen, Dr. Lisa Stahlecker, and Dr. Robin Chanen offer general dentistry services for patients in the Lansdale area in our Colmar, PA, dental office.
What Are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling replaces and restores damaged or decayed tooth structure. We will replace old, broken-down amalgam or metal fillings with white fillings. White or composite fillings restore your smile and teeth to create a more natural look and feel. With advancements in dental technology, you no longer have to wear unsightly and unhealthy silver fillings or metal margins. Eliminate discolored teeth with new-age, state-of-the-art, tooth-colored resin or porcelain materials.
Comparing White Fillings versus Silver Amalgam Fillings:
We bond white fillings to the tooth, strengthening it and restoring most of its original shape. Silver amalgam fillings, on the other hand, weaken the teeth and make them more susceptible to breaking. Broken teeth can be costly to replace; white composites can save time and money in the long run. Most patients may prefer white-filling composites.
These fillings offer a natural color, strength, and improved overall appearance and feel. Composites are also naturally more comfortable. Compared to silver amalgams, hot and cold sensitivity is significantly reduced with composite material. Restorations with composites require less tooth removal and less structure to place than those with amalgams, especially with new cavities. Dramatically smaller holes are needed with a composite.
Common Dental Problems
General dental treatments address common dental issues, including:
Tooth Decay
Cavities and tooth decay are preventable. Carbohydrate-rich foods like candy, cookies, soft drinks, and fruit juices leave deposits on your teeth. Those deposits bond with the bacteria that typically survive in your mouth and form plaque. The combination of deposits and plaque forms acids that can damage the mineral structure of teeth and eat away at tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.
Sensitive Teeth
Your teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold foods and beverages can cause pain or irritation to people with sensitive teeth. Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, gums may recede, or teeth may develop microscopic cracks, exposing the tooth’s interior and irritating nerve endings. Simply breathing cold air can be painful for those with susceptible teeth.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontitis, can cause inflammation, tooth loss, and bone damage, and common indicators are consistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Gums in the early stage of the disease, known as gingivitis, can bleed easily and become red and swollen. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth may fall out or need to be removed by a dentist. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided through daily brushing and flossing.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Daily brushing and flossing help to prevent the build-up of food particles, plaque, and bacteria in your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and cause bad breath. While certain foods, such as garlic or anchovies, may create temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may indicate gum disease or another dental problem.
Canker Sores
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often recur. They have a white or gray base surrounded by a red border. Additionally, canker sores generally last one to two weeks. You can reduce canker sores using antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents.
Our General Dentistry Services in Colmar, PA
Learn about our general dental treatments on our website:
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about general dentistry services.
Are dental x-rays included in routine checkups, and how often are they recommended?
Yes, we usually include dental X-rays in routine checkups. For adults with good oral health, we typically recommend bitewing X-rays every 12-24 months. Full-mouth x-rays are generally taken every 3-5 years. New patients often receive a complete set to establish a baseline. Children and patients with ongoing dental issues may need more frequent imaging.
What preventative treatments do you offer beyond regular cleanings?
We offer several preventative treatments beyond regular cleanings. These include fluoride applications to strengthen enamel and dental sealants for cavity-prone areas. We also provide custom mouthguards for sports protection or nighttime teeth grinding. Our comprehensive services include periodontal screenings and oral cancer screenings. We’ll also give you personalized oral hygiene education tailored to your specific needs.
How do you accommodate children, and at what age should they start regular dental visits?
Children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. We create a welcoming environment with a gentle approach designed for young patients. Our office features kid-friendly waiting areas to help children feel comfortable. We conduct “happy visits” for young children focused on getting familiar with the dental setting. Regular six-month checkups should follow to establish good oral health habits early.
Do you offer teeth whitening treatments that are safe for sensitive teeth?
Yes, we offer teeth whitening options specifically designed for patients with sensitive teeth. Our professional whitening treatments can be customized with lower concentrations of whitening agents. We include desensitizing ingredients like potassium nitrate and fluoride to maximize comfort. Before any whitening treatment, our dentists perform a thorough evaluation to identify the cause of your sensitivity. Both in-office procedures and take-home kits with custom-fitted trays are available.
What should patients do between appointments if they suspect they’re developing a cavity?
Contact our office promptly if you suspect a cavity developing between appointments. Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing thoroughly. Avoid sugary foods and drinks that accelerate cavity formation. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort while waiting for your appointment. Early intervention is key, as small cavities can be treated more conservatively than advanced decay.
What can I do at home to prevent gum disease between dental visits?
You should brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush using the proper technique. Clean between teeth daily using floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers. Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and maintain a balanced diet low in sugars. Stay hydrated and avoid tobacco products, which significantly increase gum disease risk. Monitor your gums for signs of inflammation like redness, swelling, or bleeding.
Contact Our Dental Office
Call our dental office for general dental care today at (215) 774-6702 or request a dental appointment with our dentists online. Dental Health Group is proud to treat patients of Colmar, Lansdale, Hatfield, Montgomery County, and Chalfont, PA.